February 27 & 28, 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). Join in-person worship at Bethel at 7:00 PM each Wednesday evening throughout Lent. Watch Bethel's Lenten services by clicking here. 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.)
Bethel’s Lenten Noisy Change: As we enter the Lenten season, many people think about something that they would like to give up during this time as an opportunity to reflect on what God has given up for us. An example might be giving up sweets or one meal a day. When we give up such things, we remember to turn our eyes toward Jesus and give thanks. Lent is also a time of offering, of giving generously to ease the burdens that others may be carrying. Bethel’s Lenten Noisy Change offering will support a pallet of food with Feed My Starving Children. Your donation will make a huge difference and it will be credited toward the From Hunger to Hope Colorado Springs Mobile Pack that is scheduled this August 13-14, 2021, to feed starving kids around the world! This Lenten season, Bethel is asking every one of us to prayerfully consider setting aside spare change and bringing it to church each week of Lent. Bethel’s Goal is to donate a pallet of food ($88 feeds a child for a year, $365 feeds a family for a year, $1,866 provides a pallet of food, $10,000 feeds a village). If you are not attending services, you can donate via Bethel's website by clicking here and making your donation through "Lenten Noisy Change - Feed My Starving Children."
Calling all Bethel Middle & High School Students: Join us at Bethel for a Youth night on Sunday, March 7 from 4:00 to 6:00 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.
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: We hope you are enjoying the new series "The Fruit of the Spirit!" This series is designed for preschool children through age 10 and has a Bible centered, joyful, 15-20 minute message format. 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 14-18 and 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 High School room downstairs at 10:30am right after Sunday's church service. There is normally an online option. Confirmation 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.
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
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!
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.
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BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
MORNING GROUPS
Ruth Bible Study—This women’s Bible Study meets in the Bethel Library in person, or ladies can join virtually on Microsoft Teams, twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00am. We are currently studying Charles Stanley’s book - 30 Life Principles. If you have questions about this group or would like to join, please contact Sarah Wulfsberg.
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 meeting through MS Teams video/audio conferencing but on March 24 they will once again meet at Bethel. The group meets 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—L.I.F.E. Bible Study will begin a new DVD study on Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00-8:30 PM. The study is entitled Finding I AM by Lysa TerKeurst, the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. This study will take us to the ancient streets of Israel to find Biblical truth that speaks today. We'll explore the seven I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John and in doing so become empowered to trade feelings of depletion and hurt for wholeness in knowing who Jesus is like never before. Cost of workbook is $20. All women are invited to join us. Please let Joan Skoog know if you are interested so that a workbook is available for you.
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.
DINING OUT GROUP—Bethel's Dining Out group normally meets the last Monday of the month. March's Dining Out will be at the Mason Jar at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 22. Please RSVP through Dave to attend as reservations need to be made. If you have any questions, please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham.
MICROBREW CREW GROUP—This group normally meets monthly at a local microbrewery. The next meeting will be Monday, March 8 and the group will meet at Phantom Canyon 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—Dave Hodge, Maureen Miller, Larry & Katie Smith, Gladys Kifer, Connie Baumgart, John Player, Barb Giblin, Chrissie Tarcza, 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—Jody & Robin Baker's daughter, Karen Baker; Dave Geffre's mother & sister, Barbara & Marvy; Jim & Vicki Wygant's son & family, Kjell, Jeanette & Gabe; Larry & Mary Jane Stanley's friend, Margie; Cynthia & David; Kristin Slater's father; Suzanne Church; Bonnie Carlson's brother-in-law & nephew, Don Colgan & Hank; Pam Bakken-O'Neill's sister & brother-in-law, MaryJo & Larry Loffelmacher; 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 the Brown Family.
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