June 5, 2022

Pentecost Sunday, Music Sunday, and Reception of New Members

Worship at 9:30 am

Cookout and Potluck Following Worship

Presiding Minister: Pastor Tim Keyl

Preacher: Wendy Mallette

Assisting Ministers: Chris Wigren and Vicar Kurt Saenger-Heyl

Music Director: Stephen Gamboa-Díaz

Lectors: Katie Gehner and Rachelle Goto

Altar Guild: Nora Lee

Ushers: Rachelle Goto and Ray Bussolini

Tellers: Blair Goodlin and Dianne Witte

Bread Baker: Becky Lerud

Coffee Hour: Richard Ford

I heard these words as I boarded my plane last week around 5:30am. I’m not normally up at this time but this sight was surely worth it. Words can’t do it justice. 

Majestic isn’t quite enough. 

Colorful isn’t deep enough.

Vibrant isn’t wide enough.

Beautiful isn’t unique enough.

This sight is something that has to be experienced to be fully conveyed. Words just don’t seem to capture it in the same way.

A bit like God. Our words are never quite enough. There are no words that can adequately convey God–God is beyond words.

And frankly, I find this incredibly comforting. Because right now, I need the comfort and guidance of God who is bigger than anything I can speak or imagine.

How long, O Lord? (Psalm 13:1)

How long until mass shootings stop?

How long until we aren’t scared to send our kids to school?

How long until things change?

How long…?

Because while there are many different ideas for what to do and how to do it, change is necessary for mass shootings cannot continue.

This rate of death is unacceptable.

We are called to be a part of the change.

May God who is beyond words, guide us as we seek to transform our society for the better, and in so doing, bring about the Kingdom of God here on earth.

In Christ +

Vicar Kurt

Sunday, June 5, 2022 is a BIG Sunday for Bethesda

-We will celebrate the fiftieth day of Easter, Pentecost at worship at 9:30 am. The color of the day is red, so you are invited to wear something red or a Bethesda t-shirt (even though it’s blue)

-Wendy Mallette, completing her PhD in religion at Yale and affiliated with Bethesda throughout her studies, is preaching

-We will offer recognition for Learning Ministries and Music Ministries

-We will welcome new members

-It will be Music Sunday, with an opportunity to give toward Bethesda’s Music Series

-We will hold a cookout outdoors (weather permitting), with food that you bring (otherwise known as a potluck) to round out the luncheon following worship at the paved circle

-Please wear a name tag this Sunday

Bible Study on Zoom

Bethesda's Bible Study meets every other Wednesday at 8:00 am on Zoom. The series on Women in the Bible continues with the following topics:

-June 8: Anna - Luke 2

-June 22: Abigail - 1 Samuel 25

-July 6: Rahab - Joshua

When? Every other Wednesday at 8:00 am

Where? On Zoom, click here to join (or join by telephone: 203-432-9666; Meeting ID: 961 0888 6279)

Welcoming New Bethesda Members

Greg Ladzinske is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia. Before coming to New Haven in February, he worshipped at Sunshine Cathedral MCC in Fort Lauderdale, where he resided for the past 12 years. Realizing it was time to leave Florida, he packed three bags after receiving his tax refund and bought a one-way ticket on Avelo Airlines. He lives a couple blocks down across the street at the Yale Oxford House and works as a Quality Inspector at Thermaxx in West Haven.

Hello! My name is Riley Erlandson, and I'm an M.Div. student at Yale Divinity School along with my partner Henri. I entered YDS last year directly after graduating from Concordia College in Minnesota with degrees in Biology and Neuroscience. I entered YDS hoping to pursue an M.A.R. in Religion and Ecology, but over the two semesters -- largely due to involvement and experiences at Bethesda and with LuMin at Yale! -- I have felt a call to ministry, sparking my degree change. I still care deeply about the environment and remain involved in many environment-focused groups at YDS, hoping I can center this in my ministry. Beyond ministry and academics, I love reading for fun, spending time outdoors, cooking, and any artistic or crafty pursuit! I will be serving at Luther Crest Bible Camp this summer as a Day Camp Director, leading groups of counselors in week-long programming for young campers at churches around Minnesota. I am so thankful to have found Bethesda as a welcoming church home in New Haven and look forward to worshipping together again in the fall!

Hi Bethesda! My name is Henri Santelman and I'm a current MDiv Student a Yale Divinity School! My partner Riley and I started living in New Haven last year (fall of 2021) when she began her studies at YDS. I serve as the Administrator for LuMin at Yale, and work with Pastor Kari and the rest of our team to do ministry with a great group of Yale students. This summer, I'm serving as Program Coordinator for Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN. My undergraduate degree is in Music and Religion from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, and I love to play guitar, sing, and write music! I'm so grateful and excited to call Bethesda my church home while I'm in New Haven, and I can't wait to get to know you all more in the next three years!

