From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Members of the Bethel family,

It's that time of year again (summer is almost here, folks!) to do some promotion of events, to give some information, and to do some thanksgiving. Let me begin first by thanking...

Marc Wilcox, Tom Nelson, Sue Kilmartin, and each and every Sunday school teacher our newly confirmed students have EVER had. We welcome into a more mature role in the congregation Danielle Guichard and Kristine Nelson. This may be a class small in size but not in spirit! Kristine is already a member of our Senior Choir and helps direct the All Star Choir. Danielle helps lead worship by being a Lector and also a musical performer for special music. We rejoice with the girls and offer our prayers and pledge our support to both of them and their families as they grow in grace and in faith.

Next, I want to remind you of all our upcoming events of note. Our Annual church picnic will be held on Sunday, June 8. There will be ONE informal service at 10:30 AM and then lunch (hot dogs and Italian sausages, beverages, dishes that will be passed, and desserts) will follow. The All-Star Choir will also share its finale of the year. Please bring your own table setting and a chair. After lunch, there will be games, fellowship, crafts, and fun on the church lawn. Just look for the big tent. As always, 9:30 AM services will begin the Sunday following the picnic (June 15), and they will continue in this format the entire summer.

The dedication of the newly refurbished (and rewired!) front sign is coming up soon. This will be dedicated to the good folks of Bethel who loved and supported Gunnard Anderson as a brother in Christ. It is a gift in honor of his memory from the congregation.

Finally, remember: If you are unable to be with us on a Sunday, please join us every other Saturday for our 5:30 PM Contemporary service held in Gustafson Hall. Shorts, tshirts, Nikes, and KIDS are always welcome! Have a blessed and safe summer!

In Christ,

Pastor Norm

Vacation Bible School

VBS: Christmas in August!

Wow, we are already thinking about the summer, and VBS is just right around the corner. Vacation Bible School will be August 18 through August 22. The theme this year is Christmas in August.

BTW We NEED volunteers. If you are age 13 or up and have some free time that week, please contact us. We need help with everything, so any time you can offer will be appreciated. Please call 661-9050 to apply.

Confirmation Sunday

Confirmation Sunday

On May 11, 2008, we will confirm two students: Danielle Guichard, daughter of Fran and Gregg Guichard, and Kristen Nelson, daughter of Debbie and Tom Nelson. Congratulations Ladies!

Bethel Lutheran Church Preschool Open House

Preschool News

We will be holding an open house for families interested in touring our room and meeting the staff at Bethel Lutheran Church's Preschool located in Jamestown, New York.

OPEN HOUSE
May 18, 2008 from 1-3 PM

This is a great time for asking questions about our program, and you will also see how your child interates with us and the other children present.

About Bethel Lutheran Preschool: Bethel has one of the most reputable preschools in the area. Bethel Lutheran Preschool is committed to providing ALL children a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment. "Our belief is that children should be allowed to learn at their own pace, be given an opportunity to make choices, and to learn the way children learn best; through play." Our cheerful, spacious room is arranged in learning centers which include art, manipulatives, blocks, dramatic play, books, computer center, and sensory table.

Three-year-old sessions
Tuesday/Thursday9-11 AM

Four-year-old sessions
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday9 -11 AM

Bethel Connections

Hi Folks,

Welcome to Bethel's newest technological advancement-the BLOG! Blogs are a way for people like us to record thoughts and to engage in conversations without having thousands of emails sent to our mailboxes daily.

We should utilize this space to reflect on all things Bethel including, but not limited to, worship, our Lord, the church itself, committees, events, and our hopes for the future of Bethel.

Please join me in celebrating this new avenue for engaging in religious discussion.

Let's get started!

-Gretchen Lindell, Blog Admin.