Bethlehem Lutheran Church 2245 Hayden Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720

May 2020 - Volume XVI - Issue 5

Return From “Exile” From the Pastor

Ah, the good ol’ days. Do you remember the good ol’ days?

The good ol’ days of about four months ago?

The good ol’ days when we were simply wondering how much snow we would get, how far our favorite football team would get in the playoffs, and whether the day care would be repaired in time for Easter?

Honestly, maybe there were some other big concerns on your mind at the time. But recent events have seemed to push everything else aside.

Now, we’re looking ahead to the days when we “re-open” Wisconsin … and re-open our businesses … and re-open the church.

We’re looking ahead to the day when our lives return to some semblance of the “normal,” good ol’ days we remember.

That sense of anticipation – (maybe even a sense of impatience?) – reminds me of how the exiles must have felt getting ready to return home after their time in Babylon. Continued on next page

Thank You!

My family and I have greatly appreciated all the cards, prayers, memorial contributions, and condolences after my mom, Barbara, entered into her eternal rest on March 27. I am also especially grateful for your support and words of encouragement throughout the COVID crisis. It has been tremendously helpful and uplifting as we have all tried to navigate these changes together. You have been a faithful testament to the Apostle Paul’s words, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Thank you so much!

May Birthdays 1 Fred Howard 3 Greg Schantz 12 Shelby Gunem 13 Janice Bryn, Gary Puljas 15 Barb Julson, Mandy Nikolai 16 Jayden Bauer, Willis Bierbrauer 17 Mary Lou Stelter, Linda Wagner 19 Randy Boyea 20 Tim Schmidt 22 Lana Partlow 23 Carol Howard 25 Renee Arndt 27 Carl Keehn 30 Harold Hess, Rebecca Jordan 31 Kyle Gilbertson, Ron Olson

May Anniversaries 1 Chad & Katy Mattison 6 Andy & Barb Julson 10 Paulette & Mark Brown 16 Bill & Barb Bresina 20 Dale & Elaine Emberson 22 Ron & Lois Olson 23 Larry & Yvonne Williams 30 Greg & Sherry Schantz

If we have missed your birthday or anniversary please contact the church office so we can add it to the church records.

Ten out of our twelve shut ins are ladies. Mother’s Day is May 10th. Perhaps your children could spend an afternoon making a Mother’s Day card for one of our shut ins who may not be able to have family come for a visit this year. If you wish to send a card or note to any other member addresses are in your pictorial directory or contact Charleen, she will gladly get addresses for you. Call her at home 715-835-3597 or email her at blcsecretary@charter.net or ihc1586@charter.net.

The Altoona Food Pantry, originally scheduled for Thurs., May 28th from

4:30 - 6:30 pm at 701th St. West, Altoona, WI, sponsored by The Altoona Compassion Coalition may be subject to change based on COVID-19 Guidelines &

Restrictions. Contact Message Phone Number is 715-255-0783.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE for the June 2020 Newsletter will still be ON WED., MAY 20TH

COOPERATION IS NECESSARY &

REMEMBER BETHLEHEM’S HOME BOUND & SHUT IN MEMBERS

Dorothy Bartz (Mrs. Fred) - Oakwood Health Services

2512 New Pine Dr. #C116, Altoona WI 54720

Eunice “Patty” Glover - East Ridge Estates

3504 Hoover Ave. # 313, Altoona WI 54720

Susan Gust - 3802 Damon St. Apt. 132, Eau Claire WI 54701

Earl & Julie Hemenway - 2214 Peters Dr. # 129 Eau Claire WI 54701

Fred Howard - WI Veterans Home

2175 E. Park Ave. D109, Chippewa Falls WI 54729

Margaret Johnson - American Lutheran Communities - Menomonie

915 Elm St. E., #4, Menomonie WI 54751

Bev Nequette - Milestone Senior Living

5512 Renee Dr. Room 112, Eau Claire WI 54703

Phyllis Pecor - Dove West

1405 Truax Blvd, #2011, Eau Claire WI 54703

Alice Steuding - Care Partners

3325 Birch St., #19, Eau Claire WI 54703

Arlene Vance - East Ridge Estates

3504 Hoover Ave., #109, Altoona WI 54720

Barb Zank - 300 William St. Apt. 108, Eau Claire WI 54703

Bethlehem Online

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE Go to our web site, www.blcaltoona.org. From there you can access each week’s sermon online

or a weekly worship playlist (with songs, Scripture readings, and sermon).

