Family Discipleship Newsletter (Jan 2010)

January 2010 Newsletter Vol. 5 No. 1

****************************************************************

Fighter Verses:

Start memorizing the verse on this date:

January 3 Daniel 2:20b-21
January 10 Matthew 5:3-6
January 17 Matthew 5:7-9
January 24 Matthew 5:10-12 FREEZE
January 31 Matthew 5:13

Fighter Verses Online
Stop in at the website below to find the Bethlehem Fighter Verses online to help you memorize.
http://fighterverses.com

*****************************************************************

FEATURE ARTICLE BY Kempton Turner, Pastor for Young Adult (Sr. High) Discipleship, Downtown & South

Knowing the Lord through the Word in 2010

Hear the word of the Lord describing a teenage young man named Sam in I Samuel 3:7,

“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD/Yahweh, [because] the Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.”

What? Samuel did not yet “know the LORD”? How could this be?

This is shocking, because in taking a quick look at I Samuel chapters 2 and 3, Sam seems to have had: 1) a desire for the Lord (3:3), 2) a desire to live morally opposite than the wicked (2:25-26), 3) a desire to serve the Lord in the temple (2:18), 4) a desire to submit to God-placed authority under his adopted father Eli (3:1)…

So, how can the text say that Samuel “did not know the Lord”? Well, because having a desire for the Lord and moral uprightness and a servant’s heart and an attitude of submission towards your parent(s) does not mean that you KNOW THE LORD.

A young, LORD-hating atheist can muster up these types of apparent virtues in his own strength under God’s common grace. And tragically, I fear that there are many young people at Bethlehem who fit Samuel’s description. They appear to desire the Lord. They appear to be morally upright. They appear to be serving gladly in various ministries. And they are compliant in the home. Yet, they do not KNOW the Lord! Let me pause here to say, “Praise the Lord” - there are many young people at BBC who do “know and are pressing on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3)! Nevertheless, we are begging God to increase this precious number among our young people!!

So, how is this number increased? What’s the answer? How can young people at BBC really KNOW the Lord? How did it happen for young, 14 yr. old Samuel?

Well, it first starts with the sheer, sovereign grace of God breaking into a young person’s heart and opening their eyes to the beauty of Christ, through THE WORD of GOD (Ps. 119:18)!

Listen as I Samuel 3:21 reveals how young Sam went from “not yet knowing the Lord” to knowing the Lord,

“And Yahweh appeared again at Shiloh, for Yahweh revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of Yahweh.”

There it is! Samuel began to really know Yahweh, because God moved in His sovereign, self-revealing grace and “revealed Himself” to Samuel by “the Word of Yahweh”!

And who is “the Word of Yahweh”? He is our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14-18; 8:58)!

O parent/ student, this is how the Lord Jesus longs to reveal Himself to you….by His Word….by His literal words in the 66 books of canonized scripture known as the Holy Bible!

So, here are a few tools that we want to put into your hands in 2010, so that you might deeply and sweetly KNOW or continue to know this amazing God and His Son Jesus Christ, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit as you delight in the Scriptures:

*Fighter Verses Set E
*Seeing Jesus in the Word Senior High Bible Reading Journal
*ESV Study Bible (discounted in the Bethlehem bookstore)

Hungering to know Jesus through the Word with you in 2010,
Pastor Kempton

*****************************************************************

SEEING JESUS IN THE WORD

The Young Adult (Sr. High) Ministry is excited to introduce a new Bible reading journal: Seeing Jesus in the Word for students and parents that would like to join them on the journey. They will be available for $5.00 (checks or cash) at a table near the Young Adult Sunday School rooms January 3, on all three campuses. You can also purchase a journal for your young adult or your family by going to: http://tinyurl.com/biblejournal1. Any questions contact Megan (DT/S) at 612-455-3484  or Lori (North) 612-455-0808.

*****************************************************************

Awaken '09 Audio Files are now available to download and listen to at

www.hopeingod.org/youth.aspx . There are 6 files. Two combined sessions (first and last) along with the 2 Jr. High and 2 Sr. High sessions (2 and 3 respectively). So there are four sessions for each group. Whether you were at Awaken '09 or not, you may benefit from the talks given by Kempton Turner, Thomas Rydland, Grant Winnes, Gil McConnell, and Jon Nowlin.

*****************************************************************

Fighter Verse Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 6
All-Church Connection in the Downtown Sanctuary 6:15pm

People from all campuses are invited to join us for this special All-Church Wednesday Connection, held at the Downtown Campus, and start the year memorizing Fighter Verses, Set E (pdf). Skits, drama, testimonies, and songs by the Bethlehem Children’s Choirs will encourage you to hide God’s Word in your heart. Resources for Scripture memory will be available at discount prices.

