Family Discipleship Newsletter (March 2010)

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

March 2010 News & Calendar
Vol. 5                                 No. 3
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Fighter Verses:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
March 7  Matthew 5:23-24
March 14            Matthew 5:25-26
March 21             Matthew 5:27-28
March 28  Matthew 5:29-30
  

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 Joyce Heinrich, Minister for Early Childhood

TEACHING AS WE TALK

Seeing the crowds, he (Jesus) went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying ...  —Matthew 5:1–2

With 9 of us packed like the proverbial sardines into an old, 1937 Ford, my lot on our annual trip to Grandma’s was to sit on the floor hump in the back. While Dad drove, Mom would hold the youngest in the front seat, and one of the “little kids” would squeeze between them part of the trip; but the rest of the time it was the floor, the hump or the very corner of the back seat. I actually minded none of this as we traveled with good books to read. And when we tired of reading, my sisters and I would sing, literally for hours. We practiced our harmony and tested our memory on every chorus and hymn we could think of, and when we ran out of those, we would start singing the tear-jerkers from Germany that Grandma had taught us.

When it was my turn to ride between Mom and Dad in the front seat, I loved it! I could stretch my legs, get an unobstructed view of the countryside, and best of all good things, I could talk to my Father. Taciturn and private, my Dad did not usually talk to us children other than to give orders. So when we were in the car and he seemed more approachable than at any other time, I pushed my advantage and asked him questions. They could be – and were – questions about anything. And if I ran out of ideas, I started on whatever I saw through the windows…I learned a lot about bean plants and sugar beets, the transmission of telephone messages by wire, even the nature of the slag heaps mounded along the highways in southern Illinois. My favorite topics to explore were his family history, stories from his past. I never tired of hearing about all the things that explained him to me, that helped me understand my heritage. But no matter what the topic, it was just hearing my Dad talk that I loved. I loved it because it was on that annual trip that I got to know who my Father was. As all children know but adults tend to forget, the way we get to know people is to listen to their conversations. As their story unfolds, we hear hints of their anger, resentment, acceptance, approval, pride, or regret. As we match the event with the emotion, we discern our parent’s values, what makes him happy, what saddens him, what he loves, what he will not tolerate. So we come to know Father or Mother where they truly live. For what they aspire to be is very important for us to know, but what they are and what they truly believe becomes evident in their conversation and their everyday behaviors and choices.

I think it strange that Matthew gets so specific in the preface to the Sermon on the Mount when he says, “He opened his mouth and taught them.” How else would He teach them? Maybe Matthew wants to make sure we know that these words are straight from our Lord Jesus, or perhaps that what will be said is weighty, so “Listen up!” One thing I know, when Jesus did open His mouth, 3 chapters packed with rich and radical instruction came from His heart. Most of His audience had never heard such ideas before, and it is small wonder that “They were astonished at His teaching.” But note what Matthew targets as the reason for their astonishment…not the amazing content, but that “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” His deity could not be hidden…His superior brilliance and undeniable authority impacted them mightily and revealed the heart and soul of the real God/Man! They saw HIM! Oh, the joy it must have been to sit at His feet that day and hear and get to know God Himself through the Sermon on the Mount! Because “He opened His mouth and taught them,” they received – not just new ideas to ponder and absorb – but a glimpse of the great I AM.

Someday we will sit at His feet and hear Him as He opens His mouth once again to teach us. But until then, Christian parent and grandparent, we must go and do as our Lord did and commanded; we must never neglect to teach through talking to our children. It is a holy responsibility to make sure your little ones are hearing the Word through the grid of your heart, your soul, your values…through the essence of you. Once a year on a car trip is such an underachievement as to be no standard at all. We must spend time every day talking to our children about all kinds of things…certainly the Scriptures, first and foremost, but also tell them about their family history – and explain the world around them…even the sugar beets and slag heaps! Don’t worry if it doesn’t all seem spiritual, your Christian persuasion and commitment will color all you say. So then, if this is our charge, we dare not neglect our own times with OUR FATHER, in the Word, in prayer, so we will be filled with the Spirit and conformed to Christ-likeness. Then, as you talk with them, your children will see the real you, the redeemed you…they will also see your Redeemer! When you pour the water in, you can trust Jesus to turn it to wine!

