BETHEL BITSAUGUST 2019SUNDAYS IN AUGUST—SEE INSIDE THIS ISSUE FOR DETAILS

August 4, We welcome Sara Hallberg, trained lay pastor as our guest preacher and worship leaders.

August 11, Congregational Annual Picnic at Terry and Myrna Swanson’s home

August 25, Joint Community Worship with English Lutheran

Dear Siblings in Christ,

This past month our worship themes have focused on who we are as a community that is gathered, grounded, growing forward as we serve Jesus Christ for the sake of God’s world. You may have noticed the image (below) that was created for the July preaching series.

The idea for this sermon series has been percolating within me for some time. I’ve been praying about and considering our current mission statement which is “The members of Bethel Lutheran Church commit ourselves to respond and witness to Jesus through lives of worship and prayer, learning and growth, loving service, joyous giving and creative stewardship to all God has given us.”

In all honesty, as I consider this mission statement, I have wondered do we still use it to guide our life together as God’s Church? I believe this mission statement was written in the late 1990s and/or early 2000s when Pastor Judd Larson served alongside you. Twenty years is a long time in church life to be guided by with the same mission statement. Even though most of us in the church resist change and church traditions

do not change quickly, the world around us does. Mission statement in today’s context need to be adapted often—every 3 -5 years!

So, I’ve been wondering what a more current mission statement might look like for us? What do you think about this as a possible mission statement for Bethel in 2019 and

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Wholeness Wheel Devotional Page 3

The President’s Pen & Council Meeting Highlights Page 4

From Pastor Libby Howe Page 5-6

Asset Action & Fundraising Updates Page 7

Stewardship Article Page 9-10

April Council Minutes & Financials Page 12-13

July Calendar Page 14

2020: “Bethel Lutheran Church is a community that gathers in love, is grounded in faith, and goes forward as we serve Jesus Christ for the sake of God’s world.”

I offer it as a starting point and with caution. Mission statements are best drafted by a committee of the whole and not the pastor.

However, as the executive members of the Church Council meet monthly to update our constitution and bylaws, I wanted something to equip us to imagine a different structure based on how we are currently acting and living out Jesus’ love in the world as his followers.

So, I offer it to you as a beginning point for your prayer for the congregation and our mission as God’s church in the world.

As we look ahead to September and October, you will begin to receive information on the constitution and bylaws updating process. There will be the first reading of the new governing documents in November and we will vote on them in January of 2020. Information about these important congregational turning points will be posted in newsletters, bulletins, on the website, on Facebook, and in direct congregational meetings. It will also help if you can share amongst yourselves the specific dates and

times related to this updating process as they draw near.

I want to thank Jen Schmitt, our Bookkeeper and Office Administrator. She created the mid-year 2019 Financial contributions many of you picked up on a Sunday morning at worship or received in the mail. The church council continues to be mindful of our financial well-being. This communication and the third-quarter financial contribution report you will receive in September is one way transparency lends itself to stronger fiscal well-being.

Many of us were gathered for worship on Sunday, July 14, when our Financial Secretary, Nancy Halverson, shared that $770/week is needed based on the 2019 Budget as voted on by the congregation at the 2019 Annual meeting in January.

At July 9 Council Meeting, when Nancy shared this news, with the council, we prayed and had a good discussion about how we, despite the decrease in giving, were joyful, hopeful, and energized by the growing sense of community and purpose for us as God’s church.

As a pastoral leader, this was a gift. The council as whole, with eye-wide open, looking at stark financial news grounded their sense of call and our congregation’s mission in the love of Christ. This rarely happens when church councils talk about a decrease in financial support for ministry. Often in these moments, despair settles in, blame is assigned to someone or something, and grumbling and negativity enter into conversations as way to avoid talking about fears of the future Our church council members decided to go forward in joy, hope, and energy for doing the work required—work that is unknown at this point. Please thank them for this faithful leadership upon hearing difficult news.

This is a story I will share widely about the good work of our current council and their love of God and their desire to be a partners with Jesus serving out love for God’s good world. You, dear people of Bethel, are among the first to hear of their confidence in God’s presence among us.

As we continue to gather around Word and Sacrament, let us follow this model of faithful leadership. May we continue to gather, be grounded, go forward, and serve Jesus Christ for the sake of God’s world with joy, hope, and energy to love and be loved.

MONDAY'S MEALS REPORT JUNE 24

The meal was very successful with the help of all. We served a record number of 158 people not including seconds.

The meal is possible because of the Hunger Jar, donated funds, and food from the Hunger Task Force.

We are becoming bratwurst specialists! To me it seems somewhat like the miracle at the Wedding at Cana. The average cost of each meal is is less than $1.00 per person – 92.4 cents to be exact. We had enough leftovers to take food to the Meyer family as they gathered to prepare for Jackie's funeral. A “care package” was also taken to the Sober House.

Thanks to all who support this mission. It couldn't be done without the help of our faithful volunteers. It takes all of us!

Sincerely,

Mike McCormick

Social Concerns

Dear Bethel Friends,

Hot humid weather, thunderstorms and the county fair. It’s hard not to talk and complain about the weather but then I think about January. It’s true, if you don’t care for the weather in God’s country wait 10 minutes.

The July Outback picnic was a great success. Our Northside neighbors outnumbered the Bethel members in attendance. It was nice to see new faces and the kids enjoying root beer floats and hotdogs.

Bethel’s newest fundraiser, the shrimp boil was so well received in June another one was held on July 28th. Watch for another a third date later in August; they are a lot of fun! The first Shrimp Boil raised $1,020.00. Hope to see you at the next one.

Although I wasn’t able to attend, there was a good crowd during Bethel night at Logger’s field. The Logger’s lost the game but Bethel enjoyed the evening at the ball park.

I’m going to mention Monday Meals again. When Bethel served on June 24, we fed 158 people (a new record) and 33 were children. It breaks my heart to know the need is so great in our community and at the same time warms my heart and spirit seeing Bethel members do God’s work feeding the hungry. Thank you for what you do in God’s name!

You should have received your midyear giving statements in July. Please pray as you review your giving to God’s mission through Bethel. Take a moment and read 2 Corinthians 9:7

Bob Stein

OUR MISSIONThe members of Bethel Lutheran Church commit ourselves to

respond and witness to Jesus through lives of worship and prayer, learning and growth, loving service, joyous giving and creative

stewardship to all God has given us.

INFORMATION FOR SUNDAYS IN AUGUST

August 4, While Pastor Anne is away for the Network of Biblical Storytellers Int’l Festival Gathering in Dayton, OH, Sara Haliberg will be the worship leader and preacher. Sara is a trained musician and theologian. She currently is the Liturgist at St. Rose Convent. Pastor Anne will be gone from July 30-August 6.

August 11, Congregation Annual Picnic. Serving begins around 12:00noon. Bring a side dish to share. There is a sign-up sheet available. Contact Jen in the office or Shirley Stein. Brats and hot dogs, along with buns, beverages, and dinnerware will be provided. There will be a “tip jar” available to those who would like to help cover the cost of the provided items. Bring your own chair so you can sit and gaze at the gardens and Lake Onalaska.

August 25, Bethel has been invited by English Lutheran to have a joint worship service at Copeland Park Picnic area. Worship is at 10:00am. Janette Hanson will be joining with other local musicians to provide a band-lead worship service. Pastor Anne Hokenstad will be preaching. There will be a baptism. Following worship there will be a picnic. Grilled meat will be available. Folks who are able are asked to bring a side dish to share. Chairs will be provided. More details will be available closer to the event. There will be no worship service at Bethel.

July 9, 2019Council Meeting Highlights

By Bob Stein (not approved council minutes)

we had good meeting tonight with all members in attendance.

Discussed June and year to date income and expense summary.

Mid-year giving statements will be handed out July 14th.

We discussed our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for the first 6 months of 2019.

Stewardship reported the success of the shrimp boil on June 30th which raised $1,020. Planning is underway for another shrimp boil on July 28th.

Monday Meals team served 158 people on June 24th.

The first Outback cookout on June 5th

was a great night. The other dates are July 10th and August 7th.

