The Bethlehem STAR January 2021 - Bethlehem Lutheran ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Bethlehem Lutheran
Church and School
“We seek to honor and glorify
the Triune God by sharing our
faith in Jesus Christ as
man’s only Savior.”
The Bethlehem STAR
January 2021
We gather up in this brief hour the mem’ry of Your mercies:
Your wondrous goodness, love, and pow’r
Our grateful song rehearses;
For You have been our strength and stay
In many-a dark and dreary day
Of sorrow and reverses. -Across the Sky the Shades of Night, LSB 899, v 3
Worldly speaking, if there was ever a year we’d all like to forget, 2020 would make an ex-
cellent candidate. If you’ve noticed the Comics at the end of the December, most featured
the characters gladly or angrily chasing the year 2020 away, making a nice, warm wel-
come for 2021. “Please, let the door hit you on the way out, 2020!”
However, we won’t be able to forget this past year. Too many stories. Too many highs and
lows. Too many extreme examples of humanity’s finest and worst actions. In fact, like the
ol’ timers of Ohio who recall the Great Blizzard of 1978, I imagine that when I’m old, I’ll
be rehearsing all the stories of how life changed dramatically during the Coronavirus out-
break of 2020.
But you know, recalling the events of 2020 isn’t a bad thing when we remember all of
God’s wondrous goodness, love, and power. For God has been “our strength and stay in
many a dark and dreary day.” So, how did God show you mercy over this past year?
Share this answer with anyone who’ll listen. Recall God’s love and goodness shown to
you this past year. If you stop and think and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall, I bet
you’ll find quite a bit.
Here’s a few of the Lord’s mercies in 2020 which your dear pastor recalls:
The Lord’s gifts in Word and Sacrament were still offered regularly and frequently. Not
everyone may have liked every decision regarding schedules and mask policies.
However, every Sunday since May 10, the Lord’s Supper has been offered. Anyone
who asked me to make special arrangements for the Lord’s Supper has received it.
God gifted Bethlehem’s leadership the necessary wisdom, discretion, love, and
courage to make this happen!
We still “sang of the Lord’s steadfast love” together (Psalm 89:1). Not even a pesky
piece of cloth nor social distancing can stop our singing of the liturgy and hymns.
We were able to celebrate graduations for our preschool and 8th grade students. The
look in the students’ eyes to see their teacher and classroom once again was price-
less. And their eyes got really big when they saw their name on the digital sign out
front. Who knew something simple would bring tears of joy?
continues on next page
God granted our school with 80 days of in-person education for the 2020-2021 aca-
demic year so far. We had only a couple of isolated COVID cases among the stu-
dents and staff and their households. No school outbreaks to report!
For most of the year, God provided us with excellent weather on Sunday mornings and
during school hours so that those who gathered at Bethlehem could spend much
time together outside.
God provided the finances for Bethlehem. Our offerings had little to no decline. In fact,
some months during the pandemic were better than normal. Our school made good
use of government funds to pay for safety and cleaning supplies and labor.
God provided an opportunity and gifts among His people to try new things at church.
We efficiently distributed communion, changed the worship schedule to accommo-
date social distancing, offered worship, chapel services, and Bible Study online on
our YouTube channel, conducted church business and Bible Study on Zoom, start-
ed online giving through our website, added an earlier service on Christmas Eve,
made a lot more phone calls on members, used Sign-up genius for attending in-
person activities and services.
On a personal level, God has been very good to our family. O Lord, “You have been our
strength and stay on many-a dark and dreary day of sorrow and reverses.” It’s been
a tough year regarding my wife’s health and employment. Yet, God has still provided
for our family—His mercies never come to an end. Bethlehem, you have been very
good to us—allowing me flexible office hours, delivering weekly meals, providing
health insurance, daily and weekly prayers, cards and words of encouragement,
taking the kids to do fun things, offers for help, rides, generous gifts, and so on.
Don’t forget how God has been your strength and stay through the dark and dreary days
of 2020. And keep on turning to Him and implore His mercies as you enter 2021! This is
extremely important because all of our temptations and struggles won’t just magically
stop once the calendar hits 2021. The broken relationships, broken trust, division, threats
to liberty, and dangers of spreading a virus are still going to be an issue in 2021. But
God’s goodness, love, and mercy are going to remain in 2021 as well.
I know that I sometimes sound trite when I say it, but it’s true. No matter the problem. No
matter the question. The answer is Jesus. Let Him be your answer for 2021. The events of
2020 reveal that our world needs true hope and grace badly. Dear Bethlehem, you know
where to find it and you have it. Return to it. Share it. The answer is Jesus.
Your dear pastor,
Pastor Witte
The Bethlehem STAR Page 2
School Calendar Change
The School Board met on Tuesday, December 8. The School Board renewed our com-
mitment to keeping students on-site for in-person school each day. Due to the rise in
COVID cases in our county and community and based on the
recommendation of the Ohio Department of Education, Bethle-
hem Lutheran School will begin back to school after Christmas
vacation on Monday, January 11. The extra week helps us
meet our goal of keeping students in–person and in school. We
pray families and students will use this extra time opportunity for a 2 week quarantine if
they go somewhere for Christmas.
National Lutheran Schools Week, January 24 - 30
National Lutheran Schools Week is January 24-30. Under the theme, Sent to Serve,
Bethlehem Lutheran School will celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week with nearly
2,000 Lutheran preschools, elementary schools and high schools across the nation and
world.
We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the
children we serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing love
with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us
an opportunity to proclaim these great blessings within the communities we
serve. Our Lutheran schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of
God’s love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.
The 2021 National Lutheran Schools Week emphasis provides Lutheran
schools with the privilege of celebrating each day. The theme for the week is
based on Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Future issues of the News and Notes in the church bulletin will contain more detailed
and specific information regarding the festivities and events set for this special week in
our Lutheran School.
National School Choice Week
Bethlehem Lutheran is a school of choice for parents in our community. Parents
make a choice to attend this school over the local public school and other
private schools. We give thanks that the state of Ohio has scholarship
programs (EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion) which open opportunities
for children to attend Bethlehem Lutheran School. Bethlehem has 25
children who receive financial assistance through one of these EdChoice
scholarship programs.
Bethlehem will participate in National School Choice Week (January 24-29). One day
during the week we will wear our ‘Choice’ yellow scarves and take a school picture, if we
figure out how to do a socially distanced picture. Our great picture will be posted on the
National School Choice site.
The Bethlehem STAR Page 3
MLK, Jr. Day, NO SCHOOL
Bethlehem Lutheran School will be closed on Monday, January 18 for
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. School offices will also be closed. School
resumes on Tuesday, January 19 with normal hours for Extended Care and
the school day.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Bethlehem Scholastic Book Fair will be held from Sunday,
January 24 - Wednesday, February 3. With our need to social distanc-
ing, the entire book fair will be handled online. Please watch the News
and Notes for additional information on how this will all work.
Considering a Gift to School?
The charitable tax break for IRA owners is permanent. Individuals who are age 70½ and
older can transfer up to $100,000 annually from their IRA directly to charity at any time
during the year. You don’t need to wait until year-end to see whether you can take ad-
vantage of this. These transfers count as part of your yearly required minimum distribu-
tion.
There are several tax benefits of these direct IRA payouts to charity. The
distributions aren’t taxable and thus won’t cause you to have extra income that
could cost you itemized deductions or personal exemptions, or trigger more tax
on your Social Security benefits. Of course, you can’t also deduct the donation.
This might be a way for you to gift the ministry of God through a school in
this community.
Since the November 2019 Voters’ meeting, no further funds will be drawn from the En-
dowment for a period of time to allow the Endowment Fund to grow. Your gift will see the
future of Bethlehem Lutheran School protected.
December 23, 2020
Greetings all,
I have been hearing from staff all day about the Appreciation Gift (decided
by Special Voters’ Assembly on December 20th). You have made everyone
feel valued, appreciated and hugely surprised by the gifts. Kudos to all for
showing love to the teachers in this special way. Blessed Christmas
to you all. Beth Landon
Specific Links to various meetings and functions:
Sign Up Genius: to attend in person worship services:
January Sunday worship: signupgenius.com/go/9040445a5a82ba4f94-january
Zoom meetings: to attend a meeting over the internet (or use your app)
Adult Bible Class through February 14: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86758508057
The Bethlehem STAR Page 4
Elder Article Last week I met an older gentleman who was hospitalized with Covid-19. As he strug- gled to breathe effectively, the decision to be put on a ventilator was made. Prior to ad- ministering the necessary sedation for the intubation, the doctor relayed to him that his wife, daughter, and grandchildren had all asked to relay how much they loved him. In a weak voice that nearly broke the veteran nurses, and respiratory therapists in the room, he talked about how much he loved them as well. Like so many before him, he never came off of that ventilator and this week I was able to meet that family as they held his hand and watched him pass. I tell this story, not to sadden anyone, but to focus on those last words that he spoke. He knew that they may well be his last words, and as it turned out, they were. It has been weighing on me for some time now…the power of words. In this case the power to express a lifetime of love in a few weak breaths. It doesn’t seem possible that it would be enough, and yet it was. I relayed to his family his last words of love and they genuinely felt them. No doubt this was not the first time he had said it. I waste so many words over the course of a day, a week, a lifetime. Too often I omit the words that really need to be expressed. The love of my wife, my children, my God. So, my question is, what would be my last words, if I knew that they would truly be the last. So much to say…so little time. Would they express anger, resentment, frustration? Would they speak of forgiveness, gratitude, love? The Apostle Paul talked about the idea of his death, not in a fearful way, full of regrets, but in anticipation to be with Christ. Philippians 1:19-22 “with full courage, now as al- ways, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” Taking this further, in Romans 6:3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 1:8 “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” This is Gods’ promise to us and He does not break his promises. His words are not excessive or wasted. Isaiah 40:3, “the grass withers, the flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. What would be my last words? I would hope that it would be an expression of love or for- giveness. I would hope that it would be a prayer, or expression of Christ’s love. Its impos- sible to say with the real fear of struggling to breathe. It is an interesting question. A bet- ter question is what will we say today? Will it be words of anger, disgruntlement, sar- casm? Or do we heed Paul’s words and walk in the newness of life. Do we speak humbly in prayer, warmly to our neighbor, boldly of Christ’s love for us? We can do this, and all things through Christ who strengthens us. Even if they are our last words. Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy! Lord have mercy upon us. By His Grace, Bill Fry Elder The Bethlehem STAR Page 5
Mimi Caraway
Jonathan Fiene
Dale Green
Roger Guernsey Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for all the generous
Nesta Harris Christmas gifts and cards for
January Birthdays me and my family. Your kind-
Louise & Bruce Hellickson
ness and generosity are much
Bethany Huffman .......................... 2
Chris Nelson ................................. 3 appreciated. Thank you also
Beth Landon ................................. 4 Tom Hitzeman
for taking the time to share
Jack Humphreys ........................... 5
James Carlson .............................. 6 how you have appreciated my
Elizabeth Lindsey ........................ 12 Doris Humphreys
service here during these diffi-
Hannah Holzmann ....................... 13
Edna England ............................. 15 cult times. Your kindness has
Karl Maron ................................. 17
Dave Johanson
only been outshined by Christ
Titus Holzmann ........................... 18
Helen McCarty ............................ 20 Himself, the Light who has
Thomas Tressler
come into the world.
Meagan Zulfer ............................ 21
Angela Guernsey ......................... 25 -Pastor Witte
Emma Olcott .............................. 26
Jodi Crosby ................................ 29
Joyce Whitt
January Anniversaries
Brian & Julia Bell ........................... 4
Bob & Helga Hemphill .................. 15 Bob Koogler
Melita Murphy
Mary Lou Pannebaker In their December meeting,
the Elders have decided to
Jean & Dawn Robinson
keep our Sunday schedule of
Bethany Huffman .......................... 1
Marilyn Scheu 3 Divine Services, 8:00am,
Nathan Huffman
Bob Koogler ................................. 4
9:30am, and 11:00am with
Mike Lovejoy ................................ 6
Zola Stahl Adult Bible Class on Zoom at
Jennifer England ......................... 10
Aaron Fry
6:00pm. This schedule will
Andrew Fry Alison Witte continue through February
Amanda Humphreys
Charles Martinek
14, 2021.
Bryan Miessler Arah-Dean Wolaver
Beth Landon ............................... 22
The Bethlehem STAR Page 6
The Bethlehem STAR
January 2021
Bethlehem Lutheran Church & School
1240 S. Maple Avenue, Fairborn, OH 45324
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Rev. Keith F. Witte, Pastor
Church Office
Phone: (937) 878-0651
FAX: (937) 878-4794
Email: bethlehem7@aol.com
Web Page—www.Bethlehem7.org
School Office
Phone: (937) 878-7050
Email: bethlehemschool@aol.com
Web Page—www.mybethlehemschool.com
Mrs. Beth Landon, Principal
Sunday
Worship Services at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Bible Classes at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday
Bible Study at 9:30 a.m.
Advent/Lenten Service at 7 pm
“We seek to honor and
Thursday glorify the Triune God
Chapel Service at 8:45 a.m. (when school is in session) by sharing our faith in
Jesus Christ as man’s
Febrary 2021 issue deadline: Sunday, January 17th. only Savior.”
You can also read