Great Things He has Taught Us, Great Things He has Done, To God be the Glory,

Joyce Heinrich
Minister for Early Childhood

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Bethlehem 2010 Parenting Seminar - DR. RUSSELL D. MOORE, speaker
"Raising a Generation Who Are Glad in God's Good Design"
7:00-9:00PM Friday & 8:00AM-12:00PM Saturday, March 5- 6
Downtown Campus
Today’s culture puts forth much effort to tear down the foundational biblical principles of manhood and womanhood. What can a parent do to stem the tide? Dr. Russell Moore is a leader in bringing education and encouragement to the body of Christ in the area of biblical manhood and womanhood.   If you are a parent (or hoping to become a parent one day), this important seminar will equip you to shepherd your sons and daughters to be glad in God’s perfect design for men and women.

Seminar Sessions:
• Crucified Masculinity: What Joseph of Nazareth Can Teach Us About Raising God-Imaging Boys
• Crucified Femininity: What Mary of Nazareth Can Teach Us About Raising God-Exalting Girls
• Crucified Parenting: What the Child Jesus Can Teach Us About Raising God-Anointed Boys and Girls

Cost is $10 per person. Your registration fee includes a Friday night snack, Saturday morning bagel breakfast, and seminar materials.
Register online here. WALK-IN REGISTRATIONS ARE WELCOME!
There is no childcare for this event.
Contact Betty Dodge with any questions: 612-455-3490, family@hopeinGod.org

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Family Discipleship Sermon Series: Spiritual Parenting in the Church and Home
We hope you will join us in worship services over this five-week sermon series to be nourished from the Bible for effective spiritual parenting in God's family.

Below are listed dates, sermon topics and speakers:

Feb 20-21 – David Michael
Spiritual Parenting: Pursuing the Greater Joy (The audio of this message will be on the Bethlehem website soon. CDs of the message may be purchased now in the Bethlehem bookstore.)

 Feb 27-28 – Kempton Turner
Spiritual Parenting: Purpose in Light of Eternity
 
Mar 6-7 – Russell D. Moore
Spiritual Parenting: Protecting Our Boys and Girls from Satanic Masculinity and Femininity

Mar 13-14 – Bud Burk
Spiritual Parenting: Prayer in Your House and in the House of God

Mar 20-21 – John Piper
Spiritual Parenting: Passion for the Supremacy of God

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Educational Options Seminar
Saturday, March 13, 2009- 8:45am-noon
Downtown Campus
This seminar is designed to help families make good decisions about where and how to educate their children. Hear families talk about their journeys in public, private, and home schools. Ask questions and be encouraged by fellow parents who are also seeking a Biblical basis in making this important decision. For those who are unable to make other arrangements, limited childcare is available by reservation – no later than March 8th. You can register online for the seminar here or you can contact Madeleine (612.455.3496; madeleine.miller@hopeinGod.org) to register for the seminar and childcare.

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Youth Nursery Training
Saturday, March 27, 10:00am–Noon
Downtown Campus Nurseries (Rooms 03–09)
Are you between the ages of 9 and 15? Do you currently serve in the nurseries, or do you want to? Come to this training. It will be held in the basement below the Sanctuary. All youth nursery caregivers must attend this training at least once, but are welcome to attend anytime it is offered. Help us plan how many doughnuts and refreshments to buy with your RSVP to Madeleine Miller at 612-455-3496 or parenting@hopeinGod.org.

Adult Nursery Trainings
April 10, 9:00 - noon, North (ages 9-90; special breakout sessions for youth caregivers)
May 1, 8:45 -noon, South, adults (age 15+)
May 15, 8:45 - noon, Downtown, adults (age 15+)
 
Please plan to attend this training for adults (age 15+) if you would like to serve or are currently serving in the nursery and have not attended training within the last three years.  All are welcome…we’ll sing the nursery songs together, learn the details of keeping babies safe and sanitized , and get excited about what our Lord Jesus is doing every single session in the nurseries!  We’re looking forward to being with you!
 
RSVP is appreciated, but not required; contact Joyce Heinrich at 612-455-3498 for the Downtown Campus, Carmen Tomaszewski at 612-455-0807 for the North Campus, and Bonnie Williams at 612-827-3920 for the South Site.

Note: The content is the same at all 3 campuses, so if you can't make it to your campus, feel free to attend one of the other trainings.

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Youth Baptism/Membership Class
Combined Sessions for Mentors & Candidates
(choose one campus/weekend to attend)
• Downtown Campus: March 12/13: Friday, 7:00PM–9:00PM & Saturday, 9:00AM–Noon
• North Campus: March 26/27: Friday, 7:00PM–9:00PM & Saturday, 9:00AM–Noon
This Baptism/Membership class is for prepared youth candidates and their mentors.

Friday evening, mentors and candidates meet church leaders. Candidates share their testimonies with the group and review the meaning of baptism. [Note: The Friday session is required for all baptism candidates.]

Saturday morning, we emphasize the importance of active participation and formal membership in the church so that the candidate understands that they are being baptized into the body of Christ and that their church is the local expression of that “body.” The candidate will be introduced to our Baptist heritage, its distinctives, and the meaning of church membership.

The church covenant and articles of faith are also reviewed. [Note: The Saturday session is important for all candidates to attend and is required for all who are pursuing church membership.]

To sign up for this class or learn more about the preparation process for youth baptism and membership, contact Lori Myers (612-455-0808).

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2010 Bethlehem Father-Daughter Tea
"HIS BANNER OVER ME IS LOVE"
Saturday, April 17, 2010 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Downtown, Main Floor
An emailed letter will be sent soon to Bethlehem fathers who are invited to escort their daughters (Grades 4–12) to this formal event of a Victorian High Tea in the “King's Court” at Bethlehem. King Ken Currie and Queen Theresa will be presiding over the festivities this year. From valet parking to eight courses of delicacies, a special message, madrigal singers, and instrumentalists, the event points each person to the heavenly feast we will share one day with the King of kings. This event is designed to encourage biblical manhood and womanhood in fathers and daughters. Cost is $30.00 per couple with special pricing for dads with multiple daughters in the age range. Fathers, watch your inbox for more information in the weeks ahead.

For more information, contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).

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IMPORTANT! PARENTS OF GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!
BACCALAUREATE Service and Reception for the 2010 High School graduating class will be held at the Downtown campus, Sunday, June 6th at 6:00pm. Pastor Kempton Turner will be our keynote speaker.
Please notify Betty at family@hopeinGod.org if your son or daughter is graduating with the class of 2010. (Even if you are unable to attend this service, we have a gift for your graduating son or daughter and would appreciate very much you letting us know if they are graduating.  Thank you!)

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Has your child memorized 100 verses?
The Family Discipleship Department is very committed to the memorization of Bible verses. We believe that memorized verses have tremendous potential for promoting spiritual growth. For this reason, we are committed to encouraging the children and youth to learn the FOUNDATION VERSES (preschool & kindergarten) and FIGHTER VERSES (and older).
Every child or youth who learns any 100 verses can have his/her picture taken with the knight.
Please contact Lori 612-455-0808 childrennorth@hopeinGod.org (North) or Suzy 612-455-3482 childrendowntown@hopeinGod.org Downtown/South if you would like to schedule a picture with the knight.

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Start thinking about summer outreach…
Backyard Bible Clubs are a great way to share the love of Christ with your neighborhood!
Plan to attend one of these two trainings to learn more:
Downtown: Monday, April 12, 7:00PM
North: Thursday, April 29, 7:00PM

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Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VI
April 29-30, 2010
Grace Church, Eden Prairie
If you believe God’s people are called to care for orphans in their distress…equip your church for adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry. Join organizational leaders, grassroots advocates, pastors, and ministry entrepreneurs that share your passion. Encounter the unparalleled hub of orphan ministry partnership, networking and inspiration for service. Build your knowledge, resources and practical skills via more than fifty workshops and unforgettable plenary sessions. Speakers include: John Piper, Mary Beth Chapman, Tom Davis, Patricia Arzu, Jedd Medefind, Pastor Fibion Ndhlovu, Doug Sauder, Stephanie Fast, and Al Mohler, with music by Stephen Curtis Chapman.
To register, visit www.christianalliancefororphans.org.

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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting: March 21
• 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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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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READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael:

Do you desire to pray more effectively for your husband, wife, or children? In the tone of Valley of Vision, the following highly recommended books may be very useful guides all by Andrew Case:

Water of the Word (praying for your wife)
Prayers of an Excellent Wife (praying for your husband)
Setting Their Hope in God (praying for your children)

 Who knows what God may be pleased to do through your fervent, consistent prayers? Let’s see!

For free downloads, go to:
http://hismagnificence.com/index.php/view/Content-Main/page/books.html

Here are some encouraging words from an excellent book, Gospel-Powered Parenting by William Farley (p. 179)
 
“Children don’t reject our faith because of too much formal Bible teaching. They reject it because we don’t practice it. They reject it because we practice it but do not value it enough to teach it to them. Or they reject it because they never receive new birth. But too much knowledge is not the problem. A lack of knowledge usually is the problem.”
 
“Our children’s minds are like spiritual gardens, notes William Gurnall (1617-79), one of the great seventeenth-century Puritan preachers. ‘This is the difference between religion and atheism; religion doth not grow without planting, but will die even where it is planted without watering. Atheism, irreligion, and profaneness are weeds that will grow without setting, but they will not die without plucking up.’ “
 
“Gurnall was right. No garden is a vacuum. Something grows. Untended ground—untaught minds—will yield weeds. But we want fruit, not weeds, and fruit grows only by planting, weeding, and fertilizing with great persistence. If you don’t want weeds, you must teach your children regularly and intentionally.”

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SAVE THE DATES:

Downtown and North FDD Info-Pizza:
Sunday, April 11
Where's God calling you to serve? Come find out about the various roles in Sunday School and Connection classes, and enjoy pizza after the second service. RSVP requested, but not required. Questions? Contact Lori at childrennorth@hopeinGod.org or Suzy at downtownchildren@hopeinGod.org

The "Pure Heart" Purity Conference with speaker Amy Vest and testimony by Tara Schmidt will take place Sept. 10 and 11 at the Downtown campus. Save the dates and watch for updates to this important event for moms and daughters ages 11-19. For more information contact Betty at family@hopeingod.org or phone her at 612-455-3490.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH
5-6 Fri-Sat- Parenting Seminar- Downtown
6-7 Sat-Sun- Russell Moore preaching on Spiritual Parenting
13 Sat- Educational Options Seminar- Downtown
13-14 Sat-Sun- Bud Burk preaching on Spiritual Parenting
12-13 Fri-Sat- Youth Baptism/Membership Classes- Downtown
20-21 Sat-Sun- John Piper preaching on Spiritual Parenting
21 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
23 Tue- Boy Scouts Centennial Celebration Camp Worship Service- Arden Hills
26-27 Fri-Sat- Youth Baptism/Membership Classes- North
26-28 Fri-Sun- Cass Lake Short Term Trip
27 Sat- Youth Nursery Training- Downtown
31 Wed- Holy Week Break- No Connection

APRIL
3 Sat- Foundation Builders 1- Downtown
4 Sun- No Sunday School (Easter)
10 Sat- Adult/Youth Nursery Training- North
11 Sun- FDD Info-Pizza- Downtown & North
12 Mon- Backyard Bible Club Training- Downtown
17 Sat- Father-Daughter Tea- Downtown
18 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
29 Thu- Backyard Bible Club Training- North
29-30 Thu-Fri- Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VI- Grace Church, Eden Prairie

MAY
1 Sat- Adult Nursery Training- South
5 Wed- Last Night of Connection- Downtown & North
8-9 Sat-Sun- Mother’s Day Child Dedications- All Campuses
12 Wed- Youth Baptism Services- Downtown & North
15 Sat- Adult Nursery Training- Downtown
16 Sun- Union Gospel Mission Outreach- Offsite
19 Wed- FDD Appreciation Dinner- Downtown
29-31 Sat-Mon- Father/Son Quest- Offsite

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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

Assistant Childcare Coordinators
Sarah Vogel- Sunday Worship South
Cathy Arredondo- Sunday Worship Downtown
Yvette Hatch- Saturday Worship Downtown
Karen Indehar- Special Events
Gerrilyn Kanowitz (temporarily on leave)
            Wednesday Connection – Christy Daigle and Andrea Tjarks
            MOMS – Andrea Tjarks
            Bible Studies DT – Valencia Day
Claire Olson- Saturday Worship North
Maggie Sporleder- MOMS & Bibles Studies North
Andrea Tjarks- Sunday Worship Downtown
Jessica Pluim- Sunday Worship North
Karleen Witt- Wednesday Connection North