monthly ministry highlight...one of my favorite bible stories is...the loaves and fishes stories....
TRANSCRIPT
Bethlehem Star
December 2019
Worship Services
8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Learning Hour
9:15–10:05 a.m.
“Gathered around Word and Sacrament, we live the Good News
of Christ’s love throughout our Community and the World.”
Bethlehem Staff
Pastor Katie Chullino [email protected]
Deaconess Kristen Baltrum Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
Deaconess Sarah Loberg Faith Formation Support [email protected]
Deaconess Ann Maki Interim Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Brenda Harris, Music Director [email protected]
Nancy Tiff, Office Coordinator [email protected]
Jenny Kelley, Interim Webmaster and Communications Coordinator
Karen Haag, Bookkeeper
Cornerstone Preschool
Andrea Becker, Director of Cornerstone Preschool [email protected]
Monthly Ministry Highlight
Welcome, Pastor Katie Chullino Submitted by Deanna Hebbert
We are all so excited that we have installed a new pastor. Welcome, Pastor Katie Chullino, and blessings on your ministry here at Bethlehem. Katie graciously responded to every prompt the Star listed, so let’s get better acquainted.
One of the best things about BLC (so far) is...next to the people, it would have to be the food! Chili and I were welcomed with delicious lunches and suppers our first days in Longmont. The welcome and hospitality shared through meals has made BLC feel like home.
What I like about our church is that...we are devoted in worship and learning, but the church does not stay inside the walls—so many members also go out to serve with the community and in the world.
A goal for my first few months of my ministry here is...to learn your names (and stories)! It has been great to see you wearing name tags to help me associate names and faces. I apologize for the number of times I'm going to ask for your name anyway.
I am passionate about...encouraging and equipping people of all ages and abilities to participate in church and life.
My family includes...a whole lot of people spread across the country. My husband, Chili, and I live in Longmont. My parents are in Iowa, his parents are in Arizona. My sisters and brother-in-law are in Iowa and California. His sister, brother-in-law, our niece and nephew live the closest in Commerce City.
Someday I'd like to...hike in Norway.
As a Christian, a Lutheran, and your pastor, I pray for...my enemies. It is easy to pray for the people I know and care deeply about, but I make a point to pray for those who challenge me daily. It helps me remember they are God's beloved, too.
To me, church...is not a place, it is the people.
One of my favorite Bible stories is...the loaves and fishes stories.
There are opportunities at Bethlehem for...the spirit to lead and transform us!
Star readers may be surprised that...they do not teach mind-reading in seminary!
*Prompts inspired by Living Lutheran’s “I Am a Lutheran” feature.
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Ministry Events in December
• Manna Bible Study: Mondays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
• Handbell Choir Rehearsal: Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
• Worship at the Peaks Care Center: Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.
• Boomwhackers: Wednesdays, 6:15–6:45 p.m.
• BLC Adult Choir rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Bethlehem Quilters: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
• Property Ministry meeting: December 3, 7:00 p.m.
• First Friday Fellowship: December 6, 6:00–8:30 p.m., hosted by the Schnabels
• Council meeting: December 10, 7:00 p.m.
• Bethlehem Book Club: 7:30–9:00 a.m. at Java Stop Coffee
• Faith Formation Ministry meeting: December 12, 7:00 p.m.
• Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting: December 17, 10:00 a.m.
• Bethlehem Tuesday Bunco: December 17, 2:00 p.m.
• Evangelism Ministry meeting: December 17, 7:00 p.m.
• BLC Living Nativity: December 22, 5:00 p.m.
• BLC Office closed: December 25–26
More details of these events and additional information can be found on our website: www.bethlehem-lutheran.net.
Worship
December 1 – Advent 1 The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
• Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Hope
• Healing prayer during communion at both services
• Adult choir at 8:00 a.m.; Boomwhackers and Revelation choirs at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
• Godspeed Blessing for Bev Berry
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December 8 – Advent 2
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
• Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Matthew 3:1-12.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Peace
• Brass quartet will play at both services.
• Liturgy setting 10
December 15 – Advent 3
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
• Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 11:2-11.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Peace
• Adult choir at 8:00 a.m.; Revelation choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Sunday School program at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
December 22 – Advent 4
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent, we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
• Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Love
• Adult choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Today we celebrate the good news that God makes a place for each of us—even, and perhaps especially, when we feel we have no place or role to play in God’s story or amid the bustle of Christmastime. God invites us not just to play a role, but to bring our whole selves. Whatever we face, we are welcomed to take our place next to the newborn Savior and dwell with him in peace, comfort, and joy.
• Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-14 [15-20].
• Children’s service at 4:00 p.m.
• Adult choir at 6:15 p.m.
• Guest harpist at 11:00 p.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
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December 29 – First Sunday of Christmas
Today, Matthew’s gospel reminds us that Jesus’ life was marked more by movement and displacement than by a settled existence. Even shortly after his birth, Jesus faced threats that caused his family to flee their home and country. Later in his life, Jesus warned an eager would-be follower about the risks of a life of discipleship, saying, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matt.—8:20). But Jesus’ goal was not to find home for himself; instead it was to become a resting place for those who struggle to find one in this world.
• Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Matthew 2:13-23.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Love
• Adult choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
Sign-up for Poinsettias
Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary on Christmas Eve will be available to purchase starting December 1. Cost will be $10.00 per plant (same as last year), and you may designate a person to honor or remember. Checks should be made out to BLC; payment can also be made online using our Give+ option or our online giving website page—select flowers and put poinsettia/person in text box. Contact Gloria W. with questions ([email protected], 303-775-8832).
Worship Attendance for October 2019
Date Total
October 6 174 October 13 201 October 20 191 October 27 186
Total Attendance 752
Average 188
Rev’s Revelations
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!*
Craft stores and department stores have been prepared for months—with trees and lights and snowmen, signs of peace and hope and joy. KOSI 101.1 has been playing Christmas music since Friday, November 8. And, even in all it is commercial holiday-ness, I kind of love it.
If it were up to me, we would celebrate Christmas more often. We would put up trees, hang ornaments, bake pies and cookies, and give abundantly--a little more often. But it is not up to me. With great anticipation, I keep my reindeer sweater in a box next to my Santa snow globe and an old nativity my mother passed on to me. And, I wait—but only until the day after Thanksgiving. By then it seems as if the whole year—from January 6 until Thanksgiving—has been one long season of waiting for peace on earth and goodwill toward all.
The church Advent season—the season of waiting in expectation and preparation for Christ’s coming—begins four Sundays before Christmas. During Advent we expect Christmas—the Christ mass—to come and we prepare for a great celebration. During this month, we listen to bible stories prophesying the birth of a king, the coming of the messiah, and the promise that Christ will come again. We get ready by decorating our church and community and homes. We hang greens as a sign
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of life and hope during the cold and stagnant winter. We light candles to shed light in the darkness of shorter days and longer nights. Most importantly, as we gather together, we realize that Christ is already here even though he has not yet come again. We recognize Immanuel (the name meaning God is with us) is with us when we receive the sacraments, when we hear the good news, and when we proclaim the good news in song and deeds.
In some ways this most wonderful time of the year happens daily and we simply do not recognize it without the tinsel and ornaments. We get caught up in daily tasks and stresses and we fail to see the glimpses of Christ among us. Slow down this season. For as early as it might seem—Advent will roll into Christmas and then into the New Year and we’ll be left searching for less tangible reminders of Christ’s presence soon enough. Stroll through the Christmas section of the store—take in the bright and beautiful symbols of the season which, for us, means Christ is with us.
*"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," written by Edward Pola and George Wyle, 1963
~Pastor Katie
Faith Formation
Adult Forums for December
Dec. 1: Faith and Science, session 4 – Atoms, Arranged to Love (Fred F.)
Dec. 8: Revelation Christmas Story Pageant (Seminarian Andrea K.)
Dec. 15: Revelation Christmas Story Pageant (Seminarian Andrea K.)
Dec. 22: No Adult forum
Dec. 29: No Adult forum
Please continue to check the weekly bulletins and our website (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/faith-formation/adult.html) for updated schedules and more details.
The Revelation Christmas Story
Did you know the book of Revelation holds a second Christmas story? Traditionally when we think of Advent, we think of waiting for the baby to arrive to the manager, the known nativity. This second Christmas story takes us on a journey from that manger to the promise of the Christ that is to come.
In Chapter 12 of Revelation, we get to experience another of John’s visions. This time it ties to a more familiar story. From being prophesied in the Old Testament to being fulfilled in the New Testament, the story of Christ’s birth is a story of a baby born in a manager. We are reminded that we are called into this season of waiting, not just for waiting, but of hopeful waiting.
A little more background history of how this came to be. During the fall of 2018, I had the opportunity to take a class on the book of Revelation. Our professor asked each of us to design a congregational study series as a final class project. The story of the second Christmas Story sparked my interest. As I contemplated this text, my creativity took me on an adventure of wonder, beyond a traditional study, and found me creating more of a Christmas Pageant of sorts. As adults, I think we need opportunities to reimagine the things we have learned.
Come ready to engage with one another, sing a little bit, and to act out this unfamiliar yet familiar story. (Spoiler alert: There is a red dragon!) I hope you will join me for some fun and learning as we go beyond the nativity to looking at how Christ shows up to us in our everyday situations and lives…perhaps in new ways in which we have never before imagined.
~Your Seminarian, Andrea Kragerud
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Sunday School in December
Sunday School for preschool through 5th grade WILL meet Sunday, December 1, 8 and 15 during the education hour from 9:15 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. We will begin each week in the back-corner room/rug room. Our time together will then include Christmas program rehearsal in the sanctuary for the first half, then back to classrooms for Advent lessons.
There will NOT be Sunday School classes on Sunday, December 22 or 29. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Thank you for bringing your children to grow in faith together! For questions, contact Deaconess Ann ([email protected], 720-301-0104 call or text).
Annual Sunday School Christmas Program
The annual Sunday School Christmas program will be during the 10:15 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 15. The children will present the program entitled "The Twelve Days of Christmas" written by Gail Graymer Martin. They will conclude the program by singing a version of The 12 days of Christmas—with each day representing a part of our Christian faith. Hope you will be present in worship to support them as they get to be leaders and witnesses in faith!
For questions, contact Deaconess Ann ([email protected], 720-301-0104 call or text).
Confirmation Ministry December Schedule
December 1, 9:15–10:05 a.m.: No Class
December 4, 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Confirmation Ministry—What is the Church year?
December 8, 9:15–10:05 a.m.: Church community support.
December 11, 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Confirmation Ministry—Are angels for real?
December 15, 9:15–10:05 a.m.: Mary the Mother of Jesus.
December 18, 7:00–8:00 p.m.: White Elephant Christmas Party with Mentors too!
December 22, 9:15–10:05 a.m.: No class
December 25, 7:00–8:00 p.m.: No class
December 29, 9:10–10:05 a.m.: No class
Contact Pr. Katie ([email protected]) or Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) with any questions.
Middle and High School Christmas Project
December 14, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. BLC youth (middle and senior high students) are once again teaming up with Light of Christ to shop for the teens who live at the Attention Homes in Boulder. We will be shopping for individual Christmas “Wish List” items at various stores and then return to BLC for lunch and a wrapping party. Please tell Deaconess Loberg that you are able to come by December 12! We are also looking for adults who are willing to drive a small group of kids to each store and provide adult leadership while shopping. If you are interested in being an adult leader, please contact Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) by December 12.
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Sr. High Christmas Party
December 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. First Bethlehem Sr. High Christmas Party: Senior Highers! We will gather with our First Bethlehem friends for all the fun and hilarity of a White Elephant Christmas party. Stay tuned to emails, texts, snapchats and all the places you all communicate for more details coming soon. Please contact Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) with questions.
Confirmation and Mentor Christmas Party
December 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Confirmation Student and Mentor Christmas Party. This evening’s confirmation class is going to be a super fun Christmas party! There will be pizza, games, and, of course, our traditional White Elephant gift exchange. All you need to bring is a White Elephant gift. What is a White Elephant? It is a random used or new item, valued less than $5, that is odd, strange, awesome in its own unique way, and mostly funny. We will play a game to trade gifts and everyone will go home with a new amazing something!
Members' Corner
Thoughts on Mentor Ministry
Growing up, I was very much involved in the church, whether I liked it or not. As a young impressionable boy, I didn’t have the choice whether or not I wanted to attend church and church functions. From Sunday school, Sunday service, confirmation Wednesday and the numerous middle and high school retreats, it wasn’t my decision to “opt-out” on my faith. After high school, I was admitted to CU Boulder, where I engaged in many activities that were not church going Christian activities. From attending parties, to not attending class, I was speeding in the left lane on a faithless road to ruin. I remember my freshman year Deaconess Kristen came to visit me for lunch and she asked the question: “Where do you see God in your life?” My response, “I don’t.”
Who could blame me I thought? I was living outside of my parent’s guidance, surrounding myself and partaking in activities that weren’t Godly, not to mention I stopped attending church. I was lost, I felt hopeless and alone. After what seemed like an eternity not being in fellowship with the Lord (three years) I had a coming back to my faith. As the Psalmist David so puts it, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 If it weren’t for my being brought up in the church, I would have had nowhere to turn to. Jesus’ parable in the beatitudes explains it well. “I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.” Luke 6: 47-48 Having had my parents put me through all the extra curriculars of church, I had a basis, a foundation on who Jesus is, who God the Father is and having an understanding of what it meant to have the Holy Spirit residing in me.
Specifically, one of those extra curriculars was the Mentor/ Mentee relationship I shared with my mentor, Gene Tesdahl. From Gene explaining to me what the grace of God was, to our experience together on the 2008 ELCA youth gathering in New Orleans. One night we walked about downtown, searching for transient folk to deliver grocery bags full of food. The look on their faces, the heartwarming smiles we all beamed at each other was truly the Lord working in our lives, giving glory to God. This little activity meant the world to me. Seeing the faith of my mentor play out in a broken world really helped illuminate this light Gene had. It had such an immense impact on my young faith life.
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Now, I participate in the Mentor/ Mentee Ministry program here at BLC. I mentor Jackson Updegraff, a young man growing in his faith, who when I asked what the Lord’s prayer was recited it perfectly. I am so beyond blessed to be able to participate in this cross generational program where I hope I can make as much of an impact as Gene Tesdahl did on my faith journey. From the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians, it’s our duty as fellow Christians to “encourage one another and build up each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 I hope to be a steward of the blessings God has entrusted in me to lead and guide Jackson in his faith journey. Just as Gene impacted me outside of church, I too try to involve myself not only in Jackson’s faith at church, but outside of church as well in his middle school life. Recently, I went and visited Jackson and his younger brother, Hayden, after school to watch them compete in their favorite sport, basketball. It’s not just telling Jackson about Jesus, but showing Jackson in real life what it means to be a Christian. How Jesus’ love for me is no different than the encouragement I hope to give him. It’s the little things, like even getting ice cream after our Mentor/ Mentee activities after church. It was these types of things that had such an impact on my young life and I hope it encourages Jackson’s faith journey as well. The Mentor/ Mentee ministry looms very largely in my heart. If it weren’t for Gene’s encouraging words and faithful actions, I can’t imagine where I would be without it. I think it’s so important to encourage our young Christians growing in their faith the importance of faith at a young age and how that actually looks like in real life. I hope the Mentor/ Mentee ministry is one that looms large in your heart as well as you can truly see how important it is here at Bethlehem. Thank you for your time and God Bless.
~Justin Dirkes, BLC Member
Mission
Take a Bag!
