October 15, 2023
Fall Worship
Worship at 9:30 am
Followed by Fellowship and Learning Hour

Presiding Minister: Pastor Tim Keyl

Assisting Minister: Chris Wigren

Organist & Music Director: Isaac Lee

Lectors: Michaela Natal & Veronica Brisson

Altar Guild: Richard Ford

Livestream: Blair Goodlin

Tellers: Blair Goodlin & Chris Wigren

Ushers: Miles Kirschner

Bread Baker: Chris Wigren

Coffee Set-Up: Tyler Fair

Worship Livestream

We stream Sunday worship services live on Bethesda’s YouTube Channel. Join us live at 9:30 am every Sunday or watch the recording afterward.

Click here to access this Sunday's bulletin.

From the Pastor

Hostilities in the Holy Land

“For from the least to the greatest of them,

everyone is greedy for unjust gain;

and from prophet to priest,

everyone deals falsely.

They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,

saying, "Peace, peace,"

when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:13-14)

In the tinderbox that is Israel/Palestine, flames have been fanned through the unconscionable killing of Israelis from Hamas militants. These actions should be rightfully condemned.

Statements have been issued from many places, including our synod Bishop Hazelwood, the ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton, and my dear friend Bishop Azar of our companion synod based in Jerusalem.

Prayers have been requested and promised.  Join me for a prayer of lament Sunday, October 15 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Light a candle from your home as we will read, reflect, and pray for peace…with justice.

The prophet Jeremiah was keen to call out inaction and inauthentic action. Leadership was saying one thing while doing another, while God’s people suffered.  Therefore Jeremiah famously pointed out that false prophets were saying “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.”

The people I trust the most, leadership on the ground in the Holy Land, my colleagues and friends in Lutheran circles, decry violence particularly against innocent lives. No nation or military should target civilians, which is a direct violation of international law. The people I trust the most, indicate that a de-escalation of violence and attentiveness to the decades-long occupation is the best approach to bring an end to division.

See a portion of the The Lutheran World Federation statement below.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is gravely concerned about the continued escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine, particularly, the targeting of civilians. LWF unequivocally condemns all attacks by all parties on civilians.

LWF strongly condemns the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israeli citizens. Taking hostages is unacceptable, and LWF calls for their immediate release.

LWF urges Israeli forces to act according to International Humanitarian Law and prioritize the protection of civilians who are not warring parties. A breach of International Humanitarian Law by one party does not justify another breach by the other party.

Let us together find a prophetic voice to end violence and division for the sake of the suffering.

Let us invite blessing and healing for Israelis and Palestinians, and not to demonize.

Let us commit to wage peace with justice.

With God, all things are possible.

Pastor Tim

We Are Generous!

Bethesda members support more than our congregation's own ministry. We share our wealth beyond our walls with gifts to those in need. Thanks be to God for the money given in the third quarter (July-September) of 2024:

ELCA Hunger Appeal: $ 900

ELCA Disaster Relief: $1400

The Diaper Bank: $ 220

Reconciling Works: $ 25

Remembering Those Who Have Died on All Saints, November 5

Please add the names of loved ones you want included for the All Saints service on Sunday, November 5 to the white binder (located in the Narthex) or email the names to [email protected].

Names can be family members, friends, or anyone throughout history that you'd like to bring to God's mercy.

Bethesda Fall Work Day

The Facilities Committee will be hosting a fall work day on Saturday, October 14 beginning at 8am. If the weather is clear, they are looking for volunteers to help paint the bridge railing. Other projects include winterizing the building and completing various maintenance tasks around the building. All volunteers are welcome.

Bethesda's Sustainable Future News

Click here to see the October update of the council newsletter.

Call to join the choir!

The Bethesda choir is open to all who love to worship and sing! We meet on Thursdays at 7pm in the choir room. No audition is required but musical training is appreciated. We are committed to learning, improving, and growing as a community.

Whether you are new to the church or a seasoned congregant, I encourage you to take the plunge and lend your voice to enhance our collective worship experience. Instrumentalists are also welcome to offer your musical talents.

The first Thursday of every month is our “Join-the-choir” welcome session. Do drop by and try it out for a night. No commitment required. Come and meet kindred spirits who share a love for music!

For more information or queries, please write to Isaac Lee, Music Director, at [email protected] 

Regards,
Isaac

Stewardship Emphasis October-November, 2023

God's Call In Action!

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that God has called us by name. Wow!

Starting this Sunday, Bethesda's Stewardship Team invites everyone to join the divine name calling! In the coming weeks, pay attention to all the ways you see God's call being answered. Observe how individuals -- Bethesda members, work colleagues, electricians, anyone -- and groups -- Bethesda's congregation, your book club, your school -- are addressing the needs of our parish, our city, our country, and our world. Name those insights on post-it notes for the booth in the narthex. Or mail them to the church office. Help build a 21st century display of Christ at work in our midst as you prepare to make your financial commitment to Bethesda's ministry in 2024 on November 12. Thank you!

We Need Volunteers for October

Email administrative assistant, Tyler Fair ([email protected]) to volunteer for needed roles!

The following roles need filled for October 22nd: one reader and livestream

What a turnout at Jazz Night!!

The Campanius Room at Bethesda was transformed into a jazz club on October 7 when our confirmation students and their families hosted a fundraiser for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Around 40 people enjoyed a homemade pasta supper (with dessert cart!) while listening to Bethesda's own Dave Arezzini, Richard Ford, and Chris Lee. Thank you to all who came, donated, helped, and otherwise supported our middle schoolers!  

Learning Hour Sunday after worship for all ages

Learning Hour begins after worship for these groups (snacks provided):

 - Children in Primary Grades (or younger, too!) meet with Elaine Ramshaw and Nora Lee. They gather in the yellow classroom at the end of the education wing on the right for songs, stories, and sharing.

 - Confirmation Youth (Middle School) meet with Dan Cortright in the Muhlenberg Room at the end of the education wing on the left to continue their exploration of the resource Manna and Mercy.

 - Youth, young adults, and all others will meet in the Parish House Living Room. Rachelle Goto, Pastor Keyl, and leaders will offer important updates on Bethesda’s Sustainable Future,  the initiative to secure Bethesda’ ministry long term.

Constitution Update

Earlier this year the Council suggested there may be sections of Bethesda's constitution that could be amended to more accurately reflect our current ministry. After a preliminary meeting in May, a task force began a comprehensive review of the constitution this month. The group will conclude the review in early October and recommend changes for Council members to consider at the October 23 meeting. Updates approved by the Council will be brought to the congregation for approval. Those ably serving on the task force are: Ian Bjorkman, Ellen Doon, Blair Goodlin, Pastor Tim, Dianne Witte, and Clarissa Youngberg.

Bethesda At The Bowl

October 21, 2023

Who? Everyone and anyone interested in the outdoors, Yale football, historic stadiums, food, drink, fun, games and fellowship. This is a family friendly event. Parents, bring your kids. Kids, bring your parents. And feel free to bring friends as well – the more the merrier. Yale Students are very welcome.

What? Two Outstanding Events! The football game itself (Yale v Penn) and Pre-Game Tailgating (Bethesda Style). General Admission tickets for the game are $16 for Adults, $14 FOR Seniors (62+), and $8 for Youth (3-12). We will purchase the needed tickets at the game – no need to buy any in advance.

When? The game starts at noon on Saturday, October 21st. Tailgating festivities begin at 10:00am. At 11:30am we will walk over to the stadium, grab any needed tickets, and find a place to sit in the Yale Bowl. Kickoff is at noon.

Where? The game is held in the famous Yale Bowl (which, if you have not been there, is a bit like traveling 100 years back in time to the beginnings of football) located at the corner of Chapel and Yale streets. Tailgating will be held in Parking Lot D. Driving access to Lot D is from Derby Avenue (not Chapel Street as in years past). Parking is $10/car. There are free shuttle buses from Payne Whitney Gym to the Yale Bowl. (You can still park outside of the permit zone in Westville and walk to Lot D if you want.) To find the tailgate location in Lot D, look for the Luther Rose Flag on a flagpole. Backpacks, Camera Bags, Binoculars Cases, Diaper Bags are not allowed in the stadium. Only small, hand held purses are allowed. Clear bags are OK.

Why? Fun! Fellowship. Enjoy the outdoors

How? If you have questions or are interested in attending BATB, please contact Don Youngberg - at church, at [email protected], or (203) 464-3208. Feel free to bring something to share at the tailgate – think of it as a bit of a potluck.

MEF Matching Grant in support of Student Ministry

Join the Mission Endowment Fund in supporting Bethesda's Student Ministry fund. Your dollars will be doubled!

Bethesda has hosted a series of three Vicars in as many years. They have each enriched our community in countless ways, not to mention the opportunities, challenges and learning that we provided for them! While we are taking a break from that ministry currently, there is a small negative balance in the student ministry fund for items already paid out. Your contributions will help satisfy this commitment.

The MEF grant will match all donations up to $2,800. Please donate today by designating "Student Ministry Fund" through Tithely, PayPal or by check.

Pastoral Care

If you’d like to meet with Pastor Keyl, please make an appointment through Bethesda’s administrator Leigh Cromey [email protected]   or by calling

(203) 787-2346 most weekday mornings. Pastor Keyl can meet at your home, at Bethesda, or over a cup of coffee somewhere.

Prayer Requests

For healing and strength: Michele Meyer, daughter-in-law of Marietta Meyer; Ray Bussolini, Pastor Betsy Williams, Les Swenson; Linda Johnson; Paul Denardis, stepson of Gail Denardis; John Ferreira, nephew of Chris Couture; Marie Gray; Sonja Krummrey; Maureen Anderson; Shirley Farm; Anne and Lee Keck; Donna Nardciso, friend of Michaela Natal; Kay Leone; Molly Dinneen; Matthew H., cousin of Tyler Fair.

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 House and Yale Divinity School students.

For our Ecumenical Partners Worldwide: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico. The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle takes us through every region of the world over the course of a year.

For those who mourn Lynn Arezzini and family, after the death of her father, George Arndt, Sr. on October 4.

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 or seeking candidacy for rostered leadership in the ELCA: Natalie Benson, Tyler Fair, Calli Micale, Tim Bergeland, Jordan Baker.