January 1, 2022
Bethesda & Immanuel Lutheran Newsletter

Sunday Worship

Mary Meierotto S.A.M.
In-person Services
Bethesda Lutheran 8:30am Immanuel Lutheran 11am

Contact:
Mary:
715-209-0900
715-779-3257

Parish Office:
715-779-5611

Immanuel:
715-742-3440
   
Links

 
 

 
 




 

 
Brick Ministries
 
Reconciling in Christ
 
Devotions


 
 

Greetings!
My Name is Will.
I grew up in Maplewood, Minnesota, a first ring suburb of St. Paul. My mom was an immigrant from Sweden. She came to America with a suitcase. My dad came as a refugee from Ukraine. He came with the clothes on his back and with a spoon he got as a traditional baptismal gift when he was a baby. They met in English lessons.
My parents didn’t know everything about American life, so our family was often a little different. For example, my dad grew most of our vegies. That meant I spent many hours every summer working in the garden and not so many in organized team sports. Likewise, my mom sewed some of my clothes. Great function, but not so much for fashion, especially when I was in the age when fashion matters.
Without even realizing it, I was learning that there are different good ways of doing things. Without being aware of it I learned to be inherently aware of different people and different ways, for the sake of learning and finding good ways ahead.
I went to local public schools, and then to the University of Minnesota at Morris, with majors in political science and sociology.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after college and went to work in the kitchen at Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington State’s North Cascade Mountains. I signed up for three months and stayed for three years, ending up as the head cook. Even more I ended up interested in religion and theology.
I found out that German universities didn’t charge tuition. So, I learned German and then spent a year studying theology at a university in Germany. I liked it and enrolled at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. I wanted to learn more about theology, but not become a pastor. A few months after starting there, the seminary told me they had an internship available in a German congregation in West Germany. They asked me one Tuesday if I wanted to be an intern there for a year. I said yes, thinking I would leave in 8 to 10 months on the normal internship schedule. They said, “Glad you’ll do it! You leave in five days.”
The pastor who was my supervisor left for another church three weeks after I arrived. The church council said, “Well Will. You’re here. You can be our pastor for a year.” Wait! What? Me? I’m not planning to be a pastor! This church has 400 members! I have no experience! German isn’t my native language! No way! They said I could learn and that they would help me. And they did! Wonderfully, patiently, and generously, they accompanied me. It worked. Part way through the year I decided to become a pastor.      One especially interesting part of that year happened when the West German arranged for me to be an intern for a while in East Germany, then a Communist dictatorship. Not-so-secret police followed me around and showed up at every service and event I did. I asked my supervisor and church people what to do. They told me, and even more with their lives they showed me scriptures’ truth: Don’t be afraid. Do what you’re called to do. They explained that not being afraid of course meant being afraid - and then even more, it meant finding ways to live beyond fear.
After internship I traveled overland for half a year, from Cairo to Kenya. It was a demanding trip. I weighed 170 when I started and 135 when I finished. But once again people along the way showed up, accompanied me in generous ways and left me with touchstone experiences that guide me and bless me to this day.
I returned to Luther Seminary, met Carolyn there, got married, got ordained and went to a church in Roseville, Minnesota. Carolyn and I have 2 wonderful daughters, who live in Minneapolis and Duluth. I’ve also been a pastor in Ashland, Spooner and most recently in Superior. Carolyn is a pastor too. She’s now the intern at Pilgrim Lutheran in Superior.
It seems that the good things and people in my life have often and very unexpectedly found me far more often that I have found them. I think that’s grace.
Now it feels like that grace might be happening again in being with Dale Chesley and with you at Immanuel and Bethesda. I’m looking forward to it!
Peace,
Pastor Will Mowchan
 
Sunday Worship is still in-person
8:30 AM Bethesda
11:00 AM Immanuel
**Also available live stream on Bethesda's Facebook Page

  • Masks are required whether you are vaccinated or not.
  • Social distancing.
  • There will be some singing and humming.
  • Communion will be administered in a safe matter.
  • No Fellowship following the worship.

Bethesda Annual Meeting - January 23rd on Zoom
Immanuel Annual Meeting - January 30th on Zoom

Bethesda/Immanuel is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Annual Meeting
Time: Bethesda - January 23 at 9:30; Immanuel - January 30 at noon

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 229 508 663
Passcode: 056996

Dial by your location
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Bethesda & Immanuel
are looking for volunteers for the Altar Guild and Lay Readers
Please sign up

Next
Native American and Lutheran Worship Service

To be announced

Anything in the color blue is a clickable link
Council Meetings
December 16th
Bethesda Council has changed its meetings to the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Bethesda Council 6:30

Immanuel Council 7:00

Mutual Ministry
January 12th 6:30 PM



JOY
January 5th 6:30 PM

Women's Gather on Zoom January 12th 9:30 AM
Meeting ID: 860 6837 4823 Passcode: 419919

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Lake Superior Bridge Builders
Tuesdays, January 4th and 18th at 7:00
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
beginning December 13

"Whole Hearted Faith"
by Rachel Held Evans

This book is for the doubter and the dreamer, the seeker and the sojourner, those who long for a sense of spiritual wholeness as well as those who have been hurt by the Church but can’t seem to let go of the story of Jesus. Through theological reflection and personal recollection, Rachel wrestles with God’s grace and love, looks unsparingly at what the Church is and does, and explores universal human questions about becoming and belonging. An unforgettable, moving, and intimate book.

Meeting ID: 851 3905 2851
Passcode: 467574

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


Thank you to Sandy Paavola for the Thrivent Action Team card that will enable us to purchase the books.

Busy Month of December
 
         Thank you to Bethesda for your generosity in placing Christmas gifts under “Marilyn’s Tree” for the New Hope Supportive Housing at Red Cliff. What fun it was to see the table overflowing with so many presents. Thanks for opening your hearts. The families and children were thrilled.
Many thanks to all of you!
 A fun time was had at the baby shower held for Alla and Pavel Rychagov. Their baby is due January 20. Thanks to all of you who were able to attend or sent in gifts. The caring and generosity from so many of you is amazing. Covid has made it difficult for the family to become acquainted. So, if you see any of the family around church or elsewhere, please stop and chat. They are always ready to practice conversation and meet other people.
AND NOW—WE WAIT FOR THE BLESSED EVENT!
South Shore Quilters
Wednesdays 9:00am - Noon at Immanuel
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.

Cribbage Returns to Bethesda
Tuesday January 4th 1 - 3

Open to fully vaccinated people. - masks suggested. Personal snacks only.
All are welcome
We sometimes like to share the thoughts of the poets amongst us. Here is one from Marty Burkel.

Faith
When I read the paper or if I watch the news
I often get discouraged whichever source I choose.
Our politics seem broken the world is in a mess,
Will we stop global warming is anybody's guess.
But when I’m with my family or spend time with a friend
I get a hopeful feeling that love wins in the end.
I know it’s hard to see at times the world’s in such a state
But I believe that God is Love and Love will conquer Hate.

M Burkel November 2021
Chair Yoga Class

Fridays at 9am
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Community Room


This class is for everyone regardless of previous yoga experience. We will start with the basic sun salutation and continue week after week to add additional poses.

If you prefer not to use a chair and can sit on the floor, that is your option to do so. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it.

Yoga can increase flexibility, the ability to bend, twist, stretch and move freely. We will be working toward balance, strength and flexibility.

Pre-registration is required and those attending this class should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To register for the class email Sandy Brue at sbrue123@gmail.com or call 502.693.3977.

This class will require a mask whether or not you are vaccinated. Also depending on what is happening with Covid, the class may be canceled.

New information
is Red
If you would like to be added to the list please contact me
Bethesda
Pavel, Alla, Oliver, Viktoria, and ?
Still no other work permits have arrived nor social security cards.
Alla is due January 20. Prayers for a smooth delivery and healthy baby.
P.O. Box 724
Bayfield, WI 54814

Mike Cyr
Mike had surgery in Duluth Wednesday, December 29 to remove his kidney and tumor.
The Surgeon said he did fine in surgery. He said that he could see some of the tumor on the outside of the kidney so he also took out some of the fat on top of the kidney. The kidney and the fat will be sent to pathology. Prayers for Mike and Bev as Mike begins to heal and he journeys through a treatment plan.
P.O. Box 455
Bayfield, WI 54814

Marty Burkel
Marty still waiting patiently as his lungs continue to improve. Please keep Marty in your prayers.
715-209-5250
6302 Mineral Point Road
Unit 211
Madison, WI 53705-4363

Bill Compton
715-779-5406
85175 Trailer Court Road
Bayfield, WI 54814

Ruthann Compton
is at the "Oaks" in Washburn. She loves visitors and cards.
218-522-8875
702 Bratley Drive
Washburn, WI 54891

Community

Pastor Bill Wrieden
Please keep Pastor Bill in your prayers as he remembers and moves on in this life without his wife Karen.
682-312-5262
10953 Colonial Heights Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76179

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

Cass Joy
Diagnosed with lymphoma.

Barb Spencer

Margaret Roemhild
715-779-3480
1011 Manypenny Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814
Immanuel
Sharon Bestul
Sharon's mastectomy surgery went well this past month and now prayers for continued healing.
715-742-3220
P.O. Box 331
Cornucopia, Wi 54827

Ralph and Eve Erickson
Ralph has moved to New Perspective in Superior where he will get professional care as his Parkinson's advances. Please keep Ralph and Eve in your prayers.
715-742-3494
Eve Erickson
P.O. Box 96
Cornucopia, WI 54827
Ralph Erickson
New Perspective
Twin Ports - Room 124
1915 N. 34th Street
Superior, WI 54880

Myrna Northrup
Myrna is home from the hospital again. (4th time since August) and continues to get stronger. Please keep Myrna in your prayers as she heals.
715-742-3273
87202 Co Hwy C
Cornucopia, WI 54827

Ed Huusko
Eddy is at a nursing home in Aurora, MN where his daughter Pam works. Shirley is staying at Pam's house. Eddy has been placed in the connected hospital in the ICU under "comfort care."
20805 Lost Creek Road
Herbster, WI 54844

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

Beverly Buck
715-682-8172
Court Manor
c/o Beverly Buck
911 3rd Street West
Ashland, WI 54806

Wilma Lamken
715-373-6458
702 Bratley Drive
Washburn, WI 54891

Wally and Colleen Nozal
715-742-3450
PO Box 341
Cornucopia, WI 54827

Lois Osterberg
715-742-3290
PO Box 238
Cornucopia, WI 54827

Yvette Fleming
715-742-3427
P.O. Box 225
Cornucopia, WI 54827




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

Meet at Immanuel Church


January Birthdays

1 - Eve Erickson
2 - Yvonne Cox
5 - Joan Einsman
8 - Darin Anderson
8 - Judy Faragher
8 - John Hall
9 - Annalisa Bermel
9 - Roxanne Frizzell
11 - Jeffory Stark
14 - Karen Traut
15 - Robert Kerr
15 - Greta Thiel
20 - Eva Heifort
20 - Bruce Hoekstra
20 - Wilma Lamken
20 - Dan Walmsley
21 - Mary Lunde
22 - Heidi Livingston
23 - Emma Thiel
25 - Ryder Rathlef
26 - William Bussey
26 - Julie Hendrickson
27 - Dean Rau
31 - Ed Metelica
January Anniversaries

14 - Steve & Leanne Homa 33 years

The Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ELCA
Lay School of Ministry

The Lay School of Ministry is sharing some of its Continuing Education lectures with the larger church. To watch the first 50 minutes of the lecture please click on the link below for December's snap shot.