February 2022 - Bethlehem United Church of Christ
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February 2022
The Bethlehem STAR
I will begin this month with colleagues in Orlando at the DART Clergy
Conference. DART stands for Direct Action & Research Training and is the
parent organization to our local CAJE (Congregations Acting for Justice and
Empowerment) group. I last attended this conference just about six weeks
before the world shut down, and so many of the hopes and dreams we had as
we departed from that week in 2020 were tabled indefinitely.
I look forward to returning to spend some time reengaging with
colleagues from all around the country reflecting on what our faith calls us to do
related to justice. How can we not just talk about justice, but actively seek
justice for those who do not have what they need to be healthy and whole?
How can we work to dismantle systems of injustice that are baked right
into the foundations of our country and its politics? How can we delicately
navigate the political landscape without slipping into partisanship? How can we
avoid paralysis when faced with problems that are so vast and complicated?
These questions are important, but what is not in question is our
responsibility as people of faith to do the work of justice. Why? Because
throughout Scripture God calls God’s people to act justly and punishes God’s
people when they mistreat the poor and disenfranchised. Jesus’s ministry is
marked by crossing boundaries and lifting up those whom society pushed to the
margins. Ours is a God of justice!
This is the God we have yoked ourselves to! So, we’ll have to find a way
through the tricky terrain of justice work, because it is our calling, too. I look
forward to having more to share with you when I return! (cont.)
2
The Bethlehem STAR
February is Black History Month. What book are you planning to read to
fill in the gaps of your education? My goal is to finally read The New Jim
Crow—a book I’ve been meaning to read for years. Make a plan to read some-
thing that will expand your understanding of what life has been like and is like
for African Americans. I’d love to hear about what you’re reading!
~ Pastor Emily
In January, the children in Sunday School learned important
stories about Jesus’s childhood. They discussed the day Mary
and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be named
and while there, encountered Simeon and Anna. They
empathized with Mary and Joseph when Jesus was lost after the
Passover Festival. Additionally, they read about Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan
River and the beginning of his ministry.
As we dive into the February curriculum, our children will be
exploring the days that Jesus walked this Earth, learning
about the miracles he performed and his ministry. These
stories are rich and memorable for children. They lend
themselves to discussion, activity, and crafts. We look
forward to engaging with the children and helping them to
grow in their faith through these lessons.
On Sunday, February 13th, from 9:00-11:15 am, we will
hold February Faith Fest, albeit 2022 style. The Children/
Youth Ministry Team (CYMT), along with our Sunday
School teachers, are planning a special morning full of
learning, fun, and community building. Stay tuned for
3
further details on this event!
The Bethlehem STAR
We are very thankful to all of our Deacons and Elders for their service to our
church family. The Officers this year are Anna Walls as Treasurer, Cory
Kuhlenschmidt as Vice President, Diana Schnakenburg as President, and Tim
Courtney, who has stepped into the role as Financial Secretary. We are looking
forward to a wonderful 2022.
In 2022, your Council will be reinstating our "Council Chats". Two to three
Council members will be available to chat with any members immediately
following Sunday's worship service the LAST SUNDAY of EACH month. On
February 27, we will be available in the Welcoming Area immediately following
Sunday worship.
Staff
Pastor: Emily Slade
Minister of Visitation and Membership: Deborah McBride
Office Administrator: Sharon Burks-Maier
Director of Publications: Kristen Molander
Creative Director: Troy Vaupel
Organ and Music Director: Sheri Schenk
Interim Chancel and Bell Choir Director: Wayne Jones
Contemporary Music Director: Sarah Loane
Bookkeeper: Chris Champion
Custodian: Rick Chandler
Groundskeeper: Marvin Durnil
cont.
4
The Bethlehem STAR
2022 Lay Leadership
Church Council
Elders:
Larry Byers
Kim Johann
Joe Kaufman
Suzy Picking
David Powell
Tracey Stevens
Deacons:
Jen Blackburn Cory Kuhlenschmidt
Tim Courtney Tom Longwell
Debbie DeLong Diana Schnakenburg-Meddles
Kelley Felt Anna Walls
Jordan French Lillian Zausch, Youth Deacon
Wayne Gander
Pam Hirsch
Wayde Jones
Personnel/Executive Committee
Church Council President: Diana Schnakenburg-Meddles
Church Council Vice President: Cory Kuhlenschmidt
Treasurer: Anna Walls
Financial Secretary: Tim Courtney
Secretary: TBD
Committee Chairs
Spiritual Council (Elders): Suzy Picking
Finance: Gerri Klass
Property Committee: Dan Carwile
Memorial and Special Gifts Committee: Alan Crab
Endowment: Debbie Kuebler
Cemetery Board: Rick Klass
Outreach: Susan Worthington
Altar Guild: Elaine Hodoval
Pastoral Relations: Paula Courtney
5
The Bethlehem STAR
Our Youth will participate in the 30 Hour Famine on
February 25-26 to create awareness about hunger
in our community and around the world.
On Friday, the youth will begin their fast right after
lunch, and gather at church that evening, where we
will begin our 30 Hour Famine activities. The kids
will stay the night at church.
On Saturday, we will begin our day with the CNOY
(Coldest Night of the Year) walk followed by more activities. We will attend the
Saturday evening service, and the kids will break their fast with dinner after the
service.
We look forward to a great turnout, as we gather to learn more about the many
that go daily without the simplest food that we often take for granted.
Just a reminder there will be no Sunday School for the youth on February 27.
The 30-hour famine will include all youth (7th-12th grades), so feel free to invite a
friend to join us!
Rev. Chad Abbott’s visit has been rescheduled for the weekend of February
19th-20th. He will be bringing the message in both our worship services. Rev.
Abbott is the Conference Minister of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the
United Church of Christ. We look forward to hosting him and sharing the joy of
the ministries of our church with him!
6
The Bethlehem STAR
On February 26, United Caring Services (UCS) is hosting the Coldest Night of
the Year (CNOY), a 1 & 3-mile winter walk (with a self-organized virtual
option), hosted in support of United Caring Services’ mission and work in
Evansville, IN with people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger.
EVENT GOAL: raise $22,500 by February 26, 2022!
Here is your direct link to join as a walker and donate to the UCS Community of
Caring Team. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?
teamID=970580
General information (the how-tos) is available on the UCS website https://
www.unitedcaringservices.org/cnoy/
Cub Scouts Fundraiser - Don’t Miss It!
Please help support our pack and troop's many activities and
camps throughout the year by participating in our Country
Meats fundraiser. Please see the following link https://cub-
scout-pack-346.square.site/ where you can pick from 14
awesome meat stick flavors. The sticks are only $1.50 each.
We have three convenient ways to purchase — order and
pay online and the sticks will be delivered to you within one
week, contact Cheryl Hubbert at 812-454-1063 to take your order/payment and
arrange delivery, or the Scouts will be at church after worship on Sunday,
February 6th to sell sticks and have orders available for pick up. The Scouts
thank you in advance for your support.
7
The Bethlehem STAR
During the Sundays in February, we will be collecting underwear and socks for
the students that come to Hangers - The EVSC Clothing Resource.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Purchase items listed below and place them in the bins located by the entrance
door in the Welcoming Area, by the elevator on the children’s level, or in the
vestibule by the church office.
OR
We will gladly shop if you prefer not to. Monetary donations can be given to
Linda Goebel or a check may be payable to Eosin (indicate Undie Sunday) and
placed in the offering plate by the doors.
WHAT HANGERS NEEDS
New Girls underwear (sizes 6-16)
Sports bras (XS-XL)
Training bras (AKA bralettes) (any size)
New Women’s underwear (sizes 5-7)
NEW Boys boxer briefs (sizes 5 -14/16)
NEW Men's Boxer Briefs (size small, medium, & 2XL)
Thank you in advance for your support.
Nothing says you care like new underwear!
8
The Bethlehem STAR
Solar Array Update
The savings for the year have been $9,130. This is the highest
savings in one year since the system was installed. Our total
savings thus far is now $42,348.57.
The system continues to work well and in the last year we had
no kWh charges for 9 of the 12 months. For those who are interested, there are
detailed postings of the monthly performance in the office across from the
church office.
You might like to celebrate a special occasion, honor a special person, or
maybe you just enjoy seeing live flowers on the altar! Dates are first-come,
first-serve, so reserve early! To reserve a weekend, email
(judy@bethlehemucc.org) or call Judy Koch at (812-867-5403).
