If you would like to support the church broadcast, you can sponsor a month of our televised services for $50.  It can be made in memory of a loved one or in recognition of a special event.  Sponsorships will be included in our weekly bulletins.  Contact the church office for more information. 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ, justified by grace through faith.  Our mission is to faithfully teach and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people by nurturing members of the congregation towards growth in faith and discipleship and by reaching beyond ourselves in mission to the community and to the world.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

            Earlier this year, I was introduced to a TED talk by Simon Sinek called "How great leaders inspire action."  In this video Simon Sinek looks at some of the great leaders, inventors, and corporations of American history.  (Martin Luther King, the Wright brothers, and Apple Inc.)  After looking at these people and organizations who have been successful leaders, he noticed something about them.  What he noticed is that the thing that made these people and corporations stand out wasn't what they did or how they did it, it was why they did it.  They had a clear vision of why they were doing what they were doing and that "why" drove how they did it and what they did.  Martin Luther King's speech wasn't "I have a plan", it was "I have a dream".  The "why" drives everything that we do!

Why do we do what we do?  Why do we gather as a community, have Sunday school, confirmation, etc.?  Why do we do it?  Over this summer, I have been meeting with a Vision Planning Task Force as we have been considering this question of "why do we do what we do?"  At the end of this process, we hope to have a new mission statement and vision plan for our congregation, but Jesus has already given us what is at the heart of our mission and at the heart of why we do what we do.  It is to make disciples!

The next question is how do we do it?  How do we make disciples in our own congregation, how do we make disciples in our home, and how do we make disciples in our own lives?  These are the questions that we face as a congregation, as leaders of the home, and in our own lives.  As we begin a new programmatic year, I invite you to wrestle with these questions and may God be with us as we discover how we are to make disciples of all nations and of all generations as a community of believers, as leaders of the home, and in each and every day of our lives.

God bless,

Pastor Mike Rueckert

June 2014

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council met Sunday, June 15, 2014 following the 9:30 am church service.  Members present were:  President Barry Houglum, Pastor Mike Rueckert,  Virginia Trom, Ronda Amundson, Wendy Lien, Christy Stall, Jim Ashmore, Matt Jirava, and  Deb Ashmore, council secretary.

President Barry called the meeting to order. 

DEVOTIONS:  Christy presented devotions "Father Knows Best" which was quite appropriate as today is Father's Day!   (Pastor Mike/Barry?) volunteering for next month.

GOOD NEWS:   Happy Father's Day!  Not so good news, keep Chase Green and Wyatt Crompton and their families in our prayers as both have been hospitalized. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT:  Correction made that Virginia Trom also attended last month's meeting.  Motion made (Christy/Jim) and carried to accept report as corrected.

TREASURE'S REPORT:  We may have to dip in our line of credit in July.  Regarding propane~prefill if increases 6% or more.  Motion made (Ronda/Matt) and carried to accept report as presented. 

PASTOR REPORT:  Pastor says his schedule has slowed down since school got out; but here is some of what he has been doing:  one baptism (Brynley Klevgaard) and one funeral (Arvin Syverson).  He has done home communion for four people in their residence, and one at Viking Manor.  Has had 3 Assisted Living Bible studies.  Affirmation of Baptism will be held September 28^th with 14 youth getting confirmed.  Four weddings are being performed this summer (one in June, two in August, and one in September).   Premarriage counseling has been completed for three of the couples.  The butter braid fund raiser went over extremely well raising $473.  Meetings attended include Pathways Board, MinneWaKan task force, REACH backpack review $6,242.32 (fully funded).  We previously had 26 in the Ulen-Hitterdal area, and now have 40.  Planning to continue event next year.  Also have met with the property committee.  Would like to request time off June 30-July 6.  Previously time off requested for July 21-27 was already approved.  The Vision Planning Team has been formed; looking ahead for a date to meet.  Contemporary worship service being worked on with Carrie Jirava (task force to pick songs over summer to print worship book).  The summer sermon series "Heroes of the Bible: what it takes to be called: starts Sunday.   

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Youth & Family:  Twin's event planned for LYO.  Plan to continue and see how this goes. 

