Cause There’s No Other Way
One of the weirdest ministries I’ve felt God call me to was working at a homeless shelter in Kearney, Nebraska. After 20+ years of church ministry, I was committed to pastoring. And while I sensed it was time to move on from my current place, all my thoughts gravitated to finding a different church. And then the homeless mission thing came up.
I resisted it. I gave pat answers of why it wasn’t a good fit and I wasn’t right for it. But it kept coming back. Now, I’ve experienced such persistent prodding in my life before and discovered I need to lean into it until it goes away. Sometimes it does. Sometimes not.
Part of believing in Jesus is being willing to follow wherever he leads (see Matt 10:38; 16:24). That takes discernment and testing to figure out. But, when it seems clear God is leading in some specific direction, pulling a Jonah doesn’t work (see, well, Jonah). For his part, Jesus not only taught us to follow God, he modeled it.
On the cross, dying, humiliated, mocked, beaten, Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit” (Luke 23:46). Quoting from Psalm 31. Jesus was saying I trust you God with everything! And in the end, that’s what he calls us all to – to trust him, with everything. In giving his life, he gave life to all who will follow him. That life will be challenging, humbling, rewarding and even frustrating. But it’s good because God is in it. Will you trust him today?
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 his study of “The Last Words of Christ”.
*** Good Friday Service: Friday,March 29th at 7:00 p.m.
*** Easter Sunrise service begins at 6:15 a.m. at Percy Johnson Park, Sunday March 31st.
*** Bethel Youth Group: Middle School students (grades 5-8) will meet on Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at church. Any questions please ask Leila Nehlsen or Hannah Dusik.
*** UPDATE: NO Senior High Youth Group this week.
*** Ladies’ Evening Bible study will meet Thursdays at 6:00 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.
*** UPDATE: Ladies’ breakfast April 6th is CANCELLED due to Lonnie Johnson’s funeral that day.
*** Leadership Council meeting on Monday, April 6th at 7:00 p.m.
*** Prayer and Worship evening on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next one is Sunday April 21st starting at 7:00 p.m.
*** Book Club: Our April book read is “My Mothers Secret” by J. L. Witterick. Discussion April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at Bethel Church.
*** Memorial Service for Jim Esperson will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m. Details will be announced soon.
A summer service is being planned.
*** 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.
*** Thank you for the generous gift from William Schult in memory of Lisa Munao.
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.
*** Our Condolences to Dave Miller and children Chris and Melinda in the passing of Jane Miller, wife and mother.
*** Lonald “Lonnie” Johnson passed away at the age of 75 due to postoperative complications on March 16, 2024, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. He was a third-generation Icelander who enjoyed baseball at a young age. He was inducted into the Door County Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Lon served as a Sergeant in the US Army from 1968-1970, in the 25th Infantry Division in CuChi, Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star, among other awards. He felt honored to be a member of the American Legion Post 402 and Vietnam Veterans, and an advocate to fellow veterans for VA benefits. He went on the Old Honor Glory Flight in 2022.
Lon met Island teacher, Carolyn Heidel, from Broadus, Montana, marrying in 1978. Green Bay became home, where they raised their three beautiful daughters, Alison, Heather, and Kayla.
A memorial service will be held on April 6th at 12:00 noon at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Washington Island, with Pastor Rick Smith officiating. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear Islanders or DCL baseball apparel. There will be a military ceremony after the service.
Bethel Tidings 