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TRANSCRIPT
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October 2012
Issue 359
Reading the Bible; Breaking the Law
April 2013
Issue 365
March 2014
Issue 375
The Swedish Lutheran Church had weak vital
signs in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centu-
ries. New life in Christ was not expected of
parishoners or clergy. “Before the great revivals
started in our fatherland, the spiritual condition
in the State Church was more one of death than
of life.”¹ Preaching was not designed for the
enlightenment of the people. Swedish clergymen
were civil servants with a reputation for impiety
and excessive drinking. Religious discipline was
brutal and indiscriminate. There was not much
life to be found in the State Church of Sweden.
Karl Olson writes, “The Church was hyperortho-
dox and intolerant, objective and formal; it left
little room for personal piety or spontaneous
worship.”²
Sweden was poor and demoralized after a failed
invasion of Russia. Swedish soldiers brought the
consolations of small group Bible studies home
from Siberian prisoner of war camps. In prison
they learned to sing heartfelt hymns, to pray
devotionally to God, and to study the scriptures
together without the interference of clergy. The
State Church responded to earnest faith of the
returning soldiers by crafting the Edict against
Conventicles in 1726. Small group Bible studies
were made illegal in the State of Sweden. The
religious authorities feared fanaticism and indis-
criminate gatherings. The tyrannical Edict
against Conventicles proved ineffective at com-
pletely stopping prayer gatherings, hymn sings,
and devotional Bible reading.
The old society was giving way to a new Swe-
den defined by “liberal social ideas and religious
revival movements.”3 Young men went door to
door with religious tracts and Bibles. Inevitably,
these lay Bible salesmen, these “forge tenders,
plow boys, cobblers, sailors”4 and others would
give testimony to the new life that they had
found in Christ. No law could stop the revival
coming to Sweden. “A spiritual awakening be-
gan to be recognized among the people. A great
multitude came to faith in Christ and found life
in the faith of God's Son.”5
The Covenant Church originated as a cluster of
small group Bible studies. Today, gone is the
fear of official persecution. In its place are the
tyranny of busyness and the oppression of self-
sufficiency. Much has changed since the Cove-
nant first organized in Sweden but one thing re-
mains the same: we can all benefit from gather-
ing in small groups for Bible study. New life
happens when we read God’s Word together.
Consider joining a small group Bible study this
Lent. It is only a six-week commitment. If you
really love it, you have the freedom to keep on
studying the Bible together! There are ample op-
portunities to get involved in the evening or day-
time most days of the week. We will follow a
common curriculum that will get the whole con-
gregation studying the same stories from the
Gospel of John. On Easter we celebrate the mira-
cle of new life in Christ. Let’s prepare for the
biggest day on the church calendar by learning
what it means to experience life in abundance.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
¹Glenn Anderson quoting CV Bowman, Covenant Roots, 84
²Karl Olson, By One Spirit, 20-21 3Scott Erickson, David Nyvall and the Shape of the Immigrant Church, 39 4Karl Olson, By One Spirit, 55 5Glenn Anderson quoting CV Bowman, Covenant Roots, 84
2
Sunday Nursery Volunteer Schedule Our nursery staff will be present at each
service with the volunteer.
Contemporary Worship (8:30)
March 2 Becky Anderson
March 9 Mary Jones-Morris
March 16 Katie Elden
March 23 Annie Booker
March 30 Mary Ann Smith
Sunday School (9:45)
March 2 Amy Eikenbary-Barber
March 9 Jan Norman
March 16 Lori Frasch
March 23 Kelly Laudon
March 30 Linda Spohr
Classic Worship (10:45)
March 2 Ruth Johnson
March 9 Rachel Ridenour
March 16 Larson Family
March 23 Amy Sokolski
March 30 Grace & Anna Bergstrom
* Arrival time is prior to the scheduled starting time
of classes or worship (as shown above).
Sunday Treats 9:30am 12 Noon
March 2 Mary Jones-Morris Deb Shold
March 9 Nicole Kennedy Cheryl Hunstock
March 16 Nancy Lindquist Mary Ann Smith
March 23 Katie and Jeff Elden Lynette Clausen
March 30 Juliann Swanson Kaarina Kotkavuori
If changes become necessary, please don’t forget to let the church office know. Thank you.
Add Your Name To The List!
Jenny Hokanson is looking for willing
hands to help feed a hoard of hungry folks.
Our church serves Loaves and Fishes on
Monday, March 31st. This event is offsite
but rides can be arranged. Please go to the
sign-up table after worship on Sunday and
get full details. We especially need helpers
for the clean-up hour if your work schedule
only allows for a later arrival. This is the
most immediately rewarding task that our
church does—three or four times a year.
Our Most-Requested Information: two amendments for your address book
Guido and Greg Kauls
4186 Running Brook Road
Eagan, MN 55112
(cell number unchanged)
Cliff and Nancy Dahlin
Water’s Edge Apt. 205
11040 North State Road 77
Hayward, WI 54843
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More Out and About (To Covenant Village)
Tuesday, March 11th at 3pm— a Minnesota History Center Presentation
Women have been serving in military conflicts since the American Revolution, but World War II was
the first time that women served in the United States military in an official capacity. Learn about the
life of Virginia Mae Hope (1921-1944), World War II Woman Air Force Service Pilot (WASP).
Thursday, March 20, 1pm
Presented by Dr. Len Lecci, Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Director of Clinical Services for Memory-Health Network (MARS).
Dr. Lecci received his PhD. From Arizona State University and interned at Harvard Medical School.
He specializes in the assessment of memory and other clinical disorders and, over the last seven years,
has been involved in a project to maximize the early detection of memory problems. Come and listen
to his recommendations on how to keep your brain healthy and to improve your memory. For this
class only, if there is sufficient participation Covenant Village will send their bus and provide transpor-
tation for our attendees. Must RSVP by Monday, March 17th at the latest!!
Please RSVP for both events. A sheet is on the kiosk. Thank you!
Faith, Fun, and Fellowship on March 17th at 1pm
Are you climbing your castle walls
and eagerly awaiting a breath of spring?
Time to get out and about again; join our group on
St. Patrick’s Day!
Yes, we will be praying. No we are not serving Guinness. Instead, we will feast on cof-
fee and greenies and be entertained by a short video which shows portions of our 1998
construction project wherein Faith, Fun and Fellowship members earned their Oscars!
This is also a quilter’s call-out event. If you have quilts in your collection that you
would like to exhibit, please contact Ann Swanson as soon as possible. We will need
them to be brought to the church office by Friday, March 14th (by 4pm) so that the in-
stallation can be done in advance of our gathering. Please put a nametag on the back of
the quilt and a note with any other info i.e. quilter, date, history, etc.
Wear GREEN and bring a leprechaun if you own one that has been house-trained.
Laughter and good company promised!
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March Birthdays
1 Beverly Hinseth
2 Stephanie Blado
Carrie Hokanson
Carol-June Leonard
Keller Piatt
3 Barbara Boca Swanson
4 Kris Sheppard
Johan Nordenstam
5 Esther Nosco
Claire Howland
Karen Lilla
Anna Peterson
6 Karl Frykman
7 Alice Knudsen
8 Cliff Dahlin
9 Derek Woolley
10 Ryan Eikenbary-Barber
Jon Jensen
Mark Lundheim
James Reeher
11 Jeff Hutchinson
Bill Solie
Matthias Frasch
12 Maya Simon
13 Grace Lilla
14 Paul Erickson
Garrett Buttenhoff
15 Jacob Boucher
Chris Peterson
18 Peter J. Koontz
(San Francisco, CA)
20 Anthony Laudon
21 Greg Alm
24 Sue Johnson
Paul Williams
Joanne Hall
25 Gunnar Legler
Karina Spohr
26 Griffin Clausen
Gabriella Brinkmann
28 Carola Bratt
Laura Nygren
30 Kaarina Kotkavuori
Aubrey Laudon
Adult Sunday School in March
BELIEVE! A Fresh Look at John’s Gospel
Adult Sunday School studies the Gospel of John throughout
March! Jump in anytime! We’ll look at the next six of Jesus’
seven miraculous signs.
Sunday mornings, 9:50 a.m., in the Community Room.
Joyce Denham, speaker
The American Swedish Institute Fiddles Around
Sunday, March 2 at 3pm (Bethlehem Covenant Church)
Wildly popular with reserved
Scandinavians and hugely appreci-
ated by all those with a musical
interest—the Spelmanslag (read
Fiddlers) will return to perform
their eclectic blend of Swedish
folk music for our listening pleas-
ure. Ross Sutter will be joining us
for the concert as well. Check out
his bio with a “Google” search.
Coffee and refreshments will fol-
low in Fellowship Hall.
Grief Support Group
A Grief Support Group will be held at Colonial Acres in
Golden Valley for anyone who has lost a loved one or would
like to share with others in the grief process. The group will
be facilitated by Chaplain Jim Anderson. Meetings will be
on consecutive Wednesdays, March 26, April 2 and 9, from
1:30 to 3:00pm in the Conference Room at Colonial Acres.
Please call Jim Anderson (763-732-1490) if you plan to at-
tend.
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It’s been said that for some people, there are really
only two seasons: Baseball and the rest of the
year. I might be one of those people. Usually late
in January baseball geeks start a countdown to the
day pitchers and catchers report to spring training.
It’s kind of funny that we've made a big deal of
anticipating an arbitrary day on the calendar when
a small portion of your favorite team shows up in
Arizona or Florida to throw the ball around for a
few hours. But for the fanatic, this is exciting
stuff.
I was explaining Spring Training to my daughter
the other day, how it’s a time for baseball players
to hone their skills in preparation for the official
baseball season. She asked, “what do baseball
players do the rest of the year?” Her question
made me think about why spring training is spe-
cial. Any professional athlete must spend 12
months a year conditioning and staying in shape.
To be competitive at the highest level one must
persistently be practicing. But there is a need for a
season where the skills of the player are refined
and sharpened in a special way.
For the Christian, could Lent be a little bit like
Spring Training? We are called to daily disciplines
throughout our life of prayer, service, devotion,
and worship; but sometimes don't we need a little
extra “practice” in our discipline? Many Christians
throughout history have marked the season of Lent
(the 40 days preceding Easter) as a time for fasting
or other spiritual disciplines. They take this time
to put a little extra focus on their spiritual life in
preparation for Easter, not because spiritual disci-
plines are unimportant the rest of the year, but
because sometimes human beings just need some
designated time for ordering our lives.
You know, Spring Training isn't just meant for
players to put in extra work on their skills. It’s a
time for coaches and managers to evaluate what
kind of players they have on their team and make
tough decisions about who makes the big leagues
and who goes back to the farm. In the same way,
Lent is a time for us to do a moral inventory of
ourselves. What in our life needs to be “sent to the
farm”? What is lacking and what do we need more
of to love God and love our neighbor better than
we have?
Traditionally, we mark the beginning of Lent here
at Bethlehem Covenant Church with a worship
service on Ash Wednesday. This year Ash
Wednesday falls on March 5th. We will gather in
the sanctuary for song, scripture, communion, and
the imposition of ashes to remind ourselves of
who we are: that we are finite creatures, beloved
by God, far from perfect, and in constant need of
his help and mercy. The imposition of ashes on the
forehead in the shape of the cross is a visible re-
minder of these things. It marks the beginning of
our journey to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, a
journey of death and resurrection. A time of prepa-
ration and spiritual conditioning. I hope this Sea-
son of worship and reflection is a blessed one for
each of us, strengthening us to grow in grace and
truth.
Thoughts from Pastor Matt Kennedy
Why can’t I get my emails to go through to
Kay Pederson? It’s because there is an error in capitalization on Page 50 of the
church directory. It should read:
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Preparing for Worship
Here are the Scriptures that we plan to study
during Worship in March.
March 2 John 9:1-41
March 5 Ash Wednesday Worship
The Lenten Season Begins
Ps. 23; John 10:1-18
March 9 John 11: 1-44
March 16 Ps. 51:7-12; John 13:1-17
March 23 Ps. 17:1-7; John 18:12-27
March 30 Ps. 145:10-13
John 18:28-40
STAR Articles for April Please submit to the office by
Monday, March 17
Articles for the Longfellow Messenger
are due the same day.
SING a New Song
The North Park University
School of Music
presents
The 2014 University Choir Tour
Directed by Julia Davids
Bethlehem hosts the choir on
Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm
If you are unable to attend, there are additional
performances in the Twin Cities on March 8th,
9th, 10th and 12th.
Check the kiosk and bulletin boards in the
atrium for additional times and places
Quilt & Craft Retreat Thursday, March 13 to Sunday March 16
$155 for 3 nights and 9 meals or
$110 for 2 nights and 5 meals.
Friday meals are available a la carte:
$7 for lunch; $8 for dinner.
Enjoy deluxe housing at Covenant Pines.
The retreat will not have an instructor so bring
projects for independent work.
Painters, knitters, scrapbookers, quilters and
“Pinners” (who bring Pinterest creations to life)
Register online: covenantpines.org
(Watch the “Retreats” video!)
A Golden Opportunity to Overspend
aka “Silent Auction”
David asks that we show up in force and bring
our piggybanks along. We are sending our
wonderful, wiley and witty teens to Wind
River, Wyoming from July 25th to August
2nd.
Auction Date: Sunday March 30th
Fellowship Hall
Closing bids due by 12:30pm
Volunteer your items cheerfully to Dave well in
advance of the sale date:
Bake, rake, clean, babysit, even abdicate your
lake cabin for a weekend—all for a good cause.
8
THIS is the largest grassroots fund and food drive in the state to benefit those who are hungry. The
Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign goal is a constant: to raise enough money and food to provide
more than half the food distributed annually by 300 food shelves statewide.
For 32 years, the March Campaign goal has been ambitious. This year is no different. our theme is “Be
the Hero. Fight Hunger.” Last year the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign raised more than $8.3
million and almost 4 million pounds of food. That is the equivalent of a year’s worth of meals for more
than 7,700 families of four.
Donate Healthy Food
When you donate to a food shelf, think about the quality of the food you are donating. Many people
who receive food from emergency food programs rely on this food for regular meals, so nutrition is
important. Many clients are at risk for health problems, especially the elderly, and good nutrition can
help them cope with the physical and mental stress they face in their lives.
Avoid the temptation to donate that old can of food that nobody in your house will ever eat. Chances
are, if no one in your house wants it, no one at the food shelf would like it either. Never donate dented
or bent cans of food, food in damaged packages, or out-of-date food. The food shelf will just have to
dispose of these items. Here are some ideas for donating high quality, nutritious food:
Grains
Cereals, Couscous, Pasta (all kinds), Rice pilaf mix, While wheat crackers, Rice (brown or white), and
Flour (whole wheat and white.
Fruits and Vegetables
Canned tomato juice and sauce, Spaghetti sauce, Canned vegetables, Canned tomatoes (whole, puree,
paste), Applesauce, Dried fruit (raisins, prunes, apricots), 100% fruit juice (cans, bottles, juice boxes),
Canned fruit in juice
No Refrigeration Required
Cartons of aseptic packaged milk, Grated cheese, Soy milk, Canned milk, Dry milk
Meats and Proteins Bean, lentil, minestrone or split pea soup, Canned beans (kidney, garbanzo, pinto, etc.), Canned tuna,
chicken, ham or salmon, Dry beans (kidney, garbanzo, pinto), Dry roasted nuts, Canned baked beans,
Peanut butter, Hearty beef or chicken soup.
Other
Baby food (carefully check expiration), Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, salsa) Dried herbs
(oregano, basil, garlic and chili powder), Coffee, Tea, Salad dressing, Vegetable oil.
MARCH is Minnesota FoodShare Month
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Thank you...to this wonderful community
called Bethlehem Covenant Church for the en-
couragement given during my encounter with
cancer. The meals, cards and notes, prayers,
words of concern have all meant more than I
can fully express. Now we are grateful for
what seems to be an answer to prayer—the tu-
mor is shrinking. Praise God!!!
With love, Marilyn Erickson
Dear Pastor Ryan and our friends at
Bethlehem...you all sure know how to bless your
missionaries! Not only are you caring for my sup-
port and ministry needs, but your surprise Christ-
mas gift was another amazing encouragement to us;
a bazillion thanks (as in, that’s a lot of thanks!).
We hope to get home to Minnesota in May to help
celebrate Paul’s 80th birthday. Your gift will be
joyfully used towards some of those expenses.
May you experience God’s richest blessings as you
reamin faithful in service in the New Year, 2014.
With thanks for your love and generous care,
Barb and Steve Swanson
(Blog) [email protected]
(Email) [email protected]
I want to thank all of the wonderful Bethlehem
people who baked the bars and served the luncheon
for my whole family and me. One of the things
Ann loved to do the most is to eat and she would
have enjoyed this meal. Thank you all.
My second family—the people from Bethlehem—
are the kindest and most considerate people I know.
I love you all and I thank you for everything you
have done for us over the years.
Guido Kauls
As I mentioned in church during prayers a
couple of weeks ago, there is not only a Balm
in Gilead but also in Bethlehem because so
many members in this congregation visited,
sent so many cards and offered so many
prayers and I need to thank you for being the
healing salve that has helped make me whole
again. And now I am trusting in the good
Lord to do the things in me that I cannot do
myself. Blessings on all of you as I continue
to recover.
Clyde Lund
I thank God for the gift of a new granddaugh-
ter, Neela Karen Renter, born February 1st to
my daughter Kaia and son-in-law, Nick in
San Diego.
Lily and Juliette are excited to be first-time
aunties!
Shanan Tolzin
Planning for Lent
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for a lighter meal (soup) prior to
Worship in the sanctuary at 7pm. This service will include the imposition of ashes (from the burned
palms of Palm Sunday, 2013) — a solemn and reverent opportunity to prepare for Lenten disciplines.
We are in the process of creating weekly small groups which will study the same texts and meet at
church or in private homes. Sign up for these groups immediately (contact the church office) and join
in with others to learn and discuss our joint Lenten journey as we move toward Holy Week in April.
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Introducing Bethlehem’s Newest Church-Supported Missionaries:
Jared and Hannah Baker
Jared and Hannah Baker were commissioned to serve as short-term missionaries for the Evangelical Covenant
Church in 2008 and served for 3 years alongside Steve and Barb Swanson in Europe. They were able to use their
short term experience to discern whether God was calling them into full time missions and fell in love with cross
cultural ministry and enjoyed interacting with people from many different countries, learning another language,
and adapting to life in a new country. Jared discovered that his gifts are in pastoral ministry as well as in leader-
ship and administration, while Hannah has found that outreach to Muslims is where her gifts and passion lie.
Through prayer and conversations with World Mission Leadership, the Bakers have discerned that God is calling
them back to Europe for full time service, this time alongside John and Letha Kerl. (Barb Swanson and the Kerls
are also supported by Bethlehem.) Currently the Bakers are on home assignment, spending time in the States
gathering prayer and financial support before they leave in March 2014 with 95% of their financial support
raised.
Growing up, Jared and Hannah were active in youth groups and summer camp. Through these experiences, they
grew in their faith and eventually worked as camp staff for several summers. Jared, a native of Minnesota and
the Excelsior Covenant Church, was raised in a home with many opportunities for travel, and has always found
himself particularly drawn to Europe. In seeking God’s direction for future ministry throughout his years in
seminary, Jared experienced a growing interest in God’s global mission. His excitement for cross-cultural minis-
try was further confirmed in May 2008 when he helped lead a trip to work with orphaned children in Bolivia.
Hannah has felt the call to serve on the mission field since a very young age. Coming from Arizona, she partici-
pated in several trips to Mexico with her church to aid in orphan ministry. During her time at Covenant Bible
College, she felt confirmed in her passion for mission work. While attending North Park University, Hannah
worked with Muslim refugees in the North Park area and viewed the short term opportunity she had in Europe
with Barb Swanson as confirmation of her calling.
Jared received his BS from Iowa State University (2005, Sociology, Ames, IA) and his MA in Christian Forma-
tion and an MA in Business Administration from North Park Theological Seminary (2008, Chicago, IL). He was
ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2011. Hannah attended Covenant Bible College (2001, Quito,
Ecuador) and received her BA from North Park University (2006, History, Chicago, IL). She is now completing
her MA in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA).
Jared and Hannah are members of Grace Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago, IL.
Birthdays: Jared April 21
Hannah December 20
Anniversary: May 27, 2006
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Pay-Up by March 16th
The $150 registration cost for the Wind River,
Wyoming summer missions trip is due on this
date. If you procrastinate the cost will increase
significantly. Please speak to David Johnson
immediately if you have any interest in attend-
ing and are a High School student.
A Thread about Yarn
We will be hosting another gathering of the
Bhutanese/Nepali women on Wednesday,
March 12, 10 to 11:30am in the Community
Room.
Needed: COTTON yarn!
If you have any to donate, please bring it to
the office marked “knitting” and we will use
it up. The plan is to make dish cloths
Also needed: KNITTING INSTRUCTORS!
If you have this time frame available and are
willing to demonstrate how to knit, please
give Sylvia Bacon a call. As of this writing,
we have no one to teach.
If you can join us and wish to bring along
something to offer as a snack, please bring
fruit. We have discovered that this commu-
nity does not like “sweets”. It is not neces-
sary to knit — just be willing to speak Eng-
lish with our guests.
Our February Valentine gathering was at-
tended by seven women and one elderly man.
One of the younger women spoke fluent Eng-
lish. Two Crosstown Covenant women also
attended.
Linda Leonard reports that stitchery is a very
popular craft with this group and that they
have done lovely work (which hopefully they
will bring along for us to see).
The Covenant
Addresses a HUGE Need
Be there in earnest for a person who needs a lis-
tening ear, discernment and prayer in a confi-
dential setting of encouragement and compas-
sion.
You can be trained to do this.
You can own these skills and serve our
congregation and the broader community.
Here is a program designed to benefit people
who want to develop a ministry of Spiritual Di-
rection, to enhance their listening skills or to en-
rich their own spiritual life. It is a 2-year cohort-
based program that can be completed mostly
from a distance, with the exception of coming to
campus in Chicago for one week each summer.
To learn more about this program and view the
course syllabi you can visit our website at
www.northpark.edu/spiritual-direction
A new cohort starts every summer and the due
date is always March 31st.
If you are not able to access the internet, please
contact Amy Oxendale, Seminary Recruiting
Associate at (773) 244-6229.
Juli Swanson is currently enrolled in this pro-
gram and may be able to answer your questions
or give you her personal observations.
12
Money is waiting to be saved: Early Bird Camp Registrations are due by April 1st
www.covenantpines.org
is the place to check dates for
Encounter The Living Water
Camp Night at Bethlehem Wednesday, March 19th ~ 5:45pm
Fellowship Hall
We want every child to attend camp.
Please speak to Pastor Derek about financial assistance if that is a concern.
Ushers for 8:30 Contemporary Service Readers for 8:30 Contemporary Service
March 2 Greg Alm Nicole Kennedy
March 9 Greg Alm Mary Ann Smith
March 16 Diane & Jeff Hutchinson Please volunteer online or call office
March 23 Diane & Jeff Hutchinson Please volunteer online or call office
March 30 Diane & Jeff Hutchinson Please volunteer online or call office
Ushers for 11:00 Traditional Service Readers for 11:00 Traditional Service
(Month of March) March 2 Carrie Hokanson
Lynette Clausen March 9 Evie Swanson
Ruth Dahlgren March 16 Deb Shold
Chris Simon March 23 Sally Sundberg
Maya Simon March 30 Cindy Bergstrom
Greeter during March at 8:30am Contemporary Service A volunteer is needed!
Greeter during March at 11:00 am Traditional Service Lowery Smith
Thinking of Volunteering? www.bethlehemcov.org
Please use the spread sheet online to volunteer. Choose “Glimpse” and scroll down to
“Volunteering”. The dates are in the left column. We’d like to see some new names appear. Train-
ing is available.
If you have a distaste/distrust of computer science we are going to make this easier for you. Please
check the new listing/sign-up sheet posted on the atrium kiosk!!!!! You can also call the church of-
fice at 612-721-5768 for assistance.
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Contact Information
Telephone 612-721-2290
Website www.bethlehemkids.org
Email [email protected]
This winter’s below zero temperatures have obviously tested everyone’s patience and called for an un-
usual amount of creativity in keeping the children engaged in indoor play. The snow which fell this
past weekend has been a blessing, to most of us, as it came amongst sunshine and little wind! The
laughter is once again spreading throughout the playground as the children are sledding down the hill
with their friends, shoveling new pathways across the playground, imagining adventures that can only
happen in the fresh snow, and competing to locate the deepest amount of snow on the playground.
Fall 2014 registration opened earlier this week for new families. We were blessed to have 20 people
waiting in line to hand Ms. Sue their enrollment packets when she opened the door at 7 a.m.! Through-
out the morning another 7 families dropped off their packets and a couple other inquired about open-
ings. Over the next couple of weeks the office staff will be busy filling in the enrollment spreadsheet
with the names of children eager, or at least families who are eager, to have their children begin their
preschool experience with us in the fall.
BCCC will be hosting our annual family potluck on Thursday, March 20. The school-age children and
staff are preparing to entertain us with a talent show. We plan to have a silent auction, funds going to
purchase items for World Vision, this year as well. If anyone from the church has items to donate or
connections within our community for donations we welcome your help in adding to our silent auction.
In the past few years children have been able to use the money for purchasing things like cows, goats,
ducks, sheep, pigs, chickens soccer balls, bicycles, fruit trees (and bees to go with them), as well as a
portion of a well, new clothing and shoes, and fishing kits. Last year the families at BCCC raised
$2,576!
Blessings,
Jill Ravensborg and the BCCC Staff
Do you know how to get to 1604 E. Lake Street? Can you clear the second Wednesday morning
of the month on your calendar? Can you lift a 30 pound box? Do you have a heart for the hun-
gry among us?
The Salvation Army needs a Produce Give-Away Assistant. Bring boxes of produce into the building,
sort the produce, help clients find/choose produce and help to clean up after the give-away event.
The contact number is 612-276-1530. Be aware that this is our LOCAL Food Shelf.
14
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES
MN
PERMIT NO. 386
Bethlehem Covenant Church
3141 43rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Rev. Ryan Eikenbary-Barber
David Johnson, Dir. of Youth Ministry
Derek VanderMolen, Dir. of Children’s Ministry
Rev. Matthew Kennedy, Pastor of Worship
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Adult Choir Director
Contact the church at:
Telephone: 612-721-5768
Web Address: www.bethlehemcov.org
Email: [email protected]
Dated Material: Return Service Requested
SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Classic Worship MONDAY 7:00 p.m. Community activities evening TUESDAY 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Bridgeman’s—2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 9:00 a.m. Properties Work Day at church 6:30 p.m. Gathering for Prayer—Church Community Invited WEDNESDAY 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 12:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 3:30 p.m. Hosanna Choir, Pre-K 4:00 p.m. Hosanna Choir, K-1st grade 4:45 p.m. Alleluia Choir, Grade 2 and up 5:45 p.m. Wonderful Wednesday Meal 6:15 p.m. Kids Club (except March 5) 6:30 p.m. Confirmation (except March 5) 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Sr. High Six12 (except March 5) THURSDAY 9:45 a.m. Bible Encounter FRIDAY 6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Walk and coffee at Mall of America