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Bethel Lutheran

Church

Missions

Our vision is to be a dynamic, life-changing church of fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our mission is to engage the curious, encourage the convinced, and empower the committed to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.

www.bethellutheranchurch.com missions@bethellutheranchurch.com

BLESSINGS BEYOND BETHEL

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CONTENTS

FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

WHY DO MISSIONS?

NALC & BETHEL MISSIONS

GLOBAL MISSIONS Awakening Lives to World Missions (ALWM)

ALWM Mission Trips to Malawi Compassion International

East European Mission Network (EEMN) EECMY – Senbete Congregation

EECMY – North Central Ethiopia Synod Operation Christmas Child

Water Mission

NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH North American Lutheran Church (NALC)

Heartland Mission District North American Lutheran Seminary (NALC)

Great Commission Society of the NALC

U.S. MISSIONS His Light Ministries – Ministerio SU Luz, Miami, FL

Living Faith Lutheran Church, Wabash, IN Servants of Christ Lutheran Church, Robins, IA

Trinity Lutheran Church, Warrenton, VA

LOCAL MISSIONS Backpacks & School Supplies Drive

Bethel Angel Tree Bethel Holiday Sharing

Bibles for Mission Partners Bingo Ministry

Blood Drive Creative Spirits Fight Hunger

Food & Baby Pantry Juvenile Jail Ministry

Respite Ranch SERVE: Noblesville

Veterans – Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries Wreaths Across America at Zimmer Cemetery

FISH & CHICKEN FRY

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FROM THE PASTOR One day as Jesus was walking along the

shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers — Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water,

for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show

you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

(Matthew 4:18–20)

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus chose several people as disciples.

These 12 core leaders continued the teaching and healing ministry Jesus began, creating additional disciples who themselves made more disciples who in turn made still more disciples, in an ever-expanding

progression. God’s word had power in their lives, and they shared this power with each succeeding generation of believers.

We continue Jesus’ ministry is our time and place throughout Hamilton

County – and beyond. The missions and ministries described in this

booklet are our attempt to follow God’s promptings as we reach out to

our community. We strive to be more than a social service agency. In fact, the County can provide better services that we can. We strive to make real God’s love for our community and to express that love in

ways that draw others, especially those who might not know God, into a

relationship with God.

The symbol of our Missions ministry is a cube with a B3 on it. This comes from Genesis 12:2, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name

great, and you will be a blessing.” B3 stands for “Blessings Beyond Bethel” and is both a reminder

and a mission statement that we are blessed by God

so that we will be a blessing to others in His name.

Serving Jesus with you! Pastor Al

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WHY DO MISSIONS? Because the Bible Tells Us To

Biblical basis for missions…

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I

send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!”

Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I

was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and

you invited me in…

1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother

in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear

children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in

truth.

Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God: may your

good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill

the law of Christ. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the

proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you

did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

(All references are New International Version - NIV)

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Christ-Centered Mission-Driven Traditionally-Grounded Congregationally-Focused

The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) is a church family

committed to the authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. In

keeping with the Lutheran Confessions, we believe all doctrines should

and must be judged by the teaching of Scripture.

The NALC has embraced four core values which shape our common life:

Christ-Centered, Mission-Driven, Traditionally-Grounded, and

Congregationally-Focused. We are a church centered on the unique

Gospel of Jesus Christ, animated by missions and evangelism, grounded

in the 2,000 year tradition of Christian faith, and organized chiefly to

serve our congregations.

MISSION-DRIVEN

We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and

to make disciples for Christ. We believe that making disciples — in our

congregations, in our communities and nations, and around the world

— must be a priority of the Church in the present age.

CONTACT BETHEL MISSIONS (B3)

To volunteer, donate, or request more information, please contact us

at: missions@bethellutheranchurch.com

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AWAKENING LIVES TO WORLD

MISSIONS (ALWM) – MALAWI

Awakening Lives to World Missions (ALWM) exists to call, mobilize, equip and network congregations for effective and intentional obedience to Jesus’

command to take the Gospel to the nations. ALWM can come alongside and assist local churches in discovering and advancing their unique missional calling through Biblical principles, practical experience and evangelical passion.

Bethel has become involved in ALWM in 2016 through its mission partner relationship with Pastor Tom Curry of Living Faith Lutheran Church, Wabash, IN. In 2017, Pastor Al Schoonover of Bethel went to Malawi with

Pastor Ralph Easterhaus. They spent two weeks instructing pastors and also met with and strengthened contacts with the Lutheran Church of Malawi. Due to the generosity of the disciples of Bethel, each of the pastors who attended the training was given a copy of the Bible. Bethel Sunday school children made and sent “Marks of Discipleship” bookmarks to all the pastors along with their prayers.

Through these Mission Trips and Pastor Al, we are touching hundreds of people with Christ’s love and helping to teach and spread the Gospel!

Pastor Al and translator Pastors attending

An old Bible & a new Bible

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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COMPASSION

INTERNATIONAL Compassion International is a Christian child-sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world.

Members of Bethel participate by sponsoring a child in need through a monthly financial commitment, letters, and prayers.

A Compassion sponsor makes the decision to personally invest in the life of a child in need. Sponsors enable these children to participate in a church-based program that offers life-changing benefits including help with education, health care, social skills development, and Christian training. And more than this, the sponsor can help the child develop a sense of confidence and self-worth with the love expressed through letters and prayers. There is a real connection between sponsors and the individual children they support. The child knows the sponsors by name, writes to them, and is aware of the benefits from the monthly sponsorship. This relationship with the child makes the sponsor a very important person who has a significant role in his or her development. The sponsors stand alongside parents, pastors, teachers, family and friends who are taking an active role in encouraging and developing the child.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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EAST EUROPEAN MISSION NETWORK

(EEMN)

The East European Mission Network (EEMN) develops and builds international partnerships that produce a strong network of people, ministries, and resources between Eastern Europe and North American believers. They accomplish this through sending short and long-term missionaries, hosting English Bible schools & camps, equipping & mentoring leadership, seminary support, evangelism, and prayer. This is how relationships are strengthened, disciples are made, and the Body of Christ is equipped for Kingdom Building. EEMN is currently serving in Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

The EEMN conducts a number of short-term English language Bible camps in Albania, Estonia, Latvia, and the Ukraine as well as a teen camp

in Slovakia during the summer months. If you are interested in one of these camp opportunities, go to http://www.eemn.org.

Via de Cristo, the renewal movement for both individuals and congregations is active in Latvia. Bethel was instrumental in the founding of Via de Cristo in Latvia as Pastor Doug and Terri Gast hosted two women in their home who came to Indiana as candidates and then Doug, Terri and Jeff and Carol Warning traveled to Latvia and served on teams in the first years.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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EECMY – SEMINARY AND NORTH CENTRAL ETHIOPIA SYNOD ETHIOPIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH MEKANE YESUS (EECMY)

During his 2018 trip to Ethiopia, Pastor Doug Gast had a chance to visit the EECMY Seminary in Addis Ababa. He also spoke with the head of the Seminary, and since then, Bethel has been helping to support the training of seminarians for their role as

pastors in the EECMY. In 2019, Bethel is doing a special mission project collecting funds to buy clergy shirts for new clergy. Clergy shirts are in short supply and too expensive for many ministers in Ethiopia. Bethel can help provide these important symbols of God’s calling to new pastors.

The North Central Ethiopia Synod (NCES) is based at Desé and functions in Amhara and Afar National Regional States. In 2017, NCES had 19 congregations, 26 preaching places, 12 pastors and 18 evangelists. It continues to grow. From the total of 7,210 members of NCES more than 758 are volunteers.

Bethel has provided funds to help feed the disabled and others in need within the synod, and has helped provide food, clothing, and school supplies for a group of children orphaned by AIDS/HIV.

Rev. Melaku of the NCES has visited and spoken at Bethel several times, and Bethel is helping sponsor his Ph.D. project.

The North Central Ethiopia Synod serves parts of Amhara & Afar

Visiting the EECMY Seminary Library.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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EECMY - SENBETE CONGREGATION ETHIOPIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH MEKANE YESUS (EECMY)

The EECMY congregation in Senbete, Ethiopia is a mission partner congregation of Bethel. The congregation is led by Pastor Gobena Degefa.

