Lent 2018The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

The most important story in the life of any Christian is the story of Jesus Christ. All four Gospels spend consid-erable time telling this inspiring story of Jesus’ ministry, each from a unique and compelling perspective. Those ministry years are the primary focus of this study.We begin at the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized and tempted in the wilderness. We will explore the places he called his disciples, healed many and spent time with the outcasts. Finally, we will follow Jesus to Jerusalem where he faces the cross. During those three short years of his ministry, Jesus teaches and exemplifies what it means to love and serve God.By walking in Jesus’ footsteps, we can find strength, courage and guidance for Christian living. As we embark on this journey, may you draw closer, and your love deeper, for Jesus.

This all-congregation study begins Sunday, February 18 and includes:• Sunday Sermon Series• Sunday Discussion Series during Cross Talk• Wednesday Mid-Week services with Video Series• High School Youth Study Series each Wednesday during Youth Group• Sunday School Lesson Series for students K-8• Devotion Book written by Congregation Members• Optional Book purchase for $10.00 from Church Office

2018 Lent/Holy Week ScheduleAsh Wednesday is February 14

- services at 12:00 & 6:00 p.m. -

Mid-week services 12:00 & 6:00 p.m. - February 21, February 28, March 7, March 14 and March 21 -

March 25 - Palm Sunday services at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. - Breakfast between services -

March 29 - Maundy Thursday services at 12:00 & 7:00 p.m. March 30 - Good Friday services at 7:00 p.m.

April 1 - Easter Sunday services at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. - Breakfast and Sunday School egg hunt between services -

The Good NewsBreakEvangelical News of Bethany Lutheran Church

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

We INVITE all; We GROW in faith; We GO to share God’s love and grace.

Volume 18, Issue 2 www.bethanyricelake.org • 715-234-9028 February 2018

Inside This IssueFebruary Highlights! ................. 1Message from Pastor Luci ......... 2Shrove Tuesday ........................... 2Worship & Music ....................3-4Women of the ELCA News ....... 5When You’re At Bethany ........... 5Memorials & Gifts ......................6Committee Members & Staff ....7Announcements .........................8

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10We are nearing the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 14th. This is about the time of the year when the questions start flying around, “What are you ‘giving up’ for Lent?” Sometimes I hear it in terms of recommitting to the New Year’s Resolution that has wavered, other times this question is asked out of obligation. The idea of “giving up” sweets or junk food or meat (except Fish Fry Fridays) has been associated with Lent, but has often lost the connection with the ancient practice of Lent. So what is the “correct” way to do Lent? Is it the addition of meditative prayer? Is it reading

daily devotions? Is it fasting during the day? Is it fasting from a certain type of food? Is it taking time to recognize all the times we’ve fallen short? Is it giving extra attention to those who are food or shelter insecure? The simple answer is the most Lutheran answer: “yes and no.” Yes, all these things can be “Lent things,” but then again, no, there isn’t a “correct” way to “do Lent.” The season of Lent, the 40 days as we journey with Christ to the cross, is about clearing out anything that is standing between you and God. It’s a time to focus on your relationship and connection with God. As the Psalmist writes, to “be still and know God.”We invite you to commit to clearing out the clutter, with us, this Lent. Join us in the book study of The Way: Fol-lowing in the Footsteps of Jesus or read the daily devotionals written by Bethany members. Attend Wednesday services for a video message from the book author and an interactive reflection time. Attend CrossTalk as we study the book topics and discuss how these things still affect our world. Commit to a practice, not because you have to, but because you are eager to know God better.Peace be yours on this Lenten journey toward the cross,Pastor Luci

A Message from Pastor Luci

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Free-will donation to help support our youth going to the Houston Youth Gathering in June

Pancakes ~ Topping Bar Sausage ~ Applesauce Milk ~ Coffee ~ Water

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, February 13 Serving 4:30-7:00 p.m.

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WORSHIP & MUSIC“O Come, let us sing to the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of

our salvation!” Psalm 95:1

Nursing Home Communion Services

The third Thursdays of every month, the ministry team heads to local Nursing Homes and As-sisted Living to provide a com-munion service for the residents. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact the church office.

For This Month:Thursday, February 15

11:15 a.m. Heritage Lakeside 1:00 p.m. Brentwood

Assisted Living

Pastoral Acts

FuneralElaine Scribner

Through Febru-ary, the Green team is collecting used strings of Christ-mas lights.

Also, the Green Team is AL-WAYS collecting AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt batteries for recy-cling.

Green Team

The Last Supper ~ A Maundy Thursday Drama Portrayal

Experience this moving service as Jesus says good-bye to his beloved dis-ciples and empowers them with the New Commandment.

Thursday, March 29 7:00 p.m.If you are interested in being a part of or helping with this drama, please contact Amy Brekke at abrekke@chibardun.net or 715-651-6991

Transfiguration SundayFebruary 11

8:00 and 10:00 a.m.Experience the Mountain Top led by our High School Youth.

Cinnamon Roll Sale between services to support National Youth Gathering Fund.

Can’t make it to worship? We stream the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service live at bethanyricelake.org. You can also listen to WJMC 96.1 FM & 1240

AM for a live radio broadcast of the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service.

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Join Dave Henningsen and friends between services in the Gather-ing Room for our adult education class, CrossTalk.Beginning at 9:10 a.m., friends share recent God sightings and hear/discuss areas of interest in a warm, Christ-centered environ-ment. Grab a cup of coffee and check it out!February 4: Mission Jamaica 2018February 11: WELCA Auction

Mission Momentsfrom the Stewardship Committee

Many Bethany members might not be aware that for years our high school youth have “surprised” Bethany’s college students with a Care Package. Taking the form of edible treats or perhaps an easy to mail gift card, these gifts maintain ties between the church and our college students during those very transformative years. Thank you to the Bethany Staff, youth, adult volunteers and others who have contributed time, energy, monetary gifts (and ingredients) to this mission at Bethany.

WORSHIP & MUSIC“O Come, let us sing to the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of

our salvation!” Psalm 95:1

BOLD Women SundayFebruary 25, 20188:00 and 10:00 a.m.Help us celebrate the bold steps all women take in bringing their Faith in Action.

Women’s EnsembleJoin us for two rehearsals between services, then sing on Bold

Women Sunday, February 25Rehearsals in Choir Room on Sundays, February 11 and 18

9:15 – 9:45 a.m.RSVP Amy Brekke at abrekke@chibardun.net or 715-651-6991.

Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Choir Singers WantedNot interested in choir all year long? Join us after each evening Lent service from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in preparing inspiring music, including the Hallelujah Chorus for Holy Week.

February 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 14, 216:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Room

RSVP Amy Brekke at abrekke@chibardun.net or 715-651-6991

Mission Concerns Prayer Shawls

Mission Concerns would like to draw your attention to the Prayer Shawl Cabinet located in the hall-way next to the main office; it is near the donation bins. Prayer shawls and pocket prayer squares are available to anyone. We ask that you please sign the book and let us know who will be receiving the item. In this season of valen-tines and love, let’s remind those we care about that, “We love, be-cause God first loved us.” -- 1 John 4:19

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Women of the ELCA NewsWritten by: Carol Stanonik

The year is off to a good start with Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day falling on the same day. They seem to bring two opposite kinds of feelings – somberness as we think of a time of reflection leading up to Psalm Sunday and Easter and happiness as we share valentines and expressions of love with family and friends. But maybe as we reflect on how we can try to change our lives to be more caring and forgiving, we’ll encounter the love God has for us by sending His Son to die for our sins and we’ll share that love even more with others.Every household in the congregation will be receiving a special letter with an envelope to share your W-ELCA Love Offering. These monies are used throughout the year for various events, special requests and maintaining our kitchen for use by many during the year.We begin our Lenten journey with worship at noon on February 14 followed by a luncheon and fellowship in Fel-lowship Hall; these luncheons will continue being served during Lent by various groups. Thank you to all who help prepare and serve these meals.Be alert also to World Day of Prayer happening on Friday, March 2. Watch for further details.What a great way to begin Lent by focusing first on worship and then helping us expand that focus towards being more committed to serving and helping others locally and around the world.

Forgot your name tag? Or are you visiting and don’t have a name tag? No problem! We now have temporary name tags available in the Narthex. They are erasable and reusable. Just fill one out, wear it for the day and then return it at the end of the service. Name tags are a great way to address people by name and help others remem-ber your name.

When you’re at Bethany…Thanks to a very generous offering from the Koser family, Bethany will soon be airing a series of radio ads on five radio stations in the Rice Lake area, reaching nearly 93,000 listeners weekly. The theme of this campaign is “When you’re at Bethany, you’re at home.”We invite all Bethany members to consider how Bethany has become “home” for them. For many, it is a spiritual home, where they know they are accepted by God unconditionally and fed with God’s Word and Holy Supper. For others, Bethany is a place of refuge, a place of comfort, and a place to gather with friends and fellow believ-ers. It is a place where you are always welcome and know that others will care for you. It is a place to grow in faith and be equipped to make a difference in the world. Now the challenge is, how do we help those who hear these ads and come to Bethany feel like they, too, are “home?” How can you welcome them and make them feel at ease? Will you be ready to talk to them and intro-duce them to others? Will they be able to sense, on their very first visit, that there is a place for them at Bethany? Please be prepared to keep your eyes open for those who may be checking out Bethany for the first time and do whatever you can to help these people feel wanted, accepted and “at home.”If you are willing to share how Bethany has become “home” for you, we may be able to use your comments in future radio ads!Speaking of “home,” did you know that nearly 40 non-profit groups in the Rice Lake area consider Bethany to be “home” for one or more of their activities?

When you’re at Bethany, you’re at home!

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January Radio BroadcastsIn Honor of Special Friends Leslie Ely, Jaci Willhite and Foster & Shirley Dunwiddie By: Elizabeth CircleIn Memory of Leona Frommader By: FriendsIn Memory of Gloria McGiffin By: Tom McGiffin

Radio FundIn Memory of Leona Frommader By: Barb Carlson By: Irene Christianson By: Ione Gohl By: Bun & Paulette Hanson By: Rob & Kathryn Thompson By: R. Allen & Linda HustadIn Memory of John E. Johnson By: Alice JohnsonIn Memory of Elaine Scribner By: Lloyd & Sylvia Leitz By: Dottie AndersonIn Memory of Eva Miller By: Irene Christianson

Youth ActivitiesIn Memory of Judy Ahern By: Duke & Marlene Thurs

WELCAIn Memory of Leona Frommader By: Duke & Marlene Thurs

Sunday SchoolIn Honor of Easton Gbeyetin By: Delores Bjugstad

General FundIn Memory of Julie Eide By: Warren & Linda DorranceIn Memory of Linda Rogstad By: Dan Rogstad

Memorial FundIn Memory of Julie Eide By: Jim & Carol SevalsIn Memory of Elaine Scribner By: Helen Miller By: Bun & Paulette Hanson

Library FundIn Memory of Elaine Scribner By: Bob & Carol Stanonik

Malawi FundIn Memory of Julie Eide By: Mark & Cindy Nymo

QuiltersIn Memory of Leona Frommader By: Chuck & Theresa Stene

Altar GuildIn Memory of Judy Ahern By: Don & Mary Cuskey

Good SamaritanIn Memory of Judy Ahern By: Jodi Babineau

Memorials & GiftsThe staff at Head Start would like to thank the Bethany Quilters for your time, hard work, excellent crafts-manship and generosity in provid-ing our children and their families with the comfort of warmth this holiday season that will spread into the new year. We truly appreciate your generosity. ~ Head Start Staff

Thank You Notes

Thank you all again for your beau-tiful service and to the church women who put together the lovely luncheon. It meant so much to the Scribner families! ~ Tim & Kim Scribner

We would like to thank you for the Christmas Dinner that was brought to us. It was greatly appreciated. ~ Ray & Kim Matton

Thank you for the nice Christmas Dinner. It was so nice. ~ Red Cedar Village

We can’t begin to thank you enough for your generous donation. We pray you had a wonderful Advent and Christmas and have a very blessed new year! Thank you for all you do to help the ministries to youth! ~ Keith Newman, Luther Park

I listen to your radio broadcast on Sunday mornings and love your ser-vices. Thank you. ~ Jim Busscher

We are grateful to you for your sup-port in our mission to provide FREE medical care to uninsured, under-insured and homeless people. We appreciate your generosity. ~ Rice Lake Area Free Clinic, VIM

The Bethany staff helps with the Rice Lake Backpack Program and wishes you a blessed Lenten season!

