Servants’ Quarter #13
Of the 14 definitions in Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, my favorite is: “(n.) Work done to benefit another.” My only complaint with the definition is that it’s a noun. My sensibility about service is that it’s an action, or verb.
What’s the greatest service we can do for someone? I would argue that sharing the Gospel message with someone is the greatest gift of service we can give. Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins, conquered death through his resurrection, and will come back to set up his everlasting kingdom. It’s why we call it Good News!
A couple years ago I was discussing Jesus with my nephew who walked away from his faith. He was complaining to me that we Christians tend to “shove the Gospel message down the throat of people”. He said what we call “witnessing” was a form of propaganda and “arm twisting” by throwing out concepts like “hell” and “eternal damnation”. He didn’t buy any of it. When I told him I was sharing Jesus with him because I love him, he laughed and reiterated that it was anything but love.
I said, “What if what I’m telling you is true? What if at the judgment you stand before God and tell him you didn’t know your key to eternal life was Jesus? What would you think finding out that I made the cut into heaven, and you didn’t because I never shared the Truth with you? That’s why I’m sharing Jesus with you.” Let’s remember to take the Truth we hold in Jesus seriously enough to share it with others…as an act of service…and love.
Elder Mike
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. Elder Mike Thielke will present the scriptural foundation of the Nicene Creed in the second installment of “What I believe and Why”.
*** Senior High Youth Group Senior High Youth Group will meet Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Tom and Michele Jordan’s,1481 Main Road.
*** 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: Men’s Bible Study: will be at church at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
*** Ladies’ Afternoon Bible study Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. We’re studying the epistle of James using the study, “Thrive” by Jennifer Cowart. Please contact Betty Lou at 920-396-0267 regarding interest and information.
*** Ladies’ Evening Bible study will meet Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. We will be watching a four-week video series presented by Beth More, “Grace and Grit” Please contact Michelle Griggs regarding interest and information at 317-696-0997.
*** Book Club: Our May book read is “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins. Discussion will be Monday, May 20th at 6:00 p.m. at Bethel Church. Contact library to order the book.
*** Bethel Builders are meeting Monday May 6th at 2:00 p.m. in Bethel’s Memorial Hall. We’ll be making final preparations for the Mother Daughter banquet.
*** Mother Daughter Banquet: Friday May 10th at 6:00 p.m. in Bethel’s Memorial Hall. The theme this year is “Songs of Mother’s Heart”. Cost: Adults $15.00; 6 yrs. to 11 yrs. $6.00; 5 yrs. and under free. Call Marianna for reservations (920-847-2225)
*** Betty Lou Smith’s Mom, Doris Jean Pratt, age 91, passed into Heaven on April 22, 2024, at Rivercrest Hospice in Ft. Saskatchewan – the final punctuation of a life well-lived She was born, August 27, 1932, in Unity, Saskatchewan to Harry and Edna Jones, before moving to Edmonton in second grade for her father’s work as a dairy farmer during the Depression. She came to know the Lord in a personal way early in life. Her early adult life led her from woodfire-heated homes in rural Alberta to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand. When she married Jim Pratt, September 2, 1955, her life became fully devoted to service of others as missionary and pastor’s wife, which filled their lives with travel and wonderful friendships. The untimely death of Doris’s father returned Jim and Doris to Canada where they managed Far East Broadcasting Canada as a team for many years. Her three daughters and eight grandchildren survive her with six great-grandchildren who remain her pride and joy. Her funeral will be live-streamed Saturday, April 27th at 4:00 p.m. The link will be posted to the Bethel Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Far East Broadcasting Canada or the Global Advance Fund of the Christian Missionary Alliance.
*** If you can help: Becky Gillespie’s sister, Bonnie Williamson Chapin, lost her house to a fire this week. It burned to the ground, and they escaped with only what they were wearing. Her daughter has started a go fund me page. If you go to MaeAnna Homp on Facebook, you can find the go fund me donation link. Bonnie and Randy’s address:
Bonnie and Randy Chapin c/o MaeAnna Homp
4522 Reighmoor Rd
Omro WI 54963
*** Our condolences to the Darryl Rohrer family. Darryl passed away April 12th.
*** Help celebrate Franke Hansen’s 90th birthday party at his house May 11th from noon to 4:00 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.
Bethel Tidings 