September Bethlehem Star
A Note from the Council
Since I have been involved in education most of my life - either as a student or a teacher, the beginning of the school year often feels like New Year’s Day to me. It’s a time to evaluate any current activities I’m involved in or routines I have developed in the past year. It’s a time to think about which ones I want to or need to keep and which ones I want to change for the new school year.
As we enter a new school year, we also restart activities at church such as Sunday school, Confirmation, and bible studies. I encourage you to think about your activities and routines and evaluate what could be or needs to be changed. I encourage you to prayerfully consider adding regular church attendance either in person or online if that has fallen to the wayside this past year. I encourage you to become involved in our children’s ministry, either on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings. I encourage you to join a bible study or commit to reaching out to individuals or families that haven’t been to church in a while. I encourage you to take advantage of the other ways you can be involved at Bethlehem.
We have always been a strong church, but I think looking at the past couple years, we can see how strong we are. We’ve made it 2 ½ years without a regular pastor. We’ve survived shutdowns and many restrictions. Through all of that, we are still going strong with regular worship, regular giving, and activities outside of worship for members of different ages. This doesn’t just happen. It takes members who are committed to our church. So, as we enter a new school year with changes in schedules, I encourage you to think about how you are or how you could be one of those committed members that keeps our church going strong. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:1
Rachel Dickinson
Gods Work Our Hands 2021
God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday will be September 12th after worship service. We have been collecting items for Lutheran World Relief School Kits and Health Kits in the month of August. Please stay after worship to help with putting the kits together and finishing some quilts. The kits and quilts will be taken to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids sometime in October. Thank you so much for your help with this important mission of the church.
Sunday School
Sunday School will begin on Sunday September 19th at 9:50 a.m. Preschool – 3rd Grade youth will be meeting in the Sunday School Room next to the kitchen. 4th – 6th grade will be meeting in the living area of the Bethlehem Inn. 7th & 8th grade youth will be meeting in the West side of Augustana Hall. 9th grade confirmation youth will be meeting in the Pastor’s office. LYO youth will meet at the Bethlehem Inn basement. Come and join us as we learn of God’s love for us and how we can love one another.
Confirmation
7th & 8th grade confirmation classes will begin on Wednesday, September 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Students will meet with Brenda Krull in the West side of Augustana Hall. 7th Grade youth will receive their confirmation bibles during worship service on Sunday, September 12th at 9:00 a.m.
9th grade confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, September 19th from 9:50 – 10:50 a.m. and will continue through the month of October. Confirmation for the 9th grade youth will be on Sunday, November 7th at 9:00 a.m.
Lights After School Program
Wednesday, September 15th at 3:30 p.m. will begin the Lights after school program. This will provide the Bethlehem youth and their friends with a safe, fun, and interactive place to go after school. A snack will be served, games will be played, activities will be created, songs will be sung, and a story time will be planned for every Wednesday. At 5:30 p.m. a simple Family Meal will be served. If you are interested, please contact the church office at 319-472-3784.
Youth Ministry
Bethlehem Youth Ministry is looking for a Coordinator of Youth Ministries. Responsibilities will include working with a team to develop and provide oversight of Sunday School, Pre-Communion, Confirmation, Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), After-School Program, and Vacation Bible School. If interested, please contact the church office 319-472-3784.
Worship Leaders Schedule
September 5th – Rev. David Aanonson
September 12th – Rev. Randy Kasch
September 19th – Rev. Paul Ostrem
September 26th – Rev. Philip Borleske
Wednesday Morning Fellowship
Are you looking for something to do during the week? Let’s get together on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 for coffee or lemonade and fellowship at the church. Everyone is welcome.
Noisy Offering
Bring your coins and listen to them clink and clang on the last Sunday of each month. The noisy offering for August went to the Benton County Food Pantry.
Fall Bible Study
Anyone interested in starting a Fall Bible Study the end of September? What day and time would work for you? Contact the church office at 319-472-3784 or email at office@bethlehemvinton.org with your suggestions.
Prayers
We have remembered the following in prayers
during the month of August. If you are missed off this list, our sincere apologies.
For health, healing and comfort: Jerry Hanna, Duane Mangold, Jim Nottger, Ellen Tempus, Jim Woolison, Maverick Ketchum, Gregg Sampson, Dale Pippert, Tenny Jertson, Tim Jorgensen, Joan Volberding, Joan Lindahl
New Members & Baptism
Please welcome Courtney Chambers and her children Adilynn and Maverick to our Bethlehem Lutheran family.
Benton County Food Pantry
The Benton County Food Pantry is asking for monetary donations at this time. They are not able to accept food or other items due to recommended guidelines. Please send your donation to:
Benton County Food Pantry
PO Box 3
Vinton, IA 52349
Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
EWALU Fall Festival & Quilt Auction
The Bethlehem Quilting Group has donated two quilts to the EWALU Quilt Auction. It will be on Saturday, September 18th at the EWALU Bible Camp located at 37776 Alpha Ave, Strawberry Point, Iowa. The day begins with Quilt Review & Country Store opening at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Devotional Service at 11:00 a.m. A Free will Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon with Quilt Bidding at 1:00 p.m.
First Christian Church Fall Festival
First Christian Church will hold their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Carnival Games, Craft Sale, Silent Auction, Quilt Raffle, and Luncheon will be served. Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, and Dessert will be available for eat in, take out, or delivery. The church is located at 1209 W 13th Street in Vinton.
Bethlehem Gift Policy
A congregation Gift Policy was approved May 4, 2021 by the Congregation Council. An Estate Gift Committee was also established. The Gift Policy committee would consist of five members: one outgoing member of the congregational council, one current member of the congregational council, and three members of the congregation. Committee members would serve a term of three years, with a limit
of two consecutive terms.
This summary gives oversight to donors of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and provides guidance to prospective donors and their advisors when making gifts to this congregation where all are invited to support our mission and ministry. The provisions of this policy apply to all gifts to Bethlehem Lutheran Church over and above regular giving, offering, or pledges. Gifts will be accepted when they support the mission, purpose, and procedures of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donors are encouraged to bless this
congregation with gifts free of restrictions. All gifts will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the type of asset, gift transfer costs, donor restrictions, potential liabilities, mission, current needs, and other applicable factors.
A. Bethlehem Lutheran Church will accept unrestricted gifts and donor restricted gifts
for specified programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are consistent with the stated mission, vision, and priorities of this congregation.
B. Bethlehem Lutheran Church will not accept gifts that would result in losing its status as an IRC 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization; are deemed by the Gift Committee too difficult or too expensive to administer; or be a liability, in relation to the gift value; would result in unacceptable consequences; or are for purposes outside the mission of the congregation.
C. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, as a general rule, will convert all gifts to cash. Consideration of gifted farmland and rental of such land will be made. An unrestricted gift is given without any stipulation for its use and is accepted to support the mission and ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Unrestricted gifts with a value less than $5,000 shall support the annual operating budget of
this congregation. For gifts over $5,000 consideration will be given to A Fund and B Fund donors with regards to an up to 10% tithe to the Southeastern Iowa Synod or other ministries decided upon by the congregation council. At least 20% of all gifts will be
contributed to the Endowment Fund and 20% to the Legacy Fund.
The ELCA Foundation, through Regional Gift Planners and support staff, offer gift planning
services at no charge to congregations and donors. Visit www.elcafoundation.org or call
800-638-3522 to connect with the ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner that supports this congregation. Donors are also encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisor, estate
attorney and/or financial advisor for specific tax, legal, and investment information. Bethlehem Lutheran Church does not provide any tax, legal, or investment advice.
Thank you for considering an Estate Gift to your church through your will or insurance policy.
September Server Schedule
Month of September:
Acolytes: Hannah Crane, Grayce McClintock
Altar Guild: Judy Renken, Linda Wallace
Council Lock-Up: Rachel Dickinson
September 5th & 12th
Communion Server (5th): Dana Hanson
Lector(5th): Debbie Sampson
Lector(12th): Doug Sutton
Ushers: Warren & Carol Henkel, Tim & Cheryl Jorgensen
Counters (5th): Kimmit/Judy Renken, Steve Wallace
Counters (12th): Dave Vermedahl, Doug Sutton
September 19th & 26th
Communion Servers (19th): Denise Evans, Dana Hanson
Lector: Doug Sutton
Ushers: Eric & Rachel Dickinson, Tom & Dana Hanson
Counters (19th): Doug Sutton, Ann Jorgensen
Counters (26th): Ann Jorgensen, Mona Hanson