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Volume 20 Issue 6

J U N E 2 0 2 0

6318 W. California Rd

Ft. Wayne, IN 46818

Church: (260) 484-7873

Web page: www.deeplyrootedtogrow.org

School: (260) 483-9371 Web page: www.suburbanbethlehem.org

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

Letter from Pastor Bill page 1 Senior Pastor

Music Ministry page 3 Chairman letter page 5 Youth page 6 SBL Calendar page 15

“But I will trust in Your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in Your salva-tion.” (a verse from the Psalms – read more!)

Dear Fellow Redeemed: “Thirteen!” That’s the only word he said. He really couldn’t speak at all. It’s amazing he could muster the energy and cog-nitive ability after his stroke that he could say that one word. “Thirteen” was an answer that caught me completely unpre-pared, but was I in for an enlightening surprise! “Thirteen!”

My friend who was saying this one word was an elderly retired pastor. “I’m a nat-ural born leader,” he would say – his name was Pastor Walter Lieder. On July 10, 1994 he was the oldest pastor present at my ordination and installation at my first parish. He was even older than my dad (at the time 80 years old) and one of his seminary classmates (who had been vacancy pastor before we arrived). Pastor Lieder would have been about 84 that summer of ’94. Now it was seven years lat-er. He was in his early 90s and had suffered a stroke. I was Circuit Counselor for our circuit and knew it was my duty to make sure Pastor Lieder received pastoral care. He was in the hospital up in the Cities (that’s Minnesota speak for “Twin Cities” … much like we say “Indy” for Indianapolis) so I stopped to see him as I traveled through the Cities to a conference. His stroke didn’t affect his ability to recognize me (Pastor Lieder was very active in attending circuit pastoral confer-ences). I tried to make conversation, share about the conference I was headed to, what was happening in our parish, and then I asked if I could share some Scripture and pray with him. “Pastor Lieder, would you like me to read Psalm 23 with you and we can pray?” I asked. This kind, elderly pastor strongly shook his head – I was surprised! Who didn’t want to pray Psalm 23 during troubled times? “Thirteen!” Pastor Lieder mustered to say. While I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed it did dawn on me that he was asking me to read Psalm 13. “Want me to read Psalm 13?” I asked – and he nodded with strong approval. At some point I’m sure I had crossed Psalm 13 prior to that day in May 2001. But God’s Word from that Psalm had never sunk in before like it did that early Sunday evening. I turned my Bible to that Psalm and read and prayed with this veteran of the cross. I have shared Psalm 13 a number of times in the 19 years since. I think about it during these days of recovery from the Coronavirus. I think about it when things aren’t going right – at least according to my definition of “right.” Too many times I think we Christians treat God with velvet gloves. It’s like we’re afraid to say the things to God that we’re thinking and feeling … forgetting He knows what we’re thinking even as we’re deciding to stay silent in what we think. We think we can only talk to God with multi-syllabic words, or that if we use the words like we use in “church” prayers our prayers before God will be heard in a more timely fashion. We think we can’t be bluntly honest with God.

(continued on page 2)

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(Acts 16:31)

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

But that’s not what King David does! David is the author of Psalm 13. This psalm is rather short – only six verses long. For 2/3 of the psalm (that’s four verses if you’re doing the math!) David is lamenting. He is asking God the tough questions – how long will his enemy triumph over him? How long is it going to be that God turns a deaf ear to David?? How long will David have to wrestle with whatever is troubling him? David begs God to see him to look upon his trouble and to act! Notice David isn’t holding back. He isn’t using nice little trite phrases with God. He knows God knows what he is thinking already! He lays it all out there in front of God.

Maybe we should do the same thing in these Covid-19 days. How long, O Lord, is it going to take for a vaccine to be established and distributed? How long, O Lord, are we going to endure this fear – fear that we put so many re-strictions on things (even church services) – fear that we may not be doing enough! Fear that we may be over doing it! How long? When will this economy turn around? When will we get back to some kind of “normal”? Will the enemies of Your Church get to the point where they are rejoicing because they have silenced our witness of You and Your love in Jesus, Your Son? Come on, God!

