June Newsletter.pdf

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

June 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6                                 No. 6
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Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
June 5       Psalm 86:5–7           
June 12     1 Timothy 2:5
June 19     1 Peter 1:3–5
June 26     Ephesians 6:10–11
   
Fighter Verses
Visit the new www.fighterverses.com to find tips for memorizing the Bethlehem Fighter Verses.

Fighter Verse Resources
The 5x7 colored tabletop Fighter Verse cards for Set 1 are now restocked. The cost of the full Set 1 tabletop cards is $7.00. (Make check payable to Bethlehem Baptist Church.)

The Bethlehem Bookstore is not carrying this item, so if you would like to purchase a set,  Downtown or South Site families, please contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490); North families, please contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0808).

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Forgetting the Label to the Glory of God
Brenda Fischer, Coordinator for Disability Ministry

So many families are facing the hard and perplexing reality of having their child diagnosed with a developmental disorder. Acronyms like PDD-NOS, ADHD, RAD, FASD, OCD and ODD are scribbled onto a child’s records with increasing frequency. Almost one child in 100 has an autism spectrum diagnosis. A diagnosis is helpful in some ways for families. It can open the door to receiving medical, therapeutic and educational support. A diagnosis also sheds some light and gives helpful insight to parents or others who are in a child’s life. On the flip side, a label can lead to heartache and deep hurt. All parents want their child to be loved and accepted as a unique individual, not put in a box. 

With all these labels flying around, it is tempting to pick out children and refer to them with a label and then mentally place them in a category. After all, it’s true that with autism there are patterns of behavior that lead to the diagnosis. Also, in the case of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), children have brain damage that affects their ability to respond and cope with life. Yes, each diagnosis has accompanying characteristics; yet as Christians, this world of labels can collide with who we know we are in Christ. Our God has “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) every child with a heart and a soul. The variation in who each child is as a person is as big as the ocean. Any human-contrived label is too small for God.

Since so many children are impacted by labels, it is helpful to learn about specific disabilities while always acknowledging God’s great and unrestricted ability to work in the heart and life of each person that He has designed. Michelle Schreder shares in her book The Unexpected Gift—Raising Children with Disabilities*,

     A diagnosis doesn’t really change our child in any way.  It doesn’t change their interests, their likes and dislikes, their 
     sense of humor, their unique personalities.  A diagnosis simply provides clues about how to help our kids, but it
     doesn’t define them. 

     Your children, and my children, are bigger than their diagnoses-they are so much more than a list of symptoms and
     disorders!  They, too, have been made in God’s image, have been gifted by Him, and have eternal souls. 

     A diagnosis may change the way we express love to our children so that they can receive it… but it never changes our
     love for them and their need for our love, any  more than our human ‘disabilities’ change God’s love for us.

Many Bethlehem families have a child with special needs—families navigating the challenging world of disability. What a blessing it is for them if they can come to a church where their child is seen as one of us, a unique and special part of the body. When fellow believers want to know their child as a child and not as someone with a particular diagnosis, God is honored. We are not perfect, but I have seen this kind of love, the kind that Jesus has for us, over and over again at Bethlehem.

As we wind-up a season of Sunday School it is good to give thanks to God for his provision of:

• The many amazing Sunday School team leaders, worship leaders, teachers and small group leaders who have joyfully loved, accepted and included many children with disabilities and treated them as “indispensible parts of the body” (1 Cor. 12:22) seeing their labels as nothing more than a tool for helpful insight. 
• Forty-six faithful one-on-one aides who have each shared their heart and time with a special child.
• Our Disability Ministry site-leaders who have reached out to the families and supported our one-on-one aides.

Because of His grace, this has been a season of label-forgetting love for special children at Bethlehem

*Schreder, Michelle. The Unexpected Gift: Raising Children With Disabilities. Sisters, OR: VMI Publishers, 2004.
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Praising our Lord for this honor:
In recognition of her excellent work with Adventure Girls and other outreach ministries of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Marlene Johnson has been named as one of the Who’s Who in Community Ministry Leadership Awardees for 2011 by Bethel Seminary.
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Kids: Looking for some summer reading? How about picking up one or more of the following biographies from the church library.
Recommended for ages 8-12:
Ten Girls Who Used Their Talents
Ten Boys Who Used Their Talents
Ten Boys Who Didn’t Give In
Ten Girls Who Didn’t Give In
Ten Girls Who Made History
Ten Boys Who Made History
Ten Girls Who Made A Difference
Ten Boys Who Made A Difference
Ten Girls Who Changed The World
Ten Boys Who Changed The World
John Newton: A Slave Set Free
Adoniram Judson: Danger On The Streets Of Gold
Isobel Kuhn: Lights In Lisuland
The Rainmaker’s Friend: James Chalmers
The Children’s Champion: George Muller
Robert Murray McCheyne: Life is an Adventure
Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s Service
Jim Elliot: He is No Fool
Gold From Dark Mines: The Journey To Conversion Of Six Famous Christians
Recommended for ages 4-7:
Amy Carmichael: Can Brown Eyes Be Made Blue?
John Calvin: After Darkness, Light
Helen Roseveare: What’s In the Parcel?
Hudson Taylor: Could Somebody Pass The Salt?
Corrie Ten Boom: Are All the Watches Safe?
David Livingstone: Who Is The Bravest?
George Muller: Does Money Grow On Trees?
Mary Slessor: A Servant To The Slave,
A Voice In The Dark: Richard Wurmbrand
Swimming Against the Tide: Joni Eareckson Tada

Reading biographies of Christians who lived in the past can encourage you in your walk with the Lord as you see that they are just ordinary people who depended on God, that God was faithful to them through all the seasons of their lives. This can encourage you that ups and downs come into everyone’s life and show you how to persevere in faith. You can learn from the mistakes of others, and be strengthened as you see the goodness and love of God. Happy reading!
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Curriculum Workbooks
We would love to have you to follow up with your child about Sunday school/Wednesday connection lessons so please be sure to take home the workbook from class. June 5th is the last day of Sunday school so you may pick up leftover workbooks in the coming the weeks at these locations:
DT – on the 2nd floor classroom counters
North – on the table in Hallway A
South – contact us
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Summer’s Coming!
Hooray for a schedule break, warm weather, and vacations! However, these things do cause a vacuum in the nurseries. Some of our volunteers are taking a much-needed summer break, and others are taking at least some vacation in summer, so we need lots of people to fill in open shifts. Please prayerfully consider this ministry opportunity and act soon: If you are able to give a few Saturday evenings (D, N), Sunday mornings (D, N, S), or Sunday evenings (D) to serve in the nurseries this summer, please contact your campus nursery leader:
South, contact Bonnie Williams at 612-827-3920.
North, contact Carmen Tomaszewski at 612-455-0807.
Downtown, contact Lisa Burk at 612-455-3495.
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Important! Parents of Graduating High School Seniors!
Baccalaureate and Reception
June 3rd, Downtown Campus
Join us for an evening of honoring God for His work in the lives of our 2011 high school graduates on Friday, June 3rd at the Downtown Campus! The evening begins at 6:00pm with viewing of the graduates’ display tables, followed at 7:00pm by the Baccalaureate Service and Reception. Family, friends and church family are encouraged to attend. If you have questions, please contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).
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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 on:

• dates
• times
• locations
• transportation
• link to parental permission form

Theme: Gospel Glimpses of Jesus
We will gather in homes for worship, Bible study, lunch, games, sports, and swimming. We hope to have a blast together pursuing Christ-likeness and Fun in the Sun together this summer!
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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting:  June19

• 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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Youth Summer Camp
Camp: June 19–24, at Shetek Baptist Camp.
See our webpage for Need to Know Document including:

• Departure
• Arrival
• Theme
• Packing List
• Theme
• Leadership

Eligibility: Must be registered
Theme: Can I see some ID?
Text: 1 Peter 1–2
Key Verses: 1 Peter 2:9–12
We’ll be learning to think about our personal identity biblically. Specifically what our identity is both with and without Christ. Pray that campers and staff would grow in their enjoyment of Christ, yearn to be identified with Christ and have their identity shaped by his Word and Spirit.
Registration is closed for this year. You may submit a paper form with payment to be placed on our waiting list. You will be contacted if an opportunity arises.
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Disciplines for Life Retreat
July 8–9 at Edenwood Center, Eden Prairie
Eligibility: Students entering 9–12 grade in fall of 2011 or graduated seniors
Cost: $35
We will be learning and practicing many spiritual disciplines rooted in three basic disciplines, meditation on the Word of God, prayer to God in Jesus' name, and fasting from food as we long for God. Our goal is to avail ourselves of these means of grace to grow up into Christ as spiritually mature men and women throughout our lives.
Registration: Will open on June 12.
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
4:12 YOUNG MEN’S CONFERENCE: August 5–6, Downtown Campus
Designed for young men (Grades 5–12) and their fathers, grandfathers, and mentors. The title and theme for this conference is based on 1 Timothy 4:12. Campus Lead Coordinators for this event are: Josiah Bennett (North), Matt Sundquist (Downtown), Andrew Kasahara (South)
REGISTER HERE. For more information, contact: Betty Dodge at 612-455-3490.
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Fall Plans Are Underway! Please fill out the Family Registration Form online or pick up a paper copy at your child’s classroom on Sunday or in the Family Discipleship wall displays. With one form you can register your children (Nursery through Sr High) for 2011-2012 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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Tired of Waiting in Lines?
Self check-in kiosks are available long before the assisted kiosks open and are still open to check in your children if you are running late. All you need is a barcode (and assignments for your children given when you fill out a Family Registration Form). Nametags provide security pick-up tags for younger children and enable us to have accurate attendance in case of an emergency. Using barcodes at self check-in kiosks allows kiosk workers more time to help newer families as well.
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READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resource recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:
When do you stop being a parent? Never! But navigating the waters with adult children can be confusing. Jim Newheiser and Elyse Fitzpatrick have written a book stocked with practical Biblical wisdom covering such topics as the difference between control and influence, the means to reaching discipleship goals, expectations of adult children still living at home and financial principles to consider with adult children. The appendix has a helpful section on resolving conflict with in-laws and a sample contract for young adults living in the parents’ home. Oh…the name of the book…You Never Stop Being a Parent.
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Upcoming Events
JUNE
3 Fri, Baccalaureate Service and Reception, Downtown
4 Sat, Transition Years Event, (5th–8th Graders & Parents), MN Zoo
5 Sun, Last Day of Sunday School, All Campuses
14 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, All Campuses Combined
19 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
19–24 Sun–Fri, Youth Summer Camp (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
21 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, Downtown/South OR North
28 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, All Campuses Combined
30 Thurs, North Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)   
JULY
5 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, Downtown/South OR North
7 Thurs, Downtown/South Junior High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
12 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, All Campuses Combined
14 Thurs, North Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
16 Sat, Hope Keepers (Disabilities Ministry) Picnic, Cliff Fen Park
17 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
19 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, All Campuses to Twins Baseball Game
21 Thurs, Downtown/South Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
26 Tues, Sr High Sup n’ Stuff, All Campuses Combined
28 Thurs, North Jr High JAMS (upcoming 7th–9th graders)
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
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Family Discipleship Department 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, 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, Downtown & South
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
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
Andrea Tjarks, Sunday Worship Downtown
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