What’s inside?

WELS News pg 2

Women’s Ministry pg 3

Mission News pg 7

Kids’ Page pg 16

Bethlehem Star April Volume 28, Issue 4 9748 Copeland Drive Manassas, VA

(703) 361-4866

www.bethlehem-lutheran.org

In the Star-Spangled Banner, Americans sing about living in the “land of the free and home of the brave.” But do we always feel free? Aren’t there times when we feel as if “chains” were shackling us? There are the chains of responsibility at work and home, the pains we face, or the financial strains that come our way. There are the chains of guilt that press us down as we look back at our past wrongdoings. This month we celebrate Easter. What is Easter all about? In the Bible, Job tells us, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Easter celebrates the reality that our Redeemer lives. A redeemer is someone who delivers others out of trouble by paying a great price for their freedom. Jesus, the Son of God, came into this world to be our Redeemer. From what did he redeem us? The story is told of the devil, Satan, who once met Jesus. Satan had a caged wagon that was crammed full of people. And you were in it. “Who are these people?” Jesus asked. “They are the sinners of the world. I am taking them to hell with me,” Satan replied. Jesus looked at Satan and said, “I don’t want that. Can I buy these people from you?” “You don’t know what you are asking. The price is very high. And these peo-ple won’t always love you. They will doubt you, complain against you and even curse you at times,” responded Satan. “I don’t care,” said Jesus. “I want to buy them back from you.” “Okay, but it will cost your life,” Satan said. Jesus answered right back, “I’m willing to do that because I love them.” And that is what Jesus did. He paid for your release, your freedom from sin’s punishment, by dying on the cross for you. He rose from the dead on Easter to prove that his payment was complete and you are freed. “Because I live, you also will live,” Jesus says to you (John 14:19). Rely on Jesus your Re-deemer. By his blood he bought you for a life of glory in heaven. As your Re-deemer he is always present to help as you deal with the “chains” of living in this world. Trust him for he loves you. Outreach Newsletters, April 2014, Names of Jesus Series

Jesus is…Redeemer

Job 19:25 “I know that my Redeemer lives,

and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.”

The Conference of Presidents (COP) will meet on Wednesday of this week in its regular monthly teleconference. Items on the agenda include:

1. Discussing ideas related to training teachers to serve as principals. 2. Issuing a divine call for the position of director of the Commission on Lutheran Schools. This po-

sition became vacant with the acceptance of a call by current director Mr. Greg Schmill. Schmill will continue to serve as director until the end of June.

3. Discussing how to respond to the 2014 CMO commitments, which are well below the increase called for by the ministry financial plan (budget) adopted by the synod convention last summer. A variety of options will be under consideration.

Rev. Doug Engelbrecht, president of the Northern Wisconsin District, is recovering from a serious heart attack. The COP joins all members of our synod in thanking God for his gracious care for our brother and in asking God to be with him and his family as he continues his recovery.

Please continue to remember our fellow believers in the country of Ukraine. The political situation of the country and the future of our sister Lutheran church body in Ukraine remains volatile and uncer-tain. Pray that God would graciously protect our brothers and sisters and that they may continue to proclaim his precious gospel even in the face of trial, hardship, and possible persecution.

Serving in Christ,

President Mark Schroeder

Conference of Presidents Meeting

NEWS FROM THE Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Bethlehem Star Page 2

Thank you to the following members for your newsletter contributions:

Sara Butler, Lynnette Hupman, Jan Kolva, and Cheryl Vergara. Thanks

to Marlena Jones for posting the newsletter on the church website.

The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of each month. If you have

an article or photos to contribute, please send them to me at hlen-

to87@yahoo.com.

No Bible Class or Sunday School on Easter Sunday. Classes will

resume on Sun, April 27.

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LADIES FELLOWSHIP BIBLE STUDY:

BEING FED WITH THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT!

This year we are studying the book called, “Golden Fruit,” by Julie Hale

Maschhoff. Each lesson of this Bible study takes a look at a fruit of the

Spirit and then connects it to a woman in the Bible and shares how that fruit

is displayed in her life. It also gives time for us to reflect on how the Holy

Spirit works through our faith to display that particular fruit in our own lives.