Worship & Music:  There were approximately 36 the first Sunday evening worship service this summer.  Make it a casual, come as you are service. 

Growth & Outreach:  Corrections being made to the directory.  Should be complete in July. 

Financial/Stewardship:  Met the end of May.  Three (3) different summer giving envelopes.  Hopefully, this will help with summer giving.  (Possibly 3 times the giving rather than just once!)

Property:  Window ~ protective glass that protects our stained glass needs repair.   Carpeting still needs to be installed.    Handicapped doors:  Fargo Glass & Paint quote ($7,000).  Pastor going to apply for a grant and check into a service contract.  Motion made (Virginia/Matt) and carried to approve these quotes from Otis & Fargo Glass & Paint, and will wait on the service contract until we check with our constitution .  Nick Braseth was going to evaluate the entryway (heating) area to see what could be done.   

OLD BUSINESS:   Intergenerational Committee formation.  Elevator quotes.   Otis was the lowest bid. 

NEW BUSINESS:  Technology upgrade quotes.   Motion made (Virginia/Matt) and carried to approve Pastor Mike to have the week of June 30-July 6 off. REACH partnership~is a highly successful program.  Vibrant Faith partnership ~ Pastor Mike feels it would be good to participate.  Will table until next month.  Our mission statement needs revision also.  Next meeting July 20, 2014 following 9:30 am church service. 

Adjournment~Lord's Prayer

Minutes submitted by Deb Ashmore, council secretary.

July 2014

The Bethlehem Lutheran Chruch Council met Sunday, July 20^th following 9:30am church service.  Members present:  President Barry Houglum, Pastor Mike Rueckert, Virginia Trom, Wendy Lien, Jim Ashmore, Matt Jirava, Kim Syverson, Sarah West church treasurer.

President Barry called the meeting to order.

DEVOTIONS: Barry presented exerts taken from one of the bishops services of ordaining a new pastor.  Watch over my sheep, take care of my people, noting that we may not be qualified but we are certainly callified.  Virginia volunteered for next month.

GOOD NEWS:  Weather has been good for crops, Ken Jirava and Mikaela Hansen got engaged, 15-20 children from the congregation attended camp this summer, LYO Twins trip and VBS are expecting good attendance.

SECRETARY'S REPORT: Motion made (Virginia/Kim) to accept report.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Despite negative checkbook balance as of 6/30 we did not go into line of credit because of a large giving from a member in early July. Motion made (Matt/Jim) to accept treasurer's report.

PASTOR REPORT:  Pastor Mike had 3 funerals, 1 residence communion, 2 assisted living bible study, 2 Viking Manor worship services.  Wedding for Crystal and Zebulen and pre-married counseling completed for all 4 couples getting married this year. Pastor attended Pathways board meeting, Bethlehem vision planning meeting, and property committee meeting.  He also attended a day at Camp Emmaus with the high school campers.  Pastor took vacation week of June 30-July 6 and a thank you to Susan Green and Pastor Hope Deutscher for helping out during that time.  Looking ahead Pastor Mike will be on vacation July 21-27 with Steve Wold leading worship on the 27^th.  Vision planning team will be meeting for the second time in August or September, contemporary worship services team has been formed and finding a date to meet.  Summer sermon series "Heroes of the Bible: what it takes to be called".

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Christian Ed: No report

Youth and Family:  Twins trip in August, planning for Turkey BBQ and showing interest in 2015 National youth gathering

Worship and Music:  Sunday's with 7pm worship have lower attendance

Growth and Outreach: 5k run and picnic to raise money for elevator fund, working on Welcome Basket for new residence of the community, directories are in and at the church

Financial Stewardship:  Has a meeting the first week in August

Cemetery:  No report

Property: 

Window was broken but should be covered under insurance, after $1000 deductible.  Inquire Fargo Glass and Paint on replacement, since they will be doing the new front door.  Asked for two quotes one for the major repair on the one storm window that was broken and another including three additional storm windows that are cracked. 

Elevator:  OTIS was hired to make repairs to get elevator up to code, total cost is $11,117.  They so presented an annual contract for $900/year for 5 years. This includes quarterly inspections and code required annual load test and pressure relief valve test.  These tests would cost $350 + travel expenses if no contract exists.  Engaging in the contract would give a 10% discount off the repair charges of $11,117 equating to $1,111 off that bill.  The constitution was reviewed to ensure the council could engage in this contract.  Motion made (Kim/Matt) to engage the service contact with OTIS.  OTIS sent bill for 50% of total estimated repair costs.  Motion make (Jim/Matt) to pay the bill of $5,555 out of the capital fund.

Carpet for the 4 Sunday school rooms upstairs is needed to cover tiles that are lifting.  Cost of carpet is $807.30 and labor is $390.  Motion was made (Matt/Jim) to install carpet in the four Sunday school rooms for a total cost of $1,197.30. 

Propane prepay contract with Petro Serve is $1.75/gallon locked in.  The church purchases about 3000 gallons through the heating season.  Jim will contract Petro Serve about the possibility of paying for 1500 gals now and 1500 gals in a month or so.  Motion made (Wendy/Virginia) to prepay 1500 gallons of propane from Petro Service at the price of $1.75/gallon.

OLD BUSINESS:  

Technology Report:  Dell Computer SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Docking Station $139.99, HP Pro 6305 Desktop with Windows 7 Pro, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard drive $465, Microsoft Office $24, WD My Passport Ultra 1TB External Drive $67.99 totaling $696.98. 

REACH Backpack program that was discussed in prior meetings needed council approval for REACH to use the space.  Motion made (Matt/Kim) to allow space for the REACH Backpack program and assist in administration of the program. 

Vibrant Faith synod training program to bring faith into the home was reviewed.  There are three levels of participation.  Inquiring level would be one day (Saturday) training for members to attend and learn about the program.  The cost would be $25/attendee and incurred when at time of registration for day of training.  Motion made (Matt/Wendy) to submit interest at the inquiring level. 

Elevator Service contract - agreed upon during property committee report

NEW BUSINESS 

'49-'51 reunion for 2015 Turkey BBQ would like to use Bethlehem's fellowship hall for their gathering.  Motion made (Kim/Jim) to allow them to use the space with payment of the nonmember wedding usage fee.   

Oil Royalty Check - Approximately $1500 is coming from mineral rights that were gifted to us years ago.  This was unclaimed property and has built up over the years above and beyond the quarterly checks currently being received from Conoco/Phillips.  This will go into the undesignated memorial fund. 

Reach Out Fund - Motion made (Virginia/Kim) to close the Reach Out Fund checking account and include this fund in the memorial fund, to be tracked separately but funds to be transferred into Bethlehem's Memorial Checking account. 

Undesignated Memorial Funds:  Motion made(Jim/Matt) to spend undesignated money in memorial funds in the following manner:  church computer technology $696.98, carpeting balcony Sunday school rooms $1197.3, insurance deductible on stain glass protective window $1000, Propane summer fill $2700. 
Adjourment ~ Lord's Prayer

August 17, 2014

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council met Sunday, August 17, 2014 following the 9:30am church service.  Members present:  President Barry Houglum, Pastor Mike Rueckert, Virginia Trom, Wendy Lien, Jim Ashmore, Matt Jirava, Sarah West church treasurer, Deb Ashmore, council secretary.

President Barry called the meeting to order.

DEVOTIONS: Based on giving and a gift presented by Virginia.  Sarah volunteered for next month.

GOOD NEWS:  Another good turkey day!  .  Rain is welcomed also! 

SECRETARY'S REPORT: Motion made (Christy/Matt) to accept report as printed.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Propone was paid in July. Used memorial funds to prepay propane and half the elevator contract.  It is great that we haven't had to dip into the line of credit.  The oil royalty check has not been received yet.  Motion made and carried to accept report as presented. 

PASTOR REPORT:  Has been another busy month. Has had one baptism.  Been to Viking Manor and Assisted Living for visitations, memorial service, and Bible study.  Meetings have included Pathways board, Christian Ed and conference pastors.  Went with the youth on a service and Twin's trip.  (Over 32,000 meals we packed to be sent to Afghanistan).  Took vacation from July 21 to July 27.  (Thanks to Susan Green & Pastor Al Brooks).  The sermon series  "Heroes of the Bible: what it takes to be called" was completed.  The computers have been switched over.  Looking ahead to vision planning team.  Contemporary worship service, and a weekend of weddings!  Preparation for September (Rally Sunday 9-7-14, 3^rd grade bibles 9-14-14, Cradle Roll 9-21-14, and Affirmation of Baptism 9-28-14).  

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Christian Ed:  Sunday school teachers and classes are getting set up and ready to have Rally Day September 7^th with ice cream sundaes being planned as well as a bake sale.  New curriculum (Faith Weavers) is being used this year.   December 14 being tentative Christmas program date.   

Youth and Family:  Are having an e-mail meeting.  The turkey bbq dance and taco-in-a-bag took in approximately $650.  The youth (service) trip went very well  

Worship and Music:  Will be meeting soon regarding the contemporary service.  

Stewardship:  financial reports from various check books. 

Cemetery:  Thistle problems; will be spraying for weeds. 

OLD BUSINESS:  Elevator repairs~Otis has dropped of some stuff.   Will be complete by January 1, 2015.  They changed the maintenance agreement from 5 years to 3 years.  Carpeting of the Sunday school rooms~Janet talked to Dustin about completion by end of August.  Stained glass protection repair.  Received check from insurance.  Windows and doors will be done at the same time.  Fall backpack program.  The first delivery will be by the end of September.  The first distribution will be by October 1^st.  They will be prepacked. 

NEW BUSINESS:  Future contracted propane can be contracted @ anytime @ the current price (the price @ that time).  Upcoming fostering faith workshops are listed on the ELCA website.    Motion made (Christy/Jim) and carried to purchase (from normal expense account) a safe to be kept in secretary's office.  There has been minimal response from the summer envelopes.  

Adjourment ~ Motion made (Matt/Christy) and carried for adjournment followed by the Lord's Prayer.

Deb Ashmore, Council secretary

Sept 7

   Rally Sunday-Ice Cream Sundaes and Bake Sale

Sept 14

3rd Grade receiving Bibles(cake will be served)

Serving coffee:

Randi & Seth Anderson, Cara & Nick Herzog, Shelly & Justin Thordal

Sept 21

Erin & Nick Braseth

Melinda & Brian Weerts

Julie & Randy Braseth

Sarah West

Rachel & Blaine Bakke 

Sept 28 

Confirmation (no coffee) 

Servers please bring 3.5 - 4 dozen treats to share. 

If you are unable to serve it is your responsibility to find a replacement. 

Reminder if you're a teacher and on this list, please bring treats and help direct the Sunday School Students -you don't have to serve however; help from your spouse or significant other is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

• When do I start helping with coffee fellowship?  When your child starts Sunday through 
  Confirmation graduation(this is a change from when it used to be until
  H.S. graduation)
• Every week a listing of who serves will be mailed out to each server and it's also in the monthly church newsletter.  If you are unable to serve it is your responsibility to find a replacement. 
• Thank you to all that have served and welcome to all of you new servers!!!

If you would like to help with coffee fellowship and you don't have any children in Sunday School, please contact Kristie Mickelberg. 

   

September Sunday School Schedule

Sept. 7         9:30 Church: 10:30 SS  Rally Sunday

Sept. 14       9:30 Church-3rd Grade receive Bibles:                    10:30 SS  

Sept. 21       9:30 Church-Cradle Roll: 10:30 SS

Sept. 28       9:30 Sunday School; 10:30 Worship with                          Confirmation

Thank you!

From Zaria Anderson- "Dear Bethlehem Church, Thank you for helping me be able to go to Camp Emmaus this summer.   I had a lot of fun learning about God.   I appreciate it!  J"

 Calling All Bakers!!

Rally Sunday is Sept 7^th, 2014

  And the Sunday school is looking for donations for our annual Rally Sunday Bake Sale! All baked goods are welcome and need to be to the church by Saturday night @ 7:00 to be priced and organized. Any and all donations are GREATLY appreciated!  If you have any questions or need to make other arrangements please contact Andrea Yarbrough@ 596-8410 Or any other member of Christian Ed.

