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The Star February 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church A community gathered so God’s message is scattered. Wahoo, Nebraska Ph#402-443-3160 Pastor Bob Hayden-[email protected]—402-672-1345 Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

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Page 1: The Star February 2016 - bethlehemlutheranwahoo.orgbethlehemlutheranwahoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/February-… · The Star February 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church A community

The Star February 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church

A community gathered so God’s message is scattered.

Wahoo, Nebraska

Ph#402-443-3160

Pastor Bob [email protected]—402-672-1345

Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

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“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”—Robert Frost

Ahh, February… The time of the year when many of us focus

on filing income tax returns, dread opening utility bills, look at the dirt

or salt from the roads caked on our vehicles and wonder what color is

really under there, or perhaps, the romantics among us, actually do

think about Valentine’s Day and our relationships with those we hold dear.

Retailers have been in the ‘Valentine’ spirit since December 26th. I actually

witnessed the stocking of shelves of Valentine candies and accessories literally on the day

after Christmas at an Omaha store. February is also about wrestling and basketball

tournaments as well as competitions in the various performing arts that so many of our

young people are involved. February is also about wondering ‘just how much more winter

weather is before us.’ Even though similar, the sound of a lawn mower is much more

pleasant than the sound of a snow blower.

This year, February is about the beginning of Lent. Yes, this year, Lent comes quite

early as we begin our Lent adventure on Ash Wednesday, February 10th. More about Lent

services and plans in another article. But, Lent is and has been on my mind for quite some

time now and as I have been doing since September, I have asked a lot of questions about

traditions, service types and the such concerning the Lenten season.

One of the first things I would like to say is that many categorize Lent as a ‘journey’.

This ‘journey’ idea to me at least, feels burdensome and depressing like it is something to

dread or something we are forced to endure like a tiresome ‘journey’ to something or

somewhere we don’t really want to go. If that is your mind-set I would like you to consider

Lent as more of an adventure than a journey. Adventure just feels quite different than

journey. Let me explain.

The period of Lent is the time Christ designed and set not only his eyes on the Cross

at Calvary, but also brought his disciples’ eyes, ears and hearts as well. The walk to the

Cross was Jesus’ plan. It certainly wasn’t Pilate’s or Herod’s or the corrupt Temple

officials. It was Christ demonstrating his love for us in an adventure of not only a lifetime

but in the adventure of eternity and God’s ultimate plan, hopes, and well-being for us. If

there is anything to mourn during this time is that it took Christ’s physical death and our

collective witnessing of it in order for us to just begin the love and grace God has for us.

Christ so loves us that he was willing to face the humiliation, deceit, heartbreak and

physical torture on our behalf, so that we may be saved through Him. It is the greatest

paradox of all time! Metaphorically, walking step-by-step with Jesus on this adventure,

immersed in Scripture and worship, immersed in the details of this adventure, we can all

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become even closer to our God and that closeness produces adventures unimaginable!

So, instead of ‘giving up’ something Lent, how about ‘doing something more’. More

like attending Scripture studies or helping neighbors or visiting care centers or any number

of other things. May this Lent be an adventure of a new lifetime!

Blessings, Pastor Bob

Bethlehem’s Lenten Adventure

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10th with a Pancake Supper served at

6:00 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00. This pattern will continue through Lent Wednesdays

into March and up to Holy Week. We are hoping that many more of you will take

advantage of dinner being prepared and the fellowship with others before worship. Lent

can be a wonderful time of getting re-acquainted and acquainted minus the hassle of

preparing a dinner yourselves before coming to church. Middle School Ministry will

continue to meet, however on a tighter and shorter schedule.

Our Mid-Week Adventure is titled: “Living Lent As People of the Resurrection”. Join

us for Living Lent which focuses on a series of words throughout the five plus weeks. In

upcoming weeks we will focus on: PONDER; PURPOSE; PEOPLE; PROCLAIM; PRAISE; and

PAIN. Each week we will focus on one of these words and not only contemplate these

words as they pertain to Christ’s adventure to the Cross, but also for ourselves. This series

will be highly personable and relational. It will be enhanced by children’s sermons, familiar

music, some music with a little ‘hop’ to it as well. Services will be approximately 30

minutes in length and are designed to refresh you and offer hopefully different insights and

aspects. Please plan on bringing the whole family to dine together, fellowship together, and

worship together. It will be an adventure and isn’t it fun to have adventures together!!

Lenten Suppers The Bethlehem Lutheran Youth will once again be

serving Supper before all Lenten Services. The Meal

will start each Wednesday during Lent at 6PM. Ash

Wednesday will start Lent on February 10th. The

Lenten Supper that night will be Pancakes &

Sausage. All of the meals will be freewill donation

and all proceeds will go to support the High School

Youth! Hope to see you all there!!!