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CouncilTina Henningsen ...............PresidentBeth Brown ................Vice PresidentRoger Martin ......................SecretaryWendy Markgren .............. TreasurerCraig Antonson Julie BeverRachel EngelChick FeatherCarol HakalaJim KusilekJennifer NelsonJohn OsterlothDave Wilson

StaffLead PastorGrant Aaseng Cell Phone 715-205-8789

pastorgrant@chibardun.netAssociate PastorLuci SesvoldCell Phone 715-225-0979

pastorluci@chibardun.netTeaching PastorPhilip K. Mueller Home Phone 715-234-9739Director of Worship, Music & EducationAmy BrekkeCell Phone 715-651-6991Home Phone 715-234-7036

abrekke@chibardun.netCongregational Education & Youth Ministries LeadAngie BuchliCell Phone 715-205-2009

abuchli@chibardun.netDirector of Church BusinessDawn Paul

depaul@chibardun.netCommunications & Publications SpecialistLeah Hullinger

lhullinger@chibardun.net

Committee MembersAltar GuildAudrey Kusilek 715-205-8843 ChairCarol Hakala - Council Rep.C.A.R.E. TeamSara Scheu, Kathy SwensonAmy Brekke - Staff Rep.Angie Buchli - Staff Rep.EducationAngie Buchli 715-234-9028 Acting ChairJennifer Nelson - Council Rep.Samantha Gerland, Jennifer Nelson, Amy Pelle, Sara Scheu, Julie Stone, DeAnna Westphal, Jan WilkingAmy Brekke - Staff Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.FinanceWendy Markgren 715-651-0905 ChairBeth Brown - Council Rep.Joe Erickson, Dave Hildebrand, Dawn Paul - Staff Rep.Pr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Green TeamLynn Koob 715-234-4149 ChairJohn Osterloth - Council Rep.Angela Delf, Joel Kohlmeyer, Kathy Lehman, Pete Mueller, Don Storm, Dave Swanson, Renee Swanson, Eldon VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Invitation & Welcome TeamTed Hakala 715-353-2733 ContactWendy Markgren - Council Rep.Doug Brown, Kelly Brown,Karen Chilson, Alexa Giddings, Carol Hakala, Sara Lawton,Mary Mueller, Diane Peterson, Lenae Sovacool, Lynn Sulackow, Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.LibraryWendy Halverson 715-651-5887 ChairTina Henningsen - Council Rep.Norma Bergum, Elaine Gonske, Jill Holtegaard, Julie Hyllested, Amanda Stone

Mission ConcernsAnnie Antonson 715-236-3133 ChairCraig Antonson - Council Rep.Carol Kohlmeyer, Mary Mueller, Shirley Peterson, Dave Sovacool, Lenae Sovacool, Pauli Storm, Maxine WilliamsPr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.PersonnelBea Evans 262-565-3327 ChairTina Henningsen - Council Rep.Larry Brown, Ted Hakala, Pr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Property ManagementDave Myre 715-458-4130 ChairChick Feather - Council Rep.Steve Arnevik, Gary Chilson, Joel Kohlmeyer, Lynn Koob, Pete Mueller, Eric Roethel, Dave Sovacool, Tim Schnacky, Tyler Westphal, Eldon VriezeDawn Paul - Staff Rep.StewardshipDave Derro 715-234-7960 ChairBeth Brown - Council Rep.Joan Bird, Kevin Jacobson, Mark Nymo, Mark VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Trust FundEric Carlsen 715-651-8695 ChairJim Kusilek - Council Rep.John Dahlgren, Dave Hildebrand, Larry Passint, Melissa Tomesh,Stefani Fiedler - AdvisorWomen of the ELCAGail Weber 715-736-0887 Paulette Hanson 715-234-4919 Co-ChairsJulie Bever - Council Rep.Worship & MusicPaul Hanson 715-234-6530 Chair Dave Wilson - Council Rep.Joan Gerland, Marla Koob, Audrey Kusilek, Tammy Roberg, Royal Stokes,Amy Brekke - Staff Rep.Pr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.

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“Lunch Box” is a simple community meal served every Tuesday noon at Bethany. A wide variety of volunteers and service groups from all over Rice Lake take turns buying, preparing and serving a simple meal (free of charge) for 20 to 30 people. If you have a group of friends or neighbors who would be willing to take a turn at hosting “Lunch Box,” please call Sue Torgerson at (715) 234-2828.

Knitting a Prayer ShawlKnitting prayer shawls is a special way of showing those who are hurting that they are surrounded by warm, caring and compassionate people.

You will need 3 skeins Homespun Yarn or yarn of your choice.

Size 11 knitting needles, 14” long or size 11, 29” circular needles.

(Some yarn is available to you and can be found in our Prayer Shawl cabi-net in the Narthex.)

You may wish to use a pattern of your choice or the following one:

Cast on 47 stitches and knit each row until you have it approximately 57-58” long.

As you knit, pray to God for His blessings that your shawl will pro-vide comfort and support to some-one in need.

When you are finished knitting your shawl, place it in the cabinet in the Narthex.

Thank you for participating in our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Announcements & Opportunities

DEADLINES• The deadline for the March 2018

NewsBreak is Monday, February 12.• The deadline for bulletin announce-

ments is on Tuesdays.• All your articles MUST be in the

church office on these dates as it is important that we have enough time and room to fit everything into the Good NewsBreak and bulletins.

Food Pantry News

Bethany’s monthly collection for the We Share Food Pantry is February 3-4, 2018. Please bring nonperishable items with you to worship.

Offering Update as of December 31, 2017

Fund Amt Budgeted Amt Rec’d Expenses Deficit/ to Date to Date to Date Surplus

General $ 681,593.86 $ 715,214.78 $ 677,109.36 $ 38,105.42 Mortgage $ 72,055.00 $ 108,303.72 $ 72,055.00 $ 36,248.72

Thank you for your participation in and support of the life and mission of Bethany Lutheran!

Offering Update

Worship Participants for January 27 & 28, 2018

When Your Address Changes Whenever you’re moving or changing to “temporarily away” with the USPS, any mail Bethany sends to you is returned at a cost per item. Please let Bethany know when your address, email address or phone number is changing. Email new information, send Bethany a USPS address change card or phone the office at 715-234-9028. Thank you.

Altar Flowers If you would like to donate flowers as an offering to God from your flower garden for the Altar, please call the church office at 715-234-9028 to reserve a Sunday.

How about expanding our Prayer Chain Ministry to include a sep-arate list? People who prefer to e-mail their “Prayer Warriors” so no one will be missed! Just e-mail the church office (bethany@chi-bardun.net) and sign up with your e-mail addresses today. Let’s bring more “pray-ers” together via the computer and touch lives in this way. Pray for the cares, concerns and needs of people “on line.” Sign up today and share your gift of time!

Bethany CaresThe C.A.R.E. Team reaches out to members in need of a little help. If you know someone with a tem-porary need, please contact the church office at 715-234-9028 so we can help.

5:30 p.m. SaturdayHost/Hostess: Vern & Diane Peterson Projection: Jill NewhouseSong Leader: Paul Hanson Piano: Tammy Roberg

8:00 a.m. SundayGreeters: Jim & Sharon Peterson (M) Ushers: Bruce & Wendy Markgren and Don & Pauli Storm (N) Reader: Joan GerlandCommunion Don & Pauli Storm Projection: Darcy VriezeAssistants: and Dave Lhotka Media: Joe EricksonAcolytes: Jake Wilder and Ben Wilder Organ: Susan Barta

10:00 a.m. SundayGreeters: Cody & Cassie Nelson (M) Ushers: Tyler Westphal and John & Jan Wick (N) Projection: Jan WilkingCommunion John & Jan Wick Media: Bob HalversonAssistants: and Heidi Jacobs Bus Driver: Scott BuergiAcolytes: Adam Scheu Bus Aid: Jim Sevals and Emily Scheu Musicians: Praise Team

Blood Pressure Screening Available in the Library from 9:00 -10:00 a.m.: Sue BergAssisting Minister for Sunday: Bun Hanson