[Bethany Lutheran Church] Bethany March 2013 Newsletter and Calendar

This announcement is from Bethany Lutheran Church

Bethany March 2013 Newsletter and Calendar

The March 2013 newsletter and calendar are now available for reading on MemberConnect.   A link to the newsletter is on the home page of our MemberConnect site. Simply click on the link and you will be able to read the newsletter WITHOUT logging in.    However, we still encourage you to log in and check out the calendar and other areas of MemberConnect!   Paper copies of the newsletter are also available at the Hospitality Desk in the Gathering Area.

[ MemberId=815575 OrgId=1184 GroupId=37121 ]

[System] New Feature Added to MemberConnect -- Ability to Customize Event Categories

Greetings,

Up until this time the calendar in the MemberConnect has had a fixed set of event "types". Examples include "game", "practice", "meeting", "appt", etc. These were used to categorize events and give them a background color when shown on the calendar page.

With our latest enhancement, it is now possible to define your own event types and colors, now named "categories".

To manage your event categories, click the "Edit" link found at the lower-left of the calendar:

This will open up the event category management page, where you can add, change, and delete categories:

Complete instructions are included on this page.

 

We hope you find this new feature useful.

 

Sincerely,

Concordia Technology Solutions Support Team

This email sent by:

CTS Support

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words for February 27, 2013

Wednesday Words for February 27, 2013

from Pastor Carrie Smith

 

Thought for the Day: Fr. Mychal's Prayer

"Lord, take me where You want me to go,

let me meet who You want me to meet,

tell me what You want me to say,

and keep me out of Your way."

-- Fr. Mychal Judge, NYC Fire Chaplain

(Fr. Judge was the first official victim of the 9/11 attacks)

 

***

In our prayers:Bill Kohl; Bruce Johnson; Kathy Sukel (pancreatitis); Dick Schwebke (who had stents put in this weekend); Linnea Becker (in rehab); Carol Stupar (happy to finally be in rehab!); John Therrien (now at home)

Tonight at Bethany: Take some time for a soup supper with your church family at 6 pm and a short contemplative prayer service at 7 pm. HS student Christopher Vito will be our cantor. I hope to see you there!

Saturday at Bethany: It's a Pajama Party at church! Join us for family fellowship AND help children in need.

WHEN:       This Saturday, March 2

TIME:        6-8 p.m.

WHERE:     Luther Hall 

 

Wear your pajamas and bring a new pair of children’s pajamas (any size) and/or a new book to benefit the Pajama Program of IL. Enjoy games and light snacks. For more information, contact Lindsey Patterson at patterlinds@gmail.com

 

Sunday at Bethany: It's already the 3rd Sunday in Lent! The lessons this week are all about repentance and turning back to God. As you prepare for worship, ask yourself: "What do I work for, and spend my money on, that does not satisfy?"

The Sonshine Singers will provide special music at 9 am and the Bethany Choir will grace us with a special selection at 10:45 am. You can expect to sing an old southern tune, "Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty" as well as "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me." During Holy Communion we'll sing a hymn that has become a modern favorite, "Taste and See". I will be preaching this week and next week.

 

Lubbock or Leave It! My quick weekend trip to Texas to see my family was unexpectedly extended when we were hit with an "Historic Blizzard" on Sunday and Monday. When you receive this e-mail, I should finally be on the way home. I am so grateful to have had the chance to be with my dad as he received an award for his efforts to improve the arts in his community. Thank you to the Bethany staff for stepping in for me the last few days!

 

 

Welcome, New Members!Sunday at noon we will be honoring many of the nearly 100 new members who have become part of the Bethany community in the last year with a luncheon. I give thanks to God for each of them, and ask that if you have not taken the time to greet them, that you would send them a note, call them, or simply introduce yourself on Sunday morning when you see an unfamiliar face. It's exciting, in this 90th year of ministry, to see Bethany Lutheran as alive as ever (and far from becoming a museum!)

 

President Bethany of Bethany! For probably the first time ever, we have a Bethany Council President who is also named Bethany! Last week at the first meeting of the 2013 Council, Bethany Gola was elected President and Joel Thoreson was elected Vice President. Bethany is an artist and the mother of 3 children. She is married to Walt, a high school teacher. She has been involved with the E-Team, the Green Team, the Liturgical Arts Team, and many other ministries of the church. Joel is the chief archivist for the ELCA, and has been involved in Scouts, the Worship and Arts Team, the Christian Education team, and serves as a Sunday School teacher. He is married to Aimee, who home-schools their 2 children. Thank you, Bethany and Joel, for accepting this leadership opportunity!

Meeting Our Muslim Neighbors, Session 3: On Sunday at 4 pm, please plan to attend session 3 of this special educational opportunity. Dr. Steve Young, a new member of Bethany and a professor at MCC will be our presenter. The topic is "Christianity and Islam: Not What They Used to Be."

News you can use: If you haven't visited the ELCA website, you may be surprised at what you can find there. There are stories of what Lutherans are doing around the world, Bible study resources, and opportunities to get involved. Click here: ELCA

***

The Texts this Week: 3rd Sunday in Lent

 

Isaiah 55:1-9

55Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

Psalm 63: 1-8 (Message Version)

God—you’re my God!
    I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
    traveling across dry and weary deserts.

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
    drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
    My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
    My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
    I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!
If I’m sleepless at midnight,
    I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you’ve always stood up for me,
    I’m free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
    and you hold me steady as a post.

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

10I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. 6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

 

Luke 13:1-9

13At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” 6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

 

Peace,

+ Pastor Carrie Smith

carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

 

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words for February 20, 2013

Wednesday Words for February 20, 2013

from Pastor Carrie Smith

 

Thought for the Day: 

If we are worth anything,

it is not because we have more money

or more talent

or more human qualities.

Insofar as we are worth anything,

it is because we are grafted onto Christ’s life,

his cross and resurrection.

This is a person’s measure.

--Archbishop Oscar Romero, March 4, 1979

***

In our prayers: Bill Kohl; Carol Stupar (moving to rehab soon); Bruce Johnson; John Therrien (hospitalized for tests). We give thanks to God for the birth of Emily Grace Johnson to Seth and Kristin on Feb. 13.

 

Tonight at Bethany: Please take some time out of the busy week to be renewed by worship at the foot of the cross at 7 pm. A soup supper begins at 6 pm in Luther Hall. See you there!

 

Lubbock or leave it! Tomorrow I will be flying to Texas to see my family. My father is receiving an award from the city of Lubbock for his contribution to the arts. I’m proud of him and happy to have the opportunity to be there to celebrate with him! You can read about how he ran 1,000 miles to save the pipe organ at his university here: Run Bill, Run! 

Pr. Paul will be on call for pastoral emergencies while I’m away.

Happy Birthday, Bethany Lutheran! February 23 is the 90^th anniversary of the founding of this congregation. You can read some of the history here: Bethany Website On Saturday, take a moment to give thanks to God for the witness of our ancestors in the faith, and pray for the next 90 years of ministry in the name of Christ in this community!

 

Do Lutherans have rhythm? Check out this new ad from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and decide for yourself: LSTC Style 

 

Are kids in church a “distraction?” I love this perspective on the issue, from a Catholic perspective: Your Screaming Kids Are Distracting Me  

***

This Week’s Texts: 2^nd Sunday in Lent

 

Genesis 15:1-18

 

15After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. 7Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” 8But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

17When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

 

Psalm 27 (Message Version)

Light, space, zest—that’s God!

So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.

When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive,

Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces.

When besieged, I’m calm as a baby.

When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool.

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing:

To live with him in his house my whole life long.

I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.

That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world,

The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.

I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof!

Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.

Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs: “Be good to me! Answer me!”

When my heart whispered, “Seek God,” my whole being replied,

“I’m seeking him!” Don’t hide from me now!

You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back on me now.

Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me; you’ve always kept the door open.

My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in.

Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street;

show my enemies whose side you’re on.

Don’t throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me,

filling the air with their threats.

I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth.

Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.

I’ll say it again: Stay with God.

 

Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

17Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

 

Luke 13:31-35

31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

 

Peace,

Pr. Carrie Smith

carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words for February 13, 2013

Wednesday Words for February 13, 2013
from Pastor Carrie Smith

Thought for the Day: On Fasting
“If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving that Christians call Lent. Please take time to worship today at 11 am or 7pm. We will begin with confession and the imposition of ashes, will hear the Word and share in communion.

In our prayers: Bill Kohl (at NIMC with pneumonia); Carol Stupar (doing a bit better, still in the hospital); Bruce Johnson (now home); Camille Coss (medical tests); the McDonald family, who will be celebrating Alice’s life on Saturday; those who are preparing to give birth; those who are preparing for death.

Sunday at Bethany: I know this is a 4-day weekend for schools, but church has not been cancelled! This is the first Sunday in Lent, our season of transformation. We will be blessing the various Caring Ministries at Bethany (prayer shawls, Stephen Ministry, home communion ministers, and the Prayer Chain) at the 9 am service. We’ll be singing two hymns from the African-American tradition (“Lead Me, Guide Me” and “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”) and two that are old favorites for many (“Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer” and “A Mighty Fortress”). The Bell Canto choir will be blessing us with special music, and Kristin Lundine will be playing the piano. I will be preaching while Pr. Paul will preside at communion.

Sunday at 4 pm: First session of the Lenten Education Series called “Meeting Our Muslim Neighbors” with guest speaker Dr. Fazal Khan. Dr. Khan will be presenting “Basics of Islam”, and this session will set the stage for the next few classes. All are welcome! Please spread the word.

Is your child ready to receive communion? All Sunday school children will be learning about holy communion during the month of March. Children of any age who are ready to receive communion are invited to attend a special Family Meal and Worship on Wednesday, March 27 at 6 pm. Parents, you will be receiving information about determining if your child is ready. If you have any questions, please contact me at carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

 

“What are you giving up for Lent?” Here is a list of 40 ways to keep a holy Lent (notice that Sundays are not part of Lent!)

House for All Sinners and Saints’ 40 ideas for keeping a holy Lent 
Day 1: Pray for your enemies
Day 2: Walk, carpool, bike or bus it.
Day 3: Don’t turn on the car radio
Day 4: Give $20 to a non-profit of your choosing
(Sunday)
Day 5: Take 5 minutes of silence at noon
Day 6: Look out the window until you find something of beauty you had not noticed before
Day 7: Give 5 items of clothing to Goodwill
Day 8: No griping day
Day 9: Do someone else’s chore
Day 10: Buy a few $5 fast food gift cards to give to homeless people you encounter
(Sunday)
Day 11: Call an old friend
Day 12: Pray the Paper (pray for people and situations in today’s news)
Day 13: Read Psalm 139 
Day 14: Pay a few sincere compliments
Day 15: Bring your own mug
Day 16: Educate yourself about human trafficking 
(Sunday)
Day 17: Forgive someone
Day 18: Internet diet
Day 19: Change one light in your house to a compact florescent
Day 20: Check out morning and evening prayer 
Day 21: Ask for help
Day 22: Tell someone what you are grateful for
(Sunday)
Day 23: Introduce yourself to a neighbor
Day 24: Read Psalm 121 
Day 25: Bake a cake
Day 26: No shopping day
Day 27: Light a virtual candle 
Day 28: Light an actual candle
(Sunday)
Day 29: Write a thank you note to your favorite teacher
Day 30: Invest in canvas shopping bags
Day 31: Use Freecycle 
Day 32: Donate art supplies to your local elementary school
Day 33: Read John 8:1-11 
Day 34: Worship at a friend’s mosque, synagogue or church and look for the beauty
(Sunday)
Day 35: Confess a secret
Day 36: No sugar day – where else is there sweetness in your life?
Day 37: Give $20 to a local non-profit
Day 38: Educate yourself about a saint 
Day 39: Pray for peace
Day 40: Pray for your enemies (you probably have new ones by now) then decide which of these exercises you’ll keep for good

***

This Week’s Texts: 1st Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11
26When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, 2you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. 3You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” 4When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, 5you shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. 6When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, 7we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; 9and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. 11Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

 

Psalm 91: The Message

91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe;
   his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left,
   no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”

 

Romans 10:8b-13
8But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”

12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

Luke 4:1-13
4Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” 5Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 9Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ 11and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 12Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Peace,
+ Pastor Carrie Smith
carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Ash Wednesday is tomorrow!

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES 

AT BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH

February 13, 2013

11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Senior Luncheon follows the 11:00 a.m. service 

 

 

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] You are invited: To the 2013 Congregational Resourcing Event

Congregational Resourcing Event

The 2013 CRE will be Saturday March 9, 2013
at Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, IL.

COST: $17 (includes lunch)

To Register: Sign up at the Information table at Bethany

E-mail Pr. Carrie with questions carrie.smith@bethanylc.com 

Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Synod Congregational Life Committee, the Congregational Resourcing Event is one of this synod’s finest yearly events. Church council members, teachers, musicians, staff, volunteers, and leaders--just about everyone in a congregation--can take advantage of this learning event to strengthen skills, gather resources, network with others, and discover new ways to enhance congregational and individual ministries. Come, experience and bring home new ministry tools.

 

 

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica-Padilla
Executive Director - ELCA Global Mission 

and...a member of Bethany Lutheran Church!

The Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE) will offer many varied educational workshop selections for you, your key congregational leaders, and other interested congregation members. Many groups, agencies, and institutions will have displays. During the CRE Worship, a special offering will be taken. Kishwaukee College is handicap accessible.

Supervised child care in Kishwaukee College’s on-campus Early Childhood Center is provided with pre-registration. A free-will offering will be accepted to cover child-care costs.

There will be workshops under each of these categories:

Administration/Council/Treasurers
Education
Evangelism/Outreach/Hospitality
Global/Specialized Mission Trips
Leadership
Social Justice
Spirituality/Prayer/Health & Wellness
Stewardship
Technology
Volunteers
Worship
Youth/Family/Children 

Download the brochure: 

http://www.nisynod.org/cre/2013/CRE2013brochure.pdf  

Check out the list of workshops: 

http://www.nisynod.org/cre/2013/workshops.html#.URlP5aVX04c

 

I hope to see many of you there! This is a great chance to renew your skills for ministry in 2013, our "Year of Renewal" at Bethany.

Pr. Carrie Smith

 

 

 

 

 

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words for February 6, 2013

Wednesday Words for February 6, 2013
from Pastor Carrie Smith

Thought for the Day: 

Two days ago here in Jerusalem, I made an early-morning visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I went around to the back of Jesus' tomb, to the small Coptic (Egyptian) Orthodox shrine. Inside, I asked the priest if he spoke English. "Certainly," he whispered. I told him that I knew many Christians in the US were praying for his people and his country. "Tell them," he said, "my country is dying."

- Robert Smith, writing this week from Jerusalem & Beit Jala. Prayers for the people and churches of Egypt are appreciated.

 

In our prayers: Londa Mattick, at the death of her father, Walter Donn; Bruce Johnson (now home); Carol Stupar (still in hospital, undergoing dialysis); Bill Kohl (who is in a new room at Crystal Pines and just got a 32 inch tv!); Deb Muehlbauer (new member hospitalized this week;, all of our new members, our new 2013 Council and other leaders/volunteers, and those who are preparing for baptism.

Sunday at Bethany: This is the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the last Sunday before Lent begins. We will hear the story of how Jesus appeared on the mountaintop and was transfigured (changed) before their eyes. Scouts will be serving as greeters, ushers, and even as reader during the 9 am service. Pr. Paul will be doing a special Child’s Word which involves “burying” (or putting away) the Alleluia before Lent begins, since we won’t sing it again until Easter morning. Pr. Paul will also be preaching at all 3 services. Downstairs, the annual blood drive will be taking place. I’m sure there’s still a chance to sign up—give the gift of life!

Organ music against hunger! Our very own Allison Boccia is playing in a benefit for Hunger Resource Network at St. Giles Episcopal Church, 3025 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL on Sunday, February 10, 2013, from  12 noon until 6pm.  Twelve renowned organists are taking part in the benefit and there is a suggested donation of $10 per performance. If you go for one concert—you’ll be Bach! (ha ha…)

Hello Gardeners! Yes, it is that time again. I know it is a little early, but the seeds catalogs are in the mail and the planning is starting (at least in our heads!) You are invited to a Fruits of Faith Community Garden planning meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 7pm in the church office. If you plan on attending, or if you cannot attend but have something you would like to share about the past gardens - dos, don'ts, etc.—please contact Pam Bock at 815.245.0087.

Theology on Tap meets at Brink Street Bar & Grill this Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm. All are welcome! The topic is being determined by a survey sent out to recent attendees. If you would like to be added to the email list, send a note to Pr. Paul at paul.cannon@bethanylc.com

Have you seen the “ani-meters” in Luther Hall? You can watch the progress of our Sunday School student offerings as they work towards buying chickens, goats, and other animals through ELCA Good Gifts! Go, kids!

 

Ash Wednesday is coming soon! Join us for prayer, communion, and the imposition of ashes at 11 am or 7 pm. A senior lunch will be held after the 11 am service. 

Meeting Our Muslim Neighbors: Mark your calendars for a special adult education opportunity during Lent. On Sunday afternoons from 4-5:30 pm, we will host guest speakers who will help us understand our Muslim neighbors. Session 1 is Feb. 17, 4 pm, and features local pediatrician Dr. Fazal Khan, a member of the American Muslim Community, who will share about “Basics of Islam.”

***
This Week’s Texts: Transfiguration of Our Lord

Exodus 34:29-35

29Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

 

Psalm 99 (The Message)
God rules. On your toes, everybody!
He rules from his angel throne—take notice!
God looms majestic in Zion,
He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
   Holy. Yes, holy.
Strong King, lover of justice,
You laid things out fair and square;
You set down the foundations in Jacob,
Foundation stones of just and right ways.
Honor God, our God; worship his rule!
   Holy. Yes, holy.
Moses and Aaron were his priests,
Samuel among those who prayed to him.
They prayed to God and he answered them;
He spoke from the pillar of cloud.
And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them.
And then God, our God, answered them
(But you were never soft on their sins).
Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain.
   Holy. Yes, holy is God our God.

 

2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2

12Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

4Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

 

Luke 9:28-43
28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

(37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God.)

 

Peace,
+ Pastor Carrie Smith
carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Car in church parking lot

Dear Bethany members,

A green Honda Civic has been in the church parking lot for at least a week, and is now covered in snow and causing issues for our snow removal company. If this is your car, or you know whose it is, please notify the church office ASAP. We will ask for it to be towed tomorrow, Tuesday, if we do not hear something soon.

Be safe on the roads on this snowy day!

Peace,

Pr. Carrie 

carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

Church phone: 815-459-2690

 

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith