Chimes

The following people have volunteered to sponsor a coffee hour during the month of

February:

2/ 3 Kris Suckow & Bob & Dorothy Waldo

2/10 – Conner’s & Thelma Hurd

2/17 – Barto’s & Hensler’s

2/24 – Rydes & Dick Olson

* * * * *

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS

The following people are schedules to work in the

Nursery the month of February:

2/ 3 – Shelly Lauth & Andrea LaBella

2/10 - Keri Bockenhauer & Noalyn Martin

2/17 - Kris Suckow & Anne Ritter

2/24 – Dianna Bush & Isaac Zarecki

* * * * * *

Listed below are the people scheduled to serve as Communion Assistants during the month of February:

2/ 3 – Frank Gauger & Deb Hensler

2/10 – Pam Schilling & Tom Parrish

2/17 – LuAnn & David Peterson

2/24 – Clark Cupery & Elayne Hanson

* * * * * *

GREETERS for the month of February are:

2/ 3 – Wayne & Bev Johnson

2/10 – Jeff Johnson

2/17 – Marj Margelowsky

2/24 – Howard & Dee Rasmussen

Sermon Broadcast

The sermons broadcast on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. on Radio Station WPDR AM 1350 are being

sponsored this month by:

2/ 3 – Joan VonHaden

2/10 – Paul & Dorothy Weber

2/17 – Roger & Ginny Sheimo

2/24 – Howard & Dee Rasmussen

Just a reminder that the $33 for the sermon broadcasts should now be sent to the church office. Please use the envelopes in the narthex marked “Sermon Broadcast”, and be sure to indicate the date of the broadcast that you are submitting payment for.

* * * * * * *

CHANCEL FLOWERS

The following people will be supplying our flowers

during the month of February:

2/ 3 – Paul & Dorothy Weber to the Glory of God.

February 10^th is the first Sunday in Lent. No flowers are placed in the chancel during Lent. This follows an ancient practice which dresses down the sanctuary during the season of Lent, a time of austerity, purification, and spiritual cleansing. Blossoms reappear on Easter morn in joyful abundance as we announce the resurrection of our new life in Christ.

* * * * * * *

Listed below is the Acolyte schedule for the month of February:

2/ 3 – Teagan Olson & Matthew Peterson

Runner – Paige Ringelstetter

2/10 – Holly Boaz & Lauren Gaffney

Runner – Leah Barto

2/17 – Kenny Jones & Kyle Kjorlie

Runner – Gabby Kroening

2/24 – Marcus Thompson & Josh Smythe

Runner – Amy Ryde

With Christian Sympathy, we remember the family and friends of Amy Sampson who passed away

on January 15^th.

“Rest eternal grant them O Lord, and let

light perpetual shine upon them.”

* * * * *

Trinity Ann Weyh, daughter of Paul Weyh and Michelle Farnsworth was baptized on Sunday, January 13^th, Makensey Rhae Miller, daughter of Brandon Miller and Heather Hoel was baptized on Sunday, January 20, and Drydin Ray Canard, son of Nathan Canard and Dawn

Smith was baptized on Sunday, January 27^th.

Please remember Trinity, Makensey and

Dryden in your prayers.

* * * * *

The quilters have returned after their

winter holiday.

As spring approaches and we sort things in our linen closets, please remember the quilters. We can use those discarded blankets and sheets. They add an extra lining to the quilts. If the blankets are

lightly used, we send them “as is”.

I want to thank the many people that contribute to this cause. We have people who sew, cut squares,

assemble fronts, backs and middles and finish.

We contribute these quilts to local needs as well as

needs around the world.

Thank you all,

Dorothy Waldo

P.S. We can always use new people!

OFFERING ENVELOPES

The 2008 Offering Envelopes are in the narthex. If you have not already picked yours up, please do so

as soon as possible!

* * * * *

Thank you to Dennis Benson for keeping our parking lot plowed this past snowy month!