Homeless Outreach Bags have been assembled by our confirmation students and are near the front door of the narthex. Please take a bag or two to leave in your car and hand to people in need as you are able. Thank you to all who donated items to complete this project!
Final Habitat for Humanity Build Day for 2019
On Saturday, December 7, we will be completing the "punch list" for the Rivera family's new home at 801 Glen Dale Street in the Glens. Please sign up to volunteer on the board on the west narthex wall. If you have any questions, please contact Bob C. ([email protected], 303-651-6563).
Christmas Carols at The Atria on December 8
Our Musical Ambassadors will be singing Christmas Carols, reading scripture and praying The Lord's Prayer with Memory Care residents at The Atria (9th and Hover, Longmont) immediately following our second service on December 8. This is a short 30-minute time of sharing God's love with those who cannot go to a worship service. All are welcome and encouraged to come. For more information contact, Jeanne P. (303-516-9282, [email protected]).
Bake Sale for Nicaragua Project
The Nicaragua Project, a mission of Bethlehem, will be holding a bake sale on Sunday, December 15. Each dollar donated for the baked goods will provide two meals and two snacks at our Somoto children's project. Most of the children have scant to no food available when home in their shacks. Come check out the goodies and take some home for your Christmas gathering. If you would like to donate an item for the bake sale, please contact Cathy G. ([email protected]). See you then and have a Great Christmas Season.
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Gather
Living Nativity
The Bethlehem tradition continues with the Living Nativity on Sunday, December 22 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. What a wonderful way to show the true meaning of Christmas! People come from all over to drive through the luminary pathway and view Bethlehem’s family and friends depicting the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus surrounded by Wisemen and Shepherds. We will have live animals as part of the scene as well. We are asking for volunteers to sing Christmas carols, dress the parts and a few folks to keep the inside running smoothly. With the event being so close to Christmas Eve and Christmas, we hope that more of your family will be in town to participate and share in this wonderful and blessed experience. Chili and fixings will be offered in the Fellowship Hall for those participating. This is a great event to sign up for as a family or team up with a few folks in your neighborhood group. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the narthex. For more information, contact Bob L. ([email protected], (303-956-6931).
2020 Annual Meeting Notice
The Bethlehem congregational annual meeting will be held Sunday, January 26, at 11:30 a.m. We will have a potluck luncheon coordinated by neighborhood groups (for items or tasks, check with your fellowship shepherd in early January). A formal letter will go out to the congregation via mail/email later in December advising of the meeting and including the agenda. The format is standard as it is set in the constitution regarding specifics. If you have any questions, please contact Greg S. ([email protected]).
Connect
First Friday Fellowship in December
Join us on Friday, December 6, 6:00–8:30 p.m. for First Friday Fellowship hosted by the Schnabels. (1448 Ajax Way, Longmont). First Friday is a monthly adult fellowship opportunity to get to know other church members in a relaxed setting. No reservations are required; just bring an appetizer and a beverage to share. If you have any questions, please contact Shirley K. ([email protected]).
Bethlehem Book Club
Join us on Thursday, December 12, 7:30 a.m. for our discussion of The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. We meet at Java Coffee Stop at 3rd and Main in Longmont and welcome all who are interested! Our monthly reading list is on our website (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/connect/bethlehem-book-club.html). If you have any questions, please contact Deanna H. ([email protected], 303-808-0617).
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Finance
2020 Pledge Drive
Thank you to all who have already submitted your pledge. If you have not yet turned in your pledge, please do so as soon as possible! You can place the pledge form in the offering plate or in the basket on the table in the narthex; extra forms are available in the pews and on the table. You can also pledge using our online form by clicking on the Pledge Drive icon on the sidebar of the website home page (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/). For more information, contact our Stewardship chair, Eric K. ([email protected], 303-682-2341) and for help with the online form, please contact Jenny K. ([email protected], 303-651-6226).
Financial Update YTD through October 2019
General Fund Actual Income: $ 381,399 General Fund Budgeted Income: $ 394,625 Income Surplus/(Deficit): $ (13,226) General Fund Ministry Expenses: $ 384,945 Net Surplus/(Deficit): $ (3,546)
General & Designated Funds Actual Income $504,636 General & Designated Budgeted Income: $490,654 Income Surplus/(Deficit:) $ 13,982 General & Designated Fund Ministry Expenses: $486,511 Net Surplus/(Deficit): $ 18,125
Financial Summary Reports Presented to Council Available
You can download the Financial Summary Reports submitted each month to council from our Member website under Notes/BLC Financial Information (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/notes/blc-financial-information.html). Please note that this is a new location on our Member website that is more convenient to find when reading Council Minutes. Contact Gene S. ([email protected]) for more information or with questions or suggestions.
End of Year Reminders and Last Day for 2019 Donations
As we near the holidays and end of our fiscal year, here are a few reminders from your BLC financial team:
1) Please include your giver number on all loose checks—this saves time and effort for our weekly counters;
2) If you do not know your giver number or do not have a giver number and wish to obtain one, please contact Nancy T. or Jenny K.;
3) Please check your third quarter statements for any corrections—it is much easier to correct now than later;
4) If you want your end of the year donations to count in tax year 2019, those donations must be into the Sunday collection or cleared by EFT by Sunday, December 29—our last deposit for the year will be early the morning of December 30!;
5) If you want to complete your donation by a stock donation, please initiate the transaction now so it will be complete by December 30;
6) If you want to prepay your 2020 pledge to count in tax year 2019, please talk to Jenny about the procedure;
and, lastly, if you have any additional questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact Jenny K. ([email protected], 303-651-6226).
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Lutheran Family Services (LFS) Announcements
Angel Tree Gift Collection
Angel Tree gift collection begins the week of December 9. If you would like to help with this large project, we would love to have your assistance! There will be plenty of organizing and sorting into the correct program and case manager’s to be completed on site. Please contact Jessica Yoss at [email protected] or 720-541-6826 if you would like to participate in these collection days.
LFS Development Volunteers Needed
Do you have a passion for our mission and have familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Data Entry? Can you commit to 3-4 hours/week with flexibility to choose Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.? Are you detail oriented?
We need database entry volunteers who are friendly and reliable who can keep confidential information just that, confidential. Work at our Harlan St. office location and enter data into Raiser’s Edge, help with special event prep, development research, occasional donor phone calls, copying, proof-reading, prepare mailings and help with various other administrative tasks.
We offer free parking, free admission to any events worked on, and we will always provide you with a safe and enjoyable working environment, including your own desk and laptop to use while here, along with a folder containing weekly assigned tasks.
Contact Lisa Ricci for full job description and details at [email protected] or 303-217-5859.
Foster Care Families Needed
Each year in Colorado, thousands of kids are unable to live with their biological parents because of abuse or neglect. We need families who can provide temporary care until children reunify with their parent, as well as families willing to adopt children and teens if they can’t return to their families.
Come find out if foster care is the right path for your family! No-cost, no-obligation, informational meetings are held throughout the Denver Metro area. You can find a list of our upcoming meetings on our website (https://www.lfsrm.org/about-us/events/).
Individual meetings that fit your schedule can also be arranged. For more information contact Nicole Brown (303-217-5853, [email protected]).
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Member Milestones
December Anniversaries
December 2 Sharon & Gerry Cole (25)
December 17 Diana & Wayne Bruckner (53)
December 19 Cindy & Byron Thompson (27)
December 20 Nicole & Jesse Ramer (11)
December 27 Jenny & Michael Kelley (44)
December 28 Trudi & Patrick Boaz (23)
December Birthdays
December 1 Linda Allour, Kyle Buck-Gengler, Michael Kasperbauer, Jr.
December 5 Doris Cotton, Rebecca Keesling, Will Tritthardt
December 6 Jessica Wanecek
December 8 Lilah Corner
December 9 Jennie Abromski, Ethan Hebbert, Wayne Kluck
December 10 Danielle Allour, DeEtte Eikenberg
December 11 Pam Bischoff, Inga Froyland
December 12 Brooke Lahman, Brittany Pate
December 13 Jeff Ditillo, Mike Frank, Viviana Jurkovich, Reegan Zigler
December 15 Cindy Schlagel
December 16 Ella James, Gail Schurman, Mackenze Spendlow, Barbara Wedemeyer
December 17 Bev Berry, Ruby James
December 19 Jakob Cook, Duane Larsen
December 20 Jill Luere, Calvin Ordal, Harold Wollman
December 21 Vincent Byrne, Jeff Hopp, Laurie Parker, Carrie Wissink
December 22 Jerry Phipps
December 23 Ruth Conrad, Mason Watts
December 24 Lynda Coonrod, Dale Grindeland, Jim Torrez, Jr., Nolan Zigler
December 25 Mary Fjeld
December 26 William Gibson, Ruth Tilson
December 27 Carol Wissink
December 28 Dave Beyer
December 30 Levi Davis, Roxanne Kessler, Beatriz Ramos
December 31 Jayleigh Gordanier
Bethlehem Star – December 2019 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Prayers...
Healing for:
Sandy Woodruff, Howie Wayne, Bruce Bowman, DeEtte Eikenberg, Rini Twait, Bob Urbach, Gerry and Sharon Kirby-Cole, Joyce Gallagher, Candy Tiff, Jeremy Goodman, Lydia Mott, Mike Goecke, Peggy Peterson, Esther Gies, Lauretta Sykes, Inga Froyland, and Doris Cotton.
Congratulations to:
To Megan and Mike Gutierrez on the birth of their son, Brax Michael Gutierrez, on October 8, 2019 in Nashville. Grandparents are Cindy and Pete Schlagel.
To Lydia and Alex Hebbert (and big brother, Griffin) on the birth of their son, Cooper Roger Hebbert, born on November 22, 2019. His grandparents are Deanna and Roger Hebbert and Sheryl and Tim Gerber.
Sympathy for:
The family of Ann Young on her passing November 19, 2019, in Loveland, CO.
Karen Kelsay Vecellio and family on the death of her husband, Ray, in November 2019 in Eden Prairie, MN.
Thank You
To all who participated in the Nicaragua Fair Trade Fair held October 27. We raised $851—$356 will go back to the impoverished artisans from whom we purchased the items and the remainder will help feed the impoverished children at our Children's Center.
~Cathy Goodman and the BLC Nicaragua team
Thank you so much to Quarters Bar+Arcade (owned by Luke and Emily Kunselman) for their support of our Women’s Retreat Ministry; and thank you to all who came out to support our fundraiser! We raised a total of $128.48, just by hanging out, playing games, and laughing together. What a great way to support ministry!
~Deaconess Kristen
Thank you to all who donated items, gift cards, cash, and completed bags for the Mentor Ministry’s Thanksgiving Bags for LFS project last month. Lutheran Family Services (LFS) was able to meet their goal for providing meals to clients with our support. A total of 20 complete meal bags (including a gift card for the turkey or ham!) were delivered to LFS. Many many thanks to all the generous hearts of Bethlehem Lutheran.
~Deaconess Kristen
Office Helpers:
Karen Aumann, Mary Fjeld, Nancy McLeod and Doris Slinger
Bethlehem Star – December 2019 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1000 15th Avenue Longmont, CO 80501 Return service requested
Keep the BLC Office Up to Date Please keep the church office up to date with address, email and phone information for your family. Contact Nancy at the church office (303-776-3290, [email protected]) with any changes in contact information. Weekly Announcements are also available on the website. Go to www.bethlehem-lutheran.net, login as a Member and then go to Notes/Weekly Bulletins. Deadline for weekly announcements: The Wednesday before you want the announcement to appear in the bulletin. Submit all announcements through the Members website/Resources/ Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). Deadline for the 2020 January Star: December 20. Submit all articles through the Members website/Resources/Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). If you have any problems, please contact Aaron Jurkovich or Jenny Kelley.