Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

January 2012 News & Calendar
Vol. 7                                 No. 1
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Fighter Verses, Set 2:

Start memorizing the verse on this date:
January 1 Isaiah 40:8
January 8 Romans 10:13–14 [15]
January 15 Psalm 16:11
January 22 Romans 15:1–2 
January 29 Psalm 103:1–4  

Fighter Verses
Visit the new www.fighterverses.com to find tips for memorizing the Bethlehem Fighter Verses.

Fighter Verse Resource Information
Downtown or South Site, contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490); North families, contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0800 x808).

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Leading Your Family to the Fountain of God’s Word
By Jon Nowlin, Pastor for Young Adult (Senior High) Discipleship, North

Have you ever watched children enjoy a chocolate fountain? It is as if they are drawn by a magnetic pull to cover strawberries, marshmallows, and any other available treats with its goodness. Once the youngest sample its sweetness, and are given basic instructions, they eagerly plunge into its flow with the rest. What a magnificent picture of individual and community delight. 

Psalm 1 speaks of a blessedness far deeper for those who enjoy a different stream. It says, “Blessed is the man… [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord… . He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” Can you envision a miracle of God’s grace in which the members of your household are increasingly delighting in the Scriptures as individuals and then splashing some of that goodness onto each other? For most of us that would be an astounding miracle, but oh, it would be sweet! 

A Vision for a Fountain 
Whether it’s making pancakes for Saturday’s breakfast, or planning a road trip across the United States, if I am going to point my family in a certain direction, it first has to capture my heart. That truth comes through in one of God’s intentions for John the Baptist’s ministry. Luke 1:17 says that he will, “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.” One of the most powerful pieces of parenting advice I have received has been to pray for my heart. 

A pastor from Illinois encouraged me to regularly ask God to turn my heart toward my children. That is, he encouraged me to ask the One who works in believers to, “will and to work for his good pleasure,” for a passion for their spiritual good. I have seen many miracles flow from that simple prayer and I need many more. If we are going to give our attention to inviting our children to the fountain of his Word, we need to first desire that they drink from it.  

Set Up, Fill, & Test Your Fountain 
Children of all ages are extremely perceptive. Older children can almost smell insincerity, and younger children have astute radar for the patterns in our lives. If we are not seeking God’s gracious help to delight in his Word, our commending it to our children will lack sincere enthusiasm. 

God humbled me a few years ago on a retreat. As one of our leaders spoke on this topic, I knew I was not fighting to delight in God’s Word as I should. I confessed my sin and need in a small group following that talk and asked for prayer. I saw powerful results in my own life. But the blessing did not stop there. 

A few years later my daughter was in the same predicament. This struggle and the receiving of grace was a perfect illustration to point her to the heavenly Father who cares. In the context of asking for grace in sanctification, Jesus commands us, “Ask, and it will be given you…” (Matthew 7:7). God can use our fight to delight in his Word to draw those we love into the battle. 

Encouraging Efforts at the Fountain 
Not every gathering around the chocolate fountain is glorious. Spills, splatters, and chocolate fingerprints in undesired places come with the territory. At times instruction, encouragement, and even correction is needed. The same is true with enjoying God’s Word. Here are a few lessons I have learned: 

• Begin with biblical books that capture their attention. While we want them to feast on the entirety of God’s Word, books like Ruth, the Gospels, and those in line with their natural affinities can be the perfect place to build momentum. 
• Point to the Giver of Grace. Young people are legalists by nature. Many believe the lie, “If I read my Bible God will be for me, if I do not he will be against me.” Be aware of this tendency and remind them that enjoying his Word is a fruit of a new heart, not the pathway to his favor. 
• Enjoy the Word with them. Pre-readers, those lacking consistency, and those who struggle with a short attention span can be greatly helped by our regularly joining them in the Word. Young people who are established readers can also benefit from our joining them in the book they are reading, followed with an invitation to share about the grace received.  
• Help them make a plan. Each young person has a variety of unique challenges. Be open about yours and invite them to share about theirs. Then consider solutions to things like noisy siblings, difficulties waking up, or lacking places to be alone. Then bring your collective struggles to the Lord together. 
• Seek the salvation of the lost through the Word. If a young person is unregenerate, we should treat them that way. Rather than inviting them to disciplines in God’s Word, we should invite them to the Savior using God’s Word, both from our lips and through the lips of others.   

It could be said here, “In all things pray!” It takes spiritual eyes to identify barriers that our children face in delighting in God’s Word. Furthermore, it is only through a work of God that they can receive a heart to delight in his Word. Praying for each of our children must be our foremost effort.   

As our church turns its attention to the Word of God through the Fighter Verse Kick-Off on January 4 and also during the second weekend of January, may God shower grace upon each of us, and enable those blessings to flow through us to those over whom he has given us spiritual oversight! 