What do you think of when you hear the word, “good?” This word can be

used in a lot of different ways, and so I’d imagine that if we pooled our ideas

together, we’d have a lot of different answers. For some, “good” describes how something

tastes, for others how someone behaves, or maybe “good” describes how you feel at the mo-

ment. In the sixth lesson of our study “The Goodness of Dorcas,” the word “good” was described

to us in a biblical sense as “something beneficial from God.” In Psalm 31:19 we learned that God

abounds in goodness which is stored up for those who fear Him. In Amos 5:14 we are told to

seek good so that we may enjoy life with God. Isaiah 1:17 tells us that we can learn to do good.

This verse also gives us the insight that we are not naturally “good,” but rather sinful beings who

tend to do just the opposite! Thankfully, Ephesians 2:10 comforts us with the truth that “We are

God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

that we should walk in them.” We are created for God’s given purpose! God prepared good

works for us to do as our response to Jesus’ work of salvation for us. Dorcas (also known as

Tabitha) was a disciple, a believer in Jesus the Savior who lived a life of faith and displayed good

works. Acts 9:36-42 tells us that she did good works, was charitable and that she created tunics

and garments. We also learn that when Dorcas dies, the Christians who knew her call on Peter

to come and see her before she is buried. After praying to God, Peter tells Tabitha to rise. And

she does! Many Christians witness this miracle and news of this event spreads, causing many

more to come to believe in the Lord. The faith and good works that Dorcas displayed in her

earthly life were certainly a witness to those surrounding her. Even in her death and resurrection

Dorcas is given the opportunity to bring glory to God. We too are given these same opportunities

in varying circumstances. We thank God for his bountiful goodness to us. Though we are not

perfectly “good” we thank God for the perfect “goodness” that Jesus won for us on the cross! We

pray that in faith, the Holy Spirit moves us to display “goodness” to those around us that they too

may know of His love.

The Ladies Fellowship Bible Study looks ahead to Friday, April 11th for its next gathering.

We’ll meet at 1:00 and 7:15 pm for the seventh lesson, “The Faithfulness of Deborah” as we read

of her in Judges 4:4-16. We hope you can join us at either time to get into the Word and enjoy

some time with sisters in Christ.

SAVE THE DATE! ON SUN, JUNE 1 WE’RE THROWING A GARDEN

TEA PARTY!

Women’s Ministry plans to hold another luncheon for all the ladies of Bethle-

hem – from the youngest to the, well, most “seasoned!” This will simply be a

time to enjoy a fun lunch in one another’s company. Details to come!

~ Jacqueline Ortega is our newest adult confirmand as of March 2. She is married to Scott Duff and they have four children: Jailene, Julien, Lily, and Gigi. Congratulations!

~ Elke, Mackenzie, Madison, and Mia Morgan were accepted into membership on March 16. We look forward to experiencing more of God’s blessings with them.

~ Greg Wilkens and Pastor Butler will be our representatives at the WELS District Conven-tion, June 9-11 at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, VA.

~ Aimee Krueger is the newest administrative assistant. She is working with the new software we purchased, Shepherd’s Staff. Look for a request to check your membership information as we review all our files.

~ Marlena Jones is our webmaster, making updates and changes to keep us current. Check out the latest and greatest at www.bethlehem-lutheran.org. You can also find the current copy of this newsletter at that location.

~For awhile we were donating Forward in Christ magazines to Melinda Gribble in Europe. With the advent of the digital issues of this magazine, they will no longer need these. Please share with your friends, neighbors, or take to the doctor’s office.

~ The Spring Eggstravaganza is just around the corner. Come help on Saturday, April 12 from 9a.m. to noon as we share the joy of Easter and Christ’s resurrection with our neighbors. IMMEDIATELY following this event will be our first spring property clean-up day. Lots of hands are needed to help pick up sticks and get things ready for the April 26 delivery of mulch.

~ April 15 is not just tax day but it is the day of our first blood drive at Bethlehem. We will help with registrations and perhaps even offer a little hot dog supper as many of our appointments are near the dinner hour. Speak with Karen Montagna if you would like to help and lets all come down and donate blood. It helps saves lives.

~ One year ago we had a worship service led by Staff Minister Bill Trueben-bach, National Director of Jesus Cares Ministry. What a joyous thing to cele-brate our Jesus Cares Ministry program which meets monthly supporting out-reach to our friends who are developmentally disabled. Come visit them on their Saturday morning Bible study and prepare to have this ministry touch your heart.

~ Our church now owns round tablecloths but will continue to rent the round tables which will be used for various special events.

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~ Maintenance Chair Paul Haney is looking for a new mower for our church. He recently got our snow blower working and his team is attend-ing to lots of other items for us. More workers are needed though so please talk to him about helping out.

~ Volunteers are sorely needed for lawn mowing! At the March 23 con-gregational meeting, Paul let us know that often he has to put off what he planned to fix or work on to mow the lawn as that is important for our community image as well as our own members. Please sign up for at least one session of lawn mowing this spring and one this summer. Paul says he can pick up people if rides are need. The list will be posted on the volunteer bulletin board.

~ Pastor Butler plans to begin another Bible Information Class after Easter. BIC looks at the fundamental, foundational teachings of the Bible. Topics like sin, grace, faith and good works. Baptism, creation and the Lord’s Supper are just a few of the things this class covers. A good rule of thumb is for everyone to take this class every couple of years as a review. This is the class a person would take to become a member of Bethlehem. Let Pastor know if you are interested in taking this class.

~ Review of all things related to ushering will take place on April 27. Look for more details in the Sunday Notes & News.

~ Looking for a great Easter gift for a friend, granddaughter, or other loved one? For over 100 years, Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) has published materials to help the church and its members remain close to the truth of Jesus. Check things out at www.nph.net or call 1-800-662-6022.

~ WELS Commission on Evangelism is making it even easier to access a devotion each day. The commission's Daily Devotions are available in an ever-growing number of ways, one of which should fit into almost anyone’s lifestyle. More than 9,000 people subscribe to receive these devotions via e-mail. Or for on-the-go convenience, you can listen to these devotions via podcast as you drive to work, exercise, or cook dinner. You can also read the devotions on www.wels.net, www.WhatAboutJesus.com, Facebook, Twitter, or—new in 2014—Google+. Audio and text formats are also available through the WELS mobile app.

~ Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Counselors at WLCFS-Christian Family Solu-tions know this is not just a catchy phrase but the truth for those struggling with loneliness, stress and anxiety, pornography and drug addictions, depression, and so much more. For us who can help those struggling…it’s not time to get tired. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 If you are struggling, call 888-685-9522 today or go to www.ChristianFamilySolutions.org. We will encourage you through prayer and will support you in the fight against our enemy.

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AaaaaaAaaaOooooo! (Imagine a Tarzan-like call here grabbing your attention!)

The call has been sent out! We're looking for many volunteers interested in go-ing on a Jungle Safari for Summer Bible Camp! The adventure begins at 9 am on August 4 and concludes at 12 noon on August 8.

Here are a few ways we'd enjoy having you participate:

Teacher & Helper for Jaguar Junction Games

Teacher & Helper for Slug-a-Bug S.W.A.M.P (service project activities)

4-5 Group Leaders (simply lead a group of children from one activity to the next)

3-4 People to help with Registration/Check In and Check Out

2 Adults to help in the Preschool Rooms a.k.a. "Lily Pad Play Land"

Please speak to Sara Butler to learn more about these opportunities to serve!

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Four "generations" of BELC administrative assistants attended the soup supper on Ash

Wednesday and gathered outside the church office for a picture. Melinda Gribble held the

admin position at the time the Butlers arrived. When Melinda and her husband, Rich,

moved to England, Sara Butler stepped in to help out until a replacement could be found.

Jan Kolva was that replacement, and she stayed for eight years, ending her term in De-

cember of 2013. Now we are happy to welcome Aimee Krueger as BELC's administrative

assistant. Aimee's email is admin@bethlehem-lutheran.org.

Melinda, Jan, Aimee and Sara

LWMS Reporter: Lynnette Hupman

Want to learn more about mission work with the Mormons, Navajos, and our military? Plan on attending the Heritage Cir-cuit Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) Spring Rally starting at 9AM on Saturday, April 26 in Raleigh, NC. Missionary Tom and his wife Susan Glende will strengthen your mission knowledge and share their joys of mission work around our country. This mission event is a family event and two meals are provided. Lynnette Hup-man, Linda Lindamood, and Karen Montagna are planning to attend. There’s still room in the Hup-man truck so let her know if you’re interested in going along with us.

This is the time of year (before April 7) to turn in your mission box or give our Reporter, Lynnette Hupman, your donation (cash or check made to LWMS) for mission projects. 100% of your dona-tions go to support mission work; LWMS supports non-budgeted needs of our home and world mis-sions. A special thanks to those who donated old glasses, used Meditations, and Christmas/Easter card fronts for the prison ministry effort that our congregation supports through LWMS.

UKRAINIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH UPDATE We have been praying in our Prayer Corner for the people in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC) consists of 907 baptized members in 22 congregations served by 21 pastors and two vicars. It is part of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, a group of 24 member churches (including WELS) that provides a forum for confessional Lutherans around the world. Did you know that in January the WELS Board for World Missions (BWM) agreed to assume oversight of the ULC church body that started in the 1990s? Gifts from foundations, grants, and individuals will provide the dollars to help support the work of this church, with minimal funding needed from Congregation Mission Offerings. WELS will not send any permanent missionaries to Ukraine but will provide training, workshops, and counsel to the ULC in areas such as stewardship, leadership, and discipleship. Rev. Larry Schlomer, BWM administra-tor, says the goal—as it is with all world missions fields—is to help the Ukraine become self-supporting and self-administrating and able to stand on its own. Besides being able to financially support its ministry, Rev. Dr. Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the ULC, says this also means the church has to grow in its ministry practices, including outreach, laypeople involvement, and continued education of its pastors. “This is what we need to do, and this is why we are so thankful to the WELS that they came and helped us—providing not only financial help but also providing guidance and wisdom,” says Horpynchuk. “This is what we need.” Horpynchuk is grateful for the support and this new relationship, especially at this time of political unrest and violence in Ukraine. The ULC’s headquarters are in Kiev where much of the protests are taking place, and Horpynchuk says attendance has been low in the downtown congregation he serves because people are afraid. “It moves us to pray more and to be more dedicated to the Lord,” he says. “People in the church are becoming more compassionate and more caring of each other.” He continues, “Sometimes you feel isolated. You feel threatened. Brotherly care and encourage-ment is extremely important. We know that the Lord never fails. We know that the Lord never leaves us alone. We know that his people never leave their brothers and sisters. And this is what we see now is taking place with WELS, and we are thankful to the Lord for your love and your care.”

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When Eavesdropping Is Good

by Rev. Tim Bourman* writes about the unique witnessing experience that a Christian funeral can provide.

On Tuesday, January 28th, Sure Foundation celebrated James Lee Preiss’ victory over death with at Christian funeral at 10am. At Sure Foundation, we knew Jim Preiss as a man who spent almost forty years looking for a church in New York City that taught the truth as he learned it back in Chaska, MN. We remember him because of his joy when he finally found out a WELS church was coming to New York City. We remember him for his firm faith in the Gospel as Luther taught it. We remember the exact seat he took every Sunday and how he shuffled up to commune with such de-votion. Now he is with the Lord.

Most of NYC and the history books will remember him in a different way. They will remember him as one of the greatest Marimba players to walk the face of the earth. They will remember him because he rewrote music history with the Steve Reich Band. They will remember him because he taught percussion at the Manhattan School of Music, a music school perhaps only second to Jim’s alma mater, Eastman School of Music. The music world absolutely exploded with tributes to our dear brother on blogs and newspapers following his death. His obituary was printed in the New York Times.

Of course, Jim’s colleagues are among music’s elite. I happened to be copied on an email chain re-garding the planning of his funeral. One man responded, “I am at the Grammys right now, but I will be at his funeral.” Of course, Jim never trumpeted the fact that he ran in such circles.

Jim requested to have his funeral at our little storefront church. Most denominations have a flagship church in New York. The ELCA has St. Peter’s downtown. The Catholic Church has St. Patricks in Midtown. The WELS has Sure Foundation in Queens. (Side note: our location isn’t too bad. We re-cently hosted the Tonight Show for filming. They made a generous donation to our ministry.)

Many were surprised to learn that the funeral would be at Sure Foundation. No one said anything to me on the day of the funeral about it. I found all of this out later because a member overheard peo-ple on the staff of his private school on the Upper East Side talking about the funeral at the little church in Queens for James Preiss. This member overheard this conversation. “I thought the funeral might be hokey or even a little strange because of its location, but it wasn’t. It was professional and thought provoking. It was very well-done. It was a great way to remember James.” We simply used Christian Worship for the service and preached a typical funeral sermon.

I was encouraged to hear this for so many reasons. Our church with its members and synod can im-pact even a great city like New York with the gospel. We proclaimed Christ at a funeral in Queens and people talked about it long after the funeral on the Upper East Side so much so that one of our just over 150 souls overheard a conversation about it. It was not because of our flagship church building in New York is so impressive. It isn’t impressive. However, people were impressed with the clear message of joy that we have in Christ. Our little synod with our little church in Queens has nothing to be ashamed of no matter what our churches look like not even in the city that many call the capital of the world. We have the gospel!

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REQUEST FOR 12 LAPTOP COMPUTERS

This request for laptops is for the 12 pastoral students currently attending the LCCA Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia. During the time my husband Dave and I were serving as Kingdom Workers there, I was able to teach the students keyboard and basic computer. Microsoft Windows - Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point. Those 12 very devoted students will be graduating from the seminary in May of this year and will be leaving the campus and the synod headquarters. It may be difficult to imagine how challenging it is for these national pastors to communicate with one another and the synod, but many of them are called to very outly-ing areas of the country.

Challenges faced by Pastors

Lack of proper communicating tools forces some pastors to spend a lot of time traveling to Lusaka for the

sole purpose of using a computer and printer.

Little quality time spent with the family members and congregation members.

Too much time is spent on sermon writing using pen and paper.

Feedback to the synod on assignments takes a long time to be submitted.

Limited communication between pastors.

Transport to and from Lusaka is costly for new pastors.

Expected Outcome

Increased care for primary family members and congregation members.

Increased participation of pastors during email meeting discussions.

Increased time for Bible study with other people that may not know God.

Poverty reduction tool because pastors will be able to stay home.

Adequate sermon preparation and record keeping.

Globally pastors will be in a position to communicate information and this may greatly help in making a differ-ence and better lives regardless of how remote the area may be.

As you can see the need for these laptops is obvious. You may be wondering how these laptops will be pur-chased and shipped to the students in time for graduation. I have a contact at the Synod office in Milwaukee who has researched to find the most inexpensive place to purchase the laptops. He has agreed to purchase the laptops and will download the programs and security on them (by April 15th). For transporting the laptops, I have contacted the head of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Nursing Program Chair, Rebekah Carey. She is a friend, but besides that she is taking 20 of her nursing students over to Lusaka at the beginning of May. She has agreed to take the laptops over with them, saving hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. Also, that will be just in time for graduation!

Now for the request: The laptops, the programs and a case to carry them will be $500 each. Yes, that comes to $6,000. Now you also see why I am requesting help with this project. I am sending this request to more than just the LWMS since it such a large amount of money. Still I am asking you to consider helping with any amount at all. Money can be given to me or sent to the Synod office, N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Wauke-sha, WI 53188-1108, to the attention of Gloria Hermanson, marked Computer Fund for Zambia. Thank you in advance for considering this.

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SUMMER BIBLE CAMP

BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

9748 Copeland Drive ~ Manassas (located next to Sudley Elementary School)

August 4-8, 2014 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Children ages 3-12 years old*

Welcome to Jungle Safari—where kids explore the nature of God!

