November 2011 Family Discipleship Newsletter.pdf

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

November 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6                                 No. 11
****************************************************************
Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
November 6     John 15:5
November 13    John 14:2–3                
November 20    Psalm 125:1–2
November 27    Psalm 141:3–4
   
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, please contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490); North families, please contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0800 x808).

*****************************************************************
November Article
Gil McConnell, Pastor for Child & Youth Discipleship, North Campus

Running with Rosscup to Refuge in God: Meditating with the Psalmist in Psalm 16

James E. Rosscup, a retired long-time seminary professor, has published his life’s work in a multi-volume set entitled An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God (AMG Publishers, March 2011). He has scoured every book of the Bible for gleanings on prayer and has sought to help us apply it to our prayer lives. What a gem this is! What follows is a mixture of his insights and my meditations on Psalm 16. If it is too long, read one section a day for the next seven days. 

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge (Psalm 16:1).
Refuge has a name. What is it? Rather who is it? It is GOD. The Psalmist says he takes refuge “in you,” meaning “in God.” God is a place of safety, a place of protection when the Psalmist puts his trust in Him. Rosscup says when a person does this he is “safe as a bird that finds protection in a mountain.” We are so small and, as the children’s song goes, “Our God is so BIG!” We can hide ourselves in the safety of our massive God (Psalm 27:5)!

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight (Psalm 16:2-3).
Rosscup explains, “He means he has no happiness or good ‘beyond’ the Lord. For true welfare he need look no further than God, for happiness is not something besides Him, or apart from Him.” Jesus makes it clear that we can do no eternal good apart from Him (John 15:5). The Psalmist reminds us that we can have no eternal good apart from Him. The LORD, Yahweh, is our good! Our true happiness is God. And, we also have happiness in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord because, as Rosscup reminds us, “God’s people reflect something of what He is like.” When they do, they and we are both happy in God through our fellowship.  

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips (Psalm 16:4).
In contrast to those who are happy in God and in the fellowship of his people, those who worship false gods have increasing sadness. This is because other gods are worthless idols (Psalm 96:5). “These devotees are cast upon their own resources and face many frustrations as all their striving fails to fulfill what God can deliver” says Rosscup. They are sad because, although they invest themselves in these gods, they get nothing from them in return. Nothing of help. Nothing but increased sadness of heart. When we seek soul comfort in things apart from God, we get the same return from our investment: nothing. God alone truly satisfies.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance (Psalm 16:5-6).
Focus on the Lord also has a glorious future element. Not only is the Psalmist’s life in the present safe and happy in God, but his eternal future is sealed and secure. Rosscup encourages us, “A believer’s inheritance is choice, as an Israelite often received land in a place of choice bounty.” If, even in our darkest moments, we would stop and remember all of the graces (physical and spiritual, temporal and eternal) God has lavished on us, we would have every reason to praise God. He has given us many gifts, the greatest of which is Himself. With the enemies of our souls surrounding us, let us eat at the table the LORD has prepared for us, where He, in His goodness and mercy, is both our cup and the substance that makes it overflow (Psalm 23:5-6). The LORD is our all in all.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken (Psalm 16:7-8).
Rosscup sees the Psalmist in a steady place because he knows the “counsel,” “companionship,” and “constancy” of the LORD. When the nights are longer than the days (for days on end) this fall and winter, will your heart instruct you? Yes, it will. The question is, what will it say? When your heart instructs you, does it result in blessing and praise to the LORD? If not, from what source is your heart drawing its message? In other words, is your heart instructing you with the LORD’s counsel? I pray so. May the Holy Spirit meet you with illuminating companionship in God’s Word, especially in the watches of the night (John 14:26; 16:12-15; Psalm 63:5-8). And may you find in the constancy of Christ a sure place to stand (Psalm 40:1-3; Ephesians 6:13ff).

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let you holy one see corruption (Psalm 16:9-10).
The Psalmist would not be hopeless after death. His inheritance with God was sure. He did however, experience physical decay when he died. He is even now awaiting, along with all who have passed on, the resurrection of the dead (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:42). But Christ, the Holy One, never experienced physical decay (see Acts 2:24-31). He died, for sure. But he rose again on the third day, without decay, or “corruption,” to a single molecule of his body. He stands bodily right now, ready to receive His beloved at a certain point determined by Him in the future. This is a greater hope than the Psalmist’s earthly body not seeing decay. David was a lesser king, unable to preserve his people forever. Christ is the greater King. King Jesus reigns over and has sealed our eternal refuge and inheritance in Him with his own blood. Let us be glad in King Jesus!

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
In the eternal presence of our God is not mere protection, but pure pleasure. His joy becomes our joy and we are satisfied in Him, forever! This eternal pleasure is one which has already begun for believers in Jesus. “Oh taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34: 8). In your life, may the LORD lead you, by His Word and through His Spirit, down the path of His life. For Jesus said “Abide in me… that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:4a, 11).

Throughout this school year when you and I are spent, when we have nothing left to give, and there are littler ones (and bigger ones!) all around us vying for our attention, what will we do? Where will we go for help? Will we gut it out and hope for the best? Or, will we run to God and find refuge? My prayer is that you and I will do the latter and teach our children to do the same.

With Love in Christ,
Pastor Gil
*****************************************************************
Parents Learning Together
In other generations, parents learned to parent by watching and conversing with seasoned parents in their extended families and community. With the more individualistic lifestyle of families today, much of this opportunity to observe, ask questions, and dialogue has been lost. Within the church body however, we can provide this opportunity to learn from each other and from those who have produced materials. Though the exposure is more limited than learning from people with whom you are in constant, regular contact, parenting classes do afford an opportunity to ask questions, dialogue, and learn about Christ-centered parenting. They are also a community of believers who support and encourage one another, pray for each other’s children and for you as parents, and resource each other.

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 receiving the understanding of parenting and 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 teens, and helping our teens develop the right set of values.
*****************************************************************
Warning for Parents
The American Academy of Pediatrics, meeting this week in Boston, has been concerned about the effects of exposure to screens on children. Just this week, the group adopted a new set of guidelines, calling upon parents to put severe limits on the exposure of young children to television.

In his article, “In the Danger Zone: Raising Our Children in the Age of the Screen,” Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. suggests that Christian parents consider this research carefully and candidly. This means, he writes, that Christian parents must be concerned, not just with what content children are watching, but how much exposure they really experience.

Read the details in Dr. Mohler’s blog, which is updated regularly.
*****************************************************************
Help Needed
Nursery Downtown
At least 6 more volunteers or, if necessary, paid workers, are needed each week to adequately staff the Wed night Connection Nurseries. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. Call Lisa Burk (612-338-7653, x495) if interested. If you are not already a cleared nursery volunteer, fill out the online volunteer application, or pick up an application in the literature racks by the Nursery or near the on 2nd and 3rd floor elevators.
Nursery North
Workers are needed at all services (Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and MOMS). Call Carmen Tomaszewski (612-455-0800, x807) if interested. If you are not already a cleared nursery volunteer, fill out the online volunteer application, or pick up an application in the literature racks by the nurseries in Hallway B, near the reception desk at the north end of Hallway A, and in Hallway D.

Kiosk Workers all campuses prior to each service.
This is a simple but important ministry to children and adults checking into classes weekends and Wednesdays, flexible scheduling and only involves 30-45 minutes per scheduled time.
Upcoming Trainings:
Thursday, November 10, 6:00-7:30 (pizza served) North
Monday, November 21, 6:00-7:30 (pizza served) Downtown
Please register with Amy Katterson if you plan to attend 612-746-2650, x651.
*****************************************************************
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is a time of remembering to give thanks for God’s provision for us. However, most of us really don’t know what it is to face hunger or put our children to bed with a hungry stomach.  But this is not true for many people in the world who face malnutrition or starvation. What can we do about world hunger?

One thing we can do is support the ministry of Feed My Starving Children. FMSC is a Christian organization that purchases, packages and ships food to organizations in third world countries which distribute food through their various ministries. And, it is right here in the Twin Cities, which means your children can be a part of feeding a hungry child in another part of the world.

Here’s what you can do:
•    Donate toward the ministry of Feed My Starving Children.
•    Volunteer to package food (as a group, a family or an individual; see age restrictions).

May you through this means or another, help your children this year to cultivate an appreciation for God’s goodness and to reach out to others. You will be blessed as you give.
*****************************************************************
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.
*****************************************************************
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!
*****************************************************************
DT Sr High Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, November 12, 8am–10am
Pastor Kempton invites fathers of the Downtown Sr High young adults to join him for breakfast, encouragement in the Word of God, and prayer. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Emily Weller (612-338-7653 x 484) by Friday,
November 4.
*****************************************************************
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: November 20
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).
*****************************************************************
Transition Years (Grades 5–8) Men of Valor Worship God
Downtown Campus, Room 111 (Please take note: this is a location change from previous communications)
Friday, November 11, 2011  6–8:30pm
Fathers and their sons in the Transition Years (Grades 5–8) are invited to join Pastor Bud Burk for a pizza dinner and time of learning more about what it means to worship God in Jesus' name. Themes for the evening include: biblical manhood, worship, music, leadership, and humility before God.
Your RSVP for this event is VERY helpful. Thank you!
To RSVP or for more information, contact Betty Dodge (612-338-7653 x490).
*****************************************************************
Advent Resources
Celebrating CHRISTmas
With the increasingly difficult struggle that families have to keep Christ central in Christmas, Noel Piper has put together a booklet, Celebrating CHRISTmas, that is full of ideas to help your family focus on what is most central this Advent season. Booklets are available in the wall racks (North: by the Nursery 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)….or can be downloaded here.

Advent Calendar Devotional
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it is easy to subtly lose the true meaning of Christmas and the reason we celebrate. Meditating each day on the grace and sovereign plan of God in sending His Son incarnate could help your family navigate this season with a focus on Christ. The linked Advent Calendar Devotional is one means of helping your family ponder the Christmas story daily. Each day of advent, a scripture passage telling a portion of the Christmas story is highlighted as your family fashions a calendar of events leading to the birth of Christ and culminating in His identity as the Lamb of God. Let us rejoice together in the birth of our Savior this Advent season. 
*****************************************************************
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – All Campuses
November 5/6 & November 12/13
This year, Operation Christmas Child boxes will be collected at all three campuses in November. 
Please drop-off filled, labeled shoeboxes at the designated drop-off point the weekends of November 5/6 and November 12/13, before or after church services.
A brochure with additional information, box labels and instructions will be available at all campuses, or can be downloaded at the Operation Christmas Child website.     
Questions can be directed to: Jesse Albrecht (South) 612-746-2650, Betty Dodge (Downtown) 612-338-7653 x490, or Heather Elting-Ballard (North) 763-767-7350.
*****************************************************************
READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:

Every human being has "blind spots" and parents are no exception. Sometimes in our zeal to raise our children, we fail to think through the long term consequences of our actions, take all factors into account, or examine our motives. If you are a homeschool parent, the linked article by Reb Bradley, Exposing Major Blind Spots of Homeschoolers, might be a helpful read. May God grant us all wisdom, love and His grace in parenting our children for His glory.
*****************************************************************
SAVE THE DATE
DT Sr High Parent-Equipping Seminar
Saturday, December 10, 9am–Noon
Pastor Kempton connects with Downtown Sr High parents to equip and encourage them as they raise up their young adults. More details to come

Baccalaureate Service and Open House for Bethlehem graduating seniors
Friday, June 8, 2012, 7pm
Downtown Campus
*****************************************************************
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER
2 Wed, Advent Orientation, North
6 Sun, Daylight Savings Ends
9 Wed, Advent Orientation, Downtown & South
11 Fri, Transitions Years, “Men of God, Worship God”
12 Sat, DT Sr High Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast
20 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
23 Wed, No Kids Connection (Thanksgiving)
27 Sun, No Sunday School (Thanksgiving); First Sunday of Advent
DECEMBER
18 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
21, 28 Wed, No Kids Connection (Christmas Break)
25 Sun, No Sunday School (Christmas Break)
JANUARY 2012
1 Sun, No Sunday School (New Years Break)
4 Wed, Fighter Verse Kick-off
14 Sat, Foundation Builders 1   
*****************************************************************
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
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
Valencia Day, Sunday Worship Downtown
Tiffany Dykstra, Bible Studies Downtown
Yvette Hatch, Saturday Worship Downtown
Susan Lundquist, Wednesday Connection South
Amanda McAlpine, Wednesday Connection 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