bethel lutheran church church 2016 2016...
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BethelBethelBethelBethel LutheranLutheranLutheranLutheran ChurchChurchChurchChurch
2016 2016 2016 2016 MissionsMissionsMissionsMissions
Our vision is to be a dynamic, life-changing church
of fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our mission is to engage the curious, encourage the convinced, and empower
the committed to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
www.bethellutheranchurch.com
BLESSINGS aaaa BEYOND aaaa BETHEL
Christ-Centered ���� Mission-Driven
Traditionally-Grounded ���� Congregationally-Focused
The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) is a church family committed to the
authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. In keeping with the Lutheran
Confessions, we believe all doctrines should and must be judged by the teaching
of Scripture.
The NALC has embraced four core values which shape our common life: Christ-
Centered, Mission-Driven, Traditionally-Grounded, and Congregationally-Focused.
We are a church centered on the unique Gospel of Jesus Christ, animated by
missions and evangelism, grounded in the 2,000 year tradition of Christian faith,
and organized chiefly to serve our congregations.
MISSION-DRIVEN
We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and to make
disciples for Christ. We believe that making disciples — in our congregations, in
our communities and nations, and around the world — must be a priority of the
Church in the present age.
CONTACT BETHEL MISSIONS (B3)
To volunteer, donate, or request more information, please contact us at:
BethelBethelBethelBethel LutheranLutheranLutheranLutheran Church Church Church Church
2016 Missions2016 Missions2016 Missions2016 Missions
BLESSINGS aaaa BEYOND aaaa BETHEL
Contents WHY DO MISSIONS? ...................................................................................................................................... 1
FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR .......................................................................................................................... 2
GLOBAL MISSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Senbete Congregation .............................................................................................................................. 4
Haik Chicken Hatchery .............................................................................................................................. 6
Water Mission ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Compassion International ......................................................................................................................... 9
NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH .................................................................................................... 11
The North American Lutheran Church .................................................................................................... 12
The Heartland Mission District ............................................................................................................... 13
The North American Lutheran Seminary ................................................................................................ 14
U.S. MISSIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Iglesia Luterana San Pedro ...................................................................................................................... 16
Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Reconciliacion ............................................................................................. 18
Living Faith Lutheran Church .................................................................................................................. 19
Servants of Christ Lutheran Church ........................................................................................................ 20
LOCAL MISSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Backpack & School Supplies Drive .......................................................................................................... 22
Bethel Angel Tree .................................................................................................................................... 23
Bethel Thanksgiving Sharing ................................................................................................................... 24
Bethel Christmas Sharing ........................................................................................................................ 24
Bibles for Mission Partners ..................................................................................................................... 25
Bingo Ministry ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Blood Drive .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Fight Hunger ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Food & Baby Pantry ................................................................................................................................ 29
Operation Christmas Child ...................................................................................................................... 30
Prison Ministry ........................................................................................................................................ 31
SERVE: Noblesville ................................................................................................................................... 32
Veterans .................................................................................................................................................. 33
FISH FRY ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
1
WHY DO MISSIONS?
Because the Bible Tells Us To
Biblical basis for missions…
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who
will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!”
Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…
1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need
but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us
not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God: may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will
reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
(All references are New International Version - NIV)
2
FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells us “go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here at Bethel, we are a church in
action doing just that. We make disciples through worship,
through caring for each other as a community of faith, and
though relationships and mission efforts in the local
community, the greater church, and through mission
partnerships with congregations in the US and abroad.
This booklet is an attempt to both inform and educate members and guests at
Bethel on just how important and far-reaching our missions program is. It
highlights the Missions efforts that the disciples of Bethel support through their
time, talents, and treasure. It shows how we have intentionally built up an
environment where the mission of Christ’s church as stated in Matthew 28:19 is a
real and integral part of our faith life together!
Please take a few minutes to look through the various missions. I’m sure you will
find a number of them that you have participated in. You will find missions
activities where you have both helped others and deepened your relationship
with Christ and with your brothers and sisters at Bethel and beyond. You will find
missions activities where you have helped “Name the Name” of Jesus to those
who have never heard or to those who have heard and forgotten. You might
even find yourself a new mission activity to make disciples for Christ.
The symbol of our Missions program is a cube with B3 on it. The origin is Genesis
12:2, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your
name great, and you will be a blessing.” B3 stands for Blessings Beyond Bethel – a
reminder and a mission statement that we are blessed by God so that we will be a
blessing to others in His Name.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Doug
3
GLOBAL MISSIONS
4
SENBETE CONGREGATION ETHIOPIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH MEKANE YESUS (EECMY)
The EECMY congregation in Senbete, Ethiopia is a mission partner congregation of
Bethel. The congregation is led by Pastor Gobena Degefa.
Senbete is a small town located
about 125 miles north of Addis
Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It
is located in the Amhara region of
the country so the language of the
people is Amharic although many
people in Ethiopia speak English
as well as their native tongue. For
example, Pastor Gobena
communicates with Bethel in
English.
In 2012, Pastor Doug and Terri Gast
visited Ethiopia for a theological
conference and while touring historical
and church sites, they visited and
connected with the Senbete
congregation. This was the beginning
of Bethel’s mission partner connection
with Senbete. Since then, through
prayer and financial support, Bethel
has provided for orphans in the
church’s care, children in their Sunday school, and funding for evangelists to aid
the pastor. Through memorial gifts, music and sound equipment was provided
for the church in 2014.
5
Pastor Gobena communicates with Bethel through Pastor Doug and the Missions
Committee sending news and pictures of how the congregation is doing.
New members received Praying for new members
Blessing the keyboard Worship with new music & sound equipment
Congregation at worship Pastor Gobena & orphans
Church at Senbete in 2012 Pastor Doug & Pastor Gobena
6
HAIK CHICKEN HATCHERY EECMY NORTH CENTRAL ETHIOPIA SYNOD (NCES)
The Haik Chicken Hatchery is a project of the North Central
Ethiopia Synod (NCES) that provides chickens and eggs
(protein) for the community as well as support for orphans
and the disabled in the community. Bethel is helping to
support the Hatchery with World Hunger Funds and other
donations from the congregation.
Haik is a very small town about 15
miles north of Desé and 250 miles
from the Ethiopian capital Addis
Ababa. The idea for the Hatchery
was proposed by the NCES in
2010. It took them two years to
get all the government approvals
needed and to get enough
funding to begin. In 2012, the
hatchery had become a reality,
and it was in 2012 that Pastor
Doug and Terri Gast visited the office of the NCES in Desé where they learned
about the Haik Chicken Hatchery and how funding from a synod in the US had
stopped.
In 2015, when Bethel Missions was looking at missions to support with World
Hunger Funds, Pastor Doug suggested that the Haik Chicken Hatchery be looked
into. NCES President, Rev. Mulugeta Melaku was contacted, and it was learned
that due to lack of funding, the hatchery was at risk of being taken over by the
government. Bethel Missions decided that it was a worthy place to put Hunger
Funds to help both the church and the people in that area of Ethiopia.
One-day old chick
7
In the fall of 2015, the idea of helping to support the
hatchery had taken hold of the congregation, and a
member suggested that additional funds be raised through
contributions of “loose change,” thus “Change for Chicks”
was initiated. Over $1200 was raised through the end of
the year, and the Haik Chicken Hatchery is getting a much
needed level of support!
It is hoped that the hatchery will become self-supporting and be able to provide
both for the support of orphans and the disabled AND in time to provide funds for
lay leadership training and seminary scholarships. Such education is greatly
needed in the EECMY which is rich is faith with a growing membership but
economically very poor.
Chicken Hatchery before funding loss
Chicken Hatchery before funding loss
Chicken Hatchery before funding loss
Change
for
Chicks
8
WATER MISSION
Water Mission is a nonprofit Christian engineering organization providing
sustainable safe water and sanitation solutions for people in developing countries
and disaster areas. It is also a Christian ministry that by helping to fight global
water crises provides those they serve with the opportunity to hear about the
true Living Water – Jesus Christ!
WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE!
CLEAN WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTHY LIFE!
LIVING WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR ETERNAL LIFE!
9
COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL
Compassion International is a Christian child-sponsorship organization dedicated
to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world.
Members of Bethel participate by sponsoring a child in need through a monthly
financial commitment, letters, and prayers.
A Compassion sponsor makes the decision to personally invest in the life of a child
in need. Sponsors enable these children to participate in a church-based program
that offers life-changing benefits including help with education, health care, social
skills development, and Christian training. And more than this, the sponsor can
help the child develop a sense of confidence and self-worth with the love
expressed through letters and prayers. There is a real connection between
sponsors and the individual children they support. The child knows the sponsors
by name, writes to them, and is aware of the benefits from the monthly
sponsorship. This relationship with the child makes the sponsor a very important
person who has a significant role in his or her development. The sponsors stand
alongside parents, pastors, teachers, family and friends who are taking an active
role in encouraging and developing the child.
10
11
NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN
CHURCH
12
THE NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
As a member church Bethel supports the mission and ministry of the NALC.
The NALC is a fast-growing Christian church in the Lutheran tradition, uniting
more than 140,000 Lutherans in more than 400 congregations across North
America. The NALC embodies the theological center of Lutheranism in North
America and stands firmly within the global Lutheran mainstream.
We are a church family committed to the authority of the Bible as the inspired
Word of God. In keeping with the Lutheran Confessions, we believe all doctrines
should and must be judged by the teaching of Scripture.
The NALC has embraced four core values which shape our common life: Christ
Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded, and Congregationally Focused.
We are a church centered on the unique Gospel of Jesus Christ, animated by
missions and evangelism, grounded in the 2,000-year tradition of Christian faith,
and organized chiefly to serve our congregations.
A renewed Lutheran community moving forward in faith, the NALC is focused on
living out Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples in North America
and around the globe. We invite you to learn more about our church family.
13
THE HEARTLAND MISSION DISTRICT
Within the NALC, Bethel belongs and supports the Heartland Mission District,
which is made up of the 13 NALC churches in Indiana and Kentucky. The Rev. Pam
Thorsen, House of Prayer Lutheran Church is currently the Dean of the Heartland
Mission District. The churches of the Heartland Mission District are:
Church Name City State
Adams Lutheran Church Batesville IN
Antioch Lutheran Church Hoagland IN
Bethel Lutheran Church Noblesville IN
Christ the Cornerstone Lutheran Church Schererville IN
First United Lutheran Church Hammond IN
Living Faith Lutheran Church Wabash IN
Peace Lutheran Church Connersville IN
St James Lutheran Church Greenfield IN
St John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township Fort Wayne IN
St Mark Lutheran Church Fort Wayne IN
St Mark's Lutheran Church Auburn IN
St Mark's Lutheran Church Uniondale IN
House of Prayer Lutheran Church Elizabethtown KY
14
THE NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY
NALC’s Seminary provides faithful Lutheran theological education for pastors,
prospective pastors, and lay people. Bethel supports the theological education of
Seminary students, Bethel members, or members of Bethel’s mission partner
churches.
Mission and Vision of the NALS: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit, we are forming pastors and church leaders for the North American
Lutheran Church who will faithfully preach, teach, and live God’s eternal truth,
through Word and Sacrament, proclaiming Christ’s cross and resurrection, making
disciples who will renew and grow the church in Christ’s name.
In April 2016, Bethel hosted the Rev. Dr. David Yeago as a guest preacher during
its Seminary Weekend.” Dr. Yeago is the Professor of Systematic Theology and
Ethics at The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) located at Trinity School
of Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Members of the congregation were
invited to a pitch-in after services on Saturday night or a fellowship time after the
11am service on Sunday to hear more about what the seminary and its programs.
15
U.S. MISSIONS
16
IGLESIA LUTERANA SAN PEDRO Miami, FL
Iglesia Luterana San Pedro is a Spanish-speaking NALC congregation located in
Miami. Bethel and San Pedro have had a mission partner relationship since 2012.
In addition to prayer, Bethel has provided financial resources, Spanish-language
Bibles to aid in worship, Bible study, and evangelism as well as VBS and Sunday
school materials.
Bethel members have visited the San Pedro congregation, Pastor Doug has visited
and preached at San Pedro, and San Pedro’s Pastor Eddy Perez has visited and
preached at Bethel.
One of the most important outreach efforts of San Pedro is its radio ministry.
Pastor Eddy remembers the importance of radio during his childhood in Cuba.
Pastor Eddy at Bethel Pastors Lisette, Juan, Doug, and Eddy at San Pedro
17
The government maintained strict control
over all the media so the only way to
know what was going on in the world was
to rely on foreign radio stations,
particularly those from the U.S. When
the opportunity arose to expand his
outreach through the use of radio in
Miami, he moved quickly to take
advantage of this way to share the Word
of God in south Florida, the Bahamas, and north Cuba!
Pastor Eddy says that this radio ministry has
been a tremendous evangelism tool, reaching
many Spanish-speaking people, including young
families and recent immigrants from Cuba. It
has also been a powerful means of outreach to
people in prison.
The radio ministry not only provides the Word
of God to people to hear, but it has prompted
the creation of a new ministry at Iglesia San
Pedro. Many of the hundreds of legal
immigrants coming from Cuba come directly to
Iglesia San Pedro when they arrive in the Miami area because they have heard
about Pastor Eddy’s ministry on the radio. The new arrivals lack knowledge of
how to use a checkbook or a credit card, how to obtain insurance, and they must
be told that local law. San Pedro helps these new immigrants with work
applications and citizenship applications. Some have no faith or knowledge at all
about the faith, though some are Christian. In working with these new arrivals,
Pastor Eddy is able to pray with them and invite them to worship. This does mean
that there is a large transient element to his congregation, as many of his people
are lured away by the need to work, but it also means that many people hear the
Word of God for the first time in their new country.
Pastor Doug on Pastor Eddy's radio program.
Pastors Eddy at the radio station
18
IGLESIA EVANGELICA LUTERANA RECONCILIACION Kissimmee, FL
Bethel is a mission partner of the Spanish-
speaking NALC mission church Iglesia Evangelica
Luterana Reconciliacion of Kissimmee, Florida.
Kissimmee is in the greater Orlando area. Pastor
Doug met Pastor Lissette Colón of Reconciliacion
on a trip to visit Pastor Eddy Perez and Iglesia
Luterana San Pedro in Miami. Bethel supports
Reconciliacion with funds and with prayer!
Mission Statement:
The Evangelical Lutheran Reconciliation Church exists to glorify the name of Jesus
carrying the message of love and inclusiveness of the Kingdom of God. Our call,
task and commitment to God responds to the Great Commission given by our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
(Matthew 28:19). Diligently listen and obey the Lord's call as we are empowered
by the Holy Spirit to work for the glory and honor of our God.
Vision Statement:
The vision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Reconciliation is carrying the
message of love and salvation to those who do not know Christ or who have lost
their way. Fostering leadership through service to the needy, and watch over the
Church of Christ in the communion of the Gospel and of the Triune God to be light
and salt in the soil.
Pastora Lissette Colón
19
LIVING FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Wabash, IN
Bethel and Living Faith Lutheran Church (LFLC) have been mission partners since
2012. LFLC is a growing NALC mission congregation in northern Indiana. Support
by Bethel is given through prayer, visits by Bethel members, and invitations to
youth to relevant Bethel youth events.
Pastor Tom Curry was installed in May of 2014.
He had previously been a Missionary in India
and he retains his interest in International
Missions. He serves with Pastor Doug on the
NALC Missions Team.
Since, LFLC currently needs him half-time, Pastor
Tom has been doing social work half-time. At
the beginning of 2016, he gave up social work in
favor of becoming the Eastern USA Regional
Representative of Awakening Lives to World
Missions (ALWM), and is now happily promoting
international missions within the NALC.
LFLC continues to grow slowly and to do God’s work in Wabash, Indiana.
Pastor Tom Curry
20
SERVANTS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Robins, IA
Servants of Christ Lutheran Church is a new mission start of the North American
Lutheran Church (NALC) in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. Bethel has begun a
mission partnership with this brand new congregation of the NALC. The Mission-
Developer of Servants of Christ (SOC-NALC) is Pastor Ron Voss. A number of
members of Bethel were part of Pastor Ron’s congregation when he was in
Indianapolis, and Pastor Doug has known Pastor Ron for many years. When it
became known that Pastor Ron was beginning a new church in Iowa, it seemed
natural for Bethel to help get it started!
SOC-NALC is now meeting at the Robins
Community Center, in Robins, Iowa.
Robins is just north of Cedar Rapids. They
had their first worship service on the first
Sunday of Advent in 2015 and began an
adult Bible study in December.
Bethel helped SOC-NALC get started by providing communion ware, a website
(www.ServantsOfChristNALC.org), and Bibles as well as prayer and funds. We pray
God will bless this new mission and outreach!
Worshippers at the first service of
Servants of Christ Lutheran Church NALC.
21
LOCAL MISSIONS
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BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE
After finding out what school supplies are needed at two of the local elementary
schools, tags are put out to collect backpacks and the specified school supplies for
local school children in need. In 2015, enough backpacks and school supplies were
collected to produce 30 backpacks. There were even enough extra supplies to
have some in the Food and Baby Pantry for the children of clients served there.
Before the backpacks were taken to the two schools, they were blessed at all the
worship services. Cards were placed inside each backpack which read: “Stuffed
with Love from your friends @ Bethel Lutheran Church.”
Blessing the Backpacks
23
BETHEL ANGEL TREE
Bethel Angel Tree is a collection of Christmas gifts for seniors or juveniles who
have no family to provide for them at the holidays. A “tree” is put in the narthex
with tags on it listing the various type of recipients. Members of Bethel choose a
tag or tags. They then shop for Christmas presents for their chosen recipient,
wrap the presents, and return them to Bethel. This long-standing mission of
Bethel provides gifts for seniors and/or juveniles who either have no family or
have no one living near them. It is a way to make sure everyone takes part in the
joys of the Christmas season!
24
Bethel Holiday Sharing
BETHEL THANKSGIVING SHARING
The holiday most people think of first in November is Thanksgiving, and every
year the people of Bethel not only give thanks to God, but they give generously to
others. For many years, members of Bethel have been willing to reach out and
make sure other people have food through the Holiday Sharing missions. Many
members donate food and time to help others who are in need. Baskets of
donated food are packed for families who would not otherwise have a holiday
meal. This is done both at the Lord Jesus’ request and in His name. Thanks be to
God for all the Bethel members and friends who spend their time, talent, and
treasure to help others in Jesus’ name!
BETHEL CHRISTMAS SHARING In December, baskets of donated food are packed for families who would not
otherwise have a holiday meal for Christmas. Presents are shopped for and
donated by Bethel members and given to the families along with the food basket.
Children are also given a book with stories of Jesus. Everyone involved is prayed
for!
25
BIBLES FOR MISSION PARTNERS
Provide Bibles to mission partner congregations. The Bibles may be hardcover or
softcover. They may be in English, Spanish, or even Amharic (the language of
Ethiopia)!
26
BINGO MINISTRY
Once a month, on the 4th Monday at 2:30 PM, a group from Bethel provides a
ministry to seniors at the Maple Park Nursing Home by playing bingo with them
for about an hour and a half. Kyle Smith and Joy Diamond lead a group of
volunteers that provide outreach to seniors in the form of bingo (with prizes) and
social time.
They are always looking for members and friends to join them, and they collect
and appreciate donations of prizes and treats. Check with Kyle or Joy for
appropriate items.
27
BLOOD DRIVE
Bethel hosts an annual Blood Drive to help the Indiana Blood Center in its mission
to deliver a stable supply of blood components to patients in Indiana hospitals.
Members who donate literally give the “gift of life.” One unit of blood can make a
difference in the lives of one to three people.
The Bethel Blood Drive is held at the end of April which
is during in the Easter Season. This is the season when
we remember how Our Savior shed His blood for us.
He bled on the cross and died for us! In Matthew
26:28, Jesus says, “This is my blood of the covenant
which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of
your sins.”
The Bethel Blood Drive is an opportunity for us to share
our blood in His name to save others!
28
FIGHT HUNGER
Funds are raised to fight hunger through the Meijer and Kroger Community
Rewards programs.
In 2015, Bethel’s Fight Hunger
program received $2756.05 from the
Kroger Community Rewards Program.
This happened because 79 individuals
and/or families registered their Kroger
Plus Cards in the Kroger Community Rewards program
selecting Bethel and then swiped the cards when they made purchases.
With Meijer Community Rewards, Bethel
receives a percentage of purchases from
members who have enrolled in the program,
enter their number while shopping, and then
use a Meijer credit card, a debit card, or cash for
their purchases. Meijer waits until a minimum of $100 is accrued and then sends
a check to Bethel.
Beginning in 2015, Bethel started supporting the Haik
Chicken Hatchery in the North Central Synod of Ethiopia
through its Fight Hunger mission efforts. See the Global
Mission section for more detailed information!
One day old chick
29
FOOD & BABY PANTRY
The Mission Statement of the Pantry reads:
The Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Members of Bethel help the Pantry in a number of ways. They:
• Pray for the ministry and the church
• Volunteer in the Pantry
o To work with clients
o To sort or shelve food
• Donate food/baby items
• Help shop for food
• Pick up large donations
• Write grants to secure funding for the pantry
• Collect food/baby items at their place of employment
The Food and Baby Pantry is another way Bethel helps to Fight Hunger – right in
its own community!
To be the hands and feet of God and to love those in need by
restoring hope and dignity and providing some basic needs.
To feed the hungry of Hamilton County physically AND spiritually.
30
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for shipment to
children overseas. The shoeboxes are filled with gifts: fun toys, hygiene items,
and school supplies. Letters and pictures are welcome and encouraged, and
prayer for the child who receives the gift box is essential! In 2015, Bethel
members put together and donated 165 boxes to Operation Christmas Child.
In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for
evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families
around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! Each box blesses
children with joy, hope, and love. Their shoebox is the first gift many children
have ever received! The treasures and personal letters inside communicate that
someone cares for them and give them an opportunity to experience the love of
God.
Blessing the 2015 Operation
Christmas Child Boxes
31
PRISON MINISTRY
Bethel members lead Bible studies and work with the local Juvenile Services
Center to help reinforce acceptable behavior.
Bible Blessing – February 2016
32
SERVE: NOBLESVILLE
SERVE: Noblesville is a partnership of neighbors, churches, businesses and
organizations whose goal is to “Connect Compassionate Neighbors.” They do this
by designating a week of service projects in late June to create a sense of pride
and ownership in Noblesville. Bethel Lutheran Church is a Planning Partner of
SERVE: Noblesville, and church members are encouraged to participate in this
mission opportunity in the local community!
Projects and Events for 2015 included:
Home Repairs
Crafts with a Cause
Kids Crafts with a Cause
Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County Apostles Build
Teen Serve
U Call We Haul
Community Giveaway
Keep Noblesville Beautiful
Day Camp
Members can put in an hour, a morning, or a day to serve. Youth Director Joe
Rudy serves on the Board of Serve: Noblesville.
33
Holly and new recruit Stanley.
VETERANS
It is important that we remember those who have served this country in its armed
forces. We especially need to remember and help those who have suffered
because of their service. That is why one of Bethel’s missions is Lutheran Military
Veterans and Families Ministries, Inc. (LMVFM) of Fort Wayne. Their motto is:
“Serving with Christ’s love those who serve.”
LMVFM assists family members, congregations, and caregivers in the unique
challenges resulting from military service. They offer training and workshops for
churches and groups designed to educate caregivers in unique and challenging
aspects of providing Christian care and outreach to veterans and their families.
They also provide individual and couples counseling.
In 2013, they began a program called “Paws and
Effects” where through a partnership with a local dog
trainer, they assist veterans in need of a therapy/
service dog to get one. Though the VA has yet to
recognize the therapeutic value of therapy animals for
veterans who have been spiritually and emotionally
traumatized, the people at LMVFM believe that
veterans in need of trained and certified therapy
dogs/animals should have ready
access to them. They believe this
so strongly that they have a four
legged team member named "Holly" that has become a
ministry favorite among those they serve.
A “Paws and Effects” Success!
34
FISH FRY
The Bethel Fish (and Chicken) Fry is held in late September as a fundraiser.
Members of Bethel and the community are welcome. The Missions Committee
and many Bethel members help with their time and contributions to make this a
successful fundraiser and Missions outreach event.
Bethel Lutheran Church Fish and Chicken Fry
in support of Missions
Pray for Missions Global – National – Local
BLESSINGS aaaa BEYOND aaaa BETHEL