Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

September 2010 News & Calendar
Vol. 5 No. 9

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Fighter Verses:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
September 5       Matthew 6:30
September 12     Matthew 6:31-32
September 19     Matthew 6:33-34
September 26     Matthew 7:1-2

Fighter Verses Online
Stop in at the website below to find the Bethlehem Fighter Verses online to help you memorize.
http://fighterverses.com

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FEATURE ARTICLE BY Bud Burk, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, DT/S

Pressing in on Jesus

You would think that September’s FDD Newsletter would be primarily about recruiting, as our planned start up is so close, but as important as that is, it is my joy to point you to something else found in Luke 5:1-11. My hope is that this article would be used by God to help you depend more fully upon Jesus, trusting in Him and longing for Him, for He is coming back again to save those who are “eagerly waiting for Him” (Hebrews 9:28).

Luke tells us the familiar story of Jesus calling his disciples to follow Him by doing an amazing miracle. He tells Simon to “let down your nets for a catch” (5:4), even after they were fishing all night. Jesus reigns over all things, including fish. It was His pleasure to cause practically all the fish in the lake to jump in their nets! Peter’s response was fitting when he said “depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (5:8). Jesus in His loving-kindness stayed with him, but He said “do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (5:10). I recently read through this story, but something stood out to me that I had not thought about previously. It is found in the first verse: “On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God…” When I read that I thought “that’s it.” That is what I want to do. I want to press in to hear Jesus, to see Him and listen to Him.

August and September are challenging months as we seek to find a team of partners in ministry (Sunday school/Kids Connection). Luke 5:1 reminded me to find hope in Jesus – press in to hear Him in these two months. Now, that would have been enough for me. God was so kind by His Spirit to reveal that little gem, but He had more. At the same time I was reading through Joni Eareckson Tada’s book titled “A Lifetime of Wisdom” where she said this (I read Luke 5 and her words within the same time): “Here is how I begin each night. I settle my mind and my heart to become as still as my body…in the quietness, I invite the Spirit of God to speak to me. I press my weakness up against His strength, my ignorance up against His knowledge, my fears and concerns up against His calmness and tranquility.”1 When I read that I said a double “yes-yes”: press in on Him.

Parents, how will our children learn how to press in on Jesus when they are confronted with overwhelming life’s circumstances? They will learn from you. Let them in when you are overwhelmed. Help them see what kind of prayers a distressed child of God prays when he/she is pressing in on Jesus. Help them see what Psalms you run to in your tears. Help them see Jesus in your weakness, for He is the Shepherd of our soul for salvation and sanctification.

1 Joni Earackson Tada “A Lifetime of Wisdom” (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009), page 91

Pressing in on Jesus with you,

Bud Burk, Pastor for Child and Youth Discipleship

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FDD Staff Changes
Fall is a season of change. There have been many changes that have occurred recently within Family Discipleship staff, all for good reasons.

• Mark Schaap, who served with Youth and Young Adults North, was called to serve a church in Des Moines as a Youth Pastor. Ben Collins is the new Intern for Youth Discipleship North.

• With Mark Schaap leaving, his wife, Megan also left us, leaving her position vacant. Her replacement as Young Adult (Sr. High) Ministry Assistant will be hired soon.

• Grant Winnes, who served with Young Adults Downtown, was called to serve as pastor at a church in New Hampshire, and his replacement is Daniel Viezbicke.

• Thomas Rydland is serving the new church plant in Woodbury (Christ Redeemer Church), and his replacement, Pastoral Assistant for Young Adult Discipleship South, is Jeff Lacine.

• Lori Myers replaces Thomas in the role of Family Discipleship Administrator. Lori previously had served as the FDD Ministry Assistant at the North Campus which is now filled by Ruth Gulbranson serving North Campus (Nursery through Senior High).

• Lori will also be serving as David Michael’s ministry assistant as of September 15th when Tara Schmidt leaves to prepare for the birth of her first child. The remainder of Tara’s duties will be given to Julie Norris, new part-time FDD Ministry Assistant (DT).

The staff list at the bottom of this newsletter should help clarify. If you have questions, feel free to contact Lori Myers 612-455-3497. Thank you.

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Are Your Children Registered for Sunday School or Wednesday Connection?
If your sons and daughters (Preschool–Grade 12) are planning to attend Sunday School or Wednesday Connection during the upcoming school year, please complete our 2010–11 Family Registration Form. We ask that all parents read through the updated behavioral principles (http://www.hopeingod.org/document/behavioral-guidelines-children-and-youth-bbc/ ) and then complete the Family Registration form (available at http://www.formstack.com/forms/bethlehembaptist-fdd_family_registration_form_20102011 or at our wall displays).

We plan to start weekly Sunday School on Sunday morning, September 12, and Wednesday Connection classes for young people on Wednesday evening, September 15, pending fully staffed classrooms.

