A Message from the Pastor

Let me relate to you a couple of “Bethel” stories.

Yesterday before worship Mrs. D (otherwise known, outside of Bethel Youth Fellowship, as Jan Dondlinger) handed me a note along with a $500 check for Bethel Youth Fellowship.  The note expressed gratitude for a personal favor, but also a great deal of gratitude for a grandchild’s experiences with Bethel Youth Fellowship and the Dondlinger’s leadership.  They saw the value of those experiences.  But here’s the real surprise: this was the second note and check.  A previous note and check had been sent some months back.  And neither the grandchild nor the grandparents are members of Bethel.  Furthermore, the grandchild is now in college and will likely not benefit from the gifts of the grandparents to BYF. The gift is for others.  And it’s given in pure gratitude.

The second story is a story you may remember from last year, but it’s worth telling again...  It seems a student at Elmhurst College was assisting with the Church School program at Bethel, sometime during the late 1950's.  He volunteered for it.  He didn’t expect anything in return.  But one day when he went to the cashier’s window at the college to pay his semester’s tuition he surprisingly finds that Bethel Church had already paid it.  Here’s the real

surprise: over 40 years later when he is considering his estate planning and legacy, he contacts Elmhurst College to establish an on-going scholarship and specifies that any Bethel students at Elmhurst are to receive first opportunity to receive the Schiffman-Juergens Scholarship.

I love these stories.  They move me.  And they teach me a few things...

–Giving is not a business transaction.  In a business transaction we give something to get something.  But giving is done for the pure sake of giving...to express gratitude, to offer a blessing to another because you have been blessed yourself.

            –Giving is more of a blessing to the giver than the receiver.  As much as those receiving the gifts are blessed in these stories, it is the giver who is even more blessed.  Why else would a second check come, when the first was itself generous?  Why else would someone extend payment for years and years of study based on one semester?

            –Giving is difficult to calculate.  I know that the Bible suggests a tithe.  I know that we place a lot of emphasis on intentional giving in our stewardship program in the Church.  But in the end, after you’ve thought and prayed and studied, you need to determine if it truly expresses your gratitude.  Beyond the calculations, is it enough to express your true joy?

            –Giving is not just about money.  It’s a way of life.  Finances are a part of it.  You couldn’t be a generous person and reserve your

money from that generosity.  But it’s also about giving of your time and talent and opening yourself to relationships in which you give of yourself.  It’s finding joy in service of others.  Giving is a way of life.

May you be blessed by this season of Stewardship emphasis at Bethel.

Rev. Steve

Council Notes

What an awesome Rally Day.

An inspiring service.  Calypso sounds from Bill Riddle and his group. Great updates and sign up information from the various Bethel committees.  Some cool games and a Space Walk for the kids.  We were also treated to a spectacular BBQ buffet.  Our son Leo manned the hot dog and burger station for the tail end of the picnic.  When folks came back for seconds and reached for the food of their choice Leo was spotted cutting them off with his tongs (while wearing his large white chef hat) proclaiming "stop!  I am in charge of placing the food into your bun."  We now refer to him at home as "the mean chef."  Other than that it was a picture perfect day.

I also want to thank the Monday Evening Concert Series committee, the volunteers, and Leslie Stipe and Jeff for all the great work they do bringing us a world-class concert series.  And thanks to the Dondlingers for hosting a very thoughtful celebration recognizing those involved and their efforts.

Jim LaPalermo, Council President

Stewardship

October is Stewardship Month.  It’s a time to renew your commitment to Bethel both financially and through your participation.  Your generous support of Bethel is what makes Bethel a very special place, a community of faith.

This year the focus of Stewardship is to get everyone involved in making a pledge.  Pledging is the key determining factor in planning for your leadership team.  In the next couple of weeks you will hear from the Stewardship Committee about how and why to make a pledge.  Please listen carefully and evaluate your own personal circumstances and faith and show by your generosity how God has prospered you.

Financial summary

If you have questions or would like further detail please contact Rod Stipe, Treasurer.

Long Range Planning Committee

Two months ago, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) formed five focus groups to evaluate where we are today as a church and where we aspire to go in the future.  These focus groups are Christian Education, Facilities and Finance, Membership Care and Fellowship, Worship and Music, and Missions.  To date, nearly 60 of our members have participated in the numerous meeting held by the focus groups, and we encourage every Bethel member to join in this important effort. 

The preliminary reports from the focus groups indicate that Bethel is strong and provides for our congregational needs.  At the same time, there is great interest in growing and expanding our programs, especially in the areas of Christian education, youth ministry, alternative worship services, missions and membership recruitment.  Not surprisingly, every group identified the lack of sufficient space and facilities as a key impediment to achieving its aspirations. 

From the dozens of thoughtful suggestions and comments offered during the focus group meetings and information gathering sessions held previously, it is now time to move to the next stage of our effort—identify the BIG IDEAS that our congregation can rally around and generate the energy necessary to make these ideas reality.  Each focus group will develop a “mission statement” to capture the VISION of the group, and identify 2-3 major initiatives that generate PASSION within the group.  The resources and facilities required to implement the BIG IDEAS will then be developed on a preliminary basis.

From there, we move to the 3 C’s—

·        Communicate…with each other within our congregation about the long-term growth initiatives for Bethel;

·        Challenge…ourselves to think faithfully about the opportunities to enhance our lives and spirituality and those who join us in the future; and

Celebrate…the rich talents within our congregation and the wonderful work done today and in the future by our Bethel members in service to our Lord.

There is much work to be done to complete the long range plan for Bethel Church.  Don’t miss the chance to be part of this fun and fulfilling experience.

Bob Fealy, Chairman

From the Board of Elders

Dear POP Parent,                                                                               

Welcome to another school year of Pocketful of Promises.  First and foremost, I would like to thank Elaine Atristain…for coordinating POP for the past several years.  She did such a wonderful job; I can only hope to do so well!   Her dedication and efforts are truly appreciated.

I am delighted to advise that I will be one of the Pocketful of Promises coordinators for 2007/08.  I am also thrilled that our intern from Elmhurst College, Emmy Odem, will assist with the program this year.  She did a great job last year and I will look to her experience with the upcoming year.

Please complete your POP enrollment form and return to Brian in the church office as soon as possible.  Forms are available in the narthex and on the Bethel website under Publications.

We will be using the Season of the Spirit curriculum as we have in the past.  This curriculum follows the church lectionary so that the scriptures read during services are also discussed in POP. 

As in the past, the children will go to Schiffman hall after the Children’s sermon for a “Call to POP.”  They will break out in classes by grade level as noted below.  All children will be walked back to the chapel to be picked up.  Please pick up your child in the chapel regardless if they participate in choir.  This is for the safety of the children.

•           Age 4 through Kindergarten – meets in the north main floor classroom

•           1st and 2nd grade – meets upstairs south classroom

•           3rd, 4th, and 5th grade – meets in Schiffman Hall

We are incredibly fortunate to have the musical talent of Jeff Panko and would like to include music education on Sundays for all Bethel children.  Please encourage your child to participate in the children’s choir.  Choir practice will be held in the chapel following POP session/service, beginning September 30.  We would love to build the children’s choir to its’ past glory and listen to voices of our children on a regular schedule!  (Since the release of High School Musical, even my little guy is singing all the time!) 

Finally, we encourage you to volunteer as a teacher for a 5-week session, or on a “project” Sunday.  It is another great opportunity to connect with your child.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Peace, Lisa Landreth

From the Board of Deacons

The Deacons have planned a trip to Oswego to a corn maze. It will be open to all church members. All new church members taken in the past year and a half will be the guests of the Deacons. We will be leaving the church at 1 p.m. on October 14^th and members are invited to stay as long as they wish. The farm closes at 5 p.m.

Women of Bethel

THE NEXT LADIES LUNCHEON will be on October 8^th at 11:30 a.m.  Ladies are invited to join us at Our Kitchen restaurant in Elmhurst.

ATTENTION WOMEN OF BETHEL A Lenten women’s retreat is being planned for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23, 2008, at Loretto Conference Center in Wheaton. Pastor Sally and Pastor Rebecca will be the program leaders. The cost will be $85.00 per person (includes Friday evening dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch meals, overnight lodging and program materials). Saturday only rates are available and special food diets can be accommodated. The facility is handicapped accessible.

If you’d like, you may bring a relative or a friend who would be interested in coming. There will be a $30.00 deposit fee at time of sign up and the remainder of cost upon arrival at registration. More information will be on the table in the narthex. Feel free to contact any committee member for any questions you may have: Ann LaPalermo, Karen Lockerbie, Virginia Wilson, Deb Miller, Arlene Sandvik or Meta Polak.

Men of Bethel

MEN’S BREAKFAST will be at the Fresh Start Café in Elmhurst on October 2^nd and 16^th at 8 a.m. 

Youth Fellowship

BYF Gets a Good Start to the Coming Church Year!

As usual, there has been plenty to keep us busy. Of course everyone is getting in the swing of things with new classes and teachers and of course new schools for our college students. There are lots of ideas out there for fun activities as well as opportunities for service. This year we will try to get activities on the calendar as far in advance of their dates as possible so that we can encourage the best participation. So here we go..........

The 2008 BYF summer work trip is a “big” one. We will be going to Back Bay Mission, a UCC project, in Biloxi, Mississippi. The work week is July 27^th-August 2^nd.  This is just after summer school and before fall sports. Your commitment will be required in January so that we can assure the folks a Back Bay of their work crew size. Details and informational meeting date will follow soon.

The October calendar looks like this:

Sunday, October 14^th -CROP WALK steps off from Elmhurst College at 1:30 p.m. This has long been a community activity. The acronym stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. We need participation in two ways. 1.) Get pledges (or make a contribution) and walk. Have your friends and dogs walk with you!

2.) Help staff the water table for the walkers at the corner of the rear church driveway and Huntington Lane.  Please let us know how you will help. Moms and Dads and brothers and sisters are VERY welcome to join us. So are all Bethel members and friends!

Sunday, October 21- Mr. Kalinich is hoping to have arranged a visit to the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park so that we can learn more about one of the other great religions of the world and ask the questions we've wondered about. Watch emails for more information/details.

Saturday, October 27^th - Afternoon goody making at the D's. We will prepare Halloween treats from 1-4 p.m. Come for a part or all of the time. We will sell them as a BYF fundraiser after church the next morning.

Sunday, October 28^th- 1.) P.A.D.S. At St. Alexis in Bensenville: Breakfast preparation, service and clean-up. 5:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m.  2. Fundraiser -Sell Halloween treats after church.

November Dates:   Sunday, November 4^th at 4 p.m. we will resume DVD viewing and conversations.

Sunday, November 18^th - Morning set up for the Alternative Gift Market and food collection to benefit the Yorkfield Food Pantry in the afternoon.

Wednesday evening, November 21, Thanksgiving service at Elmhurst College- We hope to see you there.

Questions or Comments?? Contact the Ds

BYF Gets a BIG Surprise.....in the Mail!

The card was hand written and addressed to “Jan and Jim Dondlinger” at our correct address but the return name and address didn't ring any bells. Jim asked, “Who is this?” and I said, “mmmm.....the name is vaguely familiar but I don't know.” We were surprised to open a note from Reed Sundberg's grandmother, Julie Gleixner. More about her in a bit.....

Reed is now off to Augustana College but he had spent the last four years with BYF and had been on several work trips with us, including one when his dad, Kurt, came along as a chaperone.  Last November Kurt called and asked if we rented our house in Colorado. He and Reed thought it would be a great place for a family gathering to celebrate his in-law’s 50th anniversary.  We said that we didn't but they were welcome to just go out and enjoy the house. He had graciously spent a week with us on the work trip and it was a way to thank him. He insisted on paying something so we told him to decide what seemed appropriate and send it to Bethel, and specifically BYF. One day in July Brian called to tell us that he had received a very generous check for $500. We were happy to have it to use for work trip related expenses in Rock Island.

It never occurred to us that the story might continue. In the card that we  received from Julie Gleixner yesterday there was a check for ANOTHER $500 in recognition of the good things that our BYFers do and because Reed loved his experiences with the group. 

We are honored to know Reed and his family and to learn that BYF experiences are meaningful to young people. Our sincere thanks to Julie and Barrett Gleixner for this unexpected mail and wonderful gift!

Sincerely, The Ds

Did You Ever Wonder. . .

What are some examples of the way church people have supported science?

For as long as I can remember, there has been the question of how religion relates to science.  Does science support religion?  Has the church dealt unfairly with scientists? Do Christians have anything to fear from science?

A story I came across recently reminds us that our Christian ancestors could be quite scientific when they chose to be.  The story tells of a monk who used careful observation to accomplish a feat that most people of his time would have believed was only possible for angels and birds.  The story goes like this.

In 1010, a monk named Eilmer “flew” from the tower of Malmesbury Abbey in England.  What is so fascinating about the story is that it describes Eilmer’s feat as something of a scientific experiment.  He flew by attaching wings to his arms.  Having observed birds in flight, he had figured out how to use air currents to glide.  If the story is true, Eilmer glided for about 200 meters.  Unfortunately, he broke both legs when he landed. 

But Eilmer must have been a determined scientist.  He tried to figure out what went wrong and planned to correct his mistake.  However, Eilmer’s abbot forbid him to make any more attempts.

Rev. Sally Scheib, Associate Pastor

Human Concerns

We collected 5 cleanup buckets, 5 personal hygiene kits and $185 for the UCC Disaster Ministry.  Thanks to everyone who donated! Thank you to Al Rago and all the golfers for raising $3400 for Bethel.  The Human Concerns committee will receive half of this money for our work. This little church with the big heart always amazes me!

Some interesting facts about organizations we support:

Jewel Osco donates 1.5 million pounds of meat and seafood products to the Northern Illinois Food Bank each year. They freeze the products when the date to be sold is expired and ship it to the NIFB. Most grocers throw these things away.

Marion Medical Mission has dug over 5,500 shallow wells in the last 17 years providing clean water to over a million and a half people.  There are still over 1 billion people without clean water to drink. Several countries in Africa have asked MMM for help. They will expand their program to include two other countries next year. (We have bought 4 of these $300 wells here at Bethel)

There is a 5K run in Downers Grove in October 21st for Family Shelter Service helping victims of domestic violence.  Brave men willing to "walk a mile in her shoes" can request high heels in their size to start this event. If they can't take it after 1/4 a mile, they can buy their own shoes back for $10 and proceed with the event!                                                Chris Smith

Food Pantry In October we will be collecting disposable diapers to be distributed by the local food pantries.  Please leave your donation in the basket just inside the North entrance.

From Your Parish Nurse

Health Hints – October 2007

Greetings!  As our hectic fall schedules are upon us, I’d like to take a moment to focus on The Gift of Spiritual Care.

What is Spiritual Care?

Spiritual care is a blessing God has given us to share with others and ourselves.  It refers to a life-style in which we reflect the healing nature of God as we use all of our gifts (time, self, material and spiritual resources) to care for people during a time of need.

How is Spiritual Care Done?

Listed below are some specific suggestions for offering spiritual care to people in need.  If you have any comments or questions feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to visit with you.

• Be a Faithful Steward of the Gift of Yourself – make yourself available to persons in need, be faithful in your actions, keep confidentiality and reach out to others.
• Listen… Listen… Listen with All of your Being – listen attentively to both the words shared and the meaning.
• Be Responsive to Specific Needs – listen for what tangible needs are shared and offer support in any ways you can, i.e., meals, childcare, transportation, etc.  Start or Join a Support Team!
• Focus on What the Real Issues Are – the real issues may be different from what you expect.
• Use Spiritual Resources in a Healing Way (The Bible, Prayer, Forgiveness, Blessings) - These resources should: 1) feel natural and be based on the person’s needs 2) provide comfort (not manipulation) and 3) be agreed to by both the care-giver and care-receiver.
• Plan for Follow-Up – Let the person know what you will do and when they will see you.

Jesus encourages us to do spiritual care with these words, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt. 25:40).

Today’s Health Hints comes from Seasons for Wholeness Volume II,  by Ruth D. Daumer, MSN, RN.

Kathy Murray,

Parish Nurse

Join us for a special worship at Bethel honoring the at Bethel at Bethel at Bethel Elmhurst College students’ homecoming on

Sunday, September 9^th, at 10 a.m.!

LOOK FOR OUR BLOG DISCUSSIONS on the Bethel website. 

The newsletter and other releases are available on the Bethel website under Publications.

Contributions for the November issue are due in the church office by October 28^th!