May Family Discipleship News & Calendar.pdf

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

May 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6                                 No. 5
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Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
May 1       Psalm 1:5–6           
May 8       Colossians 3:1–3
May 15     Ephesians 4:26
May 22     Isaiah 40:28–29
May 29     Isaiah 40:30–31
   
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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A Vision for Mothering:  God’s Ambassadors
by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;  that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
–2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Perhaps you have been there; rushing to get dinner prepared while cajoling a fussy baby. Your four-year-old, wanting to “help mommy,” proceeds to carry a plate of spaghetti to the table—at a 45 degree angle. The drama unfolds not only with the spaghetti sliding off the plate, but with that same four-year-old walking through the spaghetti on your recently-cleaned floor. These are the moments that life—and mothering—are made of.

But life is really not about smeared spaghetti. It is about how we either bring glory to God or focus on ourselves through the multiple moments of our day. Do we live as a new creation in Christ, responding as His ambassadors?

Mothering is about vision. Jesus, “for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). The vision of the reality of what would be accomplished by the cross and the reward of sitting at the right hand of the Father gave Jesus the determination, courage, and strength to endure the cross.

Likewise, our vision shapes the way we navigate the responsibilities of motherhood. Do we have a God-centered vision of mothering?

Who we are in Christ
Ministering to our families as a new creation in Christ gives us a new identity. Yes we are sinners, but we are also saints. Saints with the power of the Holy Spirit in us helping us deny our own self-centered desires as we depend on Him.

When we orient our parenting on Christ, we recognize Him as the source, the sustainer and the goal of our parenting (Romans 11:36); our parenting is done in His name, for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17); we depend on Him as we parent in the strength that Christ supplies (1 Peter 4:11); and we rest in the firm belief that Christ is our only hope (1 Timothy 4:10).

Called to be Ambassadors
Our primary calling as mothers is to be Christ’s ambassadors to our children, speaking His truth and reflecting His heart. Christ has given us a divine calling as ministers of reconciliation. All other responsibilities pale in comparison to this one.

Our children will live eternally somewhere—either in heaven or in hell. We must soberly warn our children of the reality of sin, separation from God, and hell while rejoicing in the glories of grace, the reconciliation through Christ, and the joy of heaven. Do our priorities reflect this as the principle focus in our mothering?

God has called us to “preach the Gospel” to our children daily through our words, works, and example. Our tone in unfolding the Word of God to our children must be one of conviction, joy and warmth.

Like Paul, we should be able to say to our “disciples,” what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things (Philippians 4:9); join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us (Philippians 3:17). We are not called be perfect examples but to be authentic examples, admitting our weakness, confessing our sin, and reflecting a humble spirit.

This is a high calling, worthy of our best efforts, our unwavering devotion, and our deepest prayers.
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Featured parenting resource:  Children Desiring God Conference Audio
How do you give your child a biblical perspective on life…motivate him to memorize scripture…maximize your relationship for spiritual influence in your child’s life…lead your teen to feast on God’s Word…discipline with the end in view…cultivate Biblical manhood and womanhood…  If these topics (and many others) are of interest to you, talks addressing these crucial issues are now available on the Children Desiring God website. Check out the resources from the national conference, Standing on the Truth, at this address: http://childrendesiringgod.org/media/items.php?event=2011+Conference.
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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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Curriculum Workbooks
We would love for you to follow up with your child about Sunday School/Wednesday Connection lessons so please be sure to take home the workbook from class. May 4 is the last day of Wednesday connection and June 7 is the last day of Sunday school.
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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 Joyce Heinrich at 612-455-3498.
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Youth Baptism Service
Wednesday, May 11, 6:15–8:00pm
North & Downtown Campuses
All ages are encouraged to take this opportunity to hear many young people give their testimonies and be baptized. In lieu of regular Wednesday classes, children will need to be with parents during this session in the sanctuary. (Nursery will still be available for 3-year-olds and younger.) South Site will not offer Connection activities on May 11. Dinner will be served as usual and pre-service prayer will still be held at the North and Downtown campuses on May 11. For more information, contact Lori Myers at 612-455-3497.
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Are you looking for a way to spread the gospel in your community?
Consider Backyard Bible Clubs!
Backyard Bible Club Information, Downtown
Thursday, May 12, 2011, 7–8:30pm, Room 111
Backyard Bible Club Information & Training, North Metro Focus
Sunday, May 22, 2011, 1–2:30pm, Room C400
Come if you have been involved with clubs in the past, if you are considering the outreach this summer, or if you would like to get involved sometime in the future. Your attendance doesn’t commit you to any specific involvement, but you will learn about the varied opportunities these clubs offer:

• Hosting
• Teaching
• Leading worship
• Planning activities
• Helping
• Praying
• Making snacks

If you sense God calling you to get involved, we will do our best to connect you with others who have complimentary gifts to join you in ministry.
North Metro Focus
This summer, Pastor Vince Johnson and Pastor Gil McConnell are linking arms and praying toward the goal of seeing 20 clubs happen in the North metro area. If you want to learn more, join us for lunch on Sunday, May 22, please RSVP to Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0808) and let her know how many in your family will attend.
You are welcome to attend either gathering. If you have questions about Backyard Bible Clubs, contact Julie Norris (612-455-3495).
Thank you for considering this valuable ministry. We hope you can join us in this summer neighborhood outreach!
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Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Outreach
Next Meeting:  May 15

• 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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Important! Parents of Graduating High School Seniors!

Graduating Senior Dinner
Friday, May 13 at 6:00pm, Downtown Campus Sanctuary & Main Hall
This event gives graduating high school seniors and their parents an opportunity to celebrate together and thank God for the work he has done in their lives. All graduating seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend. There will be a catered dinner, worship time, and a special program, including a slideshow of graduates through the years. A Graduating Senior Overnighter will follow after the dinner. Click here to register. For more information, contact Emily Weller (612-455-3484).

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. Graduates can RSVP for this event by clicking here. If you have questions, please contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).
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Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Program
Wednesday, May 18, 5:30pm
Downtown Campus
Family Discipleship Volunteers and their spouses are invited to join us for a catered dinner from the Olive Garden and a special program as an expression of our deep appreciation for your partnership in the Gospel.  The following Family Discipleship ministries volunteers are included in this invitation:
Sunday School, Nursery, Wednesday Connection, Adventure Girls, Life Coaches, Boy Scout Leaders, and Family Life event volunteers.
You should have received an invitation by email. If you did not, or if you have questions, please contact Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).
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Parents of Transition Years Youth (Grades 5–8) Time at the Arboretum
Saturday, May 21
Parents and their children ages 5th-8th grade are invited to spend a few hours at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to pray together and enjoy God’s glory displayed in His creation.
There are three different group times. Each group will be welcomed by Pastor Bud Burk and given instructions and a guide book. Register here.
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Father/Son Quest Friday–Monday, May 28–30, 2011
Depart at 4:00pm Friday (Memorial Day Weekend)
Off-site, Wilderness North
Father/Son Quest is weekend getaway for dads and their sons, age 12 and older. This weekend at Wilderness North marks a milestone in a young man's life for biblical manhood. The many activities such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, and campfire fellowship offer one-on-one opportunities for dads and sons to be together as men. For further information, or to register, visit fathersonquest.com. Registration deadline is Friday, May 20. Participating dads will meet together for preparation one week prior to the Quest (on Saturday, May 21). Questions? Contact Betty Dodge at 612-455-3490.
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Youth Summer Camp
Registration continues through May 30 for Bethlehem's Youth Summer Camp! Here are some details to help you plan.
Dates:
Registration: ends after May 30
Camp: June 19–24, at Shetek Baptist Camp.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9 fall 2011.
Cost: $260¬ (Limited Financial Aid available, see webpage for details.)
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 and yearn to be identified with Christ and have their identity shaped by his word and Spirit.
Where to Get Details?
Click here to get the camp’s “Need To Know” document (includes scholarship info, packing list, departure and arrival dates/times, and more), printable forms, and register online. Questions? Contact Kevin Dau at 612-455-3493.
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Worldview Academy is a week-long, high energy, thought-provoking camp for students aged 13–18. It is designed to help young people grow in servant leadership and develop a biblical, God-centered worldview. It is held June 12–17 at Northwestern College, and the cost is $695. Significant scholarships are available for first-time juniors and seniors! Please contact Emily Weller to register by May 1. For more information, go to www.worldview.org
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YOUNG MEN’S CONFERENCE “4:12”: 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)
For more information, contact: Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).
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Upcoming Events
MAY
4 Wed, Final Connection Classes for Preschool through Senior High
7 & 8 Sat & Sun, Child Dedication Services,
     Sat, Downtown & North only; Sun, all campuses
11 Wed, Final Connection with Youth Baptisms, Downtown and North
12 Thurs, Backyard Bible Club Information Session, Downtown
13 Fri, Graduating Senior Dinner, Downtown
15 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
18 Wed, Volunteer Appreciation Event, Downtown
21 Sat, Transition Years Prayer, (5th–8th Graders & Parents), MN Arboretum
22 Sun, Backyard Bible Club Information Session, North
28–30 Sat–Mon, Father/Son Quest
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 Jr 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) Downtown/South 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
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
Lisa Burk, MOMS, Wednesday Connection Downtown
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