December 2015

Volume 8, Issue 12 Bethany Beacon

Advent – The Season of Hope

5403 N 2nd Street Worship Leader Tim Krug’s recent liturgy about Advent encouraged us Loves Park, IL to continue his message in this month’s Message from Session. 61111

Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of prepara- PHONE: tion, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the (815) 877-8001 world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the www.bethpc.org tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!

Our Mission: It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He To equip people sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King to be fully who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people devoted to Jesus and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now Christ through anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will relevant and bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world. practical ministries. The power of the images of Amos when he warns about longing for the "Day of the Lord" that will really be a day of darkness (Amos 5:18-20). St. Bridget Pantry Still, even with Amos’ warning, the time of Advent is one of expectation Donations and anticipation, a longing for God's actions to restore all things and 1st Sunday of vindicate the righteous. This is why during Advent we as Christians also Every Month anticipate the Second Coming as a twin theme of the season. So, while some church traditions focus on penitence during Advent, and there remains a place for that, the spirit of that expectation from the Old Testament is better captured with a joyous sense of expectancy. Rather than a time of mourning and fasting, Advent is celebrated as a time of joy and happiness as we await the coming of the King. (Excerpts from CRI “The Voice.”)

Bethany, as a church, has vowed to reach out to the community to share the important message of the coming of a Savior that can save the Volunteer to be world from its sins. Session encourages all members of this congregation a Greeter! Ask extend the arms of love to our neighbors and families to bring them to Kathy Metcalf!! this place…. a place where we all can always hear the promise of God’s Salvation and have an opportunity to receive Him as our Lord and Savior. Let us all extend our love through this invitation to give others the greatest gift of all….Salvation!

May Christmas Bring You into a Closer Relationship with Jesus Christ! In Love, Lori, Tom, Dan, Jay, Tami, Gayle, Marlys, LaVerne and Jerry

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Kids Korner

Let’s Make a Christmas Ornament

Here is the list of the materials that you will need:

It was Christmas Eve, 1818. Rev. Joseph Mohr was A Clear Plastic Lid - An old Christmas Card on his way home, his footsteps crunching in the new with a Nativity Scene - Pencil -Scissors - fallen snow. He paused at the top of the hill Glue. overlooking the town of Oberndorf, Austria. The beautiful stillness of the night and thoughts of the Place the plastic lid on top of the Christmas coming Christmas Day inspired him to form in his Card picture and draw a circle around the lid mind the words to "Silent Night." on the Christmas Card. Early the next morning, Rev. Mohr hurried to the church, with his friend, Mr. Gruber, an organist. They Using your scissors, cut out the circle that worked on a melody suitable for the verse. Things you have drawn on the Christmas Card. Be became more difficult when the organ suddenly sure to cut inside the circle you have drawn wouldn't work. (so the picture will fit inside the plastic lid). "All is not lost," assured Mr. Gruber. "I have a trusty Glue the picture inside the plastic lid and old guitar which should do a fine job of accompanying you will have a nice ornament. Attach a us." Mr. Gruber's skill on the guitar may have been folded piece of string with some tape. Then only confined to three or four chords. Perhaps it was you can hang your ornament on your the very simplicity of the music, which captured the Christmas tree! hearts of the little congregation at the Christmas service that evening. The carol was an immediate hit.

The song may never have been heard outside Oberndorf if it had not been for Karl Mauracher. He was the repairman who came to fix the organ the day after Christmas. Rev. Mohr and Mr. Gruber were again singing their new carol in the church while Mr. Mauracher was working on the organ. He was so taken with it that he copied the words and music >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> down.

Deacon Church Mouse sez: Mr. Mauracher passed the song on to the folk in his “God is present - even when we feel He is own town. They enjoyed it so much that they passed it on to friends in other places. Within a few years a absent.” greater part of the Christian world was singing "Silent Night, Holy Night." As it was carried from Europe to other continents the words gradually changed, but the music has remained the same.

Granny Church Mouse sez: “The Birth of Christ brought God to man: the Cross of Christ brings man to God.”

Page 3 of 6 Bethany Beacon

DecemberSun HappeningsMon At BethanyTue Wed DecemberThu MissionFri of the MonthSat

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday School Each Sunday at 9:00 am for “Baskets of Hope”

All Ages

Through this Deacon’s Committee each year we December 12 – 9:30-11:30am provide three “Baskets of Hope” for needy families at Children’s Rehearsal Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The names for those receiving baskets are screened and provided by December 12 – 11:30am – 1:00pm – One Body Collaboratives (formerly, Love INC). The Birthday Party for Jesus food is purchased, packed and delivered by the Deacons for each holiday. As Bethany prepares for December 13 – 10:15am – our own celebrations, may each of us remember Children’s Sunday School Program these families in prayer and know that we have been a part of making other family celebrations more

joyful with the simple gift of food. December 13 – 11:30am Wassail Bowl and Christmas Cookies MISSION OF THE MONTH PARTNER’S STORY: On

November 8, Bethany hosted its Thanksgiving December 20 – 10:15am – Worship Service Potluck. We shared food and enjoyed fellowship with family and friends. Attendees donated $271 for the December 24 – 7:00pm - Christmas Eve Service Baskets of Hope Mission. This money will provide items for a few baskets, but not enough to fulfill the December 27 – 10:15am – Worship Service Christmas and Easter demands.

During the month of December, please continue to PAPER ANGEL CLOSET support Baskets of Hope as Bethany’s Mission of the Month. Deacons delivered three baskets to needy families for Thanksgiving, but still need to provide baskets for Christmas and Easter. Thank you so much Bethany, for remembering those less fortunate right here at home.

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Nomination Committee News

PAPER ANGEL CLOSET: Please look for a complete list of needed items on the We are nearing the time of year when nominations are being sought for officers Information Center Counter. There are at Bethany. The individuals being sought some supplies that always run short, so are those whom God has given a call to cash is also an option for Deacons to keep Bethany serving as a beacon in our purchse and it is very much appreciated. community. If you feel the longing to Thank you for supporting this very share your talents as a member of Session important outreach ministry of the or a Deacon, please talk to anyone on the Deacons. Most recently we served three Nominating Committee: Lori Mitchell, Jerry Hewitt, Donovan Wood, Carol Shearrow or families in need and continue to pray for Hope Fosler. them.

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Bethany Beacon

Bethany Calendar – December 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Weekly 3 4 5 7pm: PNC Bulletin deadline 9:30am 3:30pm: Julie Christmas 7pm: AA Badowski Program 7pm: Al-Anon 6pm: Praise 4:30pm:Julie Rehearsal 7pm: Al-Ateen Team Badowski 7pm: Chancel 7pm: Al-Anon Choir 6 7 8 9 Weekly 10 11 12 9am: Adult Sunday 7pm: PNC Bulletin deadline 9:30am School 12:30 pm Christmas 10:15am: Worship 7pm Uriel Circle HANNAH Circle 6pm – 4:30pm:Julie Program Celebration @ Olympic 3:30pm: Julie Parent’s Badowski Rehearsal 11:30am: Fellowship Badowski Prayer Group 6:00 Confirmation 7pm: AA 6pm: Praise 3pm Piano 7pm: Al-Anon Team 7pm: Al-Anon Recital 7pm: Al-Ateen 7pm: Chancel Choir 13 14 15 16 Weekly 17 18 19 9am: Primary, Youth 6pm Missions Bulletin deadline & Adult Sunday Sch & Outreach 7pm: PNC 3:30pm: Julie 9am BYKOTA 10:15am Sunday Badowski 4:30pm:Julie School Program 7:00 Sesson 7pm: AA Badowski 11:30 Wassail Meeting 7pm: Al-Anon 6pm: Praise 7pm: Al-Anon Fellowship 7pm: Al-Ateen Team 6:00 Confirmation 7pm: Chancel Choir

20 21 22 23 Weekly 24 25 26 9am: Primary, Youth 5:45pm Paper 7pm: PNC Bulletin deadline Beacon Happy & Adult Sunday Sch Angel Closet 3:30pm: Julie Articles Due Birthday 7pm: Al-Anon 10:15am: Worship 7pm: AA Badowski Jesus! 6pm: Praise 7pm Celebration 7pm: Al-Anon Team Christmas 11:30am: Fellowship 7pm: Al-Ateen 6:00 Confirmation 7pm: Chancel Eve Service Choir 27 28 29 30 Weekly 31 1 2 9am: Primary, Youth 7pm: PNC Bulletin deadline Welcome & Adult Sunday Sch 7pm: Christian 3:30pm: Julie 7pm: Al-Anon 2016 Badowski 10:15am: Worship Education 7pm: AA 6pm: Praise Celebration 7pm: Al-Anon Happy New 11:30am: Fellowship 7pm: Al-Ateen Team Year! 6:00 Confirmation 7pm: Chancel Choir

Select an Envelope from the Christmas Card Tree to Your Help is Needed send a Christmas Card to for Coffee SelectedBirthday Individuals Greetings on our Prayer Lists. You will be Fellowship! in December to: Please Sign Up! blessed!

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Birthday Greetings Bethany Christmas Program in December to: December 13, 2015 10:15 a.m. Service Kelsey Munger – December 3 Donovan Wood – December 3 Have you ever wondered who wrote the Benton Bock – December 9 Christmas Carols we know and love so Juanita Heidenreich – December 15 much? This Worship Service, led by the Reese Lawton – December 17 Children of our Congregation, highlights Amber Anderson – December 19 the history and meaning of many of the Cole Olson – December 19 familiar songs we sing at Christmas. As Art Metcalf – December 24 the story of each song is told, we will sing Noel Lewis – December 25 and celebrate together our joy in Jesus, the newborn King! December 25 Celebrating Jesus’ Birthday!

If we missed your special day, please######### let Lori Mitchell or Marlys Marsh know.

We are Updating our Records!!

The Congregational Life Committee is updating all our current information so we can be better served as a church community. Please see the “personal information” sheet on the Welcome Center counter. If you have not filled one out yet, please do so and return to the office. Thank you!

Annual Reports are Due January 10, 2016 MISSION OF BETHANY CHURCH ***** To equip people to be fully devoted to Annual Congregational Meeting at Jesus Christ through relevant and 11:30 a.m. on January 24, 2016 to: practical ministries.  Receive and Approve All Written and Financial Reports of the Church  Receive the Report of the Nominating Committee and Election of Officers ROCK HOUSE KIDS THANKS BETHANY! Thank you so much for having a heart for Rock  Receive and Approve the Operating Budget House Kids! Thank you so much for the Mission for 2016 of the Month money. We are also grateful for the many hand knitted scarves from Barb Davis. We have started to pass these out to kids in need. They are very excited. We are blessed!

Bethany Beacon

PRAYERS AND PROMISES Christmas Card Tree

Merry Christmas, Bethany! The Card Tree  Hubert Keener’s Family Member is a in the Educational Wing has added a new Missionary in Brussels, Belgium and element this Advent Season. Needs our Prayers

 Carol Heidenreich is recuperating in the You can still hang your cards on this tree for home of her daughter Joanne your friends here at Bethany and donate the  Robert Akers continues chemotherapy money you save and it will still be given to a for Lymphoma local ministry.  Joe Hughes going to Mayo for his back  Tony Boggie However, new this year, we have added  Pat Wallin envelopes that contain names of the shut-ins and individuals on our Prayer Lists that we Continue Prayers for: have been praying for this year. You are  Kelli Ibeling encouraged to take a name and send that  Noel Lewis (continuous pain) person a greeting, wishing them Merry  Ron Franiak (for healing) Christmas Blessings from you and the Bethany  Hedy Miles Church Family. Included in the envelope are  Ashlee Smith instructions and a label. All you need to do is  Bruce Wyatt add your return address and a stamp on a  Cheryl Olson Christmas card envelope with a short  Jan Carlson Christmas greeting inside your card to them. May God bless you for blessing others Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I during this special season of celebration! am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Please continue to lift up the Session as we conduct the business of Bethany.

Please continue to pray for blessings and strength for Worship Leader Tim Krug and

Pastor Joe Marek. When we decorate at Bethany with Nativity scenes, Please continue to pray for members of the we remember that the moment we have been Pastor Nominating Committee as they waiting for has not yet happened. So, with that in continue to search for the individual whom mind, baby Jesus has not yet been born, nor have the wise men reached Bethlehem. God has anointed as our next Shepherd. To give the 2015 season a little perspective, the baby Jesus will not be placed in the manger until James 5:14 Is any sick among you? Let Christmas Eve and during the next few weeks the him call for the elders of the church; and wise men are now in the narthex, making their way let them pray over him, anointing him with to the altar. Watch for them and use this as a oil in the name of the Lord. teaching moment for all of us as we walk with Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.