Nifty Fifty Plus: Meets Sunday, February 24^th at 4:00 p.m. for potluck supper. Bring a dish to pass and your own eating utensils. Euchre and games to follow. If you have not yet attended one of these evenings, why not give it a try. We do have a lot of fun and you get to meet not only your fellow church members but many people from the community as well. The only thing we require is that you wear a smile!

In October, 2003 the Prayer Chain was initiated here at Bethlehem with about 24 members participating. Our duties are simple – we pray for the sick, those having surgery or in the hospital, the shut-ins, families of the deceased and those needing a little encouragement as they face turmoil in their lives. We also pray for joyous occasions; weddings, births, baptisms, confirmations, for promotions and new

jobs.

If you are in need of prayer, we are here to pray with you and for you. As we begin 2008 we still have about 20 active members, but there is always room for more. Sometimes we cannot always participate as actively in the life of the congregation as we would like, but we can all pray. We believe that prayer changes things, and so I am praying that many of you will call me and say “I would like to be a member of the Prayer Chain. Tell me what to do.” I’ll be happy to include you in our roster of the

blessed.

Elayne Hanson,

Coordinator (742-2410)

Adult Education

Environment Committee Hosts Workshop

A congregational workshop on care of creation will conclude in February. February 3, we will focus on what we as a church family can do and the final session will look at what we as individuals can do. The class meets during the Sunday School hour in the fellowship hall. Thank you to Tim Peterson for leading this class.

Chaos, Captivity, Futility and Loss –

The Four Horsemen of Depression

Have you ever wondered about the root causes of depression? Why are there some days or weeks you feel more than a little blue? During these winter duldrums and this season of Lent it seems like the perfect time to learn about depression. Pastor Dick will be offering a four session class that will focus on the basic life experiences that lead to depression. The class will start February 17 and end March 9. We will meet in the fellowship hall during the Sunday School Hour.

Tuesday Text Study

At the Tuesday morning text study we look at the readings for the upcoming Wednesday and Sunday worship. Please make a point to join in the fellowship and learning as we help each other prepare for worship.

Evangelism Committee

\Would you like to be part of a group that helps to stimulate the revival of all members of the congregation in personal commitments to Christ and to reach others and attach them to Christ’s Church. We assist Pastor with new member orientations and act as welcoming committee when new members join church, publish church ads in local paper on holidays and other special occasions, select slogans for the church sign, working on making Gift-based Ministry a reality, revise and print the “What’s

Happen’” and “Welcome” booklets, etc. Committee members serve a three year term and meet monthly at the church. If interested in being on committee please call church office 742-8502 or one of the committee members- Brenda Ertl 589-5760, Charlotte Gilman 297-7820, Sandy Pate 742-9937, Janice Peterson 742-2010, Frank Grossmann 742-4660.

Volunteering? Who Me?

It goes without saying many people are needed to bring about and make happen “ God’s Family, Serving Christ with Love”. I see it every Sunday when I come to church; the ushers, the organists, the nursery attendants, the Acolytes, the communion assistants, the choir, the Praise Team, the Sunday School teachers and helpers, the reader’s, the Altar Guild who fill ALL those little cups, the janitor to make sure we are warm & clean, the church secretary who types the bulletin, the Coffee Hour hostess, the person who plows the snow, the confirmation students who fill the pew with pencils, and Oh Yeh- the Pastor. Have I missed anyone? If I have it’s out of ignorance, forgive me, but you get the idea. It takes many, many, faithful people to make Sunday mornings happen. If you are one, THANK YOU! You are a gifted and we

CELEBRATE because of you!

So how is this all put together? There are two huge committees at Bethlehem, the Worship & Music Committee and the Christian Education Committee. For those who allow Christ’s spirit to work in the gifts they bring, it’s a joy. Why not join the JOY of making Sunday morning an awesome experience! It’s undoable responsibility if you feel if you feel you do it alone. You need not do everything, just being excited about the love of our Savior is all it takes. God has given you all you need to start. Every gift you can think of is used. Whether it is having the gift of organization or music or creativity or loving a child or reading in public or leading or teaching or designing or dancing or photography, or what ever gift you offer, the gift will be used. If you don’t know what gifts you have, I’ll help you find out where your gifts lie and where you will experience the most joy! If time is an issue, we’ll make time to listen and negotiate. Are their other special issues which impact your involvement? Please let us know, we will listen! It is about joy and building up the body of Christ to be all Bethlehem is meant to be.

Peace in Christ,

Pr. Brenda Ertl

Volunteer Coordinator

608-617-4069 or

Do you know what day February 2nd is?

Over breakfast one morning, a woman said to her husband,

"I'll bet you don't know what day this is."

"Of course I do," he answered as if he was offended, and

left for the office.

At 10:00 a.m., the doorbell rang and when the woman opened the door, she was handed a box of a dozen long-stemmed red roses. At 1 :00 p.m., a foil-wrapped, two-pound box of her favorite chocolates was delivered. Later, a boutique delivered a designer dress. The woman couldn't

wait for her husband to come home.

"First the flowers, then the chocolates and then the dress!" she exclaimed. "I've never had a more wonderful

Groundhog Day in my life!"

(Guys: this public service message is brought to you by your pastor ... just in case you too forget what day

February 2^nd is and get caught off guard!)

Did you know that Groundhog Day has religious roots? February 2 is forty days from Christmas and is the day the Church celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the temple by his parents. When they do this they are greeted by a man named Simeon, who upon seeing Jesus shouts out, "A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to God's people." An early Christian practice was to process with candles on February 2 to signify the entrance of Jesus' light into the world. The candles were then placed in each window of the home; It was also understood as bringing to an end the celebration of Christmas (so you're not really procrastinating putting away your Christmas decoration

until Feb. 2). The day became known as Candlemas Day.

When German settlers arrived in America during the 1700s,. they brought the Candlemas Day traditions with them. February 2 also came at the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Superstition held that if the weather was fair, the second half of Winter would be stormy and cold. - The weather on Candlemas Day was also seen to be important. If the sun came out, halfway between Winter and Spring, it meant six more weeks of wintry weather--which of course would cast a shadow .... and, well, you know the rest of the story!

Top Five "other" reasons to celebrate Groundhog Day:

5. Forecast is no less reliable than the National Weather

Service.

4. At least one of them critters is bound to see things your

way.

3. Unlike the Easter bunny, he keeps his dirty paws outside.

2. If a rodent can bring us an early spring, more power to him.

1. In WI, either way we come out ahead.

A Christian means:

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean living" I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

We are HIS planting that HE may be glorified --- remember who you are in HIM.
(Isaiah 61:1-3)

Our Lenten Journey

We journey through Lent for 40 days because it rained for 40 days and nights during the flood, the people of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years before entering the promised land Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai when he received the Ten Commandments and because Jesus was in the wilderness of testing for 40 days. It is traditionally a time of preparation for Easter baptism. The newly baptized have died with Christ and joined him in his resurrection.

This Lent we will build on traditions that we have begun established at Bethlehem Lutheran. We will begin with Ash Wednesday Services on February 6 being reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return. For the five Wednesday evenings after Ash Wednesday we will participate in the Lenten Drama series AWhose Cup is it Anyway?@ The Wednesday evenings in Lent will also be a time of eating together and fellowship. Our traditional Soup Suppers will be hosted by various groups in the congregation.

Along the way I invite each and everyone of us to join together and practice at least one of the traditional or classic Christian disciplines. These classic Christian disciplines can be placed into three broad categories.

Inward Disciplines

Meditation - as simple as 10 to 20 minutes per day of silent, focused breathing. Letting your mind be emptied of all that crowds it so that God has room to come in and speak to you.

Prayer - Mediation with a focus on speaking and listening to God. Time together in conversation with the one guiding you on your journey.

Fasting - For some this is a one day a week event. For others giving up of certain foods or times when you eat is an alternative to fasting.

Study - Tuesday Morning Text study, Sunday Morning Adult Study and Sunday School are congregational opportunities for Study. Reading the Bible or devotional type readings are individual opportunities to Study

Outward Disciplines

Simplicity - Slow down, try going 40 days without buying anything beyond food or looking at advertisements, simplify your life.

Solitude - In our socially saturated culture find time away, alone each day or larger time periods once or twice a week.

Submission - This would fall under the old category of giving up something for Lent. Bad habits can be broken and good habits can be developed during this 40 day journey.

Service - Give of yourself, your time and your energy to something beyond yourself and family. This is also an opportunity for families to work together towards a common good.

Corporate Disciplines

Confession - Each Sunday we will begin worship with confession and forgiveness. You may also contact me if you would like to have the worship experience of individual confession and forgiveness as is found on page 196 of the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Worship - Bethlehem is offering two different worship opportunities. Wednesday Evening at 5:30 p.m. with our Lenten Dramas followed by Soup Supper and our regular Sunday Morning worship at 9:00 a.m.

Guidance - Seek others out, listen to each other, see where you receive energy and let these be your guide as you journey this lent.

Celebration - Finally, find joy where ever you can and when Easter arrives Celebrate this journey that we will travel as God=s family.

My prayer is that we journey together as God=s Family and that our Spiritual Disciplines this Lent Serve Christ with Love.

In Christ,

Pastor Dick

SEASONS OF THE FIELD

The season is ice and snow. The field is white surrounded by brown and gray. It seems lifeless from an outsider's viewpoint. There is no way to tell just by driving by or walking up to the field that life teems on and underneath the white and brown exterior.

Enter the field in the cold and you see signs of life with every step. There is a cat that visits the dumpster every day. You see the tracks in each fresh snow. Turkey’s come from the far southeast corner out of their roosts in the trees and move their way along. There is an eagle nearby riding the cold currents of air. Turkey feathers scattered about and the marks of wings on the wind swept field tell us what happened even though we were not witnesses of the event.

The cat hunts along the way from the nearby houses. Cat tracks following mouse trails showing us that there is life beneath the ice and snow. Mouse villages with interstates and back roads.

Deer have made a play ground of the east field and a bedroom of the septic field. Maybe it is warmer above the drain field or maybe the deer like the boulders that form a fence put there to protect the vent pipes from the farmer’s machines.

When you expend energy and take the time to walk around the field then are you shown that life exists where it once looked as if life was absent. And life abounds beneath, on and above the hard exterior. Some days it seems as if there is more life present than other days. Yet, when you walk and seek and become patient, life will be revealed.

The Field’s sister, the church that rests on her ground, is soon to be clothed in the purple of Lent. She too as a hard exterior and is warmer on the inside. And from the outside she looks lifeless, especially in February.

My question becomes do we have the energy and time and patience to walk into and through her exterior to find life. For there is life within her walls. She is filled with life and has plenty to share with all who enter. Who will enter? Who will we allow to enter? What do we bring with us that makes it more difficult for others to come through and experience the life and warmth that the field’s sister has to offer? What do we do that invites and welcomes and makes church feel like walking into a warm house right after you have finished shoveling your driveway for the 12^th time this month?

The season is ice and snow. The color is purple. There is one who has come to make God known and this one brings life. Look around and look closely. Look with repentant eyes and you will see life everywhere and this life is the light of Christ in our midst.

In Christ,

Pastor Dick

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Annual Report 2007

This past year, 2007, was an exciting, fruitful and challenging year here at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. It was a year with many

accomplishments and reasons to be blessed and thankful. Some of those are as follows:

-Pastor Dick, and his family, we are very blessed and appreciative for their time and contributions both to our church and community.

-Our church secretary, Denise, thankful for her keeping everything going on an even keel.

-We are blessed and very thankful for having Jeff Johnson and his helpers keep our building and grounds looking great with their limited resources.

-Natural Church Development, the council was blessed to receive a monthly presentation from Dan Pulsfus, Janice Petersen and Pastor Brenda Ertl to help us understand our strengths and weaknesses and how to better use our assets with the growth and missionary

work of our congregation.

-We are thankful for a new church directory, the first in several years.

-We were blessed with 49 new families, that’s 110 new members, who chose Bethlehem as their church.

-Consecration Sunday produced the most commitments our church has ever seen for which we are very thankful and blessed. It was a true accomplishment to our membership to give unselfishly for their own spiritual development. HOWEVER, with that said we still came up

short to meet our budget and mortgage obligations. This will be a challenge we will face

throughout 2008 and beyond.

-The completion and dedication of our new organ. We are thankful for such a fine instrument that will give us years of listening pleasure.

-Our Christian Ed program which produced more students and involvement than ever before. We are VERY thankful and blessed for our teachers and volunteers for their efforts in producing such wonderful results, example, the Christmas program.

-VERY THANKFUL and BLESSED to have church members who continue to step up

and volunteer their God given gifts to our church.

As you can see, these are just a few of the accomplishments we were blessed and thankful to have achieved in 2007. In 2008, we need to continue and expand our involvement in the ministries of our church. We also need to remember our church in our wills, endowments, and whatever extra funds we may receive so that our church may continue to serve our congregation and our community.

Recently your church council had a retreat at which we set goals for 2008. This was done to determine where to focus our efforts. The four goals picked are as follows:

-To improve communication between council and church members.

-To have financial stability so we can focus on other ministries.

-To have a more effective council structure.

-To help church members utilize their gifts for serving

These goals will be a work in progress which will be evaluated during the year. If anyone would have input or suggestions on the above, please contact a council member.

It is a privilege for me to be a part of God’s family serving Christ with love. Thank you.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Denhartigh, Council President

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Annual Report 2007

Sunday School

We have 75 children registered for Sunday school compared to 76 last year however this includes Preschool – 5^th grade as we moved 6^th grade to Wednesday nights as we have expanded our Confirmation to include 6^th grade. Our classes have continued to grow and we will likely be looking for more teachers and helpers as well as room to hold classes as we grow. We are using the new curriculum we purchased last year. We focus on our mission of God’s People Serving Christ with Love.

Our Christmas program this year was The Christmas Story. We presented on December 16^th with 73 children participating. A brunch followed in the fellowship hall, which had been decorated the day before by the children during their craft day. They also made wooden star ornaments, which were on the tree. We also presented at the Wednesday night service on December 19^th and had 50 children participate how awesome. There were cookies and juice following the service. Thank you again to everyone that helped with this years program, costumes, music, audio & props, practice & craft day as well as the brunch and cookies.

This years teachers are: Angie Chappell, Dawn Rieckmann, Deb Smith, Chris Johnson, Charlene Cadwell, Dahlia Werner, Luke Hensler and Cindy Frank. Music- Hope Fenske and Jayne Ritter. Helpers: Michaleen Melby, Paige Ringelstetter, BreeAnn Mueller, Kyle Kjorlie, Ashley Portzen, Ryan Kucksdorf, Tristan & Vincent Werner, Matthew & David Peterson, Dakota Cutsforth, Emily & Josh Inglett, Brett Thurston.

Vacation Bible School

VBS was held in collaboration with the United Methodist Church with help from River of Life and the Portage Presbyterian churches. Topic for this year was Avalanche Ranch. There were 151 people involved with kids from ten churches. Bethlehem was well represented with 13 adult staff, 15 student staff and 29 children attending. The children mad stuffed bears that were donated to missions over seas and collected back to school supplies for two missions in Milwaukee. Thank you again to all who donated time, money or items for VBS. Thank you Kerry Melby for being

our VBS Coordinator.

Confirmation

Approximately 40 youth grades 6^th-9^th grade participated in Confirmation this past year. For at lease a couple reasons we expanded Confirmation to include 6^th graders this past fall. With this addition and the large number of youth, confirmation needed to be updated and revamped. Mentor/small group leaders shared the teaching responsibilities with Pastor Dick. Family nights and Family night worship still occur quarterly. Thank you to Patrick Strain for composing and leading the family night worship services. Angie Gaffney continues to serve as our record keeper, we thank her for this service. Jeff Melby, Stacy and Brandon Macomber, Luann Peterson, Tonya Orr and Max Jenatscheck serve in the new role of small

group leaders and have done an excellent job as we transition into our new way of teaching confirmation.

Adult Education

Sunday Morning Adult education continued to offer a full slate of opportunities. Beside Pastor Dick’s offerings, Dan Pulsfus and Janice Peterson led a Lenten Bible study on the book of Romans. This year a Tuesday morning text study was added and WELCA promotes a study on the Beatitudes. Once a month, on Sunday afternoons, the High Schoolers meet at the Inglett home for their learning about the Basics of Lutheran Belief. (thank you Pastor Dick & Mary for opening your home). In November, the Environment committee hosted a morning workshop for the synod and area churches titled “Rethinking Place.” This workshop was led by outside resources from the Wisconsin Council of Churches and Advent

Lutheran Church in Madison.

Youth

The Youth at Bethlehem continue to be supported by the congregation in their service and fun activities. Canoe trips, corn mazes, swimming at the local pool and helping at Santa’s workshop are a few of the activities our Family, Junior and Sr. High School Youth Groups enjoyed The highlight of the year was the third annual mission trip. This year we went with Family Mission Works so that our college youth could participate. Thank you to the Melby’s and Inglett’s for chaperoning the 16 participants to Dupree South Dakota as we served on the Cheyenne River Lakota Reservation. The youth and their families did a wonderful job of fundraising for the trip and were encouraged by the congregation’s response to their

efforts. THANK YOU!

Respectfully Submitted by: Jeanette Gessner & Pastor Dick

WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT 2007

Committee Members: Mary Cupery, Carla Gerhardt, Kate Hillyer, Heather Kucksdorf, Marjorie Margelowsky, Karen McCulloch, Shelvy Ritter, Valerie Walth, Pastor Dick Inglett

Council Representative: Tim Peterson

The Worship and Music Committee meets most months of the year and spends many hours planning and working so that a variety of things come together to guide and enhance worship at Bethlehem. Any member of the congregation is welcome to join the Committee or one of the sub-groups. The Altar Guild, the ushers, the adults and young people who staff the cry room, the Liturgical Arts and Environment Committee (LAEC), the greeters, the readers, the choir, the Praise Team, people who provide special music, the communion assistants, the organists, our lay leaders and our pastor all contribute to the worship experience at Bethlehem. Kate Hillyer served as chair of the Committee from January to the end of August; Karen McCulloch has been the chair since September. During this year 17 people have served on the Altar Guild, 70 different members have served as ushers, 46 different people have served as readers at least once and nearly 50 people have assisted in the work of the LAEC. Both the choir and the Praise Team have enjoyed growth in membership this year. The choir has had 21 members and the Praise Team 10.

This year, for the first time, Lenten dramas were a part of the Wednesday evening service and the Committee facilitated the suppers which followed each service and were served by various committees of the church. In late March the refurbished and enlarged organ was installed; it was dedicated and used for the first time on Palm Sunday. In May a dedicatory recital was presented by Dr. Sarah Hughes of Ripon College. Thanks to many volunteer musicians, special music was provided on Sundays throughout the summer months and into September. Inclusive bulletins were introduced and have been well received. We observed Mission Month which consisted of a presentation at the service and a post service session. In October the fourth annual polka service was held and confirmation was held on Reformation Sunday. As we begin a new liturgical year, planning for Advent and Christmas services is underway. Early in the year the Committee approved job descriptions for the choir director and the lead organist and in October a budget proposal was prepared for the Council.

The Liturgical Arts and Environment Committee was created late in 2006. Throughout the church year this dedicated group has coordinated the flowers at Easter, the plants and harvest items which marked the fall and Thanksgiving season, the trees and plants at Christmas and has provided the ever changing objects which highlight the liturgical calendar.

I want to thank all of the people who have contributed in any way to the work of the

Worship and Music Committee and especially recognize the generous assistance of our church secretary Denise Derey and Jeff Johnson our janitor.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen McCulloch

Worship & Music Committee Chair

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Annual Report 2007

The first thing I would like to do is thank the congregation for the wonderful job you have done on keeping the church grounds looking beautiful. We only had one problem with the building this past year. A screw was put in a water line in the women’s rest room causing a water leak. This was caught and fixed causing no major

problems.

All fire extinguishers were taken to Beaver Dam and checked and put on a monthly inspection.

On May 6, 2007, we had church clean up. Thank you to all the people who came and helped.

A special thank you to Jeff for keeping everything clean.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tony Hess

Evangelism Committee for 2007

This year the Evangelism Committee involved itself working on several different projects which included Ministry Descriptions of various activities in the church. Two booklets were developed, one for new members which gives a look at Bethlehem from the schedule of service to how to become a member. A second booklet called “What’s Happenin’” lists activities at church along with a short description of each. Connected closely with this booklet is the three-ring binder which is also called “What’s Happenin’”. This binder contains a detailed Ministry Descriptions of most activities and is always a work in progress as activities change. These

booklets served well for new members during New Member Orientation.

The Evangelism Committee held their first New Member Orientation in November of 2007 with a reception in December. It’s a great joy to see so many new members and we look forward to getting to know those people. We’ll be evaluating what was presented early in 2008 and make changes as needed. A reception was held on December 9^th with ribbon corsages, a New Member Folder presented, an introduction of the new members to the

congregation, and a special cake served in the Fellowship Hall.

Natural Church Development has been discussed at each Church Council meeting. NCD was introduced to Evangelism in October of 2006 at the South Central Synod Evangelism Event. NCD’s author Christian Schwarz had researched some 1,000 churches in 48 countries on 5 continents and found that 8 characteristics corresponded with high quality and growing churches. At that same time and independent of Evangelism, Dan Pulsfus and Janice Petersen conducted a survey of NCD’s 8 characteristics of the congregation for their studies for Associates in Ministry studies. What they discovered was Bethlehem’s area of growth included Gift-Based Ministry, Holistic Small Groups and Empowered Leadership. We began the process of introducing the congregation to Gift-Based Ministry with a goal to examine Holistic Small Groups in the future. As of date, articles have been written for the “Chimes”, Janice Petersen & Dan Pulsfus introduced the characteristics to the Church Council, a Task Force has been organized, Pastor Dick has preached about it and is actively encouraging it’s formation on Gifted-Based Ministry, and the Church Council has given their support for Judy Urban-consultant for “Sharing the Ministry” out of Eagan, Minnesota to present a workshop on April 12, 2008 entitled

Energizing and Empowering Our People for Ministry in the Church”.

In September the committee took on the roll of listing events and/or messages on the Marquee out by the road. As of date the confirmation students have been making the changes on the Marquee Wednesday during

Confirmation. It has gone well and we hope to continue to work with the confirmation students on this project.

A survey developed by the ELCA in Chicago on “Evangelism Essentials” was discussed by the committee. Areas we needed to improve on and will be working in the coming year include 1. to construction of a Pamphlet Track between the front doors of the church as the flow of traffic to and from serves does not encourage people to stop and look through materials of current activities on the cupboard in the narthex. 2. the construction of a more aesthetic holder for the small “What’s Happenin’” booklet on the guest lecture in the narthex. 3. The printing of cards for any leadership position of the church to be place in the Pamphlet Track. 4. Increased participation on

the church web page and ads in the local paper, but the best ad for the church are it’s members.

An article in the ELCA “Seeds of the Parish” May/June publication “(R)researcher Thom Rainer interviewed thousands of unchurched Americans and published these results in: The Unchurched Next Door. Many of the following findings may surprise you: