Dear Saints,

The season of Lent is 40 days, following after the 40 days that Jesus was in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by the devil. As such, Lent is a time of fasting. Some choose their fasts, saying that they will give up chocolate or television or some sort of bad or unhelpful behavior. Others choose to fast by adding something, like a focused reading through portions of Scripture during the season. However, during this season of Lent, as the world has reacted to the spread of COVID-19, a fellow LCMS pastor has encouraged that we consider this time as a fast that we did not choose but that was appointed for us.

The season of Lent is one of preparation for the celebration of Easter. It is a time of penitence, acknowledging our sin, repenting of placing our trust in other things besides God, returning to the Word, and thereby letting all of life’s distractions be boiled away to have one clear focus: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). The writer to the Hebrews then goes on: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons… No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (12:7, 11).

As it is, the hardships that are upon us during this pandemic are difficult to bear. For us as Christians, it is horribly difficult to not meet together in person in the house of the Lord, and we long for the day that we may return to receive the Lord’s Supper together and join our voices together. This is painful. But also, consider the economic downturn and millions of unemployed or

underemployed. Heightened danger for medical workers and many others who work with high levels of human contact. Elevated stress with so much uncertainty and change. Isolation and depression. And for those who have contracted this illness, suffering or even loss of life. All of this is painful. It is a giving up of many things that we did not choose for ourselves. It has been appointed for us.

Yet, even amidst these many hardships, there is good news. Most importantly, God’s Word actually accomplishes what it says, and so, even if you are not able to gather in the Lord’s house, God’s Word continues to make you holy, forgive your sins for Jesus’ sake, and keep you steadfast in faith. We are blessed to have the ability to broadcast our services and devotions online and to be able to mail sermons to those who do not have internet access. This appointed fast for us brings to us a time of penitence, being taught to number our days (Ps. 90:12), boiling away all those things that are less important than our eternal salvation, and causes us to repent of having placed our trust in other things besides God. It hopefully redirects our attention to God’s Word and gives us renewed priorities to teach it to our families. During suffering, I pray that

(Continued on page 2)

The Bethel News Reaching, Caring & Sharing Christ”

A P R I L 2 0 2 0 V O L U M E 3 2 I S S U E 3

A Fast Appointed For Us Rev. Jonathan Walla

In The April 2020 Issue

Pastor’s Message ................................... 1-2 Interim Worship Information................. 2-3 Youth News ................................................ 4 Bible Study Opportunities, Sunday School & MLS News .................................................. 5 LWML News ............................................... 6 The Formula of Concord ............................ 7

Council Meeting Minutes ..................... 8-10 Stewardship Opportunities ..................... 10 April Birthdays & Anniversaries, 2020 Elected Officers & Board Members, Elder’s List ........................................................... 11

The Bethel News

is a newsletter of

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod

615 E Turnpike Ave Bismarck ND 58501

Office: 701-255-1433

Office Hours: M-Th 9 am-1 pm

Closed Friday

www.bethelbismarck.com

www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck

Pastor Jonathan Walla pastor@

bethelbismarck.com 701-805-5642

Vicar Richard Dailey richard.dailey @ctsfw.edu

254-681-0288

Administrative Assistant: Jenny Tschaekofske

secretary@ bethelbismarck.com

Reaching, Caring and Sharing Christ

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April 2020

COMMUNION SERVICES Thirty time-slots are available each week for families or individuals to schedule Communion. The times each week are:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings:

➢ 9:00 ➢ 9:30 ➢ 10:00

Monday and Tuesday evenings:

➢ 6:00 ➢ 6:30 ➢ 7:00

➢ 10:30 ➢ 11:00 ➢ 11:30 Please call Pastor Walla

(701-805-5642) or email (pastor@bethelbismarck.com) to schedule a time for your family.

our ears would be more open to hear of Jesus’ willingness to suffer for our sins, to forgive us freely, and to grant us the sure and certain promise of the resurrection of our bodies and life everlasting.

We may not be able to see or understand why this fast has been appointed for us. Suffering is rarely explained by our Lord. Instead of explanations, our Lord gives promises. I pray that this fast not only brings repentance to us, as Christians, but to many others who have not yet believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Therefore, while fasting, hope in the Lord. While everything is stripped away, trust in the Lord. For the Lord has given you treasure in your baptism into Christ that does not fade or wither, that cannot be destroyed by moth or rust (Matt. 6:20). You are precious to the Lord. He holds you in his hand through all of life. His hands are pierced for you. He does not leave you alone to suffer. And there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God for you in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39). I miss you all. I pray for you all. Please keep in touch with me and with one another, encouraging one another, and ever more as you see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:25).

In Christ, Pastor Walla

(Continued from page 1)

Until further notice, all WORSHIP SERVICES WILL BROADCAST ONLINE. The service will be livestreamed on www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck at the indicated times with recorded video available any time later that day. You do not need a Facebook account to watch!

The HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE of services is listed below:

➢ Holy Thursday (April 9th at 6:00 pm)

➢ Good Friday Tre-Ore (April 10th from 12-3 pm)

➢ Good Friday (April 10th at 6:00 pm)

➢ Easter Sunday (April 12th at 8:30 am)

Interim Worship Services are ONLINE

Special programming for the Easter Season begins on Palm Sunday, April 5. Palm Sunday will be a one hour tour of the Holy Land. The documentary

"The Holy Land-The Eternal Rock Tour" will air for the entire hour replacing the This is the Life segment and the local worship service. The documentary shows the locations where many Biblical events occurred. Easter Sunday, Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer will deliver a special Easter message. Rev. Meyer is President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Mark your calendars for these two special services. If you are attending services at the time the program airs, you can see these presentations on the web site, www.mainstreetliving.com, until Friday of the week following the broadcast.

COMMUNICATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

➢ Emails: We will continue to send regular emails with updates and links for online worship services. If you have not been receiving our email messages, please send an email to secretary@bethelbismarck.com so we can update our mailing list.

➢ Sermon mailing: If you do not have access to a computer or smartphone, we are also mailing out copies of the Sunday sermons. If you would like to be added to this mailing list, please contact the church office at 255-1433.

➢ Website: www.bethelbismarck.com

➢ Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck

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April 2020

Time Words of the Cross Preacher/

Noon- “Father, Forgive them…” Vicar Durham

12:30- “Truly, I say to you…” Wolfgram

12:55-1:20 “Woman, behold your Vicar Dailey

1:20-1:45 “My god, my God…” Thompson

1:45-2:10 “I thirst” Voss

2:10-2:35 “It is finished” Marcis

2:35-3:00 “Father, into Your Walla

Good Friday Tre-Ore Service—

ONLINE

The LCMS churches of the Bismarck/Mandan area invite you to come to the Tre-Ore service on Good Friday, April 10th from Noon – 3:00 pm. The service is held during the three hours of darkness while Jesus our Lord was on the cross. There are seven “mini-services” as each pastor preaches on one of the seven words of the cross. The service

will be broadcast on Facebook Live—details to be announced.

T Please Pray for Our Healthcare Workers:

T Please Pray for our Childcare Providers

T Please Pray for those who have been unemployed during this time or who are struggling financially.

Youth News For more Youth information, please contact Pat Sebasstian by text or email (701) 471-3289 / patsebbis@aol.com

The Young Investors (Y.I.) Club helps children learn the value of saving, spending and sharing money—while empowering

ministry through the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). With an investment of just $25 to open LCEF’s Y.I. StewardAccount, young investors become a Y.I. Club member. For more information, visit with Pat Sebastian.

Benefits & Features • Minimum of $25 to open the account • Premium interest rates ($25-$1,000 3.5%, over

$1,000 portion of balance $1.375%) • Interest compounded and paid monthly • Savings that grow with your child, while remaining

accessible • Checks and Visa® debit card available to custodian

• Debit card available to your child at age 16 • Opportunity to make additional investments with checks or Y.I. Stamps

HIGH SCHOOL/POST HIGH SCHOOL STUDY Confirmed students and young adults are meeting on Zoom (Meeting ID 375-440-196) each

Wednesday night, 8 PM (or when your schedule allows) for Bible study, reading a related Psalm together, praying together, and lively conversation! Contact Pat Sebastian (471-3289) or Mandy Galster (425-1794) with any questions. Friends are always welcome.

The following students and adults from Bethel attended the ND DISTRICT LUTHERAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (LYF) RETREAT, March 6-7, at the

Chieftain Conference Center, Carrington, ND.

Joseph Agnew Katie Emter Regan Kummer Caylee Nelson Neela Sand

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April 2020

Thank you to the Bethel congregation for your generous support so I could attend the annual Synod Lutheran Youth Fellowship Teen Leadership Training, March 12-15 in St. Louis, MO. This year the theme was Baptism. We learned how powerful words are, especially the Word of God. Baptism is a gift from God that we should all be very thankful for.

We also looked at statistics that showed how people identify themselves. The baby boomer generation identified themselves by their religion, family and upbringing. Generation Z puts their identity in what they do like hobbies, awards, sports and schoolwork. We are all Christian and when we are baptized God identifies us as His which is how we should identify ourselves too. We talked about what Christianity is. Christianity is not a way of life or religion, it is a calling and you are made a complete new being through Baptism. Finally, we made an action plan for ourselves putting aside time in our schedule to spend time with God and read the Bible.

Others who went from ND included Leah Tykwinski (Beautiful Savior, Fargo), Cullen Flieth (Concordia, Jamestown), and Pastor Adam Harvala ( St. Andrew, West Fargo). Aiden Quirk from Bethel was also there as part of the Synod LYF executive team, who helped plan and lead the entire weekend. Thanks to the Delta Airlines schedule, we arrived e-a-r-l-y March 12, and we saw the Arch, ate lunch, and walked around by the river. We also left late on March 15, and we were able to see the Seminary and eat at the famous Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. It was such a fun weekend and one that I will never forget. I met so many great people from across the country and have been staying in contact with all of them. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go on this trip and that it didn’t get cancelled.

Jessica Schuh

Jessica Schuh Samuel Tschaekofske Micaiah Wiest Pat Sebastian Mandy Galster (Holy Cross)

The Retreat theme was "Motivated by Love" a companion piece to the Every One His Witness® evangelism program created by LCMS Witness and Outreach Ministry. As members of the ND LYF District Youth Committee, Katie, Samuel, Caylee and Jessica also served in leadership roles during the Retreat.

Bible Study & Fellowship Opportunities

Even though we cannot meet “in-person” until further notice, there are still ways to study God’s Word on your own (see April Reading plan on the left) or online with a group.

➢ Morning Devotions: the Walla family has invited us into their home while they have morning devotions. This is available on Facebook Live at 8:30am or the recorded videos are available anytime afterward.

➢ Wednesday High School/Post High School Bible Study: led by Pat Sebastian and Mandy Galster. This group is now meeting on Zoom every Wednesday at 8 pm (Meeting ID 375-440-196). Contact Pat Sebastian (701) 471-3289 / patsebbis@aol.com with any questions.

➢ Quilting: Our Quilting group will go on “summer break” early this year. If you want to continue to sew at home and need supplies, please contact Marilyn Gessele at 223-3091.

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April 2020

If you’ve been participating in our BIBLE READING PLAN, below is the April reading list. Have you missed a month? Give us a call and we’ll get you up-to-date!

Martin Luther School: “Our Lutheran Missouri Synod School”

BOARD MEETINGS The Bismarck-Mandan Lutheran School Association (BMLSA) board of directors meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. If you have any comments to share at the meetings, please contact the school, Shawn Heinle (701-751-3974) or Christine Kleven (701-391-2289) Bethel’s representatives, for more information.

For more information about the school and its

programs, please visit the website at: www.lutherschools.org or

call the school office at 701-224-9070

Spring Quarter 2020: Jesus Dies and Rises to Save Us

Sunday School News

Date Lesson Title Lesson Bible Text

4/5 The Triumphal Entry Mark 11:1–10;

Luke 19:28–40

4/12 No Classes—Easter Sunday

4/19 Jesus Appears on the

Emmaus Road Luke 24:13–35

4/26 Jesus Appears to Thomas John 20:19–31

The Sunday School lesson of the week will be emailed to the congregation for all grade levels. Our Sunday School teachers will soon be reaching out to students—your family can always contact your child’s teacher or Pastor Walla for help with our “homeschool” Sunday School lessons.

Any questions, please contact Sunday School Superintendent, Kristy Dahl at 226-9480

Martin Luther School’s annual fundraiser, Mayfest 2020 has been cancelled. However, if you would like to donate to the school, please visit the “Support” tab on our website.

NEXT STEP (works with women who are victim of human trafficking) and puts together

PURSES WITH A PURPOSE We are not collecting purses, just the items to place in the purses.

Each purse contains: Small hair brush * Travel size (TS) hairspray TS Make-up wipes * TS deodorant TS lotion * Single pack tissues Chapstick/lip palm * Small manicure set Tampons/pads * Gum/mints

Women’s Care Clinic – f/k/a First Choice Clinic, a non-profit Pregnancy Center helping families experiencing

unplanned pregnancies: Amazon gift cards

Walmart gift cards 6

April 2020

Gifts From the Heart Times are uncertain at the moment, but as we bravely plan for the 2020 ND District LWML Convention to take place on June 26-28, 2020, the Gifts from the Heart that we will be collecting are for the following organizations:

MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS

J U N E 2 6 – 2 8 , 2 0 2 0 June 26-28, 2020 is the date of the LWML ND District convention in Fargo at

the Delta Hotel by Marriott.

The Theme: “Great is the Lord” based on Psalm 145:1-3 which says “I will

extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every

day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord,

and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.“

Due to COVID-19, the April LWML Meeting and Bible Study is cancelled.

WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU If you could use some prayers, the Bethel LWML women are here to pray for you. Call/text Dawn Carpenter at 701-224-0710 to add your prayer request to the LWML prayer chain.

MITES = MISSIONS The mites collected by the Bethel LWML go to support missions in our district, the nation and the world. The LWML set the big Mite Box out in the card nook the

first Sunday of each month. You are welcome to make a free-will offering towards our missions when we serve Fellowship the first Sunday of each month or bring your mites to our monthly meeting. PLEASE KEEP SAVING YOUR MITES THIS MONTH—WE’LL HAVE A COLLECTION IN MAY!

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL – School supplies to help teachers serve their students: Earbuds/headphones USB Flashdrive Accordion file Plastic rest mat Large box tissues Large antibacterial wipes Glue sticks Washable markers – basic colors Gallon zipper bags 24 ct. colored pencil packs

Watch for the creative collection points for these items. If the current situations do not allow us to hold the Convention, God can use these items in our own community. Nothing will go to waste!

Article VII: The Holy Supper of Christ

The Lord’s Supper is of vital importance to Christ’s Church for it delivers Christ’s saving work to us. As Luther wrote in the Small Catechism,

What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? Answer: These words, ‘Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,’ show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. (SC, VI)

Luther held to Christ’s plain words “This is my body,” and “This is my blood.” But others who followed Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin judged Christ’s words using their reason. They could not understand how Christ’s body and blood were really present in the Lord’s Supper. Therefore, they argued that Christ’s body and blood were “spiritually” or “symbolically” present in the Lord’s Supper.

The Formula of Concord speaks against the “spiritual” and “symbolic” view of the Lord’s Supper. The Formula also combats the Roman Catholic view of transubstantiation, which states that the substance (or essence) of the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Instead of appealing to reason alone, the Formula states that the Lord’s Supper “is not grasped in any other way than through faith alone, and it is revealed in the Word alone” (EP, VII, 42). We Christians do not only believe the things we can understand. We believe in God’s Word over what reason tells us.

When Christ says, “This is my body,” and “This is my blood,” “which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” we in child-like faith believe these words. We believe that Christ’s body and blood are “truly and essentially present, distributed with the bread and wine, and received with the mouth by all those who use this Sacrament” (EP, VII, 2). Furthermore, the Sacrament does not depend on our believing, it depends on Christ’s promise. So even when we are weak in our faith Christ’s promise remains true. In fact, “the Supper was instituted especially for Christians weak in faith, yet repentant. It was instituted for their consolation and to strengthen their weak faith” (EP, VII, 9). We approach the Lord’s table seeking His forgiveness, life, and salvation, simply clinging to His word of promise.

The Formula of Concord: Articles VII & VIII

Vicar Richard Dailey

Article VIII: The Person of Christ

Closely related to Article VII on the Lord’s Supper, Article VIII is responding to the same blunder of trusting reason over God’s Word.

Reformed theologians did not understand how the infinite God could be contained within the man Christ. Yet, Scripture teaches that Christ is true God, “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:30), and true man, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5).

The Bible teaches that Christ has two natures or essences: Divine and Human. These two natures were joined together in the person of Jesus Christ in the incarnation. Christ’s two natures are united in such a way that “there flows everything human that is said and believed about God, and everything divine that is said and believed about the man Christ” (EP, VIII, 9). In other words, “God is man and man is God” in Christ (EP, VIII, 10). Because Christ is God, He is almighty, eternal, and can be anywhere He desires. Because Christ is man, He has flesh and blood and can die. With this understanding we can say that God’s Son suffered and died for us. And in the union of these two natures, Christ’s flesh and blood receive the power and privileges of His divine nature. Christ, even though He is truly human, can walk on water, appear in upper rooms, and can give His true body and blood on altars all across the world for Christians to eat and to drink.

Conclusion

Articles VII and VIII are very closely intertwined, for they both deal with how God works His salvation for us in ways that we humans can see, touch, and taste. They both deal with How God comes to us in bread and wine and in the person of Christ. In both of these articles, we submit our reason underneath the clear words of Scripture, that the Son of God died for us and He continues to give us His flesh and blood for the forgiveness of our sins, life, and salvation.

Blessings, Vicar Dailey.

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April 2020

Present: President Paul Harron; Vice-President Doug Miller; Kristy Dahl, Board of Education; Bryan Guthmiller, Board of Elders; Candace Harron, Board of Outreach; Blake Wiedrich, Board of Property Management; Paul Klebe, Board of Stewardship; Pastor Walla and Jenny Tschaekofske

Absent: Brett Morlok, Treasurer

At 6:30 pm, Doug Miller called the meeting to order. Pastor Walla led the meeting with an opening prayer.

The February 2020 Council minutes were previously reviewed via email. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes as written.

Pastor’s Report – Pastor Walla

Official Acts: Baptism of Blake Allen Martin (2/29/20) and upcoming Genevieve Beatrice Dinger (3/15)

Pastor has recently begun teaching New Member Classes to James Bender.

Average Sunday attendance in February was 229.

Confirmation Sunday will be May 3rd (Banquet on May 2) with 6 students being confirmed.

After Easter, the Wallas will travel to MN for Natalie’s eye surgery consultation.

President’s Report– Paul Harron

Based upon the Safety & Security workshop conducted last month, Church Mutual has given Bethel a list of recommended actions. The following were discussed and a formal response to the insurance company will be drafted.

1. Uneven ground/sidewalk outside kitchen door: Repair the uneven section of kitchen exit sidewalk due to raised expansion joints between the concrete panels. Walking surfaces should be level to reduce potential slip/trip/fall hazards. Consider placing cones with caution tape and signage that door is out of order due to sidewalk heaving. Place cones at the start of the sidewalk. – Property Management has placed multiple warning signs and the congregation has been informed of the danger via bulletin announcements.

2. Key Control: Consider re-keying the building due to the number of keys to the building that are unaccounted. Establish a future process of key logs with check in check out procedure for all loaner keys. -Property Management will be getting estimates to rekey the building, as well as determining a key log system.

3. Security Team: Establish a security team that is trained for the events of any medical, fire, weather or violent emergency. Consider having members present at all service or special events. Consider having members trained in AED, CPR, First Aid. Place greeters at points of entry to welcome guests, and have a roamer walk church grounds on dates of service. Have ushers available at

front and back of sanctuary on dates of services. – Board of Elders have discussed and feels that an onsite Security Team is not feasible at this time. Additional training will be given to

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Council Meeting Minutes March 8, 2020

ushers to check the Education Wing/back entrances. The assigned Elder(s) will be responsible for taking the lead on any incident occurring on dates of service. We do not want to lock exterior doors after the start of worship services.

4. Camera Buzzer Entry System: Consider having the building locked during business hours with access to building by a camera buzzer entry system with audio for staff to determine building access at their monitor. Property Management is looking into the costs to install a security camera/doorbell buzzer system at the front door

5. Emergency Operating Plan: Establish an emergency operating plan that address procedures for fire, weather, medical, violence or other emergencies. When complete, have a legal review of the plan, and practice the plan on an annual basis with members of the security team. – Paul Harron distributed copies of an EOP template. Paul will be responsible for information on pages 1-18; Property Management was assigned pages 19-26 (building repair/recovery after incident – plumber, electrician, etc.); Administrative Assistant was assigned pages 27-32 (building inventory).

6. CO Detector: Provide a carbon monoxide detector in, or near the boiler room for early detection of high levels of carbon monoxide. – Property Management to install.

7. Background Checks for All Workers: Conduct a comprehensive criminal background check for any employee or volunteers who will be interacting with children and youth. The background check should be completed before an employee or volunteer begins working in their position. Background checks are just one of several procedures a worship center should take to help protect children and youth. ­ - Council was concerned that the extensiveness and/or time commitment of this process may affect volunteerism. Our volunteers are well-known members of the congregation and therefore present a low-risk to our children. The Board of Education will review Church Mutual’s specific program and discuss at their next meeting.

8. ALICE E-Learning Training: Consider having security team and staff take the ALICE E-learning intruder training through Church Mutual. – Council will seek cost information to attend a class and determine if/who should participate.

With communities across the nation preparing for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Bethel should begin considering health and safety precautions. This may alter procedures for the distribution of Holy Communion and/or in-person worship services as the CDC is recommending that people age 60 or over restrict their exposure to large groups. At this time, our janitorial team cleans the church twice weekly and hand sanitizer is available to all.

Financial Review – the time commitment involved in performing this review is extensive and we have struggled to get volunteers to complete this task over the last few years. Paul recommended to the Council that Bethel seek a cost estimate for a third-party financial audit. The Council approved. Paul will consult with Gary Rath who may have resources in this field.

Vice-President’s Report – Doug Miller

Doug has contacted both the LCEF and another third-party consultant to assist with the Strategic Ministry Plan (SMP). In general, the consultant advised that, should Bethel be seeking financing through LCEF for building improvements, it may be more efficient to seek SMP advice from them at the beginning of the process. Paul Harron will form a Survey Committee to gather congregational opinions. Doug and his daughter, Ellie volunteered to be on the committee.

Board of Education/Martin Luther School (MLS)–Kristy Dahl

The Board of Education will be presenting this year’s confirmands with a small gift recognizing their Confirmation.

Youth are invited to the Higher Things Retreat in Minot on March 27-28. Pastor Walla will be one of the speakers on the topic “What is church?”

Vacation Bible School will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 9 am-3 pm (with lunch and snack provided) and Sunday, June 7th from 12-3 pm (with lunch provided). The Board has determined this year’s theme will be “River of Life” from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Youth entering grade 6 and older are asked to volunteer their help.

With the help of Bethel’s gift and others, MLS paid off their debt to Zion Lutheran Church. They will be receiving over $10,000 pledged during Giving Hearts Day.

The Bismarck-Mandan Lutheran School Association (BMLSA) monthly meetings will be moved to an alternate day of the month so that current financial information can be made available prior to their meeting. They are budgeting for 2020-2021 based on 52-55 students. They plan to breakeven financially just like the current academic year.

A new 5th grade teacher has been interviewed. Another teacher vacancy is pending.

On March 26th, MLS will have a Buffalo Wings & Rings fundraiser.

The school hosted a Science night at the Gateway to Science Center to kick off their reading month.

The BMLSA is exploring a Classical Education model of curriculum. The concept has been very well received by the teachers. While still in the planning stages, the new curriculum could be in effect in 2-3 years.

Board of Elder’s Report – Bryan Guthmiller

Membership Changes:

• Lori Sutheimer and her daughter Stephanie Hansen transferred in from Shepherd of the Valley

• Bob & Judy Luebke transferred out to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Spearfish, SD

• Wendall & Ann Meyer, Justin transferred out to Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, MN.

Bob Gordon has stepped down from his position on the Board.

The Elders will be hosting the Confirmation Banquet on Saturday, May 2nd. Again this year, they will serve the Dinner with the Disciples prior to the Living Last Supper performances. The menu will be spaghetti.

The Board has been working on usher recruitment. Scott Schuh will send the updated list/schedule to the administrative assistant this week. Ushers will serve on teams under each Elder with the Elder responsible for scheduling his team.

Board of Outreach Report –Candace Harron

The board helped with the Debt Retirement Celebration which went well.

They will begin publicizing the Living Last Supper and Dinner with the Disciples.

Plans are underway for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Wednesday, April 8th. They plan for 100 people (50 children). Board of Education asked for flyers to hand out to Sunday School students the Sunday prior to the event.

As an educational event, the Board plans to host First Aid/CPR training in the fall.

Property Management Report –Blake Wiedrich

As ballasts are starting to go out in the narthex light fixtures, Blake is planning to convert these fixtures to LED bulbs as was done in the Fellowship hall.

As the City Commission has not finalized residential sign rules, there is no update to the outdoor sign project.

Bethel has received an additional check from Church Mutual for our rain gutter hail damage claim. There is about $2,800 out-of-pocket difference in the amount we’ll receive from insurance and the estimate given by ABC Seamless to make the repairs. The Council advised that Blake seek one additional repair estimate for comparison before going forward.

Other work performed this month:

• Women’s and Men’s restroom sink drains were cleaned

• Installed HDMI cable from narthex tv to copy room

• MDU changed out the gas meter

• Bob Ebbesen and Blake are re-staining/varnishing the pew end caps which have begun to fade in the sun

Board of Stewardship – Paul Klebe

Paul reminded the Boards to begin developing a list of explanations for their Board’s budget line items.

The Board has gotten several questions from the congregation as to the status of the Building Fund now that our loan has been paid. The Council would like to update our Strategic Ministry Plan before deciding how this fund should be handled. Paul Harron will draft a bulletin message to clarify.

Stewardship would like to plan a “Honey Sunday” in June where representatives of the Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch set up a table and provide information about their organization.

(Continued on page 10)

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April 2020

To continue your Offerings to Bethel during this time, you may

1. mail your offering to the church;

2. give online from the “Give +” link on our website (www.bethelbismarck.com—MORE INFO BELOW); or

3. give in person when you schedule your Family Communion Service.

Treasurer Report – no report

Endowment Report – Paul Harron

In her will, Debbie Wanner left some artwork to Bethel. At the next meeting (TBA), the Endowment Committee will determine if the art should be displayed or sold.

Other Business: none

The meeting was closed in prayer led by Pastor Walla.

Due to Easter Sunday occurring on the second Sunday of the month, the new meeting schedule is follows:

• Elders Board meeting: Sunday, April 26th • Education Board meeting: Sunday, April 19th • Stewardship – no April meeting • Council meeting: Sunday, April 26th @ 5:30 pm • Quarterly Voter’s meeting: Sunday, April 26th @ 7 pm

Respectfully submitted, Jenny Tschaekofske

(Continued from page 9)

As with most church activities this month, these meetings will be postponed. Look for more information in email communications about new times/dates for these and other events.

Stewardship Opportunities

APPROVED ENDOWMENT LIST Bethel’s Endowment Committee maintains a list of items (approved by the Voters) for memorials and bequests. As money is given in honor or memory of a loved

one, the funds are put in Bethel’s memorial funds. You may give your gift to the general fund (undesignated) or you may designate the money towards a specific item on the list.

Category/Item Approx. Cost

Altar Paraments Ongoing

Music Department Ongoing

Christian Education—Sunday School Ongoing

Digital Outdoor Sign unknown

New Christmas Decorations unknown

Consider a gift in honor or memory of someone you love!

NOTE: There is a processing fee applied to each transaction (2.75% for credit cards and 1.00% for checking/savings). If you choose, you may offset Bethel’s fees at the time of your donation.

It is now be easier than ever to give to Bethel using your mobile device anytime, anywhere!

➢ Download the FREE app on your Apple or Android phone—OR– Click on the Give+ link on Bethel’s website

➢ Make one-time or recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account

➢ Log in or donate as a guest

➢ Securely and conveniently manage donations using Touch ID/Fingerprint, PIN or password

To give through the app, search your phone’s app store for “GivePlus Church”, click on the link on our website or contact the church office.

10

April 2020

Your Board of Elders wants you to know if you have any needs, or questions, you can contact your elder at any time. Your Bethel family truly wants to reach out, care for, and share the love of Christ!

Elder Family Assignment

Home Phone

Cell Phone – texting

available

Gary Rath A-C - 471-9092

Keith Holscher D-E - 425-3414

Herman Galster F-G 258-0543 426-8044

Chris Gergen H-I - 701-320-7272

Bryan Guthmiller J-K 224-1197 202-3476

Scott Price L - 701-805-8073

Bob Gordon M 255-7109 204-2361

Mike Fagerland N-R 258-8497 425-7448

Bob Kjonaas S 258-6985 527-9721

Scott Schuh T-Z - 812-345-7075

2020 Elected Board

Officers

President of Congregation Paul Harron

Vice-President Doug Miller

Treasurer Brett Morlok

Education Kristy Dahl, Chair

Vice-Chair—OPEN

Elders Bryan Guthmiller, Chair

Scott Schuh, Vice-Chair

Outreach Candace Harron, Chair

Amy Miller, Vice-Chair

Property Management Blake Wiedrich, Chair

Mike Lynk, Vice-Chair

Stewardship Paul Klebe, Chair

Shawn Heinle, Vice-Chair

Our church boards are always seeking new volunteers to help in our mission of “Reaching, Caring and Sharing Christ.” Please contact any Board member if you are interested in helping!

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April 2020

1 Christopher Gergen

Peggy & Darrell Kelsch (10 yrs)

2 Giselle Brandenburg

Kate Brovold 3 Megan Berg Nola Emter Mariah Hathaway Reyna McNamer Greg Wanner 4 Makenna

Brumbaugh Carson Henke Carter Henke 5 Faith Heim 6 Madison Jose Tim & Eileen

Larson (18yrs) Caleb Moore

7 Joyce Schmitz McKenzie

Mahowald 8 Jeremy Jose Colton Kleven 10 Alex Buck Katie Ell 11 Caleb Monger Brynlee Wanner 12 Harold & Bobbie

Pfennig (67 yrs) 13 Linda Fleischer Jameson Suggs 14 Loye Eisenbraun Grant Levi Jaxten Stai Bryan Zastoupil 16 Jet Haugen Clay Hoag

Rhamee Huber Sasha Leuwer

17 Bruce & Bev Burkett (49 yrs)

Hayden Huncovsky

18 Christine Kleven 19 Pam Holscher Chuck & Judy

Ortlip (51 yrs) Pastor Jonathan

Walla 20 Olivia Krause Caylee Nelson Jeff & Mary Ellen

Nelson (29 yrs) Ivy Nordgaard Zechariah Wiest 21 Alexis Morlok 22 Joseph Agnew Cindy Lynk Ivy Schmidt 23 Shane Quirk

24 Roy & Deodar Eisenbraun (16 yrs)

Warren Gergen Deidre & Vincent

Jensen (10 yrs) 25 Dawson

Fagerland Jerry Herrmann Gertie Learn 26 Lana Ell Benjamin

Guthmiller Gabriel Harron Alida Wiest 27 Bob Gordon 30 Karen Lalonde

God’s Blessings to you on your special day! We would like to list all birthdays and anniversaries each month. If your name is not listed it means we do not have your information. Please contact the church office so our records are up-to-date and everyone can be listed in this section. God’s blessings and enjoy your special day!

NON PROFIT

US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 337

BISMARCK ND 58501

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

615 East Turnpike Avenue Bismarck ND 58501-1733

Find us on the web! www.bethelbismarck.com or www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck

Check online for worship and Bible class times!

T Maundy Thursday Worship Online @ 6 pm, April 9

T Good Friday Worship Online @ 6 pm, April 10

T Easter Sunday Worship Online @ 8:30 am, April 12

Available on Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck