Bethlehem News

We Salute Chief Petty Officer Victor Fox Serving in Iraq

Please keep Chief Petty Officer Victor Fox of the Navy SeaBees in your prayers for a safe tour of duty in Iraq and a safe return home.
His wife Alison and son Jeremy attend BLC. We are all proud of your service and salute you Victor! God Bless you!

Recognition of Sgt. Steve Charles, US Army

On Sunday, May 18, The Bethlehem Lutheran Church celebrated
and gave thanks for the safe return of Sgt. Steve Charles from Iraq.
(shown left with his mother Nancy Charles) Steve was deployed to
Iraq on Feb. 4, 2007 and returned to Middletown on April 11.
Steve is the son of Nancy and Tom Charles.

Pastor John recognized and gave thanks to Steve during the
worship service. The children who attend Sunday School provided
a special presentation to Steve. The Sunday School students had
been writing and sending care packages to Steve during his
deployment in Iraq. The women of the church (BLCW) held a
reception in the Narthex so every one could meet and “thank”
Steve for his service to our country. Following his visit with his
parents here in Middletown, he reports back to Fort Riley, Kansas.

 
Ushers for August: Diana and Jonathan Garner
Counter for August: Ken Henderson
Lay Reader for August: Keith Sommers
Lay Reader for August 10 – Youth of Bethlehem

Flowers on the Altar for AUGUST

• August 3: Given by Everett and Martha Shaffer:
  In Memory of our Loved Ones

• August 10: Given by Dick and Karen Mehl
  In Memory of: Mary, Robert and Tim Mehl

• August 17: Given by Marilyn and Roy Hatfield
  In Memory of: Mark and Alice Scheibert and Roy and Alma Hatfield

• August 24: Given by Florence Selby
  In Memory of Donald E. Selby, Ferd Selby, Alma and Louis Selby
  and Norma and Otto Holt

• August 31: Given by Pat Easterling
  In Memory of Richard & Sue Easterling
  
  We thank all those who contribute flowers for the altar. The church has a few openings for later in the year.
  If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please contact the church office.

AUGUST Worship Schedule

• SUNDAY, AUGUST 3: OUTDOOR SERVICE OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP
  HELD AT THE HOME OF DICK AND KAREN MEHL
  87 people attended the worship and picnic. A good time was had by all those who attended.
  Many thanks are expressed to Dick and Karen for hosting the event and to those who
  helped with the arrangements and activities.

• SUNDAY, AUGUST 10: 10:30 A.M. YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE @ BETHLEHEM
  Special offering received today for the needy.

• SUNDAY, AUGUST 17: 10:30 A.M. GUEST SPEAKER

• SUNDAY, AUGUST 24: 10:30 A.M. KEITH SOMMERS WILL LEAD THE WORSHIP SERVICE.

• SUNDAY, AUGUST 31: 10:30 A.M. PASTOR JOHN WILL RETURN FROM VACATION.
  Special offering received today for Utilities.

• THE LIGHT MINISTRIES WORSHIP SERVICE @ 12:30 P.M.

LIKE TO SING?
CONSIDER JOINING THE CHOIR @ BETHLEHEM in September.
The Bethlehem Celebration Choir will return on Sunday, September 7th.
The choir, directed by Jean Jordan, practices every Sunday at 11:50 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL . . .
9:15 AM. RESUMES ON SEPTEMBER 7TH.
ALL ARE WELCOME!!! BESS PLACE, TEACHER

A NEW “EYE OPENING” STUDY FOR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
will keep you coming back Sunday after Sunday. You will learn much,
grow in your faith, be empowered. and thoroughly enjoy yourself.

OUR HOME BOUND MEMBERS WILL SOON BE SERVED HOLY COMMUNION
BY TRAINED AND COMMISSIONED LAY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.

This practice has been in the Lutheran church for a long, long time. Martin Luther said that every man,
woman, and child is a priest of God. The pastor is to train and equip lay members for such ministry;
besides, it is impossible for me to serve Communion to every home-bound member every month due
to my part-time status. Members will be trained and commissioned in June and will begin their duties
in July. Bethlehem’s home-bound Communion Ministry Team was commissioned on June 29.
The team members have been instructed and will begin their ministry in July. At present each team
member will serve Communion to two home-bound members per month for two consecutive months.
Pastor will commune each home-bound member every three months on a rotating basis. This arrangement
assures every home-bound member of receiving Communion once per month. Many thanks to those
who volunteered: Dick Boehm, Jane Follmer, Ken Henderson, Jean Jordan, Keith Sommers.

Every Wednesday in August:
The walkers meet at 9:30 a.m. for light refreshments, fellowship and lots of coffee refills.
Here’s your chance to gather together and catch up on the news between Sundays.

Tuesday, August 5:
Church Council Meeting at 7 p.m.
 
BLCW BOARD MEETING
on Tuesday, August 19 at the home of Nan Pember at 7 p.m.
 