The Council’s May 23 meeting focused on three areas, two of which resulted in votes for important action:

Chimney repair

The Council voted in April to sign the contract with masonry contractor Capasso. However, in order for Bethesda to accept the $5,000 grant subsequently awarded by the New Haven Preservation Trust to help pay for the project, Capasso would be required to repair the mortar using a technique and mortar mix specified by the NHPT. Although the NHPT requirement did not increase the cost of the project, Council members raised concerns that future building repairs could be restricted and more costly due to preservation requirements. The Council voted to accept the grant, but the vote was not unanimous. 

Mission Endowment Fund Committee realignment

The ELCA model constitution for congregations provides for congregation committees to be established by continuing resolution. Using CRs allows congregations the flexibility to create, change, and dissolve committees as needed to address their changing ministries. When it was established in 2008, the Mission Endowment Fund Committee was made part of Bethesda’s constitution. The Council felt that at this time it would be prudent to recognize the MEF committee by CR, bringing Bethesda’s constitution in line with the ELCA model and enabling the MEF to address the congregation's ministry going forward. The Council voted unanimously to bring this constitutional change to the next congregational meeting. 

Bethesda’s future direction

Pastor Keyl provided a report of his most recent meeting with staff of Partners for Sacred Places, the nonprofit organization dedicated to sound stewardship and active community use of older sacred places. After discussion that incorporated the work done at the Council’s May 14 retreat, the Council outlined a strategy to involve the congregation in the decision whether to engage with Partners or another organization to help Bethesda plot a future direction.

Dianne Witte, Secretary

New England Synod Assembly

Pastor Tim, Rachelle Goto, Vicar Kurt, and John Aden will be at the New England Synod Assembly at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA under the theme Collaboration for Christ’s Sake. Learn more at New England Synod Assembly. Watch the livestream at New England Synod Assembly livestream.

Wendy Mallette Preaching This Sunday

We welcome as preacher this Sunday Wendy Mallette, Bethesda’s caretaker, recently awarded a PhD in Religious Studies from Yale University. Wendy will be teaching at the University of Oklahoma and relocating to Edmond, OK later this month. We will offer Farewell and Godspeed on Sunday, June 19th.

Yale Divinity School Graduation

Pictures of friends of Bethesda from recent Graduation Festivities. We are grateful for their presence in our midst over the past few years!

Paul and Logan McLean Strike's Wedding 2.0

Pictures of friends of Bethesda from Paul & Logan McLean Strike’s Wedding 2.0! What a joy it was to celebrate with them and we are so thankful for their presence in our community over the past few years!

Kristen Ford Concert

Richard Ford’s daughter is performing Tuesday, June 7 at 7pm at Cafe 9 in New Haven. Find more information here.

Introducing Vicar Gabrielle Brown

Hello Bethesda, from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa,

I am grateful for the opportunity to join Bethesda’s journey of proclaiming the grace of God through word and deed this coming year. I am so excited to meet you all later this summer? I was born on the west coast, grew up all over the country, and these days home is in Colorado with my husband, Dave. Our daughter, Christina, lives in Philadelphia where she is working on graduate studies. Before seminary, I was an engineer, website developer, and most recently, a marketing project manager.

I understood a call to serve years ago, and I began discerning my call to ELCA rostered ministry in 2018. I am drawn to further explore intergenerational faith formation, ecumenical and interfaith engagement and chaplaincy. My lifelong interest in care of our planet and sustainable raised wholesome food for everyone has evolved into my commitment to creation care and ecojustice. I’ve been named a foodie, a crafter, a hiker, and just a little bit crunchy. Psalm 119:105 has been formative for me since I first learned of our loving God: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. I look forward to when our paths converge this summer, and in the meantime, Shalom.

In Christ,

Gabrielle

You can support Bethesda's student ministries by donating online and selecting "Student Ministry Fund" in the Give To line.

Traveling this summer?

We would like to pray for you during your time away. Please look for the white binder in the Narthex and add your travel plans to it.

Funeral Planning Document

Planning ahead for your own funeral or memorial services is a form of witness and can be a gift to your loved ones. Following last Sunday's forum on this topic, we want to share this planning document (linked here) so you can make clear the location, readings, songs, and other elements you would want at your own funeral. Paper copies will also be available in the Narthex. The form may be returned to Pastor Tim or Leigh in the office.

Family of Four Seeks Housing

An immigrant family from Haiti seeks housing in New Haven. A mother and two sons ages 5 and 3 are looking for housing in New Haven, such as a mother-in-law apartment, while the father remains in Haiti. Pastor Keyl is looking on behalf of a colleague and friend in Stratford. Any leads can be referred to Pastor Keyl at [email protected].

2023 Companion Synod Trip

Join pastors Tim Keyl, Wendy Anderson, and Scott Howard on a life-transforming New England Synod Companion Trip to the 2023 Companion Synod Trip on February 2-17, 2023. Our theme is Sitting Under the Vine and Fig Tree, an image of peace and unity among nations found in Micah 4.

Save the Date!

