The Good NewsBreakEvangelical News of Bethany Lutheran Church

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

We INVITE all; We GROW in faith; We GO to share God’s love and grace.

Volume 20, Issue 6 www.bethanyricelake.org • 715-234-9028 June 2020

Inside This IssueCurrent Highlights! ................1From the Pastor ...................2-3Women of the ELCA News ....4Memorials & Gifts ...................5Announcements ..................6-7Letter from the Bishop .......8-9Staff & Committees ........ 10-11Youth & Education ......... 12-16

COVID-19 UpdateUnless we receive updated instructions from state or local officials, Bethany will be looking to our NW Synod of Wisconsin leadership (Bishop Laurie), the CDC and local public health officials to provide guidance as to how we might start the process (“baby steps”) of open-ing our building for worship, education and other ministry events. We invite you to view our Council President Bill Evans’ recent an-nouncement, available on the www.bethanyricelake.org website. In the meantime, the “church” is never “closed,” because the church is us - the people of God! Until we meet again face to face, please con-tinue to worship with us each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. via WJMC radio or live-streamed on our website, www.bethanyricelake.org. We also recommend you check out our weekly “Experimental Worship” each Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Our internet worship services are always recorded and archived, so you can watch them at a time most con-venient to you.

JuneThought of the MonthDo we recognize all that we should be grateful for?

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Searching for Rainbows“Mama, the rain has stopped! Let’s look for a rainbow!”“Honey, I don’t think there’s a rainbow today; see it’s still really cloudy.”“But mama, the rainbow is supposed to be there after the rain!”

I’ve been having pretty regular flashbacks to moments in time (I shared one already in my sermon on Mother’s Day). These are mo-ments that, for the first few weeks of #SaferAtHome, I would shake off and ignore, but lately, I’ve been trying to tune into them. What is this snippet of my subconscious trying to tell me? Why is this mem-ory surfacing now? It’s been a really good exercise for me in listening to God in the midst of unspoken feelings.For the last week or so, this brief memory has been surfacing again and again. It was only a year or two ago when it occurred. Each time it surfaces, I watch her run to the window in her bedroom and peer out. I recall my internal monologue: How do I explain the science of rainbows to her so that she can understand? How do I handle the disappointment when there isn’t a rainbow to be found?I don’t recall what happens next in the story … for some reason that didn’t stick. But my daughter’s sweet voice of excitement echoes loud and clear, “the rainbow is supposed to be there after the rain!” Isn’t that the truth? One of the first fundamental Bible stories that we share with our children is that God placed the rainbow in the sky for Noah, and all generations, as a promise to never destroy the earth by flood again. And while we cling to the image of a rainbow as a sign of hope and promise in our lives, the intent was to be a reminder for God, as explained in Genesis 9:12-17.

12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make be-tween me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:  13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the

A Message from Pastor Luci

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earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.  16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the ever-lasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Yes, even God needed a reminder of this certain moment in time, with Noah, and the promise that extends through eternity. As I continue to reflect on why this memory and why now, I ponder the imagery of searching for a rainbow, even if it seems unlikely. As a world, we are in disagreement of the overarching timeline of COVID-19. Some say we’ve beaten it, others say we’re gearing up for round two, and yet others think we are only in the second inning (of nine, incase you ar-en’t familiar with baseball). Some can see the rainbow and some are doubtful of its likelihood due to the excessive clouds. Wherever you fall, dear friends, my prayer is that you never stop searching for the hope and promise of the beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky.

News from Pastor GrantAt its May 18 meeting, Pastor Grant informed the Bethany Church Council of his plans to retire from public ministry at the end of this summer - completing 37 years of ordained service. His wife, Ruth Bretheim Aaseng, recently retired from her long career as a music teacher on May 19, and they now look forward to discerning God’s next call for their lives (preferably something they can do togeth-er). In consultation with Bishop Laurie Skow-Anderson, Pastor Grant’s last Sunday at Bethany will be August 30. Plans are already being made to find a suitable Interim Pastor for Bethany. Pastor Grant has mailed a personal letter to all active members of Betha-ny. If you did not receive the letter, please contact our Director of Business, Dawn Paul, at dpaul@bethanyricelake.org. While Pastor Grant will be missed, the mission and vision of Bethany remain unchanged and the Holy Spirit shall continue to be our guide.

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Women of the ELCA NewsThere were LOTS of daffodils in our backyard that could have been ever so pretty on our Spring Luncheon tables. Hopefully, next year we will be together again for fun and fellowship!We hope all mothers enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day in some way with their families. It will be one to remember for years!Shortly after the last Newsbreak came out, we received word that the 11th Triennial Convention, planned to be held in Phoenix on July 14-16, was being rescheduled for August 3-5, 2021. The Executive Com-mittee hoped that everyone currently registered would be able to attend next year, and if not, maybe they could gift their registration to some-one else. This means that the current executive board will serve another year until “replacements are elected and installed.” That new board will serve a two-year term. For the 2023 convention, they plan to be back to their three-year cycle and be back in sync once again. We hope all who registered from Bethany will be able to attend next year’s event in Phoenix.Wishing all of you a warm and happy summer. Please try and stay in touch with those who might be alone during this trying time; phone calls, written notes or maybe a driveway visit could be shared.

Do you know someone who needs help?During this time of anxiety, uncertainty and financial instability, many people are seeking help of all kinds, including counseling, ma-terial assistance or simply a sympathetic ear. If you become aware of a Bethany member who might be in need of help, do not hesitate to call the church office or one of the pastors. The Caring Community Team is always looking for volunteers who are willing to offer help, as well as those who might be willing to make phone calls to check on our members. Please contact bethany@bethanyricelake.org or pastorgrant@bethanyricelake.org to help.

Pastoral ActsAmanda Gbeyetin • Dagmar Jacobson

Kris Eastwold • Marian Chinnock

Funerals:

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Music FundIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Kristin YlikopsaIn Memory of Eileen Giddings By: Kathy SwensonIn Memory of Dagmar Jacobson By: Ric & Amy Brekke By: Nina McNally By: John & Jennifer StoltenbergIn Memory of Amanda Gbeyetin By: Ric & Amy BrekkeIn Memory of Kathy Giddings By: Brian & Alexa GiddingsIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Mikey SeymourIn Honor of Pr. Grant & Ruth Aaseng By: Dave & Sue Hildebrand

Malawi FundIn Memory of Eileen Giddings By: Dewayne & Sue FinstadIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Dave & Sue HildebrandIn Memory of Marian Chinnock By: Lynn Sulackow

Memorial FundIn Memory of Dagmar Jacobson By: John & Nancy Gardynecki By: Herman & Judy Friess By: Hugh & Karen MommsenIn Memory of Gil & Helen Olson By: Herman & Judy Friess

Heifer InternationalIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Shirley Peterson

WELCAIn Memory of Dagmar Jacobson By: Mikey Seymour By: Duke & Marlene Thurs

Media FundIn Memory of Dagmar Jacobson By: Ron & Bonnie Dahl

Radio FundIn Memory of Dagmar Jacobson By: Ron & Bonnie Dahl By: Kurt Jacobson and Susan SchettleIn Memory of Kris Eastwold and In Honor of the wedding anniversary of Con & Kris Eastwold By: Lynn SulackowIn Memory of Marian Chinnock By: Maridale JacobsonIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Maridale Jacobson

We Share Food PantryIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Brian & Alexa Giddings

Good Samaritan FundIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Brian & Alexa Giddings By: Michael & Patti Flach By: Jack & Monica Berkseth By: Ron & Bonnie Dahl By: Mark & Cindy Nymo By: Business & Estate Advisors By: Kathy Swenson

General FundIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Herman & Judy FriessIn Memory of Don Poethke By: Herman & Judy Friess

Flower GardenIn Memory of Kris Eastwold By: Mikey Seymour

Memorials & Gifts

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Offering Update as of April 30, 2020

Fund Amt Budgeted Amt Rec’d Expenses Deficit/ to Date to Date to Date Surplus

General $253,209.72 $233,578.36 $239,563.35 $ -5,984.99

Building Fund Donations YTD: $31,775.79 Current Mortgage: $260,139.22

Thank you for your participation in and support of the life and mission of Bethany Lutheran!

Offering Update

Mission Jamaica UpdateThis was a very difficult decision to make, but we have to announce that the Umpteenth Annual Mission Jamaica Garage Sale cannot be held this year. If you've been part of that occasion, you know the crowds, and with all the uncertainties concerning Covid-19, it seemed like a prudent move to drop the sale and collections of stuff. As this is leaving a huge financial hole in Mission Jamaica donations, look for information about something like a ''bake-less bake sale." Donations will go to supplies that we can purchase and take along or Jeff can purchase in Jamaica. This is also a great time to still join this Team for 2021! Questions? Please contact Leni or Dave Sovacool at sovacool@chibardun.net. God's peace and stay healthy!

Announcements & Opportunities

Monday Bible Study (via ZOOM)Pastor Grant’s Monday Bible study of the book of Acts has resumed via ZOOM, meeting each week from 4:00-5:00 p.m. On June 1, we will be discussing Acts, chapter 14. On June 8, Intern Scott Burns will be our guest teacher. Please contact Pastor Grant by emailing pastorgrant@beth-anyricelake.org to receive instructions on how to join.

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DEADLINES• The deadline for the July 2020 NewsBreak is Tuesday, June 15.• The deadline for bulletin announcements is on Tuesdays.• All your articles MUST be in the church office on these dates as it

is important that we have enough time and room to fit everything into the Good NewsBreak and bulletins.

Announcements & Opportunities

Calling All Sewers! We are eagerly praying for and planning the phased-in reopening of Bethany activities. Un-doubtedly it will involve the use of masks, among other safeguards.

Have you sewn masks yet? Would you be willing to make masks to have on hand at Bethany? With materials being a challenge for many of us, I would love to chat with you about making masks from a simple pattern and available materials. Please con-tact me, Pam Crouse, at 715-635-6518 or pamelacrouse@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Tapping into Faith: Home EditionFor the past four years, Tapping into Faith has been a lively public discussion of a variety of issues relating to faith and life, meeting the first Thursday of each month. In the past, we have gathered at the White Stag on Main Street. For now, we meet using Zoom. Join Pas-tor Grant, and other members of the Bethany community, on Thurs-day, June 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a discussion of this month’s topic: “Do I Need to Believe Everything the Bible Says?” Please email past-orgrant@bethanyricelake.org to receive instructions on how to join.

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A Letter from the BishopDear Pastors, Deacons, SAMS and members of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin,Thank you, for your support during these first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of all the uncertainty I am sure of a couple of things. First, I am certain of God’s love and faithfulness. I trust in the promise of abundant life in Jesus. Second, I am certainly grateful for your financial support of the mission we do together.. Thank you!Like every congregation, the synod ministers have adjusted our lives and our work to comply with the physical distancing and stay at home order. We have adjusted HOW we do our work, but not our core mis-sion which is to Walk Together in God’s Mission for the Sake of the World. I’m writing today to express my appreciation for your sup-port and share with you how we’ve adapted our work to better fulfill that mission and accompany you in your work so that the next gener-ation will come to know and love Jesus.

1. We’ve adapted how we meet to do the call processes, candida-cy interviews, leadership development, and provide resources to rostered leaders. Zoom has become our new best friend for staff meetings, colleague groups, SYB gatherings and educational events.

2. We are doing more with video and creating more resources that are orientated for home use.

3. We have made deeper connections with Wisconsin Council of Churches and our seminaries to help us reflect deeply on our Lu-theran heritage and for guidance moving forward.

4. We are even more intentional about staying in touch with our companions in Malawi.

None of this is possible without your support. Thank you for your ongoing mission support. Your financial contribution are essen-tial for the work that we do together. Below are comments about the work that the synod has been doing during the pandemic.Patrick P. Our synod staff is an incredibly valuable resource to all of our congregations and rostered leaders! They've been nimble and adaptive in providing information and tools to help us make informed decisions.

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Thanks to their support, we were able to navigate a call process and suc-cessfully extend a call to a new associate pastor even amid the pandemic. Thank you all! Pastor Patrick Patterson, Lead Pastor Trinity Lutheran - Eau ClaireJeanne M. Thank you for the online worship services you have been doing. They are very well done. Keep up the good work. I loved the chil-dren’s message and having a younger person read the story from the chil-dren’s bible. Lori R-J. Thank you so much for all your creativity and all you are doing to facilitate conversations and support for leaders at this time. It’s over-whelming, and I’m really glad to be part of a synod that is showing such important support all of us, in so many capacities.Hal S. I appreciate the Wed. ZOOM check-in with Erin, and the worship resources. They are both very helpful.Gisele B. Thank you for the resources, the support and all you and synod staff are doing to guide and support us through these challenging days. The online resources, Hearts at Home, Spark, and sermons are greatly appreciated. These Tuesday zoom meetings are spot on for the topics and concerns we are facing. Thank you and thanks be to God for you! Pastor Gisele Burninghaus, Faith MarshfieldBob F. The letter about Home Communion and online resources from Laura were very helpful. Thank you.Karen B. A full worship service for the second Sunday of Easter was a true gift. After all of the craziness of finishing Lent online and revamping so much for Holy Week, it was a true blessing to worship as a participant and receive the gift and some breathing room after such a busy time. Pastor Karen Behling, OS Chippewa FallsThank you Northwest Synod of Wisconsin for your partnership in ministry. I am truly grateful for the work that we do together and ap-preciative of your ongoing financial support.Bishop Laurie Skow-AndersonPhilippians 1:3-6 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4al-ways in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

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Bill Evans, President ....................................willevans2870@gmail.comPam Crouse, Vice President ................... pamelacrouse@hotmail.comJennifer Nelson, Secretary ............................... jnnelson11@gmail.comMal Bailey ................................................ mal.reel.man@chibardun.netPaul Baribeau ............................................. paul_baribeau@yahoo.comTami Bowman .................................................... tmbalberg@gmail.comAndy Denison ................................................... addenison@yahoo.comMike Diercks ................................................ mdiercks@ricelakegov.orgRachel Engel ...........................................................rlroberg@gmail.comAlexa Giddings ....................................................blueberri@charter.netMike Husak .................................husak.michael@marshfieldclinic.orgEd Skaw ..................................................................... erskaw@gmail.comBrad Wiedmann ...................................... jbradwiedmann@gmail.com

Council

Lead PastorGrant Aaseng pastorgrant@bethanyricelake.orgCell Phone 715-205-8789

Associate PastorLuci Sesvold pastorluci@bethanyricelake.orgCell Phone 715-225-0979

Ministry InternScott Burns sburns002@luthersem.eduCell Phone 218-341-8575

Director of Education, Youth & Congregational MinistriesAngie Buchli abuchli@bethanyricelake.orgCell Phone 715-205-2009

Director of Church BusinessDawn Paul dpaul@bethanyricelake.orgCell Phone 715-296-2817

Communications & Publications SpecialistLeah Hullinger lhullinger@bethanyricelake.org

CustodianAlexa Giddings

Staff

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Altar GuildAudrey Kusilek, Chair 715-205-8843

Community BuildingDave Wilson

EducationAngie Buchli, Acting Chair 715-234-9028Tami Bowman - Council Rep.Kari Donze, Mackenzie Narins,Jennifer Nelson, Amy Pelle, Sara Scheu, Julie Stone, DeAnna Westphal, Jan WilkingPr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.

FinanceWendy Markgren 715-651-0905 Chair - TreasurerBill Evans - Council Rep.Joe EricksonDawn Paul - Staff Rep.Pr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.

Green TeamLynn Koob, Chair 715-234-4149Ed Skaw - Council Rep.Joel Kohlmeyer, Kathy Lehman, Cindy Nymo, Don Storm, Renee Swanson, Eldon VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.

LibraryWendy Halverson, Chair 715-651-5887Norma Bergum, Elaine Gonske, Jill Holtegaard, Julie Hyllested, Amanda Stone

Mission ConcernsAnnie Antonson, Chair 715-236-3133Mike Husak - Council Rep.Naomi Candler, Joan Gerland, Judy Jacobs, Elton Jorde, Carol Kohlmeyer, Shirley Peterson, Deb Stange, Pauli Storm, Maxine WilliamsPr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.

PersonnelJolene Anderson, Chair 715-234-2397Pam Crouse - Council Rep.Gary Chilson, Eric PellePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.

Property ManagementKeith Moffatt, Chair 815-218-6830Brad Wiedmann - Council Rep.Shirley Bergthold, Dave Jacobs,Joel Kohlmeyer, Lynn Koob, Wendy Markgren, Dave Myre, Eric Roethel, Tim Schnacky, Dave Sovacool, Eldon Vrieze, Josh WeinstockDawn Paul - Staff Rep.

StewardshipKevin Jacobson, Chair 715-822-2966Mal Bailey - Council Rep.Bob Gerber, Dave Schoonover, Mark VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.

Trust FundTed Hakala, Chair 715-353-2733Mike Diercks - Council Rep.Rick Benson, Jordan EricksonDiane Peterson, Lenae SovacoolStefani Fiedler - Advisor

Welcome TeamKayelon Campbell Murphy Chair 715-651-7843Alexa Giddings - Council Rep.Karen Chilson, Con Eastwold,Lynn SulackowPr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.

Women of the ELCAGail Weber, Co-Chair 715-736-0887 Paulette Hanson, Co-Chair 715-234-4919Jennifer Nelson - Council Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.Angie Buchli - Staff Rep.

Worship & MusicPaul Hanson, Chair 715-234-6530Paul Baribeau - Council Rep.Andy Denison - Council Rep.Marla Koob, Tammy Roberg, Deb SlagstadPr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.

Committee Members

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Bethany Education & Youth News

June 2020

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.”-- 1 Timothy 4:12

Help Wanted!Bethany’s French Fry Booth at the Barron County Fair, July 15-19, 2020, can use your help in several ways this year! We are looking for some special people to help oversee the booth. Sign-up information will be out when the fair board makes a decision and fair dates are confirmed.

Daily Adult Supervisors: We are looking for adults to be in charge for the day. You would be responsible for opening the booth in the morning, closing it down at night and being the contact person for the day if supplies are needed or a prob-lem arises. We will train you prior to the fair.

Workers: Workers are needed to staff the booth. We are asking youth in grades 6-12 and adults to please consider signing up to work a 3-hour shift. You can sign up individually or as a family. At least one person per shift needs to be an adult.

Clean-up Crews: We are looking for a group of 3-5 people (youth and adults) to come in and clean the booth the week before the fair. We also need a group to clean-up and win-terize the booth the week after the fair. These are not difficult tasks and should only take a couple of hours. This is a great way to give something back to Bethany and help out our youth. The French Fry Booth is the biggest fund raiser for youth activities at Bethany, taking in over $4,000 each summer. Please consider becoming a part of this ministry.

The shifts are:10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

7 p.m. - 10 p.m.They need four people per shift. At least one needs to be an adult.

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Congratulations to all of our 2020 high school graduates! We will be honoring our graduates on Sunday, June 7 during worship with the message and special slide show presentation. We are working with the families of our graduates to find a time for the blanket blessing and will announce when a date has been set. Since we haven’t been able to be together to leave special messages for our graduates in their bags in the Narthex, we have come up with an alternative solution. If you would like to send any, or all, of our graduates a special message, please email them to Angie Buchli at abuchli@bethanyricelake.org. We will print them and distribute to the graduates when we have the blanket blessing. Please specify which graduate the message is for.

Blessing for our graduatesAt this important time, when we mark your leaving high school and stepping into new ventures, we ask God’s blessing on you.

God of creation, pour out your Spirit on these graduates as they enter a new period of life and faith. Bless them as they begin new ventures as a faithful people, hearing your word, responding in thankfulness by proclaiming your love and grace through words and deeds and serving all people while doing justice, showing lov-ing kindness, and walking humbly with You. We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Parker Bowman

Trevon LaPoint

Gavin Orson

Elise Lotton

Abby Hay

Emma Panasuk

Class of 2020

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Karson Posta

Nevin Pulju

Mikaela Robarge

Joey Schmitz

Cole Schnoor

Tyson Tomesh

Lexi Wager

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Rocky Railway VBS 2020

Postponed until later in the summer.New dates yet to be determined, when we know it is safe to gather. Bethany will contin-ue to follow the guidance of our Synod, the

CDC and local public health officials.

You can start learning the Rocky Rail-way VBS songs now! Check out our At-Home Resources page on our website.

Watch for more information in the coming weeks!