NOTE: SPECIAL Connection Dinner Schedule - First Seating at 4:30pm; Second Seating at 5:15pm
RSVP for the Connection dinner to Jessica at 612-338-7653 (x 400).

See the Web calendar for details. When you RSVP, please be prepared to say how many adult portions and how many child portions you are reserving, and what your preferred mealtime will be. On Wednesday, January 6, there will only be activities at the Downtown Campus; no Connection activities will take place at North or South. There will not be any children’s classes that evening, and all ages will be together in the Downtown Campus sanctuary. Children’s classes will resume on Wednesday, January 13. Questions, please contact Betty at 612-455-3490

*****************************************************************

Youth Baptism Mentor Training/Orientation Session

Downtown Campus options:
· Saturday, January 23, 8:00-9:30AM
· Wednesday January 27, 6:45-8:00PM

North Campus options:
· Wednesday January 20, 6:45-8:00PM
· Saturday, January 30, 8:00-9:30AM

This meeting is designed to help prepare mentors (most often parents) for their significant role in the youth baptism preparation process. [Note: Youth candidates for baptism should not attend this session.] This session will provide an opportunity for mentors to get acquainted with each other and to be equipped to prepare the candidate for baptism. (Because of some recent significant changes, those having already attended mentor sessions prior to 2008 are encouraged to attend one of these if possible.)

Please sign up for one session by contacting Lori Myers at 612.455.0808

*****************************************************************

Family Discipleship Mid-Year Refresh

Thursday, January 28, 6:45-8:30pm Downtown, Main Hall

All volunteers serving Pre-K through 12th Grade Sunday School and Wednesday Connection are invited to join the FDD pastoral and support staff for an evening of worship, prayer, encouragement, and fellowship as we look forward to the remainder of the Sunday School and Connection year. Dessert and beverages will be served. To help us with ordering the right amount of refreshments, please RSVP your attendance at http://tinyurl.com/2010MidYearRefresh or to Betty at 612-455-3490

Thanks very much!

*****************************************************************

In case you missed the 2009 Child & Youth Fall Training, the skit, observation sheets, and audio of the breakout sessions are now available on the web! (http://www.hopeingod.org/TrainingSundaySchool.aspx).

*****************************************************************

FOUNDATION BUILDERS 1

Saturday, January 23, 2010 8:45am-Noon
Downtown Campus

This seminar, a prerequisite for parents who wish to dedicate their children at Bethlehem, is open to all who want to learn more about nurturing the faith of children in the first years of life. This class introduces the theology, vision, and philosophy of parenting and children’s discipleship at Bethlehem. Expectant parents and those hoping to be parents are encouraged to attend. Limited childcare is available if reserved by January 18th. You can register online for Foundation Builders 1 and the Child Dedication services by clicking on the links or you can call Madeleine (612.455.3496.

******************************************************************

CHILD DEDICATION SERVICES

Saturday, February 20, 2010 5:30pm (Downtown)
Saturday, February 20, 2010 2009, 6:00pm (North)
Sunday February 21, 2010 all services (North, Downtown, and South)

If Bethlehem is your church home and you desire to dedicate your child(ren) to the Lord and make the significant promises required of Christian parents, you may register online by clicking here, or by calling Madeleine (612.455.3496) to inform her of your desire to be a part of one of these services. Please note, Foundation Builders 1 is a prerequisite for dedicating your child at Bethlehem.

******************************************************************

Bethlehem 2010 Parenting Seminar

"Raising a Generation Who Are Glad in God's Good Design" with Dr. Russell D. Moore
7:00-9:00PM Friday & 8:00AM-12:00PM Saturday, March 5- 6
Downtown Campus

Today’s culture puts forth much effort to tear down the foundational biblical principles of manhood and womanhood. What can a parent do to stem the tide? Dr. Russell Moore is a leader in bringing education and encouragement to the body of Christ in the area of biblical manhood and womanhood. If you are a parent (or hoping to become a parent one day), this important seminar will equip you to shepherd your sons and daughters to be glad in God’s perfect design for men and women.

Seminar Sessions:

• Crucified Masculinity: What Joseph of Nazareth Can Teach Us About Raising God-Imaging Boys
• Crucified Femininity: What Mary of Nazareth Can Teach Us About Raising God-Exalting Girls
• Crucified Parenting: What the Child Jesus Can Teach Us About Raising God-Anointed Boys and Girls

Cost is $10 per person. Your registration fee includes a Friday night snack, Saturday morning bagel breakfast and seminar materials.

Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/yajorgy

******************************************************************

Family Discipleship Sermon Series: Spiritual Parenting in the Church and Home

The Parenting Seminar on March 5-6 is part of a larger focus at Bethlehem on spiritual parenting within the church and within the home. We hope you will join us in worship services over a four-week period of time to be nourished from the Bible for effective spiritual parenting in God's family.

Below are listed dates, sermon topics and speakers:

Feb 20-21 – David Michael
Spiritual Parenting: Pursuing the Joy of the Next Generation

Feb 27-28 – Kempton Turner
Spiritual Parenting: Purpose in Light of Eternity

Mar 6-7 – Russell D. Moore
Spiritual Parenting: Protecting Our Boys and Girls from Satanic Masculinity and Femininity

Mar 13-14 – Bud Burk
Spiritual Parenting: Prayer in Your House and in the House of God

Mar 20-21 – John Piper
Spiritual Parenting: Passion for the Supremacy of God

******************************************************************

Union Gospel Mission (UGM)

Next Meeting: January 17

• Who: Parents, young adults, and youth
• What: Outreach of sharing food, friendly conversation, and the gospel to clients at UGM
• When & Where: Every third Sunday at 3:00 PM (Downtown Campus) to prepare food, leaving for UGM via Bethlehem transportation at 4:15 PM
• Note: Must wear closed-toed shoes and socks to help prepare food.
  For more information: contact Megan at 612-455-3484

 

*****************************************************************

Do you have a heart to minister to the children at Bethlehem in the nurseries, Sunday School, or Wednesday night Connection? Visit the link below to begin the application process: http://fddapp.hopeingod.org

*****************************************************************

UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY
3-10 Sun-Sun- Prayer Week- All Campuses
6 Wed- Fighter Verse Kick-off- Downtown
8 Fri- All Night of Prayer- Downtown
13 Wed- Connection Kick-off- Downtown & North
17 Sun- Union Gospel Mission
20 Wed- Youth Baptism Mentor Training- North
23 Sat- Foundation Builders 1- Downtown
23 Sat- Youth Baptism Mentor Training- Downtown
27 Wed- Youth Baptism Mentor Training- Downtown
28 Thu- Mid-Year Refresh- Downtown
30 Sat- Youth Baptism Mentor Training- North

FEBRUARY
5-7 Fri-Sun- Marriage Retreat- Oak Ridge Conference Center
13 Sat- Foundation Builders 4- Downtown
19-21 Fri-Sun- FDD Winter Retreats- Offsite
20-21 Sat-Sun- Child Dedications- All Campuses
21 Sun- Union Gospel Mission- Offsite
27 Sat- Foundation Builders 3- Downtown

MARCH
5-6 Fri-Sat- Parenting Conference- Downtown
13 Sat- Educational Options Seminar- Downtown
12-13 Fri-Sat- Youth Baptism/Membership Classes- Downtown
21 Sun- Union Gospel Mission- Offsite
26-27 Fri-Sat- Youth Baptism/Membership Classes- North
26-28 Fri-Sun Cass Lake Missions Trip- Offsite
31 Wed- Holy Week Break- No Connection

******************************************************************

Family Discipleship Department Staff CONTACT 612-338-7653

Ministry Staff- Pastors, Ministers, & Interns
Bud Burk- Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, DT/South
Joyce Heinrich- Minister for Early Childhood
Gil McConnell- Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, North
David Michael- Pastor for Parenting & Family Discipleship
Sally Michael- Minister for Resources and Program Development
Jon Nowlin- Pastoral Resident for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship
Mark Schaap- Intern for Family Discipleship, North
Kempton Turner- Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, DT/South
Grant Winnes- Intern for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, DT/South

Ministry Staff-Coordinators
Betty Dodge- Coordinator for Family Life
Brenda Fischer- Coordinator for Disability Ministry
Connie Oman- Coordinator for Training & Classroom Support
Thomas Rydland- Coordinator for Young Adult (SH) Discipleship, South and FDD Administrator
Carmen Tomaszewski- Coordinator for Early Childhood, North
Bonnie Williams- Coordinator for Early Childhood, South

Ministry Support Staff
Kevin Dau- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Madeleine Miller- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Lori Myers- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, North
Suzy Plocher- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Megan Schaap- Ministry Assistant for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship
Tara Schmidt- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship

Assistant Childcare Coordinators
Sarah Vogel- Sunday Worship South
Cathy Arredondo- Sunday Worship Downtown
Yvette Hatch- Saturday Worship Downtown
Karen Indehar- Special Events
Gerrilyn Kanowitz- Wednesday Connection, MOMS, Bible Studies Downtown
Maggie Sporleder- MOMS & Bibles Studies North
Andrea Tjarks- Sunday Worship Downtown
Jessica Pluim- Sunday Worship North
Karleen Witt- Wednesday Connection & Saturday Worship North

Sample page from a newsletter: