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JUNE 2016

AFFIRMING OUR BAPTISM

On Sunday, May 8, we of Bethany Lutheran Church were privileged to witness the affirmation of Baptism by nine young members. It is always moving for me to experience these professions of faith, for these affirmations indicate a will to respond to the grace God has shown in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. In Baptism, God says YES to us, showing love and mercy to sinful humanity. Confir-mation is a time of saying “yes” to God’s YES, a word of grace that continues throughout our lives. When I was confirmed as a youth, in 1966, in Zion Lutheran Church, south of WaKeeney, Kansas, confirmation programs were much different from those of today. We not only memorized Luther’s Small Catechism; we also recited the Catechism on a “questioning night” in the presence of the con-gregation. We met every Saturday of two academic years for two hours, and we had written exami-nations to see if we were learning the material. Attendance was carefully monitored, and parents were regularly apprised of students’ progress. We did not receive the Sacrament of Holy Commun-ion for the first time until the day of Confirmation. (We did not, however, walk 4 miles uphill each way to class.) Yes, the way of doing a Confirmation program has changed in 50 years, but the intent of the Confir-mation process has not changed. Those who affirm their Baptism still vow to intend to continue in the covenant God made with them in Holy Baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. This is a vow that confirmands make, but it is also a vow that a baptized Christian is invited to make every day. God says YES to us, and we say “yes” to that YES. The rite for Affirmation of Baptism includes an invitation to the congregation to respond to the vows made by the confirmands. People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for them in their life in Christ? The response of the congregation is similar to the vow made by confirmands: We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. The Affirmation of Baptism thus be-comes a mutual vow and effort. We continue to say “yes” to God’s YES, and we support others in their saying yes. May the Spirit of Christ assist us in our response to the love of God that never lets us go. Pastor Loren D. Mai

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BETHANY CHURCH NEWS Building on the Past – Confident in God’s Future – We Make Christ Known

THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2:00 pm, Fellowship Hall

LEADER: DARLENE HANDLIN

HOSTESSES: JUNE BIRTHDAY GROUP

PROGRAM: LINDSBORG COMMUNITY HOPSTIAL

SPECIAL OFFERING: LINDSBORG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

BRING: BATH TOWEL, 20" X 40" UP TO 52" X 27"

CHURCH HISTORY

CELEBRATE THE AUGUSTANA SYNOD CONNECTION

Over the weekend, May 21, 2016, Bethany Lutheran Church received a letter

from Bethel Lutheran Church in Lyford, Texas.

"Greetings from South Texas. Bethel Lutheran Church of Lyford, Texas, is

planning a Centennial Celebration for November, 2016. As we look through

historical documents and speak to longtime members, many stories emerge.

In 1927 the members of Bethel Lutheran Church had planned to use money

from their cotton crop to fund the construction of a church building. However,

they experienced devastating crop failure and were unable to complete the

project. Pastor Gustav Bergman got...approval from the conference president

to issue an “Appeal for Help” to approximately 500 churches of the Augusta-

na Synod, all across the U.S. and Canada. From the 500 requests, 284 congregations responded from 26 states and 2

provinces making a total contribution of $7,490 or in today’s money (2016) over $100,000! We have a handwritten

ledger which documents all of the donations received, and your church ancestors were a part of this great effort!

With this money they were able to finish building Bethel Lutheran Church, which is still in use today.

Although we are small in size, we still are thriving today. This may not have been possible without the gener-

ous donations from our Lutheran Friends 80+ years ago. We are not asking for money today. We just want to thank

those members of your church who helped us so many years ago.”

(According to the Bethany Church Council minutes for October 1, 1927, a collection totaling $16.39 {$122 in today's

money} was received here at Bethany Lutheran Church to help Bethel Lutheran in Lyford, Texas.)

This town is named after a William H. Lyford, who was an attorney for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. Evi-

dently there was some connection to the trains that brought the first Anglo settlers into the region. The St. Louis,

Brownsville and Mexico Railway arrived on Independence Day, 1904. Settlers were brought in by rail from Illinois, Indi-

ana and Iowa. US soldiers and Texas Rangers were stationed in Lyford in 1913 and 1914 during the "border unrest"

caused by the Mexican Revolution. Lyford had 300 people in 1914 with most of essential businesses for a developing

town - including a newspaper. By the late 1920s the population had doubled to 600. The high-water mark was reached

in 1968 when 1,541 Lyfordians called the place home.

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Bethany Lutheran Church Confirmation Students, those entering 7th and 8th grades, are encouraged to attend the Confirmation Camp at Camp Tomah Shinga, June 26 through July 1. Those entering the 9th grade are also invited as well. Scholarships are available and no one will be turned away because of financial hardship! Please contact Phil Hett for more information.

Summer Lunch Program 2016

We need 4 Volunteers per day

for 3 weeks

June 13-17 July 18-22 July 25-29

Once again our community is blessed with a program that will provide a noon meal

for children and teens ages 1-18 from May 19-Aug. 12, M-F, at the Methodist Church,

224 South Main St. (227-3326). (No meals weekends, Memorial Day, or 4th of July)

Bethany Lutheran Church needs 4 volunteers per day for the weeks of June 13-17,

July 18-22 and July 25-29. Hours are 10:45 am until 2 pm which includes set-up

and clean-up. Please call our church office, 227-2167, to volunteer.

Remember: God's Work, Our Hands!

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LIBRARY CORNER

We rejoice with our nine young people who af-

firmed their baptism in the service of confirmation

on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at the 10:30 am service.

Those affirming their baptism were Zack Ander-

sen, Bruster Bengtson, Jessica Kelling,

Chance Kruckenberg, Grant Lysell-Alkire,

Helayna Mader, Sophie Nelson, Alexus Patter-

son, and Amanda Reilly.

A memorial service was held here

at Bethany Lutheran Church for

Dr. Carl Oscar Isaacson

(January 9, 1950-May 9, 2016)

on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at

11:00 am. The committal service

was held Friday, May 20 at 11:00

am at Marion Hill Lutheran

Church Cemetery, White City,

KS. Carl served as pastoral leader at Marion Hill

Lutheran Church for four years just prior to his

death. We ask God's comfort and care for Carl's

wife, Kris, and all his many other family and

friends.

Don Ferguson (September 14,

1920-May 15, 2016) passed away

on Pentecost Sunday, May 15,

2016. Don was a lifetime resident

of the Smoky Valley. A memorial

service was held for Don on Sat-

urday, May 21, 2016, at 2:00 pm

at Bethany Lutheran Church, with

the committal service at Free-

mount Lutheran Church Ceme-

tery. We ask for God's comfort for his son David,

and all of Don's many family and friends.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Looking for summertime reading sugges-tions? In our church library, we have sev-eral authors of series of novels: Janette Oke, Beverly Lewis, Marian Wells, Dodie Thoene, a trilogy about the Mennonite community by Kim Vogel, and novels about men of the Old Testament by Ellen Gunderson Traylor. Try one and if you find an author whose work you enjoy, you will have enough reading to last several months.

WE CELEBRATE WITH PASTOR

VANCE ECKSTROM

On Sunday, June 12, we will cele-brate the 60th an-niversary of the ordination of Pas-tor Vance Eck-strom. Pastor Eckstrom has served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ as a parish pastor and a college professor. On June 12, he will preach at both services at Bethany Lutheran Church. He will also be pre-sent at the forum hour (9:00-10:00 a.m.) to share some reflections on his minis-try. Cake will be served at 10:00. Please join us on June 12. Come and greet this faithful pastor and professor, and let us thank him for his ministry.

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JUNE Birthdays & Baptisms

BIRTHDAYS:

Rowan Anderson 06/01

Lynette Blomberg 06/02

Margarete Dorsch 06/03

Kimberly Hett 06/03

Elly Briggs 06/04

Nadia Armbruster 06/05

Bruster Bengtson 06/06

Sara McCulllick 06/06

Jim Ruble 06/06

Ann Ylander 06/06

Robyn Johnson 06/07

Kinsleigh Klatt 06/07

Diane Cummings 06/08

Darren Nelson 06/08

Kelly DuMars 06/09

Melissa King 06/09

Ryan Dreier 06/10

Corey Peterson 06/10

Nathan Carlson 06/11

Rex Peterson 06/11

Donna M. Ruble 06/13

Audrey Yosai 06/13

R. D. Rasmusson 06/14

Karl Oscar Esping 06/16

Jonathan Garten 06/16

Elly Ostlind 06/16

Cody Parks 06/16

Kelly Dauer 06/18

Jessica Kelling 06/18

Gwen Kuntz 06/18

Dyhana Larson 06/18

Carter Bengtson 06/19

Haley Martin 06/20

Jodi Gawith 06/21

Clairese Palmquist 06/21

Alexus Patterson 06/21

Mary Swenson 06/21

Rhonda Finney 06/24

Toben Johnson 06/24

James Runberg 06/24

Grant Thayer 06/25

Gerrit Pearson 06/27

Caitlin Whetstone 06/30

Lindsey Whetstone 06/30

BAPTISMS :

Mary Parker 06/01

Jan Michael 06/02

Charlotte Ternstrom 06/04

Edith Dahlsten 06/05

Mika Hopp 06/05

Anita Nelson 06/06

Kathryn Patterson 06/06

Terry Malm 06/07

Annika Stucky 06/07

Jane Anderson 06/09

Brett Anderson 06/09

Karen Carlson 06/09

Carole Hudson 06/09

Ty McCullough 06/09

Alexia Murray 06/09

Denise Sanderson 06/09

Nathan Carlson 06/10

Marilyn Malm 06/12

Jacob Bryan 06/13

Butch Gibson 06/13

Carolyn Gibson 06/13

Carter Bengtson 06/14

Marshall Anderson 06/15

Marvin Johnson 06/15

Mary Roraback 06/ 15

Jordan Bell 06/16

Sydney Johnson 06/16

Joseph Train 06/17

Eleanor Anderson 06/18

Mark Bengtson 06/18

Nicholas Dreier 06/18

Joyce Peterson 06/18

Brad Bengtson 06/19

Brian Bengtson 06/19

Keith Charlson 06/19

Ermal Nelson 06/19

Ruby Peters 06/20

Emily Schrader 06/20

Martin Johnson 06/23

Harry Ylander 06/25

Kola Johnson 06/27

Willis Larson 06/27

Darlene Handlin 06/30

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GLOBAL MISSIONS & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

RUSSIAN CORRESPONDENT http://russiancorrespondent.blogspot.com/

Reflections on life and ministry by a pastor serving Lutheran congregations in the region. 24 February 2016--Posted by Rev. Bradn Buerkle

“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

These words have been in my head quite a bit in the past 6 months. It was in early fall that I began the dreaded process of renewing my Russian residency permit, and at the beginning it did not look like things would go well. Immigration officials in differ-ent offices told me different information about the process; it seemed like I was getting funny looks as they noted my country of citizenship. I heard various stories – of the Polish journalist who was deported, of the American pastor whose family was allowed to cross the border...while he was stuck in Finland. Not that I have anything against Finland, mind you, but I was already imaging the various ways the application process could end badly – I could be denied on some technicality; I could be denied without even a technicality. I would have to live in Esto-nia and get three-month visas. We would need to move with the family to America... The expiration date of my residency permit grew closer and closer. “My” immigration official in Rostov had been moved to another department. I no longer knew anyone. Days passed. “Wait,” I heard. And “wait” again. There must be something wrong. They must be finding a way to make a good show of exiling an American. “Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.” And then, as the working day was ending on the very day when my permit was to expire, I still didn't have my document. I was waiting outside of the office. I was told that I would get the stamp I need. But I didn't have it. It was 5.15 pm on a Friday. It seemed that my paranoia was going to live on through at least another weekend. Unless I was made to leave the country sooner. Or worse...And then, the “higher-up” who signs such documents came out of a meeting and, instead of heading home (as he could have done when the working day is officially over), he took the time to grab my folder, look it over, and sign my Vid na zhitelstvo. The process was over; I could legally remain in the country for another five years. I can't explain why there were so many delays. But I can say that this country is changing. In years past, you wouldn't ex-pect a bureaucrat to steal even a minute of his weekend for you. Not unless he was getting rewarded. In my experience, this is not the case anymore. There is a chance, even a relatively good chance, that you might be treated as a human being by the bureaucratic machine. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the pressure of the “system,” is decreasing (that would not be the case), but on the other hand more and more frequently, when I push paranoia aside, I see that my interactions with government officials has taken a better turn. Take the case of my meeting with a traffic police officer just a few days ago. He stopped me as I drove home from Mat-vey's skating practice; they were stopping everyone driving without their headlights on to warn them that there is a new rule about having your dims on even in the daytime. Besides my headlights being turned off, though, I had a more significant infraction - it turned out that I had left my documents (licenses, insurance and registration!) at home. Now home was just a few minutes away, but it was situations like these just a few years ago, where you felt fully vulnerable to the whim of the police. I was in the wrong, so, was the policeman going to ask for a bribe? Was he going to expect that I offer one? Was he going to tow the car to a safe place (at significant cost of time and money) while I go fetch the documents? I allowed myself only to hope that he might allow me to leave the car with him as I took the bus home to get the documents. But what did this policeman do instead? He allowed me to drive home in the car and return to him to show him the documents! Instead of letting distrust rule the day, he treated me as a human. And I was so thankful I almost wanted to bribe him (almost). Like many of society's changes here in the past 15 years, this was actually a bit stunning. But it is also reflective of larger changes. And it makes me wonder – maybe all of us are used to being a bit too paranoid. Whatever concerns the West has with this country (and I understand that there are significant and legitimate concerns) and whatever concerns Russia has with the West (and here, too, I can sometimes see the point) it would be helpful for everyone if we stopped treating each other as though the other is out to get us. Such thinking boxes us in to situations of either us or them, of over-emphasizing one side's being in the right while doing the same for describing the way the other side is in the wrong. The government here, the one I was paranoid about a few months ago, has given me the right to remain here for 5 more years. I hope that in that time we can all move away from the Cold War environment that created “Catch-22” in the first place...and I hope that I have the wisdom to make my own, small contribution to that change, leading to a greater peace.

SEE: https://youtu.be/Xt1Vw6VUC08

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Stephen – A Great Role Model In our Sunday School class at 9:00 on Sunday mornings, our little group often stops to talk about a name in the Bible and learn from a real person, a living human who reaches out to touch us from the pages of a book written centuries ago. I wish sometimes that we could sit at the feet of some of these characters and share our life experiences with theirs. In our busy 21st century lives, we could learn much from the folks who wove their lives into the stories of the Bible.

Imagine their challenges. Noah was ridiculed, without a doubt, when he swung his hammer to cre-ate an ark, but he answered God’s call. Abraham didn’t know that an angel would stay his hand as he lifted a knife to kill his own son, but he trusted that God knew best. Young and frightened Mary didn’t know why she was chosen to mother a Savior, but she accepted the job. The Good Samari-tan lent a hand even when social customs would have discouraged him.

So we too have the chance to listen to the call to trust and to act when we serve as Stephen minis-ters. Even though we may not always know what to say or what to do, we are trained to patiently listen and to lend our presence to those who need Christian care. We know that we aren’t doctors or psychologists, and we don’t want to be. We offer no cure and no judgment or solution. Our job is to stand by, to be there, to be a Christian friend.

In the book of Acts, Chapter 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need.

3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the

Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to

prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the

Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a

convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their

hands on them.

Today, our church borrows his name and his example in our Stephen Ministry Program. We strive to duplicate his care of others, to be the face of Christian love. Stephen is our model. And, again and always, we want those who need Christian care to know that we are here and willing to stand by, to listen, to be with our friends who are hurting. Across the centuries and through the words of the Bible, Stephen stands with us here at Bethany.

For more information on Stephen Ministry, please contact Pastor Mai, 785-227-2167or Jim

Nelson 785-227-3968.

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Bethany Lutheran Church-Council Minutes-April 13, 2016

Present: Mike Dreier, Brandie Nelson, Tom DeWitt, James E. Nelson, Justin Mader, Mary Parker, Merle Larson, Joy Everhart, Josh Nelson, Amy Roraback, Terri Nelson, Matt Stula, Kathey Bengtson, Phil Hett, Pastor Loren Mai

Absent: Lois Larson, Marlin Johnson Devotions were given by Brandie Nelson Minutes and Financial Report

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. It was MSC to approve the minutes as written. Contributions in March were on target and expenses were $3000 less than anticipated. We now show a deficit of only $500 in the

budget to date. It was MSC to accept the financial report as presented. Informational Reports

Pastor Mai called attention to his written report and was thankful for all the activities of the Church and community during the Lenten

and Easter seasons. The Foundation Committee met yesterday to receive a bequest and to review/renew CD place-

ments. The Education Committee will be in need of a new superintendent, as Rhea Mader has taken over as chair of the Global Missions committee. Lectors are also needed for the first and second Sundays at the 10:30 service. Work had started on the new

addition to the TACOL building. Old Business

Property - $700 has been received through donations toward the purchase of a new water heater at a cost of $1600. It was MSC to

approve hiring A+ Lawn Service to spray weeds on the church property at a cost of $145. The addition of millings to the pot-holes in the alley has provided some relief. Thanks to Jim Nelson and Merle Nelson for their work on this project. Justin has a quote of $10,500 for repair/maintenance to the geo-thermal system from a company in Great Bend. Don Teeters in Little River is contacting other companies to obtain bids that could be lower. We hope to get these bids soon as the work needs to be done now.

Messiah Lutheran Church will have a call committee formed by the end of June to begin the search for their new pastor.

Ordination Anniversary Celebrations will be on June 12 for Vance Eckstrom and on September 25 for Phil Youngquist. Our voting members for the Synod Convention in Wichita on June 2-4 will be Amy Roraback, Josh Nelson, Kim Hett, and Lan Nel-son. Phil Hett will also be attending and the church will pay his $150 fee. Review of the church constitution and by-laws was postponed because we did not have all of the information needed at this time. It will be continued at the May meeting. New Business

It was MSC to receive a bequest of $150,000 from the estate of Dorothy Lindahl to be used for sanctuary upkeep.

It was MSC to approve the following candidates for confirmation: Zack Andersen, Bruster Bengtson, Jessica Kelling, Grant

Lysell-Alkire, Helayna Mader, Sophie Nelson, Alexus Patterson, and Amanda Reilly.

It was MSC to raise the church’s credit card limit from $500 to $2500.

It was MSC to approve the purchase of a computer and monitor for a cost not to exceed $400 to be used exclusively with the

Power Church program. Music Appreciation day for the Chancel Choir will be May 4 and for the Men’s Choir on May 11. Pies will be served at these times. Amy will check with Lori Nelson about a time for ice cream treats for the Children’s Choir.

Vacation Bible School this year will be May 31- June 3 at Messiah Lutheran Church. Church Council members will serve the Confirmation Banquet on May 1 at 6:30 in Fellowship Hall. Matt is looking into the possibility of streaming the 10:30 service on computers. Joys and Concerns Amy is exploring the possibility of a new job. Mija Stockman is to be dismissed from her care facility on April 26 to live with her par-ents in the KC area. Continued prayers are needed for the Brandon Rogers family. The next Council meeting will be on May 11 at 8:00 pm. Pastor closed with prayer and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Mary Parker Secretary pro tem

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The youth group has had an eventful summer so far! We had a Middle School S’More event at Coronado Heights that was a lot of fun. We were thrilled to have the incoming 7th graders join us at this event. The High School students did a work trip at Camp Tomah Shinga. On the work trip, we partnered with Trinity Lutheran from Great Bend to repair canoes, build canoe racks, and do some team building through the ropes course. The incoming freshmen joined us on this trip and we had a wonderful time.

We have a lot going on this summer! Confirmation camp at Camp Tomah Shinga is June 26-July 1. We have an awesome group of kids going this year, and are looking forward to another great year. We might even be able to use the canoes the HS kids fixed! We also have several day trips planned which in-clude Kenwood Cove (Salina Water Park) in June, a Royals baseball game in July, and Get Air (Wichita Trampoline Park) in August.

Many of our youth will be helping with Vacation Bible School the week of May 31-June 3. We still need a lot of help so anyone who is willing and able is welcome to come join us! Please contact Joyce Peter-son or Rachael Pryor if you are able to donate your time and talents!

We will be continuing Område Trummisar (otherwise known as our drum ministry) throughout the summer. It has been a great success so far. Our first performance will be at the Vacation Bible School ser-vice in the park on June 5. There is a possibility we might move those rehearsals to Sunday nights to avoid conflicts with the many youth sports that our wonderful students are involved in over the summer. Infor-mation about the Område Trummisar summer schedule will be announced, messaged, and posted in numer-ous places.

As always, thank you for all of your prayers, love and support! Blessings now and always, Jeanne & Phil

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2016 Camp Tomah Shinga Summer Camp

SEE BULLETIN BOARD BY THE OFFICE FOR MORE DETAILS!!

Scholarships are available. No one will be turned away because of financial hardship.

Registration is first come/first served.

Please register on line at www.tomahshinga.com, or tomahshinga@gmail.com, 785-845-1567, 7821 East Lyon Creek Road, Junction City, KS 66441

DATE

EXPLORERS

PATHFINDERS

TRAIL BLAZERS

HIGH SCHOOL

June 5-10

4th- 6th

graders

6th – 8th

graders

Disaster Relief

June 12-17

4th– 6th

graders

6th – 8th

graders

June 19-24

Confirmation

Adventure

Camp

June 26- July 1

Confirmation

Disaster Relief

July 6-8

1st – 3rd

graders

Family Camp

Family Camp

Family Camp

July 10-15

4th – 6th

graders

6th – 8th

graders

Adventure

Camp

July 17-22

1st – 3rd

graders

Ranch Camp

Ranch Camp

Ranch Camp

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June 2016 Christian Education Page

Come to the Adult Forums, Fellowship Hall, 9:05 each Sunday. Come learn something new!

June 5 No forum due to the VBS closing program in North Park

June 12 Report from the Central States Synod convention by our Synod Delegates

June 19 TBA

June 26 Mike Wallen

Summer Church events - there will be no children’s summer Sunday School, however, there will be church events with Messiah. Please mark your calendar and join us for these events:

June 12th, 3:30 Bowling in Salina (2 hours of unlimited bowling with shoes included for $8). Meet in Salina at All Star Lanes on Broadway.

TBA July Swim Party at the city pool

TBA Emerald Lake hot dog roast

Serving Opportunity – The Christian Ed Committee is committed to serve meals at the Salina Rescue Mission, once a month on the 4th Sunday this summer. All are welcome to help. If you’re interested in helping with this project, please email or call Joyce Peterson. Brownies, canned baked beans, and chips are needed. Check out the poster with info, and food needed across from the church office.

SKY VBS (Everything is possible with God! Mark 10:27) – Bethany/ Messiah Vacation Bible School will be held Tuesday through Friday, May 31 -June 3, 9:00am – 11:30pm, at Messiah Church.

Day 1 No Matter Who You Are…Trust God! A Roman Officer has Faith in Jesus

Day 2 No Matter How You Feel…Trust God! Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life

Day 3 No Matter What Happens…Trust God! Jesus Dies and Comes Back Life

Day 4 No Matter Where You Are..Trust God! Jesus Makes a Beachside Breakfast

Our VBS offering this year will go to ELCA Walk for Water Campaign. We are asking that each family donate a large can of juice concentrate and a box of crackers for snack time.

See a preview of our music and stories on Friday, June 3! Come in to fellowship hall for pick-up as usual at 11:30, but plan to stay for about 30 minutes to see the show and then have lunch provided by our churches. We especially hope that children who aren’t able to make it on Sunday will have an opportunity to share what they learn at our Friday preview.

We will end our Vacation Bible School week with a joint worship service with the Bethany and Messiah congrega-tions. This will be held on June 5 in the North Park at 10:00 am. The kids will sing and share with you what they have learned during the week. The worship service will end with a potluck dinner. We ask that you bring a main dish and table service for your family plus chairs for the worship service. (Hotdogs will not be supplied this year so please con-sider bringing a main dish.) Drinks will be provided. In case of inclement weather the service and lunch will be held at Messiah Church.

If you are able to help or have questions, please call, Aubrie Ellis, 785-227-7090; Kim Hett 785-212-6064, Joyce Peter-son 227-2201, or Rachael Pryor 227-3977.

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A WORD FROM PHIL

18 As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and An-drew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22 (NRSV)

Recently the hymn selection group was picking hymns for the summer and one of the suggested hymns was You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore which is number 817 in the ELW. As we were trying to find a place to put this hymn in the upcoming ser-vices, I relayed why this hymn in particular is one of my favorites. Other than being a sweet melody with a solid message, it holds a deep place in my heart. Dur-ing my late high school and early college years I worked at Camp Lakeside close to Scott City. Camp Lakeside is a United Methodist camp much like our own ELCA supported Camp Toma Shinga. The camp sits right on the shore of Scott State Park and Lake. Now, as we know, most of Western Kansas is considerably flat, which is a beauty in of itself, but not usually what we think of when we envision a camp. But, a curious thing hap-pens as you approach Scott Lake, the terrain changes sharply and the lake rests in a valley. On the shores is Camp Lakeside. This song in particular holds a special place for me because every Sunday as a closing hymn in chapel, while overlooking the shores of the lake, we would sing this hymn. The first verse goes like this. “You have come down to the lakeshore, seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy, but only asking for me to follow.” And the chorus, “Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name. On the sand, I have aban-doned my small boat; now with you, I will seek other seas.” As I stood by the shore of the lake, singing this hymn, Sunday after Sunday, summer after summer, I could not help but wonder is the Lord looking into my eyes and calling me by name? The answer is yes. But, I do not have a market on this. The Lord calls us all by what-ever lakeshore we find ourselves. Like Peter, Andrew, James and John Jesus calls us each by name and says “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Verse two says, “You know full well what I have, Lord: neither treasure nor weapons for conquest, just these my fish nets and will for working.” See, the Lord does not choose us because of any earthly prestige. Rather, the Lord chooses us completely and totally out of love. It is as simple as that. By the lakeshore of our lives, with the waves crashing in, God chooses us. With our hands broken and worn, with our backs bent and sore, and with our souls aching in pain, God chooses us because God loves us. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”

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SERVING BETHANY CHURCH IN JUNE SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Bill & Jan Ferguson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Karl & Wanda Esping Dan & Katie Hawkinson Eric & Ericka Kruckenberg Acolytes 10:30 am Tytus Reed & Haven Lysell Nursery 10:30 am McKinley Johnson

SUNDAY JUNE 12 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jolene Reese & Ervalene Johnson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Mark & Nancy Lysell Daryl & Marie Shields Matt & Karen Clark Acolytes 10:30 am Ty Miller & Trayton Miller Nursery 10:30 am Tanner Luttig

SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Ron & Jan Michael 10:30 a.m. Ushers Ron Rolander, Dan Norden Brandon & Brandie Nelson Bruce Harding & Alan Leaf Acolytes 10:30 am McKinley Johnson & Avery VanDerWege

Nursery 10:30 am McKenzie Wessel

SUNDAY JUNE 26, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jim & Cindy Copple 10:30 a.m. Ushers Nate Woodard & Warren Webster Merle & Terri Nelson, Joel Woodard & Shannon Everhart Acolytes 10:30 am Grant Lysell-Alkire & Bruster Bengtson Nursery 10:30 am Ty Miller

FIFTH SUNDAY 2016 8:00 am Ushers Mary & Jim Parker 10:30 am Ushers Darrell & Janet Malpert Dirk Durant Willis & Lois Larson Acolyte 10:30 Zack Andersen & Caleb Gustus Nursery 10:30 Helayna Mader

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SERVING YOUR CHURCH!!!

Sacristans: MAY Ericksons

Altar Guild: MAY Nancy Lundblad & Maurine Johnson

Offering Transfer: 8:00 a.m. Josh Nelson & Marlin Johnson 10:30 a.m. Lois Larson & Amy Rorabach

Communion Ushers: Brandie Nelson, Joy Everhart, Terri Nelson, Merle Larson

Ushers: Please hand out bulletins, count the attendance accurately, and help to collect

the offering. IF you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, PLEASE CONTACT

SOMEONE IN THAT CATEGORY AND MAKE A TRADE. Please call the church office by

noon on Thursday so that changed information can be included in the bulletin.

15

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat

JUNE 2016

May 31

Vacation Bible School

@ MLC

9-11:30 am 6 pm Executive

Committee

1

2 2pm W/ELCA 6:30 pm Ste-phen Ministry, MLR

Synod

Assembly Wichita

3 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

4

5 8 am Worship/Communion

9 am No Forum

10:00 am Vaca-

tion Bible

School Worship in North Park with Messiah Lutheran Church

Potluck follow-

ing

6 11 am Staff meet-ing

6 pm Steward-

ship/Finance

6:30 pm Global Missions

7 pm Boy Scouts, FH

7 8:30 am Prayer Group

4:30 pm Outreach

8

7 pm Christian Ed

8 pm Church Council, MLR

9 9 am Piece Artists

7:00 TACOL

@ BC Chapel

7-8 pm Wom-en's Bible Study@ White Peacock

10 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

11

12 8 am Worship

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Ordina-

tion Anniversary

Rev. Vance Eck-

strom Coffee, FH

10:30 am Wor-ship 3:30 pm Bowling in Salina All Star Lanes

13 11 am Staff

7 pm Property Committee

7 pm Boy Scouts

14 8:30 am Prayer Group

2 pm Library Com-

mittee

15 9:30 am Sarah Circle

7 pm Miriam Circle @ Bethany Home

16 9:30 am Naomi Circle

2 pm Rebecca Circle

17 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

Anderson Family Reun-ion, 5:00 pm

MLR

18

19

8 am Worship/Communion

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee

10:30 am Wor-ship/Communion

3 pm Midsum-mer's Service

20 11 am Staff

7 pm Boy Scouts

7 pm Property Committee

21 8:30 am Prayer Group @ Riverview Estates in Marquette

1:30 pm Visitation

22 23

24 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

25

26 8 am Worship

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee

10:30 am Wor-ship

11:45 am Month-ly Potluck Meal, FH CONFIRMA-

TION CAMP

27 9 am Handyman Committee

11 am Staff

7 pm Boy Scouts

28 8:30 am Prayer Group

29 30 JULY 1 JULY 2

16

BETHANY LUTHERAN

CHURCH

320 N MAIN

LINDSBORG KS 67456

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LINDSBORG, KS 67456

PERMIT NO. 04

THE BETHANY BEACON A monthly publication of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS 67456

Church: (785) 227-2167 bethanylindsborg@att.net

VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE: http://blclindsborg.org

JUNE 2016 Issue No. 6

Bethany Staff

Rev. Loren Mai, Pastor Home (785) 227-2807 pastorofbethany@att.net Phil Hett Lay Associate Cell (620)212-3931 phil.hett@blclindsborg.org Gretchen Esping Administrative Assistant bethanylindsborg@att.net Butch Gibson Building Manager Joyce Peterson Christian Ed joycepeterson@sbcglobal.net Matt Stula Treasurer Treasurer@blclindsborg.org Carolyn Gibson Financial Secretary carolyn.gibson@blclindsborg.org Genevieve Bishop Organist Leah Ann Anderson Men’s Choir Steve Gustafson Chancel Choir Lori Nelson Children’s Choir

Bethany Church Council

Amy Roraback…………………………………..227-8430

James E. Nelson...................................227-2639

Tom DeWitt.........................................227-3735

Justin Mader...........……………….............212-1111

Joy Everhart.........................................227-2121

Marlin Johnson…………………..…………....227-3920

Mary Parker…………………………………… ..227-2623

Merle Larson…………………………………....227-7046

Terri Nelson………………………………….…..227-2578

Josh Nelson……………………………………...227-2555

Kathey Bengtson (Sec.)………………….... 227-2615

Mike Dreier…………………………..………....227-5525

Matt Stula (Treas.)……………………..913-485-0444

Brandie Nelson (Pres.) ………..……..785-817-2119

Inge Esping ……………………...………..620-213-2992

Lois Larson …………………………...…..……..227-2681

Pastor Loren Mai…………………...….……..227-2807