The OPEN DOOR

Heard through The OPEN DOOR

17500 Manchester Road

Wildwood, Missouri 63038 www.BethelUnitedMethodist.org Volume 17 Number 4 May 2021 Phone: 636.458.2255 FAX: 636.458.2251 Editors: Chylene Daub & Shirley Giebel

Grand Reopening on May 2 of Bethel In-Church Service!

It’s truly a red letter day! You may be receiving your May newsletter at almost the same time as the scheduled service, but our Pastor and Secretary have made the good news available by internet and mail—and of course word of mouth as we turn with joy to what is being hailed as the new normal—also known as getting our lives back. The service will observe the safety protocols—facemasks, pews marked apart for social distancing, and hand sanitizer. There will be a 75-person limit in the Sanctuary, with plans for an overflow area. We are a friendly, talkative, hugging and hand shaking group that may need to hold back a bit longer to Pass the Peace and greet friends we’ve only seen on Zoom or internet locations.

1 Grand Reopening on May 2 of Bethel In-Church Service! (continued) Easter II. As promised Pastor Bob says Bethel will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus live and in person on Sunday May 2 at 10 am. He says to think of it as our Easter Sunday 2.0. We are asked to help get the word out. Call and invite family and friends and new folks. Pastor Bob adds: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Board Action. On April 7 the Bethel Board met. They received a summary of the recent sur- vey results from members. They also considered A/V proposals to support our online ministry goals. Many questions we are told were asked and a vigorous discussion began. The reopening was adopted as well as a unanimous approval of the phase 1 upgrade so new wiring may be installed for AV support. The Board delegates the decision to meet to Sunday class and Bible Study leaders, the Craft- ers, exercise and community groups. Breakfast, food service and fellowship time are suspend- ed until further notice from the Board. Teams responsible for fund-raising events such as the Chicken Supper are asked to discuss and make recommendations for the Board. Decisions on nursery and other matters are under review. Give Thanks. It’s Due. Thanks from everyone to the Board for making the decisions, for lis- tening, for acting. Thanks to everyone who has instigated new ways to worship together, kept our flock together, found new directions, given hours of work and planning and instructing. Thanks for fulfilling the promise of the rainbow over Bethel!

2 Easter Traditions at Bethel

From the very opening of the Lent Season, until the Holy Week of Easter, Bethel United Methodist has always embraced Easter with much celebration. In the past we have marked Palm Sunday with our children parading into the sanctuary with palm branches, and Maundy Thursday with a service of holy communion, and often with Easter pageants. Easter dramas were presented several years in succession when Pastor Len Krudop served as our pastor. One was entitled “Eleven Frightened Men.” Another was “Is It I?”, a play that drama- tized the fear of the disciples when Jesus told them that one of them would surely betray him. In 2009, we have twelve of our members dressed in elaborate cos- tumes to recreate the eminent painting by Leonardo da Vinci of the Last Supper. We also had services that included actual foot washing as Jesus did for his disciples.

On Good Friday, services were held with the cross in the sanctuary draped in black cloth. One year, we hammered nails into a wooden cross, remembering how Jesus took on all of our sins when he was nailed to the cross. Easter Saturday was a joyous time for our children and grandchildren when they were in- vited for an Easter egg hunt in the church yard. On Easter Morning, we began with sunrise service in our Bethel cemetery. Pastor Len re- members one such Easter sunrise that brought snow on the worshipers in the Resurrection Garden. “We had snowdrops as big as a silver dollar,” he said. Helen Krudop said she had to were mittens to play her keyboard for the Praise Team. And, of course, we all remember the beautiful Easter lilies that added beauty to our altar on Easter morning. Soon, we plan to return to our Easter cele- brations. We are reopening our church with what we call “Easter 2.0” on Sunday, May 2.

3 A Little Bird Reports. . . A car, often seen around Bethel, just pulled up and parked in front of the church doors. A known “Crafty” looking person—one of the Bethel Crafters—retrieved two large round objects from the vehicle and is proceeding to hang them on each of the doors! These just placed welcoming wreaths bring in Spring and a return to Bethel’s in-church services! Forgive this reporter for having a little fun and to call out a thank you for the bird’s little tip. A Fifteen Year Tradition. To the best recollec- tion, Crafters first wreaths were made in their first basement workshop dating back some 15 years—most recently until their move to areas in our Church they were in the basement of our present parsonage. “The first ones we made were Christmas wreaths,” the Crafter’s note--- making Bethel part of the world’s history of Advent wreath making. The word wreath is thought to come from the Middle English word wrethe, the meaning describing any twisted band of leaves or flowers. We hear not to rest on our laurels which re- ferred to the wreaths of laurel leaves won by feats of bravery or accomplishment and worn around the head by the ancient Greeks. Sending a Message. Nothing says more beautifully that Bethel is the church of the Open Door than the eye-catching welcoming wreaths on the door. “We feel it is important to have fresh wreaths on our doors so everyone coming to the Church or the cemetery can enjoy them” is the Crafter’s purpose said simply. The Wreath Project. The wreaths on the door to the elevator lobby and urns are part of the front door wreath project. The Crafter’s strive for four times a year to mark the changing seasons. But sometimes they put up a winter wreath between the Christmas and Easter wreaths. Then there are the summer and fall wreaths and once again the Christmas wreath. Some of the wreaths get used again if they don’t look weather beaten. Since the Crafter’s haven’t been able to meet during the pandemic, winter, spring, and fall wreaths have been purchased and the summer wreaths they made. Wreath dimensions for the front door by necessity must be fairly large. When making the wreaths, Crafter’s use the bases they have on hand unless a particular size is needed and is then purchased. Being Aware of Bethel’s Many Treasures. Bethel’s wreaths are part of a deep history be- hind wreaths around the world. We are thankful for this beautiful year round display. Hats off to the Crafters!

4 The House by the Side of the Road While searching antique shops for unknown treasures, I like to read the various framed samplers that carry messages from the past. These beautiful handmade works of art always catch my eye. Two of my favorites that I have acquired have these phrases: “To a Friend’s House The Way Is Never Long” and “Let Me Live in the House by the Side of the Road And Be a Friend to Man.” I had often heard the “Way to a Friend’s House,” but I was curious about the one about living “In the House by the Side of the Road.” With just a little research, I found that it is from a poem that was popular in the late 19th century, written by Sam Foss. Sam Walter Foss, who was born in Candia, New Hampshire in 1858, was a poet and a librarian. He was a graduate of Brown University, and served many years as the librarian at Somer- ville Public Library in Massachusetts. He wrote many popular poems about the “common man.” In fact, for a time he wrote a poem every day for a local newspaper, and eventually released five volumes of collected poetry. His poem “The House by the Side of the Road” was published in 1897 and was often used in speeches and sermons. One verse reads:

“Let me live in a house by the side of the road Where the race of men go by-- The men who are good, and the men who are bad, As good and as bad as I. I would not sit in the scorner’s seat Nor hurl the cynic’s ban – Let me live in the house by the side of the road And be a friend to man.”

What a beautiful sentiment. I picture a quaint white frame house with a fireplace and a welcoming sidewalk to the front door. And there, the traveler who is lost, or cold or hungry, or perhaps just lonely, may knock on the door and be greeted with a friendly smile. Not surprising that I found a picture of the birthplace of Sam Foss and the house looks quite like I described.