Arts & Ideas on Saturday, June 11

Join Bethesda friends on the New Haven Green for a free concert of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, with special guests Harolyn Blackwell, Albert R. Lee, and Brian Stokes Mitchell as part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The concert begins at 7 and you may look for the Lee family (who may have procured some helium balloons to be found more easily) after 6:30pm. Bring chairs, blankets, food, beverages, and know there are often food trucks along Temple Street. Most of all, bring yourselves to this very family-friendly event in the heart of our Elm City!

From the Council: Sustainability Conversation

As you may have heard, Bethesda recently had an assessment done of our buildings which indicated that repairs and upkeep in the coming years could amount to a very hefty sum. In view of this, Council recently gathered for a mini retreat to contemplate Bethesda’s sustainability, particularly in regards to the ministry of our building. We debated the questions of who Bethesda might be without the building and how important the physical building actually is to our ministry. The overall tone of the retreat was positive and hopeful about Bethesda’s future, whether in the current locale or beyond.

Focusing on the option of maintaining our current situation, we have begun imagining all sorts of possibilities for stewardship of the building with the resources we have. We are seeking feedback broadly about the value of Bethesda’s building for those who participate in its ministry and use and for the neighborhood and the city of New Haven generally. We are exploring potential grants, a capital campaign, out-of-the-box rethinking of current building use, and the use of Partners for Sacred Places as a consultant to conduct a feasibility study.

It is important to engage the congregation in the conversation along the way toward additional resourcing and decision-making. Come to a forum on Sunday, June 12 following worship, and an outdoor gathering on Wednesday, June 15th, at 6:30 pm in the lower garden. Council members and Pastor Keyl will be on hand to guide and contribute to the conversation. Bring your thoughts, questions, and suggestions. If you cannot make either of these in-person gatherings, look for information about a virtual Zoom gathering which we plan to set up. We want to hear from as many of you as possible!

Rachelle Goto, Council President

Updated Recommendations from the COVID Task Force

Based on our meeting on 20 Apr 2022, the COVID Task Force makes the following amendments to our Mar 2022 guidance:

-Masks should be worn during worship services or large public gatherings until May 31

-Effective Jun 1-Sept 15, 2022, masks are recommended, but optional for all indoor activities.

-Recommend that Council recruit new members to serve on the Task Force to replace those members who are unable or unwilling to serve in time for our next meeting Wed, 7 Sept 2022

Sermons online

View recorded sermons online at Bethesda New Haven’s YouTube Channel, by clicking the button at the bottom of the eNews, and posted on Bethesda New Haven’s Facebook Page.

Click here to read Elaine Ramshaw's sermon from last Sunday.

Click here to view this Sunday's bulletin.

Upcoming Commemorations

Boniface, Bishop of Mainz, missionary to Germany, martyr, died 754

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Boniface was a native of England who became a Benedictine monk and was called to missionary work among the Vandal tribes of Germany. With fellow workers, he established churches and schools, and he also worked to reform the church.

Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, died 1866

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Noah Seattle led a coalition of tribes, and convinced them to live peacefully with encroaching white settlers. When he became a Roman Catholic, he held morning and evening prayer with his tribe. The city of Seattle is named for him.

Columba, died 597; Aidan, died 651; Bede, died 735; renewers of the church

Thursday, June 9, 2022

These three monks from the British Isles helped keep the light of learning alive during the Middle Ages. Columba founded three monasteries off the coast of Scotland. Aidan was a pastor who led people to works of charity. The Venerable Bede was a Bible translator, historian, and hymnwriter.

Barnabas, Apostle

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Barnabas was not numbered among the twelve apostles, but the book of Acts gives him that title. After Paul was converted to Christianity, Barnabas welcomed him to Jerusalem, and later the two traveled together on missionary journeys.

Prayer Requests

For healing and strength: Michelle Lee, friend of Christina Castañeda; Rachel Ronnevik, Maggie Astrup’s sister; Wayne Wright, father of Laura Wright’s; John Hively; Mark Barnett, nephew of Becky Lerud; Marie Gray; Sonja Krummrey; Maureen Anderson; Natalie Denardis, granddaughter of Gail Denardis; Shirley Farm; Linda Johnson; Anne and Lee Keck; Kay Leone; Molly Dinneen; Karen (Starbranch) Blitch, daughter of Chuck Starbranch.

For those serving in the military.

For our partners in the Gospel: the congregations and schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and LuMin Campus Ministry.

For Bethesda New Haven: that God continues to guide us into the future with ministries of witness, service, hospitality, and care while building up our community in all its diversity.

For those in candidacy for rostered leadership in the ELCA: Natalie Benson and Calli Micale.

For peace in Ukraine. 

For those attending the New England Synod Assembly.

For Leah Snavely and Cameron Kritikos at their marriage in Pennsylvania Saturday, June 11.

For Theodore Franz at the anniversary of baptism, June 5.

For those traveling this week: Pastor Kari Henkelmann Keyl, Gabu Keyl and Manu Iglesias Fernandez traveling to Minnesota for a wedding; Vicar Kurt Saenger-Heyl to Boston.