My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.
Author:
- Various
Date Given:
July 28, 2011 Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department
August 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6 No. 8
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Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
August 7 Romans 1:16 [17]
August 14 Matthew 11:28–30
August 21 Psalm 20:6–7 [8]
August 28 James 1:12
Fighter Verses
Visit the new Fighter Verses website to find tips for memorizing the Bethlehem Fighter Verses.
Fighter Verse Resource Information
Downtown or South Site, please contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490); North families, please contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0808).
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In Church or in Christ?
Kempton Turner, Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, Downtown
“I’ve been in church all of my life.” Tragically, this has been a common response over the years when I have asked people (even some of our young people at Bethlehem) about the state of their souls before God. In other words, they are basically saying, “I am a Christian because I have been around a local gathering of Christians as far back as I can remember.”
This is a demonically implanted false gospel (1 Timothy 4:1). It is a works-based, self-righteous, salvation-by-church association gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Paul would call this a “different gospel” (Galatians 1:6) and label the perpetrator of it “accursed” (Galatians 1:8). And still worse, King Jesus says, that on the Day of Judgment those who have believed in this works-based, demonic, different, accursed “gospel” will be commanded to eternally “depart” from Him (Matthew 7:23)!
On the other hand, the true gospel, “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) comes from God and is based on Christ’s wrath-removing work on the cross for sinners, not upon anything sinful man can do (see Ephesians 2:1–9 and Titus 3:3–7).
This glorious gospel brings about total, radical transformation of heart and must gradually affect every area of the believer’s life “from one degree of glory to another” (1 Corinthians 3:18), or it is not God’s gospel.
This transformation is so radical that apostle Paul states, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you are “in Christ” the newness of your new nature begins to beautifully blossom forth with new gospel-powered desires, cravings, longings, pursuits, pleasures and passions that center on your new Lord, Jesus Christ and His glory!
Notice that this newness only springs forth in those who are “in Christ,” not “in church” or “in Sunday school” or “in summer camp” or “in a Christian family” or “in ministry” or “in the Bible.” Radical inner-newness only comes as a result of being “in Christ” Himself, spiritually braided into the essence of His very Being by the free and sweet grace of God.
Dear dad, mom, young adult, youth...are you “in Christ?”
Ask yourself, in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 13:5....
With the eyes of my heart, have I seen the altogether loveliness of Jesus’ face in the gospel?
Have I heard the heart-conquering power of Jesus’ voice through His Word?
- Do I worship the splendor of Jesus’ irresistible beauty?
- Do I love Jesus and His Father?
- Do I strive to obey Jesus’ commands?
- Do I experience Jesus’ peace and joy?
- Do I pray to God the Father in Jesus’ name?
- Do I seek to glorify Jesus’ infinite importance in all that I do?
Remember, the kinds of gospel evidences characterized by the previous questions are based on God’s free grace towards the believer who is “in Christ!"
Some of you who are reading this may not know and love Jesus Christ! Oh precious, eternal soul, you may be on your way to an eternal hell (Revelation 20:11–15)! You should stop reading this immediately and begin to call out to Jesus Christ to save you from your sin and from His everlasting anger! (Romans 10:13).
[Note: at this point, I will stop typing and fall to my knees and thank God for my salvation in Christ and plead for this same saving grace to appear to my three children, Christian, Carysse and Kalia. Would you join me now as we pray for our children?]
Praise the Lord with me! He is a gracious and merciful and kind Savior who delights to show mercy to sinners! He saved me, the filthiest sinner of all! (1 Timothy 1:15–16)
O that we would repeat over and over again to our family and congregation and the people all around us that real salvation is...in Christ, in Christ, in Christ alone!
And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.—1 Corinthians 1:30–31 (bold mine)
In Christ alone, Pastor Kempton
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Do you have a heart to minister to the children at Bethlehem in Sunday School, Wednesday Night Connection, or Nurseries? Visit the link below to begin the application process:
http://www.hopeingod.org/ministries/family/get-involved.
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4:12 God’s Call to Young Men
Bethlehem 2011 Young Men’s Conference
August 5–6
Downtown Campus
Friday, 7pm–9:30pm & Saturday, 8am–2pm
EXTENDED DEADLINE: Friday, July 29
For more information and registration visit HERE.
Join us for this conference for young men ages 11–19 and their fathers, as well as any men who are connected with young men in this age group—grandfathers, uncles, and mentors.
The focus of the conference is God’s call on every young man's life from 1 Timothy 4:12:
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Plenary sessions, fellowship times, discussion of session topics around the lunch table, and opportunities to pray in the prayer room will be offered. The Bethlehem Bookstore will be open with great discounts on books for young men, their dads, and mentors.
Speakers:
Kempton Turner, Pastor for Young Adult Discipleship (Sr High), Downtown
Jon Nowlin, Pastor for Young Adult Discipleship (Sr High), North
Jason Meyer, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary
Panel Discussion Speakers: Sam Crabtree, Aaron Davitch, Bud Burk, Gil McConnell, Jeff Lacine
Conference materials, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in the conference fee of $30 per person. (We do not want financial hardships to keep you from this conference; if you need a scholarship, please contact Betty Dodge.)
Questions? Contact Betty Dodge at 612-455-3490.
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Family Discipleship Fall Training
for ALL Preschool–8th Grade WORKERS, New and Returning
Saturday, August 27th 8:45-1:30
Held at the Downtown Campus
Vision and role-specific training as well as presenting the banner Scripture for the year. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Please RSVP your intentions to Lori at 612-455-3497 so we know how much food to plan for. Thanks.
[Please make your own arrangements for childcare. However, if you are unable to do so, limited nursery is available by reservation only—deadline August 22nd. Call Lori at 612-455-3497 to let her know the times needed and names and ages of those needing care. You will need to provide your own child(ren)’s lunch(es).]
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Young Adult (Sr High) Mentor Training
Saturday, August 27, 8:45am–1:45pm
Downtown Campus, Room 53
Save the date and come to learn more about partnering with parents and serving as a mentor to students in grades 9–12. Mentors serve the Sr High students in Sunday School or Wednesday Connection during the 2011–12 academic year.
RSVP to Emily Weller at 612-455-3484.
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Fall Plans Are Underway! Pending fully staffed classrooms, we aim to start Sunday School September 11 and Kids Connection September 14. Please fill out the Family Registration Form online or pick up a paper copy in the Family Discipleship wall displays. With one form you can register your children (Nursery through Sr High) for 2011–12 programming, and let us know of address changes, allergies, and special needs. Plus, you can sign up to get a barcode key fob to check in your family at a self check-in kiosk!
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Foundation Builders 1 (Child Dedication Seminar)
Saturday, August 20, 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, August 15th, Madeleine Miller at 612-455-3496.
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Child Dedication Services (Please Note Date Change)
Saturday, September 10, 5:30pm (Downtown)
Saturday, September 10, 6pm (North)
Sunday, September 11, 9am & 11am (North, Downtown, and South)
Sunday, September 11, 5pm (Downtown)
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 by calling Madeleine Miller at 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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2011 Jr. High JAMs
In general we will hold JAMs on selected Thursdays throughout the summer in various homes.
See our webpage for specific information regarding dates, times, locations, transportation and permission forms. Our theme this year is “Gospel Glimpses of Jesus.”
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Upcoming Changes for Young Adult South Connection
South Young Adults and their families will be invited to join Wednesday Night Connection on the South Site while still having the option to participate in the age-specific programming downtown. Look for more details in the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Lacine at 612-293-5378.
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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting: August 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 3:30pm (Downtown Campus) to prepare food, leaving for UGM via Bethlehem transportation at 4:15pm.
• Note: Must wear closed-toed shoes and socks to help prepare food.
For more information contact Emily Weller (612-455-3484).
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Pray for Somali Neighbors and SALT Students During Ramadan
One of our aims in Family Discipleship is to create more opportunities for family prayer times.
Would you like an exciting way to lead your family in prayer for the spread of God's kingdom? This August 1-30, 2011 is the Muslim fast of Ramadan. An evangelical ministry, 30-Days Prayer Network, has put together a child and adult PDF booklet guiding believers of all ages in education and prayer during the fast. They will both be available here on August 1 (scroll down to “4 of 5: 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World eBooks 2011”).
Additionally, SALT (Somali Adult Literacy Training), is an outreach to our Somali neighbors at the downtown campus whose three goals are: 1) teach English and literacy 2) build friendships 3) share the gospel in word and deed as they have opportunity. Here are their requests for Ramadan:
During Ramadan, our students will be fasting and praying. Here are 3 things you can pray for during August:
1) Pray for God to give the Somalis a deep dissatisfaction with Islam and desire to know Jesus.
2) Pray for God to reveal himself to Somalis through dreams and visions.
3) Pray for God to convict their hearts of sin and realize their need for a Savior.
May these resources encourage you as you lead your family in kingdom spreading prayer this August!
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Evangelism & Disciple-Making Training
Thursday, August 18
7–9pm
Downtown, Room 52
Come and learn how to be an "advocate" for those who come to the Good News Festival & Clinic, held on Wednesday, August 31. Grow as a disciple-maker and be equipped to better share your faith through this training. Those who attend will be encouraged to sign up to canvas the Powderhorn neighborhood with invitations the week before the Festival. Teams go to homes 2-by-2 to offer invitations. Spanish-speaking advocates are especially valued as we seek to befriend people in this largely Hispanic community. If you’re not sure about the advocate role but would like to help out with the Festival, please come—we have plenty of volunteer opportunities! Questions? Contact Justin Hoover (651-274-6921). Read the July 26 Star article on the GNFC and how God might use you!
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READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:
Here is a very interesting article about an issue I have been concerned about for a long time.
http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/05/18/screen-test-the-danger-of-digital-fixation/.
And in case you missed this when it was posted on the Desiring God blog: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/letter-to-an-incomplete-insecure-teenager.
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Save the Date!
Sept 29–Oct 1 (after school hours) The Institute for Cultural Communicators (ICC) Communicators for Christ Tour Conferences provides teaching and training in effective communication for all Christian students. Once you identify yourself with Christ you have already begun communicating for Him. Come learn how to engage with the messages our culture communicates and graciously communicate the hope within you. (If you have trouble with the link, cut and paste http://iccinc.org/trainingevents.)
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Upcoming Events
AUGUST
2 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, Downtown/South OR North
4 Thurs, Downtown/South Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
5–6 Fri–Sat, 4:12 Young Men’s Conference (5th–12th Grade), Downtown
11 Thurs, Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders) DT/S OR North
21 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
27 Sat, Fall Training Experience for Family Discipleship Volunteers, Downtown
SEPTEMBER
10/11 Sat/Sun, Child Dedication Services Sat, DT & N; Sun, All Campuses
11 Sun, Tentative Start Date, Sunday School, All Campuses
14 Wed, Tentative Start Date, Kids Connection, Downtown & North
17 Sat, Family Discipleship volunteer Make-Up Training, North
18 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
22 Thurs, Awaken ’11 Volunteer Orientation, Downtown
23–25 Fri–Sun, Desiring God National Conference
30 –Oct 2, Fri –Sun, Father/Son Quest
OCTOBER
1 Sat, North Nursery Training, North
7–9 Fri–Sun, Awaken (Jr/Sr High Local Retreat), Downtown
8 Sat, South Nursery Training, 501 Building
12–23 Wed–Sun, Global Focus, All Campuses
13 Thurs, Disability Ministry Panel Discussion, Downtown
15 Sat, Transition Years Prayer
16 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
28–30 Fri–Sun, Men’s Retreat, Lake Beauty Bible Camp
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Family Discipleship Staff: 612-338-7653
Ministry Staff- Pastors, Ministers, & Interns
Bud Burk, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, Downtown & South
Ben Collins, Intern for Youth Discipleship, North
Aaron Davitch, Director for Adult Ministries and Child/Youth Discipleship, South
Joyce Heinrich, Minister for Early Childhood
Lance Kramer, Intern for Young Adult Discipleship, North
Jeff Lacine, Coordinator 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, Downtown
Daniel Viezbicke, Intern for Young Adult Discipleship, Downtown
Ministry Staff-Coordinators
Lisa Burk, Coordinator for Early Childhood, Downtown
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
Ruth Chavis, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, South
Kevin Dau, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Ruth Gulbranson, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, North
Madeleine Miller, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Lori Myers, Family Discipleship Administrator
Julie Norris, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Suzy Plocher, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Emily Weller, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, Sr. High (Young Adults)
Childcare Coordinators
Kim Crouch, Special Events
Valencia Day, Sunday Night Service
Yvette Hatch, Saturday Worship Downtown
Susan Lundquist, Wednesday Connection South
Amanda McAlpine, Bible Studies Downtown
Claire Olson, Saturday Worship North
Jessica Pluim, Sunday Worship North
Kari Raia, Sunday Worship Downtown
Maggie Sporleder, MOMS & Bible Studies North
Brenda Stoltz, Bible Studies South
Carmen Tomaszewski, Sunday Worship North, Coordinator for Early Childhood, North
Sarah Vogel, Sunday Worship South
Bonnie Williams, Sunday Worship South, Lead Child Care Coordinator, MOMS & Bible Studies South
Karleen Witt, Wednesday Connection North