Nov. 2015 BLAZE - Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem
Blaze
Volume 74, Number 11
November 2015
He went out . . . to blaze abroad the matter. Mark 1:45, KJV
Published monthly by:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
526 E. 52nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46205
317/283-6559
317/283-6926 (fax)
[email protected]
www.indylutheran.org
The Rev. Dr. Marcus Felde
Pastor
Home: 317/577-1913
Cell: 317/979-3407
The Members
Ministers
Peter Rogahn
Precentor
The Luther Rose
by Linda Henke
The Luther Rose is the most recognized symbol for the Lutheran
expression of the Christian faith, and for good reason. Martin Luther, who
personally oversaw its creation in the year 1519, intended the symbol to be
an enduring summary of the faith shared by Christians of every place and
every time.
Here is how Luther explained its meaning:
• The cross on the heart is a reminder that we are saved through faith in
the crucified Christ, “for one
who believes from the heart will
be justified.” (Romans 10:10).
•
The heart stands in the middle
of a white rose, to show that
faith gives joy, comfort, and
peace, but not as the world
gives. (John 14:27).
•
The rose stands in a sky-blue
field, symbolizing that such joy
in spirit and faith is a beginning
of the heavenly future joy,
which begins already, but is
grasped in hope, not yet revealed.
•
Around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in
Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite,
beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most
precious metal.
•
His explanation concludes with a word of blessing: “May Christ, our
beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen.”
Jody Winter
Youth Minister
Director, Youth & Family
Ministries
Karen Rider
Office Manager
Ellen Roberts
Nursery Coordinator
Phil Henke
Bill Locker
Photographers
Marty Benson
Carl Crabiel
Editors
Among Us
Baptized: Kate Eliza Felde, daughter of Eric & Sarah Felde, little sister of Lucy Felde, and granddaughter
of Pastor Marcus & Christine Felde, was baptized at Bethlehem on October 4 by Pastor Felde. Kate’s
sponsors are Josh & Rachael Mann. . . . Claudia Jane Seitz, daughter of Elizabeth Adams & Joel Seitz and
little sister of Gabriel, was baptized at Bethlehem on October 11 by her grandfather, Pastor Merlyn Seitz.
Claudia’s sponsor is Jodi Thatcher. . . . We welcome Kate and Claudia into the body of Christ and into the
mission we all share!
Ill, Injured, Recovering: Katie Harber . . . Carol O’Brien . . . Jim Swinford . . . Jerry Thompson . . . Anna
White . . . former member Ann Greer Nelson . . . Kent Alder’s brother, Kevin Alder . . . Eadie Barrie’s
friends, Kathleen & Sal Boccella . . . Katie Bredehoeft’s grandfather, Clyde Lovellette . . . Bill & Sarah
Brown’s friends, Bob Clifford and Linda Dudine . . . Betsy Davis’s son, Dan Davis . . . John Jordan’s
friend, Pat Seeman . . . John Lewis’s mother and sister, Mary Lewis and Lora Howard . . . Gloria Price’s
friend, Becky Halcomb . . . Dee & Jim Simpson’s friends, Les Galbraith, Judy Russell, and Carol Storey . . .
the Slovers’ friend, Elliot Ogle . . . Mike Smith’s brother, Steven Smith . . . Nancy Stephan’s friends, Patty
Bailey, Mary Kline, and Bill Langmeyer . . . Andy Swenson’s father, Duane Swenson . . . Benjamin Wood’s
friend, Nicholas Betts . . . Bob Wood’s sister, Carole Gorenflo . . . the Woods’ friends, Cyndi Carlisle,
Stephanie Ellis, and Karin Harrison. . . . We pray with these sisters and brothers in Christ for their comfort
and healing.
Condolences: To Sarah and Levon Evans and family on the recent death of their husband and father,
Justin Evans. We share our sure and certain hope of the Resurrection with the family and friends.
Grandparents Again: Pastor & Christine Felde’s newest granddaughter, Matilda Webb, was born
September 30 in Melbourne, Australia.
Fellowship: Erin Stewart has finished medical school and has been awarded a Sports Neurology
fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
Art Exhibition: Linda Henke will have several works included in For All the Saints, an exhibition of sacred
visual art scheduled for November 1 through January 31 at Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 N
Clinton St, Fort Wayne. Hours vary, so contact the seminary, 260/452-2100 or [email protected], for specifics.
Thank You, Christa!
Christa Peters’ current and foreseeable schedule makes it necessary for her to step aside from her position
as layout and design editor of the Bethlehem Blaze. Marty Benson and Carl Crabiel will continue with their
editorial duties. Many thanks, Christa, for your two years of contribution to the newsletter.
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“Go in Peace: Serve . . . ”
Jim Swinford, interviewed by Al Rider
[A regular feature in the Blaze, spotlighting ways that saints at Bethlehem live out our Christian vocation to “Go in peace, serve
the Lord” . . . and our neighbor, as well.]
Jim, how did you first find Bethlehem? We came here in 1994; we church-shopped and checked out 3
or 4 congregations. Bethlehem showed very well.
What work brought you here? My BA is from the first school of
journalism, the University of Missouri. Starting off for low pay at small
papers, I moved up to association publishing. I was at the American
Optometric Association as spokesperson when soft contact lenses were
being introduced−very interesting. I worked in criminal justice, at
Banquet Foods, in automotive. Then I met Sharon who was in nursing,
and I thought: Why not health care, a secure, growing field? I moved to a
big Catholic hospital in St. Louis, and have been in health care ever since.
I migrated from PR through marketing, business development, recruiting,
and finally managed care, which brought us here to Indy.
I was #2 on a 3-person managed care staff at IU HealthCare downtown.
Then from 1999-2005 I was practice director at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin, then back to work
with Medicaid Managed Care at Anthem, for my “last hurrah.”
I participated in a lot of change in the industry, much of it for the better, but not always well understood
by patients, who are the customers. The main challenge is that health care gets fragmented, with “cascading
referrals” as patients go from doc to doc. A person can feel lost in the system. My contribution was often
just telling the story. I’m a pretty good communicator and networker, and that’s where I made a difference.
Any major difficulties you’ve faced? Many. One challenge was when two foreign-born doctors from the
Mideast were being vilified by colleagues for occasionally greeting one another with a friendly “Salaam.” I
stepped in to fix that. I appreciate the role of international physicians. They’ve made it possible for many a
small town or small practice to find medical support they probably could never have recruited otherwise.
You’ve been very involved in church activities, too. My involvement started back in St. Louis in a
Missouri Synod congregation, as young guy on Church Council. There was conflict, with the Seminex
breakaway seminary operating nearby. Several influential faculty members joined our congregation, and we
supported them to keep them in the pension plan. I learned that I as a layman could talk with people in
other congregations and even with pastors and high-level theologians, and connect with them on the
personal level. I learned to deal with pastors as, you know, “regular people.”
That’s helpful! Since of course they are! My goal since has been to achieve a team relationship where lay
people appreciate the burdens and gifts of pastors, but pastors also appreciate the burdens and gifts of lay
leaders.
Then we came here. Pr. Novak was a big exponent of the Indianapolis Conference; and Bethlehem’s
representative had dropped out. Pr. Bill asked me to step into that vacancy. So I did, and I moved up to be
chairman. And then in 2000, the guy who’d represented Indianapolis Conference on Synod Council died,
leaving a vacancy on Synod Council. I was called to fill that, and moved pretty quickly onto the Executive
Committee.
(Continued on page 12)
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Stewardship
“I Will Do This”
by Ken McCune
Once upon a time, there were three bills sitting in a teller’s drawer at the bank on a Monday morning—a
$50 bill, a $20 bill, and a $1 bill. They began to discuss their weekend. The $50 bill had a good time on a
mini-cruise out of Galveston. The $20 bill was bragging about its good time at the sports bar. These two
turned to the $1 bill, asking what it had done for the weekend. The $1 bill replied, “Oh, the same old
dreary thing—I went to church!”
This is the time of year that we reconsider the financial piece of our stewardship at Bethlehem. Making a
pledge is promising to give a specific dollar amount of your financial resources to the operating budget of
the church over the course of a calendar year. Pledging is a spiritual discipline. It is a matter of saying, in a
pledge, “Yes, Lord, I will do this.” And it is a matter of following through: “Yes Lord, I do make this
offering.” With faithful stewardship, truly we receive much more than we give. As each of us gives, we reap
the benefits of generosity and faith. We grow closer to God. It is that simple.