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UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY 2012

1 Sun, No Sunday School (New Years Break)
4 Wed, Fighter Verse Kick-off
6 Fri, Sr High Broomball and All Night of Prayer
14 Sat, Foundation Builders 1
18 Wed, Youth Baptism Mentor Orientation Session, North
21 Sat, Youth Baptism Mentor Orientation Session, Downtown
24 Tue, Youth Baptism Mentor Orientation Session, South
25 Wed, Youth Baptism Mentor Orientation Session, Downtown
26 Thu, Family Discipleship Volunteer Mid-Year Refresh, Downtown
28 Sat, Sr High Fathers Prayer Breakfast
28 Sat, Youth Baptism Mentor Orientation Session, North

FEBRUARY 2012
1 Wed, Special Connection with Doug Wilson (Downtown) & William Farley (North)
3–5 Fri –Sun, Winter Retreat (for 7-12 Grade Students)

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2012 Fighter Verse Kick-Off
Campus & Location: Downtown, Sanctuary
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 6:15pm - 8:30pm
All-Church Connection at the Downtown Campus*

Celebrate the 2012 Fighter Verse Kick-Off. 
Join us as we begin 2012 with a kick-off for the brand new Fighter Verses, Set 2.  The evening will include a time of worship led by the Fighter Verse Song Quartet, skits, a message by Dr. Jason Meyer, free resources to help you memorize God’s Word, as well as discounts at the Bethlehem Bookstore on Fighter Verse resources. Don’t miss out!
*No Connection events will take place at the North Campus or the South Site on January 4; all are invited to join us Downtown for this All-Church Connection.

This All-Church Connection offers two dinner seating times. Reservations are required (with the Downtown Campus Receptionist at 612-338-7653 by Friday, December 30, at 5:00pm).
1st Seating is 4:30–5:15pm
2nd Seating is 5:15–6:00pm

For more information about the Kick-Off, contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490).

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SPECIAL CONNECTION EVENT – Wednesday, February 1
Guest Speakers – DOUG WILSON & WILLIAM FARLEY
Wednesday, February 1, 6:15pm

Live at the Downtown Campus - Doug Wilson speaking on "The Father Factor"
Live at the North Campus - William Farley speaking on "Gospel-Powered Parenting"

This is your opportunity to hear two of the leading voices for biblical parenting within the home and the church.

William Farley is pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Spokane, Washington. He has authored several books (Gospel-Powered Parenting, Gospel-Powered Humility, and Outrageous Mercy) and written many articles, some appearing in Discipleship Journal, Enrichment Journal, and Focus on the Family Magazine. 

Doug Wilson is pastor of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. He has authored more than 35 books (Indispensable Dad: Why God Calls Men to Love and Lead Their Families, Reforming Marriage, and Future Men to name just a few) and has been a past speaker at Desiring God conferences. 

Mark your calendars now for this important event at Bethlehem. For more information contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490).

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Senior High students: Broomball & All Night of Prayer
All senior high young adults are invited to join us for broomball at the Hat Trick Sports Arena on Friday, January 6 at 8:45pm. We plan to play broomball together and then attend All Night of Prayer at the Downtown Campus. The cost is $5.00. Please contact Emily Weller with questions. Look for more details via email coming soon!

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Foundation Builders 1 (Child Dedication Seminar) 
Saturday, Jan 14, 8:45am–Noon 
Downtown, Rooms 318–322 
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 (birth–age 2). 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, childcare is available for a limited number of fami¬lies who make reservations by January 9. Hear a brief review of curriculum we use along with suggestions on how parents can partner with the church in imparting the truths taught to their children. To RSVP, contact Angela Shambro at 612-338-7653 x496. This seminar is offered again on March 31 & Aug 4. Child Dedication weekends are scheduled for Feb 18/19 and May 12/13.

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Staff Transition: We’d like to thank the Lord for Madeleine Miller who has served more than 3 years as Ministry Assistant in Family Discipleship focusing on Early Childhood and Parenting. She will be transitioning to become a Downtown Receptionist beginning January 3rd.

Taking her place we welcome Angela Shambro. She will be coordinating Child Dedications for all campuses as well as providing office support for the Nurseries Downtown and South.

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Family Discipleship Volunteer Mid-Year Refresh
Thursday, January 26, 6:45–8:30pm
Downtown Campus, Main Hall
If you are a Family Discipleship Department volunteer working with Sunday School or Wednesday Connection classes for Preschool–Grade 12, please join with staff and leaders for a soul-refreshing program of worship, testimonies, and dessert as we recharge for ministry in the months ahead. RSVP by Sunday, January 22, to Lori Myers (612-338-7653 x480).

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Bible Reading Journal: Year 3
First 30 days now available for $1.00!
The Young Adult (Sr. High) team is currently working to publish Year 3 of the Bible Reading Journal, called “Satisfied in the Word”. This journal is designed to help young and old alike dig deeper in to God’s Word through helpful questions and tools. This final year in the series will take the reader through most of the New Testament as well as Proverbs. 

Lord willing, the full version of the journal will be available on January 29 in the senior high classrooms. If you would like to start the reading plan on January 1, contact Emily Weller to purchase a 30-day copy of the journal for $1.00 (it includes a coupon for $1.00 off the final version!). 

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Jr & Sr High Winter Retreat
Friday-Sunday, February 3-5
Trout Lake Camp
Pine River, Minnesota 
Jr & Sr High students (Grades 7-12) are invited to a weekend of worship through hearing the  gospel proclaimed, praise in song, fellowship with friends, solitude in study, and refreshed in physical activity through many great winter sports and activities. Our theme is FADE and our theme verse is John 3:30. Our speaker is Gil McConnell, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, North Campus. Registration is now open through Jan 25. On Friday, February 3, we will gather at 4pm Downtown and 5pm North to depart. Read more and register. Any additional questions? Contact Kevin Dau, 612-338-7653, x493.

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Is there a young person in your family that is interested in baptism? 
Learn how Bethlehem works with families on this important step by coming to a
Youth Baptism Mentor Training
Downtown Campus: 

• Saturday, January 21, 8:00–9:30am
• Wednesday, January 25, 6:45–8:15pm

South 501 Bldg: 

• Tuesday, January 24, 6:30–8:00pm

North Campus: 

• Wednesday, January 18, 6:45–8:15pm
• Saturday, January 28, 8:00–9:30am

The Youth Baptism Mentor Training is designed to help prepare mentors (most often parents) for their significant role in the youth baptism preparation process. This session will provide an opportunity for mentors to get acquainted with each other and to be equipped to prepare the candidate for baptism. To sign up for a session, contact Lori Myers at 612-338-7653 x480. Note: Youth candidates should not attend this session.

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PARENTS:  please make sure your children do not play on the check-in kiosk computers – technical problems have arisen from this kind of tampering. Thank you!

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Volunteer Help Needed for Kiosk Check-In

• Prior to each service
• Flexible scheduling
• 30 –45 minutes per scheduled time

Contact Amy Katterson to learn more.
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Did you miss the 2011 Family Discipleship Fall Volunteer Training? 
Or do you need encouragement in your ministry to children or youth?
Audio and video recordings as well as other resources are now available on our website.

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Parents Learning Together
This year, every campus has a parenting class either on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. Consider being a part of this community on your campus and receive a better understanding of parenting and the encouragement we all need. 

Downtown–Room 318; Wednesdays, 6:50pm 
Leaders: Dick and Julie Dahl
Focus: Parenting 101—An overview of parenting principles with an emphasis on parenting in the early years
North–D504; Sundays, 10:45am
Leaders: Vince and Kathy Johnson; Tim and Gretchen Held
Focus: To equip parents to understand the challenges and opportunities of the teenage years and to provide instruction in biblical peacemaking
South–Choir Room A133; Sundays, 10:45am
Leaders: Brian and Cindy Eaton; Chris and Barb Johnson
Focus: Grace-based parenting, biblical manhood and womanhood, parenting the angry teen, and helping our teens develop the right set of values.

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As you may have noticed, wall displays have changed. 
If you are looking for brochures or resources regarding families, children, youth, and young adults you can find information:
North: by the nurseries in Hallway B, near the reception desk at the north end of Hallway A, and in Hallway D; 
Downtown: by the nurseries, (lower level, under the sanctuary), and on 2nd & 3rd floors next to the elevator; 
South: at the information desk.

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Have You Filled Out Your Family Registration Form? Please fill out the Family Registration Form online THIS WEEK 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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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
3rd Sunday of the month, 3:30pm (meet at Downtown Campus Kitchen to prepare food)
4:15pm (depart Downtown Campus for UGM in St Paul) 
Next Meeting: January 15
Young adults, youth, and their parents are invited to join us for outreach of sharing food, friendly conversation, and the gospel to clients at UGM. Note: Must wear closed-toed shoes and socks to help prepare food. For more information contact Emily Weller (612-338-7653 x484).

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READ ON . . . 

Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:

William Farley, author of Gospel-Powered Parenting  and Gospel-Powered Humility will be speaking on parenting at the North Campus on Wednesday night, February 1. Several parenting talks by William Farley and his wife, Judy, can be found at this link. 

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SAVE THE DATE
Baccalaureate Service and Open House for Bethlehem graduating seniors
Friday, June 8, 2012, 7pm
Downtown Campus

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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
Ian Gerstl, Intern for Disability Ministry, North
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
Lori Myers, Family Discipleship Administrator
Julie Norris, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Suzy Plocher, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship
Angela Shambro, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, Early Childhood
Emily Weller, Ministry Assistant for Family Discipleship, Sr. High (Young Adults)

Childcare Coordinators
Valencia Day, Sunday Worship Downtown
Tiffany Dykstra, Bible Studies Downtown 
Yvette Hatch, Saturday Worship Downtown 
Susan Lundquist, Wednesday Connection South 
Amanda McAlpine, Wednesday Connection, Sunday Night Service, Downtown
Claire Olson, Saturday Worship North 
Jessica Pluim, Sunday Worship North 
Kari Raia, Sunday Worship Downtown 
Maggie Sporleder, MOMS & Bible Studies North 
Kathy Stokes, MOMS Downtown
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 South 
Karleen Witt, Wednesday Connection North