Family Discipleship October Newsletter 2011.pdf

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

October 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6                                 No. 10
****************************************************************
Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
October 2     Titus 3:4–6                
October 9    Isaiah 46:9–10 [11]
October 16    Proverbs 1:10
October 23    Proverbs 3:5–6 [7]
October 30    Proverbs 19:11
   
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 (612-455-3490); North families, please contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0808).

*****************************************************************
That The Next Generation Might Know
Aaron Davitch, Director for Adult Ministries and Child/Youth Discipleship, South

The book of Judges is arguably the most depressing period in Israel’s history and without doubt it records the most horrific stories in the Old Testament. What led to such apostasy? The author tells us at the beginning of the book:  “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the LORD had done for Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110 years…. And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:7–8, 10). Joshua and the generation that survived him had seen or heard all the great works the Lord had done for Israel when he led them in the wilderness, gave them victory in battle and provided for their needs on the way to the promised land. This generation knew the Lord and they were faithful to him. However, they made one huge mistake: they failed to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. As a result, a whole generation grew up “who did not know the Lord or the work he had done for Israel.” This led to a downward spiral over the next several generations as Israel repeated the cycle of sin, slavery and judgment.  In his commentary on Judges 2:10 Daniel Block writes,

“The text is a witness to the apparent failure of the community to keep alive its memory of Yahweh’s gracious saving acts. The priests had failed in their instructional duties (Leviticus 10:11); and the elaborate system of festivals, memorials, and other customs, designed to pass on the rich spiritual tradition (Deuteronomy 6:20) had either lapsed or been reduced to formality. If the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) was being recited at all, the following injunctions to the community Deuteronomy (6:5-6) to instruct the children in the fundamentals of covenant faith were obviously regarded more in the breach than in the observance. When people lose sight of God’s grace, they lose sight of God and the sense of any obligation to him. All that follows in the book is a consequence of Israel’s loss of memory.”

To every generation, God gives the joyful and solemn responsibility to the Church and parents to declare God’s mighty acts to the next generation, to keep alive in their collective memory the glorious deeds of the Lord and the wonders he has done so “that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:6-7).

I am so grateful to God for raising up hundreds of volunteers across these three campuses whose heart resonates with the Psalmist when he prayed, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” (Psalm 71:18). It is their joy to assist parents in telling the next generation the mighty acts of God - especially his mightiest act. Through one greater than Joshua God won a victory over enemies far worse than pagan Canaanite nations. It was at the cross that Jesus came to redeem us from sin, death and Satan by rescuing us from his own righteous wrath so that we might enter the true and better promised land.

Until the day when he returns to take us into that new creation, may he continue to stir in the hearts of many a desire to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of the next generations.
*****************************************************************
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 (starting October 5)
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 (starting October 9, pending fully staffed children’s classes)
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 (started September 25)
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.
*****************************************************************
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!
*****************************************************************
Changes for Young Adult South Connection
South Young Adults and their families are invited to join Wednesday Night Connection on the South Site while still having the option to participate in the age-specific programming downtown. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Lacine at 612-293-5378.
*****************************************************************
Nursery Training Sessions
Plan to attend one of these training sessions if you would like to serve as a new volunteer or are currently serving in the nurseries and have not attended training within the last three years. We’ll sing nursery songs together, learn the details of keeping babies safe and healthy, and hear about what our Lord Jesus is doing through the biblical truth taught in every single session in the nurseries! Come and familiarize yourself with the specifics of each nursery. RSVP is appreciated, but not required.

North for Adult & Youth Volunteers
Saturday, October 1, 8:45am–Noon
North Campus, Rooms B301, B303, B305, B307
This training session is designed for adults or youth (age 9+). We will offer a special breakout session for youth volunteers, ages 9–15. RSVP to Carmen Tomaszewski at 612-455-000, ext 807.
Read more: North Nursery Training

South for Adult Volunteers
Saturday, October 8, 8:45am–Noon
South 501 Building, Suite 110, Meeting Room & Nurseries
Training for adult volunteers (age 15+). RSVP to Bonnie Williams at 612-827-3920.
Read more: South Nursery Training
*****************************************************************
Wednesday Connection Global Focus
October 12,  All Ages Gathering North
with Special Global Presentation (Preschool Class still meets)
Global Partners in the KC Classrooms Downtown

October 19, All Ages Gathering Downtown
with Special Global Presentation (Preschool Class still meets)
Global Partners in KC Classrooms North

October 12 & 19 All Ages Gathering South
(Global Partner Testimonies)
*****************************************************************
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: October 16
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 (612-455-3484).
*****************************************************************
Transition Years (Grades 5–8) “Stopping to Look Upon Jesus”
MN Landscape Arboretum
Saturday, October 15, 11am–1pm
Join other moms, dads, and youth in the Transitions Years for a time of enjoying God’s creation, praying together, and sharing a meal.
Be sure to meet Pastor Bud Burk at the OSWALD VISITOR CENTER at the Arboretum prior to setting out in your group.
Pastor Bud will have PRAYER GUIDES for you which will include a SCHEDULE and MAP for your time at the Arboretum.
(Please feel free to stay at the Arboretum on your own after 1pm; your ticket is good until sundown.)
We will be eating lunch together at the Arboretum. You will be notified as to where the lunch meeting place will be.
You are welcome to purchase lunch in the cafeteria and bring it to the meeting place or you may wish to bring a bag lunch from home.
REGISTER HERE.

Transition Years (Grades 5–8) Men of Valor Worship God
North, Chapel (D500–D504)
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).
*****************************************************************
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 or Heather Elting-Ballard (North) 763-767-7350.
*****************************************************************
READ ON . . .
Featured parenting resources recommended by Sally Michael, Minister for Resources and Program Development:

A Guide to Biblical Manhood by Randy Stinson and Dan Dumas
What can you learn about manhood from…baseball? What are 25 things a dad should teach a son? What are nine areas men should lead with intention? What does it mean to live with your wife “in an understanding way”? What can be learned about manhood from Adam, Job, David, Solomon, Paul, and Jesus? Authors Randy Stinson and Dan Dumas answer these questions and more in their short, very practical book, A Guide to Biblical Manhood.
*****************************************************************
Sr High Parents: Save the Date
DT Sr High Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, November 12, 8am–10am
Pastor Kempton meets with fathers of the Downtown Sr High young adults for breakfast, encouragement in the Word of God, and prayer.

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.

Baccalaureate Service and Open House
for Bethlehem graduating seniors
Friday, June 8, 2012, 7pm
Downtown Campus
*****************************************************************
Upcoming Events
OCTOBER
1 Sat, North Nursery Training, North
1 Sat, Family Discipleship Volunteer Make-Up Training, North (Date Change)
5 Wed, Kids Connection Downtown Starts
7–9 Fri–Sun, Awaken (Jr/Sr High Local Retreat), Downtown
9 Sun, Sunday School North Starts (if fully staffed)
8 Sat, South Nursery Training, 501 Building
12–23 Wed–Sun, Global Focus, All Campuses
12 Sun, Kids Connection North Starts (if fully staffed)
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
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   
*****************************************************************
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