- Walnut Hill Bible Church

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messenger
November/December 2013 Newsletter of Walnut Hill Bible Church
November 27
Thanksgiving Service @ 7 p.m.
December 6 & 7
The Buzz in Bethlehem @ 6:30 p.m.
December 8
The Buzz in Bethlehem @ 1 p.m.
December 13
The Buzz in Bethlehem @ 6:30 p.m.
December 14
The Buzz in Bethlehem @
1 & 6:30 p.m.
December 22
Children’s Christmas Program
“The Gift of Advent” @ 6:30 p.m.
December 24
Christmas Eve Service @
3:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Glorifying God in Your Death
There’s a way to live and a way to die.
I remember driving through the Wisconsin Dells one summer day
with Pastor Jim and Pastor Dave (though I can’t remember why).
Out the window I noticed the bungee jumping platform and recalled
the time I had given that a try many years before. But thinking the
imagery even better had Jim or Dave done the same thing, I asked
them, “Have you guys ever bungee jumped?” I don’t think either
had, but Jim’s answer has stayed with me for a long time. He said
something to the affect that he had always felt bungee jumping
would be a less than preferable way to enter into the presence of
God.
We enjoyed a good laugh imagining the scene in heaven with
people sharing how they got to glory. “I died of a disease I
contracted in missions.” “I was martyred as a Christian in China.”
Pastor Jim didn’t want to add, “I’m not sure how I got here. The last
thing I remember was bungee jumping in the Dells.”
Obviously, people die for all types of reasons. One of the most
celebrated pastors in American history, Jonathan Edwards, died in
the 1750’s from a small pox vaccination.
I highly doubt our attention in heaven will be on the means by which
Continued on next page . . .
Glorifying God in Your Death Continued …
we got there (perhaps the martyrs under the altar in Revelation 6 would be a notable exception). That said, there is a
way to live life to the glory of God, and there’s a way to die for the glory of God—regardless of the specific details.
Most of us have no idea how we will one day die. Others know all too well.
The apostle Peter had been afraid of dying and so denied Christ three times. And yet in restoring Peter, Jesus
immediately anticipates Peter’s eventual martyrdom. As recorded by the apostle John, “Truly, truly, I say to you,
when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you
will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he
said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.)…” (John 21:18-19).
What stands out in this passage isn’t just that Peter is expected to face his greatest fear. It’s that his greatest fear will
be an honor to God. God will be glorified through Peter’s death. Peter is receiving the blessing of knowing by what
kind of death he will honor God.
Many of us will have time to see and embrace the type of death we will face. Some of the most profound testimonies
of faith have been forged through courageous battles with prolonged suffering.
But for others, death will come with little or no warning at all. In those cases, there will be no build-up of faith. There
will be no time for preparation. Our death will be defined by the way we lived our lives every day.
Four years ago former NFL great Steve McNair was shot and killed at the age of 36. Though a professing Christian,
McNair’s death was surrounded by scandal and betrayal. His 20 year-old mistress completed a murder-suicide in the
apartment McNair had provided for her.
No one seemed to know of his secret sin. His wife and four children were devastated. Friends, coaches, and
teammates began the gymnastics of portraying a man of exceptional honor. However, the stench of his dishonorable
finish could not so easily be replaced.
Don’t be afraid to leave a legacy. Don’t be afraid to think about your death. But let your thoughts of your death to
come only grow your resolve to think of how you live each day. In revealing Peter’s type of death, Jesus next utters
the simple directive, “Follow me.”
Great things are ahead for those who are in Christ. There is great joy in the journey. The glory of God is assured.
But our focus should be on following by faith day after day, battling sin and facing the daily challenges of our lives with
faith.
New England did not fixate on the tragic and seemingly senseless reason for Jonathan Edward’s death. Instead, they
huddled around asking how a man of God was responding to the fears and trials of pain and suffering in the face of
death. They had heard what he preached. They had seen how he lived. And all were inspired by the reports of his
undying, immovable faith in the face of death. His dying days were filled with praise for God and love for all. God was
glorified once again.
Pastor Jim has built a resume of faith that even bungee jumping couldn’t shake. I have no doubt that God will be
glorified in his exit from this earth. And my prayer is that the same can be said of us all.
Dan Gunderson is the Associate Pastor at Walnut
Hill and can be reached at 356-3111 ext. 104 or
[email protected]
528,017
Bibles in two
weeks
Dan Wagner, Guest
Speaker at Silver Saints
At the Silver Saints meeting in June, Dan Wagner
shared his testimony of the mission trip with the
Gideon’s to Argentina.
Dan first joined the Gideon’s in 1990 with his
wife Mary. They would go out to motels, hotels,
schools, and universities to place Bibles. The
Gideon’s have a yearly blitz, which is a gathering
of all the Gideon members. The Gideon’s asked
Dan to join them on a mission trip to Buenos
Aerie’s Argentina. He stated he needed to pray
about it and he would get back to them. Dan
prayed for a month to wait on the Lord for
direction. Dan had children graduating during
the time the mission trip would be taking place.
His children gave him their blessings to go.
The Gideon’s have been active in Argentina for
years. They focus on schools, colleges, and
hospitals. Buenos Aires population is 16 million
people, and Dan was trusting in the Lord’s
leading, and wisdom because he had concerns
of how he would be able to witness to all the
people there. His first assignment was to speak
at churches. One of the men Alenandro took
Dan to his church in the melting pot of the area.
Argentina people are very proud of their beef
and wine. They feed you the best.
On Monday, they
started work there at
5:30 a.m. with prayer.
Then at 6:15 a.m. they
would leave to go to the
schools and universities.
One of the first words Dan learned in their language was Ulergado,
meaning gift. He would give out gifts of Bibles to the students. They went
to the suburb of Argentina, Rosario where 1 ½ million people live. Dan
experienced some real blessings. The people there think they have to pay
for the Bible. Dan had learned enough Spanish to speak to them that the
Bibles are free; they are a gift from God. One day, they ran into a couple of
guys living there that spoke English and got them reading the Bible. He
explained to them that we have a privilege to have this relationship with
God. Speaking of God’s truth’s witnessing to them how God is their Savior.
Those 2 men gave their lives to Christ at that time.
At the hospitals, Dan went room to room witnessing to everyone, sharing
the Gospel and praying for them. There was a young lady, Anna which was
15 years old with cancer on a respirator. Dan was able to witness to her
and she asked Jesus into heart and they all gathered to pray for her.
Anna’s mother also accepted Christ as her Savior. One man from the
church gave his life to Christ also while Dan was there. While Dan was at
one of the Evangelical school for 5th graders, he went through the
Scriptures with them, and one girl prayed for Jesus into her heart.
Dan summarized his mission trip as inspiring and encouraging. They had a
goal to hand out 500,000 Bibles while they were there; they were able to
give out 528,017 Bibles in just 2 weeks!
Dan asked that we pray for those they were in contact with.
See You at the Pole 2013
In September, the middle and high school youth held
our annual "See You at the Pole" event. This is a national
event in which students gather around the flagpole at
their school in the morning to pray. It is always
wonderful to see the students show up at school to
make a stand for Christ as they make a circle around the
flagpole to pray for the nation, their school, and each
other. It helps the students know they are not alone in
their school and that there are others that share the
same belief in Christ that they do.
This year there were approximately 80 students around
the pole at the Baraboo middle school, and close to 60
at the high school. The reports I heard from our
students in other school districts was also very positive
as they also showed growth in numbers. That evening
we had our annual "See You at the Pole" rally at the Al
Ringling theater. Nearly 300 people were in attendance
from various community churches as well as friends that
the students invited. We had a great time of worship as
"Kneel" lead us in lifting our voices to God. Ray Howell,
who spoke for the Kicking Bear event held here in June,
was our speaker. Ray shared his testimony just as he did
when he spoke at our Sunday service back in June. It
was another successful event in that the Gospel of Christ
was shared and the name of the Lord proclaimed.
You can watch the "See You at the Pole" video and hear
the testimony of some of the students involved on
YouTube. Search for Baraboo SYATP 2013.
Nathan Sundsmo, Youth Director
HIGH SCHOOL TURKEY BOWL
November 16 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet at high school then head to WHBC
at noon for pizza and prizes.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HAMS AND YAMS BOWL
November 15 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Meet at WHBC
WHBC Scholarship
Applications Ready
If you have been accepted by or are
planning to continue attending a
Christian College in the Fall of 2014,
we encourage you to pick up a WHBC
Scholarship Application packet in the
Church office. Qualifications are outlined on the application form one of
which is that you must be (or are in
the process of becoming) a member
in good standing at WHBC.
Application and all reference letters
etc. need to be in the committee’s
hands by March 31, 2014.
AWANA CALENDAR
Nov. 6: Potluck before club for all families
starts at 5:30. Regular club begins at 6:30
Cubbies: Bear Hug #8
Nov. 9: Awana Grand
Prix. Saturday from 1 to
4 p.m. in the Fellowship
Hall.
Nov. 13: Balloon Games
Cubbies; Bear Hug 9
Nov. 20: Camouflage Dress Up
Cubbies: Special Day Thanksgiving pg. 110
Nov. 27: NO AWANA, Thanksgiving
Flambeau River Youth Canoe Trips
It's hard to believe we are well into the fall already. It seems summer is distant memory although
it certainly wasn't uneventful. In August we had our annual Flambeau River youth canoe
trips. We had a wonderful time, as the weather was a bit cool for playing in the water but was
great for sleeping and cooking around the camp fires. It was wonderful to see the kids work
together to help load gear and haul canoes as well as gather and chop fire wood. Their
motivation for gathering large quantities of wood was the constant ringing in their ears of my
words, "The Bible says if you don't work you don't eat."
As always, the food was great and there was plenty of it. Other than the food, our Saturday time
of playing in the rapids is always fun. This year for devotions I challenged the seniors to look
around them and observe God's creation. I asked them to think on something that God had
taught them and use something they observed from our time in God's creation to use as
illustration during our Saturday night devotion time around the campfire. It was wonderful to
hear testimonies of how God has worked through the various circumstances in each of their lives
to draw them to Him. It was also great to see them come up with some wonderful illustrations
that brought a clear picture to what they were telling the rest of us.
A few highlights from this year's trip. First, it marked the return of Pastor Dan as two of his kids
are in middle school and were on the trip. Second, it was my first experience having one of the
canoes become disabled. Somehow a rock hit the bottom of the canoe just right and put a nice
hole in it. It was great seeing the kids come together with a positive attitude, taking on the
current as they hiked all the gear and canoe across the river to land. Finally, who can forget
Emma V's large ball of "sea weed" being
randomly thrown around. No Emma you cannot
bring that home.
The canoe trips are always a bitter sweet time
as it marks the end of the seniors time in the
youth program as they begin a new journey in
life. There are many memories built on these
trips throughout the years and I look forward to
many more.
Nathan Sundsmo is the Youth Director at Walnut
Hill and can be reached at 608-963-7020 or
[email protected]
Ladies Night Out—Reach
DATE: Friday, November 22
TIME: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Walnut Hill Bible Church in the
Fellowship Hall.
JOIN US for an evening of fun crafts, fellowship and
food. We'll be making three Christmas ornaments and
Christmas gift tags and
cards. All supplies are
provided.
PLEASE RSVP to Ginger
Helm at 415-3641 or
[email protected]
DON’T
FORGET
. . . Filled shoe-
boxes are due back to the
church SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17.
Please leave boxes under information counters in the
church foyer.
If you have questions or are interested in helping during the National Collection Week, November 18—25, please contact Tracy Pelland at 356
-5099.
Happy Anniversary
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Gary & Sherry Doering
Chad & Sue Silverthorn
Dale & Jerilyn Finger
Brian & Penny Wilkosz
Bruce & Shirley Wallace
Don & Ruth Topham
David & Janey Pace
Frank & Linda Marshall
Nathan & Barb Sweatt
Steve & June Hines
Gary & Linda Buhr
Ed & Madge Pike
Rob & Kara Traxler
Lloyd & Karen Byxbe
David & Lou Luetkens
Jason & Nanette Bruch
Mario & Tiffany Peguero-Lara
Fred & Anita Dahlinger
Jeff & Lorie Vesterdahl
Nick & Aimee Steinbrink
Charles & Debra Carlino
Dan & Barb Derse
Chuck & Ruth Gunderson
Tom & Dawn Leaver
John & Mary Collins
Nathan & Sarah Sorenson
Doug & Sandy Winkelmann
John & Sandy Kessenich
Tony & Judy Klemm
Birthday
Celebrations!
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Lisa
Caleb
Mark
Allison
Emily
Kalyn
Madeline
Nathaniel
Kurt
Tim Jr.
Jeff
Olivia
Lee
Matt
Micah
Richard
Debra
Sandy
Autumn
Blake
Michaela
Collin
Dave
Kristin
Michael
Brandon
Courtney
Steve
Bird
Stenerson
Hoege
Hypki
Leatherberry
Bare
Topham
Bruch
Gunderson
Leatherberry
Brandhagen
Dunbar
Graupman
Hanusa
Dreher
Dyer
Gehin
Blumberg
Kargel
Brinks
Teasdale
Davidson
Massingill
Pelland
Davidson
Hoege
Carlino
Kessenich
Schulz
Silverthorn
Johnson
Frostman
Hutchens
Moore
Schultz
Whitney
Haggard
Hines
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Diane
Justin
Bonnie
Gary
Connie
Joshua
Tracy
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Johanna
Hannah
Jean
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ZoeAnn
Andrea
Lucas
Dale
Michael
VJ
Dylan
Mark
Ivy
Carol
Bob
Bruce
Sandy
Sarin
Shawn
Bob
Cindy
Kristin
Tim
Tiffany
Katie
Betty
Tracy
David
Rachel
Holmes
Housley
Graupman
Wick
Kowalke
Suemnicht
Wilkosz
Pelland
Davis
Wilkosz
Klemm
Muehlfelt
Leaver
Statz
Frostman
Lombard
Matula
Hackbarth
Hennessy
Nelson
Schulz
Rieland
VanSlyke
Emanuel
Gorsline
Wallace
Winkelmann
Gurske
Hermsen
Bredeson
Stock
Johnson
Davidson Sr
Peguero
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Pleau
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Alyssa
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Lynn
Alanna
Colton
Avery
Lequeta
Don
Pam
Dawn
Judy
Christian
Bob
Zeke
Emma
Derek
Katie
Zack
Logan
Christy
Steven
Scott
Kathryn
Chris
Marge
Marie
Britney
Lindsey
Phil
Jacob
Bruce
Emma
Carol
Kelsey
John
Chloe
Grace
Jake
Penny
Julie
Klemm
Nelson
Soerfass
Soerfass
Stuckey
Tomlinson
Davis
Hanusa
Bicknell
Showalter
Walker
Leaver
Boll
Holmes
Neis
Bauer
Behm
Cowan
Kargel
Kargel
Steinbrink
Saiia
Ulrich
Larson
Vander Schaaf
Brinks
Putman
Bonham
Holley
Muscanero
Stuckey
Hackbarth
Martin
Smith
Behm
Judge
Kessenich
Sundsmo
Bonnell
Dorn
Kowalke
Eckert
Friday, December 6 — 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 — 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 — 1 p.m.
Friday, December 13 — 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 — 1 p.m.
Servants are needed to help staff and support The Buzz in Bethlehem; an immersive Christmas dinner theater experience on the streets of Bethlehem. This will be our 9th year presenting this outreach event. From planning to performance to final teardown we need 130 volunteers to donate their time, talents and serving hearts. Descriptions for each
job duty are listed below. Please consider what duty best fits your abilities and sign up in the church foyer. If you have
any questions regarding how you can volunteer, please contact Karen Stoll at [email protected] or 432-1892.
Moving In Day (3 to 4 hour project)
Requires 8 to 10 people to transport set materials (lumber, canvas backdrops, props) a short distance on the Expeditions Unlimited grounds.
Individuals must be able to lift heavy objects. With 8 to 10 people, this can be completed in 3 to 4 hours.
Set Construction & Prop Placement (2-day project / 6 to 8 hours per day)
Requires 6 to 8 skilled carpenters with power tools and 4 to 6 laborers. The skilled carpenters will build the framework to support the canvas and set design—very similar to framing up a house. Two shift choices: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. for each day.
Canvas Backdrop (1-day project)
Requires 12 people to hang canvas backdrops on framed structures. Two shift choices: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. (6 people
per shift).
Transportation Carts (6 shows / 1 shift per show)
Requires 4 people to transport food and beverage to and from kitchen to gymnasium in golf carts. Involves heavy lifting of coolers and tubs.
Two people need to be comfortable chatting with our guests when transporting to and from parking areas to gymnasium.
One shift choice for each show: 4:30 to 9 p.m. Matinees, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Food Preparation (6 shows / 1 shift per show)
Requires 5 people to wash, slice, dice, sauté, and cook and arrange all food for guests. Assists in plating food in the Chapel.
One shift choice for each show: 3 to 7 p.m. Matinees: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Kitchen Support (6 shows/ 2 shifts per show)
Requires 2 people to prepare beverages, wash dishes, pots and pans, coolers and mop kitchen at end of each night.
Two shift choices for each show: 3 to 7 p.m. & 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Matinees 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Wait Staff / Food Servers (6 shows / 1 shift per show)
Requires 9 people to stock vendor stations, pour beverages, serve food, clear dishes and reset tables for next show. Must be willing to wear
a simple bible-times tunic and brown or neutral tones sandals with straps. One shift choice: 5 – 9:30 p.m. Matinees, 11:30 – 4 p.m.
Initial Dining Room Setup (1 shift / 2 hours) on Friday, December 6 @ 1:00 p.m.
Requires 2 people to set up the dining room prior to the first dinner show. Arrange tables, place tablecloths, centerpieces, etc.
One shift choice: 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, December 6
Market Vendors (6 shows / 1 shift per show)
Requires people to be “in character” according the type of vendor they are portraying. These individuals need to greet guests and encourage them to participate in their vendor station while always remaining in character. Many individuals who commit to this year after year,
but we are looking for a few more high school students or adults this year who can commit to all six shows and/or substitute if needed.
Laundry Crew (4 shifts / 2 hours).
Requires 1 person to pick up laundry at Expeditions kitchen each night by 9 p.m. or every morning by 9 a.m. Clean laundry should be returned to Expeditions Gym by 3 p.m. the afternoon of each show.
Canvas Backdrop, Prop Removal and Set Teardown (2-day project)

Sunday, December 15 from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Requires 10 people to remove canvas backdrops on framed structures. Two shift
choices: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (five people per shift).

Monday, December 176from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Requires 8 skilled carpenters with power tools and 4 to 6 laborers. The skilled
carpenters will separate and remove framework supporting canvas. Two shift choices: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. (4 people per
shift).
Move Out Day (3 to 4 hour project) on Tuesday, December 17 @ 6:00 p.m.
Requires 8 to 10 people to move all materials to build the set (lumber, canvas backdrops, set design and props) back to storage.
Individuals serving on this team must be able to lift and move materials heavy objects. With 8 to 10 people, this project can be completed
in 3 to 4 hours.
Expeditions Gym and Chapel Final Cleanup (1 shift / 5 hours) on Thursday, December 19 @ 9:00 a.m.
Requires 6 people to clean and vacuum the Gym and Chapel at Expeditions after all the construction materials have been removed from the
building. This is a very important responsibility for people to commit to. The past two years, people have signed up but did not show up,
leaving one person to do the entire cleanup. One shift choice: 9 a.m. to completion.