September 2011 Family Discipleship Newsletter.pdf

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Discipleship Department

September 2011 News & Calendar
Vol. 6                                 No. 9
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Fighter Verses, Set 1:
Start memorizing the verse on this date:
September 4     2 Corinthians 9:6–7               
September 11   2 Corinthians 9:8
September 18   2 Corinthians 12:9 [10]
September 25   Isaiah 64:4
   
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 (612-455-3490); North families, please contact Ruth Gulbranson (612-455-0808).
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Relationships, Support, Encouragement, Resources and…Volunteering
Abbie Montermini, 2^nd Grade Sunday School Teacher, Downtown Campus

We often hear how we can benefit one another by serving as a volunteer, but have you ever considered the benefits to the volunteer? Let me show you from my experience as a volunteer:

Intimacy. We have found that there is no better way to get to know the families at Bethlehem than through Family Discipleship ministry. Not only do you join a team to serve the Lord together, you are sharing your hearts with the children (and their families), and in return you are also hearing their hearts, their struggles and the triumphs in their fight of faith. This is intimacy.

Knowing and Being Known. In the three years we have worked in the Family Discipleship ministry, we have gotten to know 3 separate teams and their families on a deeper level, in addition to the 20−35 children and their parents in each class. There is no sweeter thing than to have those children and their parents greet you outside of Sunday School. We love seeing the students we had in our first group, now finishing 4th grade, stopping by to say hello in the hall, before or after a service, or waving excitedly from the balcony during a service. :)

We have gotten to know the names, faces and stories of our teams, these children and their families. We have had the opportunity to rejoice together over blessings, and cry together in tragedy.

Praying for Each Other. Each year as we start each Sunday morning (30+ Sundays/year) we stand together as a team and bless the name of the Lord together for his word, his promises, and his work in our class and in our lives. We lift up each other’s requests for the adoption of a child, comfort in loss, and the sale of homes. We pray for each other to minister faithfully and to honor the Lord and his word as we teach, and to have clarity as we preach the gospel to ourselves, one another and the precious students. We pray in small groups, as a team, in worship, during the lesson, over the celebration of monthly birthdays, and we pray as students earn knights for every 25 verses they memorize. We and the students pray for one another. Oh how we pray and oh how it makes a difference.

Knowing God’s Word. The Word is the focus of the hour as we discover what God says to us through his word about himself, about his plan and about his promises. We talk as a team about how it convicts, encourages and blesses us. We talk to the students about what it means for our daily lives and how relevant these "old stories" are. We talk about how important it is to memorize His word and we are encouraged and convicted as these 2nd graders memorize more verses than we do. Each year we have found that the promises we are studying are more real and relevant than any new book or series we could study and more and more we discover together how we can only stand when we are “Standing on the Promises of God” (our 2^nd Grade theme song).

Sharing Our Resources. Through ministry we share our thoughts, our prayers, our encouragement, our lives and our resources. Connecting through ministry allows us to help one another in ways we could never imagine—sharing meals with people who have had new babies or experienced a difficult time, swapping ideas for small group time, loaning home education resources, providing a car seat to a missionary family visiting for the summer, sharing a favorite book, or even recycling moving boxes.   

Being “At Home” At Church. When you know the lives, the struggles, the triumphs of our students, our team and their families, it feels like home.

Being The Church. When we serve, work, pray and live together in this way on Sunday mornings, we are experiencing the life of the body of Christ; we are being the Church!

If you’ve never thought about volunteering, now is a good time to consider it. It takes many volunteers to minister to Bethlehem’s children, and Family Discipleship (the North Campus in particular), has a number of openings. And if working with children and youth is not your gifting, pray about Bethlehem’s other ministry opportunities! The benefits are eternal!

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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Family Discipleship Update
The start-up dates of Family Discipleship classes (Wednesday Connection and Sunday School) are quickly approaching. The calls are going out for ministry partners to come alongside parents and help children and youth find their joy in Jesus.

Volunteer Positions for Sundays & Wednesday

• Nursery Caregivers watch over & pray for the youngest among us.
• Mentors for Sr Highers encourage fellowship & applying the Word.
• Team Leaders oversee a volunteer team who shepherd children.
• Teachers pray, prepare, and teach children using a curriculum.
• Small Group Leaders build relationships & encourage in the Word.
• Worship Leaders lead young people in song and prayer.
• Disability Ministry Aides work with individuals as needed.
• Substitutes are available as needed in various roles listed above.
• Helpers serve weekly as joyful “extra hands” in the classroom.

Remaining Openings for Volunteers as of Wednesday, August 31:
Downtown:  17 for Sunday; 17 for Wednesday
North:  50 for Sunday; 19 for Wednesday
South:  12 for Sunday (N/A Wednesday)

Stop by the Family Discipleship Table after services.
Email fdd@hopeinGod.org.
     Make-Up Volunteer Training Experience (new & returning volunteers)
     Saturday, Oct 1, 8:45am–noon, North Campus
Questions or RSVP to Lori Myers at 612-455-3497.

Start Dates Pending
Wednesday Connection classes for Preschool–Grade 12 start date is scheduled for September 14 (Downtown & North) and Sunday School classes for Preschool–Grade 12 start date is scheduled for September 25 (Downtown, North, and South), pending fully-staffed classrooms at the respective campus. To see updates to this schedule, visit the Updates blog, which will be updated on Thursdays as needed.

Sunday, September 18, 2011 during 2nd service (All Campuses)
Parent Orientation/Sunday School Open House
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Check-In Kiosk Trainings
Thursday, September 1, Downtown Campus
Tuesday, September 6, South 501 Building
6–7:30pm
Come learn how to welcome new families by helping them get checked-in for their Sunday School  or Wednesday Connection classrooms. Pizza will be served! Contact Amy Katterson if you have questions or if you plan to attend.
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Child Dedication Services (Please Note Date Change)
Saturday, September 10, 5:30pm (Downtown)
Saturday, September 10, 6pm (North)
Sunday, September 11, 9am & 11am (North, Downtown, and South)
Sunday, September 11, 5pm (Downtown)
If Bethlehem is your church home and you desire to dedicate your child(ren) to the Lord and make the significant promises required of Christian parents, you may register by calling Madeleine Miller at 612-455-3496 to inform her of your desire to be a part of one of these services. Please note: Foundation Builders 1 is a prerequisite for dedicating your child at Bethlehem.
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Upcoming Changes for Young Adult South Connection
South Young Adults and their families will be invited to join Wednesday Night Connection on the South Site while still having the option to participate in the age-specific programming downtown. Look for more details in the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Lacine at 612-293-5378.
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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.

Downtown for Adult Volunteers
Saturday, September 10, 8:45am–Noon
Downtown Campus, Nurseries & Choir Room (03–12)
Training for adult volunteers (age 15+). RSVP to Madeleine Miller at 612-455-3496. Read more: Downtown Nursery Training

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
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NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN BOY SCOUTS!
Did you know... Famous Eagle Scouts include: President Gerald Ford, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, and Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Chief of Naval Operations.

Bethlehem supports Boy Scout Troops 871 (DT) and 9871 (North).
Please contact one of the leaders listed below if you are interested in being a part of the significant training for boys offered in Boy Scouts.

Bethlehem Boy Scouts Leaders are:
Downtown Campus Troop 871 -  Paul Rombach
North Campus  Troop 9871 - Eric King and Brian Pratt
Bethlehem contact is Betty Dodge (612-455-3490).
For general information about Boy Scouts in the metro area visit the Boy Scouts link.
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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: September 18
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).
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READ ON . . .
Which Bible should my child bring to Sunday School/Kid’s Connection?
Children first grade and older need to bring a Bible to Sunday School. We like to encourage the kindergartners to bring them as well so they are in the habit of bringing their Bibles by the time they get to first grade.

New International Version (NIV)-1985 edition; or the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible
1st Grade, SS & KC, All Campuses
2nd–4th KC, Downtown
3rd–4th KC, North

ESV Children’s Bible
2nd –8th Grade SS, All Campuses
5th– 8th Grade KC, All Campuses

Please note that we do not recommend the Seek and Find Bible published by Crossway for Sunday School or Kid’s Connection. With the Bible stories interspersed in the text, it is more difficult for the children to find verses…and a definite disadvantage when doing a sword drill.
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Communicators for Christ Tour Conference
Thursday, September 29–Saturday, October 1
4–9p Thursday & Friday,  9–3:30p Saturday
Early Bird Deadline: Friday, September 2
This fall the Communicators for Christ nationally-recognized team of student and adult coaches will be in the Twin Cities metro area presenting their 2011 Fall Conference Tour. CFC Conferences offer comprehensive communications training in real-world public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills.  Activities, workshops, and exercises help students ages 6–19 hone these skills in a non-threatening, encouraging environment where everyone has a chance to succeed, regardless of their level of public speaking experience. The mission of CFC is to equip Christian students with both the competence and character they need to influence culture for Christ.
For more information go to CFC’s website.
Questions? Contact Debbie Larsen.
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Awaken '11
October 7-9, 2011
A Fall Retreat Event for Youth & Young Adults (Jr & Sr High, Grades 7-12)
Our theme this year is "Stand" (Ephesians 6:10-20). Every believer is called to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against the schemes of the devil while praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication. To that end we are to keep alert with all perseverance, praying for all the saints that the words of the gospel will be given us and that we would proclaim them boldly as we ought to speak. Please join us as we encourage one another to stand through worship and the word, prayer, and fellowship. Then go into our city to serve and speak the gospel boldly!
 
Price is $75, which includes a participant guide, t-shirt, parent prayer guide, Friday dinner and meals on Saturday. Hosts and helpers serve Sunday breakfast, evening snacks and transportation. Much of the retreat will be held at the Downtown campus and surrounding environs.
 
Register online by September 21. For more information, downloads, and registration, visit us online or send an email to Kevin Dau or call him at 612-455-3493.
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Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER
10/11 Sat/Sun, Child Dedication Services Sat, DT & N; Sun, All Campuses
14 Wed, Tentative Start Date, Kids Connection, Downtown & North
18 Sun, Parent Orientation, All Campuses
18 Sun, Union Gospel Mission Outreach
22 Thurs, Awaken ’11 Volunteer Orientation, Downtown
23–25 Fri–Sun, Desiring God National Conference
25 Sun, Tentative Start Date, Sunday School, All Campuses
29 –Oct 1 Thu–Sat, Communicators for Christ Tour Conference, Downtown
30 –Oct 2 Fri –Sun, Father/Son Quest   

OCTOBER
1 Sat, North Nursery Training, North
1 Sat, Family Discipleship Volunteer Make-Up Training, North (Date Change)
7–9 Fri–Sun, Awaken (Jr/Sr High Local Retreat), Downtown
8 Sat, South Nursery Training, 501 Building
12–23 Wed–Sun, Global Focus, All Campuses
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   
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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
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, Bible Studies 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