Bethel Blessings | February 19 & 20, 2022

ALTAR FLOWERS are provided by Dave & Jodie Eshbach

 STEPHEN MINISTERS:  Next weekend, February 26 & 27, six new Bethel Stephen Ministers will be commissioned for caring ministry here at Bethel; 2 new Calvary Stephen Ministers will be commissioned for caring ministry at Calvary United Methodist Church with whom we have a very strong partnership. These lay ministers will be providing care for people who are grieving or otherwise in need. They have answered a special call to use their gifts to follow in Jesus’ caring footsteps. Please show your support and appreciation for these dedicated people by your presence at the commissioning services and through your prayers.

 BETHEL ALL CHURCH CELEBRATION MEAL:  Sunday, February 27th at 10:30am everyone is invited for a delicious meal as we celebrate the New Stephen Ministers being commissioned and Wanda Sitler’s 90th birthday.

 THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS:  The Super Bowl of Caring that happened last weekend collected $625 which will be donated to the Marian House. The Rams won by $3.00 just as they won by 3 points in the game.

 Adult Sunday School Class:  The Adult Sunday School class is at 10:30am in the middle classroom in the Christ Center.  We are studying the Parables of Jesus. Come join us as we fellowship and grow in Christ. 

 DONATE EASTER LILIES: Even though Easter is not until April 17th, we are looking forward to having Easter lilies beautify the Sanctuary. If you would like to donate, the cost is $10 and you get to take the plant home after the services. You can contact the front office by calling 719-570-9800 or emailing office@bethellutheran.net and letting us know if you would like to give the flowers in Memory of…in Honor of….or in Celebration of….deadline for contributing is Sunday, April 3rd. https://ppay.co/70ILP0HdoV4

 LADIES HIGH TEA IS BACK THIS YEAR:  Saturday, March 12th from 11:00am – 1:00pm. All Ladies of every age are invited. Tickets are $5.00 per person. Tickets will be on sale starting next week, there will be a limited supply. This is put on by American Heritage Gils Troop 2000. Watch the Bethel Blessings for more information.

 ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENTEN SERVICES: Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:00pm will be the Ash Wednesday worship service. The Lenten services will also be at 7:00pm and there will be a Soup Supper from 5:45pm – 6:45pm on the following dates: Wednesdays 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, and 4/6.

CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH MINISTRY

FIRST COMMUNION: Pastor Mike Simpson will be having a First Communion class on Sunday, February 20th at 10:30am in the Christ Center. This is for 3rd grade and up. For more information contact Pastor Mike at pastormike@bethellutheran.net.

 Children's Sunday School: “What’s In The Bible”? – Sunday School has just completed the Pentateuch and is now moving into the Battle for the Promised Land (Joshua, Judges, and Ruth). We continue to work on memorizing the Ten Commandments and recently Deuteronomy 6:5. Join us each Sunday morning from 10:20am – 11:20am in the Children's Room. Sunday School is currently available for all Preschool through 5th grade children.

 Confirmation Class (For 7th graders and up): Join us for our Confirmation class in the Middle School Room. The class will start on time at 10:20am so don’t miss out! This year the cycle of teaching is about HIS STORY - the Bible.

 YOUTH CREATIVE DAY!:  Monday, February 21 (President’s Day – NO SCHOOL!) starting at 9:00am thru 2:00pm (both donuts and lunch provided) we will be “Creating Our Space” by personalizing the Youth room. Please dress in old clothes as we will be painting and moving furniture.

 YOUTH HANGOUT:  Around the Table will be Sunday, February 27th from 4:00pm – 6:30pm for grades 6th through 12th. Contact Pastor Mike for more information.

MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

Ruth Bible Study—This women’s Bible Study group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-11:30am in Bethel’s Library. The group is currently studying Max Lucado’s book – Life Lessons from the Book of Romans.

 Men’s Up & Adam Group—This men's group meets at Bethel for Bible study every Wednesday morning at 6:30am. 

WEST (Women Earnestly Seeking Truth)— “Growing through Life’s Challenges” This study explores 11 challenges common to people in the Bible and to us. By observing how these biblical characters brought their fears and frustrations to God, you can receive help and hope to do the same. WEST meets each Wednesday from 10:30am to noon in the Library.

WEB (Women Exploring the Bible)—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 9:00am-11:00am through the month of May.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Evening Women’s Class—The study this year is on Matthew.

L.I.F.E.  Bible Study—Produced by Focus on the Family, “The Truth Project” discusses God’s design for living out the Christian worldview in daily life. It addresses the need to marry our actions to our core beliefs. Reviews of this study have all been extremely favorable with quotes like “Best study ever”, and “I’ve gone through this 3 times.” Our group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:45pm.

INTEREST GROUPS

BOOK REVIEW GROUP—This group will meet in Bethel's Library on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00pm. February’s book is "The Secret Keeper of Jai Pur" by Alka Joshi.

COMFORT MAKERS—Bethel's quilting group meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of each month from 9:00am – noon in the Christ Center. 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.

 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 This group does not meet regularly, but their handy work is shared with the Bethel community and the Rocky Mt. Cancer Center.

CONNECTIONS GROUP —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. We will meet next on Friday, February 25th at 6:30pm at the Witkop’s home.

 DINING OUT GROUP – Bethel’s Dining Out Group meets on the 4th Monday of the month. For February, we will meet on Monday, the 28th at the HuHut Mongolian Grill at 6:00pm. The address is 5843 Constitution Ave, Colorado Springs, 80915.

MICROBREW CREW GROUP—This adult group meets monthly at a local microbrewery.  

VARIETY DANCE—Variety Dance meets each Saturday afternoon in the Christ Center. The 2:30pm class is led by Gloria Pascua and the 4:00pm class is led by Sharon Oldfield.

THE POWER OF PRAYER
Please remember the following people in your daily prayers:

Church Family Members- Jim & Barb Giblin, Sheanna Kagarise, Lea Maxfield; Bill Wallace, Liz Liston, Bethel  Congregation, Council, Pastors & Staff, and Stephen Ministers & their care receivers.

Bethel’s Military—Raelyn Kagarise, granddaughter of Connie & Ron Baumgart and daughter of Brian Kagarise; Christian Lahman, son of Dan & Linda Lahman; 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; Charles Zarza Jr., son of Chuck & Brenda Zarza; and the leaders of our great nation. 
 
Extended Family & Friends—Pete, Pastor John’s friend; Sam, Linda Lahman’s friend; Kristi Skaggs, friend of Wendy Gillis; Marie (Eric Wulfsberg’s niece); Dora and her son (friend of Judy Smith); Kathleen (Amy Kowalik’s mother); Anna (Anthony Vicari’s mother); Pat Elliott (friend of Jan Joslin); Ken (Kristin Slater’s dad); Charayah (Holly Dunker’s daughter’s friend); Samuel (nephew of Larry & Mary Jane Stanley); Bill Pittenger (brother-in-law to Debbie Wallace); Ralph Kelly; Marylou, friend of Ron & Sue Jenkins; Heather Tace, friend of Cynthia Ahl; Bunny, aunt of Linda Lahman; Calle & Katy, sister and niece of Kevin Peterson; Darrell, brother of Danny & Judy Hodges; Cally, Connie Baumgart’s sister; Dave Larson, brother of John Larson; Allan, Alice Magrino’s father; Steven Suter, brother of Joyce Suter; Dot, Dave Roberts mother; Pastor Arturo & members of Iglesia Bautista Jerusalem in El Salvador & and all our Compassion children.