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December 1, 2022

Bethesda & Immanuel Lutheran Newsletter


Sunday Worship
8:30 Bethesda
11:00 Immanuel

Contact:
Pastor Dale P. Chesley
809 Ellis Avenue
Ashland WI 54806
715 209-0600
dalechesley@charter.net
 
Pastor Will Mowchan
3015 Weeks Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
715 416-3408
wmowchan@gmail.com

Parish Office:
715-779-5611
bethesdachurchbayfield@gmail.com
Immanuel:
715-742-3440
   
Links

 
 
We pray for Ukraine and all those afflicted by war.
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Sunday services are available online.
Use the Bethesda Facebook link above.

From Worry to Wonder

A Christmas Message from Bishop Laurie


On June 19, 2020 our granddaughter was born. She was born three months into the pandemic. Her parents were worried. Her grandparents were worried. It is challenging enough to be pregnant and give birth in the best of times but to give birth in the middle of a worldwide pandemic is an even greater worry. We worried about the unknown dangers this virus might present to the mother, the unborn baby, and the new born baby. Our worries kept us up at night. Our worries were relieved when she was finally born, perfect in every way. Our worry gave way to wonder-filled joy. Worry transformed to wonder as we looked back to see how God was holding and carrying them through the unavoidable worry. Our worry transformed to gratitude and wonder watching for what God would be up to next in her tiny life.

It’s December 2022. We prepare to celebrate the birth our Lord Jesus. This Advent we come with our fears and worries too. We are living in the midst of challenging times in our country. The very foundation of our nation seems less stable. We each come with our own personal set of worries and fears about our families, health, finances, work, safety, the future…What is it that keeps you up at night? What are you worried about today?

Folks across our church are experiencing doubts and uneasiness about the future of their church. Does it keep you up at night? What are the threats to your church’s future? How can the conversation move from fear and worry to wonder? As the miracle of Christ’s birth is celebrated this season, we can move from worry to wonder. We wonder what God is up to now in this day and age. Together we wonder what God’s will is for the future of our church. Together we wonder; how can we use the abundance and blessings, (what we do have and opportunities in front of us), to make a difference in Jesus’ name. 

 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Luke 2:8-10a

Shepherds living in the fields watched over their sheep to keep them safe. There were dangers that kept the shepherds up at night and plenty of things for the shepherd’s to worry about in the cold night like wild animals, predators, thieves, & bad weather. There was so much to worry about, but one night an angel of the Lord, all shiny and bright appeared and transformed their fears and worldly worry to divine wonder. 

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:11-14

Friends, you are precious, beloved, baptized children of God. We know that the antidote to worry is to trust in God.

During this Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season I pray that your worries will be transformed to wonder at what God is doing and promises to do in your lives and in our churches. May the miracle of Christ’s birth transform your worries to wonder! I am grateful for your partnership in ministry.


Peace 

Pastor Laurie Skow-Anderson

A baby: The creator became creature. The immensely powerful became completely helpless. God, who holds the whole world in his hands, became a baby whom people held in their hands. God became totally dependent on people: Mary nursed God to keep him alive. Joseph burped God. Mary and Joseph changed God’s diapers. God learned to walk and talk from them and from other relatives. God played in Joseph’s carpentry shop.                                                                                                                      God became so helpless that God’s very survival became dependent on some innkeeper off-handedly letting Mary and Joseph crash in a shed, back in the alley.              

Then Herod, a corrupt and crazy ruler somehow managed to convince himself that this helpless baby threatened him. Actually, the mere rumor that the baby existed threatened him. God, whose power creates and holds all life, was so small and weak that Herod almost did kill him. But Mary and Joseph fled from Herod. There they were, refugees running for their lives, hoping to find sanctuary in another country.          

They ran for their lives with their baby God, to Egypt, where they were foreigners dependent for their survival on Egyptians. People who had no reason to even notice the family, let alone help them, held God’s life in their hands. God the creator was totally dependent on his creatures for shelter, for food, and for daily work Joseph could do in a foreign country to keep his family alive until they could safely go back to their country.          

Throughout Christ’s whole life people literally held in their hands the very life of God, who holds the world in his hands. Finally, people used their hands to kill their creator.          

So just why did God, upon whom all people depend for life itself, voluntarily become dependent on people? Why? Because we can’t really understand the life God gives us until we give God life he needs from us. We can’t experience the peace of God if we don’t also give him some peace. God can’t bless us if we don’t also bless him.                        

So people held God in their hands. God became what we are so that we can become more of what God is.                                                                                                              

The larger good that is God, who happened long ago in Jesus still happens in the same way that it happened then. The holy still becomes human.  Great good still comes through insignificant people. The goodness that came through Christ, comes when we hold someone who needs our embrace. Christ comes when we quell some fear just enough to live beyond it. God happens when we, like the innkeeper make some space in our hearts, and make some place in literal ways for our families, our workplace and our community, space for God to enter. God happens we give safe space to someone, even a stranger, who is trying to escape something harsh and unjust.                                                   

The innkeeper made space for Mary to give birth. Mary then could make space for Christ. Christ then made space for the whole world. God still comes like that when make space for people who in turn make good and necessary space for more people yet.               

At Christmas we give gifts. Wonderful in their own right, Christmas gifts also serve the larger purpose of announcing that God still gives himself over to us. The gifts you give say that you are the gift to people that God is to you.


Pastor Will Mowchan

View December Calendar


Christmas Eve Services

4:00 Immanuel

6:00 Bethesda

Marilyn’s Tree


For many years, Marilyn Larsen placed a Christmas tree in the corner of our social hall on which to place gifts for those in need. This year, in her memory, we are again placing a tree in the same place, and asking all of you to remember Marilyn by supporting the cause for this year. The cause this year is: New Hope Supportive Housing in Red Cliff Please take one of the accompanying sheets on the table that will help you choose your gifts. This year they should NOT be wrapped. ALSO PLEASE KNOW THAT THE GIFTS MUST BE PLACED ON THE TABLE BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 12!!!! Thanks for your generosity!

Bethesda & Immanuel
are looking for volunteers for:
Altar Guild
Lay Readers
Sunday Fellowship Coffee Hour
Please sign up

Our Lutefisk & Swedish Meatball dinner was a success. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen. The proceeds of $1,165.50 will be used for our pancake breakfasts which will start on January 29 and continue on the last Sunday of each month.

NEW HOPE HOUSING CHRISTMAS GIFTS

We would like to support New Hope again this year with Christmas gifts for the residents. The breakdown of residents by age follows.

CHILDREN

(1) 1-year old boy

(1) 3-year old boy

(1) 5-year old boy

(1) 5-year old girl

(3) 9-year old boys

(1) 11-year old boy

(1) 12-year old boy

(1) 13-year old girl

(1) 14-year old boy

(1) 14-year old girl

(1) 15-year old boy

(1) 18-year old girl

 

ADULTS

(1) 19-year old

(8) 20+ year old

(8) 30+ year old

(5) 40+ year old

(4) 50+ year old

(3) 60+ year old

 

Suggested gifts for children include board games, books, DVD’s, craft items, winter gloves, mittens, hats and scarves.

Suggested gifts for adults include kitchen and bath towels, blankets, snow scrapers for their cars, shaving kits for guys and shampoo and shower products for women.

Bring gifts to church. There will be a table for the gifts. Do not wrap the gifts.

Gifts will be picked up on Monday, December 12.

Next

Native American and Lutheran Worship Service

December 11






On Sunday, January 1 at 11:00 there will be one joint worship service at Immanuel with brunch to follow.


MEMORY CAFE

Memory Cafe is a place for fellowship for people living with memory loss, Alzheimer's, and other related dementias, and their care partners. Come and enjoy social interaction with others going through similar experiences. Second Monday of the month, 10:00 - 11:30.
257 Manypenny Avenue.

CORE Community Center Open Hours

Our Community Center on Manypenny Avenue is open from 9 AM to 2 PM Mondays and Fridays! We have all sorts of fun games and puzzles, as well as free coffee and tea!

A message from Alla -


This month (November) has been quiet, although there have been long conversations with our lawyer. The lawyer and we had to change the strategy of preparing for the court hearings, as well as continue political activities to strengthen the case (although we are already doing this activity in any case as disagreeing with the Putin regime and opposing the war). Currently, Pavel is preparing evidence for the court, the job search is temporarily suspended. I take care of the children and the house as usual. Girls grow and develop. Oliver is actively preparing for an independent life and devotes all his time to study and his hobbies. In general, everything is stable ...

We Make the Road by Walking - Wednesday Bible Study at Bayfield Presbyterian Church



“We Make the Road by Walking” is a journey through the Bible focusing on "spiritual formation, reorientation, and activation” written by Brian D. McLaren. We will be using this as the focus for our weekly Bible study starting on Wednesday, September 7, at 1 p.m. You can join us in person at the church or by Zoom (see link below). While it’s recommended each participant have a copy of the book, “We Make the Road by Walking,” you don’t actually need it to participate in the study. The books will be available to participants free of charge from the church.


One of the great things about this study is that each week’s devotion can stand alone, so you can come and go as you need to. You can also catch up on your own. The book acts as a 52-week devotional, guiding you through themes of the Bible corresponding with the church seasons. The book is intended to start in the fall, with the beginning of the school year, so we are right on track to begin.


This study is open to anyone so invite your friends. You can pick up a book from our church or the Bayfield Pres office during normal office hours, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Sunday morning. They are free for the taking, but we ask you only take what you need. If you want to make a donation, you are welcome to do so. The books cost us about $15 each.


(Zoom link)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81683016685?pwd=TUNrbytnZzVtaEJQU3lGV242bEZsdz09

Anything in the color blue is a clickable link

Council Meetings

Wednesday, November 16

Immanuel Council 6:00

November Draft Immanuel Council Minutes

Joint Council 6:30

November Draft Joint Council Minutes

Bethesda Council 7:00

November Draft Bethesda Council Minutes


Women's Gather in-person and on Zoom December 14 at 9:30 AM

See our website for the Zoom link
Meeting ID: 860 6837 4823 Passcode: 419919

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Lake Superior Bridge Builders

Tuesdays, December 13 & 27 at 7:00

See our website for the Zoom link
Meeting ID: 812 1484 1692 Passcode: 948203
Dial by your location       +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)



Monday Book Club


Join us for a Book Study on Zoom

Mondays at 1:00 PM


See our website for the Zoom link

Meeting ID: 851 3905 2851

Passcode: 467574


Dial by your location

    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)


Braiding Sweetgrass


by Robin Wall Kimmerer




Questions? Call Leanne 715.742.3553



South Shore Quilters
Wednesdays 9:00 am - Noon at Immanuel

The mission-quilt group at Immanuel is always in need of donations of clean usable bed sheets--preferably flat sheets--which we use as backing for the quilts, spools of thread (whether full or not) and fabric.
The Knit Wits
Knitting & Crocheting at Immanuel Fridays 1:00 - 4:00
The Brunch Bunch
Tuesdays at Bethesda 10:00 - 11:30
Conversation and coffee with women from the community.




Retired Old Men Eat Out
Every Friday at 8:00 AM

Meet at Immanuel Church


New information is Red
If you would like to be added to the list or have an update, please contact us at:
Bethesda

Pavel, Alla, Oliver, Viktoria, and Melissa Anna Elizabeth

P.O. Box 724

Bayfield, WI 54814


Marty Burkel

Marty still waiting patiently as his lungs continue to improve. Please keep Marty in your prayers.

715-209-5250

burkelm8@gmail.com

PO Box 1284

Bayfield, WI 54814


Bill Compton

715-779-5406

85175 Trailer Court Road

Bayfield, WI 54814


Kerissa Morrin


Casey French


Teresa Weber

715-779-5728

treesawweb@hotmail.com

36700 County Hwy J

Bayfield WI 54814

Teresa is recuperating at home after being hospitalized with serious health issues.


Pastor Dale Chesley

809 Ellis Avenue

Ashland WI 54806

Cancer


Pastor Carolyn Mowchan

3015 Weeks Avenue

Superior WI 54880

Cancer


Community


Bill Peterson 

Bill is struggling with Parkinson's. If you have the time he sure would appreciate a call or card and of course your prayers.

651-270-1876

Walker Methodist Care Suites

7400 York Avenue South

Edina, MN 55435


Janet Hunt

715-779-5670

34955 S Cty Hwy J

Bayfield, WI 54814


Max Paap


John Meierotto

85185 Trailer Ct Rd

Bayfield WI 54814

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.


Ed DePerry

37420 State Hwy 13

Bayfield WI 54814

Doctoring at Mayo


Nancy Heaton

715-209-7586

nheaton222@gmail.com

PO Box 1462

Bayfield WI 54814

Cancer


Sharon Johnson

715-779-5510

86520 Valley Rd

Bayfield WI 54814

Immanuel

Myrna & Rich Northrop

715-208-0706

myman@cheqnet.net

87202 Co Hwy C

Cornucopia, WI 54827


Kermit and Judy Del Main

Kermit and Judy have moved to St Paul for at least the winter months where family will be able to assist them. Please keep them in your prayers as they transition.

900 Old Lexington Avenue Apt 101

St Paul, MN 55116


Wally and Colleen Nozal

715-742-3450

PO Box 341

Cornucopia, WI 54827


Lorayne Reedy

715-742-3563

reedys@cheqnet.net

PO Box 358

Cornucopia WI 54827


Lois Osterberg

715-742-3290

osterbergstudio01@gmail.com

PO Box 238

Cornucopia WI 54827


Courtney Byerhoff


Carol Lyon

309-373-4372

carolrlyon@gmail.com

27 Pond View Way

Fitchberg WI 53711


Sandy Bodner

715-774-3925

sb24542@gmail.com

14770 Touve Rd

Herbster WI 54844


Chuck & Marcia Perry

715-742-3247

gggraph@cheqnet.net

87140 County Rd C

Cornucopia, WI 54827


Pastor Dale Chesley

809 Ellis Avenue

Ashland WI 54806

Cancer


Pastor Carolyn Mowchan

3015 Weeks Avenue

Superior WI 54880

Cancer

December Birthdays


1 - Arnie Carver

10 - John Thiel

15 - Jim Gordon

15 - Jim Moeller

18 - Rainer Einsman

19 - Curt Johnson

19 - Janet Johnson

29 - Alice Glasener

30 - Jane Hauser

31 - Karen Maki