June 20th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 25

Making the Choice

Howdy Pardner’s! Oops! I’ve been in cowboy mode as we prepare for our Vacation Bible School next week. We’re transforming the church into the wild west this week and donning our Wranglers and cowboy boots. Reminds me of my days down in Sonoita, AZ.

Sonoita is cattle country and I’d occasionally ride alongside my friend, Doug, as he checked his herds. On the way, we’d talk about all kinds of things: Ranching, land management, local issues, and a lot about faith. You see, soon after I’d arrived down there, Doug was in a pretty bad accident and lost his spleen. In his recovery, Doug realized some things in his life were out of sorts, and he chose to follow God on a deeper level. Part of that choice included allowing some greenhorn preacher to tag along with him from time to time. That’s where I came in.

At some point, like Doug, we’re all faced with such a choice. In Psalm 16, David writes about making such a choice in his own life: “I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing,”” and “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:2,11). He found hope in God alone. With all the options out there, David put his faith in the LORD and, in the process, pointed the way towards Messiah (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:25-28, 13:35). What have you chosen?                             Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen leads a discussion on “The Persecuted Church”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”! Bring that friend you’ve been sharing the Gospel with!

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Join us on Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m. for a 5-week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Bethel Builders will be meeting to plan the Salad Luncheon Monday, June 28^th at 1:30 p.m.

*** Mark your calendars! Bethel Builders’ Salad Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16.

*** Potluck dinner on the third Saturday of the month (next one is June 19^th) after Saturday night service.  Weather permitting, we’re hoping to have this one at Schoolhouse Beach after Saturday night service.

*** VBS: All volunteers should try to attend the following meetings. We will have a short video and then work on finalizing plans. Call Sue if unable to make the meeting. 989-430-4004. 

June 18, Friday 1:30 p.m. EVERYONE MUST ATTEND. WE WILL INTRODUCE OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS, Ray and Sue!  We’ll also work on setting up, decorating, and skits!

June 19, Saturday 10:00 a.m. Set up day-all hands on deck!! Set up tents, decorate, get registration tables ready.

Monday, June 21-25 VBS begins. Volunteers should be there by 8:15 (group prayer), then prep your area. Earlier if you want coffee and snack! Kids arrive 8:45!

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** On Saturday, June 19^th at 5:30 p.m., the TPAC will present Donna Russel’s “Walking the Runway of Island Business”.

*** Children’s Parade July 4^th, is sponsored by the American Legion. Parade begins at Legion Hall at 8:30 p.m. and ends at the Ballpark before the fireworks!

*** Washington Island baseball team was victorious over Egg Harbor by a score of 6-1 on June 13^th. Current Standings: Kolberg, Sister Bay, and Washington Island each have 5 wins and 1 loss. On Sunday, June 20^th, the Island Team faces Kolberg at home. Come and join the historical tradition of cheering on the Islanders as they attempt to take over 1^st place.

*** 100 years ago: from the Door County Advocate August 5^th, 1921. “The Washington Island baseball team crossed bats with the Garden Bay team. The score being 13 to 2 in favor of the Garden boys. Cheer up, boys don’t get discouraged, you’ll be able to lick ’em all yet before the season is over.”

June 13th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 24

How Long, O Lord!

Depression. For many, it’s a real struggle and issue. Sometimes it shows up because of a chemical imbalance and necessitates some treatment. A lot of times, it’s because our situation is horrible and feels beyond our ability to manage. Finding ways to cope and work through the messy stuff of life gets tricky. Scores of people resort to numbing their pain through drugs, alcohol, sex, and even shopping. Where can we go when the pain is so raw?  Where is God in all of this?

One place we can go is to the Psalms. Within the Psalms is a collection of poems, songs, and laments to express our frustration. When we’re going through pain and adversity, the Psalms model a response in search of God. Psalm 6, written by David, features multiple pleas for deliverance. Phrases like “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?” (Ps. 6:3 NIV) and “All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears” (Ps. 6:6 NIV) give some idea of the depth of David’s angst.

David’s pleas give voice to us when we are at a loss for how to cope. People of faith often feel that anger and hurt are signs of faithlessness. Scriptures like Psalm 6 tell us otherwise. Jesus, too, advises persistent prayer (Luke 11:1-13; Luke 18:1-8). When stormy times come, call on God all the more. Difficulties may still remain, but the relentless, persistent, and bold prayers of the faithful will be heard (Ps.6:8-9).                             Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall.

*** UPDATE Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”!

*** UPDATE Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. starting June 15th.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Beginning June 17th, join us on Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m. for a 5-week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Mark your calendars! Bethel Builders’ Salad Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16.

*** A huge thank you to Chris Merriman for the woodchips placed around the children’s playground at church!

*** Men’s Breakfast Saturday June 12^th, beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Bring a friend!

*** Potluck dinner on the third Saturday of the month (next one is June 19^th) after Saturday night service.  Weather permitting, we’re hoping to have this one at Schoolhouse Beach after Saturday night service.

*** VBS: All volunteers should try to attend the following meetings. We will have a short video and then work on finalizing plans. Call Sue if unable to make the meeting. 989-430-4004. 

June 16, Wednesday 1:30 p.m.

June 18, Friday 1:30 p.m. EVERYONE MUST BE HERE. WE WILL INTRODUCE OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS, Ray and Sue!  We’ll also work on setting up, decorating, and skits!

June 19, Saturday 10:00 a.m. Set up day-all hands on deck!! Set up tents, decorate, get registration tables ready.

Monday, June 21-25 VBS begins. Volunteers should be there by 8:15 (group prayer), then prep your area. Earlier if you want coffee and snack! Kids arrive 8:45!

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Children’s Parade July 4th sponsored by American Legion. Parade begins at Legion Hall at 8:30 ending at Ballpark.

*** First show of the year at TPAC on the green (outside) Saturday, June 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. FREE. Bring chairs or blankets. Donations appreciated. Local original songwriters and performers.

*** Congratulations to Washington Island 2021 graduates, both public school and home school. Tara DeJardin, Kayla Ervin, Paige Gunnlaugsson, Max Johnson, Caitlin Stults, Julia Valentincic, Elle Isaacson, Tamar Gregg, Micah Sickinger, Isaac Mohn, Kaylee Mohn, Jed Ellefson, Titus Warner. *** Congratulations to Dylan and Courtney Villarreal on the birth of daughter, Nora Lea, 8 pounds 4 ounces.  Born June 7^th at St. Vincent hospital. Nora joins siblings, Cohen, and Joslyn.

June 6th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 23

Finding Stillness in a Frenetic World

Eric Liddell’s story became popularized in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire. The flying Scotsman, as he was known, ran for Britain in the 1924 Olympics. he famously refused to run his race on a Sunday because of his honor of the Lord’s Day. He dropped out of his signature 100 meters race, and moved to the 400 meters race where he remarkably took first place. Soon after the Olympics, Liddell went to China as a missionary.

While doing his work there, Liddell was captured by the Japanese army in 1943 when they invaded China and, in 1945, died in the internment camp. However, during those two years, Liddell organized athletic events, led and taught hymns and taught the Scriptures to his fellow 1800 prisoners. A child in that camp, David J. Michell writes of him: “None of us will ever forget this man who was totally committed to putting God first, a man whose humble life combined muscular Christianity with radiant godliness.”

What motivated him to this life? Liddell’s strength was found in his daily hour-long time studying the Bible and talking with God. In Psalm 46, a psalm dedicated to recognizing God as our refuge and strength in the times of chaos (Psalm 46:1-3), the psalmist relays this message to us: “Be Still and know that I am God” (46:10). However wildly your life is spinning, take time to sit and meditate on God and His Word and talk it over with Him.    

                                                          Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.  Please join us!

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Beginning June 17th, Join us on Wednesday Nights for a 5 week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Mark your calendars! Salad Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16.

*** VBS: All volunteers should try to attend the following meetings. We will have a short video and then work on finalizing plans. Call Sue if unable to make the meeting. 989-430-4004. 

June 7, Monday 1:30 p.m. 

June 16, Wednesday 1:30 p.m.

June 18, Friday 1:30 p.m. EVERYONE MUST BE HERE. WE WILL INTRODUCE OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS, Ray and Sue!  We’ll also work on setting up, decorating, and skits!

June 19, Saturday 10:00 a.m. Set up day-all hands on deck!! Set up tents, decorate, get registration tables ready.

Monday, June 21-25 VBS begins. Volunteers should be there by 8:15 (group prayer), then prep your area. Earlier if you want coffee and snack! Kids arrive 8:45!

*** Thank you for the generosity of a gift to the church last week from Susan Greenfeldt in memory of Nathan Greenfeldt.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** WICHP Resuming Normal Office Hours: Beginning June 1st, the Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) will resume normal office hours Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  You are welcome to walk in during these times and/or call the office to schedule an alternate time at 920-847-2108. The WICHP office is in the Trinity Fellowship Hall and we ask you to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

*** Congratulations to Adam and Breana Hanlin on the birth of their son, born June 2nd.

*** Graduation for the class of 2021 will be held June 4th in the tent by the school at 6:00 p.m. Congratulations!

*** Memorial Day Service was held at the cemetery with Color Guard and Rifle Squad.  Dick Purinton read all the names of Island men and women who served our country who passed.

Pastor Rick Smith delivered the message and prayer. Lee Enstrom played taps and Michael Gillespie played Amazing Grace on bagpipe.  A wreath was placed at flagpole and one at sea.  May we always remember. Freedom is not free.

*** Islanders had a loss at the ballgame against Sister Bay. June 6th is a home game and will face Maplewood.

May 30th, 2021 – Vol. 75, 2021 No. 22

The Beautiful, Intricate, Essential Word

Have you ever written a poem? Here are some fun facts on one from the Bible: Psalm 119. At 176 verses it is the longest Psalm. It is sectioned off into 22 different stanzas, or strophes with each strophe beginning with a different letter (in sequence) of the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet. Each strophe has 8 verses, and all 8 verses start with the same Hebrew letter.

The psalm’s theme is about loving God’s word or law. 8 different Hebrew words are used to convey the idea of the word. These words are translated as law, decrees, statutes, commands, and word, among others. Each of the 8 words gets used between 19-25 times over the 176 verses. Every verse in the psalm contains one of these terms except 3, 37, 90, 122 and those words are used 88 times in the first 11 stanzas and 88 times in the second 11 stanzas.

That seems like a lot of effort and attention to detail. Who does that? Obviously, someone who wants to say God’s word is important and it’s worth describing with intricacy and beauty. In the psalmist’s view, knowing God’s word is having direction from God himself on how to faithfully live. It is a lamp and light (119:105) to help discern our path through times that are good or difficult. For a life of purity and depth, learning, following, and even hiding God’s word in our heart (119:9,11) is an essential resource for our faith.    

                                                          Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his new series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his new series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.  Please join us!

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Baccalaureate Service at Bethel Church on Wednesday June 2 at 7:00 p.m. Congratulations to this year’s graduating seniors!

*** Next Saturday potluck is June 19 (third Saturdays).

*** Thanks to all who helped out on work day   Much was accomplished!  Thanks to Courtney and Eric for the donation of beautiful flowers.

*** Ladies High Tea was an enjoyable evening!  Special thanks to all who helped with this event. The beautiful decorations and table settings set the mood.  Special thanks to Michael Smith for hosting “Jeopartea”. Lots of laughter and fun for all!!

*** VBS: All volunteers should try to attend the following meetings. We will have a short video and then work on finalizing plans. Call Sue if unable to make the meeting. 989-430-4004.  Tuesday, June 1st at 10 a.m.—this will be a work day to finish crafts/box and label crafts and game pieces. Also hoping to begin decorating-a little.

June 2, Wednesday 1:30 p.m. is the regular meeting-video, music and whatever else we need to do.

June 7, Monday 1:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** WICHP Resuming Normal Office Hours: Beginning June 1st, the Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) will resume normal office hours Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  You are welcome to walk in during these times and/or call the office to schedule an alternate time at 920-847-2108. The WICHP office is in the Trinity Fellowship Hall and we ask you to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

*** “Rock the Beach” concert at School House Beach, sponsored by TPAC, May 29th 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Local artists will perform (from the raft!).

*** Memorial Day Service Monday May 31 at 11:00 at the cemetery.

*** Shirley Fay Ellefson, 96, of Washington Island, passed away peacefully at home on Monday evening, May 24, 2021. She was born Washington Island, daughter of the late Oliver and Esther Katherine (Hanson) Bjarnarson. After graduating from Washington Island High School with the Class of 1942, she attended nursing school in Chicago. She returned to the Island to begin her career. Shirley worked as a nurse for several doctors and helped deliver many of the babies born on Washington Island. Shirley’s life will be celebrated during a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical. Lutheran Church. She will be laid to rest in Washington Island Town Cemetery.

May 23rd, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 21

It’s Over Now, Except It Really Isn’t.

     I’ve just concluded the series on Revelation. Whatever you think about it as a writing, Revelation is not boring, befuddling maybe, but not boring. In it are letters to churches; visions of a throne, angels, flying creatures, dragons, beasts, horses and riders. Even a lion looking like a slain lamb. The battle between God’s good and evil’s intents is played out over its pages. And whatever your thoughts on its interpretation, Revelation’s importance in the Scriptures is profound. John transmits it at the direction of our Lord, Jesus.

Its message? No matter what’s happening, God knows, has a plan, and will set things to right. Preparing to preach these has often felt like a wrestling match. Determining the text’s meaning and how it applies to Washington Island listeners in 2021 were essential steps in the process. And now that it’s over, there’s a sense of relief and I move on to something more straightforward. Except…

Except that Revelation’s essential message must always resonate in our lives. In a world filled with hatred, evil and injustice, the believer’s call is to faithfully endure (Rev 1:3; 22:7). Setbacks, failures, hardships will likely face us or those we love. Yet hope remains, not in our personal strength and fortitude, but in recognizing that when Christ returns, all will be made right. Each of us will be assessed on our actions and faith. God’s justice and goodness will prevail. This truth is ever before us and directs us to live faithfully each day.                                                Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick begins his new series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick begins his new series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We’ll be taking a deeper dive into Psalms. Please join us!

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Church Work Day: Saturday May 22^nd. Meet in Memorial Hall for assignments. Lots of yard cleanup and planting. All hands-on deck!

*** Ladies Night Monday May 24^th 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Bethel Builders’ “Tea Party”! Dress up! Wear your hats (or bring them) and bring a friend!  Refreshments, games, and fellowship!

*** VBS Needs: Old candle wax: any old candles that you won’t use. ANY color. Also, please clean out old, large cans and remove labels. Examples: large soup cans, baked beans, 1 lb. coffee cans…they can be assorted sizes, but larger are better.  We will be stacking them and knocking them over. We will also put melted wax in them for the kids to dip wicks into to make old fashioned candles.  These can all be put into the box by the sanctuary, labeled VBS!

*** Nancy Rae Thiele, 75, of Washington Island, was called home by God on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.    Nancy was born January 4, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Violet (McDonald) and James Llewellyn. She grew up on Washington Island, “all the way out by Jackson Harbor”, and graduated from Washington Island High School in 1964, which she loved to boast, “in the top ten of my class… of ten!”  Nancy’s life will be honored with a memorial service on Friday, July 23, 2021 on Washington Island (details to be announced in the near future).

*** Darlene Yvette Bosch, 76, of Washington Island, passed away at home on Saturday May 8, 2021. She was born May 24, 1944 in Chicago, IL, the only child of Albert Victor Johnston and Virginia Marguerite (Busse) Johnston. Darlene attended Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, IL, and was part of the hands-on training program as a Surgical Technician at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, IL.  She moved to Washington Island in Door County, WI in February 1969 to begin her farming life.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** WICHP Resuming Normal Office Hours: Beginning June 1st, the Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) will resume normal office hours Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  You are welcome to walk in during these times and/or call the office to schedule an alternate time at 920-847-2108. The WICHP office is in the Trinity Fellowship Hall and we ask you to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

*** “Rock the Beach” concert at School House Beach, sponsored by TPAC, May 29th 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Local artists will perform. Stay tuned for more information.

May 16th, 2021 – No. 20, Vol. 75

Here Comes the Bride

     Betty Lou and I had two weddings, a civil service and, months later, a church wedding. The first enabled us to apply for BL’s resident visa. The second was to unite us with vows before God and the witness of loved ones. While the first was short and rudimentary, the second had music, pageantry, and depth. BL’s ornate gown, adorned with mother of pearl throughout, was surpassed by her radiant smile and joy. It was a celebration of two becoming one.

Whether or not you’ve been part of such a wedding, most have seen such great pageantry. So, when Revelation announces a new heaven and earth and the community of God being brought into fellowship with God himself, it does so with the image of a wedding (Revelation 21). The bride (those who follow Jesus) is described as a city coming down from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband (the Lamb of God, Jesus) (Rev. 21:9). The bride/city is adorned with the most beautiful jewels (21:15-27). It is lavish and awe-inspiring.

Vows are made, too. God declares that he will live among his people (21:3-6). Buildings or curtains will no longer separate them. God and his people united forever! Wickedness, wrongs and injustice, the things that seem to punctuate our existence now, will be gone. And it has all the backing of the God who speaks and acts, who promises and fulfills (Numbers 23:19). This is the blessed hope of Christian faith and it’s offered to all who will receive it. Have you?                     Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick concludes his study of the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick concludes his study of the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We continue our discussion of Revelation, taking a deeper look what Pastor Rick covered in his messages.

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Church Work Day: Saturday May 22^nd. Meet in Memorial Hall for assignments. Lots of yard cleanup and planting. All hands-on deck!

*** Ladies Night Monday May 24^th 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Bethel Builders “High Tea” Dress up! Wear your hats (or bring them) and bring a friend!  Refreshments, games, and fellowship!

*** VBS Meeting: Wednesday, May 19 1:30 p.m. We’ll be working on crafts and music in Memorial Hall. We continue to plan activities and assignments for the June 21^st to 25^th Western themed children’s extravaganza. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions plan on attending.

*** We are grateful for the generous gift from Martin Bulmahn in memory of Neil Boniface and a gift in memory of Neil from Peg Nikolai.

*** We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Nancy Thiele, who passed away recently.

PRAYER REQUESTS

*** Please pray for the following VBS requests:

1. Pray for our Volunteers – that we are staffed with just the right number and just the right people.

2. Pray for the health, spiritual fitness, and God’s hand on the Volunteers. Pray that we share God’s love and faithfulness in a way that the kids will experience!

3. Pray for each child on the Island, including visitors, that they will attend, and that God will begin His work now in their hearts and minds to soften them for the work of his spirit.

4. Pray for good weather!

5. Pray for things to run smoothly, so that the focus is on the Lord and the message that He is sharing with the children.

6. Pray for fun and uplifting laughter each and every day!

7. Pray for Love-an overwhelming and inviting love that floods each child’s soul, as they sing, listen to the Bible stories, work on crafts, and play games!

8. Pray for revival in all our hearts and minds, as we prepare for this outreach.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** “Rock the Beach” concert at School House Beach, sponsored by TPAC, May 29th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Local artists will perform. Stay tuned for more information.

May 9th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 19

An Early Warning System

     Perhaps you’ve heard of Paul Revere’s midnight ride on April 18th, 1775. Revere, along with others, including a black man named Wentworth Cheswell, were commissioned to warn of an impending invasion by British troops. With Revere riding to the west and Cheswell to the north, they let people know of the coming battle so they could be prepared. For believers, the book of Revelation plays a similar role.

   John’s visions in Revelation were intended for an audience who would face difficulty. The messages warned of conflict in the spiritual world and its intersection with the physical world. In the process, it gave its original hearers hope. God is in control. A purpose it serves followers of Jesus to this day.

   The essence of Revelation describes the very real terror that Christians would face. It gives pictures of the opposition they would face, describing them as beasts and dragons, who would have an impact for a time. Ultimately, however, Jesus will return and defeat the forces of evil, casting their leaders into a fiery lake forever (Rev 19:11-20:10). Yet in the end, all mankind will be accountable before God for their deeds.

   What we do with our lives matters. And if part of that is rejecting Jesus, that’s an option. But it’s an option with dire consequences (20:11-15). We who have discovered this thing called grace also have a commission. We can warn others of what lies ahead and tell them the forgiveness and reconciliation with God that is available through Jesus.                       Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick concludes his study of the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick concludes his study of the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”. This week we’ll be looking at Matthew 18:21-35.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We continue our discussion of Revelation, taking a deeper look what Pastor Rick covered in his messages.

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Men’s breakfast May 8^th 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Bring a friend! Pastor Rick continues his series: Play the Man Virtue # 4 – Raw Passion.

*** Church Work Day Saturday May 22^nd. Meet in Memorial Hall for assignments. Lots of yard cleanup and planting. All hands on deck!

*** Ladies Night Monday May 24^th 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall.

*** VBS Meeting Wednesday May 12^th in Memorial Hall. We continue to plan activities and assignments for the June 21^st to 25^th Western themed children’s extravaganza. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions plan on attending.

*** VBS Needs: We still need 1-2 adults to serve as ‘Sheriffs’. These adults will take a group of 7-10 children to their various activities and stay with them. You will take them to the craft area, food, games, and story time.  You will have some time to interact and share daily with them. Everything is provided for you.

*** VBS Needs: We need adult leaders in our craft areas. All crafts are ready to pass out to the children. You will show them how to do each craft and assist them.  We will have the kits ready to go and we’ll show you beforehand what to do!  Hopefully, we will have assistants to help you at most craft stations.

*** VBS Needs: We need the following supplies:

• Old candles (unused or used, any color) Please bring in baggies. There will be a box at church for you to drop it in!
• Tempura paints – any colors.
• Squirt guns.
• Paper on a roll/large sheets of paper (for painting).
• “Jewels” small beads for crafts.
• 300-400 Popsicle sticks.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Farmers to Families: The fourth & final event will be held on Friday, May 7th at the Washington Island Fire Department (WIFD) from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to pick up a food box for you or your family while supplies last. This is a first come, first served event at the WIFD (corner of Airport and Town Line Roads). We ask you to remain in your vehicle for your safety. This program is sponsored by the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, Door County Fire Chiefs Association, USDA, and Feeding America.  For questions, please contact United Way of Door County at 920-746-9645 or WICHP at 920-847-2108.

May 2nd, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 18

All Sixty-Six

     If you’ve been tracking the Bethel Tidings this year, you’ve no doubt noticed recurring themes from the book of Revelation. If you’re wondering why, I base these weekly reflections on my current weekend messages. At times, this series has felt more like a wrestling match than research and study. Revelation, written in a genre known as apocalyptic writings, is so different from how we normally approach Christian faith. The images we encounter can be bewildering and make us wonder if it is speaking about the same things as writers, like Paul, present. The answer is they certainly are but doing so in a different manner and style.

     One of my seminary professors describes it this way: In Revelation, “we are no longer in the relatively straightforward world of discourse we find in Paul’s letters… Thus, while Paul speaks of God giving people over to the consequences of their sins; John speaks of God’s angels pouring great vats of deadly poison onto the earth. Paul states simply that “the wages of sin is death”; Revelation speaks of demonic locusts, cosmic earthquakes and worldwide pestilence. These are not contradictory messages, they are simply communicating their messages through different means” (The Throne, The Lamb and the Dragon by Paul Spilsbury, IVP, p. 115).

     All 66 books of the Bible are useful (2 Tim. 3:16) and direct us to consider God deeply. This includes the book of Revelation. It may not be easy, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Blessings on you as you read all 66.                          Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”. This week we’ll be looking at Luke 16:19-31.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We continue our discussion of Revelation, taking a deeper look what Pastor Rick covered in his messages.

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Women’s Bible Study: We’re taking a hiatus for the summer. We will reconvene in September.

*** VBS Needs: We still need 1-2 adults to serve as ‘Sheriffs’. These adults will take a group of 7-10 children to their various activities and stay with them. You will take them to the craft area, food, games, and story time.  You will have some time to interact and share daily with them. Everything is provided for you.

*** VBS Needs: We need adult leaders in our craft areas. All crafts are ready to pass out to the children. You will show them how to do each craft and assist them.  We will have the kits ready to go and we’ll show you beforehand what to do!  Hopefully, we will have assistants to help you at most craft stations.

*** VBS Needs: We need the following supplies:

• Old candles (unused or used, any color) Please bring in baggies. There will be a box at church for you to drop it in!
• Tempura paints – any colors.
• Squirt guns.
• Paper on a roll/large sheets of paper (for painting).
• “Jewels” small beads for crafts.
• 300-400 Popsicle sticks.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** To celebrate the life of Bruce Helland, a memorial service will be held on Zoom at 7:30 pm (EDT) on Friday, May 14, 2021. To receive the Zoom link and/or more information regarding this memorial service please email us at BruceHellandFuneral@gmail.com.  We have created a memory board where you can add your memories and photographs of Bruce at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/gmQoX0Wi/brucehelland and see what others have posted. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate in Bruce’s memory to the CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) Research Foundation at cmtrf.org.

*** Farmers to Families: The fourth & final event will be held on Friday, May 7th at the Washington Island Fire Department (WIFD) from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to pick up a food box for you or your family while supplies last. This is a first come, first served event at the WIFD (corner of Airport and Town Line Roads). We ask you to remain in your vehicle for your safety. This program is sponsored by the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, Door County Fire Chiefs Association, USDA, and Feeding America.  For questions, please contact United Way of Door County at 920-746-9645 or WICHP at 920-847-2108.

April 25th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 17

Dragons, Fire and Brimstone – Really?

Who of us doesn’t love a little fire and brimstone preaching every now and then? Well… most of us would probably prefer to do without it. Emphasizing the loving and gracious aspects of Christian faith seems so much more attractive. Like Jesus’ wise teaching, love for others, and sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus embodied kindness and love and that’s central to our beliefs.

As great as those concepts are, however, they do raise some questions, don’t they? Like, why was Jesus opposed, beaten, and murdered? Why was it necessary for him to die? And what is the result of rejecting this kindness? Turning to Jesus and receiving forgiveness through him changes a destiny of separation from God. And if God is good and the personification of all that is right, being in a place where his goodness is absent is dire. The Bible uses the imagery of fire and brimstone to convey this direness (Revelation 14:10 KJV).

This is not pleasant, but neither would a diagnosis of an infection or parasite in my body. Facing unpleasantness is a fabric of all our lives. Revelation speaks of conflict between good and evil. The devil, symbolized by a dragon, accuses, deceives, and attacks (Revelation 11-14). While the imagery is the stuff of fantasy and legend, it communicates the cost of following Jesus on one hand (i.e., the enemy’s attacks) and the even more costly rejection of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God (Jesus). If it’s truth, then the message and call of Jesus matters.                            Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”. This week we’ll be looking at Matthew chapter 15:1-9.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We continue our discussion of Revelation, taking a deeper look what Pastor Rick covered in his messages.

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Women’s Bible Study: We’re taking a hiatus for the summer. We will reconvene in September.

*** VBS Organizing meeting April 28^th 1:30 p.m. at church. If you’re interested in volunteering or if you’re unsure if this is the opportunity for you, please come, ask questions, and find out!

*** Ladies Night at Bethel Memorial Hall, Monday, April 26th, 7:00. Bunco Night.

*** Thank you to both Daryl Johnson and Lois McDonald for their generous gifts in memory of Marian Boniface’s son, Neil.

*** Bruce Helland, passed away quickly and quietly at home on the morning of April 13^th. He was 93. Bethel Church supported Bruce and his wife, Delna (died in 2007), as missionaries serving in Japan for many years. Recently, he was serving the Lord reaching out to junior high students. According to his daughters, Brenda and Sharon, arrangements are being made for memorial services both locally in Quarryville, PA and virtually on Zoom so that those in Japan, and across the United States will be able to attend. When we have further information, we will let you know.

*** Annette Diane Schmidt of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away April 13, 2021. She was 75. She was the daughter of Richard and Effie Anderson Hanlin. Annette is survived by her husband, Charles Schmidt of Mountain Home, AR; three daughters, Karen (Wayne) Johnson, Tammy (Ben) Lawler, and Kimberly Vaughn; two brothers, Daniel (Margaret) Hanlin, and David (Barb) Hanlin; two sisters, Linda Hardin, and Crystal (Lee) Rusche; ten grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard Goodman; three brothers; John Hanlin, Richard Hanlin, and Donald Hanlin; and sister, Patricia Elliot. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks at http://www.hospiceoftheozarks.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Farmers to Families: The third event will be held on Friday April 23rd at the Washington Island Fire Department (WIFD) from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to pick up a food box.  This is a first come, first served event (corner of Airport and Town Line Roads). We ask you to remain in your vehicle. This program is sponsored by the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, Door County Fire Chiefs Association, USDA and Feeding America.  For questions, please contact United Way of Door County at 920-746-9645 or WICHP at 920-847-2108.

April 18th, 2021 – No. 16, Vol. 75

Looking for Something Great, or at Least Better

Our last president’s slogan was to make America great again. Our current President ran on how messed up things are and promised to find a way to build back better. Whomever you like or dislike, both brought messages indicating things are not right.  Which is true. They aren’t. We have open strife, conflict, and crime within our borders. Despite that, people from other countries are flocking here in droves because of the corruption and brutality that exist elsewhere. Things are messed up all over, it would seem.

So, when we see, as we do in John’s Revelation, repeated allusions to a coming judgment on wickedness (Rev. 8-9), it’s not all that surprising. It might feel off, at first glance, to hear of God’s plan to destroy what is wicked. However, it does track with our own levels of indignation at injustice. Scripture, it would seem, affirms our present concern. Things are not right.

As John brings us dire pictures of what will be, however, he also gives us some promises of hope. It will not always be this way. In Revelation 11:15, John sees a time when things will be made right. The kingdom of the earth will connect with the kingdom of God and of Christ (11:15) and the very presence of God will be accessible (11:17-19) for those who turn to God and honor Him. We’ve got a choice here: to reject God or repent and follow Him. It’s better than a politician’s pledge.    Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series on the Book of Revelation.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Mike Thielke is facilitating a discussion on “Justice in the New Testament”. This week we’ll be looking at Matthew chapter 13.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall to accommodate social distancing. We continue our discussion of Revelation, taking a deeper look what Pastor Rick covered in his messages.

*** Youth Group: For information regarding scheduling, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Women’s Bible Study: We’re taking a hiatus for a while. Stay tuned for the next study.

*** VBS Organizing meeting April 28^th 1:30 p.m. at church. If you’re interested in volunteering or if you’re unsure if this is the opportunity for you, please come, ask questions and find out!

*** VBS is scheduled for June 21st-25^th. Kids who are entering Kindergarten through completion of the 5^th grade are eligible. You don’t have to be a member of Bethel to attend. If your kids or your grandkids plan on attending, please call or text Becky Gillespie at 920-535-0224.

*** VBS needs lots of volunteers for our Western themed “Children Wanted by God”.  Set up and tear down, Chuck Wagon: get food donations from parents, church members, and manage menus and arrange western snacks for the kids. Sheriffs: move groups of kids to various stations. Craft Leaders: take charge of teaching kids one craft. Game Leaders: to lead groups in various games. Storyteller: share Bible stories with groups of kids. Registrars: to sign up kids and get them going each morning. Publicity: people to hang posters and banners. If you can help, please contact Sue Tobey to let her know your availability and what you’d like to do. (989-430-4004) tobeysue@yahoo.com.

*** We will be sharing potluck dinner following Saturday night service on April 17^th. Everyone is welcome! Bring a dish to pass.

*** Ladies Night at Bethel Memorial Hall, Monday, April 26th, 7:00. Bunco Night.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** The Lions club fundraiser, “Roses for Spring” orders will be delivered April 16th and 17th.

*** Annual Meeting of the Electors of the Town of Washington is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20^th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in two physical locations as well as online. The primary location will be the Community Center Gym, with overflow seating at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC). The Gym can accommodate 50 people on a first come, first served basis. The TPAC can accommodate 65 people. Moderators will be present at both locations, so questions may be addressed to the Board from either location. See the town website for joining the meeting online via GoToMeeting. Those who attend online may vote after the meeting by coming to the Community Center Gym within 30 minutes of the end of the Annual Meeting of the Electors, signing in, and casting ballots for either or both resolutions.