Senbete is a small town located about 125 miles north of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia in Africa. It is located in the Amhara region of the country so the language of the people is Amharic although many people in Ethiopia speak English as well as their native tongue.

In 2012, Pastor Doug and Terri Gast visited Ethiopia for a theological conference and while touring historical and church sites, they visited and connected with the Senbete congregation. This was the beginning of Bethel’s mission partner connection with Senbete. Since then, through prayer and financial support, Bethel has provided for orphans in the church’s care, children in their Sunday school, repair and expansion of their building, and for evangelists to aid the pastor and start new preaching points. In 2014, through memorial gifts, music and sound equipment was provided for the church.

In September of 2018, Pastor Doug was able to return to Senbete. He was able to preach, see their expanded facility, and absorb the love of the people there for him and for Bethel. Though not well off financially, he reported that they were rich in faith and hospitality!

Senbete

Pastors (left to right): Mulugeta Melaku, Paul Borg, Gobena Degefa, Doug Gast, Wagnew Andagre

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for shipment to children overseas. The shoeboxes are filled with gifts: fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Letters and pictures are welcome and encouraged, and prayer for the child who receives the gift box is essential! Since 2015, Bethel members put together and donated more than 100 boxes a year to Operation Christmas Child.

In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! Each box blesses children with joy, hope, and love. Their shoebox is the first gift many children have ever received! The treasures and personal letters inside communicate that someone cares for them and give them an opportunity to experience the love of God.

Blessing Operation Christmas Child

Boxes

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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WATER MISSION

Water Mission is a nonprofit Christian engineering organization that designs, builds, and implements safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. They believe safe water is the basis for physical life. The work they do is motivated by faith in Jesus Christ, the Living Water. It is this faith that compels them to reach out and love their neighbors by building safe water and sanitation solutions.

HOW WATER MISSION WORKS: They take a comprehensive approach to combating the crisis with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions by designing customized solutions for each community they serve, and they partner with the recipients throughout the process. A successful project results in more time for work and education, improved health, and increased productivity for the community.

WHEN WATER MISSION WORKS: They provide solutions for those who live in communities around the world that lack safe water and sanitation and those who are suffering as a result of a disaster or emergency situation such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

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NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

As a member church Bethel supports the mission and ministry of the NALC.

The NALC is a fast-growing Christian church in the Lutheran tradition, uniting more than 141,000 Lutherans in more than 400 congregations across North America. The NALC embodies the theological center of Lutheranism in North America and stands firmly within the global Lutheran mainstream.

The NALC is a church family committed to the authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. In keeping with the Lutheran Confessions, NALC Lutherans believe all doctrines should and must be judged by the teaching of Scripture.

The NALC has embraced four core values which shape its common life: Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded, and Congregationally Focused. The NALC is a church centered on the unique Gospel of Jesus Christ, animated by missions and evangelism, grounded in the 2,000-year tradition of Christian faith, and organized chiefly to serve its congregations.

A renewed Lutheran community moving forward in faith, the NALC is focused on living out Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples in North America and around the globe. To learn more, go to: www.thenalc.org.

NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

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HEARTLAND MISSION DISTRICT Congregations join together in Mission Districts to fulfill most effectively the ministry and mission of the NALC. These Districts are normally based on common geographic boundaries. Mission Districts are headed by a Dean. The Dean is an ordained minister of the NALC, accountable to the Bishop and serves to support the work of the Bishop by conducting a

similar function in the district. Deans serve as pastor to pastors, their families, and congregations and conduct a ministry of teaching and visitation with pastors and congregations. Deans may continue to serve under the call of a congregation.

Within the NALC, Bethel belongs and supports the Heartland Mission District (HMD) which is made up of the 12 NALC churches in Indiana and Kentucky. The Rev. Pam Thorsen of House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown, KY, is currently the Dean of the mission district. The churches of Heartland Mission District are:

Church Name City State

Adams Lutheran Church Batesville IN

Antioch Lutheran Church Hoagland IN

Bethel Lutheran Church Noblesville IN

First United Lutheran Church Hammond IN

Living Faith Lutheran Church Wabash IN

Peace Lutheran Church Connersville IN

St. James Lutheran Church Greenfield IN

St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township Fort Wayne IN

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Fort Wayne IN

St. Mark's Lutheran Church Auburn IN

St. Mark's Lutheran Church Uniondale IN

House of Prayer Lutheran Church Elizabethtown KY

The Heartland Mission District also supports the ministry of Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries, Inc. (LMVFM) of Fort Wayne, IN as does Bethel.

NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

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NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY

The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) is located at Trinity School of Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

Mission and Vision of the NALS: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we are forming pastors and church leaders for the North American Lutheran Church who will faithfully preach, teach, and live God’s eternal truth, through Word and Sacrament, proclaiming Christ’s cross and resurrection, making disciples who will renew and grow the church in Christ’s name.

The Seminary provides faithful Lutheran theological education for pastors, prospective pastors, and lay people. Bethel supports the theological education of Seminary students, Bethel members, and members of Bethel’s mission partner churches. Bethel has hosted faculty from the Seminary and promotes Lutheran vocations whenever possible.

NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

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GREAT COMMISSION SOCIETY OF THE NALC

THE WAY Our culture teaches that truth is relative. The Great Commission Society proclaims that truth is not relative but is personal and found only in the person of Jesus Christ. The Society will not seek to be all things to all people but will focus on the one thing that all people need — the truth about God as revealed to us by His Son, Jesus Christ.

THE TRUTH The Great Commission Society fully believes that new life is to be found in Jesus Christ. Society members are therefore expected to reflect this new life through focused prayer, Bible study, inspired witness, contributions of time and talent, and financial support of missions locally and globally. Society membership funds will be used to support global workers, mission starts, and renewal initiatives.

THE LIFE As a member, you will be supporting both NALC global workers and mission projects that have emergency financial needs and new mission starts in North America. In addition, you and your congregation may also choose to support local and global projects from those described at www.thenalc.org/gcs.

YOUR CALLING The purpose of the Great Commission Society of the NALC is to mobilize disciples for the work of the Great Commission. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that is in desperate need of the Good News. We propose to do this by networking congregations and individuals who have a passion for the proclamation of the Gospel and a commitment to the calling of the Great Commission.

The GCS welcomes both congregations and individual members.

The Great Commission: Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

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HIS LIGHT MINISTRIES – MINISTERIO

SU LUZ (FORMERLY IGLESIA LUTERANA SAN PEDRO) Miami, FL

His Light Ministries or Ministerio SU Luz is a Spanish-speaking NALC congregation in Miami and has been a mission partner since 2012.

Bethel has provided prayer support, financial resources, Spanish-language Bibles to aid in worship, Bible studies, A/V equipment, and VBS and Sunday school materials.

Bethel members have visited the congregation. Pastor Doug has visited and preached there. Pastor Eddy Perez and his family have visited Bethel, and Pastor Eddy has preached at Bethel several times.

One of the most important outreach efforts they have is a radio ministry. Pastor Eddy remembers the importance of radio during his childhood in Cuba. The government maintained strict control over all the media so the only way to know what

was going on in the world was to rely on foreign radio stations, particularly from the U.S. When the opportunity arose to expand his outreach through the use of radio, he moved quickly to take advantage of this way to share the Word of God in south Florida, the Bahamas, and north Cuba! Pastor Eddy says that this radio ministry has been a tremendous evangelism tool, reaching many Spanish-speaking people, including young families and recent immigrants from Cuba. It has also been a powerful means of outreach to people in prison.

Pastor Doug on Pastor Eddy's radio program.

Pastor Eddy at Bethel

Debora, Yudy, Pastor Eddy, and Elisabet at Bethel

NATIONAL MISSIONS

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LIVING FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Wabash, IN

Bethel and Living Faith Lutheran Church (LFLC) have been mission partners since 2012. LFLC is a growing NALC mission congregation in northern Indiana. Support by Bethel is given through prayer, funds, visits by Bethel members, and invitations to youth to relevant Bethel youth events.

Pastor Tom Curry came to Living Faith Lutheran in 2014 as a half-time pastor. He continues in that role, dividing his time between Living Faith Lutheran Church and Awakening Lives for World Mission (ALWM). Having served many years as a missionary in India, global mission work is very dear to his heart, and he has been able to facilitate mission trips for members of the Heartland Mission District including Bethel’s Pastor Al Schoonover.

