DECEMBER
2016
Inside this issue:
Pastor Kristi
2
Tree of Sharing
3
Ingrid Roeder
4
Bethlehem
Cares!
Council
Highlights /
Semi-annual
Highlights
5
6-7
Calendar
8
Service Groups
9
Thank you notes
10
Birthdays
10
Holiday Services
Wednesday Advent Services
and Soup Suppers
December 7 and 14
Soup supper begins at 5:00pm.
Worship service is at 6:30pm.
Christmas Eve Services
5:00pm Candlelight Service with KidsBells
8:00pm Candlelight Service /with Chancel Choir
and GosBells
KOFI Radio broadcast will be at 8:00pm.
Christmas Day Service
9:30am Worship and Communion
KOFI Radio broadcast will be at 10:30am
The Bethlehem Star
2
I love the color blue. I have a blue kitchen and floor. I have blue dishes, glasses, quilts, sheets and towels. I
painted the dining room in my old parsonage blue. If I had to choose between blue and green, hands down it
would be blue. I wrap my Christmas presents in blue paper.
The liturgical color (church color for the season) for Advent is blue. Blue like the midnight sky or the brilliant
blue of our Montana sky contrasted with the golden look of our fields and pastures. The turquoise blue of the
water in my favorite Montana lake stands out vividly in my memory and imagination. Blue is historically the
color of Mary’s clothes in paintings and illustrations of the Holy Family. Blue will be the color of our parments
in the sanctuary during Advent.
Some describe Advent as singing the blues; dark in nature but still waiting for light and life to break in. Advent
is more, it is like the swirling blues of creation, of water and sky mixed together, light and dark. Often times at
dusk I will look up at the sky and call it advent blue, rich in dark color but with the light of the sun and moon
subtly present, waiting for something to shine or break forth.
Advent is about steadfastness……
I think about my cousin, Beth and her best friend Lisa in junior high. For three years they called each other Blue
as a special nickname. Amidst the pressures and changes during adolescence these too young women stuck
together, during good times and bad.
I am reminded about how God did not let go of Israel even in the midst of slavery, conflict, and war…..God was
present, God’s spirit in the midst of them guiding them, providing prophets to call attention to the God of love
who led them into the promised land.
I am reminded about how God revealed God’s own self and glory to people: Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph,….
I am reminded of Emmanuel, God’s ultimate joy, living and dwelling with us to reconcile us, redeem a fallen
world.
Advent is Blue, it surrounds us day and night, wraps us in the love of God’s mercy and comes to us anew
everyday.
Blessings,
Pastor Kristi
P.S. I will be wearing blue on the Sundays in Advent how about you?
The Bethlehem Star
3
Gifts for our home-bound congregation
We will, once again this holiday season, be
distributing gifts to our members who are unable to
leave their homes. There will be a sign-up sheet in
the Commons for you to indicate to whom you
would like to deliver a gift. Please deliver these
gifts during the holidays and if possible plan on
spending some time visiting and sharing the season
with these folks.
-thank you from your Fellowship Committee!
We’ve tried to price most of the items on the tree at
less than $20. If you can, take more than one item
and return it wrapped as indicated, to the church
by Sunday, December 11th. Please attach the colored ornament when you bring gifts to the church.
If you do not want to shop you can donate money
and we will shop for you.
Tree of Sharing
Sunday School Christmas Program:
Sunday December 18th, 9:15am
in the Fellowship Hall.
The Fellowship Committee has decided to support
the following groups for our Tree of Sharing this
year:
Veteran’s Home– Forever stamps, variety of
greeting cards, diabetic socks, tootsie pop suckers,
reusable/recycle bags (like you would use at the
grocery store), Walmart gift cards-small amounts
$5 or $10-for residents to make purchases. These
items will have a “RED” tag.
Health Department– There are two families in
need that are asking for basic items. Each family
has parents and two to four children. One family
will be designated with a “TEAL GREEN” tag and
the other with a “WHITE” tag.
