A Note from Pastor John
CONNECT. GROW. SERVE. Have you noticed Bethel’s new print and online presence? “Very impressed and proud of Bethel’s new website” is how one parent put it as he described his experience. Bethel’s new website is the central hub for all things Bethel and is mobile-friendly. You will find up to date event information, links, registrations, message videos, resources, serving opportunities, and more. In print and online, Bethel’s ministries and opportunities are intentionally organized to reflect our mission: Connect. Grow. Serve.
PASTOR LADD SONNENBERG CALLED AS PASTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Along with a revised weekly news, Bethel will launch e-connect this month—a weekly e-news email that will provide you with event details and links for all you need right at your fingertips. Make sure you’re on this list by updating your email address on bethelhudson.org / about / BethelOne or emailing the church office at bethel @bethelhudson.org.
At the special congregational meeting, Bethel congregation voted unanimously (147-0) to extend a call to Ladd Sonnenberg as the Pastor of Youth and Families!
Pastor Ladd is a graduate of the Ohio State University and earned his Master of Divinity Degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He served as Community Continued on p. 3
THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: CONNECT
GROW
SERVE
Prayer Partners connect BHP students and Bethel congregation.
Mental Health in the St. Croix Valley 3 part series begins in September.
Read how friends of Bethel have a hand in weekly worship as volunteers.
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BETHEL CLUBS PASTORAL STAFF John Lestock, Senior Pastor Kris Kurzejeski, Bridge Pastor Bob Bipes, Visitation Pastor YOUTH MINISTRY STAFF Jean Elliott, High School Ministry Cindy Halunen, Middle School Ministry Wendy Theobald, Children’s Ministry Missy Austreng, Faith Milestones Marcie Andrews, Communication Assistant MUSIC MINISTRY STAFF Skip James, Traditional Music Director Eric Possehl, Contemporary Music Director Sonja McGill, Handbell Director Trina Hilke, Children’s Chimes SUPPORT STAFF Ralph Van Keulen, Business Administrator Rita Fitzsimons, Administrative Assistant Missy Austreng, Communications Director Juli Hilding, Events Coordinator Kathy Jeska, Volunteer Coordinator Cheri Monette, Financial Secretary Bill Jenkinson, Media Technician
Bethel offers a variety of clubs that bring people together with a common interest to enjoy fellowship with one another. You are invited to connect with any of these groups at a time that is convenient for you. Bethel Book Club friends meet the first Wednesday of the month at the Downtown Campus at 1pm. On September 7, the group will discuss The Bohemian Flats by Mary Relindes Ellis. Morning Fuel, a devotion time for moms to gather, meets on Thursdays at 9am at Highlands. Currently the group is sharing stories from Jen Hatmaker’s book, Out of the Spin Cycle. Come join in this light-hearted time to get your day started on the right foot—children are welcome. Bethel hosts Senior Luncheons every quarter as a time to connect with one another while hearing special speakers and enjoying a catered lunch. The next luncheon will be Monday, October 31, from 12pm - 1:30pm at the Downtown Campus. Watch your email for the registration. Women of Bethel invite you to be a part of these activities at the Downtown Campus: Quilting: September 9 & 27 at 9am. Hardanger: September 6 & 15 at 1pm. Embroidery: September 13 at 1pm. See the events page on bethelhudson.org for more.
BETHEL HIGHLANDS PRESCHOOL Kari Jo Fore, Director Staff can be reached via email through bethelhudson.org. DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 920 Third Street | Hudson, WI 715-386-8821 HIGHLANDS CAMPUS 504 Frontage Road | Hudson, WI
Bethel Highlands Preschool Prayer Partners There are many Bethel Highlands Preschoolers who would like a Prayer Partner just like you! Your commitment is small and the reward is big. Just include your assigned student in your prayers. Sign up online if you are interested in connecting with a preschooler in prayer.
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SCANDINAVIAN FOOD FEST OCTOBER 21 & 22 The annual Scandinavian Food Fest preparation are underway. This event draws in thousands from the surrounding community and the proceeds benefit many Bethel and community events and needs. Many hands are needed to help prepare the items sold at the Food Fest, and they begin this month! No experience is necessary, no age requirement, no long term commitment—just helpful hands. You are invited to attend any of the prep times listed to the left. There are other ways to help: 1. DONATE FOOD ITEMS—there are many items needed for the Food Fest. Are you able to make and donate to this event? 2. WORK AT FOOD FEST—choose Friday or Saturday or both! 3. MONETARY DONATION Find a comprehensive list at BETHELHUDSON.ORG. To help with any of these areas, register online at bethelhudson.org / connect / Food Fest.
Dee Feldman (pictured), Merry Willman, and other friends of Bethel, are preparing this quilt that will be raffled before and after the Scandinavian Food Fest. Make sure to mark your calendars to attend FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 10am-2pm at HIGHLANDS CAMPS
COVER STORY Continued from pg. 1 Outreach Developer and Young Adult Director at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota for three years. For the past five years he has been an Associate Pastor at St John’s Lutheran in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Ladd and his wife Sara are parents to two boys: Ethan (4) and Adam (2). After giving their 30 day notice in Springfield, Pastor Ladd plans to begin at Bethel the last week of September (installation service to be planned). The Call Committee began with 5 candidates, narrowed it to 3 great candidates, then held three Skype interviews. Two of those candidates were asked to come to Hudson for a face-toface interview. Both candidates had much to offer Bethel, yet after much prayer, discussion and deliberation, it was decided
Ladd had the life and ministry experiences and the vision that would best fit Bethel. I hope you’ll go out of your way to help welcome Pastor Ladd, and Sara, Ethan and Adam, to Bethel and the Hudson area! Let’s show the Sonnenberg family how pleased we are to have them here to share in our ministry! Please drop them an email or note, stop by to introduce yourself, or invite the family over for dinner! God is good and God has provided for Bethel again! Praise the Lord, and THANKS SO MUCH to our call Committee! All God’s Blessings! Pastor John Lestock 3
VIA DE CRISTO
BIBLE STUDIES
Over 45 friends of Bethel have experienced a Via de Cristo weekend. Paul Martinson tells this story: “After thirty-five years in the ministry, there weren’t many church related experiences I hadn’t had. Enter Bob and Carolyn Baker. They told Ann and I we had to experience Via de Cristo. Since they both were on a church board I was serving, I thought this was a part my calling so Ann and I signed up. It was a life changing experience.”
Many Bible studies resume in September. Participants find their faith grows deeper with such an experience. You are invited to attend any of these studies at any time. For a full schedule, see bethelhudson.org.
Over 18,000 people in Minnesota have been involved. Your opportunity to deepen your life in grace and love is this January when Bethel hosts. You will experience fantastic music and inspiring testimonies. Men go one weekend, women go the next and you will have Bethel sponsors. If you have any questions, ask the Hales, Heilmanns, Lewis, Trendes, Martinsons or Aethan Hart. Find an application and link to more information online at bethelhudson.org.
Gospel of Matthew Study with Pastor Kris continues on Wednesdays, Downtown Campus, 8:30-9:30am. You are invited to come any week that you are able. The Watson Study Group resumes meeting on Thursdays, Downtown Campus, 8:30-9:45am. Women’s Bible Study Gatherings All women are invited to attend a gathering of their choice. See details online. September dates are: Dorcas Gathering: September 8 at 9:30am, Downtown Campus Mary Gathering: September 8 at 1pm, Downtown Campus Naomi Gathering: Monday, September 19, at 2pm, at 398 St. Croix Cove (home of Janet Johnson) Ruth Gathering: 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm The Bible Study leaders will meet on September 12 at 4:30pm at the Downtown Campus.
MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health in the St. Croix Valley is a 3 part series hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church for youth and families who are touched by or want to learn more about mental illness. These sessions aim to help attendees understand mental illness, to decrease the stigma of mental illness, and to provide hope or possible resources for those affected. You can expect to hear information from professionals such as Dr. Chris Babbitt, Rev. Dr. Gary Wilkerson, Sarah Jamieson, Angela Goebel, James Wildman and personal stories from youth Anna Johnson and Kaitlin Dulyn. One evening will consist of a panel of education and professional experts for a Q & A session. The community – adults and youth – are invited on Wednesdays (September 28, October 5, October 12) at 7pm at Highlands Campus. 4
ADULT CONFIRMATION Many adults are curious about confirmation and wish to expand their knowledge on Bible based topics. Are you one of them? Bethel is considering whether to offer an Adult Confirmation class. Kathy Jeska and Pastor Kris would like to know if you have interest in participating in this 2 term class (Fall: Luther’s Large Catechism, Spring: Making Sense of Scriptures). The class would meet on Wednesdays at 5pm at the Downtown Campus. Let us know your interest by talking to Kathy or Pastor Kris or through BETHELHUDSON.ORG / GROW / BIBLE STUDIES.
SERVE LOCAL
SERVE CHURCH
Bethel will host an American Red Cross Blood will Drive on Tuesday, October 11, from 12pm-6pm at the Downtown Campus. For appointments or information go to bethelhudson.org or call 800-723-2767. If you would be willing to serve as a door greeter or bring treats for the donors and volunteers, please email Juli at
[email protected].
Did you know that during a typical month, nearly 200 volunteers are scheduled to serve during worship? These greeters, readers, ushers, worship team members, communion assistants, slide projectionists, videographers, and more work together to create a powerful worship environment. Hear what some have to say:
SERVE YOUTH Leaders are needed at all ages / grades. Lead a small group of students through their large and small group times with no preparation necessary – just come ready and willing to engage with the students! With enough volunteers, each volunteer will only have to lead a small group once or twice a month. Go to bethelhudson.org to register today.
“I do feel great that I'm able to contribute something to the services that fits into my schedule. Bethel staff have always shown their appreciation for my efforts, too. Some may think it's nerve wracking to do the projectionist role, but if I can do it, anyone can,” Projectionist, Vicki Datt shares. Worship support team player, Gretchen DuPuis, expresses her experience as a volunteer as, “...so rewarding and fun! I feel like I am doing something meaningful and hopefully making a difference for the better in our church!” These are only two examples of how serving as a volunteer through worship not only impacts the congregation, but the server as well. Why not be a part of this experience? As Vicki says, “I don’t prep for the role, I just show up a little early.” Gretchen adds, “I so appreciated the training I got to serve communion, I feel very comfortable in that role because of that.” You can sign up today at bethelhudson.org.
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F A I T H MILESTONES
SENIOR LEAGUE The summer Senior League schedule continues through September 14 (Wednesday activity from 7- 9pm). The fall schedule (Engedi worship at 7pm followed by activity or project) begins on September 21. Check the Senior League @ Bethel Facebook page to connect on activities!
FAITH MILESTONE SUNDAY SCHEDULE September 25 * 3 Year Old Entrance Into Sunday School * 4th Grade Bibles * 8th Grade Bibles October 30 * 6th Grade: Luther’s Small Catechism
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
See the full schedule at bethelhudson.org and watch your weekly email with details on your classes!
Leaders are needed at all ages / grades—both large group leaders are small group leaders! See more on page # 5 for details on how you can make a difference by serving your youth at Bethel. All details are online at bethelhudson.org.
Upcoming Faith Milestone Classes: September 15 (Thursday at 6pm at Highlands Campus) – 3 year olds: Welcome to Sunday School! These children are welcomed into Sunday School as their Faith Milestone. These children will experience first-hand what it looks like and what to expect when they attend Sunday School each week. To make sure your child is on this list, please register online at bethelhudson.org. The class that corresponds with the 8th Grade Bible Milestone will be Wednesday, September 28 during confirmation. The classes that correspond with the 4th Grade Bible Milestone will be Sundays, 10/2 and 10/9 during the Sunday School hour.
C L A S S TIMES Grade
Date / Time
Location
Sunday School (Age 3 - 5th Grade)
Sundays, during 9:30am worship
Highlands
6th Grade
Wednesdays, 5 – 6pm
Downtown
7th Grade
Wednesdays, 5 – 6pm
Downtown
8th Grade
Wednesdays, 6 – 7:30pm
Downtown
9th Grade
Wednesdays, 6 – 7:30pm
Downtown
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KEY DATES
WENDY’S NIGHT
9/11 9/14
The local Hudson Wendy’s has graciously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds to Bethel’s youth! Why not let Wendy’s do the cooking while supporting both Wendy’s and Bethel youth?
9/15 9/18 9/20 9/21 9/25
Kick-off Sunday Wednesday Night Class Orientation for parents and students Faith Milestone: Welcome to Sunday School 9:30am First Day of Sunday School Wendy’s Night First Night of Wednesday classes, Engedi worship and Senior League Faith Milestone Sunday – 3 Year Olds, 4th and 8th grade students.
Monday, September 19, 5 – 7 pm, Wendy’s in Hudson Bethel youth will greet you and will regularly draw for door prizes. Are you a youth and want to serve at Wendy’s Night? Email Jean (
[email protected]).
CAMP WRAP-UP This summer 80 youth and chaperones went to church camp at Luther Point and Camp Wapo. The campers deepened their faith and friendships while learning something new and making new friends. Only 10 more months until summer camp again!
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS BHP is looking for quality people to add to the substitute teacher list. You do not need to have a teaching degree! You do need to love kids, be dependable, pass a background check, and get certified in CPR (which we will offer). Email Kari Jo (
[email protected]) if you are interested.
School is back in session! Preschool days run from 7am-6pm during the school year, with busy drop off and pick up times happening from 8:20am-9:10am, 11:45am, and 3:15-3:40pm. To keep BHP the safest place to be, the security doors will be closed during the school day and all visitors are asked to ring the doorbell. Thank you for understanding! BHP welcomes back the awesome group of teachers for the 2016-17 school year: Emily Bakken, Amy Betchwars, Alyssa Edholm, Mollie Hagman, Michelle Kulzer, Rachael Meier-Cable, Cindy Smith, and Brenda Veeder (pictured left). Many of our students are experiencing their first independent time away from parents, which can be exciting and emotional. It is a blessing to have consistent and patient teachers who make this transition easier. Please keep the students, families, and staff in your prayers. 7
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Hudson, WI 54016 Permit #79
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