A weekly e-newsletter of
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Ames, Iowa
May 3, 2024
Join us this weekend at either Saturday or Sunday services as we celebrate our five confirmands! In celebration, cake with be provided in the Commons for both services.
Help Make Bethesda Stronger!
Congregation members and friends are invited to one-hour in-person listening sessions to provide further feedback and express their opinions in a neutral environment. In-person listening sessions will be held in Centennial Hall in May at the following dates and times:



  • Wednesday, May 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 8 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.*
  • Saturday, May 11 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.*
  • Sunday, May 12 from 10:40 - 11:40 a.m.*

Dates marked with * indicate that childcare will be available.
To participate, show up in Centennial Hall on your selected date and time or sign up for a session at https://tinyurl.com/pm6m9759.
Now Is The Time
Join us in a study based on the “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent.” Now is the Time is a four-week study led by Glenn Connor and Larry Otteman that meets in person after Sunday church June 9, 16, 23 and 30 or join a Zoom class on Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00PM on June 6, 13, 20 and 27.

You can mix the two classes. Let Larry know of your interest and for which format at larryaotteman@gmail.com and he will send you the document or you can pick up a copy in the office. This study is presented by the Reconciling in Christ Ministry Team.
Upcoming Book Discussion Dates
Thursday, May 9, Remarkably Bright Creatures written by Shelby Van Pelt, 7:00 pm in the Crossroads. 
Wednesday, June 5, Bitten By a Camel: Leaving Church, Finding God written by Kent Dobson, 7:00 pm in the Crossroads. 

Check out other fellowship group meetings at https://bethesdaames.org/learn/fellowship-groups/.
TREASURER NEEDED: Help the Crop Walk Leadership Team
The Crop Walk Leadership team is seeking a new treasurer. The outgoing treasurer is willing to train for the position.

TREASURER LEADERSHIP POSITION OVERVIEW:
  • The crop walk leadership team meets roughly 8 - 9 times a year to plan the October walk, but treasurer responsibilities kick in after the event.

  • Treasurer is expected to help on the day of the October walk (October 13, 2024) as many donations come in during the event.

  • Collect any checks or cash that have been turned in from walkers to be sent to Church World Service (CWS). 

If interested in the position, or if you would like further details, contact Rod Fischer at videoguy@iastate.org.
Wedding Anniversary Reception May 19th
Come celebrate Gus and Doris Anderson's 60th Anniversary in the Commons Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 pm. This celebration is being put on by Gus and Doris' two daughters. They are requesting no gits, only the presence of those who wish to celebrate with Gus and Doris.
2024 for "Created To Be" Vacation Bible School!

Registration is $5 per child and includes a t-shirt, mid-morning snack for those in the morning session and a meal for kids coming in the evening. Please select the t-shirt size for your child when registering. We cannot guarantee the correct size if registering after May 20th.
Other Upcoming AMOS Events:
  • May 9th, 5:30-6:30 PM -- All AMOS Strategy Meeting (Virtual via Zoom). Again, at least 1 leader encouraged. 
  • June 2nd, 3:00 PM -- Delegate Assembly. Goal to have all 40 member organizations standing together with relational power!
Give a Gift Online
Don't carry cash or checks? You can set up a recurring or one-time gift to Bethesda online, so you never miss an offering opportunity!
Splash Children's Church Needs Volunteers
Children's Church is after the Children's Message during Worship service and is for Pre-K through 5th Grade.

If you would like to volunteer to teach Children's Church, contact Pastor Jonathan Dolan or call the church office.
Oasis

Oasis is on Wednesday Evening's.
Confirmation Hangout Time for
6th-8th Grade is 6 - 7:00 pm.
Confirmation is 7 - 8:00 pm,
all are welcome!
Shelbynext
Refresher to log onto Shelbynext:
On your laptop or Desk Top Computer - https://bethesdanet.shelbynextchms.com
On your cell phone go to the App Store or Google Play Store
search for ShelbyNeXt Membership - download the free app;
On first screen replace the word domain with Bethesdanet
Enter username and password.
You should be ready to go! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Linda Fevold on Monday's 12 noon till 2:00 pm.
What's The Difference Between The Current and The Living Current?

The Current is a double-sided sheet consisting of four or more announcements that may widely affect the congregation with a schedule of Sunday-to-Sunday activities and order of worship.

The current, the physical copy members pick up each weekend, is limited to a certain number of announcements and is determined by what events will largely affect the congregation as a whole, often on a first come-first serve basis.

The Living Current, an e-newsletter sent every Friday at 9 am, consists of the larger announcements that make The Current as well as other announcements and events that may not affect the majority of the congregation. Such things may include:
  • An announcement for an event more than a month away. (As the event nears, it will be placed in The Current while holding its place in The Living Current.)
  • Ongoing support and prayers

If you have an event that you would like advertised in The Current for weekend services, submit your announcement event via email to Tess Hanson or Lynn Anderson no later than the Tuesday before you would like it advertised. Please specify where you want it to be published. If submitted after the stated deadline, it will be integrated into The Living Current e-newsletter and The Current for weekend services the following week.
Healing Prayers: Mark Allen; Ted Bailey; Chris Brakke; Charlene Doyle; Maxine Julius; Jan Haugen; Cecilia Horner; John Simmons; Jana Tschopp; Don Wempe.

Grieving: Derek Anderson, son of Carol Anderson, passed away April 26th.
WELCOME!
We invite you to join our community, which is committed to inclusion, racial equity and anti-racism. We share in God’s abundant grace knowing that we cannot be separated from the love of God by our age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, physical or mental abilities or faith background.
Worship Schedule:
SATURDAY (a modern service with praise band) . . . 5:30 pm
SUNDAY (a traditional service with choirs, organ) . . . 9:30 am
This weekend . . . MESSAGE: John 15:9-17
Holy Communion served at both services, every week.
Contact Information:
Chelsey Aisenbrey, Council President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ccaisenbrey@yahoo.com
Bryan Simmons, Lead Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bsimmons@BethesdaAmes.org
Jonathan Dolan, Associate Pastor–Youth & Family. . . .jdolan@BethesdaAmes.org
All other inquires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . contact@BethesdaAmes.org



Address: 1517 Northwestern Ave.
Ames, IA 50010-5299
Phone: (515) 232-6256