Get ready for an adventure that leads kids in search of a priceless treasure! At Jungle Safari

kids will participate in the large-group excitement of Toucan Jam, experience God’s Word

at Zip Line Bible Time, learn ways to serve others at Slug-a-Bug S.W.A.M.P., create fun-filled

crafts at Lizard’s Leap, and enjoy snacks and games at Jaguar Junction. There’s even a

place for the littlest explorers at Lily Pad Play Land!

Along the way, kids will encounter clever clues, mysterious symbols, and cunning crea-

tures. Through Jungle Safari, they will walk away with solid truth—knowing they can always

count on God . . . the greatest treasure of all!

Registration begins June 8, 2014. Log onto www.bethlehem-lutheran.org.

*Attendance is limited to 30 (Preschool) and 70 (K-Gr.6) students.

For more information or to register you can also

call the church office at 703-361-4866.

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Easter Sunday Morning - We’re going on an Egg Hunt! Will you help us?

Easter Sunday is full of beautiful traditions. One that the children especially enjoy is our Egg Hunt at 10:00. Sunday School students and our Easter guests Grade 6 and younger are invited to join the hunt beginning at 10:00. Everything is provided.

This beloved event needs your support in the form of advanced donations of filled plastic eggs and volunteers Easter morning to help hide the eggs at 8:45’ish and to help monitor the hunt age-specific areas. Plastic egg donations are requested to be marked with quantity and the intended age group and brought to church by Palm Sunday, April 13.

Sign-up sheets for the filled plastic eggs donations and Hunt volunteers are in the Fellowship room on the rear-wall bulletin boards. Please direct any concerns or questions to Mrs. Chartrand in per-son or at 703-368-9118. Thank you in advance for helping to make our Easter celebrations at Bethlehem enjoyable!

Easter morning 2013 – Can we PLEEESE get on with the Easter Egg hunt?

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Curlers iIn Church? By Jan Kolva

Did you know that we have curlers in church most every Sunday? If you watched the Olympics, you will know that these kinds of curlers are not for the hair. The

JR Grohs family is involved in the SPORT of curling! JR has been interested in curl-ing for a number of years, and having come from Nebraska, he was acquainted with the sport at an early age. But in the past three years, he has been able to actively par-ticipate in curling at a local curling club. JR says that at the club during the Olympics, they were training 200-300 people a weekend how to curl. His wife, Heidi, can also curl. Their two children, Seth and Corinne, are curlers in training. JR says that right now, the children have a "mass problem," in that the curling stones weigh more than they do. Next year, however, Corinne will be able to begin participating with some lighter stones, which are made for lighter curlers. Seth and Corinne are also working on increasing their mass: Corinne can eat four hot dogs (two cut in half) at one meal and Seth recently put away seven pancakes during the pre-Lenten service supper. The Grohs family came to us last fall, meeting us first through VBS, and then through Summer Sunday School. Since then, they have become actively involved at BELC. Corinne is a student in the Little Stars of Bethlehem Early Learning Center. Both Corinne and Seth attend Sunday School weekly, and have sung with the Children's Choir. JR and Heidi participate regularly in adult Bible class and worship.

JR, Seth, Corinne and Heidi Grohs

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During the month of April:

We will be focusing on these Bible stories: In the “Parable of the Sower” we will learn how, through the seed of God’s word, the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts. We will learn about Jesus death on the cross to save us from our sins. We will learn that because Jesus rose from the dead, we will also live again

with Him in heaven. We will learn about Jesus ascension into heaven, and his promise to be with us

always. “I have stored up Your word in my heart.

Upcoming Events

April 11 Preschool Easter Celebrations

April 12 Spring Eggstravaganza 9 – 12

April 14 – 21 Easter Break

April 22 School Resumes May 1 -2 North Atlantic District Teachers Con-

ference in Charlotte, NC

May 16 End of the Year Picnic

May 22 Last Day of School

May 22 Graduation

Enrollment for 2014/15 = 15 Students!

Summer Camps: We are looking forward and beginning to plan our lessons for our 4 weeks of summer camp which will run through the month of June. Our second week of camp is already full and the other three weeks are filling up quickly. If you know of anyone with a preschool age child please pass our program information along to them. They can call the preschool or go to our web page for registration information. www.littlestarsofbethlehem.org (571) 246-1441

April Early Learning

Center News

On May 1 – 2 the WELS teachers, principals

and directors in our district will be gathering in

Charlotte, North Carolina for their annual

North Atlantic District Teachers Conference.

Laura Letieqc and I are excited to be traveling

to North Carolina to worship, learn and share

with our colleagues in this important ministry.

North Atlantic District (NAD)

Teacher’s Conference

Prayer Request: Please keep Laura and me

in your prayers as we will be finishing up our

first course required for our synod certifica-

tion. With the end of the school year, the

conference in NC, and finals coming we have

a great deal going on.

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Page 14 Bethlehem Star

Spring Eggstravaganza

It’s almost time for our “Spring Egg-stravaganza”! We are looking for volun-teers to help us prepare, set up and staff

this event.

Last year we had over 60 children and their parents who learned about the

amazing love of our Savior.

We will need help with: Donations of hard cooked eggs and plastic eggs Filling plastic eggs Help preparing crafts prior to the event Help setting up and decorating Help at the check-in and registration tables Help supervising groups as they move from one

station to the next Help greeting and mingling with parents Hiding eggs and co-ordination the egg hunts

Check out the sign up board

in the narthex!!!

APRIL

09 Carlton & Amy Foster - 2005

13 Pat & Leah Hickey – 1991

16 Jeff & Aimee Krueger - 2000

20 Mike & Christina Adams – 2002

25 JR & Heidi Grohs - 2003

01 Marleny Spencer

03 Sally Hoffmeyer

04 Laura Letiecq

05 Evan Chartrand

07 Jennifer Krueger

08 Robin Vergara

09 Mark Runholt

11 Nick (Lindamood) Grasso

Chelsea Krueger

Elke Morgan

12 Ross Chartrand

Teresa Eickmann

Mackenzie Morgan

Kayo Wolf

14 Melinda Gribble

Joshua Newman

19 Bill Glisson

22 Erin Lento

23 Scott Morgan

24 Karen Montagna

28 Heath Butler

30 Rachel Lindamood

Page 15 Bethlehem Star

.

For various reasons, people are afraid of a lot of things!

They’re afraid of things like the dark, bugs, clowns, heights

and water to name a few. What are you afraid of? At Tod-

dler Time with Jesus in March the children learned that

“Jesus is with us when we’re scared.” In the lesson, “Jesus

Calms the Storm,” they heard how the disciples became very

frightened of a terrible storm and how amazed they were at

the incredible power Jesus showed them as he calmed the

fierce wind and waves. (Mark 4:35-41) The children heard

thunder crash and rain pounding down. They saw the

flashes of light and rocked back and forth as a boat on tumul-

tuous waves. Over the course of the month, they were

taught that Jesus is with us -- in storms, in the day and the

night, when we’re alone, whenever we’re scared! What’s

even better is the fact that Jesus is with us all the time –

scared or not!

Weekly themes were sky high! All month long white

“cloud” balloons were bounced around by the kids before and

after class. They got to pretend to be a little rain cloud,

pounding their feet for thunder and clapping their hands for

the splash of raindrops. They also enjoyed floating miniature

kites and soaring around like airplanes during Music and

Movement. Colorful kites with bowtie pasta on their strings

and our clothespin airplanes were a big hit for crafts!

After all our incredible snowstorms this winter, we’re look-

ing forward to putting our own “Spring” in the air in April.

We’ll hear the wonderful story of Easter from Matthew 28,

under the theme, “Jesus is alive!” Spring chickens, rabbits,

and an Easter celebration will help round out our music and

movement, story, craft and snack times.

We do currently have room for several children in the 9:00

and 10:30 am classes. If you or someone you know is inter-

ested in attending – please come! We love to have new

friends join us at any time! In addition, registrations are also

being accepted for the 2014-2015, “Toddler Time with Jesus”

school year. Feel free to spread the word so others can join

in all the family fun!

Page 16 Bethlehem Star

Sunday Morning Worship Schedule

8:30 am Worship Service

9:45 am Sunday School for Preschool-Grade 8

9:45 am Teen Bible Class

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