If you do not plan to attend Bethlehem Baptist Church in the fall, please let us know so we can update your information. We are eager to bless our children, young people, and parents as we prepare for fall. If there is any way we can serve you or answer any questions, please let us know. Contact Lori Myers at 612-455-3497 or FDD@hopeingod.org

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Bethlehem 2010 Men’s Retreat
Manhood, the Gospel and Marriage
October 8-10
SPEAKER: Randy Stinson Lake Beauty Bible Camp – http://www.lbbc.com
The Bethlehem 2010 Men’s Retreat is a 3-day getaway for men of all ages and stations of life – and for young men ages 12 and older attending with their fathers.
Conference Sessions include:
Session One - Be Strong and Prove Yourself a Man: The Character, Context, and Cultivation of Manhood

Session Two - Leading in the Home: Nine areas where a man should initiate.

Session Three - Raising Masculine Sons and Feminine Daughters

Session Four - Lessons in Ephesians 5

RANDY STINSON is Dean of the School of Church Ministries, Vice President for Student Life and Institutional Improvement, and Assistant Professor of Leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He also serves as President of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW), an evangelical organization that seeks to promote the biblical teachings on the complementary differences between men and women, created equal in the image of God. Randy has been married to his wife Danna for nineteen years, and they are the parents of six children: Gunnar and Georgia (twin thirteen year-olds), Fisher (eleven years), Eden (ten years), Payton (eight years), and Willa (four years).

There are deep discounts for sons attending with their fathers. REGISTRATION is now open at
http://tinyurl.com/2010MensRetreat

For more information, visit the following link:
http://www.hopeingod.org/event/bethlehem-2010-mens-retreat

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There is still room for you at the
2010 Bethlehem Young Women’s “Pure Heart” Conference
September 10-11
Downtown Campus
REGISTER ONLINE AT: http://tinyurl.com/pureheart10

Young women are invited to join us for lessons in purity at the “Pure Heart” Conference with Amy Vest <http://www.lovingthelordministries.websiteanimal.com/> , founder of Loving the Lord Ministries. The years of youth are a critically powerful time, full of potential for growth and glorifying God. This conference will give young women (ages 11–19) a firm biblical foundation in biblical womanhood and godliness.
Mothers are encouraged to attend with their daughters — grandmothers with their granddaughters, and women who are mentors or guardians are also invited to attend with the younger women in their lives. Conference workbook and materials, snacks, and Saturday breakfast are included with your registration fee. See registration information below.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th
7:00pm Session One – The Heartbeat of Purity
8:15pm Session Two – Purity in Real Life

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
8:00-8:30am Bagel and Juice Breakfast
8:30am Session Three - Relationships, Your Future, and the Will of God
10:15am Session Four - A Call to Transforming Purity
12:00pm Dismiss

REGISTER ONLINE AT: http://tinyurl.com/pureheart10

For more information, visit the following link:
http://www.hopeingod.org/event/young-womens-purity-conference-0

Price $25.00/young woman $20.00/mother/grandmother/guardian/mentor Registration closes on September 8th. Conference workbook and materials, snacks, bagel & juice breakfast are included with your registration fee. Please contact Betty Dodge with any questions: 612-455-3490 or family@hopeinGod.org

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Awaken '10
October 15-17
A Fall Retreat Event for Youth & Young Adults (Jr & Sr High, Grades 7-12)
Our theme this year is "One" (Ephesians 4:1-16). Every believer is a member of the greater body of the church, and each believer is given gifts to exercise in service to other members of the body. We are called to live with one another in ways that accord with the gospel and to minister to the world, calling others to faith in the gospel and to join the body of Christ.

Price is $60, which includes a participant guide, t-shirt, parent prayer guide, Friday dinner, three Saturday meals; and Sunday lunch. Hosts and helpers serve Sunday breakfast, evening snacks and transportation. Much of the retreat will be held at the Downtown and North campuses.

Register online by September 19. For more information, downloads, and registration, visit us online: http://www.hopeingod.org/document/awaken-10 or send an email to Kevin Dau campsretreats@hopeingod.org or call him at 612-455-3493.

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RESCHEDULED!
Sr. High Mentor Fall Training
NOW: Saturday, September 11, 2010- 12:30pm-5:00pm
Downtown Campus, 3rd Floor

If you are planning to volunteer in Wednesday Connection or Sunday School as a Sr. High Mentor during the 2010–2011 school year, please attend this important training.

The event will include teaching on Bethlehem’s vision for ministry to Young Adults, as well as specific instruction related to the volunteer role as a mentor. Snacks will be served.

For more information, contact: srhigh@hopeingod.org

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Family Discipleship Volunteer Make-Up Training
Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 8:45am - 12:00 noon
North Campus, Entrance A

If you were unable to attend the Family Discipleship Volunteer Fall training on August 28 and you are volunteering with Wednesday Connection or Sunday School classes (Preschool–Grade 8 on any campus) during the 2010–11 school year, please attend this important make-up training.

RSVP to Lori Myers 612-455-3497 FDD@hopeinGod.org so we know numbers for food (breakfast). Thanks.

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Foundation Builders 1
Saturday, September 18, 8:45am–Noon
Downtown Campus, Room 322
This seminar, a prerequisite for parents who wish to dedicate their children at Bethlehem, is open to all who want to learn more about nurturing the faith of children in the first years of life. This class introduces the theology, vision, and philosophy of parenting and children’s discipleship at Bethlehem. Expectant parents and those hoping to be parents are encouraged to attend. For those who are unable to make other arrangements, limited childcare is available by reservation – no later than Monday, September 13th, with Madeleine Miller at 612-455-3496 or parenting@hopeinGod.org.

Child Dedication Services
Saturday, October 16, 2010, 5:30pm (Downtown)
Saturday, October 16, 2010, 6:00pm (North)
Sunday, October 17, 2010, all services (North, Downtown, and South)
If Bethlehem is your church home and you desire to dedicate your child(ren) to the Lord and make the significant promises required of Christian parents, you may register online by calling Madeleine (612.455.3496) to inform her of your desire to be a part of one of these services. Please note, Foundation Builders 1 is a prerequisite for dedicating your child at Bethlehem.

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North Nursery Training
September 18th, 2010, 8:45-12pm
Please plan to attend this training session if you would like to serve as a new volunteer or are currently serving in the nursery and have not attended training within the last three years. All Ages (9-90) are welcome; special breakout session for youth caregivers. We’ll sing nursery songs together, learn the details of keeping babies safe and healthy, and get excited about what our Lord Jesus is doing every single session in the nurseries! We look forward to being with you! RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Carmen Tomaszewski, 612-455-0807, nurserynorth@hopeingod.org

Adult Nursery Volunteer Training South
September 18th, 2010, 8:45-12pm
Nursery Training is for adult volunteers (age 15+) who would like to serve in the Nurseries or have not attended a training session within the last three years. This training will help familiarize you with the specifics of each Nursery. We'll sing together, learn the details of keeping the babies and children safe, and get excited about what God is doing in the hearts of our little ones through the Biblical Truth that is taught each week. RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Bonnie Williams, 612-827-3920, dbwilliams1970@yahoo.com

Adult Nursery Training Downtown
October 9, 2010, 8:45-12pm
Adult Nursery Training Downtown Adults (age 15+), please plan to attend this training session if you would like to serve as a new volunteer or are currently serving in the nursery and have not attended training within the last three years. We’ll sing nursery songs together, learn the details of keeping babies safe and healthy, and hear about what our Lord Jesus is doing every single session in the nurseries! RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Contact Joyce Heinrich (612-455-3498).

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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting: September 19

• 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 srhigh@hopeinGod.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER
10-11 Fri-Sat- Bethlehem Pure Heart Conference- Downtown
12 Sun- Sunday School Start Date (if fully staffed)- All Campuses
15 Wed- Kid’s Connection Start Date (if fully staffed)- North & Downtown
18 Sat- Adult Nursery Training- North & South
18 Sat- Foundation Builders 1- Downtown
19 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
25 Sat- Make-up Training for Child/Youth- North

OCTOBER
8-10 Fri-Sun- Men’s Retreat- Offsite
9 Sat- Adult Nursery Training- Downtown
15-17 Fri-Sun- Awaken 2010 (7th-12th grade)- Offsite
16-17 Sat-Sun- Child Dedications- All Campuses
17 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
20-31 Wed-Sun- Missions Focus- All Campuses

NOVEMBER
21 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
24 Wed- No Kid’s Connection (Thanksgiving)
28 Sun- No Sunday School (Thanksgiving)

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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
Ben Collins- Intern for Youth Discipleship, North
Joyce Heinrich- Minister for Early Childhood
Jeff Lacine- Pastoral Assistant for Young Adult Discipleship, South
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- Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, North
Kempton Turner- Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, DT/South
Daniel Viezbicke- Intern for Young Adult Discipleship, DT

Ministry Staff-Coordinators
Betty Dodge- Coordinator for Family Life
Brenda Fischer- Coordinator for Disability Ministry
Connie Oman- Coordinator for Training & Classroom Support
Carmen Tomaszewski- Coordinator for Early Childhood, North
Bonnie Williams- Lead Childcare Coordinator, South

Ministry Support Staff
Kevin Dau- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Ruth Gulbranson- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, North
Madeleine Miller- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Lori Myers- FDD Administrator
Julie Norris- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Suzy Plocher- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Tara Schmidt- Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship (until Sept 15)

Childcare Coordinators
Sarah Vogel- Sunday Worship South
Bonnie Williams - Sunday Worship South, Lead CCC, MOMS & Bible Studies South
Kari Raia- Sunday Worship Downtown
Yvette Hatch- Saturday 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
Karleen Witt- Wednesday Connection North