Women’s Recovery Home (Associated with Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency)– We are asking for scarf and glove sets for the eight women
living in this transitional home. These items will be
designated with a “YELLOW” tag.
Sinopah House– We will again give quilts (made
by our wonderful quilt makers) and pairs of socks
to the eight young ladies living in this shelter.
-The Fellowship Committee thanks you for your
support in our mission to help the needy in our community.
We have a new program this year called
“Just A Little Christmas”.
It will be a blend of modern and traditional music,
engaging all the children and the congregation in
lesson and song.
Following the program we will be serving Christmas
cookies, coffee and juice.
Come and enjoy this festive time.
-your Christian Education committee
The Bethlehem Star
Baptism Festival
Sunday, January 8, 2017
This is a Sunday that is a traditional time for celebrating the baptism of Jesus. The gospel reading for
the day is from Matthew 3:13-18. It is a call story
and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Baptisms are always special because they are the beginning of our lives in Christ. It is the beginning of our
story, but most of us do not know that story first
hand and fail to tell it to others. The holiday season
is the perfect time to tell and listen to those stories
while we wait for the birth of our Savior. With this
information you can create a family baptismal poster or baptismal history.
You can include copies of your certificates, pictures,
memories of those who attended, names of your
sponsors, the outfit you wore…..your job is to tell
the story and be creative.
These will be displayed on the walls of the commons and narthex starting Sunday January 8, 2017
and will stay up for the month. Please bring them to
the church by January 6th so we can get them up and
displayed.
The worship service for that Sunday will be designed around the affirmation of baptism service in
the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal. We will
also have a baptism that day of one of our young
people.
Ring the Bells
The Go Beyond Committee has reserved Saturday,
December 10th, to ring the bells for the Salvation
Army Christmas Kettle project. The hours are
9:30am - 5:00pm. Sign-ups will be Sunday, Dec.
4th, after services in the Commons. Bring a friend
and ring the bell to collect funds to help the less fortunate living in our community. See you in the
Commons! For more information call Judie Cundy
(844-3887) or Sheryl Saverud (257-4018).
4
We welcome
Ingrid Roeder
Youth and Family Director
Ingrid Roeder graduated from The Lutheran
School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois in 2008
with an MA in Theology. She served as a Health
& Wellness Coordinator for 7 Divinity Schools
through The Lutheran School of Theology | University of Chicago for 5 years. She continues to
consult and coach Leaders of Church all over the
world. Ingrid has been a Professional Certified
Personal Trainer, specializing in Medical Exercise, as well as being a
Fitness Instructor, Health & Wellness Consultant
and Life Coach for 20 years in Maine, Chicago,
Nantucket and Washington. She has her BFA
degree with a concentration in Studio Drawing
from the University of Southern Maine. She
teaches art classes to
children and adults: Painting, 2-D Design, Drawing, Bookmaking and Printmaking. Her contact
e-mail is: [email protected]
The Bethlehem Star
5
Bethlehem’s Sunday School Ministry 2016:
Operation Bethlehem CARES!
Greetings Bethlehem!
Bethlehem Cares!
Bethlehem's youth is gearing up for its new ministry called "Bethlehem CARES!". Between now
and Christmas Bethlehem's Sunday School youth are gathering items for "Bethlehem Cares"
Kits. These are kits that will be available at Salvation Army and other outreach organizations and
provided to needy men and women free of charge. They will include items like razors, soap,
wash cloths, food coupons, toothbrushes, tooth paste, etc.. They will be lovingly packed by the
Sunday School kids on Sunday, December 11 and delivered the week of December 12-16.
See the complete list of items needed below. Feel free to donate individual items or a complete
CARE kit. You can also donate money and we will do the shopping for you.
To find out how you can help support the youth in this ministry please contact Ashley Mason at
755-2773 [email protected] or Gay Lynn Nelson 257-4436.
