Bethel Blessings | Aug 21 - Sept 3, 2021

Join us for worship. 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 through September 5th. Beginning September 12th, Bethel will have two Sunday services at 8:00am & 10:15am.

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

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).

All-Church Luncheon - September 12! Join us on September 12th, right after the 10:15am worship service, as everyone is invited to this celebration luncheon. We will gather to connect, re-connect, and enjoy food and fellowship downstairs in the Christ Center/Fellowship Hall.

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!

Are you looking for a service opportunity at Bethel? Bethel's 5:30 PM service is in great need of Altar Care Volunteers and Welcome Center Hosts. If you are interested in helping with either position, please contact the church office at 719-570-9800 or office@bethellutheran.net. Thank you!

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 AND YOUTH MINISTRY 

Confirmation Student, Parent & Mentor Meeting - Join Pastor Stephen Higgins in Bethel's Sanctuary on Sunday, August 29 beginning at 10:30am for a brief meeting on Bethel's confirmation program this year and what the year will look like. Students in the 7th & 8th grades as well as those who are older who have not been confirmed, along with their parents, and all confirmation mentors are invited to attend. Questions? Please contact Pastor Stephen at stephen@bethellutheran.net.

NEW - "Youth Hangout" - YOUTH WATER WARS! Everything will be centered around water – Water Volleyball, Samurai Warrior, the Soaker, Dodge Sponge (as opposed to dodgeball), water balloon mega-toss, water piñata, drip drip drop, and whatever else we can come up with. Invite your friends - grades 6th - 12th. Lunch will be provided. You’re going to get wet so bring a change of clothes! When? Sunday, Aug. 29th from 10:30a-12:30p, meet in the High School Youth Room.

Confirmation Retreat -This year's Confirmation Retreat (get-away) will be on Saturday, September 11. On Saturday the 11th, the day retreat will start at 7:30am and end at 5:00pm at nearby LaForet Conference and Retreat Center on Shoup Rd in the Black Forest. The day includes lunch - pizza from Pies and Grinders, outdoor (High Ropes), and afternoon refreshments. The cost is $35.00 per student. Questions? Please contact Pastor Stephen Higgins - stephen@bethellutheran.net.

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.

Confirmation Class begins September 12! Please note the time change for our FIRST Confirmation class on Sunday, September 12 from 9:00 to 10:15am in the Middle School Room. The class will start on time so don’t miss out! This year the cycle of teaching is about HIS STORY - the Bible. The Bible is a very exciting story when we look at it as his story, not as a book of rules, but a book about relationships, failure, success, murder, romance, love, sacrifice, and adventure of faith! Your teachers are: Tessa Merritt - tessa@bethellutheran.net and Pastor Stephen Higgins - stephen@bethellutheran.net.

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INREACH & OUTREACH NEWS

ReStore Volunteers Needed: Do you have 4 hours a week available to volunteer at ReStore, the fundraising arm of Habitat for Humanity? Volunteers are needed for the new store opening this fall at 6250 Tutt Blvd and also at their current location on Wahsatch near downtown. There are a variety of positions open. If interested, contact Dusty Last, volunteer coordinator of Pikes Peak ReStore at 719-213-5655.

Save the Date! - October 3rd | Family Promise Walk. More details to come. Join us to raise awareness and money to prevent family homelessness.

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 group normally meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 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 have their first meeting on Tuesday, September 21 with a new study by Phillip Yancey called "Vanishing Grace--Whatever happened to the Good News." All women are invited to join us. 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—Pastor Stephen Higgins, Mike O'Neill, Raelyn Kagarise, Chris Aigner, Thomas Torgerson, 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—Stephen & Paula Higgins' daughter, April Reedall; Ralph & Inge Kelly's daughter, Suzanne Harp; Connie Baumgart's neice, Stephanie; Linda Lahman's aunt, Phyllis; 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; 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 21 & 22 the altar flowers are provided by Sue Hoover.

**The weekend of August 28 & 29 the altar flowers are provided by Daryl & Joan Skoog.


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