COUNCIL REFLECTION
by Val Michel
This has been a time of mixed
emotions – both the vesper service
and the celebration service for Pastor
Chris Nelson were very special. When
I moved here six years ago and joined
Bethlehem, I decided to volunteer
to answer the phone in the church
office two Monday afternoons each
month. I thought it would help me
get acquainted with the congregation.
When Pastor Chris left the office, he
always said “Thank you for your help!”
or “Thank you for coming in.” It was
without fail! He made me feel needed.
Earlier this year a transition planning
team was formed to prepare a plan
for the succession of a senior pastor.
They have talked to current and
former bishops, pastors and lay leaders
of a number of medium and large
churches with recent transitions. At
their recommendation, Pastor Mary
Pechauer and Pastor Ben Cieslik will
serve as co-senior pastors during this
time of transition. Searching for a
senior pastor will progress accor ding
to the by-laws, and will include people
from both campuses. During this time
of transition, it's good to be reminded
of our membership responsibilities as
stated in Section 5 of the by-laws:
• Worship regularly and participate
in Holy Communion;
• Invite others to worship and
warmly welcome those who visit;
• Pray for this congregation and its
growth;
• Support the leadership of this
congregation;
• Gather regularly for fellowship and
growth with other Christians;
• Act in love toward other members;
• Support the mission of the
congregation with their money;
• Discover their unique gifts and
talents and become equipped to
participate in ministry;
• Strive to develop a servant’s heart
and live a godly life; and
• Support the work of the ELCA.
Pastor Chris was quoted as saying “I
would like my legacy to be: He left and
it didn’t make any difference.” He will be
missed, and he left Bethlehem strong.
YOUR GIVING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
by Pastor Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving
In addition to stewarding over $3.5 million in assets accumulated over the
60 years of its life, and distributing tens of thousands of dollars every year to
expand the Bethlehem ministry footprint in Minneapolis and around the world,
the Bethlehem
Foundation also
periodically
Legal Issues as You Age
offers free
Tuesday,
August
8, 1:00 pm at 7500 York, Edina
educational
opportunities to
our members and friends. On Tuesday, August 8, 1:00 pm at 7500 York in Edina,
the Foundation will be sponsoring an event entitled “Legal Issues As You Age.”
Three very qualified Bethlehem members who are leaders in the field of elder law
and/or estate planning--Laurie Hanson, Barbara Kristiansson, and Stu Deuring--
will be addressing these and other issues:
• I want to give some money to charity when I pass away. Is there an easy way
to do this?
• I have heard that Minnesota estate tax laws have changed. What is the
current law?
• Is it a good idea to put a child’s name on one of my bank accounts so that
they have access to my money to pay bills?
• When does a power of attorney start to be effective and when does it end?
• Who should I name to administer my estate?
• What is the difference between a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust?
• Do my beneficiaries pay tax when they inherit from me?
• What is a donor advised fund?
Please RSVP to Pastor Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving, at
[email protected] or 612.312.3368 if you are able to attend.
COUNTERS! COUNTERS! COUNTERS!
In September, Bethlehem will need new counters for the Sunday offerings. The
current group has decided to retire after Labor Day weekend except for Gregg
Rotvold and Bekka MacKenzie who will be able to train and help with the new
group. A big THANK YOU to the four outgoing members of the group (Dick
Dronen, Clayton Olson, Clayton Strandlie, Doug Moseng) who altogether have
45 years of dedicated service on the counting team. Wow!
Beginning in the fall, counting will be on Tuesdays at 8:00 am. Please call Wendy
Osman at 612.312.3363 if you are interested in volunteering. We are hoping
to have at least eight volunteers which would allow us to set up a more flexible
schedule. If you would like more information, contact Katy Stenross, Stewardship
Ministry Assistant, 612.312.3402, or Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship,
612.312.3368.
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