Your generous response to our capital campaign allowed us to make the needed repairs to our physical
plant. Your pledges to this year’s annual appeal will give our ministries the resources they need to continue
and expand the magnificent work they perform. In short, your commitment will ensure that “love
continues to live” at Bethlehem.
Thank you in advance for saying “Yes, Lord, I will do this.”
Agnus Day
[Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org]
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to [Jesus] and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to
do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And
they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus
said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be
baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to
them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be
baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has
been prepared.” (Mark 10:35-40)
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by Karen McCune
Fellowship
Joyous Light – Advent by Candlelight: Thursday, December 3, at 7:00pm
What is Advent by Candlelight? Annually the women of Bethlehem take a break from the bustle and hustle
of life (and the preparations for the upcoming Christmas season) for a time of fellowship and a quiet
devotion together as women. We love our families but once in a while we need a time to gather together as
the women of God. The feature of the evening is candlelight with its lovely warming glow flickering on our
tables as we eat and visit and lighting our devotions.
The evening begins with a social time over desserts with tea and/or coffee, and lasts about 45 minutes.
Seating is at round tables of about eight women, with one person hosting the table by providing a dessert
to share and a centerpiece. After eating, we move to the sanctuary for a 30-minute devotional service
focusing on Advent. This year’s theme is “Joyous Light.”
Who is invited? All women of confirmation age and their friends; we would really love a table of young
women. Both childcare service and car rides are available for this event. There is no cost but we do need
reservations to ensure seating. Please sign up and join us for this special occasion, in a special season of the
year. Deadline for sign up is noon on Sunday, November 29.
Hostesses are needed. If you would be willing to set a table, bring a centerpiece, and provide a dessert,
please indicate that when you sign up. The church has plenty of dishes, tablecloths, napkins, and flatware
for your use.
Pitch-In Brunch, Sunday, November 15, 9:30am
Wow! October was a fantastic brunch—thank you to everyone who brought such delicious food;
amazingly there was very little leftover. There were over 100 of you and your fellowship with each other
was lovely to watch from the kitchen. We are continuing to fine tune the new serving lines, but it was great
to see everyone get a seat long before the Sunday School bell rang. Thank you to Amy Joss and Fred &
Jody Winter for setup, and to Amy Joss, Ken McCune, Karen & Rick Roberts, and Doris Young for
manning the kitchen and the clean-up.
The last brunch before Christmas is Sunday, November 15, (in December, we celebrate St. Lucia instead).
Ovens and warming drawers will again ready by 8:00am. If you would like to help in November, setup is at
4:30pm on Saturday, the 14th, (it takes about 30-35 minutes with 4-5 people), and helpers are needed on
Sunday morning both before and after we eat. Sign-up is in the office hallway near the water fountain, or
call me.
Christmas Eve Reception – Coordinator Needed
Our annual Christmas Eve cookie reception is in need of a coordinator and two helpers as I will be out of
town this holiday season. The hall will already be decorated for you. The work is on Christmas Eve: plating
the cookie donations and making punch and coffee on Christmas Eve between 6:00-7:00pm so that you
are able to attend early worship. Leave worship early to fill punch bowls, light candles, and take off plastic
wrap, and clean up afterwards. Please talk to me for more details. Thank you.
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Assisting Ministers
November 1
8:30 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Henry Schickel
Lector: John Champley
Children’s Sermon: Pastor Felde
Ushers: Ken McCune, Dolfin Roper
11:00 Welcomers:
Acolyte: William Slover
Lector: Deanna Riley
Children’s Sermon: Pastor Felde
Ushers: Timothy Wott, Tyler Wott
Altar Flowers: Wilson Family
Altar Flowers Delivered: Christa Peters &
Susan Waschevski
November 8
8:30 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Charlotte Wilson
Lector: David Haggstrom
Children’s Sermon: Juanita Keck
Ushers: Marty Benson, Ken Moeller
Enrichment: Gina Mooers
11:00 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Benjamin Wood
Lector: Ray Bragiel
Children’s Sermon: Becky Kendall
Ushers: Michael DeMotte, Mike Smith, William Slover
Altar Flowers: Art & Cissie Hennig
Altar Flowers Delivered: Norma & Carl Crabiel
November 15
8:30 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Vivian Wilson
Lector: Ken McCune
Children’s Sermon: Karen Feder
Ushers: John Jordan, Jeff Mooers
Enrichment: Travis Wilson
11:00 Welcomers:
Acolyte: John Biederstedt
Lector: Ron Gyure
Children’s Sermon: Erik Tysklind
Ushers: Rick France, Erik Tysklind
Altar Flowers: Jim & Nancy Capron
Altar Flowers Delivered: Will You Help?
Cantors: Kent Steele, Andy Swenson
Communion Preparer: Jen DeMotte
Offering Counters: Kent Alder, Kent Steele
November 22
8:30 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Carter Mooers
Lector: John Jordan
Children’s Sermon: Jennifer Scharbrough
Ushers: John Champley, Alex Winter
Enrichment: Travis Wilson
11:00 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Quinten DeMotte
Lector: Erik Tysklind
Children’s Sermon: Eric Felde
Ushers: John Biederstedt, Randy Biederstedt,
Luke Crabiel
Altar Flowers: Levine Family
Altar Flowers Delivered: Julie Smith
November 29
8:30 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Andrew Haggstrom
Lector: Jerry Harbin
Children’s Sermon: Pastor Felde
Ushers: Jim Capron, Rick Roberts
Enrichment: Sarah Quandt
11:00 Welcomers:
Acolyte: Sarah Slover
Lector: Monroe Little
Children’s Sermon: Eric Felde
Ushers: Monroe Little, Judy Simpson
Congregation Council
Kent Alder, president
Marty Benson
Pastor Marcus Felde
Monroe Little
Marianne Meyer, secretary
Julie Smith, treasurer
Lori VanEvery
Susan Waschevski
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7
30 Andrew, Apostle
29 First Sunday of Advent
7:30a Holy Communion (simple)
8:30a Holy Communion
9:45 Education, Choir
11:00a Holy Communion
12:15p New Member Reception
12:30p Youth Lunch Bunch at Puccini’s
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15 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
7:30a Holy Communion (simple)
8:30a Holy Communion
9:30a Pitch-In Brunch
9:45 Education, Choir
11:00a Holy Communion
12:00n Blaze Deadline
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9:30a Blaze Mailers
10:30a Sage-ing
9
10:30a Sage-ing
7:00p Congregation
Council
8 Twenty-fourth Sunday after
Pentecost
7:30a Holy Communion (simple)
8:30a Holy Communion
9:45 Education, Choir
11:00a Holy Communion
1:00p Dulcimer Society
22 Christ the King Sunday
7:30a Holy Communion (simple)
8:30a Holy Communion
9:45 Education, Choir
11:00a Holy Communion
2
Monday
1 All Saints’ Day
Daylight Saving Time Ends-Fall Back!
7:30a Holy Communion (simple)
8:30a Holy Communion
9:45 Education, Choir
11:00a Holy Communion
3:00p Youth Picnic & Hayride at Eagle
Creek Park
Sunday
November 2015
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7:00a Toastmasters
6:30p Alcoholics
Anonymous
7:00p Young Adults’
Bible Study
17
7:00a Toastmasters
6:30p Alcoholics
Anonymous
10
7:00a Toastmasters
6:30p Alcoholics
Anonymous
7:00p Young Adults’
Bible Study
3 Election Day
7:00a Toastmasters
6:30p Alcoholics
Anonymous
Tuesday
25
10:00a La Leche League
6:30p Evening Prayer
7:00p Choir
7:00p Old Testament
Class
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10:00a Women’s Bible
Study
6:30p Evening Prayer
7:00p Choir
7:00p Old Testament
Class
11 Veterans’ Day
6:30p Evening Prayer
7:00p Choir
7:00p Old Testament
Class
4
10:00a Women’s Bible
Study
5:30p Worship Ministry
6:30p Evening Prayer
7:00p Choir
7:00p Old Testament
Class
Wednesday
26 Day of
Thanksgiving
19
7:00a Overeaters
Anonymous
9:30a Quilters
5:30p Debtors
Anonymous
7:00p Faith & Film
12
7:00a Overeaters
Anonymous
5:30p Debtors
Anonymous
6:15p MKNA Board
6:30p Dining Out
5
7:00a Overeaters
Anonymous
9:30a Quilters
5:30p Debtors
Anonymous
Thursday
Saturday
27
28
9:00a Narcotics
Anonymous
20
21
6:30a Men’s Bible Study 9:00a Narcotics
Anonymous
1:00p Youth Leaf
Raking
2:00p Crafty Ladies
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14
6:30a Men’s Bible Study 9:00a Narcotics
Anonymous
6
7
6:30a Men’s Bible Study 9:00a Narcotics
Anonymous
Friday
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Service
News from Mid-North Food Pantry
by Doris Young
Due to the closing of Double 8 Foods and the changes to SNAP, we have served nearly 30 more
households a month compared to 2014. As of the end of September, Mid-North has served 8,358
households and 27,977 individuals in 2015. As the weather grows colder, the need will continue to increase
for our neighbors. To help us meet this ever-growing need for food, please consider a donation to the
pantry. You can donate online at www.midnorthfoodpantry.org or send a check to Mid-North Food Pantry,
3333 N Meridian St, Indianapolis 46208. We appreciate your continued support for improving the health
of our neighbors by providing supplemental food and basic necessities.
The Great Chicken Roundup
by Mike Smith
Fall is upon us and that means
cool weather, beautiful fall foliage,
football games, and bonfires. Fall
is one of my favorite times of the
year to be in Indiana. It also
signals the start of our Great
Chicken Roundup fundraising
drive. The Great Chicken
Roundup is scheduled for
the weekend of December
12, which means we have
just a few short weeks to raise
enough money to purchase the
supplies necessary. This year I
would like to target 96 boxes of
food for the at-risk families that
we support.
at risk who are suffering from
food insecurity. These boxes of
food serve as a very visible
expression of God’s love working
through you to feed the
needy. I hear from the
children in the church
often, “The Great Chicken
Roundup, that’s my favorite
day” It always amazes me
to see Bethlehem come
together to raise the money,
pick up and box the food,
deliver it to LCFS, and all the
other activities that bring us
together as a community to help
those who may not know where
their next meal is coming from.
We couldn’t do it without the
support of the congregation.
People ask me what we do with
the boxes of food. Bethlehem
works with Lutheran Child &
Family Services to identify families Each box of food costs about $65
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these days, and provides enough
food for a family of four. Your
donations are the way we raise the
money to purchase the food. Each
year I have to place my order on
faith that we will meet our
fundraising goal, as I have to order
the food a week in advance of
pick up. If you are as moved by
this event every year as I am, I
hope you can make a donation to
assist. Just mark your envelope or
check “GCR,” “Great Chicken,”
or draw an egg or drumstick; every
bit helps move us towards our
goal.
Thank you again in advance for
supporting this very direct
expression of God’s love. If you
have any questions feel free to
contact me at 317/475-1638.
by Jody Winter, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
Youth
Eagle Creek Park Pitch-In & Hayride
Youth and families are invited to join us on Sunday, November 1, from 3:00-6:00pm for a bonfire/
cookout/hayride at Eagle Creek Park! There is a sign-up sheet outside the Youth Café for you to choose
what you’d like to bring. Anyone wanting to go on the hayride should bring an extra $5 per person. We
had a great time last year, joined by our Cross & Crown friends. Let’s do it again! We’ll meet there at
Shelter H. Use the 71st Street entrance. Park admission is $5 per vehicle.
Summer 2016 YouthWorks Trip
It is official that we will be traveling next summer to Milwaukee WI for our YouthWorks trip! We’ll be
joined by our friends from Cross & Crown. Sign up now if you plan to go. Deadline to register and submit
your $100 for the trip is January 1, 2016. The trip dates are July 5-9. All 6th-12th graders are welcome to
join us. Friends can come as long as they commit to becoming part of our group early on with the
fundraising and trip preparations.
Leaf Raking & Yard Work
Watch your e-mail for dates and times for raking leaves. This is a huge fundraiser for our summer trip.
Please make yourself available when you can. Bring rakes and work gloves and dress in layers . . .
appropriate for whatever weather we may encounter. The only date we have at press time is Saturday,
November 21, from 1:00-4:00pm. Of course friends and family are welcome to join us! Watch for more
dates!
Lunch Bunch to Gather Sunday, November 29
Let’s head to Puccini’s for lunch! Anyone who wants to join us is welcome to come after church
(12:30pm?) at the Puccini’s at 86th & Ditch. Sign up on the Youth/Family bulletin board. If you need a
ride, we can help you get there and home again! Bring your own $$ for lunch.
High School Youth Progressive Dinner
We’ll share some Christmas cheer with our C&C buddies on the evening of Friday, December 4. More
details to come, but plan on an evening of great food and good times! Mark your calendar!
November Birthdays
1 Timothy Harber
1 Aaron Kaiser
1 Nancy Turula
2 Ron Breymier
3 Beth Deane
4 Jane Oaks
5 Brennan Nor
6 Will Cummings
6 Juanita Keck
7 Micah Goldstein
7 Brett Stewart
10 Lindsay Gramlich
10 Mark Maassel
11 Kent Alder
13 Vivian Wilson
14 Ray Bragiel
14 Mark Kroger
17 Joe Cummings
19 Jane Bailey
19 Charles Olry
20 Justin Vanecko
21 Marianne Meyer
23 Jennifer DeMotte
25 Bronwen Maxson
26 Finn Scroggins
27 Bob Stein
27 Susan Waschevski
28 Jim Doversberger
28 Rachael Mann
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November Wedding
Anniversaries
1 David & Shirley Daniell (56)
3 Janice & Jesse Vadas (25)
6 Andrew & Heather Karazim (11)
9 Joel & Nancy Conner (42)
11 Elliot & Stephanie Levine (9)
18 David & Mary Ann Michau
19 Brian & Vicki Queck (10)
25 Jay & Susan Dittman (9)
27 Julie & Mike Smith (22)
Consider Donating to the Homeless Jesus Statue Project
by Brent Hege
Did you know that in 2014 there were almost 2,000 homeless people in Indianapolis? This is a 19 percent
increase over the previous year’s number. Homeless shelters in Indianapolis are filled to capacity and short
on funds, yet relatively few people recognize how serious the problem has become.
As we know from the gospels, Jesus Christ himself was a homeless man, born in a stable because there was
no room at the inn and dependent on the generosity of friends to give him shelter and sustenance. In the
gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls us to see and serve him in “the least of these.”
“I was hungry and you gave
me food, I was thirsty and
you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and
you welcomed me, I was
naked and you gave me
clothing, I was sick and you
took care of me, I was in
prison and you visited me.”
Then the righteous will
answer him, “Lord, when
was it that we saw you
hungry and gave you food,
or thirsty and gave you
something to drink? And
when was it that we saw
you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or
in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the
least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt. 25:35-41)
One downtown church, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, is leading a fundraising effort to install a
statue of Jesus as a homeless man sleeping on a park bench. Covered in a blanket, he is identified only by
the holes in his feet, a powerful reminder that when we care for our poor and marginalized brothers and
sisters, we care for Jesus himself.
Roberts Park UMC is leading this project to install the statue and simultaneously to raise funds for four
local organizations dedicated to serving the homeless: Soup’s On soup kitchen, Wheeler Mission,
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, and Outreach Inc. So far the appeal has raised just over $23,000
toward the goal of $40,000. This is an excellent opportunity for Bethlehem to put our faith into action and
support this important ecumenical social ministry in our city.
For more information on the project and how to donate, please visit homelessjesusindy.org.
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Pantry Needs for November
by Nancy Capron, Service Ministry
This month the pantries are requesting household products that cannot be purchased with food stamps.
Some of the items that are needed are laundry soap, liquid dishwashing soap, cleaning products, soap, toilet
paper, paper towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and personal hygiene items. Smaller containers of the
laundry soap and the liquid dishwashing soap are preferred so that more people are able to choose these
items. The Dollar Store has 21 and 32 load Awesome laundry soap as well as Ajax, Palmolive, Dawn, Gain
dishwasher soap and household cleaners and many other needed items all for $1.00.
Thank you for your continued support of Mid-North and The Sharing Place food pantries. You truly make
a difference in supplying food for the hungry among us.
Bethlehem T-Shirt Fundraiser
by Jody Winter, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
It’s not too late to get your Bethlehem t-shirt! I now have in stock sizes Youth-Small up through Adult2XL. These are medium-gray shirts with Bethlehem’s red door logo on the front and our church name on
the back. 100% cotton. All shirts are $15, which covers the cost of the shirt plus a little extra that will go
toward our summer camp scholarships. If you have any questions, please stop by the office or send me a
message!
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(Continued from page 3)
to look back now on the outcomes.
As I came to the end of my term there, the ELCA’s
new Board of Pensions was having growing pains.
And here I was, a managed-care guy with a PR
background. Pr. Steve Albertin (Christ, Zionsville)
nominated me and I was elected to the national
church’s Pension Board. Quite a surprise: The
organization’s exec had been around for about 35
years, and the whole place had a distinctly oldfashioned feel to it: stately, buttoned-down. I chaired
the Products and Services team, where I was able to
make a difference for all the church’s pastors and
leaders.
What a fascinating trip you’ve had. Where do
you see your sense of calling in all this, Jim? I’ve
been blessed with communications and
organizational skills, and a vision for how to make
things better. A writer who shaped me back in
college was a black author who grew up being told
that segregation was “the way it’s supposed to be.”
He couldn’t tolerate that, and I haven’t been able to,
either. I am not one to accept an unfair status quo.
I’ve been one to push change and get results. When
I was younger, a sense of justice inspired me, but
lately I hope it’s been more a sense of compassion,
of empathy.
We chose to make a major switch in emphasis,
toward wellness and health. It has worked nicely. Pr. Jim, your church family is grateful for your
Bill once told me that it’s the greatest single change faithfulness and service to Christ and to us.
Thank you.
he’s seen in support of the clergy. I was a strong
voice for it; it’s been successful, and very satisfying
“An Irish Christmas” Concert
Pastor Felde and Christine are pleased to share this bulletin about a concert in December at Clowes
Memorial Hall at Butler University for a special reason: nephew Peter Wahlers (Christine’s sister Karen’s
son) is a member of the musical group.
Keith and Kristyn Getty, writers of modern hymns and carols, will appear at Clowes on Dec. 15 during their
fourth annual tour of “Joy-An Irish Christmas,” a lively celebration of the birth of Christ. As seen on Public
Television, the Gettys are joined by their band of virtuoso instrumentalists fusing Celtic, bluegrass,
Americana, and classical music as well as cultural dance and the choral sounds of the holiday. Come sing
along with Keith and Kristyn and their special guest friends on an evening that unites tradition and
innovation in a vibrant celebration of the season. The concert is sponsored by Midwest Food Bank (MFB), a
faith-based ministry that will distribute more than $25 million in free food over the course of 2015 to needy
Hoosiers in more than 50 counties.
They have been to Indianapolis twice with their Christmas program, and we really enjoyed it. You can
purchase tickets on the Clowes Hall website, cloweshall.org. Tickets are rather pricey, but they benefit the
Midwest Food Bank.
If you would like to hear some of the music of Keith and Kristyn Getty, go to their website, gettymusic.com.
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Thanks from Grace Unlimited
Dear Pastor Felde,
Thank you for Bethlehem’s ongoing and generous support of Grace Unlimited.
Campus ministries are mission fields, engaging young adults and their mentors
precisely where their questions are sharpest. Many other ministries, sadly,
encourage students to fear and ignore unsettling ideas. As a result, students who
love learning often feel forced to abandon faith altogether. But we, like our
sponsoring Churches, encourage students to welcome whatever they hear as a way
of deepening faith, because no truth can be more unsettling than the outrageous
news of God’s all-embracing love in Jesus Christ. We need this approach to campus
ministry now more than ever. We need a new generation of leaders who embrace lifelong learning as a way
to walk with Christ.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church has recognized this crucial need for decades. Thank you for your continuing
generosity!
Peace,
Fr. Charles W. Allen
Chaplain, Grace Unlimited
Capital Campaign Pledges and Contributions for 2015
by Bill Slover, Finance/Endowment Ministry
Thank you to everyone who made pledges and contributions to the Capital Campaign. If you pledged an
amount for 2015 that has not yet been contributed, please consider making your contribution before the
end of the year. Thanks again!
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Wednesday Evening Prayer
by Linda Henke, Worship Ministry
Members and friends of Bethlehem Lutheran are invited to gather in
the south transept at 6:30pm each Wednesday to participate in a brief
service of Evening Prayer.
The service begins with quiet reflection, during which time
participants may light tapers and name those whom they are holding
in prayer. The spoken liturgy includes canticles, prayers, a reading or
two from the previous Sunday, and a brief reflection. The service
concludes with the singing of a hymn and an opportunity to remain
for personal prayer.
While the Sunday communion service serves as the center of the
congregation’s life, this Wednesday Evening Prayer service offers a
means for the Sunday celebration to reach into our week with a
reminder of the gospel’s enduring impact on all of life.
Dining In 2016
by Norma Crabiel, Fellowship Ministry
We had another delicious Dining-In year in 2015! There were five teams of 7-8 members with each
couple/pair taking a turn as host, who then assigned dishes for other team members to bring and
supplied the beverages. These dinners are a good way to meet other members in a small group setting
and also a good time to try new recipes.
Won’t you join us for the 2016 season? No gourmet experience is necessary. A sign-up sheet can be
found in the hallway. The deadline is January 3, after which you will be notified of your tablemates. If you
need a partner or have questions, contact me at 317/845-1966 or [email protected].
Property Day
by Kent Alder, Property Ministry
A big thank you to our volunteers who have worked this fall to improve and spruce up our facility. Our
property heroes are Barb & Kent Alder, Kyle, Ezra, & Ezekiel Bredehoeft, Jim & Nancy Capron, Carl &
Norma Crabiel, Dave & Shirley Daniell, Rachel Guggenberger, Monroe Little, Bill Locker, Karen & Ken
McCune, David & Marianne Meyer, Bob Stein, and Susan Waschevski.
Bethlehem really appreciates our members’ cherished time.
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Congregation Council Minutes - September 14 (excerpted)
by Marianne Meyer, Council Secretary
Liaison Changes: Worship-Pastor Felde; Youth & Family-Marty Benson; Adult Education-Susan
Waschevski
Property: The property work day is scheduled for October 10. A bid is being received to reseal the parking
lot. Flooring will be replaced in the Bride’s Room. A kitchenette will be added on the second floor near the
working sacristy.
Worship: New chairs appropriate for choir rehearsals have arrived. Evening Prayer services on
Wednesdays at 6:30 were started in August.
Fellowship: The Fellowship Hall chair committee has met and presented their report to council. Prices
and warranty information will be presented at the October meeting.
Service: Bethlehem’s “God’s Work, Our Hands” service project joined with several other ELCA Churches
at Lutherwood to help clean, paint, and landscape their facility. The CROP Walk will be Sunday,
October 18 at Christian Theological Seminary.
Adult Education: John Todd will lead a group taking an Old Testament class on Wednesday evenings in
the lounge, using a video resource.
Youth & Family: The Sunday School year is off to a good start with the new room configuration.
Financial Update: A Capital Campaign summary was presented. A discussion was held on paying down
the capital campaign loan at the end of this calendar year; a decision will be made in December when the
amount of pledge money is known.
Old Business: Brent Hege will write a Blaze article on the Homeless Jesus Indy Bench. (November is
national Homeless Awareness Month). A discussion was held regarding the possibility of calling Jody
Winter (as a deaconess) instead of her being under her present status, a hired employee.
Pastor’s Report: Men’s Bible Study will continue on Friday mornings at 6:30. Evening Prayer services, by
ELCA rules, will be included in the weekly average attendance. Pastor will attend the Professional Leaders
Conference in September, and give a workshop in Cleveland in October.
New Business: A discussion was held concerning the Meridian Kessler office space. MKNA will vacate
their office by April 1. They may continue to hold their public meetings at Bethlehem should they so
desire.
Changes of Address
Adam & Kelly Horst, Becca, Josie Audrey & Chris Olry, Charlie
4456 N Park Ave
5696 Bruce Blvd
Indianapolis 46205
Noblesville 46062
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Courtney & Nick Vurva. Ben
14735 Redcliff Dr
Noblesville 46062
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bethlehem
Blaze
Indianapolis, IN
Permit No. 3660
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
526 E. 52nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
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Address Service Requested
Bethlehem’s Reason for Being
Bethlehem exists to provide a Word and Sacrament ministry to the Indianapolis community.
Bethlehem exists to promote healing.
Bethlehem exists to promote faith development.
Bethlehem exists to serve as a transforming arena.
Bethlehem exists to change the world as its members respond to the Spirit’s call.
Bethlehem exists to conduct an effective rather than a successful ministry.
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