Bethany Blog

Sermon Study: Let's Go Fishin'. Success in Fishing

2011-11-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

__________ does not mean anything to the __________ but everything to us.

John 14:27 (NLT) ²⁷“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

What will bring __________ in __________ for __________ ?

1. __________ in your own salvation.

• Before sharing your faith you have to __________ in your own.

1 John 5:13 (NLT) ¹³I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have

eternal life.

2. __________

• __________ life

Matthew 16:24 (NLT) ²⁴Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.

• __________ is our greatest enemy.

3. __________

• 1 John 3:19 - 20 (NLT) ¹⁹It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be

confident when we stand before the Lord, ²⁰even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than

our hearts, and he knows everything.

• Strive for greater __________ .

1 Peter 3:16 (NLT) ¹⁶But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

4. __________ actively at work

• Doing the __________ God has prepared.

• Speaking truth with __________ .

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) ¹⁵Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every

way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

5. __________

• Keep at the __________ .

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) ⁹So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we

will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

6. __________ often.

• James 5:16 (NLT) ¹⁶Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest

prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.

7. __________ of the Word

• John 20:30 - 31 (NLT) ³⁰Jesus’ disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this

book. ³¹But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by

believing in him you will have life.

- The __________ of the Word

God's Plan

2011-10-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

1. Do our _____________ plans match God’s?
Open your Bible to: Malachi 3:3, 6-15

2. God asks us to __________in God’s _____.

We have a goal to __________.

It’s a clear ____________.

Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
The ___________ is clear.
Acts 2:44-47
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

James 1:17
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes
or casts a shifting shadow.

3. God says….

_______ me. _______ me.

4. With ________ comes a __________.

Open your Bible to:
Malachi 3:10
Malachi 3:11
Malachi 3:12

5. By not ___________ we _____ God.

You miss awesome ___________.
You experience ______________.
You lose the ________________.
You negatively affect your ___________.

Let's Go Fishin' : Essential Attitudes

2011-09-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

I. Nurture __________.

A. If you __________ nothing, __________ will happen.

Matthew 17:20 - 21 (NLT) ²⁰“You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

B. Lack of __________ produces no __________.

James 2:17 (NLT) ¹⁷So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.

II. Have a __________ heart.

A. Christ promises to give __________ through the __________ __________.

B. __________ brings joy.

III. Always rely on __________.

A. Prayer centered in __________ accomplishes __________.

Matthew 21:21 (NLT) ²¹Then Jesus told them, “I assure you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and it will happen.

B. God __________ __________ prayers.

Matthew 7:12 (NLT) ¹²“Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

IV. Let God’s __________ overflow.

A. Love for __________.

John 14:23 - 24 (NLT) ²³Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. ²⁴Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me.

B. Love for __________ and __________ in Christ.

Hebrews 13:1 (NLT) ¹Continue to love each other with true Christian love.

C. Love for the __________ and __________.

Luke 19:10 (NLT) ¹⁰And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.”

D. Without love __________ __________?

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NLT) ³If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

V. Be __________.

Luke 18:1 (NLT) ¹One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.

A. __________ is the secret of __________.

B. Life and __________ is tested by __________.

Romans 12:1 (NLT) ¹And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?

God’s judgment is not based on __________ but on __________ __________.

Let’s Go Fishin: Discouragement of Fishing for People

2011-09-21T17:05:00.001-05:00

People who care about individual __________ often face discouragement.

The greatest discouragement __________ of __________ by people who say they are __________.

Some of the Reasons

A Lack of True __________: __________, __________, __________.

+ Who does the Bible say we are?

• We are __________:
Romans 6:17 - 18 (NLT) ¹⁷Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. ¹⁸Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.

• We are __________:
Colossians 1:13 (NLT) ¹³For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.

• We are __________ :
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NLT) ⁵For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

+ Some people are __________ but have not become __________ - __________.

A wrong view of the __________.

+ We are not an __________.

+ We do not exist just to __________ __________

Jesus said, I have come to __________ not be __________.

+ We do not exist only when we are __________.

A lack of individual __________.

+ Being a Christ-follower means __________ __________

Romans 6:16 - 18 (NLT) ¹⁶Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. ¹⁷Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. ¹⁸Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.

+ Being a Christ-follower means __________ in a local church.
1 Corinthians 12:11 - 12 (NLT) ¹¹It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. ¹²The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ.

An unwillingness to __________

+ __________ of the Bible

+ __________

+ __________ by world interests

+ __________ by the __________

The Cure

Acts 2:42 (NLT) ⁴²They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.
__________

+ __________ vs ignorance of the Bible, __________ – apathy, __________ vs world’s interests, __________ vs devil’s undermining activity

Bethany's Got Talent: Personality

2011-08-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

Sermon study for 8/28

1. __________ your experiences.

“ You have experienced many things. Were all those experiences wasted? I hope not!” Gal. 3:4 (ICB)

__________ – __________ – __________ – __________ – __________

“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” John 13:7 (NIV)

2. __________ the lessons you learned.

“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith.... Do you not realize by an ever increasing experience that Jesus Christ is in you...?” 2 Cor. 13:5 (Amp)

3. __________ what you have learned.

“ I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel.” Phi. 1:12 (TEV)

How We Will Use Them

1. __________ to others.

“In our trouble God has comforted us – and this, too, to help you: to show you from our

personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.” 2 Cor. 1:6-7 (LB)

2. __________ others.

“Encourage one another and help one another.”1 Th. 5:11 (TEV)

3. __________ for others.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Phil. 3:17 (NLT)

4. __________ others.

“We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us...” 1 John 1:3 (Message)

Bethany's Got Talent: Your Personality Type

2011-08-10T14:11:00.002-05:00

Sermon Study for 8/11 & 8/14

1. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“The words of the wise bring healing.” Pr. 12:18

“The words of the wise keep people out of trouble.”

Pr. 14:3

• WEAKNESS:

“The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin.”

Pr. 10:19

“Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time.” Pr. 17:27

• WARNING:

“Get to work and you’ll earn a living; if you just sit around talking you’ll be poor.” Pr. 14:23

2. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“Be kind and compassionate to each other, tender-hearted, for-giving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32

• WEAKNESS:

“Since your real home is in heaven, keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls.” 1 Peter 2:11

• WARNING:

“Let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.” Gal. 5:16

3. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“We should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the Lord.” Lament. 3:40

• WEAKNESS:

“Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds them up.” 1 Cor. 8:1

“... always studying but are never able to recognize the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:7

• WARNING:

“Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.” Pr. 3:7 (NLT)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

4. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“Offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.” Rom. 12:1

• WEAKNESS:

“It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest.” Psalm 127:2

• WARNING:

“Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to show restraint.” Pr. 23:4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TALENTS AND GIFTS

2011-07-19T16:27:00.004-05:00

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well…” Rom. 12:6 (NLT)

“God … will equip you with all you need for doing His will.” Heb. 13:21 (LB)

MY ABILITIES ARE TO BE USED TO...

1. ___________ _________

“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 (NIV)

2. ________ OTHERS

“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.” 1 Peter 4:10 (LB)

3. ________ A _____________

“Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” Deut. 8:18 (NIV)

4. BE AN _____________ TO OTHERS

“Put these abilities to work; throw yourself into your tasks so everyone may notice your improvement and progress.” 1 Tim. 4:15 (LB)

5. BE A GOOD ______________ AND _____________ THE MONEY I EARN

“Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need.” Eph. 4:28 (NLT)

6. ____________ UP THE _______________

“Why is it that God gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God's people will be equipped to do better work for Him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity.” Eph. 4:12 (LB)

“Take the talent from him _____ _______ _____ ____ and give to the one who has ten talents.” Matt. 25:28 (NIV)

PART 2: USING YOUR ABILITIES

1. HONESTLY __________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith God has given to you.” Rom. 12:3 (Ph)

2. ________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him.” Rom. 12:1 (GN)

3. _________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Jesus said, ‘When the Master comes back and finds his servant doing his work, that servant will be blessed!’” Luke 12:43 (NCV)

Bethany’s Got Talent: Your Spiritual Gifts

2011-06-14T12:58:00.002-05:00

God blesses you through the Holy Spirit in your baptism. Your sanctification __________ __________ is something you participate in through Learning, Service, Worship, and Prayer.

