Adult Ministries
What's Brew'in At Bethel on Wednesday evenings in July?
Come and join us on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 - 8:00pm in the Christian Life Center (CLC), for some cool conversations over root beer floats.
Adults, teens, children -- ALL are welcome. Nursery will be available.
July 7, Religion and Baseball - Pastor Charlie will share some fascinating insights from his experiences as a pitcher and a preacher.
July 14, Hymnody and Melody - Hear fascinating stories about how hymns came to be written and how they sound as we sing together.
July 21, Excavating Armageddon - Tel Megiddo in northern Israel is widely regarded as the most important biblical period site in Israel; it is the jewel in the crown of biblical archaeology. Steve Reece will have just returned from an archeological dig at this site to share his experience.
July 27, Conversation about A Wretched Man - Author Obie Holmen will talk about his new book, read an excerpt, and lead us in conversation about this engaging novel.
At Bethel Lutheran Church, we equip our members to seek disciples, make disciples and be disciples of Jesus Christ through a variety of adult ministry opportunities.
Senior Coffee
Caffeine or Decaf, Bethel Seniors Have Zip!
All Bethel senior citizens (self-defined) are invited to a monthly coffee and fellowship hour on the first Monday of each month. We meet at Bethel at 10:00 am
Bethel STARS (Seniors Together At Retirement)
More details to follow about upcoming Bethel STARS luncheons this fall.
Adult Christians Together Socially
ACTS is for Bethel members to meet and become better acquainted over a meal. We have found that gathering together around a table with food is one of the very best ways to get to know other members. ACTS consists of a core group of six people, either three couples or a combination of couples and singles, meeting together in one another’s homes on three separate occasions for a meal. Two additional guests are invited to the meal (frequently new members), for a total of eight people.
ACTS runs twice a year, in the fall and spring. For the fall group, a sign-up sheet is prepared and available in the Narthex in late summer and sign-up lasts about a month. For the spring group, the sign-up sheet is available in January.
Adult Small Group Ministry
Whether they gather around a study, shared interest, or common life stage, small groups are great places to make connections at church and intentionally deepen one’s faith. The purpose of small groups is to pursue healthy lives together through significant connections, service, prayer, learning, and reaching beyond ourselves. Take a new step in your faith journey and join a small group! To learn more about joining an existing small group or to form your own, please contact the church office.
Adult Study Offerings
Adult Classes - Sunday Mornings at 9:45 am, September 20, 2009 through May 23, 2010
Daily Disciples Small Group
This group meets each Sunday at 9:40, using the Daily Discipleship, an online ELCA lectionary Bible study designed for small group conversation. Please contact Harley Foster, John Larson or Marci Noding for more info or stop by on Sunday mornings.
Mathetes
Pastor Tim leads an interesting and thought-provoking discussion of worship texts or other Biblical subjects. Regular and drop-in attendees are welcome!
Membership Matters - October 17, 2010
Membership Matters is a class for people considering joining the Bethel community. Using a workshop-lunch format, this one-time session will provide you with information about the Bethel congregation, its mission and ministries, and our hopes and dreams for the future. Several staff members will be on hand with helpful information to share. While not required, participation in a Membership Matters event may help you decide if Bethel is the right congregation for you. The next Membership Matters event is scheduled for Sunday, October 17, 2010 from noon to 1:30 pm. Nursery will be available. Please contact the church office for more information.
Sunday Forums
Mission and Justice offers several Sunday morning events throughout the year to highlight missions sponsored by Bethel. Other Sunday forums focus on contemporary issues from a faith-based point of view.
Weekday and Evening Adult Studies
Bethel Bible Series
“As I spent an amazing evening watching Joseph and the Amazing Tech. Dreamcoat last night, I thought of all of you [OT Bethel Bible Series classmates]. Even though I had seen that musical three times, it had more meaning after studying the Old Testament and getting a clearer picture of the whole historical context. I am much looking forward to tying that to the New Testament this year.” Cindy Kreis, Bethel Bible Series Student
The Bethel Bible series is a time-tested, two year, intentional overview of the Bible that helps students understand the lessons of the Bible by first understanding the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Students are asked to prepare for each class session by reading the curriculum materials and assigned Bible passages. There will be no memorization or tests - just fellowship and open discussion of the concepts presented. If you are just beginning to dive into the Bible or are a seasoned biblical scholar, please consider joining us for this exciting overview of God's Word.
Class sessions are led by Bethel members who completed the two-year teacher training course for the Bethel Series.
Watch for more details about Fall 2010 class.
Bethel Women’s Book Study
Enrich your summer experience by joining Women of Bethel on Thursday mornings from 8-9 am at The Ole Café! On Thursday, June 17, we began using a book, Listening for God, Vol. 1: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith. Editors Paula S. Carlson and Peter S. Hawkins have compiled a very moving collection of essays for anyone interested in how religious thought affects the writings of authors. For more information, contact Pam Santerre at 507-786-8951.
Men of Bethel (MOB)
Pr. Keith Homstad will lead a men's group Bible study entitled, "Studies in First Isaiah - Considering Alma and Immanuel." This will be an in-depth look at the prophet known as "First Isaiah", looking at his poetry and prophecy within the whole book of Isaiah. We'll consider how the longest book of the Hebrew Scriptures fared when translated into the Greek Septuagint, and how New Testament writers interpreted it as foreshadowing the Epiphany of Jesus Christ.
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA) Circles
Women gather together in their WELCA Circles monthly for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. This Fall’s study is titled, The People of God: Unity in the Midst of Diversity.
WELCA Circles are open to all women; Bethel has several to fit any schedule. If you are interested in joining a circle, or would like to begin a new group, please contact Marcia Omdahl at 507-664-9052.
Retreats
2010 Trip to Holden Village September 12-18th (plus travel time)
Twenty-three Bethelites are journeying to Holden Village in September! We will arrive at Holden Village on Sunday, Sept. 12th and depart the village on Saturday, the 18th. Travel arrangements will be handled by individuals, since people will be traveling by train, car or plane.
If you are interested in attending but have not yet signed up, it’s not too late! For more information, contact Pam Santerre or the church office.
WELCA
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America works in partnership with the ELCA and is a self-supporting organization. In addition to supporting itself and its ministries, Women of the ELCA makes an annual gift to the ELCA of approximately one million dollars. Most significantly, however, Women of the ELCA is in spiritual partnership with the church as we work for and pray for the same ministries, mission, and concerns.As you join in Women of the ELCA activities, you will be enriched by other women who share similar interests and responsibilities. Bethel Women of the ELCA have chosen a few ministries to support. Lutheran World Relief and its parish projects are supported yearly by Bethel women. At the November doing meeting we pack boxes for Lutheran World Relief and put together baby layettes and health kits - all to be used either locally, at the Marie Sandvik Center in Minneapolis, or shipped overseas by Lutheran World Relief.
Whether you serve on the Women of the ELCA Board, attend a monthly Bible study, sew quilts, work on parish projects, or contribute financially, all women of Bethel Lutheran Church are members of this organization. If you are interested in joining a Bible study, sewing on quilts, meeting new friends, helping collect clothing for newborn babies, or have a new idea, contact any member of the WELCA Board and we will get you involved!
Isn’t this the century that you were going to get involved in something that really mattered?
All women are invited to join the Bible Study preparation time with Pam Santerre on Tuesday September 25, at 7:00pm. Pam will be helping leaders each month with the Bible Study preparation for the Circles. She plans to meet the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Purpose Statement
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
What do Women of Bethel do?
Birthday Parties
Women of Bethel donate time to celebrate residents’ birthdays at the Retirement Center in February and the Hospital Long-Term Care Unit and Three Links Care Center in October. Dessert and a program are provided.
Circles
The women of Bethel have organized three circles at present including Lois, Lydia, and Martha. The circles get together once a month for a Bible study that follows the “Lutheran Women Today” magazine. Minutes from the WELCA Board meeting are read at each meeting to keep members informed of upcoming events.
Doing Meetings
Women of Bethel come together and assemble health kits, layettes, and school kits. Layettes for infants include 2 shirts, 2 gowns or sleepers, 2 receiving blankets, 4 cloth diapers, 1 sweater, 2 wash cloths, 1 bath-size bar of soap, and 2 diaper pins. Some of the layettes are brought to the Northfield Hospital Nursery and the rest, along with other kits, are sent to Lutheran World Relief, the Marie Sandvik Center, or the Community Action Center. During this meeting we also wrap shoe boxes for Christmas Sharing.
Quilting
We have a group of wonderful women who meet once a month on the fourth Tuesday from 9:00am until noon. We generally make 60 to 70 quilts each year and they are distributed to Lutheran World Relief, the Marie Sandvik Center, and the local Christmas Sharing program.
Summer Bible Study for Women of the ELCA, June 15, July 20 and August 17
Our summer Bible Study sessions from the LWT magazine will be led this summer by Rose Turnacliff. The three session study is entitled "Pray Always" and will explore three aspects of prayer. The first date for these summer meetings will be on Tuesday, June 15, at 6:00pm. We will have our annual potluck salad supper with dessert rolls and beverages provided by the WELCA Board. The other meeting dates will be July 20 and August 17.
Resources:
Lutheran Woman Today magazine - available from Augsburg Fortress Press or at www.lutheranwomantoday.org for $12 per year.
Café - a free email “magazine”, created particularly with women aged 20 - 35 in mind, explores common issues that women face today from a faith-based perspective. Available at www.womenoftheelca.org/cafe or send an email to cafe@elca.org.
Copies are available in the church reception area for anyone wishing to read and study if you do not have your own subscription.
There is a Bible Study leader help session available each month in the library at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 12:00 - 1:00 pm on the first Monday after the first Thursday of the month. If you would like to participate in this study group, bring a sack lunch and join them.
Bethel Women Having Fun
Third Tuesday of the Month
Once a month, women set out from the Bethel parking lot to a different destination, just to have fun! You’re welcome to join us. Please sign-up in the Narthex or contact the church office.
- Tuesday, July 20 - St. Croix Riverboat Cruise and Lunch
- Tuesday, August 17 - Plan next session’s outings over a potluck lunch