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Bethlehem Women:

Bethlehem Women met for their January 2016

meeting on the 21st at 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Nine women were in attendance for the business

meeting and the Bible Study.

President Arlene Johnson opened the business

meeting with the daily devotion from Christ in Our Home entitled “Strength through

Learning.”

The Secretary and Treasurer reports were given and approved. Helen Hansen had sent

several cards for Sunshine and Mary McKay reported on items we already have and items

needed for Health and School kits. We will collect toothbrushes for the February meeting.

Under old business we finished filling out the 2016 yearbook and announced that Arlene

Johnson and Mary McKay will attend Winter Retreat on Saturday at St. Paul’s, Grand Island.

During new business we heard several items of correspondence – many more thank

yours from organizations we gave donations to. We also heard the first letter from our new

board representative, Kim Hall. An article on Human Trafficking was passed around and

this will be a topic that we will hear more about at Spring Gathering April 10th at St. Mark’s

in Valley.

The Bloodmobile will again be at Bethlehem on February 17th and 18th. Marilyn Klinzman

and Alvina Mumm will furnish cookies.

We closed the business meeting by receiving our offerings and prayer. We thanked

Marilyn Volin for serving our lunch. February 18th Marcia Pearson will be the lesson leader

and Mary McKay is hostess.

Our first lesson of the new four session Bible Study based on Philippians on Christian

Citizenship 101 was presented by Arlene Johnson. It was entitled “Confidence in God’s

Beginnings and Endings” with the Bible references from Acts 16 and Philippians 1: 1-26.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR;

Tuesday, February 9th Quilting (in old basement)

Wednesday & Thursday February 17th & 18th Bloodmobile @ Bethlehem

Thursday, February 18th 2:00 p.m. Bethlehem Women (in the narthex because

of the Bloodmobile)

Thursday, February 23rd 2nd Quilting Day (old basement)

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Council Minutes: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Council Meeting, January 17, 2016 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes subject to Council approval 2/16.

Present: Keith Obert, Ryan Ideus, Sherry Hageman, Tiana Strait, Rob Miller, Mike Christen, Kim

Schnakenberg, Jovan Lausterer, Pastor Bob Hayden

Excused: Chad Fox

President Obert called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.

Old Business:

Lausterer moved to approve the December 2015 minutes; Schnakenberg seconded – motion carried

unanimously.

Lausterer moved to approve the end of the year financial report; Ideus seconded – motion carried

unanimously.

Parsonage Windows: Bethlehem members Terry and Tiana Strait, owners of North Country

Windows and Doors, are generously donating all main floor and second floor replacement windows

(excluding back porch and attic) for the parsonage. Installation TBA.

Property: The new property committee met January 13th with 7 members present. Don Fick will

serve as over-all chair of the committee. Luke Simons will coordinate the exterior projects; the

interior coordinator has not been appointed. The initial focus will be controlling the water that

continues to leak into the basement. Funds set aside for property improvements appear to be

sufficient to pay for the upcoming expenses.

Midwest Electronics will be contacted to provide an estimate for upgrading the Video/Sound system.

New Business:

Lausterer moved to make an additional endowment payment of $11,249.00 for 2015. This brings the

total payment for 2015 to $20,262.00; Hageman seconded – motion carried unanimously.

Obert and Ideus met on January 6th with Angela Olson and Kelli Mattson to discuss payment for the

Praise Service pianist. The suggested amount is $50.00 per service. Ideus moved to pay the Praise

Service pianist $50.00 per service; Lausterer seconded – motion carried unanimously. Creating

guidelines for payment will be discussed at a later date.

A lengthy discussion was held on the 2016 budget and report to be presented to the congregation at

the annual meeting on January 24th.

Pastor Hayden joined the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Ideus moved to accept the Pastor’s activity report;

Miller seconded – motion carried unanimously.

With no further business to discuss, Pastor led the Council in prayer. The meeting adjourned at 1:23

p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sherry K. Hageman, Secretary

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Sunday Monday Tuesday

1

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6:30 PM Cub Scouts

2

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

10:00 AM Mom’s Club OB

7

9:00 AM Traditional Worship HC

10:00 AM Sunday School/Adult

Forum

11:00 AM Praise Service HC

8

8:30 AM 4/5 Preschool

12:30 PM 4/5 Preschool

6:30 PM Cub Scouts

9

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

9:00 AM Quilting OB

10:00 AM Mom’s Club

14

Invite a Friend Sunday!

9:00 AM Traditional Worship HC

10:00 AM Sunday School/

Fellowship and Fun FH

11:00 AM Praise Service HC

15

8:30 AM 4/5 Preschool

12:30 PM 4/5 Preschool

1:30 PM Young at Heart

6:30 PM Cub Scouts

16

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

10:00 AM Mom’s Club OB

21

9:00 AM Traditional Worship HC

10:00 AM Sunday School/

Fellowship and Fun FH

11:00 AM Praise Service HC

12:00 PM Council Meeting

22

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6:30 PM Cub Scouts

9:00 AM-3:00 PM WIC FH

23

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

9:00 AM Quilting OB

10:00 AM Mom’s Club OB

28

9:00 AM Traditional Worship HC

10:00 AM Sunday School/

Fellowship and Fun FH

11:00 AM Praise Service HC

Dresses for Life

12:00 PM Ministry and Mission Mtg

7:00—9:00 Bethlehem Bowling

29

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6:30 PM Cub Scouts

February

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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6:00 PM MSM

4

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

8:00 PM AA Meeting

5

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6

5 – 8:00 PM

Chili Cook Off

Fairgrounds

10

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

NO MSM

1:30 PM Cluster Meeting

6:00 PM Lenten Meal

7:00 PM Ash Wednesday

11

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

8:00 PM AA Meeting

12

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

13

17

Bloodmobile - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

12:00 PM ACT Mtg.

6:00 PM MSM

6:00 PM Lenten Meal

7:00 PM Lenten Service

18

Bloodmobile - 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM 9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

2:00 PM Bethlehem

Women

8:00 PM AA Meeting

19

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

20

24

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

6:00 PM MSM

6:00 PM Lenten Meal

7:00 PM Lenten Service

25

9:00 AM 3/4 Preschool

8:00 PM AA Meeting

26

8:30 4/5 Preschool

12:30 4/5 Preschool

27

Dresses for Life

2016

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February Birthdays: Ashlen Groff 2/1

Tobin Harris 2/1

Audrey Waido 2/1

Arthur Gerdts 2/2

Deyo Anderson 2/3

Lukus Forbes 2/3

Michelle Libal 2/3

Colton Nutzman 2/3

Russell Williams 2/3

Dillon Duckworth 2/4

Anna Gottschalk 2/4

Jacee Price 2/4

Macy Homes 2/6

Jerry Volin 2/7

Susan Williams 2/7

Braden Harris 2/9

Lucas Simons 2/9

Gadreal Zeleny 2/9

Lucy Defoil 2/10

Valerie Kellner 2/11

Kevin Stukenholtz 2/11

Joseph Carr 2/12

Jeffrey Kaiser 2/12

Virginia Mason 2/12

Alicia Holtorf 2/13

Emma Harris 2/14

Laura Harris 2/14

Morgan Novak 2/14

Kevin Klahn 2/16

Kyan Lausterer 2/16

Melissa Novak 2/16

Samuel Flores 2/18

Ardis Grieser 2/18

Jared Pehrson 2/18

Steven Olson 2/20

Michelle Henderson 2/21

Shandah Mensik 2/21

Tatum Watts 2/21

Rob Miller 2/22

Brian Schmidt 2/22

Gentry Holtorf 2/23

Stacy Ideus 2/23

Jack Beatty 2/24

Darian Coffey 2/25

Cynthia Gerdts 2/25

Elaine Hennings 2/25

Carleigh Olson 2/25

Marshall Strom 2/25

Ethan Urban 2/25

Trevor Urban 2/25

Seth Syverson 2/26

Ty Syverson 2/26

Amy Groff 2/27

David Wiese 2/28

Anniversaries: Jay and Michelle Wilt 2/16

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Middle School Ministry: Wednesday February 10th is Ash Wednesday. There will

be no MSM Class that night but students are encouraged

to attend the Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 PM.. We will

have a pancake feed at 6:00 PM before the Service in the

fellowship hall that is put on by our high school youth.

MSM February Wednesday Night Suppers:

Feb. 3 Buch’s and Koehler’s

Feb. 10 No Class, Lenten Supper in Upstairs Fellowship hall

Feb. 17 Lenten Supper in Upstairs Fellowship hall

Feb. 24 Lenten Supper in Upstairs Fellowship hall

February Acolyte Schedule:

February 7th 9:00 AM Sammy Flores and Deena Stang

11:00 AM Paige Peterson and Hannah Subbert

February 10th 7:00 PM (Ash Wednesday)Courtney Strait and Tabitha Cooney

February 14th 9:00 AM Deena Stang and Lillie Mann

11:00 AM Kyan and Sebastian Lausterer

February 17th 7:00 PM (Lenten Service)Courtney Strait and Abbey Borchers

February 21st 9:00 AM Paige Peterson and Morgan Oden

11:00 AM Thomas and Andrew Waido

February 24th 7:00 PM (Lenten Service)Courtney Strait and Paige Peterson

February 28th 9:00 AM Paige Peterson and Abbey Borchers

11:00 AM Tabitha Cooney and Payton Ricks

BLC’s Young@Heart Join us in the fellowship hall Monday February 15th at

1:30 PM for Fun & Fellowship!!! Bring your favorite

Dessert to share! All are Welcome! Bring friends and

neighbors!

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From First Step Preschool, BLC:

State Lifetime Volunteer of Year Award!

Ann Gillentine is the recipient of the 2015 Nebraska Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the

Year. Gillentine has been a 4-H volunteer for 12 years. During that time her focus has been

working with youth interested in the 4-H horse project, especially the English and Hunter

Jumper discipline. She has also stepped up be taking on several leadership roles. She has

become a member of the 4-H Council and works for the County’s Horse Quiz Bowl and

Hippology teams. The full newspaper article is on the bulletin board by the west doors.

Congratulations Ann!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from First Step Preschool!!!

During the month of January we have learned about the letters K, L, M and N, the

number 6, the color blue and the star shape. The kids have been working really hard on

learning how to write their names and holding their pencils the right way. They are doing

an excellent job!!

We learned all about kangaroos during "K" week, the kids loved pretending to be

kangaroos by hopping around. The kids pulled a candy kiss from the kangaroos pouch

they loved that!

"L" week we acted like lions, and made lions out of construction paper, buttons and yarn.

During "M" week the kids got to play musical instruments and even had their own

marching band. We marched around the hallway in the basement. They made their

own musical shakers too.

We acted out Nursery Rhymes during "N" week. The kids made candles out of toilet

paper tubes and they jumped over them as we said the nursery rhyme "Jack Be

Nimble". For "Little Boy Blue" we colored in things that are blue, and the kids used glitter

glue to paint a star and we said "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

Please feel free to visit our classroom! We are looking forward to

many new and fun learning experiences!

Debbie, Julie and Erin

First Step Preschool, BLC

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EFT Form now on website:

If you are interested in automated giving, our church uses the Simply Giving®

Program through Thrivent. It is a stewardship program that helps you

make automatic payments through electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly

from checking or savings accounts. The form is now available on our website under

“Giving” on the right side of the front page. Our website address is bethlehemlutheranwa-

hoo.org. If you have any questions please contact the office at 402-443-3160.

Bethlehem Bowling Bonanza! Bethlehem Bowling Bonanza is back! Sign up with Don Fick for a fun

night of bowling February 28, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Marks Bowling and

Fun Center in Elkhorn. Any adult or children 12 or older can sign up.

There will be room for 35 people this year and the cost per person,

with shoe rental included, is $13. Payment must be made at the time

of signing up and sign up sheets will be available soon. Who will be

Living Lent As People of the Resurrection . . .

During this Lenten season as we focus on Christ’s journey to the cross, we challenge you to examine your faith journey. This year we extend a special invitation to explore more deeply God’s purpose for our lives as people of the Resurrection by participating in the following:

PRAISE Through worship service rediscover the love of God seen in his journey to the cross and in the empty tomb. Attend Wednesday evening dinners and services beginning Ash Wednesday through March 16th, Dinner at 6:00 and Service 7:00.

PURPOSE What is God’s purpose for our lives? Live out God’s plea to care for those in need. 40 DAYS of Giving In 2016. ELCA World Hunger is extending an invitation to all congregations: Beginning Sunday, Feb. 14, and extending through the season of Lent, congregations across the ELCA will join together to raise $2 million to benefit the ministries of ELCA World Hunger. This support will enable crucial work to get underway and help us kick-start our year-of-emphasis. We hope you will join us by pledging $1 each day of Lent: 40 dollars in 40 days. Think about doing this individually, as a fami-ly or partnering with a friend.

PONDER Focus on your relationship with God and with one another. Commit to spending 45 minutes on Sunday Mornings 10:00-10:45 in the Fellowship Hall during Lent. Coffee, donuts, and so much more! Instead of giving something up during Lent, let’s give MORE to God, to our church, to our families, to our faith lives and to those in need!

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church

504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066

402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 1/29/2016

Nonprofit Org.

Permit No. 23

U.S. Postage PAID

Wahoo, NE 68066

Return Service Requested

Let Us Know Your Email Address! If you would prefer “THE STAR” via email let us know. Also, having an email

address can help us update people faster and without postage costs. Simply

email the church office at: [email protected]

Our Members at the Care Centers: South Haven: Virginia Mason & Eunice Brodahl

Care Center: Jenny Iversen

Saunders House: Tom Lindau & Stanley Dokulil

New Update on our Receipt Drive: Corner Market $42,365.52

Sun Mart $87,037.15