All funds raised from the Bake Sale go towards offsetting the cost of Sunday school curriculum and mission work.

Thank You For Supporting Our Sunday Schoolers!

Rally Sunday & Ice Cream Sundays!

Please join us on Sunday Sept 7^th to ring another FANTASTIC Sunday school year!

Bake sale, Balloon Launch, Worship, Songs, and Ice Cream Sundays, you won't want to miss it!

            3^rd Graders Receive their Bibles

September 14^th, the 3^rd grade class will receive their Bibles during 9:30 church. Please join us for cake following church to help celebrate this special day with them.

The 3^rd Graders are taught by Wendy Lien.

Addison Yarbrough

Jennifer Steichen

Aricka Botzet

Jocelyn Braseth

Brynn Braseth

Elise Tweten

Trinity Edwards

Cody Nodsle

Tucker Green

Gavin Burnside

Jerran Madson

Wyatt Crompton

Cradle Roll will be held Sunday Sept 21st during 9:30 church.

Newly baptized children recognized as new members of the Cradle Roll-Emily Raelynn Johnson, Scarlet Skoy, Hailey Jo Rikhus, Karter Katherine Stall, Kohyn Bradley Askelson, Brynley Raye Denenny, Ainsley Mae Jacobson, and Sydnee Staci Herzog.

Cradle Roll Graduates- These young children will be entering Sunday School and graduating from Bethlehem's Cradle Roll-Payson Ann Theis, Addison Irene Hemberger, Parker James Stotts, Tess Dori Anderson, Taylynn Jade Stevens, Ethan Donald Krabbenhoft, Abigail Marie Mars, Trystan Eric Delgado, Emma Ray Nodsle, and Eastyn Duane Askelson.

Bethlehem Memorial Fund acknowledges with sincere thanks the gifts given. 

General Fund: 

              In loving memory of Eldora Ashmore from 

Barry & Brenda Ashmore, Mark & Kathy Syverson, Cortland & Avis Ashmore. 

In loving memory of Joyce Nelson 

Building Project Fund:

               In loving memory of Eldora Ashmore from 

Lila Rikhus, Gene & Orpha Schultz.

              In loving memory of Mae Forsythe from Virginia & Jerry Trom, Loretta Braseth.

              In loving memory of Macel Klemetson from Jerry & Virginia Trom, Jim & Wanda Ashmore.

 Angie Steichen. 

             In loving memory of Mick Denenny from Chuck & Joyce Stotts. 

In loving memory of Katherine House 

Cemetery Fund:          

            In loving memory of Sonny Syverson from Robert & Ruth Dalquist.

              In loving memory of Joyce Nelson from Genella Fuglie.

           In loving memory of John Jystad from Mike & Carol Lockhart.

            In loving memory of James Evanson from Ralph & Rhoda Evanson, Sig, Doris, & Tim Severinson.

           In loving memory of Mick Denenny from Mary Knopfler.

           In loving memory of Macel Klemetson from Brad & Joan Lunde.
        

Quilter's Fund:          

            In loving memory of Joyce Nelson from Travis & Christa Blakeway.

            In loving memory of John Theis from Gayle & Bev Hansen.

             In loving memory of Helen Rud from Gayle & Bev Hansen.

LYO Fund:          

            In loving memory of Eldora Ashmore from Steve & Terrie Wold.

Sunday School Fund:          

            In loving memory of Mick Denenny from Angie Steichen.

The Prairieland Cluster 5 Church Women of the ELCA will have their Spring Gathering on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 5:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran, Ulen Mn. Registration begins at 4:15 p.m. with snacks and punch served. The theme is "Do the Smallest Things With Great Joy". Our speakers will be Dawn Kaiser and Jenny Anderson. Special music by Susan Green.  A light supper will be served at 6:00 p.m.  $5.00 will be collected at the door for the supper and if you wish to sign up for the meal, please contact your local church office by Friday, September 19, 2014. 

BETHLEHEM QUILTERS START THEIR SEASON