Me and You and a Guy Named Luke
I met Luke during my first days at college. He was in the room two doors down in my dormitory. He’d come from northern Wisconsin and I from suburban Chicago. On some level, we grew up worlds apart, but we connected on life, and more importantly, our faith in Jesus. Sophomore year saw us rooming together, solidifying what’s become a life-long friendship. We’ve both worked with teenagers, been to seminary, and are currently in pastoral ministry. Through it all, we’ve continued to share life as friends and followers of Jesus.
Any of us who are involved in ministry have people like Luke who have encouraged us, prayed for us, and stood with us in thick and thin. St. Paul gives evidence of this himself in the letters we have in the Scriptures. For example, he concludes Colossians with greetings to the church from a whole cadre of folks who have been alongside him. Folks like Timothy, Luke, Mark, and Demas (Col 4:10-14). These greeting verses may seem irrelevant to us, but they give us insights into ministry dynamics.
Not everything we read in Scripture needs to be overtly theological. Noticing how a prominent teacher like Paul relied and leaned on others can guide us as well. Paul compares the church to a body with many parts (1 Cor 12), and Jesus at the head. His greetings demonstrate that he actually believes it. So, who are the Lukes building in your life? And to whom are you being a Luke? We are better together.
Pastor Rick
CHURCH NEWS
*** If you have a need or know of someone in need, please call Janet Hanlin (920-535-0021), who represents Bethel’s Deacons. We can help!
*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.
*** Sunday School: Mike Thielke continues his study, “Acknowledging God” at 9:30 a.m.
*** Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues a study in Colossians.
*** Bethel Youth Group: Middle School students (grades 5-8) will meet Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at church. Any questions please ask Leila Nehlsen or Hannah Dusik.
*** Senior High Youth Group will meet Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at Tom and Michele Jordan’s,1481 Main Road.
*** Ladies’ Evening Bible study will meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. We will be going through a series by Ann Graham Lotz on Revelation. Please contact Michelle Griggs regarding interest and information at 317-696-0997.
*** Ladies’ Afternoon Bible study Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. The study is on Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkins. Please contact Betty Lou at 920-396-0267 regarding interest and information.
*** Men’s Bible Study: Doug Hansen is hosting this study at his place at 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays. Address: 1258 Deer Run.
*** Book Club read: The next discussion will be March 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The book is “The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins. If you are interested in reading this book, please contact Laura at the Library. Men are welcome to join us.
*** Chicken Trivia Night: Monday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Bethel Church will host a Ladies’ Night Out. This means, All Things Chicken!! There will be food and games. Invite a friend to join you for a fun evening of fellowship.
*** Ladies’ breakfast: on Saturday, April 6th. More details to follow.
*** Youth Group fundraisers: The Bethel Youth Group would like to thank our amazing community for their support of our pizza and pancake breakfast fundraisers. We are so grateful to everyone that has helped make this ski trip possible! God Bless You! *** Prayer and Worship evening on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next one is Sunday March 17th starting at 7:00 p.m.
*** If you’re interested in becoming a member of Bethel Church, let Pastor Rick, or any of the Elders know. The process is simple: an application, meet with the Elder Board and confess your faith in Jesus.
*** Giving Opportunity: We need to replace the furnace in Memorial Hall for an estimated $4000.00 and the two Bell Tower doors for an estimated $2000.00. We are grateful for your generosity!
COMMUNITY NEWS
*** WICHP Hours are Tue. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wed. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. WICHP at 920-847-2108.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Tuesday February 27th 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Trinity Fellowship Hall.
*** W.I. School Fundraiser Fiesta & Trivia Night. Proceeds will benefit the 7th and 8th graders’ class trip to Mackinac Island. Dinner is Saturday, March 2nd beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Gym. There will be a Mexican buffet and lots of fabulous prizes. The cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of 8. Tickets are available at the school office. Cash or check only. Call the school office for tickets or info at 920-847-2507.
*** Thank you to the Lion’s Club for the great food and an afternoon of entertainment playing bingo this past weekend. You are a major asset to this Island Community!
*** Lions Club Fish Derby Results: for Northern: 1st place Ryan Jorgensen; 2nd place Eric DeJardin; 3rd place Aaron Young. Perch: 1st place Hannes Johnson; 2nd place Eric DeJardin; 3rd place Aaron Young
*** Lions Club is selling Roses this Spring. $16.00 a dozen. The last date to order is March 28th. Delivery April 19th and 20th.
Bethel Tidings 