Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Middletown, Ohio


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	Bethlehem News .......................................... BETHLEHEM’S 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. OUR VISION · IS TO BE A PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH (PDC) AND BECOME A MAGNET TO DRAW OTHERS INTO A DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. OUR PURPOSE · TO LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND MEMBERSHIP AT BETHLEHEM · TO GROW PEOPLE TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY · TO EQUIP PEOPLE WITH THE SKILLS THEY NEED FOR MINISTRY · TO ENLIST PEOPLE TO THE WORLDWIDE MISSION OF SHARING CHRIST · TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO LIVE A LIFE OF MAGNIFICATION TO THE GLORY OF GOD GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW PASTOR: Pastor Michelle’s office hours: Monday: 9 to 12 Noon Tuesday: 1 - 4 p.m. Wednesday: 9 to 12 Noon Thursday: (visitation day) Friday: Pastor Michelle’s day off Pastor Michelle’s back. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 14, to celebrate Pastor Michelle’s return from maternity leave. Our thanks to Pastor Theodore Scheidt for substituting for Michelle while she was on maternity leave. ................................................... February Worship Schedule @ BLC. Worship @ 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study @ BLC on Sunday morning. "Real Faith for Real Life" by Michael Foss. The study is based on the six marks of discipleship: Prayer, Worship, Daily Bible Reading, Relationships and Stewardship. Class meets at 9:30 a.m. in fellowship hall. Sacrament of Communion served *every* Sunday. Special offering received on the second Sunday of the each month for the needy. Special offering received on the last Sunday of each month for Utilities. LIGHT MINISTRIES WORSHIP SERVICE @ 12:30 P.M. Pastor Samuel J. Kelly ................................................... Assisting Ministers @ BLC during the month of February Organist & Choir Director: Jean Jordan Ushers & Counters for February 7 & 14: Dick & Karen M. Ushers & Counters for February 21 & 28: Dick & Suzanne B. Worship Leader & Communion Assistant: Keith Sommers Lay Reader for January: Kelly Schultz Sound Technicians: Richard Mehl and Richard Hatfield Acolytes for February: Feb. 7: Hannah S. Feb. 14: Clayton G. Feb. 21: Valerie S. Feb. 28: Jeremy F. Communion Helpers Feb. 7: Clayton F. Feb. 14: Valerie S. Feb. 21: Hannah S. Feb. 28: Jeremy F. Nursery Helpers Feb. 7: Kristen C. / Lisa M. Feb. 14: Ingrid C. / Amy J. Feb. 21: Megan S. / Kelly S. NEED ADULTS TO VOLUNTEER IN THE NURSERY. Due to ELCA recommendations, and for the safety of our younger children at church, we need to add an adult to the nursery schedule each Sunday to assist our teenage girls who are attending the nursery. The adult will only be needed if more than one child needs nursery care that day. We need 8 people to add to the rotating schedule so that each adult will only be scheduled once every two months. See Diana to be added to the list! Look for the nursery to get its long-needed makeover soon!!! We still need like new nursery equipment. ................................................... Calendar of Events – February 2010 Monday, Feb. 1: Circle Meetings 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Circle; Jane Follmer hostess 7:00 p.m. Evening Circle; Kitty Blattner, hostess Sunday, Feb. 7: Souper Bowl Sunday @ BLC. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Ted Scheidt will deliver the message. SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY 2010. February 7 as “Soup Bowl Sunday @ BLC” The Souper Bowl of Caring is the result of thousands of young people joining together to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities. In 2009, the youth of BLC collected a total of $73.00 and 96 cans of soup. The money and cans of soup were delivered to Hope House. This is an annual fund-raiser that the youth of BLC do every year. This particular project supports our local homeless shelter. (Hope House) The youth will prepare a meal after church for the congregation on Souper Bowl Sunday - Feb. 7th. Mark your calendars. Bring a can of soup. We are very proud of our youth’s participation in this worthwhile event. Tuesday, Feb. 9: Church Council Meeting at 7 p.m. New members, who were elected at the annual meeting, are welcome to attend the Feb. 9^th meeting. They will be officially installed on Feb. 14^th when Pastor Michelle returns from maternity leave. Sunday, Feb. 14: WELCOME BACK, MICHELLE. Pastor Michelle returns today from maternity leave. Please make every effort to be here to WELCOME her return. Special offering for the needy received today. Outreach/Mission committee (Ildiko is chair) will meet right after church in the church office for about thirty minutes for an update on plans for 2010. We welcome new members on this committee. Tuesday, Feb. 16: BLCW BOARD MEETING at the home of Nan Pember @ 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14: ASH WEDNESDAY. Beginning of Lent This year, during Lent, we will be gathering with the people of Zion each Wednesday for worship. I am excited about this opportunity to strength “family ties” with another congregation in the area. The Lenten Services will begin around 7 p.m. and will be presentations of dramatic readings on “Parents of the Passion.” On March 3 and March 17, BLC will host the Lenten Supper (6:00 p.m.) and Worship Service. Pastor Michelle Sunday, Feb. 21: First Sunday in Lent. Pastor Larry Hoffis, representative from “Graceworks Lutheran Services”, will deliver the message: “There’s Room for YOU” at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. One of the treasures of the Lutheran Church in our country is its continuing commitment to social ministry. We not only hear Jesus’ voice in Matthew 25: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me,” we respond. Through a network of almost 300 social ministry organizations known collectively as Lutheran Services in America, Lutherans in the U.S. delivered billions of dollars worth of health and human services to millions of people all over the world. Currently, they are supplying aid to the victims of the Haitian earthquake. DARING DISCIPLESHIP OUTING: TIME: 3 – 6 P.M. Lunar Mini Golf at Cincinnati Mills Mall. Play mini golf under the black lights. FOOD! FUN! DISCUSSION! Parents are welcome. RSVP to Jonathan or Barb. Carpool/rides available. Wednesday, Feb. 24: Mid-week Lenten Supper and Worship at Zion. The Supper begins at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The evening Lenten Services will begin about 7:00 p.m. and will be a presentation of dramatic readings on “PARENTS OF THE PASSION.” The Lenten mid-week services will be shared with Zion again this year. On March 3 and 17, members of Zion will gather at BLC for supper and service. Sunday, Feb. 28: Second Sunday of Lent. Pastor Michelle will deliver the message. Special offering for utilities. ................................................... Flowers on the Altar for February 2010 Feb. 7: Presented by Kitty Blattner Thanks to all who volunteer @ BLC Feb. 14: Presented by Andy Mittenholzer In Memory of Millie Mittenholzer Feb. 21: Presented by Harry Pratt In Memory of Dorothy Pratt and George Davies Feb. 28: Presented by Audrey Slade In Memory of Mrs. Imo Schubert And in Memory of George Slade ................................................... February Birthdays: Feb. 2: Carolyn F. Feb. 9: Tonya H. Feb. 11: Shirlee B. Feb. 20: Phyllis Jean P. Feb. 26: Nancy C. .................................................. Like to Sing? Consider Joining the Choir @ Bethlehem The Bethlehem Celebration choir directed by Jean Jordan, practices every Sunday at 11:50 a.m. They provide the special music for our worship services. ................................................... Daring Discipleship Next Meeting: We are changing our meeting dates to the first Sunday of the month. Any middle school and high school teenager can join us each month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for Daring Discipleship. We have fun and get together to stay connected for a time that is just for us. Jonathan Garner chooses a movie or activity for the evening. We are changing our meeting dates to the first Sunday of the month. We usually have pizza, chips and pop. We have teenagers from Madison, Edgewood, Lakota, Middletown, Summit Academy, Bishop Fenwick and Greentree Academy schools who go to our church. This month, many of the kids are helping with the Sauerkraut Super as we have in the past. If you can’t make it this month, there is always next month. *See you there, Kristen Coppock* ................................................... New Sunday School Class Study Opportunity @ BLC WHAT DOES THE APOSTLES’ CREED MEAN? ................................................... Welcome Committee . . . ................................................... THE CUPBOARDS ARE BARE!!! CAN YOU HELP? Suggested food items: canned fruit, canned vegetables Suggested personal care items: bar soap, dish soap, toilet paper, toothbrushes, shampoo, paper towels, etc. Place all donations in shopping cart in the Narthex. Reminder: Save your plastic grocery bags and put in the shopping cart. All items will be donated to the Middletown Choice Pantry. ................................................... LIBRARY NEWS THE REORGANIZED LIBRARY HAS A NEW NAME . . . “THE BOOK NOOK” Jean Jordan and Jane Follmer have been hard at work organizing the library for your use. Lots of books available … children’s to adult’s. Stop in any weekday and pick up a book …. biographies, novels, and inspiration selections are available. ................................................... COLLECT AND SAVE your aluminum cans for Youth attending Bible Camp. Bring your cans to the church and we will take them to the recycle location to redeem for cash!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ................................................... “Peoples for People - 2010” WE would like to announce our campaign for 2010 for members to save their pennies again as they did in 2009. WE donated via ELCA God’s Global Barnyard (included in the annual statement) and would like to try to keep the saving of our pennies for this good cause going. This is a worthy cause that children can do God’s work to help others. The support of the congregation is greatly appreciated. Please put your “pennies” in plastic bags or empty plastic tubs. WE welcome your donations throughout the year (2010) . Watch for marked containers “Pennies” in the Narthex. BLC Sunday School / Barb Coppock ................................................... Pray for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Believers as They Go About the Work Commisioned By the Lord Prayer Requests: February 2010 This list is presented in the hope that our members will remember to pray, to visit, and to send cards to our shut-ins. This is one way to show our love and concern for our shut-ins, and that they are a vital part of our church family. Our shut ins: Tom (Room 208 @ Willow Knoll); Lois, Fran, Marie W. Max, Virginia, (has returned to her home) and Jean. Prayer Requests and Concerns: Please share your prayer concerns by e-mailing the church office, or writing them on the “pew card” when you are in church on Sunday. Members: Friends & Family: For our church family, friends and neighbors in our community. Mabel (staying at Betty’s home); Carl, Louise H, Chris (fell from barn roof); Marianne, the Family of Vicki V. Luther, Victor, Leonard, Scott, Tammy, Paul, Eileen, Sarah, Brent, Joe, Gale, John, Thomas, Marianne, July, Shawn, Lisa, Kacee, Joan, Sean, Scott, Stephanie, Lyle & Sharon, Seth, Charles, Jesus J, Eric, Janice, Dale, Brooke, and Bill, Mrs. Nkhata and her new born, as requested by Kelly S. Thanks to God: Offer a Prayer for family members who are considering going to a church. Offer a Prayer for everyone as we begin the upcoming influenza season. Please check on those who are living alone. Offer a "special" prayer for Eli. He's home from the hospital as of Feb. 3rd. Offer a "special" prayer for Zona. Zona has returned home as of Jan 20th. Offer a "special" prayer for Lisa. Having medical tests. Offer a "special" prayer for the Fox Family. Our Love and Sympathy to the family of Bernice Wendt. Bernice a member of BLC since 1946 passed away on December 27^th after a long illness. She will be remembered for her loving commitment to BLC. Please offer a prayer for the family. Our Love and Sympathy to the family of Mike and Kelly Schultz. Mike’s grandmother, Bonnie Schultz, age 88, passed away on December 26^th. Pray for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Believers as they go about the work commissioned by God. Offer a prayer for everyone as we begin the upcoming influenza season. Please check on those who are living alone! In the event of illness or hospitalization, please notify Pastor Michelle by calling the church office @ 513-423-1191, or filling out the pew card in today’s bulletin. ................................................... ................................................... .................................................. ................................................... NEW WORSHIP IN THE PLANNING STAGES @ BLC . . . CAN YOU HELP US!!!! We are in the initial planning stage of offering an alternative worship service the second Sunday of each month. Do you know any talented persons who have the musical gifts to help create a new style of worship? It will take persons who want to be on the cutting edge of reaching people for Christ through Bethlehem’s worship. They will have a deep desire to be part of something that will make a significant impact in the lives of people. They will also be willing to commit the time and effort to practice, create, and lead a worship service in which we strive for excellence; worship of God deserves nothing less. The music will be up-tempo. The basic instruments will consist of a keyboard, guitar, drums, and bass. Singers will lead the congregation in singing the songs. The acoustics will be louder than many “older” folks are accustomed to hearing. The Benefits of being part of this new and exciting venture: Doing what you enjoy (Music – singing and playing instruments) Impacting people’s lives (Changed lives for eternity) Rewarding experience (Personal satisfaction) We need your help!!!! If you, or someone you know, are interested, or want more information, contact Pastor Hal at the church office. If he is not in, please leave a message. .................................................. ................................................... ................................................... OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL AGES … Classes currently offered for: Preschoolers & Young Elementary Children Teacher: Barbara Coppock Elementary Age Readers. Tracey Dykes, Kelly Schultz, Amy Johns (teaching on a rotating basis) Sunday School for Teens & Adults. Teacher: Richard Hatfielt ................................................... BLC’s website: www.blcmiddletown.org / Church e-mail address: office@blcemiddletown.org Pastor Michelle's email address: blcchurch@att.net BLC’s Monthly calendar is now posted on the website To receive a copy of BLC’s weekly e-mail, notify the church office with your current e-mail address. Report e-mail and other address changes/phone numbers to the church office @ 423-1191 ................................................... 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. 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.
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sunday service at 10:30 am
Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Middletown / 212 S. Broad St. / Middletown, OH 45044 / ph: 513.423.1191 / fax: 513.423.0770