OPERATION BETHLEHEM CARES KITS
Items must be dropped off at Bethlehem no later than December 9
For Men
For Women
Other Necessities
Tooth brushes
Toothpaste
Combs
Washcloths
Razors
Warm Hats
Warm Gloves
Hand warmers
Granola bars
Candy Bars
Generic t-shirts size L or XL
Socks
Soap
Travel-size Shampoo
Lip balm
Tooth brushes
Toothpaste
Brushes
Combs
Washcloths
Femine hygiene items
Warm Hats
Warm Gloves
Hand warmers
Granola bars
Candy Bars
Generic t-shirts size M or L
Socks
Soap
Travel-size Shampoo
Lip balm
Food Coupons to local fast
food restaurants, like Wendy’s
Non-perishable food items
with tab lids, like spaghettiO’s and Top Ramen
Plastic Utensils
Hand Warmers
Small first Aid Kits
Lip balm
SHOE BOXES OR SMALL
PLASTIC BINS
The Bethlehem Star
6
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
HIGHLIGHTS OF SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
October 23, 2016
President Duane Anderson opened the meeting with prayer. Referring to his report on page 8 of the
Semi-Annual Report, he spoke of all that has been going on at Bethlehem Lutheran Church the past six months
– Pastor Gravrock’s retirement, Interim Pastor Kristi Bummer coming on board, the opening of a preschool
program, the hiring of a Youth & Family Ministry Director, the Sanctuary refurbishment, the installation of a
playground, transitioning to off-site, contract bookkeeping, and the upcoming retirement of Kathy Eff. He expressed gratitude to all for their hard work and for helping to keep things running smoothly.
Pastor Kristi Bummer spoke about the interim process. She is spending Chapel time with the preschool
for about ½ hour each week. She has conducted several funerals and is getting to know the saints and their stories. On All Saints Sunday we’ll celebrate with a cloud of witnesses and the baptized. She noted that Paul
Holmgren has been a great help in working with the confirmation youth. She has also interviewed for two
calls. In conclusion, she thanked the congregation for the gift of letting her worship and lead worship at Bethlehem.
Bill Pursell, Vice Chair of the Call Committee, reported that there was no new pastoral candidate to
recommend at this time. The Call Committee will continue in the pursuit of the right candidate. It was noted
that there are not enough pastors to fill all the positions open, and that Bethlehem is not a ‘first call’ church –
we are looking for someone more experienced. The members of the Call Committee were recognized for their
hard work and continued service.
President Anderson presented the 2016-2017 Mission Plan Proposal as printed on pages 12-15 of the
Semi-Annual Report. The Mission Plan, totaling $493,769, amounted to an increase of $13,530 over last year,
with the increases occurring mainly in the payroll and benefits section. Highlights included: 5% increase in
staff health care benefits; 3% salary increase for full time staff; Parish Worker budgeted for only three months;
addition of contracted bookkeeping at $500 per month; and the addition of the Kalispell Business Improvement
District Assessment. A MOTION was made, SECONDED, and APPROVED to add $5,000 to Call Committee Expenses.
A MOTION was made, SECONDED and unanimously APPROVED to accept and support
the amended, proposed 2016-2017 Mission Plan of $498,769.
President Anderson closed the meeting with the singing of the Doxology.
Greetings From Your Call Committee
As we reported at the semi-annual congregation meeting, we are continuing our work and actively searching
for a new pastoral leader for Bethlehem. Our commitment to find a leader with the experience and skills to
support the needs, vision and goals of our congregation is as strong as ever. We have faith and trust that God
will continue to lead us in this process. The synod has been very supportive of our decisions and are continuing
the search for possible candidates. We ask for your prayers and appreciate your support as we move forward.
Blessings to our Bethlehem family.
-Rhonda Kalvig, Sean Patterson, Chuck Spain, Rick Ulvin, Bill Pursell,
Cindy Galvin, Nancy Brosten
The Bethlehem Star
7
BLC COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
November 11, 2016
Pastor Kristi Bummer reported that confirmation is going well and that the All Saints Sunday services
went well with a baptism performed at the late service. She reported that a Thanksgiving service will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, November 23rd. She also spoke about the pictures hanging behind the altar.
They are pieces of iconography donated by Paul Gregory and hung up for All Saints Sunday.
President Duane Anderson extended a welcome to Ingrid Roeder, the new Director of Youth and
Family Ministry. He explained the structure of the council and asked each member to introduce themselves
and the committee they serve. Ingrid introduced herself and said that she was very happy to be at Bethlehem
and looked forward to working with the congregation. She noted that she has four degrees – Theology, Psychology, Health & Wholeness, and Art. She is interested in working with the congregation and staff on life
balance – spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Treasurer Bryan Gilbertson reviewed the Financial Summary for October, 2016. Income was
$33,402; expenditures $31,445. Cash position October 31st was $47,398. He reported that the consolidation
of the books into QuickBooks is pretty much complete. He also explained the ‘Expense Reimbursement
Forms’ that each council member had received. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to engage
Bryan Gilbertson’s accounting firm for up to $500 per month to handle the books for this fiscal year, beginning December, 2016.
President Anderson reported on a note from Nancy Brosten that the Call Committee had not received
any new names for pastoral candidates from the Bishop but one name was forwarded from a member of the
congregation. Discussion was held about advertising the vacancy in the Lutheran magazine.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Mike Galvin will host the meal, Libby Zimmerman will lead devotions.
IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE
To ensure the deductibility of your church contributions, do not file your 2016 income tax return until
you have received a written acknowledgment of your contributions from the church. Some of your
contributions may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax return before receiving a written acknowledgement of your contributions from the church.
December Calendar 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Abbreviations
ABC– Affirmation of Baptism
BUFF- Bethlehem "Uth" For Faith
FTF– Feed the Flathead
HPB- Highlanders Pipe Band
KAMP- Kid’s Activity Ministry
Program
PSF - Prayer Shawl Fellowship
4
2nd Sunday of
5
Advent
8:00am Worship/
Communion
9:00am KOFI
broadcast
6:00pm,
FTF, FH
9:15am Adult Ed /
Sunday School
10:30am Worship/
Communion/
Preschool program
5:00pm BUFF
11 3rd Sunday of
12
Advent
8:00am Worship/
Communion
9:00am KOFI
broadcast
9:15am Adult Ed /
Sunday School
10:30am Worship/
Communion
6:00pm,
FTF, FH
18 4th Sunday of
19
Advent
newsletter
deadline
8:00am Worship/
Communion
9:15am Sunday
School Christmas
program
6:00pm,
10:30am Worship/
FTF, FH
Communion/
baptism
5:00pm BUFF
25 Christmas
9:30am Worship/
Communion
10:30am KOFI
broadcast
Jan. 1
9:30am Worship and
Communion
26
6
8
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
9
10
17
9:00am PSF, FR
9:00am Quilts, FH
10:30am Staff mtg
5:00pm GosBells
7
6:45am Men’s
Bible Study
8
10:30am Spinners
10:00am
Dorcas
11:00am/1:00pm
Ruth Circle,
Margie Dornfeld’s Preschool chapel
5:00pm soup
supper
5:30pm Irish dance 5:30pm KAMP,
class, HB
ABC, BUFF
6:30pm Advent
service
9:00am PSF, FR
9:00am Quilts, FH
13
15
16
9:00am PSF, FR
5:00pm GosBells
7:30am
Men's
Prayer
7:00pm
Breakfast
@
Youth
cookie bake Perkins
and
delivery
22
23
14
6:45am Men’s
Bible Study
10:30am Weavers
11:00am/1:00pm
5:30pm Irish dance Preschool chapel
class, HB
5:00pm soup
supper
5:30pm KAMP,
ABC, BUFF
6:30pm Advent
service
7:00pm Chancel
Choir
20
21
10:30am Staff mtg
5:00pm GosBells
10:30am Staff mtg
1:00pm East River
Circle, FR
6:45am Men’s
Bible Study
5:30pm Irish dance 10:30am Guild
class, HB
7:00pm Chancel
Choir
9:00am PSF, FR
9:00am Quilts, FH
27
29
28
6:45am Men’s
Bible Study
24
5:00pm
Christmas
Eve service
8:00pm
Christmas
Eve service
10:30am Staff mtg
5:00pm GosBells
8:00pm
KOFI
broadcast
30
31
Christmas break No School 26th—30th
Office closed 26th –28th
5:30pm Irish dance
class, HB
9:00am PSF, FR
9:00am Quilts, FH
10:30am Staff mtg
Locations:
CM-Commons
FH -Fellowship Hall
FR-Fireside Room
HB-Hjortland Bld.
9
December Service Groups 2016
Dec 4
Dec 11
Dec 18
Dec 25
Christmas
9:30am
8:00am
Mary Harris
Donna Tice
Mike and Cindy
Galvin
Dave and Susan
Cox
Margie and Larry
Simpson
10:30am
Lorna Hauser
Judie Cundy
Wally and Bunny
Wilder
Don and Janan
Beller
8:00 am
Dan Paschke
Mike and Cindy
Galvin
Dan and Jean
Paschke
Jeff and Paula
Little
10:30am
Bev Taylor
Don and Janan
Beller
Bev Taylor
Chuck McCoy
Marianne Gielow
Bev Taylor
Anne Taylor
Bill Harris
Captains
Greeters
Ushers
Bill and Mary
Harris
Worship Assts.
8:00am
Paul Gregory
10:30am
Marcia Siblerud
Tony Nelson
Janan Beller
Becky Croucher
Judie Cundy
Communion
8:00am
Larry Kaber
Donna Tice
Susan Mueller
Dave Ebert
Larry Kaber
Anne Taylor
Becky Croucher
10:30am
Judie Cundy
Bill and Jana
Pursell
Becky Croucher
Judy Nelson
Lorna Hauser
Lydia Bunten
8:00am
Linda Erfle
Don and Janan
Beller
Judy Quade
Janet Veidt
Anne Taylor
10:30am
Judy Quade
Ashley and Doug
Mason
Ashley and Doug
Mason
Glenda Skeim
Becky Croucher
Glenda Skeim
Becky Croucher
Don and Janan
Beller
Acolytes
8:00am
Pastor Kristi
10:30am
Pastor Kristi
Coffee Servers
Judy Quade
Altar Guild
Glenda Skeim
Glenda Skeim
Becky Croucher
Thank you for your service!
Glenda Skeim
Becky Croucher
The Bethlehem Star
Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
The HEART Program thanks you for your generous
donation. We are a small charity, so every donation
is needed and appreciated. Every dime of HEART
Program donations goes directly to help struggling
students. No salary or administrative costs come out
of donations. Please spread the word and know that
you make an impact on our program.
Thank you, Nichole Heyer, HEART Locker
Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in
thinking about me as I deal with my two strokes.
Your prayers are working because I am making
progress and improving. I am deeply touched that
people who do not even know me take the time and
talents (shawl made by Joanne) to pray for me.
God bless you, Norma
Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl made by
June. Bev brought it to me last week. I will be having a hip revision and the lovely, cozy shawl will be
a comfort as I recover. The prayer shawl ministry is
a wonderful ministry. Please convey this very worthwhile blessing to others.
Blessing in love, Carol
GRIFFIN FISCHER
ELMER WHITCRAFT
JANAN BELLER
GORDON HELLAND
JOHN AHLES
BEV ARONSON
JEFF LITTLE
POLLY NIKOLAISEN
DONNA TICE
EILEEN AYRES
JASON BURKETT
HELEN DOLLAN
AURAYA AZURE
JOY STEVLINGSON
JAMES BROWN
KEATON JOHNSON
BRYNN MASON
ISAIAH NOLAN-HEWITT
LYNAE WEST
BILL HARRIS
MARSHA SOLAK
DAVID COX
SUSAN COX
DENISE GULLICKSON
DOROTHY JOHNSON
DUANE NELSON
PRUDIE EAKINS
KELLY BERNARD
LAURIE MORRISON
KARI WILEY
NORAH KORN
BLAIR BUCKLEY
EMMETT MESKIS
MICHELE HADLEY
KEN KALVIG
ETHAN WEST
NATE SPOKLIE
JUDY OLSEN
BOB LaSTOFKA
MARILYN PETERSON
CHRISTOPHER BECCARI
JADEN WOEPPEL
ANNIE PATTERSON
GLENDA SKEIM
10
12/01
12/01
12/02
12/02
12/03
12/03
12/03
12/03
12/03
12/04
12/04
12/04
12/05
12/05
12/06
12/06
12/07
12/07
12/07
12/08
12/08
12/09
12/09
12/10
12/10
12/10
12/11
12/12
12/12
12/12
12/14
12/17
12/18
12/20
12/20
12/20
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/24
12/25
12/25
12/26
12/26
The Bethlehem Star
JULIE ANDERSON
GEORGIA SAVERUD
MARJ NELSON
DIANE WIGGIN
JASON GERBOZY
CHARLOTTE KABER
KATHY SCHENCK
12/27
12/27
12/28
12/28
12/30
12/30
12/30
11
For:
Deb Johnson; Charlotte Work; Theresa Work (aunt
and cousin of Georgia Saverud); Lynne Yarbrough:
Jean Erickson (Gary Dahlgren’s aunt); Red Janzer;
Polly Nikolaisen; Jeanette Dullum
Our shut-ins, who remain at home, Immanuel
Lutheran Home, The Retreat, Buffalo Hill Terrace,
Lakeview Care Center, Heritage Place, WelLife,
Prestige Assisted Living, Expressions and Edgewood
Vista.
The Outreach Committee has a special bus from Buffalo Hill Terrace that is picking up people to bring them
to and from our 10:30 service. We would also like to
offer rides to the Advent Soup Suppers. Supper starts at
5PM and service at 6:30. Please call the church or Marj
Nelson, 837-0182, if you are interested in riding to any
or all of the services. Soup suppers include Dec.7, and
Dec. 14th.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family
of Alice Olson, upon her death
and
to Dale Veile upon Mindy’s death.
The deadline for the January
newsletter is December 19th .
Thank you! - Brenda
FYI - Who Needs Help?
The Samaritan House Homeless Shelter is in need of 4
good-size Turkeys to feed their residents for Thanksgiving. Turkeys can be delivered to The Samaritan
House at 124 West 9th Avenue in Kalispell. You may
contact them at 257-5801 for more information.
Church
Committee Chairs
President:
Christian Education:
Lydia Bunten
250-8501
Duane Anderson
257-6393
Vice Presidents:
Nancy Brosten
Ross Johnson
752-2357
608/516-3027
Secretary / Treasurer:
Bryan Gilbertson
756-9229
Fellowship:
currently open
Outreach:
Marj Nelson
837-0182
Property:
Mike Galvin
756-6414
Stewardship:
Wayne Saverud
257-4018
Worship and Music:
Marlene Anderson 257-6393
Youth:
Libby Zimmerman
756-0067
12
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kalispell, MT 59901
Permit #11
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
603 South Main Street, Kalispell, Montana 59901
[email protected] / www.bethluth.org
406/752-6140 / KOFI 1180AM at 10:30am
The beauty of the Sanctuary will be enhanced by a display of
poinsettias during the Christmas season. You are invited to
participate in this project by contributing $20 in memory or in
honor of someone special, which will be noted in the Christmas
bulletin. Fill out this form, include payment and place in the
offering plate or mail to the church office by December 19th.
Name (s)
______________________________________________________
Phone number ______________________
Given in memory of: ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Given in honor of:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
>Please print clearly!