Inside this issue:

Pastor’s Message 2

Blood Pressure Membership Updates Milestones Wednesday AM Services

3

Pastor Greg Moyer Vision for Christ Update

4

E-Mail Prayer Team Give Online Cards God Moments Greeting Cards HIPPA Kingdom Helpers Seasoned Saints

5

REALM 6

Maturing 7

Thank You 8

Youth 9

Holiday GriefShare LWGP Diner Books Mini Women Retreat Thanksgiving Baskets

10

Bethel School / Preschool 11

Holiday Hope Chest Life Touch Pictures Men’s Basketball Operation Christmas Child

12

Christmas Extravaganza Participants Diner Books Nativity Sets Needed Nativity Walk Cookies Needed

13

Go to Bethel’s website to see updat-ed November Calendar, November Kingdom Helpers, and weekly High-lights

Church Off ice : 309 -263-2417 Church Website : www.blcmorton.org

School Off ice : 309 -266-6592 School Website : www.bethel lutheranschool .org

B E T H E L S T A R

NOVEMBER 2018

Newsletter

To see the Bethel Star in full color go to: blcmorton.org Click on Media

NOVEMBER Sermon Series

Thoughts and Prayers During these days various people will often announce that they are sending what has become a much-maligned offering of “thoughts and prayers”. Many people not only question the sincerity of the offerings, but their effectiveness. “Does pray-er do anything?” “Does anyone hear?” In this series, we explore the amazing gift of prayer and why every circumstance-whether it is joyful or tragic—ought to be informed and formed by prayer. Weekends of November: 03/04 10/11 17/18 24/25

It’s time for

Bethel Youth Ministry’s

Chili Lunch! Sunday, November 18

Bethel Church Parish Hall

Serving will start at 11:30 AM

And concludes at 1:00 PM

Menu: Chili, hot dogs, desserts

Free will donation. All funds raised

will help youth attending National

Youth Gathering or the summer mission trip!

Please check the sign-up sheet at Sign-up Central

for a list of donation needs.

Thank you for your support!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 2:00 AM

TURN YOUR TIME KEEPERS

BACK ONE HOUR!

Page 2

We are Making and Maturing disciples of Jesus to Minister

The month of November is a time to ring in the holiday sea-

son. Thanksgiving Day seems to be the unofficial start to the holiday season, and for so many of us it has become our Christ-mas planning. Thanksgiving, that day for giving God thanks and praise, is also very helpful for seeing action in our life. This Star devotion is go-ing to go a different direction. Our sermon series for the month of November is entitled, “Thoughts and Prayers.” It is en-titled this for a reason. Prayers still do work in this growing bitter age. Here are some thoughts from a recent CNN article from online on May 19, 2018 from A.J. Willingham. (CNN)Semantic satia-tion is the phenomenon in which a word or phrase is repeated so often it loses its meaning. But it also becomes something ridicu-lous, a jumble of letters that feels alien on the tongue and reads like gibberish on paper. "Thoughts and prayers" has reached that full semantic satia-tion. For the last few years, after every mass shooting, the term immediately trends on social platforms. It's not a good kind of trending. Among the earnest pleas for social and legislative action, the aftermath of each successive shooting inspires more and more memes and cyni

cal jokes. In one highly-shared image that circulated after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting in Feb-ruary, "Thoughts and Prayers" is imprinted on the side of a gar-bage truck. Another meme shows an empty van. "Excellent news," it reads. "The first truck-load of your thoughts and pray-ers has just arrived." Jokes, mere hours after a deadly shoot-ing? To the voices behind the dark humor, the persistence of "thoughts and prayers" is the real joke. These can be some help-ful words here. For one thing, those one-liners do not always seem to comfort as they use to comfort. Instead, these one-liners bring out some real anger. In an age where a one-liner is over used or used in a way that seems to be insincere, the send-er of those words might want to rethink the message that, though heartfelt, has become cliché. More importantly, howev-er, as we do send out our thoughts and prayers to people during tragedy, there is real pow-er here. The power behind the prayer is not us, but the One who is receiving the prayer. We want to encourage you that when you say you are praying for a person, make sure you are pray-ing for that person. Our heaven-ly Father does hear our requests, our needs, our broken hearts, and our happiness. When God

receives our prayers, He an-swers it according to His will. Even Jesus learned that in the Garden of Gethsemane as He wrestled with His Father’s will to go to the cross of our sins. Praying is not a waste of time, either. Turning to God for help and guidance is powerful. When we spend time in prayer, we begin to see how God has worked through our prayers to Him. This is one of the reasons we encourage people to keep a prayer record to see how God is answering our prayers. This is helpful in growing our faith in Him, who desires to give to us life eternal in the name of Jesus, which is only granted to us by faith in His grace. So in this month of thank-ing God, in a country that is turn-ing a cliché into a phrase to pro-test against gun violence, we are going to be talking about what exactly “Thoughts and Prayers” are meant to be for people who are struggling and need to know if there anyone who cares for them in their sorrow; what exact-ly we could be praying for these days for them as we think of their struggles; and prayerfully be en-couraged to keep others in our thoughts and prayers.

Page 3

09/18/2018 to 10/15/2018

MEMBERSHIP INS

Adult Baptism Jessica LeeAnn Wozniak

Adult Confirmation

Steve Burrell Meridith Deverman Mark Gielarowski

Melinda Gielarowski Brett Mooberry Trish Mooberry

Jeremiah Reinkoester Christine Reinkoester

and their baptized children Sonja Reinkoester Ezra Reinkoester

Soren Reinkoester

Reaffirmation of Faith Jared Deverman

MEMBERSHIP OUTS

NONE

REJOICING MILESTONES

Birthdays 80+ Years 11/05 Nancy Zobrist 83 11/16 Lila Abner 82 11/16 Betty Kirk 90 11/19 Rachel Moser 83 11/26 Betty Roehm 91

Anniversaries 50+ Years

11/01 Charles and Rachel Moser 59 11/26 Pastor and Carlee Benke 57

MIDWEEK TRADITIONAL HYMNAL SERVICES ON WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30am NOVEMBER 7, 14, and 28

Bethel’s Monthly Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressure screenings are held im-mediately following church services in the Church Library on:

Saturday, November 10

7:00 pm

Sunday, November 11 9:00 am and 11:45 am

Bethel’s Online Media and Publications Want to listen to previous sermons or check out this month’s publications, including the Bethel Star, Highlights, and Kingdom Helpers? Simply go to www.blcmorton.org/media. From there you can open the media player to listen to previous sermons or on the right side bar (in the green box) you can click “publications”, which will take you to the page where you can download this month’s publications simply by clicking on them!

BETHEL STAR ARTICLES DEAD-LINE ... Please be reminded the article deadline for the Decem-ber edition of the Bethel Star is Wednesday, November 21 do to Thanksgiving holiday. Folders will meet at 8:15am on Friday, November 30 to assemble. Extra copies are made available in the church Narthex at the Connector Center and can also be accessed on our church website at www.blcmorton.org Go to multimedia then file downloads. Highlights are posted there each week, also.

Page 4

Bethel Lutheran Ministries Vision for Christ Debt Reduction Campaign Update through October 31, 2018

God continues to richly bless Bethel and our efforts to reduce our mortgage debt.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE Number Amount

Campaign Pledge Commitments 170 $2,012,477

Donations received from 10/01/17 through 10/31/18

from supporters without a recorded pledge 63 $110,452

Total pledge commitments and additional gifts 233 $2,122,929

Debt Status as of October 31, 2018

Short-term loan, 3.99% $ 300,000

Long-term loan, 4.75% $3,000,000

Total Debt: $3,300,000

Thank you to everyone for your strong support of this campaign. To assist with year-end gift and tax planning, we have provided donors with a letter to report original pledges compared to gifts to date through September 30, 2018. If you have any questions on the information provided, please contact Dennis Ewald at 309-264-0180.

Pastor Greg Moyer Pastor Greg Moyer has accepted God’s call to be Bethel’s Associate Pastor and work alongside us to further the Kingdom of God in our community of Morton and surrounding communities. He comes to us from Trinity Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge, LA as Associate Pastor. He has been there since 2013 and was in Omaha, Nebraska prior. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2008 and did his undergraduate work at Concordia University Wisconsin. He married his wife, Lisa, in 2012 and they have three children. The oldest is 4 and the youngest is 1 month! Pastor Greg has a passion for anything that involves growing the kingdom. He has a heart for people and believes that ministry is best done through relationships.

He and his family’s arrival date is to be determined.

Continue to pray for them as they make this transi-tion in their lives.

Page 5

E-MAIL PRAYER MINISTRY You would receive an email 1-2 times weekly with prayer requests that come in to the office or through our website. Then all you need to do is pray for these requests at your best time. If you are interested in being a part of the 100+ people involved, please sign up at “Sign up Central" or contact the church office #309-263-2417 or please contact Linda Bisp-ing at LindaBisping@comcast.net or 309-264-5326. New volunteers are always welcome to take part. ***If you want your prayer request included in the corporate prayers during services, you must give your permission through the church office.

GOD MOMENTS ... Everyone has “God Moments” !

Would you be willing to share yours? We would like to have “God Moments” shared once a month in worship services. Prayerfully you have been present when these have been given. If you are ready to share one of your “God Moments”, please contact Pastor Jeff 309-263-2417. If you have a “God Mo-ment” you would like to share, but are feeling like you cannot due to being unsure or nerv-ous, pray for God’s direction and see what He has planned for you.

“Give Online” cards Available next to Highlights in the Narthex. If you give on line and feel like you are not participating in the offering during worship, you can pick up one of these cards on way in to sanc-tuary and place in offering plate during worship. If you currently do not give online but would like to or learn more about it, go to www.blcmorton.org

AS A REMINDER … If you are going to be absent on the date you are scheduled to serve, please request a sub through the email reminder you should be receiving that week. This allows others to view and accept your date and time to serve. This allows others to view and accept your date and time to take it for you. If you are not receiving the email providing this information, please contact Linda Lopez in the church office lin-da@bethelmorton.org or 309-263-2417 or 309-635-1364 and let her know ASAP. We want you to be informed/reminded/replaced when you are scheduled. We are always in need of people to get in-volved in Bethel’s serving ministry. If you have a place you would like to be scheduled, please contact Linda Lopez in the church office at 309-263-2417 or linda@bethelmorton.org. New schedules are being prepared for the July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 serving year! WE NEED YOU TO JOIN THE FUN OF SERVING GOD!

The Women's Mission League will once again offer inspirational Christmas cards beginning November 1. They will be available in the library area where the greeting cards are displayed. Your dona-tion may be placed in the slot bottom shelf or turned into the office. All gifts are used for Mission projects. Any questions please contact Linda Nash 309-346-8864.

Communion is served the first and third weekends of each month in all weekend services. Common cup is made available.

Please be reminded: If you will be in the hospital, you must notify Pastor, call the church office, or have family/friend/hospital notify us so we are aware. Because of HIPPA laws, your privacy is greatly respected and infor-mation will not be given unless you permit.

SEASONED SAINTS FRIENDS OF HARMONY CHRISTMAS SHOW Place: Peterson Theater at Pekin High School Date: Saturday, December 1 Time: 3:00pm Cost: $10 per ticket (payable by November 20 to purchase group tickets) Dinner: Following the concert at Avantis in Pekin for those who would like to go. Order off menu. Hostesses: Rosalee Bayless 309-613-2417 Bev Vaupel 309-925-3632

Page 6

November 2018

Realm Updates: If you have an active password in Realm, you will be now receiving a weekly teaching mes-

sage. These will include many of the items covered in the classes and more. It would prove helpful if you would take the time to at least look at the content title each week to see if the top-ic is something you were wanting information about. A COPY OF THESE WEEKLY REALM TIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CONNECTION CENTER ALSO.

We realize there is still some hesitancy of using Realm. Realm is actually a great program if

used correctly. There is a “Dashboard” for the Pastors and leadership to review which, if used correctly can provide information that could help with planning. (see example below). If attend-ance isn’t being marked and participant lists of groups aren’t being kept update, the “Dashboard” is not helpful!

Individual instruction on use of Realm available. Please contact church office to set up a time.

Page 7

MATURING ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Ladies Bible Study Tuesday 9:00-11:00 am Room 110

Childcare available We are doing a study on prayer. We would love to have you join us. We are a group of gals at all ages and stages of life, from new moms to grandmoms. The variety of ages / stages is very stimulating as we learn from each other. For questions or sign up, call Sheila Lovell at 925-5347

Bethel Brothers Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 am Variety of men’s studies. A great way to grow in your

Discipleship journey. Led by John Lovell

Small Groups Groups of 6-12 people who meet together for fellowship, prayer, Bible Study and Serv-ing others. If interest in getting connected with a Small Group!

Please contact Church Office

church@bethelmorton.org # 309-263-2417

T.G.I.F. Friday 6:30 - 7:30 am

Room 111 Men’s Bible study. Open to

all men. Led by Ken Newman

Sunday Adult Electives 9:30-10:30 am

1. Breakfast Bible Class Pastor Jeff Room P1 Prayer 2. Faith Milestones Class - Grandparents November 4 Room P2 No matter where you are in your grandparenting journey, this Faith Milestone is designed for you. It is never too early or too late to speak into your grandchildren’s lives and point them to Jesus. Come to discuss the Biblical side of grandparenting, the value in blessing your grandchildren, and practical ideas for intentionally passing on a legacy of faith. For more information, contact Karen Remmele at kremmele313@gmail.com.

3. First Place for Health “Be Free ” Room P3 Teaches that freedom is neither perfection or permission. The problem is our pursuit of perfection; eat perfectly or live like a failure with little self-control. This study will help explore the freedom we have and at the end we will be able to boldly proclaim, “I know the truth, and the truth can set me free.” If you need more information or want to join the class, please contact Linda Moore @309-264-9459 Led by Carolynsue Wolf / Mary Lou Nichols. 4. “RLD in Action” Group Room 111 Group of people that have completed the study, Real Life Discipleship, and desire to put what they learned into action. 5. Bible Basics 101 Ends December 2 Room 110 For those new to the faith or new to Bible study, who want additional help on how to make Bible study work for them personally. Deb Wyzard and Janice Kinsinger will facilitate this study using a variety of resources, including the Bible, a devotional book (provided), Bible helps pages, and strategies from other sources. Please sign up at Sign-up Central or on Realm.

Devotions Complimentary Devotion booklets are available at the Connection Center

LIVING WAY BIBLE STUDY DANIEL

Tuesdays 10:00-11:00am Led by Pastor Jeff

Room P3

Page 8

I want to thank everyone for the cards, thoughts and prayers. I appreciate all the support given to my parents and me. We are blessed to have a wonderful Bethel family. I had my last chemo treatment September 6. Joy! I still have radiation to go through, but I don’t know when I will start them, or how many. Thanks again. Blessings to you all.

Linda Stansbury

Thank you to our wonderful church family and friends who came out to support our recent Blood Drive on Thursday, August 16. We were able to collect 37 life saving pints of blood. The American Red Cross is very grateful and extends their appreciation at this very critical time of blood shortage. Thank you to all who came out to donate of your time or your blood as both were greatly appreciated. We are slated to have another drive on Tuesday, December 18. Watch for sign-up directions.

Dave Lohnes

Bethel Blood Drive Coordinator

Dear Bethel Family ... We would to express our deep gratitude for all your prayers and support for our family during Dad’s illness and passing. The donations of food, memori-als, helping with the service, and the funeral meal meant so much to us. We also enjoyed the many memories of Dad that people shared with us-he surely knew no strangers! Thank you also to Pastor Jeff and Terry and Janice Johnson for your visits and words of comfort. Although we miss him terribly, we rest assured that through Jesus we will see both Dad and Mom again. Thank you all so much for your many kindnesses-God’s Bless-ings!

The Family of Ernie Ertmoed

Thank you for the many cards, visits, and prayers during the passing of my husband, Jerry. Also, for the care and concern during my back surgery. Pastor Jeff’s visits to my husband and I while we were hospitalized and to myself once I returned home were most appreciated. I am humbled by your kindness and would appreciate continued prayers as I am still experiencing complica-tions and pain related to the surgery.

Janet Coots

Dear Friends in Christ … A year has passed since I was diagnosed. My chemo treatments began and I wore stylish hats through the chilly months. But, this time was made easier because of your cards, love gifts, phone calls, and visits,. I honestly felt the strength flow through your prayers. Pastor Jeff’s visits were deeply appreciated by my family and me. A special thank you to Jane Seggebruch and Nancy Westerfield for their endless caring. “God is good!” I’m in remission and my hair has grown back curly. I have a new great-granddaughter and my only grand-son became engaged! I wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyous Christ-filled Christmas. In His Love!

Maxine Williamson

There shall be showers of blessings … is nothing compared to the showering of love, caring, out-reach, fellowship, and food – food – food that was given to Bethel’s guests on Friday, October 5! We had the privilege of opening our church and school doors to do MINISTRY for the CID / SID Teachers’ Convention that was hosted by our own staff and volunteers. Names are too numerous to be spoken, but your spirit can rejoice if you chose to be a very important part of this event! You may have brought snacks, beverages, baked goods, fruit or welcomed guests with a gift bag that was put together by volunteers that had items gathered by volunteers. You may have walked peo-ple in from the pouring rain or handed them a towel to dry off when they got inside. You may have directed folks to our sanctuary, classrooms, or bathrooms or offered them a seat to rest with a cup of coffee. It matters not what huge part you played in the success of this event, you had a part in putting Bethel hospitality on the map and in the hearts of God’s servants. Those warriors that are on the front lines of battle, teaching our children and youth about the love of our God and the prom-ises He makes to His children each day of every week. Those of us who rolled up our sleeves and got involved thank those of you who organized this event to allow us the privilege of serving our Lord in such a tangible way and as unified body of believers. What is our next assignment and when can we SERVE again??!!??

Page 9

November - Against the Flow

November 7th November 14th

November 21st - Thanksgiving Eve Wor-ship - No ATF

November 28th

All dates listed above meet from 7-8:30pm

unless otherwise noted. Be on the lookout

for possible changes to this schedule!

In Scripture, there are many instances in

the Old Testament where altars are built to

show thanksgiving to God. For us today,

we don’t build altars to show thanks to

God. Join us as we look at what it means to

be thankful.

KIC and Confirmation

Kid’s In Christ for 5th/6th graders meets

November 7th, 7-8:30pm in the school

commons!

Confirmation continues and meets on

Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm in Parish

Hall! Dates this month are listed below:

November 7th November 14th

November 21st - Thanksgiving Eve Wor-ship - No Class November 28th

High School Sunday

Morning Bible Cl ass

In October, we began a series on one of

the most studied, yet controversial

books of the Bible - Revelation? What’s

with the scary language? What are the 7

bowls, trumpets, the 4 riders, the beast,

and more? We’ll dig in and put some

worry to rest. It’s not too late to join us

as we continue to dig-in to this incredi-

ble book!

Acolytes

Reminder! Please be utilizing the Minis-

try Scheduler on the website for any

substitution requests! If you need help,

contact Jonathan Guse or Linda Lopez

at the church!

Page 10

Women’s Mini- Retreat Saturday, November 10, 2018 9:00am—NOON

Bethel Lutheran Church Freewill Offering

Invitation to all Bethel women! Sharla Fritz is a Christian author and speaker who weaves

honest and humorous stories into life-changing Bible study. Author of Bible studies include-

ing Soul Spa, Divine Design, Bless These Lips, and Divine Makeover, Waiting: A Bible

Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust, Sharla writes about God’s transforming grace. She is

passionate about helping women take their next step of faith. She will skillfully present and

weave together two of her popular speaking topics, “Christ-Connected Women: Elizabeth

and Mary”; “Easy Joy: Finding Joy in Nehemiah 8”. Please join us in the Parish Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friends and

relatives welcome! Sign up by Sunday, November 4 at Sign-Up Central. More info? Women2Women Committee: April

Gould, Amy Brennan, Anita Stidman, Tina Johnston, and Jeanette James.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: GRIEF SUPPORT SURROU NDING THANKSGIVING AND CHR ISTM AS Are you wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holi-days, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated? Our Surviving the Holi-days seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn: How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays

What to do about traditions and oth-er coming changes

Helpful tips for surviving social events

How to discover hope for your fu-ture

When: Thursday, November 1, 2018 f 6:30pm-8:30pm Where: Bethel Lutheran Church 325 E. Queenwood Road, Morton Room 111 Facilitated by: Brad Snoke Tara Wellenreiter Register by: Calling the church office 309-263-2417 or through REALM

It’s time for Thanksgiving boxes to go out to friends who ask for some help. Would your family or small group help Bethel’s food pantry by providing an item or two to be included in the boxes that contain fixings for a complete holiday meal? Please call Ellen Mooberry by November 2 at 309-251-7817 to find out what items we need. Our Thanksgiving distri-bution takes place Friday, November 16.

LWGP DINER BOOKS The Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria is offering the Peoria Dining Tour Coupon Book again this year. They are available in the church office during regular busi-ness hours until Friday, December 14. Coupons are valid until October 31, 2019. The cost is $30 with check made payable to LWGP. Ten dollars from each book will go equally to LWGP, the Lutheran Hillside Village, and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. There are over 200 valuable BUY-ONE — GET-ONE FREE COU-PONS VALID AT LOCAL AREA RESTAURANTS. These books make great birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gifts for family and friends.

Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 21 6:30 pm

Midweek Advent #1 Wednesday, December 5 6:30 pm

Page 11

2018—2019 THEME

… Jesus looked at them and said,

“With man this is impossible, but

with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

Thank you for your continued support. Please keep Bethel School and Preschool in your prayers as we undertake the great blessing of molding young hearts and minds with God’s love!

Bethel Flames Classic 6th Grade Basketball Tournament

November 14th-17th Come cheer on the Bethel Flames JV Girls and 6th Grade Boys teams at our home tourna-ment. This is the main fundraiser for all of our sports programs at Bethel Lutheran School. Enjoy great concessions, bake sale items, and fun halftime games throughout the weekend! For more information about the tournament and sponsorship opportunities, visit the school website at bethellutheranschool.org

Thank you for your support!

Go Flames!!

INSTRUCTIONS Put box tops in groups of 10 and place in a baggie . No more than 50 per baggie. Turn into the church or school offices.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good!” Psalm 118:1. We continue to be reminded of God’s goodness as we learn and grow together in preschool! This month, we will learn about how God cared for the Pilgrims and Indians hundreds of years ago and how He continues to care for us today! At the end of the month, we will have a Thanksgiving feast (of preschool snacks) to help us re-member to be thankful for all of the gifts God has given us. Thank YOU for your continued support of Bethel Lutheran Preschool!

Page 12

Over 11 Million Gospel Opportunities Once again, our Bethel Family has the opportunity to partici-pate in Operation Christmas Child which is sponsored by Samari-tan's Purse. We praise God for every person who will fill a shoebox this year. The toys, school supplies, and hygiene items that are in-cluded in the boxes bring Christmas joy to over 11 million boys and girls in 109 countries around the world. Each shoe box pro-vides opportunities for local churches to share the Good News of God's Greatest Gift- His Son, Jesus Christ. Each box will also contain a Bible story book called the Greatest Gift. This book contains Bible stories about creation, sin, and the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. After receiving their shoeboxes, the chil-dren are invited to participate in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program that teaches them how to faithfully follow Christ and share Him with family and friends. Boxes to fill will then be available at a display in the foy-er. Also, look for the information sheets that give suggestions about items you might want to pack. All boxes need to be re-turned to the display table by Sunday, November 11. Please re-member to include a $9.00 check in each box to cover ship-ping costs. There's POWER in a simple gift!

"Go, therefore, and make disciples." Matthew 28:19

Sharon Rumbold sandkrumbold@gmail.com Bethel’s Program Coordinator for this ministry

Because Bethel will be an Operation Christmas Child drop-off location for Morton this year, several volunteers will be needed for the week of

November 13-20. Job opportunities include moving boxes from cars to our storage room, doing the required bookkeeping for boxes received, putting boxes into shipping boxes, and placing shipping boxes into a cov-ered trailer to be transported to Washington, Illinois. If you're in-terested and willing to help, please contact Sharon Rumbold at 309-222-4085. Thanks so much!

Volunteer times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday and Thursday 4:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm Monday, November 20th 9:00am-Noon

For several years, Bethel congregation has partnered with Lutheran Social Services of Illi-nois – Peoria office – in a program called

HOLIDAY HOPE CHEST. This agency services both children and adults.

The HOLIDAY HOPE CHEST provides 2 gifts per child/adult at Christmastime. One clothing item and one toy or miscellaneous gift with a $30 limit for both. Bethel will again be reserving 40 names of both children and adults to provide gifts to this year. This is a special Christmas mission project op-portunity for families, singles, or small groups to show God’s love and our caring. Most of these families will have a very difficult time providing the individual with a blessed Christ-mas. We will be receiving the 40 names the begin-ning of November. If you are interested in par-ticipating in purchasing gifts for a child or adult – please contact either Pam Lawson (309) 369-1966 or Sandie Bruns – (309) 263-0865 to sign up. There will be a sign-up sheet posted in November at Sign-Up Central in the church foyer.

ALL CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY SAVE A DAY … NOVEMBER 12 through 17 or NOVEMBER 26 through 30 Watch for reservation details. Bethel on-staff representative: Linda Lopez Mission & Ministry Coordinator

Guys college-age and up basketball at Bethel School on Queenwood in Morton

Sunday nights from 7:00-9:00pm through April

Any questions? Contact Michael Remmele

@ 447-6273

Page 13

With so many people requesting their Bethel Star and monthly calendar online, we will not be sending them through bulk mailing beginning with the January 2019 edi-tion. The following options to receive the monthly Bethel Star will be: 1. View on Bethel’s website: blcmorton.org (click on Media) 2. Limited paper copies will continue to be available at the Connection Center. 3. Special delivery by volunteers (option for Senior Citizens and Shut-Ins) requested through the church office.

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA PLANNING UNDERWAY

The weekend is December 15/16. Our theme is "The Carols of Christmas." If you are interested in sharing your talents by singing in a praise team, playing your instrument to add sparkle to our congregational carol singing, acting in a living nativity, or by singing solos or in small groups, please contact Lynette Hoyum at lhoyum@gmail.com. We can make a beautiful service

celebrating the birth of Christ, but we need you!

WANTED: FAMILY NATIVITY SETS If you would like display your nativity set(s) at our A Night in Bethlehem Nativity Walk on Friday, December 7, please contact Amy Brennan at 309-370-7434 or Cindy Powell at 309-266-5415. Let them know how much space you will need. You are asked to set up your own display at your convenience on Thursday, De-cember 6 from 8:00am to 8:00pm in the Parish Hall which will be kept locked. You will also need to remove your Nativity sets either Friday evening after 8:30pm or by noon on Saturday morning. Call Amy or Cindy with any questions.

COOKIES NEEDED FOR THE NATIVITY WALK … If all you cookie bakers would like to donate homemade Christmas cook-ies for the Nativity Walk on Friday, December 7, please call our Cookie Queens, Sharon Rumbold 309-222-4085 or Cindy Powell 309-266-5415. There is also a sign-up sheet in the church foyer. Please indicate how many dozen you will donate. We are asking for 25-30 dozen for this event that will be for our Bethel Family and all from the community who visit our church. Thank you in advance for your generous and delicious donation! Please have cookies in the church kitchen by 9:00am on Fri-day, December 7.

Page 14

Bethel Lutheran Ministries

325 E. Queenwood Road

Morton, IL 61550

(Return Service Requested)

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Morton, IL

Permit #50

You are cordially invited to

A Night in Bethlehem Nativity Walk

Bethel Lutheran Church 325 E. Queenwood Road Morton, Illinois, 61550

Friday, December 7, 2018

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

* View over 350 Nativity sets on display (no steps) * Live Nativity outdoors by the school entrance * Musical presentation in the church Sing Christmas carols, enjoy hand bell music and more beginning at 7:30 p.m. * Refreshments of holiday cookies and punch * Christmas ornament for each family to take home

Friday, December 7, 2018

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

* Special viewing time for Senior Citizen guests * View over 350 Nativity sets on display (no steps) * Music by the Bethel Lutheran School Children’s Choir * Refreshments of Christmas cookies/punch