We will be worshipping as a community with a sister congregations. This is in keeping with our emphasis on our 2019 Star Word—Community.

ASSET ACTION TEAM UPDATEThe Asset Action Teams have added much to our community here within Bethel and within our neighborhood.There is no new updates for our active Asset Teams for August.

A Redcross Blood Drive is being considered for October. Watch for details.

FUNDRAISING TASKFORCE UPDATE

The fundraising goal for 2019 is $5000. As a reminder there will not be a meatball and lefse church supper in 2019. These events are for the support of the general church budget, which sustains all aspects of the ministry and mission of the congregation.

Past Fundraising Events:

May Rummage Sale: We can now resport that $1,908.65 was raised to support the general budget of the congregation at the May Rummage Sale. Thank you to all who worked to make this happen.

June Shrimp Boil: At the July Shrimp Boil approxamatley $1,200 were raised. Around 60 people attended. All sorts of laughter filled the halls and rooms of the church by those who gathered.

Thank you for your generous support! You give of your own talents, financial resources, and your faith. Thank you for inviting others to participate in these events to help with God’s mission through Bethel.

Upcoming Fundraising Events: (see dates in the 2019 Calendar in this issue)

July Fundraiser: Shrimp Boil on July 28. Seatings at 4:00 and 5:30. Cost of tickets is $15. Tickets will be sold until 2:00 PM on July 24.

August Fundraiser: Shrimp Boil on August 25. Seatings at 4:00 and 5:30. Cost of tickets is $15. Tickets will be sold until 2:00 PM on August 21.

Details regarding the September, October, November, and December Fundraisers will be in the September Issue of the “Bethel Bits.”

STEWARDSHIP

OUTBACK PICNICS COMMUNITY, CONVERSATION, & GOOD EATS

There will be three Outback Picnic and Grill in the summer of 2019. We will meet outback of church on the green. Beverages, buns, condiments, and hot dogs will be provided throughout the summer

Dates: August 7Time: 6:00pmWho: Congregational members, friends, and neighbors.

What to bring: A small dish to share and something to grill for you and yours. We will have buns for hot dogs and hamburgers available. We will also provide hotdogs. Activities: Yard games, conversation, and good eatsWhat’s new this year: Yard games and Fun4Kids (an information, kind organized time for kids to continue learning about the Way of Jesus—adults can join, too.)

2019 AUGUST – DECEMBER EVENTS AT A GLANCE

August 2019August 7, Outback Picnic, Fun4Kids, & Yard GamesAugust 11, Congregational Picnic at Swanson’s

September 2019Prime Rib Dinner for 2 FundraiserSeptember 2, Labor Day, Office ClosedSeptember 13-14, Johnson & Sierzant Rehearsal and Wedding

October 2019Best Giving Month FundraiserOctober 11-12, Schmidt & Steinhoff Rehearsal and WeddingOctober 14, Monday Meals at TrinityOctober 14, Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale set-up beginsOctober 19, Fall Bazaar and Bake SaleOctober 26, La Crosse Area WELCA Gathering

October 27, Reformation Sunday

November 2019November 9, Chili Cook-Off and Turkey BingoNovember 17, Congregational Meeting regarding Constitution and By-law revisionsNovember 24, Christ the King SundayNovember 28, Thanksgiving Day, Office Closed

December 2019TBA, Cookie WalkTBA Rotary MealsDecember 1, Advent BeginsTuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve DayWednesday, December 25, Christmas Day, Church ClosedDecember 30, Monday Meals, Trinity

DATES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TIMES WILL BE PROVIDED CLOSER TO EVENT.

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 7, 2019

Attendance: Pastor Anne, Bob Stein, Sharon Zimmerman, Mike McCormick, Dan Johnson, Nancy Halverson, Dawn Johnson, Tammy Dickinson

Confidentiality statement read by Bob Stein.

Devotions by Nancy Halverson.

Reviewed May meeting minutes with minor changes. Approved.

Treasurers’ report reviewed and approved.

Leadership enrichment by Pastor Anne. Twelve Traits and Practices of churches dealing with conflict.

Committee reports

Social Concerns - No updates.

Personnel – Organists & cleaning contractor will now be included in the annual staff reviews.

Stewardship – June 28 is fellowship and fun at the Loggers game at The King’s Cabin with 26 signed up so far.

Vice President's report – utilizing Thrivent dollars to support fundraisers.

Pastors report – see hand out. Increased networking this month. August 11, 2019 is congregational picnic, the Swanson’s would like to host again.

Old Business

Motion to use the $300 from our annual budget to go toward the Synod Assembly

offerings, some of the monies also came from Lenten offerings. Motion by Mike McCormick second by Sharon Zimmerman. (There are three offerings at the Synod, $100 to each).

The Constitution review is ongoing each month and will be shared at a Congregational meeting in November 2019.

The next fund raising meeting is June 9, 2019 after Church and coffee hour.

Discussed further details of the ‘This is our Father’s World’ Sunday on June 16. No service at Bethel but explore other ideas of worship. Ideas will be shared in the bulletin the week before.

Outback picnics will be one each in June, July and August. There are other plans for another event in the same months.

High School Senior recognition is organized and scheduled for June 9, 2019. We have 4 graduates to recognize.

New Business

Trolley tours are available through the La Crosse County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dark La Crosse was chosen and Nancy Halverson will promote and pick a date.

Next meeting will be July 9, 2019.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tamra Dickinson, Council Secretary

Bethel Lutheran Church June 2019 Financial Report

               Income

      2019 2018 DifferenceOffering Income   $29,113 $36,902 -$7,789Benevolence   $1,118 $3,570 -$2,452Fund Raiser Proceeds   $3,741 $3,259 $482Holiday Offerings   $2,699 $4,656 -$1,957Memorials/Gifts/Misc.   $4,458 $2,765 $1,693Total     $41,129 $51,152 -$10,023               2019 2018 Difference    Budget Actual ActualStaffing   $42,019 $41,038 $41,397 -$360Property   $10,250 $10,446 $10,296 $150Worship expenses $4,250 $2,434 $3,239 -$805Office/Administration $3,850 $4,007 $4,418 -$412Benevolence Gifts $2,150 $2,440 $2,350 $90Budgeted Expenses $62,519 $60,364 $61,700 -$1,336       Unbudgeted Benevolence   $790 $2,671 -$1,881Total Expenditures   $61,154 $64,372 -$3,217

                        Jan - June Income vs Expenses  2019 2018 DifferenceIncome $41,129 $51,152 -$10,023Expenses $61,154 $61,700 -$546

Difference -$20,025 -$10,548 -$9,477

                      Cash and Investment Totals      General Fund Checking Account 6/30/19   $25,533Special Funds Savings Account     $29,296Total Checking and Savings Account     $54,829           Thrivent Investment Funds     $14,406Trust Funds       $54,099Total Investment Funds       $68,505

DEADLINESNewsletter Submissions for Bethel Bits due July 15

Submit to Jen in the office or by email: office@bethellax.org

2019 Monthly Missions & Outreach 

August – School Kits September – Peanut Butter October – Women’s Clothes November – Thanksgiving FoodDecember – Canned Meat  

2019 Spare Change Campaign = $301.24

JUST A REMINDER that Scrip order will be taken the first Sunday of each month.

Please consider purchasing gift cards through our Scrip program. Bethel receives a percentage of the card value from the Scrip program for local purchases you make every week.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Emily Zimmerman August 2Helen Genz August 3

OUR MISSION

The members of Bethel Lutheran Church commit ourselves to respond and witness to Jesus through lives of worship and prayer, learning and growth, loving service, joyous

giving and creative stewardship to all God has given us.

 

Contact Us

Church Office Hours: 9AM—2PM Mon—Thurs (608)781-0129www.bethellax.orgFollow Us on Facebook

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Emily Zimmerman August 2Helen Genz August 3

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

1931 Loomis StreetLa Crosse, WI 54603

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 475La Crosse, WI 54603

Recipient Name

Street AddressCity, ST ZIP Code

MEET OUR STAFF

Anne HokenstadPastorpastor@bethellax.org

Jennifer SchmittOffice Administratoroffice@bethellax.o