who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
Author:
- Various
Date Given:
June 4, 2010 Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department
June 2010 News & Calendar
Vol. 5 No. 6
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Fighter Verses:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
June 6 Matthew 6:3-4
June 13 Matthew 6:5
June 20 Matthew 6:6
June 27 Matthew 6:7-8
Fighter Verses Online
Stop in at the website below to find the Bethlehem Fighter Verses online to help you memorize.
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FEATURE ARTICLE BY Jon Nowlin, Pastoral Resident for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, North
Being the Gospel to Our Closest Enemies
Parenting and family life can be hard. At times it can be very hard. We have witnessed recently in the national media that adoption can be very difficult. Some know this challenge first hand. For others the folly bound up in the heart of their child has become an inferno of hard-hearted rebellion. Still others grieve over their adult children’s choices. These and other family battles can leave us in search of hope, forgiveness, and a God-empowered path forward. It is the aim of what follows to: “Stir up your sincere mind by way of reminder,” through the truths that God in his sovereignty has laid before us in recent months.
On March 21, 2010, Pastor John spoke to the heart of parents on this issue in a sermon entitled Parenting with Hope in the Worst of Times. He used Micah 7:1-20 to call us to brokenhearted boldness. That is being brokenhearted over our personal sin in relation to the “enemies” (7:6) in our families, and bold as we cling to the gospel of a God quick to forgive. If you missed this message or need a second dose I strongly encourage you to listen.
As God grants humbling grace to see our sin and cling to the gospel, what direction does he give us to move forward in boldness? I believe these answers have recently been on our lips in the fighter verses from Matthew 5:43-48. Here Jesus casts a vision of love for our enemies. They pave a path forward for his glory when we are called to parent in the worst of times.
Jesus commands us to a continuous expression of love and an ongoing practice of prayer for our enemies (5:44). This is a genuine desire for their souls’ delight in Jesus and a fearful pleading that they might fly to him to take the wrath they deserve. The following verse expresses the reason, “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” As the NET Bible says this is not an equation for earning our salvation, rather it is a call to imitate the One we hold dear.
Consider our merciful Father. He makes the sun to rise on his enemies. Why? Simply put, his daily withholding of his wrath is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Ultimately the vision God sets before us for our parenting in the worst of times is to “incarnate” the gospel. To pray, speak, and love for the eternal good of those dear to us. We imitate our Father, and at times suffer like the Son as we pray and point our enemies to Jesus.
How is that possible? Only through the power of the gospel! As God reveals how far we fall short of these commands he beckons us towards brokenhearted boldness. Then, cloaked in the righteousness of the One who perfectly loves his enemies, and serving in the strength that he supplies, we move forward in prayer and acts of love.
If you are currently parenting in a difficult time, may God be near to you. May he support you with godly believers, and direct you by his Word and wise counsel. And may he fortify your soul in his powerful gospel, empowering you to declare it in word and deed. All for the display of his glorious grace!
Jon Nowlin
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About the 2010 FDD Volunteer Appreciation Mug…
Our banner Scripture text for this school year has been Colossians 1:28-29. In this passage, the Apostle Paul outlines four essential elements of his gospel ministry.
1. A PERSON: Jesus Christ.
2. A PLAN: warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom.
3. A PURPOSE: that he might present everyone mature in Christ.
4. A POWER: all the energy of Christ, powerfully working within him.
I have seen these essential gospel elements in you this year! And, I see them in the design of this year’s Family Discipleship gift mug, which is another Bob Goebel original. Praise God for Bob and the creative gifts He has given him!
The picture is of a tree. The roots go deep and signify growing in maturity in Christ over years of time and trials. As the tree becomes mature it bears fruit. The branches, or “hands,” of the tree are outstretched toward the S-O-N, expressing need for him and glory to him. As we mature in Christ we bear fruit – the fruit of worship, proclaiming Christ, and teaching others so that they might become mature in Christ. As you sip your favorite beverage from this mug, may it be a reminder to you of the glorious privilege we have to be energized in the power of Jesus to participate in His gospel work in the next generation.
Proclaiming CHRIST with You,
Pastor Gil
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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://www.hopeingod.org/ministries/family/get-involved
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Family Discipleship Volunteer Fall Training
Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 8:45am - 1:00pm, Downtown
If you are planning to volunteer in Wednesday Connection or Sunday School classes (for Preschool–Grade 8) or with our Adventure Girls ministry during the 2010–2011 school year, please attend this important training.
The event will include teaching on Bethlehem’s vision for ministry to children and youth, as well as specific instruction related to the volunteer role you will fulfill: Team Leader, Small Group Leader, Teacher, Worship Leader, Disability Aide, Adventure Girls volunteer, or general classroom helper.
Come early for breakfast snacks. Lunch will be provided as well.
For more information contact Betty Dodge at 612-455-3490.
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Sunday School Workbooks
Parents, we would love for you to follow up with your child about Sunday school lessons so please be sure to take home the workbook from class. June 6th is the last day of Sunday school, but we hope to have the workbooks available outside the classrooms for a few weeks following that.
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Volunteers Please Return Your Curriculum
Please leave your curriculum in your Sunday School classrooms on the last day of class (June 6) so that we can check them in and prepare them for the fall. If you are returning to the same class in the fall, you may keep your curriculum with you. Thank you!
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Interested in Hosting or Helping with a Backyard Bible Club?
If you are looking for summer opportunities to share the love of Christ with your neighborhood, consider hosting or helping with a Backyard Bible Club! Trainings have already happened, but we would love to help you find a way to get involved if it is on your heart. Here is the link to our brochure, which lists the curriculum options and some basic information: http://hopeingod.org/document/backyard-bible-club-information/.
Please contact Tara Schmidt to let her know of your planned club or for more information.
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Help A Family This Summer ~ Disability Ministry
Beginning June 13th, Downtown, room 219 will be open on Sunday mornings for families with a child with disabilities to use when it is difficult to stay in the service. This room will have closed circuit viewing of both the 9:00 and 11:00 services. The Disability Ministry will not be coordinating one-on-one aides for this room, but if you would like to help a family every week or just occasionally by watching their child in room 219 while the parents are in church, please contact Brenda Fischer 612-746-2675 (or specialneeds@hopeingod.org). Brenda will add your name to a list of summer-caregivers families can contact. If you are not a cleared Family Discipleship worker and would like to help out, please fill out the FDD application.
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Jr High JAMs
Theme: Suns of Righteousness: Shining Examples of Faith to Follow
What: “JAM” stands for “Jesus and Me” summer gatherings designed to nurture faith in Christ. JAMs provide environments for Christ-exalting fellowship and possibly sharing the gospel in our neighborhoods. There will be worship through the Word, biography, and singing, as well as sports, swimming, team building games, and etc. depending on what each location allows. Go to www.hopeingod.org/event/jr-high-jam for permission slip download. See the summer magazine for location addresses and contact information.
When: 10AM to 3PM: See “Transportation” items below for departure and arrival times for vans.
Who: for students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grades
Dates & North Locations:
July 1: Greg & Janet Sweet (lake) Combined with Downtown/South
July 15: Bob & Amy Tranquillo (pool)
July 29: Steve & Beth Prater (pool)
Aug 12: John & Jennie Kim (pool/lake for canoeing)
North Transportation
*Please plan on arranging your own transportation. However, transportation help is available. We will have a van depart from the North campus at 9:30am and return by 4pm. Space is limited. To reserve a spot. contact Mark Schaap at 612-338-7655 ext 732 (or fddinternnorth@hopeingod.org)
Dates & Downtown/South Locations:
July 1: Greg & Janet Sweet (lake) Combined with North
July 15: Jonathan & Julie Anderson (pool & lake)
July 29: Chris & Barb Johnson (lake)
Aug 12: Perry & Michelle Ryan (lake/boating)
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“SNS ‘10” (Senior High Sup N’ Stuffs)
These are weekly gatherings for senior high students on Tuesdays from 4:30-9:00 PM in homes to connect, enjoy a meal, and worship Jesus Christ through song, gospel proclamation, and life-impacting fellowship. This is a great setting to bring friends who are not yet trusting in Jesus as their Savior!
Upcoming June Dates:
June 15- 1st Sup N’ Stuff
June 22
June 29
For more information, including locations, please contact Megan Schaap (srhigh@hopeinGod.org).
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Bethlehem "Pure Heart" Conference
with Amy Vest
September 10-11
Downtown Campus
Registration for this conference opens exclusively to Bethlehem daughters and moms on June 20th with early bird rates of $20 per daughter and $15 per mom. Registration will open to everyone after July 7th and is expected to fill. Please register early.
This conference is best suited for girls ages 11-19 and their mothers. Watch the Bethlehem website (hopeinGod.org) for the online registration information and link on June 20th. Contact for this event is Betty Dodge at 612-455-3490.
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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting: June 20
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 3:30 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 or srhigh@hopeinGod.org
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READ ON . . . Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael:
Children need two "L" words from their parents. What are they and how does this relate to high-fives? See: http://rosemond.com/82509.html
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SAVE THE DATE: Awaken '10
SAVE THE DATE! Awaken '10 is October 15-17, 2010. Last year was fun, rewarding, and spiritually significant for participants, parents who hosted or helped, and small group mentors. We're looking to build on last year's successes this year. May God continue to pour out his Spirit upon this ministry of "gospelizing" one another and our neighbors through teaching, fellowship, mentoring, and evangelism.
Registration will open this summer. Look for more information soon!
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FYI:
The Family Discipleship Department thinks you may want to know about family-related events
but does not necessarily endorse them or their content.
Summer Activity Opportunity!
Camping at Lebanon Hills Campground near the Dakota County Fair
Friday-Sunday, August 13-15, 2010
David & Diane Nochella, members at Bethlehem, would like to invite anyone who is interested to join them camping at the Lebanon Hills Campground nearby the Dakota County Fair in August.
Info for the fair: http://www.dakotacountyfair.org/ Info for the campground: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LeisureRecreation/CountyParks/Locations/LebanonHills/Campground.htm
If you are interested, please contact Tara Schmidt at fddevents@hopeinGod.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE
6 Sun- Last day of Sunday School- All Campuses
6 Sun- Baccalaureate Service & Reception- Downtown
15 Thu- First Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
20-25 Sun-Fri- Youth Summer Camps (upcoming 7th-9th graders)- Camp Shetek
20-July 1 Sun-Thu- Dominican Republic Missions Trip
22 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
29 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
JULY
1 Thu- First Jr High JAM- Offsite
6 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
13 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
15 Thu- Jr High JAM- Offsite
16-23 Fri-Fri- Cass Lake Missions Trip
18 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
20 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
27 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
29 Thu- Jr High JAM- Offsite
AUGUST
3 Tue- Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
10 Tue- Last Sr High Sup N’ Stuff- Offsite
12 Thu- Last Jr High JAM- Offsite
15 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
17 Tue- Senior High & Family Twins Game- Offsite
28 Sat- FDD Fall Volunteer Training- Downtown
SEPTEMBER
10-11 Fri-Sat- Purity Conference- Downtown
12 Sun- Tentative Sunday School Start Date (if fully staffed)- All Campuses
15 Wed- Tentative Kid’s Connection Start Date (if fully staffed)- North & Downtown
18 Sat- Foundation Builders 1- Downtown
18 Sat- Transition Years Event- MN Arboretum
19 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
25 Sat- Make-up Training for Child/Youth (tentative)
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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- Lead Childcare Coordinator, 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
Childcare Coordinators
Sarah Vogel- Sunday Worship South
Bonnie Williams - Sunday Worship South, Lead CCC
Lexie Bollweg - Sunday Worship Downtown
Yvette Hatch- Saturday Worship Downtown
Cristina Hermann - Sunday Evening Worship Downtown
Lisa Burk - MOMS, Wednesday Connection Downtown
Kim Crouch- Special Events
Andrea Tjarks –Sunday Worship Downtown
Julie Harms - Bible Studies DT Claire Olson- Saturday Worship North
Maggie Sporleder- MOMS & Bibles Studies North
Jessica Pluim- Sunday Worship North
Carmen Tomaszewski, Sunday Worship North, Coordinator for Early Childhood, North Campus
Karleen Witt- Wednesday Connection North