S __________

P __________

I __________

R __________

I __________

T __________

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

1. God’s Spirit reveals God’s __________ for you.

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A spokesman to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.” Jer. 1:5 (MSG)

2. God’s Spirit __________ me to __________ .

“... __________ formed me in my mother's womb to be His servant, and He commissioned me ....” Isa. 49:5 (NLT)

3. God’s Spirit __________ the __________ of life.

“From where God sits God overlooks all of us on earth. God has shaped each person in turn; now God watches everything we do.” Ps. 33:14-15 (MSG)

4. God’s Spirit __________ God’s __________ .

“Bring Me all the people who are Mine, whom I made for My glory, those I formed and created.” Isaiah 43:7 (NCV)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN RESPONSE TO WHAT GOD HAS DONE?

1. __________ God’s Spiritual call.

“My friend, I ask, ‘Who do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did?’” Rom. 9:20 (CEV)

2. __________ the gift of __________ and share it.

“Let Your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as You promise.” Psalm 119:41 (Mes)

3. Stay __________ .

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

“By the grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)

Staying Connected with God: Strength for The Long Run

2011-06-10T15:17:00.004-05:00

1. (Focus) your (attention) on God.

Matt 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

2. (Ask) God to (remove) your fears.

Psalms 34:4 (NLT) I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

3. (Trust) God to (restore) you.

Lamentations 5:21 (NLT) Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!

• Don't (repress) emotions

• Don't (resign) from life

• Don't (retreat) into resentment

Instead - • Do (accept) what cannot be changed

• Do focus on what you (have) not what you've (lost)

• Do (trust) that in serving you are (helped)

4. (Remember) what remains (unchanging)

• (God) is in (control)

Lamentations 5:19 (TEV) But you, O Lord, are king forever and will rule to the end of time.

• God will always (love) you

Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

• God is really all you (need)

Lamentations 3:24 "Deep in my heart I say, 'The Lord is all I need. I can depend on Him.'"

Staying Connected Through Crisis

2011-05-27T17:08:00.003-05:00

* On _____________ we remember all the _________ made by those defending our country.

* We also remember over 116 died in Joplin, MO, 300 died in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

* ELCA Disaster Response is on the scene

1. When crisis strikes tell God how you _________.

Lamentations 2:19b (NLT) 19bLift up your hands to him in prayer. Plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT) 11Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.

2. ____________ God in all ______________.

Job 13:15 (NLT) 15God might kill me, but I cannot wait. I am going to argue my case with him.

3. ______ God for ____________ and _________ others.

Psalms 105:4 (NLT) 4Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.

4. Keep ____________on _________and _______________.

2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 (NLT) 16That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! 18So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

John 16:33 (The MSG) “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

* All ___________ are ________________.

* God will _________ a crisis for __________ purpose.

* Keep your __________ fixed on the ___________.

The Giving Connection

2011-05-18T13:51:00.002-05:00

Questions we ask…

If God has everything and is the creator of all why do we need to (give) anything?

If Jesus abolished the requirements of the Law, why do we even talk about (tithing)?

Isn’t talk about ____________ going to __________ ______________ off?

• ___________ is mentioned in the very first _________ of the __________.

Genesis 14:18-20:Abraham tithed long before it was found in the Law Moses handed down as a response to God’s love and faithfulness.

• When God delivered Israel from ______________ in _____________ they responded by __________.

Deut 26:8-10: And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. 9And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O LORD, have given me.' And you shall set it down before the LORD your God and worship before the LORD your God.

• ________ is one of the ways God keeps us _______ to Him and teaches us to become more _________.

Malachi 3:10: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

• Does the Bible have any _______________ for Christians about being ___________?

2 Cor. 9:6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly,

• God’s __________ is not _________.

Acts 14:22: strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,”

• We are called to ________ ___________ the old ways of doing things.

Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

• ________________ is intended to be a _________ ____________ response to God’s generosity.

2 Cor 9:12-13: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for ____________ the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

• _________ God and not your _______________.

1 Tim 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Sermon Study May 8

2011-05-05T10:43:00.002-05:00

1. Today's Gospel even takes place ___________ . They are on the road because it is time

to ___________ and ___________ . They are joined by ___________ . It is

___________ .

Did they recognize him? ___________

John Sculley was president of ___________ . He left it to work for ___________ .

Why did he change jobs? With Apple he saw an even greater ___________ .

Do we see the vision ___________ has for us? Do we walk in his presence but do not ___________ him?

2. That morning the women told their story of seeing Jesus at the tomb. These two

intelligent fellows ___________ . As they walked with the Risen Lord, they did not

___________ him.

3. Why didn't they recognize him? Sometimes we just will not let ourselves ___________ or

___________ .

There are signs along the way reminding us ___________ . Millions have.

On their journey, the Lord taught the two doubters about the Scriptures and how the events of Holy Week had been ___________ . Still they did not ___________ .

4. Sometimes we question why we do not ___________ .

Dan Wakefield says that belonging to Church gave him a sense of living in a larger context,

of being part of something greater than what I could see through the tunnel vision of my

personal concerns.........He had a hunger and thirst for spiritual understanding.

Like the two on the road, can we be in the presence of the Risen Lord and ___________ ?

In the house at eventide, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, gives it to them, and ___________.

When the man with the mask removed it, he found _______________________________.

Jesus, our Lord, ___________ and is __________ .

He comes to us in ___________ and ___________ .

He stand before us in the form of our___________ and ___________ and ___________ .

Do you ___________ ?

Connected with God Part 1

2011-04-26T16:16:00.004-05:00

2 Kings 6:1 - 7 (NLT) 1One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. 2Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.” 3“Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. 4When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. 5But as one of them was chopping, his ax head fell into the river. “Ah, my lord!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” 6“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water. Then the ax head rose to the surface and floated. 7“Grab it,” Elisha said to him. And the man reached out and grabbed it.

1. ___________ you’ve lost it.

Revelation 2:4 (NLT) 4But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!

2. ________ where you __________ your _________.

3. ____________ that God can _____________ it.

Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT) 19The LORD replied, “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!

The discipline of a tithe

Malachi 3:10 (NLT) 10Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!

God know what’s ________________ to us.

Matthew 6:21 (NLT) 21Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

How _____________ is ___________ to us?

Your Will Be Done

2010-10-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

OK OK - Fuel was great and some of you have to be gone this weekend I really want to find a way to stay connected. That is why I'm writing these blogs. I'd like you and event the confirmation kids to read them and comment on them. Am I dreaming too big? "Thy will be done" is a BIG topic because it can encompass so much. Earth, heaven, God's Will, etc, where should we even begin?

What kind of BIG risk have people taken? What kind have you taken? What about that movie, "National Treasures: Book of Secrets," Nicholas Cage trys to kidnap the president - pretty risky. What about Martin Luther, standing up to the Pope with the risk of excommunication and being burned at the stake - pretty risky. What are you willing to take risks for - things that matter or things that are just to have a thrill? How do we even begin to understand God's will for our life?

Well, how about brain storming some things: daily quiet time for prayer, reading the Bible, serving people who are needy, signing up for the mission trip, helping out around the church, helping an elderly neighbor, interview some people around church about what they think God's will is - take notes and report back. Look up some bible passages that talk about God's will and write them down and post them around church. Give me some feedback when you get a chance. Thanks to all the teachers who love the Lord and are serving the youth of our congregation. Thanks to the kids for being here and to the parents who help make confirmation real at home too. God will bless you for your efforts.

Fuel Worship

2010-10-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

This Sunday is the Fuel Worship - you have an option as teachers to attend the Fuel Worship Service or to have class. At least two of the students will be part of the band that morning. Our focus will be on Trust - which really fits with the next session which is "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Please mark your calendars for October 25th at 7:00PM. I'd like us to have a conference call meeting to discuss how things are going, what we can improve, and any needs we have. Also please try to be at the Confirmation Service on the 31st at 10:45AM worship. Thanks for your ministry to the kids and for sharing in this important ministry. I will look forward to hearing from you and receiving input on how things are going. I will also be doing a video sometime in the next month on the Lord's Prayer that you might be able to show via DVD or YouTube during class time. I will keep you posted as to when that is available. Blessings.

Your Kingdom Come

2010-09-27T14:56:00.003-05:00

WE have no real reference point for a King in our society so this comes across as a little strange. But as adults we understand "boss", CEO, commander, leader, and so forth. What would it be like if Jesus ruled. There is a funny YouTube video with kids asking questions about what Jesus would do. I can send you the link if you want - let me know. But the question of how Jesus would rule or run things is a good one. You could study New Testament readings about Jesus and leadership - Google - Jesus and Leadership and see what you get. Talk about the President and Leadership or world leaders and compare them to the way Jesus would run things.

Have the kids create a Jesus cabinet. What would their job be if Jesus was in charge and they were his disciples - what would he have them do? If they were his ambassadors and workers how would they behave during the week and what would they do?

Download some pictures of world leaders and see if they can identify the picture. Look at Jesus footwashing of the disciples and ask how this is a King's Job and what Jesus intended to teach by doing that. Maybe even conduct a footwashing. Go to another class and ask to wash the feet of a teacher or another student as a sign of what Jesus asks us to do for one another. What is another "Servant Event" they could do together? Consider packing some Operation Christmas Child Boxes as a class project - Baby King Jesus Celebration. Ask Cindy Biernacki to come in and talk about OCC.

Amy Hartson will also be stopping by one of these weeks to talk about offering and what we do with our offering and what they as students can do to give to God's work.

Make crowns for one of the elementary kids classes and tell them that Jesus makes them special people through baptism. Maybe consider working on a puppet show for the little kids sometime. http://www.puppetresources.com/resources_links.php

Talk about the Kingdom of Darkness that Satan rules and how dangerous that is. I'm working with someone right now who is really struggling with this as a young person. It's real and kids dabble in this stuff. Teach them to be careful - only God is our true King but Satan wants to have a victory by taking kids away from faith. This might be something to explore.

This was a pretty cool site also -----

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6wL1IvMuWo&feature=related

Well there you go - week three - tell me if these blogs are helpful

Holy - Hallowed - be Your Name

2010-09-21T10:44:00.004-05:00

God is holy and the 6 - 8th graders will be challenged into thinking about holiness and what that means. To be holy actually means to "belong to God." an immediate thought came to mind that you could make labels that said, "Belongs to God" and go around the church and place the label on people and things around the church. It is active and sends a message and I could even talk about during worship. The kids could each wear a label that said, their name and then "belongs to God" underneath.

Middle school kids need action, movement, teamwork, and independence. They love snacks too so hurray for those of you who thought of that. You could have each family volunteer to bring a snack each week or take up a special offering for snacks each week - but food is a help. Feel free to move around the building, next door park, and try out spaces that might be an alternative setting to the classroom. Even BJ's restaurant once in awhile is ok - like as a special treat for a month's perfect attendance.

Consider ways that God is "disrespected" in culture today - music, art, movies, etc. Why is this happening? What are ways we can honor God? Having our Bible with us, wearing a cross, talking with others about our church, bringing friends with us, brainstorm a little on this. Use a video clip if you like - I'm trying to get a TV or projector in every classroom so you can hook up dvd or computer - I have a mobile cart right now so you need to let me know if you need it the week before so I can reserve it for you (except in the CARE Room). Ask the High School kids to help you out if you like (they are in the Youth Room) and perhaps they could do a moveable skit and act out part of the lesson - call Jill Klingbeil or Jaunda Kneller to see if they might help out. Take over a bulletin board in the church to help drive a point home - what would they want on it - there is one in the lower hall, one in the CARE Room, and one in the lobby (Atrium) I could let each class have to do something related to the Lord's Prayer.

Consider a "prayer walk" walk around a block nearby and pray for each family in each house of that block. Maybe even leave a little flyer at the house telling the resident that your class is praying for them today. Have your class lead the Lord's Prayer in church using the modern translation - that will shock a few and make them think.

Always think outside the box with Middle Schoolers. They love it when you give them assignments and make them get involved - they love action and movement.

Also don't forget to start the day by making the sign of the cross (reminds us that we are baptized) - the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, Great Commandment, Great Commission, and Ten Commandments. If we say these in unison each week by the time they take the test in 8th grade it will be so well known that they will have no problem remembering them.

First week of confirmation

2010-09-08T11:12:00.003-05:00

Welcome Confirmation Teachers and Subs,

Thank you and God’s blessings for the care you have for youth and their grounding in Christ. The first week is the OUR FATHER part of the Lord’s Prayer. Several things come to mind but before I get to that I would like all the classes to get into a routine of opening the way Martin Luther began his day: 1. Begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (why?) It is a reminder of our baptism; 2. Then orally go through the Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed, Ten Commandments, Great Commandment, and Great Commission (all together); three move into the lesson.

Our Father is a “gracious encounter” with God. It is a loving parent expressing that He loves and cares for us. Some things you could do is to have a picture of your dad or grandpa and talk about them and what they were like. Invite the kids to do the same. Have them write a note to their dad or grandpa expressing what they mean to them. Some of them could be estranged from their dad so be sensitive to that possibility.

Use a YouTube clip from “O God” the movie with George Burns and John Denver and ask why the director pictured God the way he did.
Show pictures from the Hubble telescope and talk about the vastness of the universe and, yet, how close Jesus wants us to think of God. Ask how God is present.

Talk about prayer and where we pray in the church. Look at a hymnal and show them that in the front part of the hymnal there are many prayers. Take a walk over to Trinity Park (the triangle lot across from the church) – sit in a circle and do a circle prayer – assign each youth a part of the prayer and have them lead that – talk about parts of a prayer.

Do some bible races on prayer – look up several verses in the bible related to prayer and have them race to find them…give them simple prizes like a donut hole or a pack of gummy snacks or tootsie sucker – etc.

Ask when they pray at home – and suggest they be the prayer leader this week at one of the family dinners. Let me know if some of these ideas are helpful. Also give me feedback on the lessons as you look them over.

Blessings and many thanks. Pastor Dennis

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

2010-02-14T21:31:00.003-06:00

This child's drawing was so pure and loving that it captured my attention as I thought about Transfiguration Sunday and the beginning of Lent this week. Some people are giving up pop or chocolate for lent but what about fasting and praying for the poor, the homeless, the oppressed. Kids get it. They want to help other people. Mission is just natural to them. We can learn a lot from them. Lent is a call to fasting and prayer for mission. Not a mission to force religion on people but to love in genuine ways like Jesus. He loved because he overflowed with love from God. People believed and followed because they new that this kind of living would give them new life and new energy. Join us this lent by listening in on WIMS radio in Michigan City, downloading our podcasts, or picking up a CD or typed copy of the messages. You can also join us in feed the hungry by being at Bethany on Thursdays at 5:00PM or by making a tax deductible contribution to the ministry of Bethany. Let's be on mission this year and learn together how to think globally and act locally. Let the Child of Bethlehem now lead us as our brother to become more and more like him in loving the world for God.

BLC Basics

2010-01-05T20:30:00.003-06:00

We're starting a new series - in a new year - with a new purpose. The theme for this year is "Every Member a Missionary." Our premise is pretty basic - like building blocks we are built into a church that is designed to honor God. Every member is a part of this - no one gets a pass. If you are in Christ you are called. You might refuse but you are called. But we are not moving ahead blindly and we are not expecting you to go without understanding.

We've divided the year into four quarters of mission: Jan, Feb, March will be "Preparing for Mission;" April May June is "Training for Mission;" July Aug Sept focuses on "Doing Mission;" and Oct Nov Dec will be "Celebrating and Refueling for Mission."

This Sunday I launch a sermon series that will form the building blocks of this year's emphasis. January 10th will be, "Church 101 - BLC Basics;" January 17, "Commandments, Creeds, and the Cross," January 24, "The Great Commandment;" January 31st, Sacraments and Service;" and then finally on February 7th, "The Great Commission." Then with Ash Wednesday and lent just around the corner we will provide you with some tools and training to do mission as God has designed you.

I believe this can be exciting and a great learning opportunity for everyone. I encourage you to listen to the podcast if you miss a service. Read the blog for some previews. This week study Acts 2:42-47 and ask the Holy Spirit to open up your mind and heart to receive the message God is preparing for you.

Blessed are the merciful

2009-11-23T20:22:00.003-06:00

Mercy is a quality that sets the Christ Follower apart from legalism and religiosity. It is a way of living and loving that honors God and shows respect for our humanity.

Mercy means that I will be patient with those who seem differnt from me. Mercy means that I will forgive the fallen. Mercy means I will help the hurting. Mercy means I will be kind to my enemies.

Why do we do this? What is the point. Well you will need to check out the worship services this weekend on Sunday or a week from Thursday. Also download the podcast and share it with someone. There are some good reasons to show mercy. God has shown us mercy, I know that I will need mercy in the future again. I will be happier (happy are the merciful, Jesus said). Others will get to know a God of mercy instead of some of the out of touch images of God portrayed by the anti-faith movement. And finally the best reason is that it is the right thing to do. Keep joining us as we study through the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Finally, happy thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday and I will be enjoying it with family and friends. I hope you will too. Share it with someone who is hungry, lonely, or thirsty. Help us with our food bank or the social ministy.

Keep Thankfu.

I Can't Get No...

2009-11-16T06:37:00.002-06:00

The Rolling Stones sang that they couldn't get it but in the Be Attitudes Jesus says that it is available to you - satisfaction. In fact, Jesus says when you are hungry and thirsty for the right relationship with God that is exactly what God will give to you.

Americans often look in the wrong places for satisfaction. We won't find in the pursuit of personal pleasures, we wont find it in our performance, and we definitely wont find it in more possessions. So then how will we find deep down life long satisfaction and happiness?

First, we have to recognize our real hunger. It's a hunger for God and our relationship with Him. Second, we need to stop the spiritual junk food binge and artificial amusements of western culture. We need to spend more time helping people who really are hungry, thirsty, and homeless - that is where Jesus wants us to begin to find depth of meaning. Third, we've got to look to Christ for meaning and purpose. We will never find it solely in ourselves and our own ambitions.

We are ending a year of focus on the Christmas message - the "good news of great joy which is for ALL people." Yet, that message is timeless. I believe Jesus is raising up disciples through this year long experience. Not because of what I, or any other person is doing. It is because of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is guiding people like you to take up the cause and share the good news. It doesn't matter what decisions the ELCA made, it doesn't matter what shape the economy is in, and it doesn't matter whether we have new windows and updated heating system. What does matter is people and the Word. This is what makes disciples. The Spirit is saving lives to live more fully today and to live for eternity.

When you make your Christmas list ask - what does God want me to have on that list? Am I going to buy trinkets and baubles that will break and be shelved or am I going to give things that are lasting and meaningful. Give for the right reasons. Not so you will get back but because God wants you to learn generosity. Include your church on the gift list. Include a gift to social ministry or world hunger. Give to someone who cannot give back or who doesn't know who gave the gift and just say, "It's a blessing from God." Live Christmas 365.

Happy are those who mourn...

2009-11-02T17:24:00.004-06:00

Last week we talked about the attitudes of happiness that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (or the Beatitudes). Eight positive statements about choosing God's way to live life. In this second attitude adjustment Jesus reminds us first of all that life is difficult and the to mourn is a part of life. He doesn't try to explain suffering but he tells us how to deal with it.

First, know that God is with us. (Psalm 34:18). God is aware, God cares, and God will help (Job 13:27, Nahum 1:7, Hebrews 4:16).

Second, let go of hurt (Isaiah 43:18). So often we repress hurt, rehearse it, and resent it. Jesus invites us to release it (Psalm 10:14).

Third, Jesus invites us to rely on God's resources. What happens many times is that humans turn to alternative hurt relievers: drinking, drugs, entertainment, thrills, and many other escapes. What God tells us is to try His way: a. Take time during your day to listen for His voice; b. Spend time in the Word and let it comfort you; c. be with God's people - healing nutritious helpful people; and d. receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

What can you do today to help? Three things will help deal with grief, sorrow, and pain.
1. Invite the Spirit of the Living Christ to dwell in your life now.
2. Connect with/or connect more deeply with the church family.
3. Give yourself away in service to others - stuff, things, material goods will ultimately mean nothing but people matter to God and will ultimately bless you and heal your hurt.

Be Attitudes

2009-10-31T16:44:00.003-05:00

You've often heard that we are human beings and not human doings. The reality of life is that we all too often let external things affect our happiness. Over the next several weeks I will be exploring the Be Attitudes - you know, Matthew Chapter five, Sermon on the Mount? Blessed are...Jesus says over and over again in his most famous sermon. He wants us to have new perspective on happiness. That is what blessed means - happy.

Jesus wants us to realize that it is not circumstances, or the accumulation of things, or greater status that will make us happy. In the Beatitudes he gives us eight positive things to change our focus as Christ Followers. Poor in Spirit (the first one) is not about self loathing, or putting yourself down, or pretending you are just a poor slob. Think of the first Beatitude this way, "Happy are those who know they don't have it all together and know they need God, they are happy and humble."

Humility and happiness are soul mates. Humility brings three gifts from God that we will look at in this week's message: 1. humility reduces stress; 2. humility improves our relationships; 3. humility releases God's power in our life. Read over Matthew 5; James 4:6; John 15:15; and John 13:17. Our attitude is either the lock on or the key to our happiness.

Focus with me over the next few weeks on the Beatitudes and what they offer us for living happier lives. Listen to the podcast and check my blog weekly for updates and previews.

Be Well - Serve Faithfully

Kingdom, Power, Glory, Forever, Amen

2009-10-20T17:16:00.002-05:00

In this final message on the Lord's Prayer we once again look at the prayer of fulfillment - the prayer that God will break into this life, this world, and bring eternity into the reality of the present. We pray for the Kingdom to come. A Kingdom not marked by one who rules over us with heavy handed demands but as one who calls us to obedience by teaching us what servanthood really means. Jesus says to us, "Seek first the Kingdom of God..." How do we do that?

One way of looking at this is by putting some first things first in our life: [F.I.R.S.T.] F = financially making God's Kingdom first as we share our resources. I = interests. As we place first what God has shown us through Jesus interests Him the most: the poor, the homeless, the widow, the orphan, the marginalized, the sick, and things like justice and peace. R = relationships. We need to realize that people are important to God and living in community with other believers is like building up a family for God. It is a place of welcome to others who are seeking. S = schedule. We need to set aside not the last of our day but valuable time during our day for time with God and for serving our neighbor as God directs us. Finally, T = troubles. When troubles and challenges come our way take them to God first. We tend to try and do it ourselves - go it alone - be the lone ranger - but God says this is not putting me first.

Another way of praying for fulfillment is to live by God's power through prayer, risks of obedience, and by never giving up on faith - remembering that humanly speaking things may seem impossible but for God nothing is impossible.

Finally, we are called to live for God's glory. We can show love towards everyone, use our gifts and talents to serve everyone, and share the good news with everyone. Joining together as a church family is how we do this. We can do so much more together than we can do alone. See you Sunday as we Confirm several young people at BLC and renew our own Baptismal Covenant.

Blessings - Pastor D.

The Lord's Prayer: For thine is the Kingdom

2009-10-10T11:42:00.005-05:00

Oh the sheer joy of running down the lane on a warm summer day... contentment - fun - laughter - exuberance - the Kingdom of God is like this I believe. The Kingdom is God's, The Power is God's, The Glory is God's. Your history is His-Story played out in your life, for in Him we live and move and have our being. God abides in you.

Think about this: you were not JUST made by God, you were made FOR God. You were made to begin an eternal journey in this life and continue it with God beyond the grave. When we know this relationship we run down the path of life from birth to death knowing that it does not stop but is fulfilled, completed, and extended with a perfection that we can never fully know in this life. God has a plan for you. Read Luke 10, Matthew 10, and Mark 9 sometime. Jesus sent his disciples out with a plan. A plan that we have been trying to live out with Christmas 365 - that is to share Good News of Great Joy which is for all people.

The Kingdom of God is not far off in some distant future time. It is now and it is in us. Some people will only see the Kingdom when they experience your love, your energy, your good work, your love, your generosity, your forgiveness, your help - all enabled by the Holy Spirit fulfilling God's plan. Jesus once said, (John 10:10) "I have come that you might have life [he doesn't say religion] and have it more abundantly."

Bono of the group U2 wrote in a song once, "You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into His Kingdom and glory." There is so much that God wants to accomplish through you. What are some steps to really live like we belong?

1. Remember we be belong to a new Kingdom now
2. Live by the power that the Spirit gives us
3. Live so your life glorifies your creator
4. Live in Community as God intended for us from the beginning

We will be exploring this for the next couple of weeks as we finish up our study of the Lord's Prayer. You can download previous podcasts of this series by clicking on the podcast button at our website: www.bethanylaporte.org

Blessings on the Journey,

Pastor D

Deliverance

2009-10-04T18:46:00.004-05:00

We've been going through the Lord's Prayer which is prayers within a prayer. "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:13 This is not to say that God leads us into situations of temptation. Another translation of this puts it a different way, "save us from the time of trial..." What we are talking about is "deliverance". When Jesus went to the Mount of Olives the night he was arrested he asked the disciples to "watch and pray." He knew it would be tempting for them to desert Jesus in his hour of need.

As we think about asking for deliverance from temptations - those things that could break our relationship with God or each other we must first identify what makes us vulnerable. Asking simple questions like: 1) When am I most tempted? 2) Where am I most tempted? 3) Who is with me when I am most tempted? 4) What is the benefit do I think I am receiving from the temptation? 5) How does the temptation make me feel?

Next, we need to ask God to help us avoid the situations that lead to temptation. Recognize your human vulnerability. We are not people of steel. Read over Proverbs 4:26-27.

Third we need to ask the Spirit to guard our heart. We need to remember that temptation begins inside of us. The trigger may be outside of us but the natural inclination of temptation resides in us.

Consider some of the things that can add to our weakness and vulnerability: physical exhaustion, discouragement and pessimism, spiritually disconnected, alone or distant from others, insecure, deep hurt, anger, bitterness, and failure to name a few.

Fourth, we need to pray for deliverance. God's help can not be minimized. Psalm 50:15 reminds us to "Call upon me in your day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will honor me." It's like sending out a Mayday to God. God responds.

Fifth, ask God to help you redirect your attention. Sometimes our temptations require someone to help us stay on track. A friend, a prayer partner, a pastor, a counselor, or an adviser or coach. When we work on our relationship with Christ we are less vulnerable. We have a mentor a friend and a savior who knows every temptation without sinning. He cheers us on toward victory over the temptations. He is the one who formed a small group to help deal with these issues (we call them the disciples.) There was even a small group within the small group. Peter, James, and John formed a kind of close partnership and accountability group.

When we fall or when we fail and we succumb to temptation God wants us to admit it right away and begin to move on but resist the sin and temptation in the future. And get help if it is a serious addiction.

Cleaning Up Our Act: Forgive Us Our Debts

2009-09-27T19:05:00.005-05:00

This mikveh in the above picture (baptism of purification) was located to the south of the Temple in Jerusalem close to the Huldah gate. It dates to the time of the Temple during the life-time of Jesus and the Apostles. It was covered up by dirt for centuries until it was discovered and excavated.

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Is the focus for next week. In Hebrews 12 it says, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." What are these hindrances? Our sins, our debts, our transgressions are the hindrances for our relationship and connection with God and each other. Forgive us as we forgive others is what Jesus is commanding us - to forgive as we have been forgiven. How do we prepare for this step of forgiveness?

1. Search. We can begin by searching ourselves carefully (Psalm 139:23-24). Take the time to regularly search your life and behavior.
2. Surrender. We give up hiding our sin and repent of it before God.
This was the meaning of baptism. A dying to sin - or drowning of the sin in pools like the one in the picture.
3. Seek to make amends. Whenever possible we need to make amends with those we have hurt or harmed. If we do not our repentance is hollow. God knows we need to try to take the step of healing in our lives.
4. Share in the forgiveness that God offers in Christ.
5. Start over again. We need to repeat these steps often.

For some further reading look up these passages: Luke 19:8-9; Hebrews 4:16; Romans5:1; James 5:16; Hebrews 10:22-25. If you were baptized as a youth it is always good to renew that covenant and commitment. If you have not now is a good time to take that step of commitment. We are all in need to a daily renewal of the promise of baptism by the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice for us. Blessings on the journey.

What is "Daily Bread?"

2009-09-20T15:48:00.007-05:00

Daily bread, most of us don't think much about it in the United States. Yet, pockets of extreme poverty exist in our country and weekly we have a stream of people who come by BLC for the necessities of life. Their stories can break your heart. God has given us ability to address this in the Lord's Prayer.

Jesus tells us to pray,"Give us this day our daily bread." As he tells us this he is saying so much more. First, bread represents the necessities of life and not frivolous luxuries. Second, it represents the Word of God - Jesus said, "We do not live by bread alone. but every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God." The third thing it represents is our fellowship as the body - called the church. Fourth, it represents saving grace show to us by God in His Son. Each phrase of the Lord's Prayer is packed with meaning and depth. Christianity is not about ritual and rules - it is about real people seeking a relationship with the eternal and learning to care for our neighbors as we do ourselves. Asking for daily bread means so much when we seek not only our bread (with all its meaning) but seeking bread for those around us who have great need.

As we consider the unemployed, the uninsured, the homebound, and the homeless we have so much that we can share. This week asks the question, "What is our daily bread?"

Blessings on the journey,

Pastor Dennis

PS - For those of you in deepening your discipleship let me remind you about the Spiritual Coaching/Direction I am offering this fall. Email me or call me if you are interested. also check out http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Surrender is not for Whimps

2009-09-14T10:14:00.005-05:00

This week we are going to journey into Part 2 of our study of the Lord's Prayer: "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Jesus, Matthew 6) Surrender is a word associated with weakness for the most part. Yet, in relationship with God surrender can release power, energy, focus, ability, and grace. We become a conduit for God to accomplish far more than we might ever dream. When we open our lives and allow God to plant a dream in our heart we unleash a supernatural power to accomplish things we never thought possible. In order to understand the possibilities of this power we need to open ourselves up to the Lord.

What does surrender mean for us? It means releasing control. It is a shift of our attention to what I want, my own selfish ambition, and overemphasis on my will to God's control of my life, time, and resources. It is a handing over to a supernatural ability that God wants to unleash.

Second, it is about leaning to be content. Philippians 4:11-13 says, I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens...I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength... Happiness and success is so tied to personal contentment and trusting that each moment of your day is under the care of "Our Father" - a loving caring, competent, parent who knows us and loves us.

Third, surrender means to set aside my own selfish plans in exchange for God's more successful design. We get caught up with our own little world and we forget that God has a bigger design. God reveals that in prayer we align ourselves to listen to that plan. Prayer is not like a vending machine where we drop a coin and get what we want - it is more like getting aligned with God's plan.

Fourth, surrender involves trusting our future to God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 So most of the time we want to know, predict, be told what our future is going to turn out to be like. Yet, have that does not allow us to fully live in the present. When we trust God with our future we can really live today. We will be studying this more in this weeks podcast at www.bethanylaporte.org

Live Fully Today,

Pastor Dennis

2009-09-08T06:48:00.003-05:00

"You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." Henry Ford

It is time to take action. Discipleship has often been compared to taking a walk with the Lord. How are those walking skills working these days? Do you feel spiritually fit? This fall I am launching a discipleship program for six to ten individuals who want to become more spiritually fit. It will be convenient, in depth, and challenging. It will also be something they can do themselves and with others. It is as old as having a spiritual director. Thomas Merton once wrote: Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director — the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul. (Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, USA) It is as new as Spiritual Coaching a new form of disciple making.

You can be one of the first to sign up for an eight to twelve week session where you will do independent reading, phone direction and encouragement, and participate in "call-in" classes with others who are taking this walk. Jesus said, Follow me and I will teach you to fish for people. We will learn the importance of community and of personal satisfaction - they are not mutually exclusive. Take advantage of this new program and you will also receive a free gift for starting out. I will share with you how we will approach this process of energizing growth and spiritual development. You will discover new insights and be a part of a Biblically grounded God directed experience. Sign up begins today! Contact me by calling BLC 219-362-3312 or visiting the web site: www.bethanylaporte.org

I will share more insights on this as the weeks progress. Hope your spiritual walks go well this week.

Troubling Decisions?

2009-09-04T11:56:00.006-05:00

Many people have told me that they are bothered by the decision of the ELCA National Assembly in August to allow ordination of pastors who are in an active same gender relationships or that the blessing of a same gender union would be allowed. I wish it had not been a national decision that creates a crisis. I wish there would have been a more grass roots effort from which regions or congregations could move the discussion of Scripture and what it says about culture and relationships forward, but here we are. The decision has been made. How will Bethany respond?

First, we will appoint an independent task force to pray, reflect, study, and recommend what the implications of this decision allows us to consider. What are the options? Next, we must not rush to judgment. Each congregation has the right to implement or not implement the ELCA decision. The conundrum for many people is the association with the ELCA when they disagree strongly with the decision. I did not like the Viet Nam War but I did not stop paying taxes and I did not run off to Canada. It was still my country. In fact my country makes lots of decisions that I disagree with but I love it and want to do the best to preserve it. How can we make dissenting voices heard without exiting the church we love?

Take a look at this news story
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4280

Let's study and reflect prayerfully on what the Gospel teaches us about responding to very difficult situations. Pray for me too as a pastor and leader. I want to do my best in leading Bethany through this time.

Next, I will share an exciting opportunity about Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Coaching that you can participate in yourself. This is a self paced discipleship program that I hope will be a new beginning for several people this fall.

Backpacks for Kids

2009-08-10T20:46:00.003-05:00

The children in the photo for this blog remind us that every child should experience the joy of having a backpack filled with supplies for their first day of school.

The Bethany family is helping the LP Jaycees in making that experience a reality for many deserving children in LP elementary schools. Over 70 backpacks and the supplies needed to fill them have been donated... by the Bethany family alone! The willingness to give and show and share God's love through that giving by our church family is INCREDIBLE! With God all things are possible! Many needy children and families will learn that and experience God's love in a very practical way at the start of this school year thanks to these donations.

Packing of the Backpacks:

Thursday, August 20 at 6 pm at Bethany

2009-07-06T16:51:00.002-05:00

We are still celebrating freedom and independence but it is not independence from God. The Founders never intended that - in fact it is in our DEPENDENCE on God that we become truly independent, free, and forgiven. Part of our effort this year at Bethany has been to celebrate what God has done for us 365 days a year. We want to give back to the community we live in. One way has been to build a home for a needy Veteran or Veterans family. We had a Harley Road King Raffle that brought in the bulk of the funds needed to accomplish this goal. Here are the winners from the Raffle: Sharon Welty of LaPorte (The Harley); John Cowger of Chesterton ($500); Jeff McShane of LaPorte ($500); Bill Frame of Mishawaka ($100); Dave Tipton of Grant Park, IL ($100); Norma Sabie of LaPorte ($100) and Vic Roden of Walkerton ($100). Thanks to all who volunteered time, effort, salesmanship, and so much more on this part of the effort. You can volunteer to donate toward the cause too. We still need to raise $15,000. We also need people to help build the home next summer. We are also accepting applications for needy veterans or veteran's families up until September. So download an applicaton now. We will announce the recipient on Veteran's Day in November.

Harleys - Vets - Vision

2009-06-22T21:48:00.005-05:00

You wouldn't think a motorcycle could do this much good. But combine generous people, Habitat for Humanity, Veterans who have served our country, fun, and Jesus and what do you have? Welcome Home Soldier. The days are running out for an ambitious program to build a home for a deserving vet or vet's family. Our goal was to sell 2500 tickets and we could still do that with people responding with excitement and generosity before the fourth of July.
Did I ever think I would be pushing Harley Raffle Tickets on my 30th Ordination Anniversary? No, but I can not think of a more noble cause. My freedom has been paid for - by my Lord on Calvary and by men and women who have put their lives and futures on the line for me to worship and serve my creator. This is only a small token of gratitude. Jesus wants us to find creative ways to reach the lost and spiritually displaced and normally folks don't think of the church crowd as the Harley crowd - but maybe now they will. I have met some great people and had the chance to share what the Lord is doing through Bethany and Habitat on numerous occasions. What a great adventure this has been. Only a few days left but a lifetime of memories. There is still time to help - join us in serving.

Life is a Journey

2009-04-19T19:22:00.005-05:00

It is exciting to hear stories that people are telling me of how they are sharing their faith. The wristbands, the Harley Raffle tickets, the Christmas 365 theme are just vehicles to share the story. This year began as a journey of the heart. I wanted to have others join me in really trying to live out the words of the angels at Christmas. Words spoken to the shepherds. They were ordinary men who received an extraordinary message. "We have good news of great joy which shall be for all people." That was the message. Live out the message of Christmas all year was my dream to inspire others to join me on the journey. Now Easter is just past and people are still wishing me "Merry Christmas." Thank you!

The famous picture here of the Road to Emmaus and the walk where Jesus appeared to some disciples who were depressed from the loss of their master is a good reminder to all of us on the journey. After Jesus left them they said to one another, "Didn't our hearts burn when he opened the words of scripture to us?" People feel the warmth of love, generosity, acts of kindess, and caring when you share - when you love - when you live the good news. Believe me, there are plenty of people who will just go to work, or go to school, or go to the gym, or go to some civic group, and live their life trying to be good or do good. That is not what Jesus was teaching. Jesus was teaching a revolutionary way of living. He was teaching his followers to learn to love as God loves. To be the message - to be the good news - to be Him in the way we approached people.

I spoke with a traffic cop the other day in Chicago and said, "Thank you for doing what you are doing. Some of us are really appreciative of the risks you take and the courage you demonstrate to keep us safe." She said to me, "You know, no one ever says that to us. Thank you for saying something." How easy was that?

When Jesus begins to disciple us, we become the change the world needs. Let Jesus meet you on your Emmaus road and talk with you about His love and power to change human life for the better. He wants you to be a part of it.

Also tell your friends to call us at church, stop by B&J Cafe, ReMax, see Norma Sabie at WLOI office, or stop at I Steet Tavern to pick up tickets for the Welcome Home Soldier Raffle and Habitat project. Live the good news, my friends. Be the Good News. Happy Easter Season and, yes, Merry Christmas too.

Kindness from Patience

2009-03-12T17:30:00.008-05:00

Love is patient and kind...that is not always easy to live is it? How do we live that out with the toxic person whom we have tried and tried to deal with and yet have failed to find a way of relating to? Sometimes it's easier to be kind to a stranger than people in our own family. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us - Romans 5

What? How can that be? Paul continued, they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.

I am not a patient person by nature. I can be patient in a crisis but in dealing with people I find myself struggling when I think, "Why don't they get this?" Now is a word that is so prevalent in our vocabulary. This week we are talking about acting with patience and kindness. Sometimes there are divine interruptions in life which will slow us down. Carpei Deim (Seize the Day) is a good phrase to remember. Sometimes the time to act is now. Don't over think - act. Be patient with your appointments, your to do lists, and your agenda. Maybe God has someone in mind for you to help - to be kind toward - to lovingly assist.

Kindness always requires something else besides patience. It means risk and it requires a cost. Who in your world needs you to take that risk of exhibiting kindness and love? Will there be a cost associtated with it? I spoke to a friend who shared a story about a man he knew who was bitter about his wife leaving him. He was filled with anger and rage. His anniversary was coming up and he seethed with anger toward how this woman ruined his life and livelyhood. His friend suggested that on the anniversary he consider working at a local soup kitchen - to convert his anger into kindness and love. He did it.

After going to the soup kitchen and serving the needy his whole attitude changed. He was filled with mercy and said he would do it every year on that day. What can being patient with ourselves and others and acting out of kindness do in some of the most difficult and bitter situations of life. God does work miracles of love 365 days a year.

Light in Darkness

2009-03-05T14:51:00.004-06:00

I led the funeral for a woman today that few attended and where no one quite knew what to say. It was sad to see so few. Even greater sadness that so few could express anything good to say. She left her wealth to charities and those will benefit but the legacy she left was that of a cantankerous woman who few really knew. Relationships - people become our legacy. People that God loves and we can love. My message to the people there was to live with love. Love through the barriers of crusty hard souls and soft pliable souls open to love. Love those around you, love those you do not even know, love the beautiful and the less than lovely, love those you are close to and those you have a hard time relating to - just love.

Your light brightens a dark world. Today was beautiful and sunny and as the wind wiped through the small group that stood around the casket near the mausoleum next to Pine Lake I shed a tear for the loss of love when a person has only a marble tomb to speak for them. Let your love do the talking. Wendell Berry wrote, "There is a day when the road neither comes nor goes, and the way is not a way but a place." This place speaks out for love as though there is no tomorrow. Let that light break through and shine. Be the love - don't just do loving things.

Ashes and Dust

2009-03-03T16:33:00.005-06:00

Lent has its morbid side no doubt. Ashes to ashes we hear at gravesides but today as I presided at a funeral of the beloved husband of a friend there was a sense of hope beyond the ashes. She is a lover of people. She sends birthday greetings to hundreds of people every year. She volunteers and helps friends and strangers. She is a positive influence on those around her. Is a positive attitude genetic? If it is she got an overabundance of those genes.

During these 40 days we are in a discipline of love. Loving not just our friends and family but strangers and acquaintances. The very act of love and generosity and kindness generates good will that ripples through the world. What act of kindness did you knowingly participate in today? A man asked me this afternoon, "Have you ever noticed how when you do something good you still get criticized?" I replied, "I know - I know. You know how the saying goes, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'" There are people in the world whose toxicity is so high that it will take love beyond the capacity of one person to overcome it. He promised he would not stop - don't you stop either. Life is brought back into balance each time you love and give and serve. I know you will find imaginative ways of giving each day of this 365 day year.

40 Days of Love 303 Days till Christmas

2009-03-02T11:24:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a great chance for the people of God to get together and feel the love, share the love, and get serving with love. I got a call this morning from a friend who is experiencing a loss in her life and she said that the love she has received from folks around here has been powerful and moving. In other words - people are listening and taking action.

Love endures, just like faith and hope...but as 1 Corinthians 13 says "the greatest is love." How about a focus each day this week where you give a little love away? Don't just consider random acts of kindness that are being polite but acts of love and generosity (especially to folks you may not know or may not expect it). Keep your eyes open. I believe that God wants to direct you to these acts of love, I believe that God will actually provide them for you, and I believe that they are prepared for you already. If you hear of an act of generosity or love that you want to share with me - do it and I will include it in my blog.

We are here for a reason - and that reason is to love.

40 Days of 365 Days of Kindness

2009-02-27T13:41:00.003-06:00

It's Friday and I just got off the phone with some imaginative and exciting people who are collaborating to make this little facebook network/professional page become a movement of kindness. Our own Christmas 365 which launched in December of 2007 has now linked with a group that has over 11,000 friends. We are not only promoting 40 days of love we are looking to renew that movement that was inspired back in the early 90's by the movie "Pay It Forward." What would happen if we carry out acts of love and generosity and kindness 365 days of the year? How many others would we inspire?

This coming Thursday BLC launches the 40 Days of Love Simple Suppers and Small Groups which will be followed up by a Sunday Small Group opportunity. I hope that if you are in LaPorte you will consider joining us for this great 40 Day Love-in and Love-out. We are motivated by the message of the angels to the shepherds, "We bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people." We need good news that creates great joy. WE also need to BE the good news by our lives and our actions. Join this movement and if you are on Facebook check out the information about the Club http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1075485771#/pages/365-Club/51660762372 (11,000 others are finding ways to share kindness 365 days a year - we are not alone).

40 Days of Love For Christmas 365

2009-02-26T07:42:00.004-06:00

Lent is a season to give up and take on. I'm giving up a couple of things, soda and deserts - the second is harder than the first. I'm taking on an extra thirty minutes of prayer time each day. That is the plan. Beyond that I invite you to join me as I blog the journey of Lent. We are doing a program at Bethany called 40 Days of Love. It's a program developed by Saddleback Church but it is offered to help us grow in loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves. Really, life is all about love. If we don't learn that we have missed the whole point. In fact the Bible says that "God is Love." The very essence of Love is what God is.
What is your highest aim in life? Your greatest goal? Complete this sentence...My major life goal is ... How would you finish that sentence. What I suggest God's guidance would be is to love. Love God, love people, and love yourself. Jesus suggested that it wasn't just to love those who love you. As he said, "Even the pagans do that." Our aim is also to love the unloveable. Where do we begin. That is the invitation to you. Join me on the Podcast, which you can download, stop by the blog, and if you can come to be with us at Bethany we meet on Thursdays at 5:30PM for a Simple Supper, 6:00PM for a DVD presentation, and a small group time after that. If you miss Thursday join us Sunday Morning in the ARC at BLC during the 9:15AM hour for the DVD and small group time.
In addition to this we will include the study on the blog if you want to listen to the Podcast and read over the notes from our discussion. I'm excited about this Lenten study. If you live in LaPorte check out our billboard on Pine Lake Ave. as you drive south (right by Anderson Automotive and Philipps 66). We are excited about what our 365 Team will be cooking up in the near future too. Have a great day.

Christmas 365

2009-02-16T23:10:00.006-06:00

Dear Friends of the Bethany Blogosphere,

Winter is not quite over and I fear that even with cross country skis the attempt to keep Christmas alive may fade as spring looms on the horizon. Don't let it happen. The "Spirit of Christmas" is the "Good News of great joy which will be for all people." We need good news desperately and what a great opportunity is just within sight. Forty Days of Love is coming!

Forty Days of encouraging one another to love God and each other. Forty days to focus on loving those around us for the sake of Christ. I'm looking for some folks who will step up and help shape what Christmas 365 will look like and what ideas can inspire us. Do you want to be a part of that?

It all starts February 25th with Ash Wednesday services at 4:30PM and 7:00PM. We are going to talk about what love can do. We are also working on an amazing idea that could raise $30,000 to $40,000 for Habitat for Humanity and be a phenomenal Christmas present to the community. Watch for the information on this and how you can be a part of it. I was recently a part of a national conference call discussing 365 Club. There are over 11,000 members of that group now on Facebook. We are looking for ways to inspire people towards acts of generosity and kindness all year long. Check it out and watch for information coming out on this.

Don't forget to sign up NOW for Forty Days of Love. You can sign up online right now by email at contact@bethanylaporte.org or use our contact page on the web site and indicate you want to be a part of a group. Leave your email or phone and someone will contact you.

Stay Well - Seize the Day,

Pastor Denny

Week Three of Advent

2008-12-18T12:34:00.003-06:00

Seize the Moment – Carpe Dieum

So much of life is lived in the past and future. Have you noticed that in your own life? Regrets, Monday morning quarterbacking, and feeling sorry for things done or left undone can really occupy our thoughts. Likewise living in the future, planning, worry, and anticipation can really distract us from fully appreciating the present. This week I will delve into seizing the moment this Christmas.
How will we do that? Here will be the suggestions: 1. Focus on the vital and not ust the urgent. Listen to Jesus words: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 MSG; 2. Focus on spiritual preparations and not just the physical preparations. St Paul talks about this when he writes to the people in Colossae “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective.” Colossians 3:2 MSG; 3. Focus more on God than on yourself. Jesus famous conversation with Martha and Mary brings this to our attention: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘You are worried and upset by so many things but only one thing is needed.’” Matthew 6:41-42; 4. Focus on the supernatural rather than the superficial. I love what the prophet Jeremiah has to say about this; “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
I know my thoughts are a few among the memories, conversations, and activities of the week ahead but I hope for a few of you this might inspire you to grow closer to the Lord this very special week. Don’t forget the Christmas Eve Schedule December 24, 2008:

1:30PM Holy Communion and Canlelight 4:30PM Candlelight Service of Word and Carols 10:30PM Candlelight Service of Word and Carols

You might want to note that during the day on Christmas Day WCOE radio will being playing a lot of sacred and traditional music of which Bethany is one of the sponsors. In fact we are the only Church that is sponsoring music that day. Listen in if you get a chance. Thanks to Donna and Norma who got us signed up.

C U in Church,
Pastor Denny

Get Ready for Peace and Good Will

2008-12-09T14:12:00.002-06:00

Good News? Did you know that there is a website dedicated to this very effort? Here it is: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ but no matter how much good news you read or hear any earthly news will not satisfy you deep down in your soul. The announcement about Christ’s birth was to be an announcement of peace and good will toward all people. Yet, that is not a shared vision by all of humanity. Some people want to intentionally bring chaos and misery. People are dying of cholera, starvation, and other diseases in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world puts this on page three because it is an internal political issue.
Read over what Jesus spoke about to his followers in Matthew 6:25-34. That will be the main text for the message this week. Read what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-9 years later after his life was completely turned around by Jesus. There is plenty to worry about in the world but Jesus addresses this by saying that we should not be worried. When we begin to lose ourselves in serving others we worry less. It seems like just the opposite. If you don’t worry about yourself, who will? God cares and that is literally all that matters.
The kind of peace that Jesus offers is a peace of mind that the world can never give us. The good will that Jesus shares is the good will that is generated by all the followers of Jesus living out their faith in life of service.
I was so pleased to see the response to the Clothesline ministry this past week. Today someone brought in a whole pile of NEW coats. Others are planning on caroling to shut-ins and nursing homes next Sunday night at 4:00PM. Still others are acting on their own doing all kinds of charitable acts of kindness, good will, and love. That is what makes Christmas – Christ’s Mass (the worship of Christ in our very lives.)

Get Ready For Christmas

2008-12-02T10:08:00.010-06:00

I watched the Dow plunge another 600 points yesterday, the attacks in India were still headlines, people look to our President elect to solve a host of problems, and the job market is just plain scary. Is there any good news out there? The Good News, with a capital G and a capital N has been there for two millennia but we fear what is going on right now rather than looking with trust and faith to the consistency of God and the promise of a present and future guided not by markets and malevolent dictators but by the Christ. Christmas is about Good News. Good News announced to shepherds and wise men, to Kings and cattle, and to star gazers and carpenters. It is good news for everyone.

Over the next few weeks we are going to explore what the Good News is and what it means for us. One thing is for sure Christmas is less about consumerism and more about Christ. This week we will pick up the theme Get Ready for Christmas. We will explore three ideas: 1. If Christ brought us Good News we should know what it is. Read Psalm 107:2 and Philippians 4:4; 2. We need time to tell others the Good News. Read Matthew 11:28; 3. We need to share the Good News “on purpose.” Read Luke 2:15. Good News is not wrapped up in warm fuzzy stories that warm the heart. It is news that remains consistent dependable over the eons and stirs hope and faith in the midst of massive world troubles.

I will explore these three themes and make a few suggestions on how to live the Good News this Christmas season. We are putting ads in the Herald Argus over the next few weeks so you can point to those to tell a friend or neighbor about it. We can also run off color flyers for you to share with others if you like. Just give us a call or stop by the church office to get a few to pass out. We will also be decorating the sanctuary and hallways on December the 10th at 6:00PM with sloppy joes, chips, and hot cider and then try to make quick work out of decorating. As the saying goes, Many hands make light work. C U in church!

2008-11-23T14:04:00.003-06:00

GIVE THANKS, GIVE BACK!

At the Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service, we will be giving out food certificates to attending persons in need of Thanksgiving Meal assistance.

Come, join us in worship. Give thanks... and if you could use a little help with paying for this years Thanksgiving meal, let us know. We want to give back in honor of the many wonderful blessings Bethany has realized in 2008.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

Rally Day

2008-09-02T11:53:00.007-05:00

Chris Buresh, our Christian Education Director, is busy preparing for Rally Day.

Rally Day is Sunday, September 7, at 9:15 am. Children from three years through fifth grade will gather in the ARC and rediscover the miraculous power of Jesus.

At 6 pm Confirmation students and parents are invited to church for the Confirmation Potluck. Parents will be provided with information about Bethany's Confirmation program and Confirmation students will have their first class.

Next Sunday, the 14th, classes begin for children from three years through fifth grade, middle school Confirmation, high school, and the adult class, Espresso. There's something for everyone! Check it out!

Bible Discipleship Teleclass

2008-09-02T11:34:00.008-05:00

LIVE STUDY DISCUSSION WHEREVER YOU ARE!

Live far away? Working late? Can't get a babysitter? You can still join us in study!

Pastor Dennis will be leading a discussion on discipline and discipleship from your home, your office, your cell phone, or wherever you are the first and third Wednesdays from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. The book Blue Like Jazz will be the basis of the discussion.

You'll be given a bridge line and code and join the discussion.

Pastor Dennis' Study Leave Time

2008-07-28T12:37:00.009-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would give you an update on what is happening during the study leave time. The first week of the trip I have been moving Aaron to Monterey, California where he will be working as a guidance counselor at a high school. As many of you know, Monterey is one of our military officer training school towns and Aaron will be working with a number of their kids during his time out there. It has been a long drive already. I'm looking forward to watching the video tape of the kids' mission trip presentation from Sunday when I get back.

We began our trip Saturday and drove to Ogalala, Nebraska. That's pretty much all you can say about that. I do have to say that Nebraska looked incredibly green for this time of year. These are long days in his car all packed down with his worldly belongings. Day two we arrived in Elko, Nevada. It was another long day but the sky was big in Wyoming and Utah was an interesting and amazing state. We briefly stopped to see my cousin, Randy Meyer and family, in Evanston Wyoming on the way to Elko, Nevada where we spent the night.

The Great Salt Lake and the dry Salt Lake were both incredible to see. Driving down the mountains into Salt Lake City the way Joseph Smith came into that city can make you imagine that he and his band of followers really did think they reached the "promised land".

Today we journey on to Salinas, California, apartment hunting, and the start of Aaron's work. I do appreciate this time with him and the opportunity to see this great country of ours. It stirs my patriotism so much to see all that we Americans have to enjoy (gas prices not withstanding). I will write again when we arrive in California and keep you updated. I am reading a book right now as a part of the study leave call "Margins". It has to do with how we create space in our life and work to be with God. It is challenging and thought provoking. I have shared this book with members of the Pastor-Parish Team and they are reading it with me.

I have prayed for you daily on this journey and know that the staff at Bethany stands ready to help in any way while I am away with my son. I will be back in town before too long. Stay well and seize the day!

Blessings from our King and Lord,

Pastor Dennis

July 4th Outreach Picnic

2008-07-08T12:10:00.010-05:00

Bethany served free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks to the La Porte Community on the 4th of July during the parade.

When a volunteer was asked by someone waiting in line why the church was giving away food, the Bethany volunteer replied, "Because we love La Porte!"

Any donations given are going to be used for improvements to Trinity Park where the picnic was held.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

2008-06-24T17:07:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year! Vacation Bible School at Bethany is a fun and engaging way for preschool and grade school kids to learn about Jesus.

Bethany focuses on making the program fun for all ages and we have several young adult and adult volunteers who enjoy this VBS week as much as the kids do!

You DON'T need to be a Bethany member...

You DON'T need to pay anything...

You DON'T need to bring anything...

Just bring your kids, enjoy a few hours off, and we promise... your kids will have FUN and LEARN!

MONDAY 6/23 - FRIDAY 6/27 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Carnival for a Cure Update

2008-06-12T13:41:00.005-05:00

Carnival for a Cure put on by the Relay for Life Team Mary's Merry Marchers was successful in raising funds for the American Cancer Society.

The carnival offered a great outreach and fellowship time for the community and our Bethany family and friends.

The La Porte County Relay for Life is this Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

Bethany's pastor, Dennis Meyer, was a good sport volunteering for the dunk tank at the carnival! (See photo.)

http://www.bethanylaporte.org/

Bethany Build Dates

2008-05-10T08:06:00.004-05:00

Bethany will be lending a hand to help build homes for our new neighbors on June 14th and June 21st.

You can see the work in progress now on the homes located on the east half of the old Park School lot on F Street. These are first two of the four Habitat for Humanity homes to be built on this lot. Volunteers from Bethany have been signing up to work on the build dates to "give a hand up - not a hand out" to our new "Habitat" neighbors. If you would be interested in helping out on either day, for even a few hours, let us know. 219-362-3312 or nakedwithgod@gmail.com

BETHANY BUILD DATES: JUNE 14 & 21

Stay Connected

2008-04-20T12:43:00.002-05:00

iPhones can keep us connected to many things as we live, work and play. Actually, most of us have numerous technical devices that keep us connected to work, family and friends no matter where we are or what we are doing. The one thing that these gadgets do not come equiped with is a God button. Bethany wants to help keep you connected to HIM this summer as you travel or just enjoy the better climate of our area. So, regardless of WHERE you are - you can find your church connection and God connection RIGHT HERE at http://www.bethanylaporte.org/ with podcasts of the sermons, online giving capability, and community updates.

CARNIVAL for the CURE

2008-04-20T12:21:00.005-05:00

Carnival for a Cure - June 1st, 2008 - Noon to 2:30

Mary's Merry Marchers, a Relay for Life team honoring Mary Steck and all of the Bethany family and friends who have been affected by cancer, are sponsoring this Carnival for a Cure as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Please plan to bring your kids, volunteer to work a booth, or offer to sponsor the rental of one of the games like the dunk tank or air walk.

Rain plan is to have the carnival inside the Arc at Bethany.