At the beginning of 2018, Living Faith was able to purchase a building in downtown Wabash. Bethel was able to provide some funds for getting the new building ready for worship, and Pastor Al Schoonover and two members of Bethel were able to join Living Faith at their first service in the new facility.

Living Faith’s building.

Pastor Al & Pastor Tom Pastor Tom Curry preaching.

NATIONAL MISSIONS

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SERVANTS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Robins, IA

Servants of Christ Lutheran Church is a mission-start congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) in Robins, Iowa. Robins is just north of Cedar Rapids.

The congregation had their first worship service on the first Sunday of Advent in 2015 and began an adult Bible study in December of that year.

Bethel has had a mission partnership with this new congregation since before they started worship. The Mission-Developer of Servants of Christ (SOC-NALC) is Pastor Ron Voss, and a number of

members of Bethel were part of Pastor Ron’s congregation when he was in Indianapolis. Pastor Doug has known Pastor Ron for many years. When it became known that Pastor Ron was beginning a new church in Iowa, it seemed natural for Bethel to help get it started!

Bethel helped SOC-NALC get started by providing communion ware, a website (www.ServantsOfChristNALC.org), and Bibles as well as prayer and funds. We pray God will bless this new mission and outreach!

Pastor Ron Voss at Bethel

NATIONAL MISSIONS

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TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Warrenton, VA

Trinity Lutheran Church is a growing mission congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) that seeks to follow the Word of God, care for each other, and the reach out in love to the Warrenton/ Gainesville community in Virginia. Their motto is: "We Don't Change the Bible, The Bible Changes Us!"

Formed in 2011 by a group of Lutherans who were concerned with the unbiblical direction of so many contemporary churches and seeking to create a body of Christ that actively supports and cares for its fellow members in times of crisis, they founded a caring church dedicated to the Word of

God. They joined the NALC, and when they reached out for pastoral support to the closest NALC congregation in the area, Trinity received the support of the vicar of Reformation Lutheran Church in Culpeper, VA, Dr. Dennis Di Mauro, who now serves as Trinity’s pastor.

Trinity’s congregation has a passion for the Word of God. Trinity is a growing faith community actively involved in making a difference in the community with a passion for serving the spiritual needs of its members. The church is continually looking for new ways to share the gospel and help people in need. They plan to move into a new facility in 2018 to allow for more growth. For more information, please go to: www.trinitylutheranva.org.

Trinity’s Sanctuary

Trinity disciple participating in the public reading of the entire Bible at

a local park.

NATIONAL MISSIONS

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BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES

DRIVE

After finding out what school supplies are needed at two of the local elementary schools, tags are put out to collect backpacks and the specified school supplies for local school children in need. Bethel annually collects enough backpacks and school supplies to produce at least 30 backpacks. There were usually enough extra supplies to put in the Food and Baby Pantry for the children of clients served there.

Before the backpacks were taken to the two schools, they were blessed at all the worship services. Cards were placed inside each backpack which read: “Stuffed with Love from your friends @ Bethel Lutheran Church.”

Blessing the Backpacks

LOCAL MISSIONS

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BETHEL ANGEL TREE Bethel Angel Tree is a collection of Christmas gifts for seniors or juveniles who have no family to provide for them at the holidays. A “tree” is put in the narthex with tags on it listing the various type of recipients. Members of Bethel choose a tag or tags. They then shop for Christmas presents for their chosen recipient, wrap the presents, and return them to Bethel. This long-standing mission of Bethel provides gifts for seniors and/or juveniles who either have no family or have no one living near them. It is a way to make sure everyone takes part in the joys of the Christmas season!

LOCAL MISSIONS

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BETHEL HOLIDAY SHARING

Bethel Thanksgiving Sharing

The holiday most people think of first in November is Thanksgiving, and every year the people of Bethel not only give thanks to God, but they give generously to others. For many years, members of Bethel have been willing to reach out and make sure other people have food through the Holiday Sharing missions. Many members donate food and time to help others who are in need. Baskets of donated food are packed for families who would not otherwise have a holiday meal. This is done both at the Lord Jesus’ request and in His name. Thanks be to God for all the Bethel members and friends who spend their time, talent, and treasure to help others in Jesus’ name!

Bethel Christmas Sharing

In December, baskets of donated food are packed for families who would not otherwise have a holiday meal for Christmas. Presents are shopped for and donated by Bethel members and given to the families along with the food basket. Children are also given a book with stories of Jesus. Everyone involved is prayed for!

Putting baskets together

LOCAL MISSIONS

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BIBLES FOR MISSION PARTNERS

Provide Bibles to mission partner congregations. The Bibles may be hardcover or softcover. They may be in English, Spanish, or even Amharic (the language of Ethiopia)!

Jesus loves me,

this I know,

for the Bible

tells me so.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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BINGO MINISTRY Once a month, on the 4th Monday at 2:30 PM, a group from Bethel provides a ministry to seniors at the Maple Park Nursing Home by playing bingo with them for about an hour and a half. Kyle Smith and Joy Diamond lead a group of volunteers that provide outreach to seniors in the form of bingo (with prizes) and social time.

They are always looking for members and friends to join them, and they collect and appreciate donations of prizes and treats. Check with Kyle or Joy for appropriate items.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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BLOOD DRIVE Bethel hosts an annual Blood Drive to help the Indiana Blood Center now called Versiti, in its mission to deliver a stable supply of blood components to patients in Indiana hospitals. Members who donate literally give the “gift of life.” One unit of blood can make a difference in the lives of one to three people.

The Bethel Blood Drive is held at the end of April which is during in the Easter Season. This is the season when we remember how Our Savior shed His blood for us. He bled on the cross and died for us! In Matthew 26:28, Jesus says, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of your sins.”

The Bethel Blood Drive is an opportunity for us to share our blood in His name to save others!

LOCAL MISSIONS

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CREATIVE SPIRITS Crocheting & Knitting for Christ

If you crochet and/or knit, please consider becoming part of this loving and caring ministry. The group will be creating prayer and cancer caps—all to be given to those in the hospital who need to feel wrapped in the loving warmth of Jesus. They also crochet hats, booties and other items for premature infants.

Creative Spirits meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm on the 2nd floor of the Christian Education wing — room 215. Just sign up on the Welcome Sheet if you feel called to commit to this ministry, and you will be contacted.

At this time, they are looking for crafters who already know how to crochet/ knit. If they see that a desire or need exists, the group will offer classes for those wanting to learn.

Questions?

Cathy Crosley 317.776.2437 or clcrosley@comcast.net Suzy Patterson 317.258.1002 or suzy@bethellutheranchurch.com

LOCAL MISSIONS

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FIGHT HUNGER

Funds are donated or raised to fight hunger through programs such as the Kroger Community Rewards program.

Bethel’s Fight Hunger program receives funds through the Kroger Community Rewards Program. This happens when individuals and/or families go online and register their Kroger Plus Cards in the Kroger Community Rewards program and select Bethel as the organization to benefit. Then, all they need to do is to swipe their Kroger Plus cards when they made purchases. Note: registration must be renewed each year.

With the funds it receives to Fight Hunger, Bethel reaches out through its mission partners. For example, funds have been used to help feed the disabled and orphans in the North Central Synod of Ethiopia, and to help members of the congregation and community in Senbete.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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FOOD & BABY PANTRY

The Mission Statement of the Pantry reads:

The Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Members of Bethel help the Pantry in a number of ways. They:

Pray for the ministry and the church

Volunteer in the Pantry

o To work with clients

o To sort or shelve food

Donate food/baby items

Help shop for food

Pick up large donations

Write grants to secure funding for the

pantry

Collect food/baby items at their place of

employment

The Food and Baby Pantry is another way Bethel helps to Fight Hunger – right in its own community!

To be the hands and feet of God and to love those in need by

restoring hope and dignity and providing some basic needs.

To feed the hungry of Hamilton County physically AND spiritually.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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JUVENILE JAIL MINISTRY

Bethel members lead Bible studies and work with the local Juvenile Services Center to help reinforce acceptable behavior.

Bible Blessing

LOCAL MISSIONS

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RESPITE RANCH

Being a foster parent is hard work. There are times when foster parents need a day of respite where they know that the children they care for are well-taken care of in a safe environment. The foster parents can then do things such as shopping, errands, visiting, or just being by themselves without worry!

Bethel’s Respite Ranch events are periodic one-day events held at the church with various activities, food, and faith building. Events are open to foster families so that the children can have a fun day, and the parents can have time they need for activities or just quiet. It is also a great evangelical outreach opportunity for Bethel to provide a safe and caring environment for these children and expose them to both the Christian faith and the caring that it brings to God’s people.

The leader and coordinator for Respite Ranch is Karen Yochum. If you are interested in helping, please contact Karen.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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SERVE: Noblesville is a partnership of neighbors, churches, businesses and organizations whose goal is to “Connect Compassionate Neighbors.” They do this by designating a week of service projects in late June to create a sense of pride and ownership in Noblesville. Bethel Lutheran Church is a Planning Partner of SERVE: Noblesville, and church members are encouraged to participate in this mission opportunity in the local community!

Projects and Events may include:

Home Repairs

Crafts with a Cause

Kids Crafts with a Cause

Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County

Teen Serve

U Call We Haul

Community Giveaway

Keep Noblesville Beautiful

Day Camp

Members can put in an hour, a morning, or a day to serve. Youth Director Joe Rudy serves on the Board of Serve: Noblesville.

LOCAL MISSIONS

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VETERANS – LUTHERAN

MILITARY VETERANS AND

FAMILIES MINISTRIES –

LMVFM It is important that we remember those who have served this country in its armed forces. We especially need to remember and help those who have suffered because of their service. That is why one of Bethel’s missions is Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries, Inc. (LMVFM) of Fort Wayne. Their motto is: “Serving with Christ’s love those who serve.”

LMVFM assists family members, congregations, and caregivers in the unique challenges resulting from military service. They offer training and workshops for churches and groups designed to educate caregivers in unique and challenging aspects of providing Christian care and outreach to veterans and their families. They also provide individual and couples counseling.

Since 2013, they have had a program called “Paws and Effects” where,

through a partnership with a local dog trainer, they assist veterans in need of a therapy/ service dog to get one. Though the VA has yet to recognize the therapeutic value of therapy animals for veterans who have been spiritually and emotionally traumatized, the people at LMVFM believe that veterans in need of

trained and certified therapy dogs/animals should have ready access to them. They believe this so strongly that they have four-legged team members who become a ministry favorites among those they serve.

Holly – LMVFM’s 1st therapy dog

A “Paws and Effects” Success!

LOCAL MISSIONS

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WEATHS ACROSS AMERICA

AT ZIMMER CEMETERY

Wreaths Across America exists to Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. The primary way they do this is by organizing the laying of wreathes on as many veteran graves as they can on one day in December. In 2019, over 2 million wreaths were laid at over 2100 locations by volunteers.

In 2019, Bethel Missions sponsored the wreaths at the Zimmer Cemetery on 206th three-quarters of a mile east of Bethel. There are 27 veterans buried there, including six from the Civil War. Pastor Al Schoonver and Pastor Doug Gast led a ceremony of remembrance. Eagle Scout Zack Reising ledge the Pledge of Alliegience, and Hamilton

County Navy Club Ship #29 provided a color guard, a 21-gun salute, and a bugler to play taps. About 50 people from Bethel and the community came to participate and Remember and Honor the veterans buried there.

One of our most cherished freedoms is that of religion, which is why we can come to Bethel in peace and worship God. Our veterans and service members defend and defended that freedom. We will continue to Remember, Honor, and Teach about veterans and participate in Wreaths Across America as a way to do so.

National Wreaths Across America Day will be 12/19/2020, 12/18/2021, & 12/17/2022. Join us!

LOCAL MISSIONS

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FISH AND CHICKEN FRY The Bethel Fish (and Chicken) Fry is held in late September as a fundraiser. Members of Bethel and the community are welcome. The Missions Committee and many Bethel members help with their time and contributions to make this a successful fundraiser and Missions outreach event.

Proceeds are used to fund Mission Trips and other Mission efforts.

Bethel Lutheran Church

Fish and Chicken Fry in support of Missions

FISH FRY

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Bethel Lutheran Church Missions