5 The House by the Side of the Road (continued)

It isn’t easy to find ways to help others through “Random Acts of Kindness” while we are all sequestered in our homes. Phone calls are appreciated as are notes of encouragement. Snail mail still exists to deliver a “thinking of you” card. I appreciate a beautiful thought passed on to others, even if it’s from a poem that is well over 100 years old. Anyone interested can look up Foss’s complete poem online. The websites state that his poetry is “in the public domain” so it can be enjoyed freely by all. Foss has several other poems you may want to study. From his “The Coming American” poem he writes: “Bring me men to match my mountains/ Bring me men to match my plains/ Men with empires in their purpose/ And new eras in their brains.” These lines were inscribed on a granite wall at the United States Air Force Academy to in- spire cadets. It was removed in 2003, when the academy became coeducational, but it still is engraved and displayed at Epcot in Orlando, Florida, and on a state office building in Sacra- mento, California. Another of his provocative poems is entitled “The Calf-Path.” It tells the story of a calf that took a winding path through “primeval wood” on its way home. It left a trail that was followed by a lone dog and then by a bell-weather sheep who guided its entire flock along the same way. Eventually it was followed by men who “uttered words of righteous wrath, because ‘twas such a crooked path.” The path became a lane, then a road, then a street, and even a thoroughfare. “and men two centuries and a half, trod in the footsteps of that calf.” So, in other words, men seem to follow the steps of others, even when the way is crooked and winding…”and work away from sun to sun, to do what other men have done.” He concludes the poem with the lines: “But how the wise old wood gods laugh, who saw the first primeval calf. Ah, many things this tale might teach-but I am not ordained to preach.” Foss’s poems are full of humor, such as “The Prayer of Cyrus Brown.” Several preachers discuss the best way to pray, with some citing the importance of being on one’s knees with eyes closed, while others saying that prayer should be in a standing position with eyes wide open and outstretched arms. Adding to the conversation is one fellow named Cyrus Brown, who said he fell into a well with his feet up and his head down. Quote Cyrus Brown: “And I made a prayer right there an’ then; Best prayer I ever said. The prayingest prayer I ever prayed, A-standing on my head.”

6 The Women of the Bible Speak

Just in time for Mother’s Day. A copy of the New York Times rated best seller, The Women of the Bible Speak, has been donated to the Bethel Church Library and is available to check out. The book pairs 16 women of the Bible. Each individual story has the Scripture references listed at the beginning of each story under the name of each individual. You get to look into their hearts through their own words, interactions with others and even their emotions. There is also a full index to make it easy to check references, issues or mentions.

Since Mother’s Day falls on May 9, this reporter turned to the story of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Beyond the wonderful story leading up to and including the birth of Jesus, Mary’s story laid down in Scripture-- such as Luke 2:3--finds Mary and Joseph who knew of His divine conception seem almost startled at the reminder of His true identity. It is easy to forget there also was a child to nurture and raise. A grown son to see tortured and killed. During his agony Jesus spoke directly to Mary before the disciples. (John 19:26-27.) The segment helped me see Mary and understand her great role even more fully. Part of the title on the book’s cover explains the book this way: “The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today”

Shannon Bream is the author and may be a familiar face often seen standing on the steps of the Supreme Court covering landmark cases in her role as Fox News channel’s legal correspondent and as anchor of Fox News @Night. She is also a woman of strong Christian faith.

Check it Out. To check out the book (1) Contact Ginger to put your name and preferred telephone number on the list. (2) Ginger THE WOMEN will contact you when the book is available for pickup in the Church office. (3)Return the book to the office.(4) If you are OF THE unable to make it to Church and have to stay at home, arrange- BIBLE ment can be made to drop off the book at your home.

SPEAK

7 Memorial Day – a Day to Remember Memorial Day, a very special day to honor and remember Americans who died fighting for our country, will be observed on Monday, May 31. Originally known as Decoration Day, this special holiday dates back to the Civil War. America wanted to honor the soldiers who died during that war, especially inspired by the way the people of the South honored their dead. The first national celebration was held on May 30, 1868. In the late 19th century, the holiday became known as Memorial Day and was expanded to include the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed which set the annual day for Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. Judy C. & Gordon G. placing flags for a past Memorial Day.

Karl S, Bill K & Harvey K

placing flags.