Friday, August 29: 9:30 a.m.
The breakfast bunch meets at Frisch’s at Towne Mall.
Join the group for fellowship and catch up on all the news from
BLC members and friends.

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES BEGINNING THIS FALL
The ELCA and synods across America voted in assemblies to make the teaching and learning
of the Word the highest priority. This might sound shocking that the Church must remind Christians
to be in study of the Bible, but bishops, pastors, and Christian education directors know that members
of the Lutheran church have disbanded daily/weekly study of the Word. Bethlehem is in the process
of offering not only Sunday morning study, but also small group studies beginning in late September. 
Lay members will host and lead these studies on different days and times. The first home Bible study,
leaders and hosts will be announced soon. We hope you will take part in something that many churches
have discovered to be beneficial for spiritual renewal.

THIS NEWS IS HOT, JUST OFF THE PRESS
  This will be the first of a series of Bible studies held in the homes of members. 
This study will help EMPOWER our members to move boldly into the future on the path
chosen by our Lord.  THIS STUDY IS PURE DYNAMITE and is able to stir our hearts as we
WORK TOGETHER to rebuild our church.

"IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER,
YOU’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT"
- Author, John Ortberg

In his engaging and humorous style, John Ortberg reflects on the
biblical story in Matthew 14, of Peter walking on water and applies it
to our lives today. He helps us to recognize what boat we’re in –
the comfortable situation where we’ve hiding. Nine members of
Bethlehem have gotten out of their “boat” to lead and/or host a
group for this interesting and rewarding Bible study.

THE STUDY WILL BE IN HOMES
AND BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7
THROUGH THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 12
 
WE INVITE YOU TO SIGN UP TODAY.
CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE @ 513-423-1191.

Sunday Evenings, 7:00 pm: Home of Dick and Karen Mehl
September 7th Leader: Karen Mehl
 
Sunday Evenings, 7:00 pm: Home of Bernice Wendt
September 7th Leader: Debbie Wendt
 
Monday Evenings, 7:00 pm: Home of Ken and Rosie Henderson
September 8th Leader: Ken Henderson
 
Tuesday Afternoons, 2:00 pm: Home of Jane Follmer
September 9th Leader: Jane Follmer
 
Thursday Evenings, 7:00 pm: Home of Kitty Blattner
September 11th Leader: Barb Coppock
 
These Bible Studies are one of the foundational stepping stones of rebuilding
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Please select one of the times above to register for the class.

The cost for the study material is $8.50 per person. Please include payment with Registration.

I/we ____________________________________________ will attend the Bible study on
 
_____________________________ at the home of __________________________________.
 
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP is AUGUST 28TH. To register for the class, call the church office.
 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10: YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE @ BLC.
 
The youth who attended Bible Camp in June will conduct today’s worship service.
Ingrid Coppock, Kristen Coppock, Jeremy Fox, Clayton Garner, Caleb Hollon and Alex Hoskins
will present God’s Word in a new and vibrant way through skits and songs they learned at camp.
Their faith and love of Jesus will be very evident through the service. They have practiced long
hours in order to be at their very best. The message they bring today is uplifting and you will
also be “proud” to see our youth be so enthusiastic about their Lord and yours.
 
 
COTTAGE MEETINGS @ BLC
 
49 MEMBERS of BETHLEHEM ATTENDED THE FIVE COTTAGE MEETINGS
held at the home of 5 families. I am so pleased that this many members attended and now have
a better understanding of what needs to be done to rebuild Bethlehem. I sense a growing
enthusiasm about the future and a sense of empowerment among the members that we can
rebuild our church. Eight areas were presented, none, alone which is sufficient, but when all
eight areas are in high gear, the effect will be felt and the church will begin to grow. This will
take time and will not happen overnight so we must be patient until all eight areas are
built up before we will begin to see real results. This is, after all, a five-year plan.
 
The areas we are zoning in are: WORSHIP, BIBLE STUDY, YOUTH, EVANGELISM,
CARING, FINANCIAL, MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL MINISTRY. The biggest area
that we need to tackle, however, is to find our MISSION in the area in which Bethlehem exists.
Every downtown church in America that is growing has discovered the MISSION GOD has
called them to serve. In the months and years ahead we will search out this mission.
 
BETHLEHEM’S NEW MISSION STATEMENT:
THE CONGREGATION OF THE BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVES
THE LIVING GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST HIS SON, THROUGH WORSHIP,
FELLOWSHIP AND HARMONY, TO ENABLE US TO GROW AS A
CONGREGATION AND SERVE OTHERS.
 
 
July 8th Council Highlights

• Attendance: Pastor John, Keith Sommers, Kitty Blattner, Barb Coppock,
  Nancy Charles, Diana Garner, Richard Hatfield, and Karen Mehl

• Pastor John opened the meeting reading Psalm 100 about exclamation of joy.

• Two bids to repair leaks to the north wall were presented by Dick Mehl.
  He is waiting on the 3rd bid.

• The cottage meetings are set. The printed BLC Blueprint for the Future
  was distributed to Council Members.

• Holy Communion will be celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sunday’s beginning in September.
  
• First Communion for the youth is delayed until September.
  
• Communion to the homebound will begin this Sunday, July 13th.
  Another communion set was donated; we now have a total of 3.
  
• Pastor John will present a 6-month update on the progress of BLC.
  
• The former parsonage is for rent. Notify the church office is you know
  of anyone interested in renting.
  
• Diana Garner will do raffle baskets again for the picnic. She needs donations –
  items or cash – to put these baskets together.
  
•  NEW COUNCIL MEMBER: Nancy Strauss has agreed to become a member of
  Council as of August 1st. Nancy will replace Tony Frye. Tony is relocating to Athena, GA,
  for a new job as a professor at Piedmont University.
  
• AUGUST COUNCIL MEETING: TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 @ 7 P.M.

Remember in Prayer Our Sick and Shut-ins:
Josie Cope, Tom Charles, Max Sommers, Anthony Gilkison, Joey Jackson, Gary Barney,
Don Hunt, Kristin Francis, Victor Fox (deployed to Iraq); Dante De”llasandre, Eileen Boren,
Dick Linkins, Briana Hobbs, Mary Ross (Carol Melton’s mother) Bernie Van Scoter, Lois Hartman,
James Courey, Phyllis Jean Philpot, Ruth Blevins, Cheryl Kelley, Luther Harmon, Jesus Juarez,
Ron Reichelderfer, Sharyn Edelen, Everett Shaffer, Warren Drake, Carla McKenzie, Judy Elieff,
Milana Morrison, Sue Kinder and Nancy Williams

NEWS OF THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY:
Chief Petty Office Victor Fox, following recuperation from shoulder surgery,
will return to Iraq. Please offer a prayer for Victor and his family.

PRAY FOR THE BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BELIEVERS
AS THEY GO ABOUT THE WORK COMMISSIONED BY THE LORD.

OFFER A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR OUR ORGANIST, JEAN JORDAN.
JEAN IS SCHEDULED FOR SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY ON AUGUST 13TH.


If you have a prayer request or need during the week, please contact the church office.
 
 
BLC Worship team is happy to announce that
Pastor John participated in the Indiana Senior Games
in Indianapolis June 14. 
He is now the proud recipient of four medals for his accomplishments.
He competed in four separate events:

Shot put and discus: Gold Medals.
 
Track:  200 & 400-meter: Silver Medals.

Congratulations to Pastor John.     
PASTOR JOHN WINS AWARD
                       
         

ELECTRONIC GIVING AVAILABLE

Bethlehem offers a new way to give

We are embracing a giving option that may be more convenient for many of our
members and friends – ELECTRONIC GIVING. Beginning September 1, 2006,
this new giving option will work in the same manner as mortgages, loan payments,
or insurance premiums that are automatically withdrawn from your checking
or savings account.

To sign up for this giving option and have your donations transferred electronically
to the church account on a regular basis, all you need to do is fill out an authorization
form and return it to the church office. You choose the donation frequency
(weekly or monthly) and the donation amount for the fund you wish to support.

Important Benefits of Electronic Giving

Electronic Giving makes life easier for you and yields very significant
benefits for Bethlehem.

Benefits for You

• The satisfaction of giving to God first
• Easier to fulfill stewardship commitments
• Strengthens participation and support in the church
• Allows you to contribute even when you are away
• Easier personal budgeting
• More secure than bringing cash or checks to church

Benefits for Bethlehem

• Cultivates consistent giving
• More predictable cash flow for better planning
• Less work for office staff
• Secure and easy cash maintenance

Traditional Choices Remain

Our traditional envelope and collection system will remain in place for those
members and friends who are not involved in the Electronic Giving Program.
Quarterly and Annual statements will be prepared for donors by the Church Office.

If you do not currently use envelopes, please consider participating in either
our envelope program or the Electronic Giving program.

Bethlehem needs your consistent support.

LIBRARY -

The Bethlehem Lutheran church library has some interesting biographies, novels,
and inspiring selections available for your reading pleasure. When you have a chance,
stop in at the church and check out a couple of books. Reading material available for all ages . . .
from picture books for youngsters to novels and learning material for adults.

Bethlehem offers a limited health screening program for members the first Sunday of each month.
The screening process starts at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Blood pressure screening is a part of our
Parish Nurse program. Each Wednesday, members and friends meet at the church at 9:00 AM and walk
about one mile each. In this photo, members line up for the monthly blood pressure screening.

A Historical Picture DVD consisting of 205 pictures starting with the old church;
then construction of the new sanctuary in 1957 and finally the family of Bethlehem
from past to present is available. This is a must have one of a kind DVD of historical
pictures for a small donation of $15.00. Telephone or email the church to order your copy.