DEVOTIONS 9 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays on Facebook Live

Join Pastor Tim for reflection and prayer at www.facebook.com/PastorTimStein.

BIBLE STUDY 9 a.m. Sundays on Zoom

Each week is a stand-alone study that ties in to the sermon. Email PastorTim@blcaltoona.org for the link to join the study.

WORSHIP ON DVD

Rev. Tim Stein, Pastor Office phone 715-832-9953 ext. 3 email pastortim@blcaltoona.org

or in emergency by cell phone 715-829-1247———————————————————————————————

Congregation Chairman: Gary Hansen 715-831-1917 or hansenfam@charter.netOffice: 715-832-9953 or blcsecretary@gmail.com Website: blcaltoona.org

Little Star Daycare: Krystina Schumacher, Director 715-832-1513 or krystina.littlestar@gmail.com

PRAYER REQUESTS ~ During the course of the “Safer At Home” / COVID-19 situation prayer requests can still be submitted to our Prayer Group. Although the Prayer Tree at church is not an option right now, please feel free to call Sharon Stelter or Lois Schnorr or email your prayer requests to Charleen at her home email, to be given to the Prayer Group. Your requests will continue to be lifted up in prayer even though the Group will not be meeting face to face for a while.

In ancient Israel, after the time of King David and King Solomon, the people of Israel and Judah turned their backs on the one true God, the God who had rescued them from Egypt, and they started worshipping false gods.

After patiently giving them another 300 years to repent, God punished them by allowing them to be conquered, scattered, and carried off into exile in Babylon.

The temple was destroyed. Jerusalem was destroyed. Their lives were turned upside-down. Nothing was ever the same.

This exile lasted 70 years. Then, at long last, the king agreed to allow the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.

When they arrived in the ruined capital city, they started rebuilding their lives by rebuilding the temple.

But the rebuilt temple lacked the former glory of Solomon’s temple.

“Many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise” (Ezra 3:12-13).

The exiles’ return was far less fulfilling than they had hoped for. It was so disappointing that the elders were crying.

The temple was a shadow of its former self. The walls of Jerusalem remained in ruins. The people were still living under the thumb of Persia.

Life had not returned to “normal.” The new reality was not as good as the good ol’ days.

My friends, we too are longing for a return to the good ol’ days. But we run the risk of setting ourselves up for a

serious disappointment.

Life after COVID will not return to the “normal” we remember. The new reality will not be as safe and comforting and simple as the good ol’ days of four months ago.

Don’t get me wrong. God is always working for our good, and He is always making things new. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean our lives are being transformed – purified – into something new.

“So be truly glad,” the Apostle Peter wrote to believers enduring difficult times. “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith

remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT).

We look forward to the day when we can embrace again … worship in church again … celebrate communion again … laugh over a potluck meal again … hear honest and priceless answers in a children’s message again.

But it won’t be the same.

We will shed tears over some things that have been lost. We will long for the good ol’ days.

But take heart, my friends, and be glad. The world has changed, but as we are surrounded by the unchanging, unfailing love of Christ, and surrounded by the community we call the church, we will start making some new good ol’ days to remember.

Peace and joy in Christ, Pastor Tim

Continued from front page

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CONFIRMATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL is canceled for the rest of this school year. Classes plan to start again in the fall with Rally Day and registration scheduled for Sun., Sept 13 @ 8:45am. We are planning a celebration for that day, including a potluck lunch following service, as we hopefully are able to all come together again. More details to follow over the summer.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES from this school year (2019-20) will resume on Wed., Aug. 12 @ 5:30pm to complete any missed classes. Confirmation Day has been rescheduled to Sun., Sept. 20 @ 10:00am.

The new incoming classes for confirmation (2020-21) are planned to start Wed., Sept. 16, with a parent/ student meeting @ 5:30pm.

Any questions or concerns please contact Pam Hansen @ 715-831-1917 or by email at

An Offering to the Lord

If you have been able to continue giving to

Bethlehem during these uncertain times, Thank

You! Your generous gifts to the Kingdom really do

make a difference – not only helping our church

remain strong now, but helping to lay a foundation

for the future so that we can continue to be a blessing

to others.

If you are interested in a secure, convenient way

to send your gifts to Bethlehem, consider giving

online. Go to the web site, www.blcaltoona.org, and click on “Giving” to make a one-time donation

or to set up a regular, recurring gift. Another option is to check with your bank to see

if they will send out an electronic check for you free

of charge. If your financial situation has been affected by

the COVID crisis and you are in need of assistance,

Quarterly Giving Statements ~ Quarterly statements showing contributions from January through March 2020 have been printed and placed in the family mailboxes at

church. If you would like yours mailed to you, please

Bethlehem Bounce Back Many of you have no doubt heard about the plan to slowly “re-open” Wisconsin, as the number of

confirmed and suspected COVID cases starts to drop. As we continue to follow state and local health guidelines, our plan for Bethlehem will follow a similar path to “re-open” in stages.

At this point it’s too early for specifics, but Pastor Tim will work with church leadership to develop a plan to resume in-person worship and other church activities in line with the state’s Bounce Back plan.

As that day draws closer, we will keep you informed by email and on the web site. Until then, keep safe and keep praying!

Bethlehem’s Giving Report

Weekly Goal: $3,462

Giving for week of March 30-April 5: $3,294.15

Giving for week of April 6-12: $5,670.00

Giving for week of April 13-19: $2,653.46

Giving for week of April 20-26: $2,761.97

Year-to-Date Total: $53,411.00

Hello! By the time this newsletter reaches you, construction of the daycare should have been completed. There were a few loose ends to finish up, which were expected to be completed by April 24 th! We are taking our time moving back downstairs to make sure that things are exactly how we want them! The month of May is typically a busy month for us as we celebrate our teachers during teacher appreciation week, close down for a day to clean, and prepare for the end of the school year. This year, we still plan to appreciate our teachers and we will still close for our annual cleaning day, except this year we will take a mental health day and enjoy each others company while taking time to do the things we want to do! This year has been a little different, but that doesn't mean we can't make the best of a tough situation. Have a great, May! Stay safe and healthy! Krystina Schumacher, Administrator/Director

THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL

for May - June is in the office. If you would like one mailed to your home please email Charleen

2

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 2245 Hayden Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720

May 2020 - Volume XVI - Issue 5

Return From “Exile” From the Pastor

Ah, the good ol’ days. Do you remember the good ol’ days?

The good ol’ days of about four months ago?

The good ol’ days when we were simply wondering how much snow we would get, how far our favorite football team would get in the playoffs, and whether the day care would be repaired in time for Easter?

Honestly, maybe there were some other big concerns on your mind at the time. But recent events have seemed to push everything else aside.

Now, we’re looking ahead to the days when we “re-open” Wisconsin … and re-open our businesses … and re-open the church.

We’re looking ahead to the day when our lives return to some semblance of the “normal,” good ol’ days we remember.

That sense of anticipation – (maybe even a sense of impatience?) – reminds me of how the exiles must have felt getting ready to return home after their time in Babylon. Continued on next page

Thank You!

My family and I have greatly appreciated all the cards, prayers, memorial contributions, and condolences after my mom, Barbara, entered into her eternal rest on March 27. I am also especially grateful for your support and words of encouragement throughout the COVID crisis. It has been tremendously helpful and uplifting as we have all tried to navigate these changes together. You have been a faithful testament to the Apostle Paul’s words, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Thank you so much!

May Birthdays 1 Fred Howard 3 Greg Schantz 12 Shelby Gunem 13 Janice Bryn, Gary Puljas 15 Barb Julson, Mandy Nikolai 16 Jayden Bauer, Willis Bierbrauer 17 Mary Lou Stelter, Linda Wagner 19 Randy Boyea 20 Tim Schmidt 22 Lana Partlow 23 Carol Howard 25 Renee Arndt 27 Carl Keehn 30 Harold Hess, Rebecca Jordan 31 Kyle Gilbertson, Ron Olson

May Anniversaries 1 Chad & Katy Mattison 6 Andy & Barb Julson 10 Paulette & Mark Brown 16 Bill & Barb Bresina 20 Dale & Elaine Emberson 22 Ron & Lois Olson 23 Larry & Yvonne Williams 30 Greg & Sherry Schantz

If we have missed your birthday or anniversary please contact the church office so we can add it to the church records.

Ten out of our twelve shut ins are ladies. Mother’s Day is May 10th. Perhaps your children could spend an afternoon making a Mother’s Day card for one of our shut ins who may not be able to have family come for a visit this year. If you wish to send a card or note to any other member addresses are in your pictorial directory or contact Charleen, she will gladly get addresses for you. Call her at home 715-835-3597 or email her at blcsecretary@charter.net or ihc1586@charter.net.

The Altoona Food Pantry, originally scheduled for Thurs., May 28th from

4:30 - 6:30 pm at 701th St. West, Altoona, WI, sponsored by The Altoona Compassion Coalition may be subject to change based on COVID-19 Guidelines &

Restrictions. Contact Message Phone Number is 715-255-0783.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE for the June 2020 Newsletter will still be ON WED., MAY 20TH

COOPERATION IS NECESSARY &

REMEMBER BETHLEHEM’S HOME BOUND & SHUT IN MEMBERS

Dorothy Bartz (Mrs. Fred) - Oakwood Health Services

2512 New Pine Dr. #C116, Altoona WI 54720

Eunice “Patty” Glover - East Ridge Estates

3504 Hoover Ave. # 313, Altoona WI 54720

Susan Gust - 3802 Damon St. Apt. 132, Eau Claire WI 54701

Earl & Julie Hemenway - 2214 Peters Dr. # 129 Eau Claire WI 54701

Fred Howard - WI Veterans Home

2175 E. Park Ave. D109, Chippewa Falls WI 54729

Margaret Johnson - American Lutheran Communities - Menomonie

915 Elm St. E., #4, Menomonie WI 54751

Bev Nequette - Milestone Senior Living

5512 Renee Dr. Room 112, Eau Claire WI 54703

Phyllis Pecor - Dove West

1405 Truax Blvd, #2011, Eau Claire WI 54703

Alice Steuding - Care Partners

3325 Birch St., #19, Eau Claire WI 54703

Arlene Vance - East Ridge Estates

3504 Hoover Ave., #109, Altoona WI 54720

Barb Zank - 300 William St. Apt. 108, Eau Claire WI 54703

Bethlehem Online

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE Go to our web site, www.blcaltoona.org. From there you can access each week’s sermon online

or a weekly worship playlist (with songs, Scripture readings, and sermon).

DEVOTIONS 9 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays on Facebook Live

Join Pastor Tim for reflection and prayer at www.facebook.com/PastorTimStein.

BIBLE STUDY 9 a.m. Sundays on Zoom

Each week is a stand-alone study that ties in to the sermon. Email PastorTim@blcaltoona.org for the link to join the study.

WORSHIP ON DVD

Rev. Tim Stein, Pastor Office phone 715-832-9953 ext. 3 email pastortim@blcaltoona.org

or in emergency by cell phone 715-829-1247———————————————————————————————

Congregation Chairman: Gary Hansen 715-831-1917 or hansenfam@charter.netOffice: 715-832-9953 or blcsecretary@gmail.com Website: blcaltoona.org

Little Star Daycare: Krystina Schumacher, Director 715-832-1513 or krystina.littlestar@gmail.com

PRAYER REQUESTS ~ During the course of the “Safer At Home” / COVID-19 situation prayer requests can still be submitted to our Prayer Group. Although the Prayer Tree at church is not an option right now, please feel free to call Sharon Stelter or Lois Schnorr or email your prayer requests to Charleen at her home email, to be given to the Prayer Group. Your requests will continue to be lifted up in prayer even though the Group will not be meeting face to face for a while.

3

In ancient Israel, after the time of King David and King Solomon, the people of Israel and Judah turned their backs on the one true God, the God who had rescued them from Egypt, and they started worshipping false gods.

After patiently giving them another 300 years to repent, God punished them by allowing them to be conquered, scattered, and carried off into exile in Babylon.

The temple was destroyed. Jerusalem was destroyed. Their lives were turned upside-down. Nothing was ever the same.

This exile lasted 70 years. Then, at long last, the king agreed to allow the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.

When they arrived in the ruined capital city, they started rebuilding their lives by rebuilding the temple.

But the rebuilt temple lacked the former glory of Solomon’s temple.

“Many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise” (Ezra 3:12-13).

The exiles’ return was far less fulfilling than they had hoped for. It was so disappointing that the elders were crying.

The temple was a shadow of its former self. The walls of Jerusalem remained in ruins. The people were still living under the thumb of Persia.

Life had not returned to “normal.” The new reality was not as good as the good ol’ days.

My friends, we too are longing for a return to the good ol’ days. But we run the risk of setting ourselves up for a

serious disappointment.

Life after COVID will not return to the “normal” we remember. The new reality will not be as safe and comforting and simple as the good ol’ days of four months ago.

Don’t get me wrong. God is always working for our good, and He is always making things new. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus mean our lives are being transformed – purified – into something new.

“So be truly glad,” the Apostle Peter wrote to believers enduring difficult times. “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith

remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT).

We look forward to the day when we can embrace again … worship in church again … celebrate communion again … laugh over a potluck meal again … hear honest and priceless answers in a children’s message again.

But it won’t be the same.

We will shed tears over some things that have been lost. We will long for the good ol’ days.

But take heart, my friends, and be glad. The world has changed, but as we are surrounded by the unchanging, unfailing love of Christ, and surrounded by the community we call the church, we will start making some new good ol’ days to remember.

Peace and joy in Christ, Pastor Tim

Continued from front page

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CONFIRMATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL is canceled for the rest of this school year. Classes plan to start again in the fall with Rally Day and registration scheduled for Sun., Sept 13 @ 8:45am. We are planning a celebration for that day, including a potluck lunch following service, as we hopefully are able to all come together again. More details to follow over the summer.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES from this school year (2019-20) will resume on Wed., Aug. 12 @ 5:30pm to complete any missed classes. Confirmation Day has been rescheduled to Sun., Sept. 20 @ 10:00am.

The new incoming classes for confirmation (2020-21) are planned to start Wed., Sept. 16, with a parent/ student meeting @ 5:30pm.

Any questions or concerns please contact Pam Hansen @ 715-831-1917 or by email at

An Offering to the Lord

If you have been able to continue giving to

Bethlehem during these uncertain times, Thank

You! Your generous gifts to the Kingdom really do

make a difference – not only helping our church

remain strong now, but helping to lay a foundation

for the future so that we can continue to be a blessing

to others.

If you are interested in a secure, convenient way

to send your gifts to Bethlehem, consider giving

online. Go to the web site, www.blcaltoona.org, and click on “Giving” to make a one-time donation

or to set up a regular, recurring gift. Another option is to check with your bank to see

if they will send out an electronic check for you free

of charge. If your financial situation has been affected by

the COVID crisis and you are in need of assistance,

Quarterly Giving Statements ~ Quarterly statements showing contributions from January through March 2020 have been printed and placed in the family mailboxes at

church. If you would like yours mailed to you, please

Bethlehem Bounce Back Many of you have no doubt heard about the plan to slowly “re-open” Wisconsin, as the number of

confirmed and suspected COVID cases starts to drop. As we continue to follow state and local health guidelines, our plan for Bethlehem will follow a similar path to “re-open” in stages.

At this point it’s too early for specifics, but Pastor Tim will work with church leadership to develop a plan to resume in-person worship and other church activities in line with the state’s Bounce Back plan.

As that day draws closer, we will keep you informed by email and on the web site. Until then, keep safe and keep praying!

Bethlehem’s Giving Report

Weekly Goal: $3,462

Giving for week of March 30-April 5: $3,294.15

Giving for week of April 6-12: $5,670.00

Giving for week of April 13-19: $2,653.46

Giving for week of April 20-26: $2,761.97

Year-to-Date Total: $53,411.00

Hello! By the time this newsletter reaches you, construction of the daycare should have been completed. There were a few loose ends to finish up, which were expected to be completed by April 24 th! We are taking our time moving back downstairs to make sure that things are exactly how we want them! The month of May is typically a busy month for us as we celebrate our teachers during teacher appreciation week, close down for a day to clean, and prepare for the end of the school year. This year, we still plan to appreciate our teachers and we will still close for our annual cleaning day, except this year we will take a mental health day and enjoy each others company while taking time to do the things we want to do! This year has been a little different, but that doesn't mean we can't make the best of a tough situation. Have a great, May! Stay safe and healthy! Krystina Schumacher, Administrator/Director

THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL

for May - June is in the office. If you would like one mailed to your home please email Charleen

4