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What’s Coming Up

This Weekend

• Sharing the Work: In Galilee, Jesus begins his ministry, proclaiming the good news of God and healing the sick. His listeners are astounded by his power and by the authority with which he teaches, cures, and casts out demons. Word spreads, and soon his disciples tell him excitedly, "Everyone is searching for you." Everyone wants to be convinced of the coming kingdom of God and to be relieved of suffering. Yet, interestingly, Jesus doesn't stay put until all these Galileans can witness his presence directly. He tells Simon, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." Jesus doesn't belong to one place or to one people only. Nor does he finish all that needs doing in any one community. Instead, he equips his followers to carry on his ministry and to complete what has been left undone. They are to be his extra hands, extra mouths, and additional compassionate hearts. He restores people to physical and mental health so they can again be productive. When Simon's mother-in-law rises from her sickbed, she doesn't get to luxuriate in her newly-regained health. She stands up and uses her skills to serve the disciples. Similarly, while the people in Capernaum bring to him "all who were sick or possessed with demons," we are told that Jesus only cures "many," and casts out "many demons." Why not all? He intends for his disciples to work by his side. He wants them to get their hands dirty, to heal where they can and to comfort where they cannot. Jesus never intends to be just a spectacle. He offers his miracles as an invitation, revealing his power to empower us. We must be healers and teachers too. We also must seek out what needs fixing in our communities and put our hands to it.

 

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress.

Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

• Global Mission Festival, February 5  This year we will be taking a close look at World Hunger. ELCA World Hunger responds to hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world by addressing root causes. Through a comprehensive program of relief, development, education, and advocacy, people are connected to the resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Between 70-75 percent of ELCA World Hunger funds are spent internationally, and 20-25 percent are spent domestically. David Creech, Director for Hunger Education, for the ELCA World Hunger Program effort will be our guest preacher, at all three worship services on Sunday, February 5th to tell the story of how together, we do God’s work with our hands. All worship services will be in the sanctuary, while the festival activities will take place in Fellowship Hall.

• Souper Bowl of Caring will take place on Global Mission Sunday, February 5. After each worship service, youth will be holding soup kettles, collecting loose change and other moneys for local food pantries. Come and learn, serve, and give during our annual Global Mission Sunday.

• This Sunday is Boy Scout Sunday: We acknowledge & thank those involved in the Boy Scouts. Watch for scouts ushering during our 8:00 worship!

Coming Soon

• Wild West Hoedown, Saturday, February 11, 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Come join the cowboy fun with Chris Camp, whip cracker, games, crafts and a dancing.  All ages are welcome, just put on your best western gear and join us.  The cost will be $3 per person with a maximum of $15 per family. Volunteers attend for free.  Snacks will be served.

Mark your Calendar for future events!

Easter Egg-stravaganza, Sunday, April 1, 2012, 12 noon-2 p.m.

Minute to Win It at Bethlehem, Saturday, May 5, 2012, 6 p.m.

• Ryan Dowd, Director of Hesed House, Aurora, to Speak: During his tenure as Executive Director, Hesed House has continued to grow in providing housing and supportive services in the homeless and unemployed in the Fox River Valley. Mr. Dowd has also expanded the vision of Hesed House beyond supplying services to local needs to being an active participant in fighting for justice and human rights globally. Personally, this has led him to regular trips to Zimbabwe as an election observer. Join Ryan Dowd at our Second Sunday series on February 12 at 9:15 and 10:30 as he shares his personal story and experiences, his vision for a Center for Global Human Rights, and why churches should be interested and involved in the fight for and preservation of human rights around the globe.

• See “The Screwtape Letters”, by C.S. Lewis, with a group from Bethlehem on Sunday, March 18, at 3:00 p.m. at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. The cost is $42 per person, with checks made payable to Bethlehem. For reservations, please sign up on the weekly registration slip or contact Fran Nohling. Reservations and ticket money are due by February 12 (firm deadline).

• Middle School Snow-tubing: All middle school youth are invited for an afternoon of snow-tubing at Villa Olivia on Sunday, February 12 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per student. Sign-up is posted online through the monthly email and is available in Aaron’s office.

• Discipleship Camp 2012 will take place over Presidents Day weekend, February 18-20. This year, the retreat is for High School students only. We will be exploring how we are “shaped to serve” while spending time in the wonderful city of Chicago. We will be staying at the Youth Center on the campus of the Lutheran School of Theology. There will be many opportunities to serve, worship, learn, and explore what it means to discern our place in ministry. Cost is $75 per student, and financial assistance is available. Spots are limited to 20 students.

• Breadbreaker Sign Ups for March, April, May Session: Breadbreakers are small groups of adults who get together to share a meal and fellowship at each others’ homes. If you enjoy eating with friends and look forward to meeting new people, Breadbreakers is for you! Contact Sarah Belinski or see the registration slip to sign up.

• Faith Stepping Stones – for 1st grade students and their parents: The beginner Bible workshop has been moved to Saturday, February 25 from 9:00 to 10:30a.m. Watch for a special letter sent to you home but mark your calendar now is this workshop involves the crafting of a custom bookmark to be used with the wonderful, “SPARK” children’s story Bible.

• News From Aboard The Ark: The Ark has been cleaned and scrubbed and is back in the business of being one of the best places in the building for Bethlehem's kids! (And adults, too!) Come up to visit soon and often!  As we continue to coordinate with our Wednesday night programing, The Ark will continue to display books and resources that feature the theme and "special guest" of the month. These will change often so be sure to catch them while they are available!  And lastly---as you are packing away your Christmas decorations, if you have a child friendly nativity set that you would be willing to donate to The Ark, we would love to add it to our collection. This was the first year for this display and it was a huge "hands on" hit! You would be surprised how many Wisemen can visit one baby Jesus!! (Last count was thirteen!)

• Preschool Spaghetti Dinner and Auction: Our annual “On Top of Spaghetti” Dinner and Raffle/Silent Auction is soon approaching on Friday March 16th.  Save the date for this fun family evening full of food, games and prizes.  We are beginning to collect auction and raffle items.  To make our fundraiser a success we are in need of both items for adults and children.  If you have anything that you would like to donate or know of a business that would be willing to donate goods or services, please contact the Preschool at (630) 584-6027.  We are also in need of volunteers for the evening and donations of desserts for the dinner and cake walk.  Look for upcoming sign-up sheets in the church bulletin and by the Preschool entrance. 

• Bethlehem continues to Support The Tri-City Unemployment Group The Tri-City Unemployment Group (TUG) was organized in October 2001 to address the needs of the unemployed in our community. TUG was organized by several concerned community leaders and several St. Charles churches as an ecumenical and grass roots effort to help. The mission of the Tri-City Unemployment Group is to provide an opportunity to network, offer presentations on the job search process, to develop skills, and provide resource materials. The Tri City Unemployment Group (TUG) meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Bethlehem, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The first part of each gathering is a general presentation on a topic related to unemployment, such as dealing with personal and family stress, resume-writing, interviewing skills, financial management, career skills assessment, networking, and automating the search process. The second part of the program provides an opportunity for direct networking and interpersonal support. Job notices are posted for sharing; individual assistance and guidance is provided, one-on-one, by steering team members and other vocational experts.  Over 400 residents have sought out TUG services at least once, depending on their specific needs and current place in the job-search process. Services provided are free to all those who attend. Please consider yourself welcome and join us. For further information Click Here.

Opportunities To Serve and Give

 

• Donations Needed for Preschool Spaghetti Dinner & Auction/Raffle: The Preschool Ministry Team is looking for donations of goods and services for our annual event on Friday March 16. We are especially in need of children’s items and gift certificates. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year to raise money for our scholarship fund which helps pay tuition for families in need. If you have something you would like to donate or know of a business that may be willing to help out, please contact the Preschool. There will be more information and other ways to volunteer with this fun event coming soon!

• Altar Flower Coordinator Needed: As you may already know, when you sign up for altar flowers on any given weekend, you receive a letter and altar flower envelope in the mail reminding you to send in your names of memory or honor and your payment to the church office. We are looking for a volunteer to take over mailing out these letters. Our current volunteer needs to step away from this duty, but is very willing to train her replacement. It’s a wonderful way to volunteer from the comfort of your home! Please contact Patty Snyder in the church if interested in helping with this special ministry

• The Preschool Ministry Team is currently looking for new members to join our Team.  We have lost a few members this past year and we are in need of some willing individuals to support the Preschool.  You do not need to have a preschooler to be involved in this important ministry.  If you would like more information or know of someone who would be a good fit to join our Team please contact Andrea Low.

• Have you heard about Bethlehem's 1st Responders? These are a group of men and women who are involved in ministry that cares for both those sitting next to us in the pews, as well as our nearby neighbors. This caring takes place by meeting needs--typically immediate, temporary or short term basic needs--during times of challenging life circumstances. Our 1st Responders have done amazing things the past several months from helping a single mom with a move, gathering donated school clothing, securing a used washer and dryer, transporting needed household items, and locating needed resources. You can be part of this serve-as-you-are-able-ministry. Email Kelly, Our Director of Care and Connection.

• Stephen Ministers are Ready to Help:  Most people are much more open to giving care than to receiving it. As a result, there are countless people today who, though they really could benefit from a Christian friend who would listen or care for them, instead tough it out on their own. Suffering alone is not God’s intent for us. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If you find yourself now or in the future facing difficulties in life, whatever those may be; please contact our Stephen Ministry Team, either through our pastors, our Stephen Ministry leaders, or Kelly Collins. Our Stephen Ministers offer a caring, confidential and non-judgmental listening ear and provide comfort and encouragement as you face life’s burdens

• The new Habitat for Humanity renovation project on North James Avenue in Valley View is underway, anda partner/owner family has been selected. Saturday volunteers are needed, as well as lunches for the Saturday workers. If you can help, please indicate that on the weekend registration at worship or contact Anne or Victor Lee.

• Support our Youth: A Fat Tuesday on Wednesday Dinner will take place during the WNL dinner on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. Come and support our high school youth participating in the National Youth Gathering this summer by eating some yummy New Orleans food! Normal dinner cost applies, but a free-will offering will be taken up to support the youth.

• Sign up for a daily God Pause: Looking for spiritual refreshment? God Pause e-mail devotions are short, meaningful reflections on the following Sunday's lessons and gospel delivered directly to your e-mail box multiple times during the week.  This is a resource offered to the church by Luther Seminary in Minnesota. If you subscribe, by Sunday, you'll be ready for an extra meaningful worship experience. 

   

View a sample God Pause devotion.

Sign up for God Pause

 

• Help with our Homeless Ministries: Each month Bethlehem helps staff the Homeless Shelter at Lazarus House in St. Charles, and every other month, Hesed House in Aurora. The sun is shining, the temperatures are warmer, the flowers are in bloom and the homeless shelters are still full. During the summer many of the "regular" helpers have other commitments. We need shoppers, people to deliver supplies, work all three shifts, and make breakfast sandwiches and brownies. We look forward to seeing some new faces this month. Our next service date for Lazarus House is February 11 and Hesed House is February 24. Click Here to email the office and let us know where, when and how you’d like to serve, or simply if you would like to be contacted to get more information.  Please see the weekly registration slip for all opportunities.

ELCA Link of the Week

Building bonds of friendship

Members of the ELCA and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church have embarked on a new relationship. Together they will learn, share, witness and serve in many ways and places.