March 2016 - Bethany Lutheran Church

MARCH 2016
THE JOURNEY TO LIGHT AND LIFE
During the month of March, we move from darkness to light and from death to life. In that way,
the season of Lent echoes the movement of the year from winter to spring. In March, the days
lengthen (the root word for “Lent”), and, in our part of the world, the signs of new life abound in
creation.
During Lent, the Christian Church reflects, in a spiritual way, on our movement as Christians
from darkness to light, and from death to life. We realize that, since we are sinful human beings (darkness), we are dependent on God for salvation and mercy (light). We also focus on
the suffering and death of Jesus Christ—which lead to the Resurrection of our Lord, and which
point to our hope of new and eternal life. One of the emphases of Lent is that we recall that we
have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus.
In the weeks ahead, the darkness of Lent will give way to the light of the Easter season. Our
journey will culminate in Holy Week with the crucifixion of Jesus, an act which brings us salvation before God. That journey will continue as the promise of God leads us into light and life.
We point to the Cross of Christ—on which Jesus died for the sake of humanity, and then we
point to the empty tomb. Maybe, to put it better, the cross and the empty tomb beckon to us!
We journey on the Lenten road to light and life. May God strengthen us all for that journey.
Pastor Loren D. Mai
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BETHANY CHURCH NEWS
Building on the Past – Confident in God’s Future – We Make Christ Known
THURSDAY, March 3, 2016
W/ELCA MEETING WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
2:00 pm Fellowship Hall
LEADER: Mim Johnson
HOSTESSES: March Birthday Group
PROGRAM: Pastor Loren Mai, Bible Study
SPECIAL OFFERING: Russian Missionaries
BRING: Bath Towel, 20" X 40" to 52" X 27"
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
World Day of Prayer is being observed Friday,
March 4, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Trinity United
Methodist Church, 224 South Main Street,
Lindsborg, Kansas
World Day of Prayer takes place internationally on the first Friday of March every year. In 2016 that will be March 4th. Celebrate in symbolic solidarity with women around the world!
The host country for WDP 2016 is Cuba. The women of Cuba call us to explore the depths of God’s love and accept the
invitation to receive the realm of God as a little child (Mark
10:13–16).
FIRST COMMUNION
Pre-Communion classes for youth in the 3rd grade and older who have not already had their first Communion began Feb. 21, 2016. Students have been meeting during the Sunday School hour at 9:00 a.m. There are still 2 classes left, March 6
and 20, to prepare for their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, March 24. A
letter was sent to parents and students with additional instructions. This is a big step
in the life of young Christians! Please pray for them!
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OUR LENTEN DISCIPLINE: OPEN MY LIFE, LORD
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 10. We are following the
Lenten road to Easter, which this year is March 27. The theme for our mid-week services in partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church is Open My Life, Lord. Following is
the schedule of remaining suppers and services:
Wednesday, March 2 5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Supper at Bethany (Mexico Mission)
Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany
Bethany-Messiah Youth lead the service
Theme: Open My Ears, Lord
Supper at Messiah (Messiah Fellowship)
Holden Evening Prayer at Messiah
Phillip Hett preaching
Theme: Open My Heart, Lord
Supper at Bethany (Bethany Council)
Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany
Pastor Rachael Pryor preaching
Theme: Open My Life, Lord
Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), Worship at 8:00 and 10:30 a. m.
March 20
Special service:
“Cry of the Whole Congregation.”
A Musical Celebration of the Music
of Dr. Walter L. Pelz
3:00 pm at Presser Hall
Maundy Thursday 5:00 and 7:00 p. m. Maundy Thursday Services of Holy
March 24
Communion at Bethany Church
Good Friday Service
March 25
12:15 p. m.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Host
Bach's St. Matthew's Passion
7:30 p.m. at Presser Hall
Day of Resurrection Festive Easter Services with Holy Communion
March 27
8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Youth will serve Easter Brunch
from 8:45 a. m. until 10:15 a. m.
Handel's Messiah Performance
3:00 p. m. at Presser Hall
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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
LIBRARY CORNER
A SPECIAL LENTEN/EASTER OFFERING
Lenten Reading Suggestions
FOR BETHANY COLLEGE
We have a number of excellent books in our
church library for your reading enjoyment
during Lent.
The Lenten-Easter Offering this year
is designated for Bethany College
Grace, Faith, and the Power of Singing by
Karen Humphrey
and must be especially indicated as
such on the offering envelope. Write
Reliving the Passion: Meditations on the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus as
Recorded in Mark by Walter Wangerin, Jr
on the check or the envelope "for
Bethany College".
Bethany College
began here in this church in 1881.
A Book of Lent with Daily Devotions by Victor
E. Beck and Paul M. Lindberg
What would Lindsborg be without
Tea Time with God by W. B. Freeman
Bethany??
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and
Charles V. King
Prayerfully consider our
shared legacy.
Thank you and may
Browse through the #240s section of our
library for more choices.
God Bless us all!
BOLD WOMEN'S
DAY
Thank You Note
January 27, 2016
Four women from Bethany
W/ELCA attended the Bold Women's Day
led by Kathy Regehr and Trinity Lutheran
Churchwomen in McPherson, Ks. on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. Those attending
were Rozann Cedarholm, Cristina Armbruster, Marilyn Youngquist, and Darlene
Handlin. Activities included a luncheon, a
foot and back massage, an art class, yoga,
and a serenity room. In the afternoon
Kathy Voth from Hutchinson, spoke about
"Words Are Important". She emphasized eye contact, smiles, greetings, using
people's names, praise, humor, and laughing at yourself!
--Darlene Handlin
Dear Bethany Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your generous gift of $451.10!
Your gift will be used to further the mission of
Camp Tomah Shinga by "Providing opportunities for all ages to experience Christ's love,
grow in faith, and to serve God!! Your continued support granted fifteen scholarships to families last year that were unable
to pay the full amount to come to camp as
well! We are dedicated to providing exceptional programs for people of all ages and with
your support we are able to continue growing
and fulfilling our mission!
Peace, Ben Fulton, Executive Director of
Camp Tomah Shinga
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March Birthdays
& Baptisms
BIRTHDAYS:
Ed Leonard
03/25
Joshua Allbright
03/18
Darlene Martin Gadson 03/01
Eugene Peterson
03/25
Hollie Blomberg
03/18
Dorene Schultz
03/01
Katherine Emler
03/26
Taytum Reed
03/18
Ty McCullough
03/02
Sheila Leonard
03/26
Elma (Mim) Johnson
03/19
Betty Nelson
03.02
Pearl Christenson
03/27
Ann Mason
03/19
June Schnitker
03/02
Mary Jean Peterson
03/27
Leah Kuntz
03/20
Dave Crouse
03/03
Stephanie Wessel
03/27
Julie Ann Neywick
03/21
Julia Train
03/03
Jennifer Comeaux
03.29
Johanna Swenson
03/21
Joyce Shields
03/04
Lorraine Emler
03/29
Betty Berggren
03.22
Gary Shogren
03/05
Kelsey Kagle
03/29
Kristine Isaacson
03.22
Joy Everhart
03/06
Beth Crouse
03/30
Genevieve Landgren
03/22
Cameron Carlson
03/08
Tucker Dauer
03/30
Alexus Patterson
03/22
Ruby Peters
03/08
Cynthia Leroy
03/31
Memphis Patterson
03/22
Danelle Johnson
03/10
Marjorie M. Shogren
03/31
Mary Ann Chambers
03/23
Dorothy Bengtson
03/11
Susan Lundstrom
02/23
Ryan DuMars
03/11
BAPTISMS:
Carole Rasmusson
03/23
James Roraback
03/11
Jane Holwerda
03/01
Joyce Shields
03/23
Cody Whetstone
03/11
Carl Isaacson
03/01
Dan Brunsell
03/25
Nancy Lysell
03/13
Timothy Rasmusson
03/01
Bruce Harding
03.26
Jonathan Reinecker
03/13
Warren Webster
03/01
Jessica Kelling
03/26
Vance Eckstrom
03/14
Gail Albrecht
03/02
Landvis Nelson
03.26
Ann Johnson
03/14
Nancy Johnson
03/03
Terri Nelson
03/26
Alexia Murray
03/14
Mary Jean Peterson
03/03
Jan Buchanan
03/27
Jay Pearson
03/14
Jodie Miller
03/05
Don Ferguson
03/27
Rachel Sims
03/14
Marilyn Youngquist
03/08
Jade Hudson
03/27
Mary Roraback
03/15
Richard Johnson
03/09
Lauren Hudson
03/27
August Brunsell
03/16
Bernice Peel
03/09
Jaryl Hudson
03/28
Jane Davis Glock
03/16
Jane Brunsell
03/10
Jolene Reese
03/28
Adalyn Gustus
03/16
Dale Patrick
03/10
Josette Alexander
03.29
Drew Nelson
03/17
Aaron Esping
03/11
Troy Harding
03.29
Rachel Bickford
03/18
Debra Randall
03/12
Joy Everhart
03.30
Maggie Anderson
03/19
Olivia Mader
03/13
Jay Pearson
03/30
Warren Webster
03/20
Trey Lindsey
03.14
Angie Howe
03/31
Darrell Malpert
03/21
Kathy Olson
03/14
Courtney Howe
03/31
Jax Charlson
03/22
Avery VanDerWege
03/14
Lauren Loder
03/31
Avery Kruckenberg
03/24
Richard Nelson
03/15
Willard Polson II
03/31
Ron Michael
03/24
James Palmquist
03/15
Robert Brandt
03/25
Jane Davis Glock
03/16
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GLOBAL MISSIONS & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
GLOBAL MISSIONS
Please note that the offering envelopes
enclosed in the January Beacon are for
the support of the MAASAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania,
Africa. Those receiving the Beacon electronically will find envelopes for the MASSAE Girls Secondary School on the Global Missions table in Trinity Hall. This emphasis will continue through March 2016.
Please give generously!
Lutheran World Relief: BASKETS OF PROMISE
This Lenten season we will again be collecting items for “Baskets of Promise.” Please bring an
item or two for Personal Care Kits each Sunday during Lent. Each kit contains:

a bath towelBath Towels need to be from 20" X 40" to 52" X 27"

2-4oz. bars of bath soap

a toothbrush

a nail file/clippers

a sturdy wide-tooth comb
Please put the items in the tubs at the East
entrance of Trinity Hall. Thanks so much for
your support of LWR.
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Your Stephen Ministers – Your Neighbors
Bethany Lutheran has so many faithful members. How fortunate we are. As we work and
pray, care for and worship with one another, we work to fulfill God’s plan for us to love our
neighbors.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was thinking about that idea, the notion of loving our neighbors.
It seems simple enough. Surrounded by people who share our values, our ideas, our language, it’s painless to value our neighbors. It’s a small challenge to love those who are like
us. Homogenous communities seem to have less conflict if only because harmony is easier
when the community shares many commonalities.
It’s more difficult to love those who see life differently and live in opposition to our ideas
about how life should be lived. What do we do when we find ourselves living among those
with whom we have little in common, those with whom we bear serious disagreements?
Are we still asked to “love our neighbors?” As Christian men and women, do we get to
choose to love our neighbors?
So, perhaps we can think about it another way. If we can turn it around, maybe the idea can
look a little different. How about, instead of thinking about our neighbors and their many
differences, we become a neighbor. If we are the neighbor, how will we behave? Will it
matter who dwells next door? If we are the neighbors, how will we speak? Does our language change depending on who is down the block? Will we still offer kindness? Will we
promote love and harmony? Will we welcome others? Will we still attempt to be the face of
Jesus?
At Bethany, our Stephen Ministers show every day that they are the neighbors. No matter
who needs care, who is hurting, who is reaching out for help, our Stephen Ministers wear
the “neighbor” badge, working to comfort, to listen and to share God’s love. The focus is not
on judging the neighbors next door, but to be the neighbor who offers a helping hand and a
listening, compassionate ear.
-- Holly Johnson
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Bethany Lutheran Church Council-Minutes of January 13, 2016
Present: Inge Esping, Mike Dreier, Brandie Nelson, Tom DeWitt , James E. Nelson, Justin Mader, Mary Parker, Merle Larson, Joy
Everhart, Josh Nelson, Amy Roraback, Terri Nelson, Matt Stula, Kathey Bengtson, Pastor Mai
Absent: Lois Larson, Marlin Johnson, Phil Hett
Devotions were given by Pastor Mai.
Minutes and Financial Report
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. It was MSC to approve the minutes as written.
Matt Stula reviewed the financials for December and 2015 year end. Contributions during December were approximately $3,000 less
than budgeted. Contributions for 2015 were approximately $10,900 less than budgeted. Expenses for December were approximately $650 over budget. Expenses for 2015 remained roughly $6,200 under budget. Total income for 2015 was approximately $9,000
less than 2014. Total expenses for 2015 were approximately $9,800 less than 2014. The savings on expenses combined with the
drop in giving puts us approximately $4,700 negative for the year. It was MSC to approve the financial report as attached.
Informational Reports
Pastor's report is attached. Pastor has made several hospital visits in Kansas City, McPherson, Salina and Lindsborg. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Services which will again be in conjunction with Messiah Church. Pastor is doing marital counseling for two
couples who will be married in 2016 at Bethany Church on April 16 and September 3. Pastor will be singing in Handel's Messiah
which begins practice on January 24. The Bishop and his staff will meet with our Area Ministry February 21 and 22 at Camp Tomah
Shinga.
The Global Mission Committee met January 4. Final plans were discussed for Global Mission Sunday on January 31. Pastor Gary
Teske has agreed to be here as the minister and lead the morning forum. A bake sale will be held that day along with a potluck with
proceeds from the bake sale going to the Mexico Mission Trip. Phil Hett advised that the Lenten offering on February 17 will go towards the Mexico trip. An up-date letter regarding the ministry in Russia was read from Pastor Brockman.
Old Business
Messiah Lutheran Church will have two interims sharing the pastoral duties for the next several months, Amy Pryor and Rev. David
Carlson.
Christmas Services were well attended. Pastor Humphrey served as guest Pastor for Annandag Jul. 44 attended the Swedish service.
New Business
Election of Church Council Officers-Nominations from the floor were opened. Brandie Nelson was the only nominee for President of
Council. It was MSC that Brandie be elected President. Nominations from the floor were opened for Vice-President. Merle Larson was nominated . It was MSC that Merle Larson be elected to serve as vice-president. Kathey Bengtson will continue to
serve as Secretary, Matt Stula will serve as Treasurer and Carolyn Gibson will serve as Financial Secretary.
Boy Scout Representative-Justin Mader will serve as the Boy Scout Representative on Council.
Response Team-Donna Ruble and David Norlin currently serve on this committee. It was suggested we add a 3rd person. Amy
Roraback will serve as the 3rd person on the committee.
There have been some additional fund bequests to Bethany Church from the C.J. Christensen Memorial. Discussion followed on the
use of the funds. It was MSC that the funds be designated to the youth program, 1/2 to the general youth fund and 1/2 to the
Youth Gathering Trip Fund.
There have been requests for transfers out for Andrew and Leighanne Loges, Norman, Donna and Amy Dauer and Larry and Kathy
Johnson effective December 31. It was MSC to approve the transfers.
Budget for 2016-Matt presented the budget for review as submitted by the Finance Committee. Matt went thru the changes in the
budget as attached and discussion followed. It was MSC to approve the budget as submitted.
Approval of Facilities Use-The Swedish Dancers have submitted a Facilities request for a pancake feed on March 20. It was MSC to
approve the request as submitted.
First Time Discussion
Annual Meeting, January 31. Reports were due on January 4.
Installation of Council Officers will be at both services on January 17.
New Council Members will have training for Communion Ushering and Offering Transfer following the meeting tonight.
Gretchen will be putting together Council notebooks for New Council Members. Kathey will write an email to outgoing members to
remind them to return their notebooks to the Church office.
A committee sign-up sheet was passed around for Council Members to re-sign up for the current committee and for new council
members to sign up for a committee.
Ordination Anniversaries to be celebrated this year are Vance Eckstrom and Phil Youngquist. Pastor will talk with them and set dates.
Bethany Church will need voting members for Synod Assembly to be held in Wichita June 2-4. Josh Nelson and Amy Roraback expressed interest in attending.
Lenten Schedule-Ash Wednesday is February 10. Weekly Lenten services will be supper at 5:45 and the service at 6:30.
Lenten offering and Easter Offering Designations-It was MSC that the Offerings for Lent and Easter services be designated to
Bethany College.
Council has been ask to serve the Lenten supper on March 16 at Bethany Church. Last year it was hot dogs, chips and cupcakes or
cookies.
The next Executive meeting will be on Monday, February 1 and the next Council meeting will be Wednesday, February 10.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathey Bengtson, Secretary
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The BLC and MLC youth have had a great couple of months! We had a very successful Chili Cook
off in January making almost $800 toward Youth Quake. We had a wonderful turn out at the Valentine Coffee in early February and we had an amazing turn out at Youth Quake on Valentine’s Day
weekend! We took 18 kiddos to Wichita and had a wonderful experience listening to speakers and
a band, making new friends and praising God. The High School students also served two Lenten
meals in February.
As I am sure you know, Easter is in March this year, but we still have quite a few things planned.
The Lenten service on March 2 will be a youth service. We also plan to take kids to Winter
Jam, a Christian Rock concert on March 11. As always, we will take a break on the Sunday preceding spring break. We will also not have youth group on Palm Sunday or Easter so that students can spend time with their families. The youth group will be serving brunch on Easter
morning.
All of these amazing things could not have happened without the love and support of our BLC and
MLC congregations. We are so appreciative of all the things you do to support these wonderful
kiddos!
Easter Blessings
Jeanne & Phil
YOU ARE INVITED . . .
THE SMOKY VALLEY W/ELCA
CLUSTER 11B GATHERING
Saturday, APRIL 2, 2016
@ MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
9 am to 1:30 pm COST IS $5 (INCLUDES LUNCH)
AND THE DANCE GOES ON...FOREVER
"LET EVERYTHING PRAISE THE LORD" Ps. 150:1-6
Bible Study by Pastor Rachel Pryor, Messiah's Interim Pastor
Please RSVP by March 28 (day after Easter) to Mary Lindgren 785-227-2640 or to Sharon
Hoffman 620-712-9113. Babysitting will be provided...let us know the age of your children.
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HOLY WEEK: MUSIC ART THEATRE
The Bethany Oratorio Society has been performing Handel’s “Messiah” since 1882, and Bach’s “Passion…” since
1929. During Holy Week each year in Lindsborg, the more
than 300 member community chorus and orchestra are
joined by five professional operatic guest soloists.
Guest soloists for this year’s concerts include: Anders Jalkéus,
(brother of Charlotte Anderson, Lindsborg, KS), bass; Alison
Collins, soprano; Clea Huston, mezzo; Randolph Lacy, tenor;
Leslie John Flanagan, baritone; Brian Stranghoner, tenor.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 18 & 19
Theatre Production of Lucas Hnath's new play: "The Christians"
7:30 pm @ Burnett Center; Tickets at the door, $15
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Opening of the Juried Student Art Exhibit
Mingenback Gallery at the Mingenback Art Center
Open daily, March 20-27
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20
"A Musical Celebration of Dr. Walter L. Pelz"
Nationally renowned Composer & Church Organist
3:00 pm in Presser Hall
GOOD FRIDAY, March 25
J. S. Bach's "Passion According to St. Matthew"
7:30 pm in Presser Hall
EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 27
Handel's "Messiah"
3:00 pm in Presser Hall
Tickets are $22 or $25 for each concert, and are on sale now at www.messiahfestival.org or
by calling the Festival office at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8229.
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MARCH 2016 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PAGE
Easter - We celebrate the day of Easter on March 27; however, Easter lasts more than one day.
In fact, the season of Easter is celebrated from Easter Sunday to the Day of Pentecost, a
week of weeks-fifty days in all. Easter is the oldest festival of the church year. The Great Fifty
Days has been celebrated much longer than some other liturgical seasons, like Advent and Lent.
The color of Easter is white and the symbols associated with the season are beautiful and bright.
Everything about the celebration points to the glorious resurrection of Jesus. (“Before and After
Easter” by Debbie Trafton O’Neal)
Schedule for Easter – Children’s Sunday School classes will be held from 9:00 – 9:45 on Easter.
At 9:30 the three year olds – 6th graders will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Preschoolers are also
invited; parents are invited to join the fun. Please send a basket for your child. After the egg
hunt at 9:45, all families are invited to the Easter Brunch served by the youth group.
We are using the Spark Classroom curriculum for our three year olds through 6th grades; this series walks through key Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories each year, in a two-year
cycle. The New Testament stories are presented in the winter and spring quarters.
March 6
March 13
March 20
March 27
Jesus Feeds 5,000
The Greatest Commandment
Holy Week
The Empty Tomb
John 6:1-14
Matthew 22:34 – 46
Matthew 21:1-11, 26:17-30
Matthew 28:1-10
Come to the Adult Forums, Fellowship Hall, 9:05 each Sunday. Come learn something new!
March 6
The Messiah Festival of Arts
Ericka Kruckenberg
March 13, 20
TBA
March 27
No Forum due to the Easter Brunch
Camp Tomah Shinga – now is the time to think of summer camp. Camp registrations are available from Joyce Peterson. Registration is also available on line. www.camptomahshinga.com.
Bethany will pay half of the cost of camp. Parents are asked to register their child, pay the deposit and then let Joyce know the specific week of camp.
Confirmation Camp – All 6th and 7th graders are invited to attend Confirmation Camp as a class
during the week of June 26 – July 1. Please let Joyce or Phil know if your youth will attend.
Thrivent Action Team Grants – All Thrivent members are eligible for these grants. Our Mexico
trip received one for “house fixtures and electrical wiring”. Applications are on line and easy to fill
out. You receive a kit and debit card in the mail to use. If you’re a Thrivent member consider applying for a grant for some worthy cause. If you have questions about the process, check with
Joyce!
K.I.C.K. has moved to Messiah Lutheran this semester! We are in the fourth quarter of KICK.
We are happy to offer a new art class this quarter. We are so thankful for all our volunteers. 65 70 children participate each week in KICK. Extra help is always needed in the kitchen and in board
games, if you can help, please let us know. If you have a craft or hobby you would like to share,
please let us know.
Mexico Moment - We are excited to make our 3rd
trip to Puerto Penasco this year, March 11-19, 2016.
There will be a Soup Supper served as a Mexico
Fundraiser on March 2. Check out the display in
Trinity Hall and the “clothesline” of building needs.
Submitted by Joyce Peterson, Christian Ed Director, 227 2201, [email protected]
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A WORD FROM PHIL
Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
This semester, one of the classes I am taking at Luther Seminary is called Forgiveness, Reconciliation
and Healing. It is a very engaging class on a topic that is difficult at times but so imperative to our faith. Forgiveness is a common topic within the church, yet sometimes its very meaning and implication is elusive. In
other words we talk often about forgiveness, yet we find it so easy to forgive others. This is human nature.
As Christians we must ask ourselves, do we forgive others as Christ first forgave us?
To understand this question, we must first look at what it means that Christ first forgave us. Our faith
is not contingent on us forgiving others. Our entry into heaven is not based on any works we do including forgiving others. For as Paul wrote in Romans 3:28, “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from
works prescribed by the law.” God commands us to forgive others, yet God’s forgiveness came first. So,
even if we do not forgive others, even if we perform no acts of the law, we are still justified by our faith. While
we were still sinners, we received God’s forgiveness. In the proclamation of the Word and celebration of the
Sacrament, God declares the promise of forgiveness. We are justified, accepted, by God because of what
God has done in Christ and through the Holy Spirit in spite of our shortcomings.
All we do in the name of Christ, all works of love, flow from God’s grace. God poured out love and
forgiveness on the cross so we can then love and forgive others in God’s name. This is the foundation of the
Lutheran Confessions and the basis of Martin Luther’s theology, a theology which our church professes. God
alone saves through grace, not anything of our own doing. So, why do we do works at all? Why forgive our
neighbors when our works alone, our forgiveness alone, does not glorify God and in doing so we receive no
eternal gain? In response to this, Martin Luther wrote In the Freedom of the Christian, “works, being inanimate things, cannot glorify God, although they can, if faith is present, be done to the glory of God.” We are
called to do all things to the glory of God. Quite simply, we forgive because Christ first forgave us.
So, ask yourself this, do you need to forgive? Are you glorifying God with your works of love? It is a
tough question that needs an honest approach. Do not perform good works, do not forgive those who have
wronged you because you are required to or simply because it is the right thing to do. No, do so as an imitation of Christ’s forgiving grace to you. All of our works of love, including our ability to forgive others, flows
from God’s grace.
--Phil Hett
CHURCH HISTORY
Among the early settlers in the Lindsborg area we find the name of Dr. John Rundstrom who, with his
wife Maria and infant daughter Inez, arrived in 1869 from Water Valley, Mississippi. Rundstrom was a medical doctor, born, educated and trained in Sweden.
On March 1, 1870, Kansas Governor Harvey appointed three men to organize the new county of
McPherson, Dr. John Rundstrom as Special County Clerk, and John H. Johnson and Samuel D. Shields as
Special County Commissioners. Rundstrom’s duties were to record the division of the county into townships
and supervise holding an election in each one to determine the location of the county seat, and to elect officials. Rundstrom was elected County Coroner.
Dr. Rundstrom homesteaded two miles south and a half mile west of Coronado Heights. He conducted his medical practice from his home. Daniel Gottfrid who was a young boy at the time recalled that the
doctor often rode an Indian pony bareback when he made house calls. He would secure the horse by closing
the door of the house he entered on the reins. He also made house calls at Marquette.
Mrs. Rundstrom died in 1876 or 1877, leaving the doctor with two young girls, Inez born in 1869 and
Ellen born in 1873. In the 1880’s Rundstrom erected a fine new home on his land. (Gilbert and Irene
Bengtson raised their sons John and Don there).
Dr. Rundstrom was a welcomed singer in Bethany Church’s Choir, especially since he and Pastor &
Mrs. Olsson were the only ones who could read musical notes. In 1882 Dr. Rundstrom was a member of the
chorus when the performance of Handel's “Messiah” was presented for the first time in Lindsborg.
Dr. John Rundstrom spent some years in Sharon Springs, Kansas, and at a sugar cane settlement in
the country of Cuba. Finally, he moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, where he died in 1921 at the age of 80. His
daughter Inez was the first female graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She was a professor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota from 1895 into the 1940’s. Pastor Anton Nelson,
former pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, commented that Dr. Inez Rundstrom was his favorite teacher at
St. Peter. John Rundstrom’s second daughter, Ellen, was a music teacher. She and her husband had five
children and organized a family orchestra. They lived in Lindstrom, Minnesota. --Charlotte Ternstrom
13
SERVING BETHANY CHURCH IN MARCH
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Ushers
Ushers
Acolytes
Nursery
10:30 am
10:30 am
SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016
Bill & Jan Ferguson
Karl & Wanda Esping
Dan & Katie Hawkinson
Ty & Trayton Miller
Grant Lysell-Alkire
Acolytes
Nursery
SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016
Ushers
Jolene Reese & Ervalene Johnson
Ushers
Mark & Nancy Lysell
Daryl & Marie Shields
Matt & Karen Clark
10:30 am
McKinley Johnson & Avery VanDerWege
10:30 am
Ty Miller
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Ushers
Ushers
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Acolytes
SUNDAY MARCH 20, PALM SUNDAY 2016
Ron & Jan Michael
Ron Rolander, Dan Norden
Brandon & Brandie Nelson
Bruce Harding, Alan Leaf
10:30 am
Grant Lysell-Alkire & Bruster Bengtson
Nursery
10:30 am
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Ushers
Ushers
Acolytes
Nursery
10:30 am
10:30 am
8:00 am
10:30 am
Sacristans:
Altar Guild:
Ushers
Ushers
MARCH
MARCH
Offering Transfer: 8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Zack Andersen
SUNDAY MARCH 27, EASTER SUNDAY 2016
Jim & Cindy Copple
Nate Woodard, Warren Webster
Merle & Terri Nelson
Joel Woodard, Shannon Everhart
Jessica Kelling & Helayne Mader
Bruster Bengtson
5TH SUNDAY
Mary & Jim Parker
Darrell & Janet Malpert
Dirk Durant
Willis & Lois Larson
Jay & Lorraine Emler
Susan Lundstrom and Karen Carlson
Marlin Johnson & Tom DeWitt
Justin Mader & Mike Dreier
Communion Ushers: Inge Esping, Amy Rorabach, Terri Nelson, Merle Larson
Ushers: Please hand out bulletins, count the attendance accurately, and help to collect the
offering. IF you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, PLEASE CONTACT SOMEONE
IN THAT CATEGORY AND MAKE A TRADE. Please call the church office by noon on Thursday so that changed information can be included in the bulletin.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SERVING YOUR CHURCH!!!
14
Sun
Mon
MARCH
2016
 EASTER
EGG HUNT
MARCH 27
9:30 am
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING , GRADES
PRE-3 YR
THRU 6TH
Tue
8:30 am Prayer
Group
Prayer
2 pm W/ELCA,
FH
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry,
MLR
ska Vänskapsgruppen, MLR
2 pm WORLD
DAY OF PRAYER @ Trinity
Methodist
7 am Men's Bible
Study @ Bethany Home
4:30 pm Outreach
7 pm Bach
Rehearsal
3:30 pm KICK @
MLC
5:45 pm Lenten Meal
@Bethany
6:30 pm Lenten Service @ Bethany
7:30 pm Men's Choir
9
10
1111 am
12
8 am SVHS
Prayer
9 am Piece Artists
7:00 TACOL @
Covenant
Church
7-8 pm Women's Bible
Study@ White
Peacock
SVENSKA
VÄNSKAPSGRUPPEN &
AMER. SCAN.
ASSOC.
PROGRAM &
POTLUCK, FH
7 am Men's Bible
Study @ Bethany Home
17
18
19
9:30 am Naomi
Circle
10 am Svenska
Vänskapsgruppen, MLR
7 am Men's Bible
Study @ Bethany Home
1-3 pm Dress
Rehearsal Pelz
Musical Celebration
8
11 am Staff
8:30 am Prayer
Group
SAVINGS TIME
BEGINS
11 am Staff
7 pm Property
Committee
8 am Worship
9 am Sunday School
9 am Forum, FH
9:45 am Coffee, FH
10:30 am Worship
3 pm Messiah Rehearsal
20
MEXICO
21
8 am Worship
11 am Staff
9 am Sunday School
9 am Forum, FH
9 am 1st Comm Class
9:45 am Coffee, FH
10:30 am Worship
11-1:30 pm Swedish
Dancer Pancake Meal 6:30 pm Messiah Dress
Rehearsal
3 pm Walter L. Pelz
Musical Celebration 7 pm Boy
@ Presser Hall
Scouts, FH
2 pm Library
Committee
7 pm Bach
Rehearsal
ARTICLES
DUE
WINTER JAM
MEXICO
9:30 am Sarah Circle
8:30 am Prayer
NO KICK
Group@ River5:45
pm
Lenten Meal
view Estates in
@
Bethany
Marquette
1:30 pm Visitation 6:30 pm Lenten
Service @ Bethany
7:30 pm Chancel
7:30-9:30 pm
Choir, MLR
Bach
7:15 pm Miriam CirRehearsal
cle, FH Kitchen
2 pm Rebecca
Circle @ Bethany Home
22
23
24 8 am
2510 am
26
8:30 am Prayer
Group
SVHS Prayer
6 pm Men's
Choir
MAUNDY
THURSDAY
SERVICES @
3:30 pm KICK@ MLC
5 pm & 7 pm
NO KICK MEAL
Svenska
Vänskapsgruppen, MLR
12:15 pm
7 am Men's Bible
Study @ Bethany Home
7-9 pm Bach
Rehearsal
7 pm Bach Dress
Rehearsal
7:30 pm St. Matthew's Passion
@ Presser Hall
29
30
28
8 am Worship
Communion
8:45-10:15 am
Easter Brunch, FH
10:30 am Worship/
Communion
3 pm Messiah Performance Presser Hall
9 am Handy8:30 am Prayer
man Committee Group
7 pm Boy
Scouts, FH
3:30 pm KICK @
MLC
5:45 pm Lenten Meal
@ Bethany
6:30 pm Lenten Service @ MLC
7 pm Christian Ed
7:30 pm Chancel
Choir, MLR
8 pm Church Council
15 BEACON 16
27 
11 am Staff
Sat
3 8 am SVHS 4 10 am Sven- 5
7
13 DAYLIGHT 14
Fri
2
Communion
9 am Sunday School
9 am 1st Comm Class
9 am Forum, FH
10:30 am Worship/
Communion
11:45 am Christian Ed
Appreciation Dinner
6-8 pm Messiah
Rehearsal
6-7 pm HS youth @
MLC
6:30 pm Global
Missions
7 pm Boy
Scouts
Thus
1
6 8 am Worship/
6 pm Stewardship/Finance
Wed
31
8 am SVHS
3:30 pm KICK@ MLC Prayer
5:45 pm KICK Meal
6:30 pm Confirmation Class @ MLC
7 pm Men's Choir,
MLR
15
MEXICO
MISSION
COMES
HOME
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry,
MLR
TACOL GOOD
FRIDAY SERVICE
@ Bethany
BETHANY LUTHERAN
CHURCH
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
320 N MAIN
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LINDSBORG, KS 67456
LINDSBORG KS 67456
PERMIT NO. 04
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
THE BETHANY BEACON
A monthly publication of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS 67456
Church: (785) 227-2167 [email protected]
VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE: http://blclindsborg.org
MARCH
2016
Issue No. 3
Bethany Church Council
Bethany Staff
Rev. Loren Mai, Pastor Home (785) 227-2807
[email protected]
Phil Hett Lay Associate Cell (620)212-3931
[email protected]
Gretchen Esping
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Butch Gibson
Building Manager
Joyce Peterson
Christian Ed
[email protected]
Matt Stula
Treasurer
[email protected]
Carolyn Gibson
Financial Secretary
[email protected]
Genevieve Bishop
Organist
Leah Ann Anderson
Men’s Choir
Steve Gustafson
Chancel Choir
Lori Nelson
Children’s Choir
Amy Roraback…………………………………..227-8430
James E. Nelson...................................227-3639
Tom DeWitt.........................................227-3735
Justin Mader...........……………….............212-1111
Joy Everhart.........................................227-2121
Marlin Johnson…………………..…………....227-3920
Mary Parker…………………………………… ..227-2623
Merle Larson…………………………………....227-7046
Terri Nelson………………………………….…..227-2578
Josh Nelson……………………………………...227-2555
Kathey Bengtson (Sec.)………………….... 227-2615
Mike Dreier…………………………..………....227-5525
Matt Stula (Tres.)……………………... 913-485-0444
Brandie Nelson ………...……………… 785-817-2119
Inge Esping ……………………...………..620-213-2992
Lois Larson …………………………...…………..227-2681
Pastor Loren Mai…………………...…..……..227-2807
16