A congregation of the:

Christmas Eve at Bethlehem2 & 4pm ~ The Christmas Story

portrayed by costumed characters6pm ~ Lessons, Carols, Candlelight

and Holy Communion10:30pm ~ Candlelight Christmas Eve

with Holy Communion; special musical prelude begins at 10:15pm

Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25) 10am ~ Festival Service with Christmas CarolsNew Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31) 5pm ~ Service of Holy CommunionNew Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1) 10am ~ Service of Holy Communion

Opportunities to ServeUshers, Readers, Greeters, Communion Servers, Costumed Characters (2 & 4pm) are needed for Christmas services.

www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups

If someone asked about the meaning of the word “grace” it may be difficult to put into words. Sure, we think of grace as a prayer before meals. Or we recognize “grace” when we see it in a dancer. But what does that word really mean?

In New Testament language, “grace” refers to graciousness in terms of actions, or God’s influence on our hearts & in our lives, or the gifts of the Spirit. St. Paul often uses the term at the beginning of his letters, “Grace and peace be to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Martin Luther found the love and mercy of God opened up to him in new ways in his study of Romans 3, where Paul writes, “they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

During the season of Advent & Christmas, the church celebrates the grace of God coming to dwell among human beings in Jesus, the Word made flesh. That

is, the Word who dwelt in God came to dwell with “us,” human beings. And as we read the Jesus story, it becomes clear that the greatest grace & truth of the Son will be seen not simply in his birth at Bethlehem, but in his servant life, sacrificial death, and resurrection.

As human beings, we are bent on thinking first of ourselves, not others; we strive to rise above others, not serve them. We live in a world where “might” makes right, and grace can be a rare & foolish thing.

As we gather with family, friends, and church community this Christmas, we give thanks for the calling God has given us to be people who live by “grace” every moment of our lives.

On behalf of the whole Bethlehem staff , we are wishing you and yours a blessed and joyous Advent-Christmas!

A Christmas Greeting“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory,

the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14

December 2016/January 2017 Vol. 48, No. 8

Worship ScheduleSaturday:5:00 pm Sunday:8:00 am9:00 am

11:00 am12:30 pm*

*Nuer language service

Wednesday:6:30 pm

Ministry FundYTD (1/1–10/31/16) Offerings: $662,071YTD 2016 +/- Budget: –$139,1912015 (1/1–10/31/15) Offerings: $614,129 YTD 2016 +/- 2015: +$47,942YTD 2016 Actual Income/Expenses: –$96,493YTD 2016 Budgeted Income/Expenses: –$3,442

Mortgage FundYTD (1/1–10/31/16) Offerings: $180,160YTD (1/1–10/31/16)Budget: $192,510 YTD (1/1–10/31/16) +/- Budget: –$12,350

E-Giving Offers Consistency Do you give electronically and miss the physical act

of generosity of placing something in the offering plate? Reusable E-Giving Cards are available in the pews.

Looking for a way to maintain financial support of your church while enjoying warmer climes or visiting family for Christmas? Visit www.bethlehemlutheran.org/give-electronically to make a one-time or recurring gift using your checking account or credit card. There is also a “Misc. Contribution” line for gifts to support a special project.

Offerings of Financial Support Update

Finishing 2016 Positively for a Strong Start to 2017Bethlehem is an amazing community of Christ’s disciples!

Last January, the congregation passed a budget to implement the following ministry priorities:

• bringing healing to people who are hurting, • reaching out to youth & families & young adults, • building relationships, • and facing the need for building updates. Our ministries and staffing model underwent

significant changes in order to accomplish these priorities. Thank you to everyone who has responded so generously to help us reach that goal together. Total giving this year exceeds last year, and that’s a great thing!

Every year, we enter December with a big stretch to reach the giving target by the end of the year. The weekly financial update and the bar graph to the right show the current gap at nearly $200,000 by the end of 2016. That’s a large sum, but we know it’s

possible to reach it, acting as the church together.Thank you to all who have shared gifts so generously

through the year and in recent days. We praise God for the strong response and positive action people of Bethlehem are taking during this season of sharing and gift-giving. Your generosity allows the ministries of Bethlehem to make a difference – for the sake of the world God loves so much.

A Church of the Week Thank YouThank you to all who helped Bethlehem host “Church

of the Week” November 14-21, which provides meals and overnight housing for people who are hungry & homeless in our community. Each night dozens of people found warm shelter at Bethlehem and also commented on the warm hospitality offered by our members both here and at Place of Hope for the evening meal. Bethlehem will host Church of the Week again in early spring.

Admin Assistant for Database SupportBethlehem is actively searching for an Administrative

Assistant-Database Support team member to provide administrative support with a great emphasis on maintaining our membership database along with scheduling building use. The right candidate will be highly motivated, and have excellent organizational and customer service skills, a team view, and the ability to operate in an active office setting. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite of Products, is required. Database and scheduling experience preferred. Application Info at: bethlehemlutheran.org/employment

IRA Qualified Charitable DistributionsIRA owners & beneficiaries who have reached age 70½

are permitted to make donations to the church directly out of their IRAs. These donations, Qualified Charitable Distributions, satisfy any Required Minimum Distribution requirements without creating taxable income. However, they cannot be counted as a charitable tax deduction. And significantly, this is a great way to help support your congregation’s ministries.

2016 Ministry Plan$961,515

Offerings thru 12/4/16 $758,181

target906,043

Christmas at Bethlehem

Photos courtesy of Dave Schwarz/The St Cloud Times

The Bethlehem STAR

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Ripple Effects Watching Circles of Faith Expand

Discuss They are Us: Lutherans & Immigration at Jan. 19 Book Gathering

Book Clubs sometimes sound daunting with expectations that you read and critically dissect a huge book every month. Not this one! All are welcome, if you’ve read the whole book, part of the book, or purchase it on the way to the gathering! Join Pastor Janine on Thursday, January 19 at Granite City Food & Brewery to discuss They Are Us: Lutherans and Immigration, by Rev. Stephen Bouman, with new friends from 6:30–8pm. By virtue of Lutheranism’s spiritual heritage and identity in America as an immigrant church, Lutherans are specially placed to give hopeful leadership about the controversial issue of immigration in the United States today. They Are Us explores the biblical, historical, theological, and cultural foundations for Lutheran participation in a public conversation that has important implications for the future of this nation. Based on professional experience and grounded in Christian faith, the authors call the church to a mission of evangelical hospitality. RSVP at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/book-clubs

Upcoming titles: Resilient Reformer: The Life and thought of Martin Luther by Timothy Lull & Derek Nelson on March 16. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman on May 18.

Sunday Forums: My Neighbor is MuslimThis 6 week study titled My Neighbor is Muslim was

commissioned by Lutheran Social Service as a tool to better understand our Muslim neighbors in central Minnesota. This small group study exploring the Muslim faith was written collaboratively by Lutheran theologians and reviewed by Muslim scholars. Come with your questions as we continue to learn together what it means to love our neighbor!January 8: Basic tenets of the Muslim Faith: What are the

5 pillars of Islam?January 15: Islam & Jesus: What does the Qur’an say about

Jesus?January 22: Islam and Jews/Christians: What does the

Qur’an say about Jews and Christians?January 29: Islam & Charity: What is the Islamic

Understanding of Charity?February 5: Islam and Violence: What does Islam teach

about violence?February 12: Islam & Finance: What is Islamic finance?

Shepherds, sheep, camels, all have a placeHelp Tell The Christmas Eve Story

At the 2pm & 4pm worship services on Christmas Eve the Christmas story will be told in narrative & song and

portrayed by costumed characters. Each service includes characters to portray baby Jesus (a real

baby), Mary & Joseph (preferably the baby’s parents), angels, shepherds, Micah, Isaiah, the Innkeeper, and camels. Magi must weigh no more than 40 pounds, be at least 4 years old & be comfortable being carried by the “camels.” A required rehearsal and

costume-fitting will be Thursday, December 22. Characters for 2pm rehearse from 5:30 to 6:30pm and the characters for 4pm will rehearse from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Sign-up online

sign-up at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups

Education Schedule NotesWednesday, December 21–Longest Night Service at

5:30pm. No Wednesday School or Confirmation.Sundays, December 25 & January 1–No Sunday

School or Sunday Forum during Christmas BreakWednesday, December 28–No Wednesday School or

Confirmation during Christmas BreakSunday, January 15–No Sunday School or Sunday

Forum during Martin Luther King, Jr. Break

Step Into Membership at BLCBethlehem’s New Member process involves two learning

gatherings and one gathering to serve in our community. Relationship building is woven throughout all three as a key component. Our hope& prayer is that every new member becomes fully involved in the life of the congregation.

The first learning gathering is an Introduction to Life at Bethlehem. This gathering is designed to help each person learn about life at Bethlehem, focusing on the Vision & Mission of the congregation, ways to serve and first fruits giving. New Members will begin to develop relationships with others in a small group with discussions led by guides. 2017 Dates: February 19; and April 23. The second learning gathering is Finding Your Neighborhood. New Members and their Guides will enjoy lunch with the congregation in Peace Hall after the service which is a great opportunity to deepen connections in the congregation. At this session New Members will discover their gifts for serving that are truly: “Made for Ministry.” 2017 Dates: February 26, and April 30. Contact LaNae Cobb at 217.6537 to register. Photo courtesy of Dave Schwarz/The St Cloud Times

Ripple Effects Watching Circles of Faith Expand

Creative Arts WeekendArtists, Crafters, Scrapbookers: join in a weekend

of fellowship while engaging in your preferred artistic medium on January 20 & 21 at Bethlehem. You can start setting up at 4pm on Friday, work until 9pm. Leave your projects set out and continue where you left off starting at 9am Saturday. The space is free, but we need your reservation! Contact

Lori at 253-3084 to reserve a table by January 16.

Service & Learning Trip Prep BeginsDuring the next 8 months, 36 students & adults from

Bethlehem will be preparing for a Service and Learning trip to Los Angeles, July 29–August 4. Trip participants will be partnering with local organizations to learn about services provided both here and in Los Angeles. Participants will also be serving in worship. Bethlehem members are encouraged to get to know the trip participants-please introduce yourself when students are fundraising and serving in worship. This trip is a Bethlehem ministry, meaning it is a ministry for all members of Bethlehem! Feel free to attend any of our trip meetings at noon on the second Sunday of each month in Peace Hall. Questions? Contact Anders, ameier@bethlehemlutheran.org or 217-6544.

Women Invited to an Epiphany TeaWomen of the congregation and community are invited

to an Epiphany Tea at Beth Ketchum’s home (1310 Cooper Ave S; St. Cloud) on Sunday, January 8, 2-4pm. Open house style, come when you can, and relax with good food & great conversation. Bring a treat to share if you would like. No need to sign up ahead of time. A collection of personal care items and/or cash will be taken for Anna Marie’s Shelter. Call Beth at 230-8346 for directions.

Milestone for Infant-PreK FamiliesBuilding Circles of Faith Milestone is for the youngest

attenders of Bethlehem. On January 7, 10-11am, parents are encouraged to attend with their child’s Circle of Faith (Baptismal Sponsors, Grandparents, anyone who is helping shape the faith of your child) so that all might be equipped with new and exciting ways of encouraging faith development in their child. Each first time family will receive a Faith Chest that will be used at each of the subsequent Milestones as your child grows. This chest will be a place to keep mementos of your child’s faith life to document each step along their faith journey. For those who have attended this Milestone in the past, another activity will be done. Registration will be open through December 30 at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/upcoming-events

To my Bethlehem Lutheran Church FamilyMany of you are aware that change is

coming. After 22 years serving as the Director and as a classroom teacher of Bethlehem Lutheran Early Childhood Center I submitted my resignation on July 15, effective December 31, 2016. As a church family you have touched heart...

Bethlehem ECC is well grounded and continues to be celebrated as a wonderful place for children & families. Children will continue to learn through play, staff will take parents & children by the hand or let them fly on any given day (sometimes on the same day). ECC parents can trust that their experience as a family is of utmost importance to all and will always be the focus of Bethlehem ECC

It is difficult to put into words what my life here has meant. I value the relationships and will carry them with me each day. You have walk by my side for many years. I was sustained by your prayers throughout my breast cancer journey in 1998. Obviously your prayers and hugs made a difference as I am an 18-year survivor. I love seeing the quilters hard at work, supporting each other and myself. What a joy to watch the work of the Liturgical Environment Committee transform the sanctuary through the changing

church. How fun to walk through the Square and hear Kaye at the organ, the sound of the bells or listen to Keith play a

piece on the piano. Watching the STAR garden change colors and knowing when the grass

just starts to get long John Lenoie will fly by on his mower have become a part of my summer. To the church staff, it has been a pleasure, I will miss working with you. The list, of course, is endless, I only wish I could name all my memories. You have all made a difference in my life.

Thank you for the gift of time. Time to know all of you, time to grow, time to give,

time to marvel in the wonder of meeting so many children, families and church members who

traveled this journey with me.My goal has always been to make a difference in the life

of families, but what I want you to know more than anything is this: I am changed because I have had a chance to know you and you have made a difference in my life.

Winnie the Pooh is a very old friend from my camp counselor days, his stories have a special place on the bookshelf in my office. He once said this and for me it says it all…“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying good-bye so hard”

Thank you and Blessings,Laurie Tritabaugh

A Note of Thanks From Retiring ECC Director Laurie Tritabaugh

Sunday School Christmas ProgramAll are invited to Bethlehem’s Sunday School Christmas

Program on Sunday, December 18, 10:15-10:45am, in the Sanctuary. The program

will feature all students in Sunday and Wednesday School at Bethlehem.

Adults: There’s a role for you to play in this year’s program, too! Adults are needed to help with costuming, set up, or music. You don’t have to be a Sunday School parent to help! Contact Anders at ameier@bethlehemlutheran.

org or 217-6544 to offer your help. And every adult is invited to be in the

audience on December 18 as the greatest story ever told is shared by the greatest kids!

December 2016/January 2017 Ripple Effects

Chamber Orchestra Concert Dec. 18Bethlehem Chamber Orchestra will present a Winter

Concert on Sunday, December 18 at 4pm. The featured piece of the concert will be Concertino by Donizetti with English

Horn soloist, Abigail Spiese. Plus, join in a  sing-along of favorite

Christmas Carols.  Other pieces include: O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen,  Five Evening Pieces by Richard Chandler, and Suite of Carols by LeRoy Anderson. Suggested Donation: $10 and/or a donation for local food

shelves.

David Tap Shares Story of Faith in Action at Next Friendship Luncheon

All in the congregation and community are invited to a Friendship Luncheon on Thursday, January 5. There will be a time of fellowship & punch at 11:30 with lunch served at noon. Following a catered lunch of roast beef & au gratin potatoes, we will hear African Nationals Minister David Tap share his story as a refugee from South Sudan. Breaking news of renewed violence in South Sudan makes this is a timely topic. David will share how his faith and hope in Christ carried him through war, refugee camps, and settling into a new land. Please bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation for Catholic Charities Emergency Food Shelf. Registration is online at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/upcoming-events You may also register in the Church Office during the week to pay with check or cash. Cost is $12/person when registered by January 1, $15 thereafter.

Martin Luther King Day Camp OfferedBethlehem Lutheran Youth are hosting

their annual MLK Day Camp for ages 4 years old-6th grade! (4 year olds-4th will be “campers”, while 5th and 6th graders will be helpers!) Drop off is from 8:45am to 9:15am, and pick up time is 5pm on Monday, January 16. Registration is $15. Please be aware that all participating children need to bring their own lunch & beverage for the day. Snacks will be provided. Registration now open online: www.bethlehemlutheran.org/upcoming-events

Gr. 4 Milestone: Tough QuestionsAttention 4th grade families, we have a NEW Milestone

for you this year. We do not come to faith simply by checking our brains at the door and accepting whatever our church leaders say without question. No, developing a deeper faith comes from ASKING QUESTIONS, lots of questions, deep questions, TOUGH QUESTIONS.

Why did my grandma die of cancer when we prayed for her to be healed? Is God real? Why does god kill so many people in the Noah and the Ark story...that does not sound like a good god!?!

This year we are inviting all 4th grade families to explore this topic while growing together on during the education hour on Sunday, January 22, 10:10am, or Wednesday, January 25, 5:30pm. You will be receiving a letter as the date gets closer with more details and registration information. For now, mark your calendars and think about the ‘tough questions’ you have.

It’s Time to Apply for BLC Scholarships Application materials for all four scholarships are

now available from the church office and online at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/forms and must be returned by February 1. Students home on Break should take this opportunity to complete their application for next year.

Students who will be attending any ELCA college in the 2017-18 school year may apply for Shirley Schrader Scholarship.

The Clarence A. and Katherine N. Melby Scholarship is available to students who will be attending Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.

The Debbie Rondeau Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two first-year students of any public or private college.

The Norman and Lorraine Thomas Health Care Vocations Scholarship Fund is for students preparing for a health care profession at any public or private institution.

For more information on the scholarship process or criteria please contact the church office.

Photo by Steve Huss

Dec. 14 – Jan. 28, 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church; St Cloud, MNSunday Monday TueSday WedneSday ThurSday Friday SaTurday

12 pm Church Office CLOSES7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

5:30 pm Rehearsal for 2pm Christmas Eve

6:30 pm Rehearsal for 4pm Christmas Eve

7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

8:00 am Worship9:00 am Worship10 am Scandinavian Bake Sale10:10 am Sunday School

Christmas Program11:00 am Worship12:30 pm Worship–Nuer

language4 pm Bethlehem Chamber

Orchestra Concert

8 am Mission Quilters9:15 am Women’s Bible Study 6 pm Child Care Aware6 pm Cub Scout Pack 1136:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Brigette’s Cafe

7:30 am Prayer Group5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 am Worship–Longest

Night Service6:45 pm Adult Choir

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

10:00 am Worship Church Building CLOSED

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Brigette’s Cafe

7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm Pizza Supper5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 pm Wednesday School6:30 am Worship6:30 pm Sr High Experience6:45 pm Adult Choir7:10 pm Confirmation7:10 pm Rev. Yolanda’s Group7:15 pm Parents Connect

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting11 am ECC Chapel Time3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do5:30 pm Church in Society6 pm Congregational Life6 pm Property Committee6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:30 pm Worship Comm.6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 147 pm Beginning Experience7 pm ECC Committee

8 am Mission Quilters9:15 am Women’s Bible Study 6 pm Girl Scout Troop 996:30 pm Cub Scout Pack 1136:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Brigette’s Cafe

7:30 am Prayer Group

8:00 am Worship9:00 am Worship10:10 am Education Hour11:00 am Worship–Building

Circles of Faith Milestone12 pm LA Summer Trip

Meeting12:30 pm Nuer language Bible Study2 pm Women’s Epiphany Tea4:30 pm GRC Potluck6 pm Great River Chorale

January 1 2 3 4 5 6 73:30 pm Girl Scout Cookie

University7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

10 am Martha Circle11:30 am Friendship Lunch3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do6:30 pm Endowment Comm.7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Suzuki Studio 10 am Building Circles of

Faith Milestone5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

10:00 am Worship2 pm Worship–St Benedict

Sr Community

Church Building CLOSED 6:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Brigette’s Cafe

7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm STAR Deadline5 pm Pizza Supper5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 pm Wednesday School6:30 am Worship6:30 pm Sr High Experience6:45 pm Adult Choir7:10 pm Confirmation7:15 pm Parents Connect

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting10 am ECC Chapel Time3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:00 pm Troop 14 Patrol

Leaders Council6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 147 pm Troop 14 Adult Leaders

4 pm Creative Arts Weekend 7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

11:30 am Finance Committee3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Baptism Orientation9 am Creative Arts Weekend 5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:00 am Worship9:00 am Worship10:10 am Adult Ed Forum11:00 am Worship12:30 pm Worship–Nuer

language6 pm Great River Chorale

9 am MLKjr Day CampChurch Offices CLOSED

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group9:30 am STAR distributed5 pm Pizza Supper5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 pm Wednesday School6:30 am Worship6:30 pm Sr High Experience6:45 pm Adult Choir7:10 pm Confirmation7:15 pm Parents Connect

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous11:30 am BLC Staff Lunch3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Suzuki Studio11:30 am Community Meal at Hope Covenant1 pm Girl Scout Troop 9725 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:00 am Worship9:00 am Worship10:10 am Education Hour11:00 am Worship12 pm Nuer language Bible Study6 pm Great River Chorale

8 am Mission Quilters9:15 am Women’s Bible Study 6 pm Cub Scout Pack 1136:15 pm Girl Scout Troop 996:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

7 am North Risk Partners8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting11 am ECC Chapel Time3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 147 pm Troop 14 Adult Leaders

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

8:30 am Kitchen Coordinators7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8 am Executive Committee9 am Great Rivers Pastors

and Lay Staff at BLC3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do5 pm BeFrienders7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Suzuki Studio1 pm Girl Scout Troop 9725 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm Pizza Supper5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 pm Wednesday School6:30 am Worship6:30 pm Sr High Experience6:45 pm Adult Choir7:10 pm Confirmation7:15 pm Parents Connect

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

8 am Mission Quilters9:30 am Miriam Circle10 am BLC Staff Meeting11 am ECC Chapel Time1 pm Esther, Eunice, &

Naomi Circles2 pm Priscilla Circle3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do6 pm ECC Staff Meeting6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)7 pm Boy Scout Troop 14

11:30 am Community Meal at Hope Covenant2 pm Worship4 pm Worship6 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous10:15 pm Special Music10:30 pm Worship

14 15 16 17

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting12:15 pm Women of BLC6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:45 pm Church Council

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting11 am ECC Chapel Time3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do12:15 pm Women of BLC6:15 pm Bells of Bethlehem6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:45 pm Church Council

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous3:30 pm ECC Tae Kwon Do7 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Lefse Baking Day10 am Chamber Orchestra1 pm Girl Scout Troop 9725 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group9:30 am STAR distributed5 pm Pizza Supper5:30 pm Children’s Choir5:30 pm Wednesday School6:30 am Worship6:30 pm Sr High Experience6:45 pm Adult Choir7:10 pm Confirmation7:10 pm Rev. Yolanda’s Group7:15 pm Parents Connect

Congregation OfficersPresident: Larry KetchumVice President: Jane MastroiannaTreasurer: Pat Plamann Secretary: Bill Chaffee

Church CouncilDoug GjersetElizabeth ReisingerJanet ReaganCheryl RunningScott StensethJohn TritabaughDeEtte Wurm

Bethlehem Media TeamSTAR Editor: Christopher KiewelSTAR Assembly: Martha Circle & friends

Lead Pastor: Dee Pederson [217-6532]Adult Faith Formation & Congregational Care Pastor: Janine Olson [217-6533]Youth, Family, & Young Adult Ministries Pastor: Chad Peterson [217-6531]Director of Operations: Lori Fuchs [217-6534]Welcome & Serving Ministries: LaNae Cobb [217-6537]Program Director for Youth/Families/Young Adults: Anders Meier [217-6544]Program Coord. for Youth/Families/Young Adults: Shelly Davidson [217-6541]Early Childhood Center Director: Laurie Tritabaugh [217-6549]ECC Office Assistant: Melissa Granowski [251-6775]Communications Coordinator: Chris Kiewel [217-6538]Administrative Assistant: Carol Weis [217-6536]Admin. Assistant-Database: Facilities Manager: John Pederson [217-6539]Custodians: Jay Ramos, Eric Theede Sudanese Ministries: David Tap [217-6545]Music Coordinator (Traditional): Keith MagsamMusic Coordinator (Contemporary): Jullian EuteneuerAdult Choir Director: Keith Magsam“All God’s Children” Choir Director: LuAnn ZellmannBells of Bethlehem Director: Al MarquardtOrganist: Kaye SchimnichWednesday Worship: Terry Elliott, Megan SeamansSaturday Accompanist: Sean Irawan Sound Technicians: Jerome Deyle, Peter WilsonWedding Assistant: Nancy Farb

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Leadership

BLC’s phone system includes Direct Dial numbers for office staff. Please use the direct dial numbers listed whenever possible, thanks! When calling the church office (251-8356) during the day you will be greeted by a staff member who will be happy to assist you. After hours the Automated Attendant can help you route your call by topic.

Baptisms October 30, 2016

Evelyn Doris WaldochNovember 5, 2016

Anne Lauretta WigerNovember 26, 2016

Tenley Ann BlackMarley Rose Emblom November 27, 2016

Clementine Lucia ShubMcKenzie Lothaire Hennen

Jackson Lee PhilayaRowan James Woodley

Green Team TipInspired by Bethlehem’s GreenFaith

Initiative are you looking for ideas on improving your household’s care for Creation? Take some time to explore GreenFaith’s website, there’s a whole section dedicated to helping individuals and households make positive changes for the earth, animals, and our neighbors. Start at www.greenfaith.org/getting-started/individuals-households

Tips from www.GreenFaith.org

DeathsDecember 7, 1931–November 15, 2016

Marcus T. HaugJuly 17, 1928–November 17, 2016

William A. FranttiApril 11, 1957–November 17, 2016

Marianne L. Norden

Community Meal Dec. 24Bethlehem serves the Community

Meal at Hope Covenant Church on fourth Saturday of each month. In December that falls on Christmas Eve! This is a great opportunity to serve together as a family during this season of giving! Assist with meal prep (9-11:30am), serving (11:30am-12:45pm), or cleanup (12:45-1:30pm). Contributions of milk, salads, fruit or vegetables are also needed for the meal. Sign-up online at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups

Order a PoinsettiaStop by the table in the

Square on Sunday, December 18 to order a poinsettia for $13 to add to the

Christmas splendor in the sanctuary.

Plants may be offered as a memorial for or in

honor of a loved one.

Year-end Contributions and Office Schedule

All contributions for the 2016 tax year must be postmarked by the USPS on or before December 31, placed in the offering plate on December 31 or dropped off in the church office by 2pm Friday, December 30. Thank you for your help in closing the 2016 books on a positive note!

During the holidays the Church Office will be open until noon on December 23 and closed all day on both Mondays December 26 & January 2.

December 2016/January 2017

7

www.bethlehemlutheran.org • (320) 251-83564310 County Road 137 • Saint Cloud, MN 56301

A congregation of the:

We recognize that Christmas is not always a season of happiness for everyone. We invite those facing a less-than-perfect Advent and Christmas and those willing to support others at this time, to share, reflect and acknowledge these feelings while offering them to God. We hope that this “Longest Night” Service, on Wednesday,

December 21 at 5:30pm, will help you discover the truth that Christ is with you always, just as he promised. Come and find hope and comfort that you are not alone this Christmas season. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome.

The short service will be followed with a soup supper and fellowship. Please contact Pastor Janine, 217-6533 or jolson@bethlehemlutheran.org with questions!

Service Offers Support for Those Struggling with a Less-than-Perfect Christmas

The Women of Bethlehem are hosting a Bake Sale of Scandinavian Holiday Treats on Sunday, December 18 from 10am to 12:30pm in the Square. Stock up on your favorites just in time for Christmas gatherings!

They are also inviting all in the congregation to gather on Saturday, December 17 for a morning (9am-12pm) of Lefse making. No experience necessary, there will be many folks willing to share their Lefse secrets.

Women Host Scandinavian Bake Sale Dec. 18