I have loved Psalm 13 over the years because of two things: one, I love David’s honesty. Two, I love David’s “nevertheless” attitude. In English Psalm 13:6 comes out as something along these lines, “But I trust in Your unfail-ing love, my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:5-6) The “but” in verse 5 is really, really strongly connected to what David has just said. Yes, it is a new direction of thought and trust for David, but it doesn’t diminish what David has just said. It’s like David collects all his troubles, worries and heartaches into one box and instead of throwing it into the dumpster (and trying to forget them) he takes them to God’s office, sits down opposite Him, and places the box on His desk and says, “I’m here, God, I trust only in You. There is no other Savior and Redeemer. I know You will act when, where and how You will. I trust You and believe in You.” David anchors his optimism and trust in the solid storehouse of God’s unfailing love and His salvation.

I invite you to be a David. Join with me in offering our laments to God – be bluntly honest with Him. He knows what you’re thinking already. And trust in Him. Trust in His unfailing love and salvation. About a year after I visit-ed Pastor Lieder in the hospital, and discovered the great treasures in Psalm 13, I had the privilege of representing the District President at Pastor Lieder’s funeral. I shared with his widow and family the great example of faith and pas-toral care he had been to all of us pastors in the area. A man of faith who shared with his Savior all his heartaches and trusted in His Savior!

God bless you in Jesus!

Bible Studies Zoom Bible Study – “Ten Commandments” – Pastor Bill Mueller facilitates this discussion about a greater under-standing of these familiar commandments. Available on Zoom. Check the weekly “Cyber Saints” or SBL Facebook Page for the link. Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study (8:00 am – Fellowship Hall) We are a small group that enjoys fellowship and the study of God’s Word for an hour every Saturday morning If you have any questions, please call Dan Schwarz 637-8318. Saturday Mid–Morning Men’s Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 am-10:30 am Facilitated by Tim Mueller you may contact him at 438-1149 or at timothy123mueller@gmail.com for information. Mon. Evening Women’s Bible Study The Mon. evening Women’s Bible study meets at 3:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and via ZOOM. Contact Patty Willyard if you if you have questions at 247-0788. Wednesday Women’s Bible Study. “God’s Girls.” Starting on Wednesday June 10, 2020 at 8:30 pm by Zoom will study Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. Have you ever watched the War Room and wanted to have that kind of prayer life. Join us this summer for a wonderful time of learning how. Order your book and contact Diana Taylor 260-413-8157 for Zoom details

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The Suburban Bethlehem Star

“Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship...Go in peace!” The author J.R.R Tolkien wrote these words to the story, The Return of the King/The Lord of the Rings #3 and while I’m not a fan of the epic high-fantasy trilogy novels, I did once see this quote and I thought what not a better way to begin my last newsletter article for the people of Suburban Bethlehem. Yes, indeed we have reached the end of our journey to-gether. No doubt, when church workers have been called to move into a new journey of serv-ing in another church and with a different congregation, it leaves the congregation they are leaving feeling empty-handed in a way. My prayer is that the church can move in a direction that benefits the music ministry as a whole, which benefits you, the congregation, and hopeful-ly not in separate pieces. We have been able to accomplish a lot together, you and I; growth in most of the choirs, a new

organ, a new Music Room, a grand piano, newer choir robes for Bethlehem Chorale, refurbished handbells and hand chimes, updated music libraries, and a gold-rated upper level 5th-8th grade Junior Choir (both in Indiana and at the Festival of Parks at Kings Island Amusement Park). While these are wonderful earthly accomplishments, we can top all of these by saying we have also accomplished the most important aspect of a music ministry: Praising God with “trumpet sound, lute and harp, tambourine and dance, strings and pipes, and loud clashing cymbals.” While you are in transition in finding a new Music Minister, please take a moment to reflect on the importance of why a music ministry is so incredibly important in the overall health of the Church. Take a moment and ponder what worship services would be like totally silent without the rich, musical harmonies that cascade over the balcony ledge. Take a moment and consider the emptiness worship services would have without a melody that strikes an emotion that nothing else can. Take a moment and reflect how music itself shapes the very spiritual life of the wor-ship service. The composer Ludwig von Beethoven once said, “music speaks where words fail.” I believe Beetho-ven, while not an incredibly spiritual person, believed this wholeheartedly. As far as congregations are concerned, healthy churches are a reflection of healthy music ministries...and vice versa - Suburban Bethlehem is no different. So, here we are. Parting ways are never easy and I’m sure this isn’t a final “good-bye”, but more of a “‘till we meet again” farewell and Godspeed. I’d like to leave you with the words to the hymn, “When in Our Music God is Glori-fied” (Hymnal 796) and while its not an incredibly familiar tune, the words speak ever so clear:

When in our music God is glorified and adoration leaves no room for pride, It is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia!

How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound As worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!

God’s richest blessings to you all,

Matthew S. Johnston

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6 at 6 Women’s Dining Out Opportunity is postponed for June. Be looking for more information about Wom-en’s 6@6 in next month’s SBL Star Newsletter

FROM MARGE GRUBER, LWML INDIANA DISTRICT PRESIDENT Your Executive Committee met via Zoom on Saturday, April 25th to discuss Convention 2020. With much

discussion and great sadness it was decided to cancel the convention due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It has

been rescheduled for June 17, 18, and 19, 2022 at Concordia Lutheran High School In Fort Wayne.

This does not mean that our normal business has been canceled. You still need to supply Anne Hartman

with your delegates' names and contact information. We will be voting electronically and via paper ballots for those

who need paper. We will still be voting for Mission Grants, Officers and by-law changes. We will provide your dele-

gates with all of the information they will need to vote intelligently.

LWML 3 Zone Rally The 3 Zone Rally will be held on September 19, 2020. The site to be announced later.

Sharon Mueller, Secretary, North Zone LWML

THE APPLE TREE GIFTING FOR TEACHERS

APPLE TREE PROJECT ON HOLD Since we are unable to enter the building to worship, we will not have the apple tree up with apples to pick. Look for more info com-

ing in future newsletters. Thank you!Linda Grepke: 484-7302

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

SBLS Bulldogs

greener.slbs@gmail.com

260-483-9371 260-402-8179

Enrollment for the upcoming 2020-2021 year

is going on. If you are interested or know anyone that is interested in enrolling, please contact

Patty Macke in the school office Monday-Thursday

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Altar Guild Ladies, How different things have been for all of us these past months! I pray you are all doing well and look forward to seeing familiar faces in worship very soon. Since we are still following the guidelines of our State, there will be no real call for Altar Guild in the next few weeks. According to Pastor Bill, Suburban Beth-lehem will be using self contained , sealed wafer and wine for distribution for a while. Until such time as we go back to pouring wine and distributing wafer, the Elders will set up and clean up after communion. Please stay tuned for further announcements from Pas-tor and myself about resuming our regular practices and routines. Thank you for your service in the past and for that which you will carry out in the future. Blessings on your days and weeks ahead. If you need to reach me please note my phone num-ber( different than the directory) 260-415-1658, and email krumptious@frontier.com. Thanks again, Nancy Krumm

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Membership as of April 30, 2020

Funeral: Dorothy Harmeyer Baptized: 975 Communicant: 707 Average Attendance: nothing to report as no attendance was recorded for April because of covid19.

Official Acts APRIL 2020

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

Wasn’t it a blessing to be back in church May 24? Summer is near, a time of relaxation and refreshment, although this summer will look much different from previous ones. Summer also brings us to the culmination of council’s biggest “project.” Yes, it is time to have our budget meetings-the informational meeting Sunday, June 14 at 9:15 am and the approval meeting Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 pm. The council encourages your active participation so that the final budget truly reflects our ministry plan. Just as this year has been remarkable and unique, factors affecting the 2020-21 budget are also unique and quite remarkable. May God bless you as He guides us into a “new normal” Yours truly, David Reinhard Chairman

Letter from our Chairman

Confirmation Celebration We will celebrate the Con-firmation of our 8th Grade Confirmands on Sunday, June 7 at the 10:30 Worship Service. Elders Examination will take place at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. We praise God for this growth in the faith in Jesus Christ.

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Youth Senior High Zoom Gatherings, Sundays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm: “New normal” is a cliché to describe the changes that we are currently experiencing in this time of the Coronavirus. Sunday Zoom meetings are a change that we have made for our Senior High Youth. Instead of “gathering” in the Youth Room on Sunday, we are gathering in our “Zoom Room” until “shelter in place” restrictions are lifted. All High School students, if you have not been receiving texts about these meetings please let me know, so I can add you to my list. I have been texting the ID and Password for the meetings weekly. I so appreciate these opportunities. Even if we can’t physically be together, this provides a way to see one another and stay connected. Please “join our meeting” on Sundays. God Bless!

Youth Events - Stay Tuned: Except for Senior High Zoom Gatherings, all other planned youth events have been cancelled until it is safe to again gather to physically gather. As soon as the restrictions are lifted, youth events will again be planned, so “stay tuned!” Pray you all are staying healthy!

Youth Mission Trip Cancelled: We are sad to report that the youth mission trip this summer to Elk River, West Vir-ginia is postponed until next year. We thank everyone who have been so generous in supporting us in our fund rais-ing efforts and now we look forward to using your donations for next year’s trip. God Bless!

Serving The Lord in the Dominican Republic ~ News From Missionary Kate Phillips— kathryn.phillips@lcms.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at SBL,

It is hard to believe that it has already been one year since I left Fort Wayne to begin my internship serving as a mis-sionary in the Dominican Republic (DR). Suburban Bethlehem was instrumental in my deaconess formation and I continue to apply the skills I learned from Kay, Pastor Bill, and Pastor Alex as I serve in the DR.

Here is an update on the past year. The first four months of missionary service were spent building my network of prayer and financial supporters. I traveled close to home (except one visit to Iowa to visit Old Missionary Gary at Mission Central), visiting congregations throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. After my second week of Missionary Orientation in St. Louis, I headed down to the DR on September 29 to start on-field orientation.

My first two months on the field were spent in language and cultural acquisition. I attended Spanish classes daily, had Dominican cooking lessons, and participated in activities at our local congregations. We currently have 5 con-gregations in the country and 2 new church plants! In December, I received my in-country placement for internship. I serve at a congregation in Santo Domingo, the capital of the DR. I spend my weekends there (160 km from Santia-go where I live). I work alongside some wonderful women who are studying to become deaconesses through our seminary here in the DR. We go on visits, teach Sunday School, and I lead the youth group. Once my Spanish is bet-ter, I will fill in to teach some of the deaconess classes. During the week, I serve just outside Santiago at Hogares Luteranos el Buen Pastor (Good Shepherd Lutheran Homes). This is a group home in the Santiago area, started with the help of Bethesda about 10 years ago. We have adopted 6 orphaned youth with disabilities who live in the home. I work with the local congregation to provide spiritual care for these youth and work one-on-one with them to build social skills.

An update on COVID-19 in the DR. We have been in shelter-in-place since March 19. A curfew went into effect shortly after, and a week later, the curfew was extended to be in place daily from 5pm-6am. Only grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and hospitals are open. Some restaurants are open for food delivery only. Please keep the Carib-bean region in your prayers as we enter hurricane season. The virus will impact the ways we are able to care for peo-ple if a major hurricane comes.

I have one year left of internship and will be returning to Fort Wayne for a week next May to graduate. If you would like to be added to my monthly newsletter e-mail list, you may sign-up by going to www.lcms.org/phillips and click “Sign up for my newsletter” under “Connect with Me” on the right-hand side. In Christ,

Kate Phillips SBL Deaconess Field Worker, 2017-2019

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The Suburban Bethlehem Star

Finance Secretary April 2020

YTD 4/30/2020

Report Actual Budget Actual Budget

General fund $82,899.523 $82,642.48 $787,247.18 $888,406.66

Building Fund $6,404.33 $12,357.88 $222,766.78 $132,847.21

Other 421,128.59 44,284.00 1,166,102.69 476,053.00

Total $510,432.24 $139,284.36 $2,176,116.65 $1,497,306.87

Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cash Balances

Checking Accounts Balance

Designated Funds in General Account Balance

General $5,747.91 Adult Bible Class

$575.09

Health Reimb Account $924.35 Youth

$350.51

Summer Camp $1,000.11 Thrivent Advocate

$1,090.44

Helping Hands

$695.61 Schumacher missions

$676.63

Women’s Ministry $12,909.39 Sound system

$3,426.24

Total $21,277.37 Family Ministry

$1,529.80

Tuition Assistance $772.00

Savings Accounts Balance

LCEF CD $2,136.21 Total $8,420.71

LCEF Special Bldg Fund $77,000.95

TD Ameritrade Stock $49.58 Unpaid bills for January

Cemetery $97.12 $0

Building Fund $233,901.23

Capital Improvement Fund $85,240.00

Reflecting the Light $64,530.00

LCEF Youth $365.08

Total $463,320.17

Mortgage balance $2,820,424.83

Bldg loan to General = $259,528

“Reflecting the Light”

(thru 5/17/2020)

Initial Gifts: Matched Gifts: Total Raised:

$50,370.00 $15,790.00 $66,160.00

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1Christine Ruch

3 Misty Schroeder

3 Brittany Brune

3 Carrie Johnson

4 Jared Bates

4 Gary Brice

5 Courtney Arnold

5 Taylor Brooks

5 Jim Butcher

5 Dean Dauscher

5 Carissa Garcia

6 Abram Brown

6 James Kruse

6 Celine Newman

6 Finnley Pipenger

6 Darlene Stahlhut

7 Joel Nichols

8 Catelynn Hockemeyer

8 Parker Lewis

8 Mary Lutz

8 Lauren Zimmerman

9 Brian Kruse

9 Cheryl Schaefer

9 Norma Thiele

10 Harold Linnemeier

10 Angie Pipenger

10 Penny Rogers

11 Gretchen Fuhrmann

11 Christopher Gallmeier

11 Andrew Johnston

11 Jared Nichols

11 Wendy Reynolds

11 Jasper Therkelsen

12 Cynthia Brice

12 Thomas Perl

12 Dan Schwarz

13 Brian Beard

13 Connor Gallmeier

14 Mark Barnholt

14 Eloise Gillespie

14 Sharon Mueller

15 Susan Eastes

15 Matthew Johnston

16 Logan Forbing

16 Nick Mueller

17 Delaney King

17 Brooke Labenz

18 Ciara Clifford

18 Darwin Harmeyer

18 Stacie Rennecker

19 Summer Martin

19 Grayson Robinson

20 Brianna Beard

20 Deb Reinking

21 David Branning

21 Jody Furniss

21 Susan Tilbury

22 Patty Macke

22 Chesney Thomas

23 Terri Hobbs

23 Pastor Bill Mueller

23 Kathy Yarnelle

24 Alexis Sklenar

24 Jo Zimmerman

25 Cailee Lolmaugh

26 Isabella Freimark

27 Gabryella Frederick

27 Kurt Poling

28 Emma Arroyo

28 Timothy Mueller

28 Addison Myers

28 Helen Reusser

29 Jon Dreyer

29 Meri Duff

29 Brad Reinking

“God Bless and Keep You the Whole Year Through” If your birthday is not listed or is incorrectly listed, please call

the church office at 260-484-7873 Thank You!

VBS and Little Disciples Day Camp Changes With so many unknowns and the safety and health of our kids and volunteers being of utmost importance, we have decided to cancel both Little Disciples Day Camp and Vacation Bible School for the summer of 2020.

It is disappointing as we always look forward to both of these ministries and seeing God work in the lives of our kids and through our volunteers and staff, but we are confident this is the right decision. We made this deci-sion now so that we can work on other fun and impact-ful ways to reach our kids and families during our cur-rent situation, along with planning for when we are back to meeting on campus together.

We will be offering family activities online during the VBS week which is June 7-11, 2020 and also during the summer for our campers. Stay tuned for more in-formation in the June newsletter and also on our SBL church website where updates and information will be posted and updated regularly.

Thank you for your prayers and your continued support of our Family Ministry. Nancy Johnston, VBS Director, Rachel Gillespie, Little Disciples Day Camp Director and the Summer Ministries Board

If you have any questions or need information, please

contact Chris Stevens, Summer Ministry Board Chair-man 260-602-8578 or Kay Howard Little Disciples Day Camp Administrator 484-7873.

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The Suburban Bethlehem Star

What about Stress, Worry and Glory? With the changes that have occurred due to the coronavirus, it can be a challenge to stay connected to Jesus through His easy yoke. You will recall his promise:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30 ESV)

The prophet Jeremiah said much the same thing many centuries before:

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16 ESV)

So, if we are stressed or our schedules seem impossible, our “to do” lists keep getting longer and longer—take a step back and pause for a moment.

Realize that God does not put more on our list of things to do; we do that. We are actually given responsibility to make out our own schedules; if we are feeling overwhelmed, Jesus does not have a hand in that. Life with Jesus at the center of our being means “the pressure is off”. This is in fact, Jesus invitation to participate in a grace-filled life with Him. Engaging with Him; we share the power of the Holy Spirit to do things that are not possible without the power and riches of His life overflowing in our lives.

A thorough review of Jesus attitude on display in page after page of the Gospel accounts is one of relaxing in the pres-ence of His Father and the Comforter. His disciples can see it made obvious in the many times he retreats in prayer and solitude; in the almost casual way He daily goes about living with them. He demonstrates that fasting is actually feasting on God’s word: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. (Mat 4:4 ESV).

But it gets even better as we follow his lead. He talks about a way of living that becomes glorious.

“You are the light of the world…….let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. (Mat 5:14-16 ESV)

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear”. (Mat 13:43 ESV) Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Mo-ses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?...........Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end…….. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. (2Cor 3:7-8,12-13,17-18 ESV)

So, is there anyone in your circle of friends or family to whom this glory applies? Who is it talking about? As an ap-prentice of Jesus, it’s time to look in the mirror.

Attached to the vine (Jesus) as a branch (disciple) we are given the vision as expressed in the Revelation of John: ……..They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ev-er. (Rev 22:5 ESV)

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Notice to Fort Wayne Television Market VIEWERS IN THE FORT WAYNE, INDIANA MAR-KET: Worship Anew is being preempted Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on Fort Wayne’s MyTV station (WPTA-DT3 21.3) for eight weeks. It is not certain Worship Anew will appear on that station once those eight weeks are complete. Viewers in the Fort Wayne television market can still watch Worship Anew Sundays at 7:00 a.m. on the local NBC station (EPTA channel 21.2). Worship Anew can also be seen over the air in the Fort Wayne area Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on TCT (WINM channel 12). All programs can also be viewed at the Worship Anew website.

June 7, 2020 – The Holy Trinity “Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer

I Believe in God!” Sermon Text: Matthew 28:19

June 14, 2020 – Second Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III

“Christ’s Death is Amazing” Sermon Text: Romans 5:6-9

June 21, 2020 – Third Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Thomas Eggold

“A Bold Faith” Sermon Text: Matthew 10:27

June 28, 2020 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Shayne Jonker “Sword of Peace”

Sermon Text: Matthew 10:34

Celebrating the new life all people have in Jesus with a weekly 30 minute broadcast service.

Worship Anew Viewing Schedule Sundays 7:00 a.m. NBC 21.2, FiOS4, Comcast 13, Mediacom 8 8:00 a.m. MyTV 21.3, FiOS 9, Comcast 252 11:30 am DIRECTV 377 & WINM 12/38 4:00 p.m. Comcast 55 & FiOS 25 Mondays 10:00 a.m. Comcast 55 & FiOS 25

Look for Worship Anew on American Forces Network (AFN) television.

For broadcasting time, check local listings for Sunday on AFN Prime Atlantic/Pacific

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive Ft. Wayne, IN 46825

(260) 471-5683 or toll-free (888)286-8002

Learn more and view programs at WorshipAnew.org

Mission Statement Concordia Lutheran High School pursues Christ-centered educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Concordia Lutheran High School—1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 - (483-1102) - www.clhscadets.com

Mission Statement Sharing Christ’s love through ministry and media.

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

Concordia Lutheran High School Middle school and high school students: Comdey Festival the event will take place in the auditorium on March 13. Learn more at www.concordiacomedyfestival.com.

Register for Summer Camps and Classes Concordia Lutheran High School is hosting summer camps for all ages this summer. Camps are offered for art, band, base-ball, basketball, cheer, color guard, computers, drama, football, golf, lacrosse, rowing, sign language, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. Concordia is also offering summer classes for all area students in grades 8-12 (2019-20 school year). Camps and classes are offered in June and July. Online registration is now open. For more information and to register, visit www.clhscadets.com on the home page click on the Athletics tab and scroll down to Summer Camps.

St. Patrick’s Church Arcola- 12305 Arcola Rd Ft. Wayne

Fish Fry Drive Through Only Friday, June 5th, 2020

4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Carry-out only

Full Meal Dinner $10 All Fish $12

Come and enjoy another St. Pat’s Fish Fry

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The Suburban Bethlehem Star

JUNE Confirmation

Online Summer Ministry Family Activities

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JULY 4th

AUGUST SBL Auction

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Drive –Worship Service Easter Sunday April 12, 2020

Ministry of Love Meals March 2020

Drive –Worship Service At SBL

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

How is it possible to support those who are mourning in this time of “social distancing?” Typically, being physically close to the person, giving a hug, touch-ing the arm, sitting closely and speaking with the person in an intimate and sincere way is my way to show love and support to a person mourning. Unfortunately, we are currently finding ourselves in circumstances due to COVID-19 that prevent these tried and true ways to comfort and support each other. Though they may not be our instinctual choices, we can continue to support those we care for, it may simply mean being a bit more intentional in the way that we do so. Here are some ideas for how you can continue to be supportive while keeping yourself and those you care for safe and healthy through the use of phone calls or video chats: • Be fully present emotionally, limit distractions, provid-ing the person with your full attention as you are speak-ing with them. • Encourage honest expression of feelings, the individual will appreciate having someone to have an open, honest conversation with. • Listen and validate, it is ok to have whatever feeling they are having at that moment. Allow for the freedom to feel those feelings, identify them, and work through them naturally. • Avoid platitudes that sound very nice, but often leave the person feeling that their emotions and experience of grieving is discounted (i.e. “she lived a good life.”) • Let the person know that it is ok to grieve, there is no need to rush through the process. Grief has its own time-line for each individual, there is no schedule to keep or to be finished by a set date. • Be present in the long term. Many will be near and checking on the person in the first few weeks. Eventually those phone calls, greeting cards, and casseroles come to an end. The person is still grieving and will be blessed to have someone calling and checking in with them long-term. If you need to be intentional about making sure to do so, place it on you calendar and do it. These are all things that Stephen Ministers do on a regular basis to provide support to those we care for. These are things any of us can implement to support our loved ones always. Unfortunately, right now we need to do them from a distance, but the good news is that they can still be done. If you would like to be connected with a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Bill Mueller billm@deeplyrootedtogrow.org or 484-7873. Kay Howard kay.howard8@gmail.com or 484-7873.

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SBL Calendar

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS – Cyber Saints, SBL YouTube Channel and Zoom Bible Studies. At this time of protective separation, it is important to stay connected through “social media” channels. Three of those means are Cyber Saints, SBL YouTube Channel and Sunday Zoom Bible Studies. The directions for their use are listed below. If you have any another questions, please call the church office. How to Sign Up for “Cyber Saints” “Cyber Saints” is the weekly (at least usually it’s weekly) combination electronic newsletter, devotional, encourage-ment to be involved in the ministry of SBL. It is received via email. It often contains some teasers for an upcoming sermon and during the Lenten season it also has a daily devotional / prayer thought written by one of our pastors. Signing up to receive this email is easy. There are two ways to accomplish this: Option A: Call the church office (484-7873) or email Pastor Bill (william.mueller4@gmail.com) and ask to be put on the “Cyber Saints” list – you will need to supply your email address. Option B: Sign up yourself on the SBLC website:

Navigate to www.deeplyrootedtogrow.org At the very top left hand corner is a link “Sign up for our Cyber Saints newsletter” Click the link and fill out the form (name and email address). That’s it! You’ll receive the “Cyber Saints” with the next issue.

If you have problems with this, feel free to contact Pastor Bill.

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BOOKMARKS FOR BIBLE THRU THE YEAR PLAN

Book marks are available at the Welcome Center. Or if you would prefer to have one mailed to you, please contact the Church Office at 260-484-7873.

How to Access the SBL YouTube Channel Beginning with March 15, 2020, we have been recording a video worship service for use during this time of the Coro-na Virus. The March 22 through May 17 versions have been pre-recordings of a modified service. Beginning with May 24 the online video worship service will again be a live recording of one of the Sunday morning worship ser-vices. These worship services are available on YouTube (an online video service). We have collected these videos in what we call the “Suburban Bethlehem YouTube Channel.” To access these videos, follow these steps:

Navigate to www.youtube.com In the search bar type “Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church Fort Wayne” and submit Click on the big “S” or the title “Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran” It should take you to our “Channel” page with all the videos listed. You may wish to click the link “Subscribe” so

that you are continually updated with videos from SBL. If you need the technical URL for the SBL YouTube Channel, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3q_YpvhLETi34Y84rnWNw There should be a link on the main SBLC webpage to these videos as well. Again, if you have problems, please call the church office. How to Access “Zoom” Bible Studies There will be a link posted to the “Zoom” Bible Studies in the Cyber Saints newsletter and on the SBL Facebook page each Sunday morning. Click the link provided and enjoy participating in the Bible Study!

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May God continue to bless you in the next chapter of your life.

Taylor Brooks

John Burnett

Josh Gallmeier

Keira Hoffman

Hanna King

Emma Lehman

Sarah Mueller

Michael Rogers

Tyson Urban

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Mission Statement

Suburban Bethlehem

Lutheran Church and

School disciples each

generation to grow

deeply, serve humbly

and go boldly in Christ

to advance God’s

Kingdom.

6318 W. CALIFORNIA RD.

FORT WAYNE, IN 46818-9737

NON PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE PAID

FORT WAYNE, IN

PERMIT NO. 1917

The Suburban Bethlehem Star

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

“The JOY of the LORD is my STRENGTH!” Nehemiah 8:10

Worship Schedule

SUNDAY: 8:00 am Traditional Worship Service

9:30 am Education Hour – on the ZOOM platform 10:30 am Contemporary Worship Service

DRIVE-IN WORSHIP

Tune Your Car Radio to 87.9 FM

Please keep your windows rolled up and park in the spots as designated.

ONLINE WORSHIP

Visit the SBL YouTube Channel to find videos for worship services.

9:30 Sunday – “Ten Commandments” Bible Study – on the Zoom platform Check church web page at www.deeplyrootedtogrow.org

and FaceBook for updates.

V. 20 no. 6

Church web page: www.deeplyrootedtogrow.org e-mail: sbl@deeplyrootedtogrow.org

School web page: www.suburbanbethlehem.org email: greener.sbls@gmail.com

Church Office 484.7873 ~ Emergency 433.6979 ~ School 483.9371 Amy Greener, Interim Principal 402.8179 Kay Howard, Parish Assistant 431.6659 Mary Ann Noble, Office Admin. 484.7873 Emmett Bartens, Seminary Student Missionary Pastor Steve & Cyndi Schumacher –deployed at Ghana, West Africa Alex Duff, Pastor of Youth & Family Ministry Bill Mueller, Senior Pastor

403.6496 490.8074