February March April May
13, 20, 27 6, 13, 20 3, 10, 17, 24 1, 8,15 ,22, 29
We’d love to have you join us for a fellowship meal on Sunday, February 13
immediately following worship, in the Fellowship Hall. You will have an
opportunity to meet some of our church leadership, meet some other new(-ish)
folks to Bethlehem, and learn a little bit more about our church and our
denomination. Please RSVP to the church office or email Pastor Emily at
emily@bethlehemucc.org.
9The Bethlehem STAR
Save the Date! We are thrilled to announce an all-church complimentary lunch
on Sunday, March 13 immediately following worship. This Pi(e) Day celebration
will be catered by an Evansville favorite, Be Happy Pie Company. Look for
more details in upcoming emails and the March Star newsletter!
*Debbie Havens is coordinating dessert pie donations. If you would like to
contribute, please contact her at dkhavens49@gmail.com or 812-480-7060.
10The Bethlehem STAR
2021 Was World’s 6th-Warmest Year on Record
This article, by the NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric
Administration) U. S. Department of Commerce, is the
temperature report of the Earth for year 2021. You can view it
here https://www.noaa.gov/news/2021-was-worlds-6th-
warmest-year-on-record
Take a look!
Have you noticed the colorful bulletin board outside
the church office? Thanks to the time and talents of
Barb Steedman and Susan Worthington, we can
enjoy a new board every month with upcoming
events. Would you like something added for
February or a different month? Please contact Barb
Steedman (bsteedman@wowway.com) or Susan
Worthington (stevesusanworthington@gmail.com).
11The Bethlehem STAR
Eden Theological Seminary is committed to strengthening the life of the church
in community by making accredited, accessible, and affordable theological
education available to all. We engage critically in the call to faith formation. We
support the Progressive Christian Movement in a radically inclusive learning
environment rooted in justice. Our alumni have led congregations, organizations,
and faith communities in transformative ways for 172 years. Students, pastors,
laypersons, and seekers from all denominations and walks of life are welcome to
join the next LIFE@Eden course. Learn more about this program and all our
offerings at https://www.eden.edu Action item: Is there someone you can
encourage to pursue ordained ministry? Could that someone be you?
Good Samaritan Home: We have lots to celebrate at the Good Sam. The
recent financial push to purchase a new transport van and repair the Home’s
cooling system is almost complete, with $1,919 of our $48,000 goal to go. Many
thanks to the churches and associations that have given. In addition, the Home is
marking our 60th anniversary this year. Our first residents entered the Home on
January 15th, 1962. As part of the 60th-anniversary celebration, charter
members may now enroll in the Samaritan Society, an exceptional group of
donors who leave a legacy gift to the Home. Check us out at https://
goodsamhome.orgAction item: Donate your unused costume jewelry to our
Auxiliary for bingo prizes. Better yet, join our Auxiliary; men are welcome too!
continued
12The Bethlehem STAR
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has provided 20 families with decent,
affordable homes in 2021, despite increased costs, supply shortages and
volunteer challenges caused by the pandemic. Families benefitted from a
rigorous homeownership curriculum which included money management,
maintenance, neighborhood relations and additional classes to prepare them
for home ownership. In December 2021, Habitat dedicated our 549th home for
a wonderful family that had been struggling with poor living conditions. We will
be building the next UCC/DOC sponsored home in 2022! Our goal is to build
the 600th home by December 2023! Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has
received Charity Navigator’s highest rating of 4 Stars. Donors can give with
confidence that your gifts are put to beneficial use. Help us provide a hand-up
to families working to provide a home for their children. Action item: consider
becoming a member of the Perigo-Prickett Society, a planned giving
opportunity to invest in our community’s future. More on this and all things
Habitat at https://evansvillehabitat.org/.
United Caring Services: This year we have renovated the Day Shelter
restrooms and showers, many thanks to the churches who gave to this project;
tripled the coverage of the White Flag program as a pilot expansion to offer the
service every night during the winter, currently this program is threatened
because we need more staff; served over 3,000 people across all programs;
and improved and expanded our respite care program. We are always in need
of staff, right now we need to hire 3-4 care team members.
Address/Email Updates
Linda Gilbert
4143 E. Fox Run Drive
Vincennes, IN 47591
13The Bethlehem STAR
Thank you so much for helping to make the Children's
Christmas Market a success! The kids had so much fun
shopping for their friends and families. I loved watching my
own children give their gifts. They were so proud and
experienced the joy of giving first hand. Thanks for making this possible for
them!
Margaret Eberhart
Children’s Ministry Director
Dear Bethlehem Members,
Thank you for your prayers, your cards, your calls, and the beautiful altar
flowers.
They all worked to brighten my days. I appreciate them all.
Thank you for thinking of me.
M. Gale Blalock
Greetings,
Please accept the enclosed donation checks in appreciation for our use of your
Welcome Center for the Evansville North Civitan Club Christmas party on
December.
The Welcome Area is the perfect venue, very warm and welcoming, for such
gatherings.
Thank you for your support of the Evansville North Civitan Club.
Gloria Miller, President & Phyllis Corn, Secretary
14The Bethlehem STAR Thank you for praying for me and for the gift card. I really appreciate everyone thinking about me even while I’m at college. Caleb Spurling Dear Bethlehem Friends, Your donation to the Good Samaritan Home means so much to the residents who call Good Sam their Home -- all because of you! Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your gift of $1,007.50 that you made on 1/15/2022. Every act of your generosity helps further the mission - "to provide a caring community in an atmosphere of Christian love and concern." Bethlehem was there from the beginning. On January 15, 1962, the first residents were welcomed to the Home, thanks to your church and other UCC churches in southwest Indiana. Your gift helps celebrate our 60th Anniversary together. Thank You for sixty years of faithful partnership. Gratefully, Rev. Michael Erwin, Chaplain and Gift Coordinator Dear Bethlehem Family and Campus Connection, Thanks for the gift card. It means a lot to know people are thinking of me even when I’m far from home. Jacob Spurling 15
The Bethlehem STAR
On behalf of Lincoln and the Evansville Vanderburgh School
Corporation (EVSC), I wish to thank you for the
generous gift of $390.00 for Lincoln Food Pantry. Rest
assured that your donation will be gratefully used for the
purpose you intended.
Your generosity helps to expand the experience for our students and teachers.
On behalf of the EVSC students and teachers of Lincoln School, we thank you
for your gift.
Sincerely,
Principal
Tijuanna Tolliver
Dear Friends at Bethlehem,
It’s hard to believe that the holidays have come and gone, and we’re well into
the new year! We don’t want to let this opportunity go by without a thank you,
not only for your very generous recent donation of $938.50, but for your faithful
support of the Weekday ministry. Many ministries, businesses, and
organizations have been struggling since the pandemic began, but thanks to
the blessing of friends like you, we’ve been able to reformat our program, and
continue ministering to the children in our community. We can’t thank you
enough for your generosity and prayers that lift us up and make this happen.
May God bless you abundantly in 2022.
Daphne Owen, Development Specialist
Weekday Christian Education
16The Bethlehem STAR
Let’s fill the
mailboxes
February 01 Barb Steedman February 19 Charlie Griffith
of our
February 01 Meredith Perry February 19 Kyle Hodoval Special
February 02 Theresa Cravens February 23 Colin Mattingly Seniors on
February 04 James Dus February 24 Sydney Traylor their
birthdays.
February 05 Xander Gray February 26 Quentin Stahl
February 06 Marvin Peter February 28 Dianne Bromm
February 07 Linda Goebel February 28 Bethany Slade
February 07 Paisley Damm February 29 Tripp Champion
February 07 Grant Moore February 29 Lauren Crab
February 08 Oliver Damm
February 09 Marvin Durnil On average, sixty church family members
February 10 Lois Parker celebrate a birthday every month. The
February 10 Diann Schlensker monthly Star list is of our friends eighteen
and younger and the young at heart,
February 13 Wyatt Hoffman
seventy and older. You can find a complete
February 14 Jane Jackson listing of January-December birthdays at
February 14 John Small www.bethlehemucc.org/estar. Please
February 16 Ken Karmire contact the church office if you would
February 16 Rose Worthington appreciate a paper copy of the list.
February 06 Debbie & Kenan Schultheis February 20 Ann & Quentin Stahl
February 15 Marty Meddles & Diana February 21 Cindy & Fred Heseman
Schnakenburg-Meddles February 23 Ann & David Goodman
February 17 Geena & Josh Davis 17 February 25 Brandon & Danielle Hayes(812) 867-2497 (Office)
Email — church@bethlehemucc.org
Web Site—www.bethlehemucc.org
Office Hours 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Monday-Thursday
Please contact the church office if you are aware of any address changes.
OUR VISION STATEMENT:
Striving to welcome all who seek God; to grow in faith;
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