January 23 & 24, 2021 - Announcements
Bethel continues to practice social distancing and wearing face masks when we come together, and we continue to ask for everyone to go to Bethel's website--www.bethellutheran.net--to register to attend a weekend service-- either 5:30pm Saturday or 9:15am Sunday. You may click here to be brought directly to Bethel's weekly service registration webpage or you may contact the church office during office hours to receive assistance in registering for any service (719-570-9800). There are still limitations on attendance so your advance registration, as well as Check-In at the Welcome Center when you arrive, is important. By registering for any service, we know how many to prepare for and have a record of attendance. Registering for a service also should prevent Bethel from overcrowding the socially distanced worship space as there is a maximum that we are able to register for each service. In response to our governor's mandatory mask use in all public places, Bethel requires everyone to wear a mask in worship and for all events at Bethel unless there is a health reason or for young children. ***Nursery & Childcare: Because of the virus, we are not staffing a separate nursery during worship services. We love children in worship! If you need a quiet place for your child, the service can be heard in the Narthex (the area right outside of the Sanctuary). Thank you, as we all work together for the best worship experience for everyone.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE: In-person worship service attendees acknowledge that there may be risks involved with exposure to COVID-19. Members, their families, and guests are asked to please not attend in-person worship if they are sick or have been in contact with anyone who is sick or may have been sick within the past 14 days.
Daily Devotions & Weekly Service Videos: Bethel provides online Daily Devotions (click here for The Daily Updates) and live-streaming of the weekend worship services for those who are not able to attend in-person! Go to Bethel’s main website page and click on “The Daily Update” or “Weekly Service Video” pictures to listen to and view these offerings (you may click here to be brought directly to the Weekly Service Video webpage.)
Men’s Ministry Breakfast: Calling all men! The next Men’s Ministry Breakfast will be this Saturday, January 23 in the Christ Center from 7:45am until 9:15am. The group will meet for food, fellowship and to continue our Andy Stanley series titled “Irresistible.” All men and their sons are welcome to attend. Contact Pastor Dan at pastordan@bethellutheran.net or 719-570-9800 for more information.
Bethel Preschool will start registration for this fall on Monday, January 25. The Preschool has two classrooms, one for 3-4 year old's and one for 4-5 year old's, and operates Monday through Thursday from 8:45am – 1:00pm. Registration is easy, just contact Tina Opp at preschool@bethellutheran.net for a tour and paperwork.
Annual Congregation Meeting: Bethel’s Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, January 31, downstairs in the Christ Center right after the 9:15 AM worship. So that we may continue to follow COVID protocol, in-person meeting attendance will be limited to council members, ministry team leaders, and other members as space allows. All other confirmed members are invited to attend virtually via MS Teams. Connection details will be made available beforehand. The meeting will begin at 10:30 AM. During the meeting we will approve electronically the 2021 budget, elect new council members, and celebrate the past year while looking forward to the New Year. Our virtual meeting format will allow for interactive participation by all; attendees will still be able to ask questions, make comments, and vote in real time. We encourage all to attend and participate in this unique format! If you are a confirmed member of Bethel and would like to attend in person contact the church office (719-570-9800) to check space availability.
Calling all Bethel Middle & High School Students: Join us again at Bethel for a Youth night on Sunday, January 31, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Christ Center. Tired of online meetings & online learning? Would you like to see people you know in person while adhering to safe virus practices? Our time together will include social time, games, snacks, group discussions and a Bible study through various methods & formats. For more information, please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham.
Attention Confirmation Parents, Mentors & Students: On Sunday, February 7, Pastor Stephen Higgins will hold a special gathering in Bethel's sanctuary immediately following church service at approximately 10:30am. Class will not be held downstairs that Sunday. All mentors, parents, and students will be asked to join the meeting to cover the coming months of Confirmation and for an introduction of the mentor's team. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Stephen.
Come celebrate Family Promise of Colorado Springs, your Interfaith Hospitality Network's successes in 2020. While Covid-19 has presented many challenges, the staff and volunteer congregations have overcome these to provide care to a record-breaking number of families in 2020. Family Promise's Hope, Hearts, & Homes Virtual Luncheon will take place on Sunday, February 29 from 12:30-1:30pm. For more information, please go to https://www.ihn-cos.org/hearts. Please give families in need the gift of hope and home! Contact either Sharon Roberts or Daryl Skoog for additional information.
Help Needed for Bethel's 2021 VBS: Like trains? Enjoy working with children? Love to do crafts? Sing? Play games? You can help with any of that and more during our Rocky Railway VBS this summer from June 14-18. Please contact Linda Lahman if you are interested in helping ‘drive the train’!
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CHILDREN, YOUTH & ADULT MINISTRIES
Bethel Kidz Online: Did you know that there are 'wise guys' in the Bible? Join us online for this week's episode "Who's The Wise Guy?" (click the episode title to watch the latest video) and hear about a really, really, REALLY bright star, some amazing binoculars, a family with some interesting Christmas gifts and a reminder that God loved us first! Attention parents & grandparents: The Bethel Kidz series is designed for preschool children through age 10 and has a Bible centered, joyful, 15-20 minute message format. We hope you find this series a blessing and encouragement to your family! To join the fun, informative, online format, go to BethelLutheran.net and click on the Bethel Kidz logo or CLICK HERE!
Rocky Railway VBS is 'On Track’ and arriving at Bethel this summer for K-5 kids! So, mark your calendars for June 14-18and get ready to climb aboard and join in the fun! Registration opens soon!
Watch Kidtricity Online: Kidtricity is available for online viewing with new shows each week! The Kidtricity program offers Bible stories, puppets, and pantomimes for children - preschool through 5th grade. This year's theme is 'Welcome to the Jungle!' Kidtricity hosts, Carol & Derek, along with Bethel puppets; Platy, Bernie, Gogo, Twinkle, Nate Newsworthy & Uncle Kong, AND the cast; Grumpy Grampy, Hanz and newest cast member George, present stories of the Bible, work with children on remembering Bible verses, and talk about how to further understand God's word. There is always a lot of laughs! 2020 shows are still available for viewing as well. Go to BethelLutheran.net and click on the Kidtricity logo or CLICK HERE to view Kidtricity videos!
Confirmation Class: Confirmation class meets in Bethel's Middle School room downstairs at 10:30am right after Sunday's church service and there is an online option. This class is designed for Middle & High Schoolers who are working toward being confirmed and the class is led by Pastor Stephen Higgins and Tessa Merritt. If you have questions about class, please contact Pastor Stephen. On Sunday, February 7, 2021, Pastor Stephen Higgins will hold a special gathering in Bethel's sanctuary immediately following church service at approximately 10:30am. Class will not be held that Sunday. All mentors, parents and students will be meeting to cover the coming months of Confirmation and for an introduction of the mentor's team.
Calling all Bethel Middle & High School Students: It was so good to see you at the beginning of January! Join us again at Bethel for a Youth night on Sunday, January 31, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Christ Center. Tired of online meetings & online learning? Would you like to see people you know in person while adhering to safe virus practices? Our time together will include social time, games, snacks, group discussions and a Bible study through various methods & formats. For more information, please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham.
College Kid Correspondence: CKC is a ministry opportunity that was created to support Bethel’s out-of-town college students. It is a weekly “card shower” and each week a name and address of a Bethel college “Student of the Week” will be provided through this weekly announcement. Simply send these Bethel family members “best wishes” or “keep up the good work” words of encouragement, add a stamp and drop it in the mail. Thank you for writing to Bethel's wonderful young adults! If you would like your college student to receive correspondence from Bethel, please contact Carol Vogeney to get them to this year's list.
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INREACH & OUTREACH NEWS
Bethel’s Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer Shawls & Lap Robes are so appreciated by those who receive them. If you would like to knit or crochet for Bethel’s Prayer Shawl Ministry, yarn for your use is located in the narthex area (cupboard & black 3-drawer container) near the front window. Please let Cynthia Ahl know if you are interested in this ministry at Bethel. This group does not meet regularly but their handy work is shared with the Bethel community and the Rocky Mt. Cancer Center. Ongoing yarn donations are always appreciated! If you would like to know more, please contact Cynthia Ahl.
Mercy's Gate: Bethel accepts non-perishable food and non-food items to be donated to Mercy's Gate. Items should be dropped off to the Mercy's Gate box near Bethel's main entry doors (any perishable food items should be taken directly to Mercy's Gate off Montebello Drive). Here is a current list of their most needed items: Canned Chicken/Tuna, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Cereal, Instant Oatmeal, toothpaste & toothbrushes, and Toilet Paper. If you have questions or need assistance with food pantry donations, please contact Mercy's Gate at 719-277-7470.
Thrivent Choice Dollars: Thrivent Choice is an easy way to give to the Charity of your choice. If you are a Thrivent Financial member, here is how you can help. You will need to go to the Thrivent website each quarter (https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice/) or call Thrivent at 800-847-4836 to direct your Choice dollars. This is the only way to ensure that your Thrivent Choice dollars will make it to Bethel each quarter. If calling by phone, follow the prompts that are given. Please direct your Choice dollars to Bethel Lutheran Church. It was mentioned that close to $1 million dollars in Choice dollars are NOT distributed each year. You can help change that and make a world of difference!
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BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
MORNING GROUPS
RUTH Bible Study—This woman's Bible Study meets at Bethel in the library and dials in twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00am. They are currently studying Max Lucado's book "Life Lessons from JAMES". If you have any questions about this group or would like to join, please contact Sarah Wulfsberg for more information.
Men’s Up & Adam Group—This men's group meets at Bethel for Bible study every Wednesday morning at 6:30 AM. Join this men's group by calling or emailing Pastor Dan Lahman at (719) 570-9800 or pastordan@bethellutheran.net.
WEST (Women Earnestly Seeking Truth)—WEST is now meeting through MS Teams video/audio conferencing until further notice. They meet each Wednesday morning beginning at 10:30 AM. Should you have questions or if you would like to join this group, please contact Kathy LaBree for more information.
WEB (Women Exploring the Bible)—WEB is studying the Liz Curtis Higgs book called "The Girl's Still Got It -- Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World". This women's Bible study group normally meets in Bethel's Library on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 9-11am through the month of May. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Karen Scharp.
EVENING GROUPS
L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith Everyday) Bible Study—This women's group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in Bethel's Abundant Life room. Their current study follows the book of Hebrews with a DVD study led by Jen Wilkin. Learn how the Old Testament is linked to the New Testament and how it all points to the new covenant in Christ. If you are looking for an evening women's Bible study, consider joining us! Questions? Contact Susi Hengel or Joan Skoog.
Thursday Evening Home Bible Study—Join Pastor Stephen Higgins at his home for an adult Bible study on Thursday evenings. The group study is titled "Acts/Revelation - Kingdom of God" and begins at 6:30 PM each Thursday evening. Please call Pastor Stephen to reserve a space for yourself.
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INTEREST GROUPS
COMFORT MAKERS—Bethel's quilting group meets in the morning on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month. Throughout the year they create quilts to donate to Lutheran World Relief and the quilts are used around the world for those who are in need. Making Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilts is a tangible way to express love to worldly neighbors in need. Each one reflects God’s loving presence in a world rife with suffering. If you have quilting experience or are interested in joining this group, please reach out to Gisela Petersen.
IT'S A DINING OUT! —Bethel's Dining Out group normally meets the last Monday of the month and plans once again to dine out this coming Monday! The Dining Out will be at Jake & Telly's on Monday, January 25th at 6:00 PM. Please RSVP through Dave to attend as reservations will need to be made. If you have any questions or to RSVP, please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham.
MICROBREW CREW GROUP (Location Change!)—This group normally meets monthly at a local microbrewery and will begin meeting once again. On Monday, February 8, the group will meet at Colorado Mountain Brewery at the Roundhouse at 6:00 PM. Please contact Dave Bingham if you have questions or plan to attend.
VARIETY DANCE—Variety Dance meets each Saturday afternoon at Bethel, and they have added an additional time to accommodate their group members along with COVID requirements. Please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham, if you are interested in joining or if you have questions.
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THE POWER OF PRAYER
Please remember the following people in your daily prayers:
Church Family Members—Larry & Mary Jane Stanley, Ruth Wind-Schoenwalder, Connie Baumgart, John Player, Barb Giblin, Chrissie Tarcza, Larry Smith, Don Schneck, Bill Hill, Bethel’s Congregation, Council, Pastors & Staff, and Stephen Ministers & their care receivers.
Bethel’s Military—Bryan Tice, son of Bob & Cathy Tice; Ben Upton; Chris Shiflet; Cole Estes; Johnny Farquhar; Derek Hepner; Philip Roehler; SGT Stehman; Brandon Walker; Brian Proenneke; Troy French; Einar Wulfsberg; Stephen Anderson; Matthew Anderson; Steven Torgerson; Charles Zarza; Spencer Malona; and the leaders of our great nation.
Extended Family & Friends—Julie Loera's father-in-law, Phillip; Sharon Robert's friends; Bonnie Carlson's brother-in-law & nephew, Don Colgan & Hank; Inge Kelly's grandson, Matthew Harp & his family; Keith & Candis Kanter's family friend, Tina Mendeola; Candis Kanter's friend's father, Norm Weiss; Pam Bakken-O'Neill's sister & brother-in-law, MaryJo & Larry Loffelmacher; Cynthia Ahl's niece's friend, Jessica and Cynthia's friend's mother, Martha; Stephanie Fischer's sister, Sheri Emard; Antje Lund's friend, Monica; Dee Murphy's friend, Betsy; Pam Bakken-O’Neill’s mother, Joyce Bakken; Pastor Josh Hansen; Pastor Arturo & members of Iglesia Bautista Jerusalem in El Salvador & and all our Compassion children; for people everywhere who have been affected in any way because of COVID-19.
***Names submitted will be listed for approximately one month and then they will be rotated off. Please notify the church office at 719-570-9800 or office@bethellutheran.net if you would like to resubmit a name.
**This weekend the altar flowers are provided by Danny & Judy Hodges.
Bethel Lutheran Church
4925 Farmingdale Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
(719) 570-9800 | FAX (719) 623-0251
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
WEB: www.BethelLutheran.net EMAIL: office@BethelLutheran.net
Weekend Worship Service Schedule
Saturdays—5:30 PM | Sundays—9:15 AM
You may also join us online at bethellutheran.net/weekly-service-streaming