Bethel Blessings - August 14 - 22, 2021

Bethel Lutheran Church offers in-person as well as streamed services that are available for live viewing during the actual worship service or anytime thereafter on Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 9:15am. Watch live streaming of the weekend worship services by following this link: Weekly Service Video. In following the CDC guidelines and those of our governor, we have moved to "personal choice" as far as wearing masks. We realize that some people may continue to wear a mask for various reasons. Please be respectful of people whatever choice they make as we all try to navigate life the best way for each of us. For more information on Bethel's Worship Service Guidelines, click here. Thank you for continuing to practice normal healthy guidelines for everyone's well-being.

***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.
***Nursery & Childcare: Because of the virus, we are not staffing a separate nursery during weekend 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.

Weekly Devotion Video: Bethel is providing a weekly devotion online. Go to Bethel’s main webpage (BethelLutheran.net) and click on “The Daily Update” picture to listen to this weekly offering (you may also click here for online devotions).

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Senior Cookout! The Bethel Senior Group is having a summer BBQ cookout on Sunday, August 22, starting at 12:00pm noon. This event will include lots of good food, fun, fellowship, and a discussion to begin planning for future senior events. The cookout will be held at Pastor Dan and Linda’s house (8857 Rory Creek Street in Wolf Ranch, 5 miles north of the church). Burgers, brats, and drinks will be provided so please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share. You can sign up on the clipboard in the foyer, call the church office and ask for Pastor Dan, or send an email to pastordan@bethellutheran.net.

Join the Choir: The Bethel Adult Choir begins fall practices on Thursday, August 26, at 6:30pm in the Bethel's Sanctuary. Come and share your voice and music gifts as we sing praise to God and minister to His people. All are welcome to attend. The choir sings every week at the 8:00am traditional service. Contact Pastor Dan at pastordan@bethellutheran.net for more information.

New Member Class at Bethel! Pastor John will host a New Member Class on Sunday, August 29 in his office immediately following the 9:15 AM service at approximately 10:30 AM. If possible, new members are asked to attend this class, the orientation on Saturday, September 11 at 6:30 PM in Bethel's Christ Center, and a weekend service on September 11 or 12 (5:30 PM Saturday, 8:00 AM Sunday or 10:15 AM Sunday). Please speak with Pastor John or contact Bethel's church office to let us know your desire to attend the class on August 29 (719-570-9800 or office@bethellutheran.net).

Attention All Coffee Makers! Bethel will start offering coffee between services again beginning Sunday, September 12. Responsibilities in helping include having people to make coffee and people to clean up after the last Sunday service. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Stephany Green and she will add you to the group to receive emails. Thank you in advance for your help in serving!

New Show in the Bethel Gallery - Images from Egypt: The Bethel Travel Group is scheduled to take a trip to Egypt this October. I decided to pick some pictures from a trip that Sarah and I took to Egypt several years ago for this Bethel Show. Hopefully, this will get our travelers excited about doing some photography of their own during their trip. We hope that everyone enjoys these images. I tried to include a few suggestions about composition that can improve anyone’s photography. Are you interested in having some of your work displayed in the Bethel Gallery? Contact Eric Wulfsberg for details.

Men's Fly-Fishing Retreat at Rainbow Trails (September 16-19, 2021): Experience a weekend of faith renewal, fellowship, and fishing! Hearty meals, worship, and camaraderie around the campfire will be woven into the weekend so all can come away renewed spiritually, mentally, and physically. Fishermen from novice to expert are encouraged to come for this fabulous weekend. Rental equipment and professional guide services are available. Talk to Miles Brown for any questions or register at https://www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats/fly-fishing/ We will carpool up there for an awesome weekend.

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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH HANGOUT 

Coming to the 2021-2022 Sunday School Program - Starting on Sunday, September 12th at 9:10 AM the 'What's in the Bible?' series will bring the entire Bible to life for families through hands-on activities and DVD lessons, from Genesis to Revelation. The lessons are focused on giving kids a clear understanding of their own faith and to provide them a foundational knowledge of the Bible. So that their faith can launch them on a lifelong walk with God and journey that will change them and change the world around them.

2021-2022 Sunday School Program Help Needed - Bethel is in need of Greeters, Teachers, Teacher Helpers, Technical Personal and Musical Hosts for the 'What's in the Bible?' Sunday School series. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dave Bingham or Pastor Mike Simpson at pastormike@bethellutheran.net.

NEW - Youth Hangout - All youth grades 6 through 12 are invited to 'hangout' two Sundays a month after the Sunday service. Dates are Sunday, August 15 as part of the Family Fun Day / All Church BBQ and on then on August 29 from 11:00 – 1:00pm. (lunch provided)!

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INREACH & OUTREACH NEWS

Cancelled Stamps - PK Petitmermet has been collecting cancelled stamps and for 2021-2022 the money will go to help those organizations that help homeless teens and young adults. Part of that money will also stay in COS to help those here and the rest of the money will be spread all over the state of Colorado. Please remember not to cut too close to the scallop edges but leave a 1/4 to 1/3 inch around the stamp, if possible. Also, you can now collect "ANY" kind of stamp that comes on an envelope - foreign, non-profit, Christmas, Love, inked stamped envelopes and pre-stamped etc. Let PK know if you have any questions and "Thank You" very much for continuing to collect for this worthy cause. Please put your cancelled stamps in a zip lock bag and place them in the Petitmermet mailbox at Bethel until further notice.

Mercy's Gate Thursday Ministry - This group meets once a month, the last Thursday of each month, to prepare meals at Bethel and serve them at Mercy's Gate! If you are interested and able to serve, please contact Margaret Curnow, Mercy's Gate Thursday Ministry Coordinator, to get on the group's emailing list. Thank you all for your faithfulness to this ministry!

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 women’s Bible Study meets in person only once a month over the summer - the 2nd Tuesday of June, July and August - from 9:30-11:00 am in Bethel’s Library. The group is 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)—This group will begin a Jesus Calling Bible Study, “Dwelling in God’s Peace” by Sarah Young/Karen Lee Thorp on September 8th. Meeting times are each Wednesday from 10:30 AM to noon in the library. Come explore what the Bible says about the peace that God offers when you trust in Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. Please contact Kathy LaBree for more information.

WEB (Women Exploring the Bible)—WEB Bible study will begin meeting again starting on September 16. WEB will be studying the Liz Curtis Higgs book called "Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them". 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. is an evening group that normally meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7 pm. This group is taking a summer break and will begin again September 7 with a new study by Phillip Yancey called "Vanishing Grace--Whatever happened to the Good News." If interested, please contact Joan Skoog so that a workbook can be ordered for you.

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INTEREST GROUPS

BOOK REVIEW GROUP—This group will meet again starting September 16. They meet in Bethel's library on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM. September's book is "The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah. If you have questions about obtaining a book, please contact Evelyn Hjeldness.

CARD PLAYERS—Bethel's Bridge card playing group is looking for substitute players. If you would like to join a Bridge game at Bethel, please contact Pam Warner.

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 can tie knots and enjoy sewing, join us, or call Gisela Petersen.

CONNECTIONS GROUP will meet again!—This group is targeted to singles and couples in their 50’s and 60’s though is not exclusive. It is a fellowship and discussion group of mutual support, laughter, food, and fun. The next meeting is Friday, September 10 at 6:30 PM at the Witkop’s home. For more information, please contact Pastor John.

DINING OUT GROUP—Bethel's Dining Out group normally meets the last Monday of the month. Bethel's Dining Out group meets the last Monday of the month. The August dining out will be at The Great British Food Company on Monday, the 23rd at 6:00 PM. The address is 5905 Corporate Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919. If you have any questions, please contact Dave or Cheryl Bingham.

MICROBREW CREW GROUP—This adult group meets monthly at a local microbrewery. Please contact Dave Bingham, if you have questions or plan to attend.

VARIETY DANCE—Variety Dance meets each Saturday afternoon at Bethel. 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—Sharon Roberts, Chris Aigner, Thomas Torgerson, Pastor Greg Brandvold, Liz Liston, Connie Baumgart, John Player, Nora Briggeman, Larry Smith & family, Braeden Bosma, Bethel’s Search Team & Congregation, Council, Pastors & Staff, and Stephen Ministers & their care receivers.

Bethel’s Military—Hannah Perry, granddaughter of Bill & Bonnie Carlson; Johnny Farquhar, son of John & Millie Farquhar; Brian Proenneke & Philip Roehler, son & son-in-law of Dennis & Sue Proenneke; Einar Wulfsberg, son of Eric & Sarah Wulfsberg; Steven Torgerson, son of Thomas & Diana Torgerson; Charles Zarza Jr., son of Chuck & Brenda Zarza; and the leaders of our great nation.

Extended Family & Friends—the family & friends of Stephany Green's aunt MaryAnn; the Walker family, friends of Ernie & Marie St. Gelais; Kem Batty's nephew's uncle & aunt, David & Judy; David Roberts' mother; David & Sharon Roberts' friend, Barry Mahr; PK Petitmermet's cousins, Janice & Rick; Larry & Gail Emerson's friend, Rick Blair; Mary Schafer's mother, Peggy Chouanard; Danny & Judy Hodges' granddaughter, Jassime; Bonnie Carlson's neighbor, Becky; Baby Jaxon and his family; Wayne Guthals' father, Frank; Gisela Petersen's son-in-law, Chris Nissen; Joyce Suter's brother & neighbor, Steven & Theresa Lawrey; Amy Kowalik's mother, Kathleen Lynn; Marilyn Baldwin's family friend, Dave Kraemer; Bonnie Carlson's brother-in-law, Don Colgan; Pam Abbs father, Roger Anderson; Pam Bakken-O'Neill's friend, Marsha; Linda Lahman's uncle, Jerry Volz; Dave Geffre's mother & sister, Barbara & Marvy; Pam Bakken-O'Neill's sister & brother-in-law, MaryJo & Larry Loffelmacher; 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.

**The weekend of August 14 & 15 the altar flowers are provided by Dale Kolseth.


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