Many traditions on Memorial Day include placing flags on the graves of our servicemen, as we do at Bethel Cemetery, and lowering the United States flag to half-mast in the morning to honor the fallen soldiers, and then raising it at noon to symbolize continuing our country’s fight for freedom. Many folks also display or wear red poppies, to honor the deceased soldiers. The famous poem “In Flander’s Fields” inspired this tradition. I was inspired to write a poem several years ago, while watching a special segment on the PBS Newshour on Channel 9. They would show the photos of those who had been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, giving their names, branch of service, their age, hometown and where they were killed. The segment was prefaced by these words: “We show them in silence, as their deaths are made official and photos become available.” Many times I felt tears well up in my eyes as I was watching this. I noted their young age, and wondered how many lives were affected by their loss. One evening, I began to write these words:

8 Watch closely, my friend. Gordon Gilliat & Bob Morice These are the bravest of the brave. They were asked to give their all And that is what they gave. Look into their eyes. They show no fear. They stand tall and strong. They fought on the right side. They did nothing wrong.

They are handsome. They are young. We owe so much to these young men. We see their warm smiles and know They will never smile again.

Listen closely, my friend. You can hear the mothers’ cries, And those of sisters, brothers, wives. You can feel the father’s pride. Harvey Krueger John Snider He would rather have his son back by his side.

Focus closely, my friend. Because of them, we live our lives at ease. We worship where and when we please. Our children go to school To learn, and laugh, and play. Tom Hellweg Say a prayer for them, my friend. Say a prayer for them today.

Breathe deeply, my friend. You can enjoy your freedom Because of these young men, These men who will never smile again. Rusty Pendleton Roy Poertner Chylene Jahn Daub September, 2010 9

Bethel UMC, Thanks for your additional monetary donation of $125. We serve 700 families monthly, provid- ing wholesome foods and a host of programs to help families move from crisis to stability. Thanks for your continual support. —Circle of Concern

Pastor Len & Helen, Thanks for the CCLI basic streaming license & renewing the Zoom license. —Bethel UMC

Mike, Bill & Ed K, Thanks for taking care of the cemetery & going the extra mile to help us. —Helen Hall & family

Barb, Shirley, Ruth A and Roberta V, Thanks for your donation of stamps. —Bethel UMC

Dear Bethel Friends,

Thank you so much for surprising Sebastian with a bicycle on his 4th birthday! What a generous gift! He loves staying active, so this was the perfect gift!

Thank you,

Jeff, Carol, Allison, and Sebastian

GIFT CARDS—ON SALE NOW!!! Bethel has the following gift cards for purchase: 7 — $100 Dierberg gift cards or 2 — $100 Walmart gift cards If you would like to purchase, Call Jan @636-273-6808.

10 Faith In Action 2021 - Circle of Concern Instead of the Kid’s Summer Bags, Circle of Concern Circle of is requesting financial donations to give each family Concern gift cards to Aldi’s at the end of May.

Checks can be sent to Bethel UMC or mailed to: Circle of Concern, 112 St. Louis Avenue, Valley Park, MO 63088

Circle of Concern is currently in need of the following donations:

Cereal, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Fruit, Healthy Snacks, Condiments, Razors, Shampoo, Deodorant, Ibuprofen

We are blessed to have a good number of gifted lay leaders

willing to help make our Zoom service a success.

Our schedule for May is as follows… Date Devotional Opening & Scripture Prayer . 5/2 Pastor Bob Carla Jeff 5/9 Helen Janet Pastor Bob 5/16 Jeff Elaine Pastor Len/Helen 5/23 Pastor Len Jeff Dale/Carolyn 5/30 Pastor Bob Suzi Jeff We welcome additional volunteers, please call if interested. Training is provided.

Bethel College Scholarships Anyone interested in receiving a college scholarship for the 2021/22 school year, please call the office @ 636-458-2255 for more information.

UPPER ROOM May/June issue is available. Please call the office if you would like a copy mailed to you.

Bethel United Methodist Church 17500 Manchester Road Wildwood, MO 63038-1907

MAY

News!

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Bethel United Methodist Church Love God, Love Others, Serve All! Please Join Us Sunday For Service Service will be LIVE (with masks/social distancing) in the sanctuary or you can use one of the following:

Church webpage: www.bethelunitedmethodist.org Facebook Live: https: //www.facebook.com/BethelUMCWildwood “Like Us” on Facebook. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BethelUMCWildwood Zoom: Please contact the church office at 636-458-2255 to receive the link.