Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Bethel U is our Sunday morning Christian education for 10-12th graders and adults. Every class begins at 9:45 a.m. and is "joinable" at any time.
Bethel U will be online for April 2021. We hope to be back in person soon, but seeing your smiling and curious faces over Zoom will be good, too. If you are unable to join the discussion on Sunday mornings, each class will be recorded so that you may watch at a time convenient to you. Zoom links will be available in the weekly Banner and in the Fireside worship email.
Bethel U will be online for April 2021. We hope to be back in person soon, but seeing your smiling and curious faces over Zoom will be good, too. If you are unable to join the discussion on Sunday mornings, each class will be recorded so that you may watch at a time convenient to you. Zoom links will be available in the weekly Banner and in the Fireside worship email.
2022 Offerings:
March
O Day Full of Grace: What Happens To Us When We Die?
Led by Pastor Merv Thompson
Sunday, March 6: Part One- What happens to us when we die? 5 Lutheran Answers
Sunday, March 13: Part Two- What happens to us when we die? 5 Lutheran Answers
Sunday, March 20: Part One- A tour of heaven.
Sunday, March 27: Part Two- A tour of heaven.
Sunday, April 3: Near-death experiences- fact or fiction.
Sunday, April 10: The Final Resurrection- A new heaven and a new earth.
February
Climate Change is Here — Now What?
Over the past few years, the Creation Care Committee has invited speakers to discuss the science of global warming, ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and how our leaders are preparing for a climate-changed future. But extreme weather and wildfires show us climate change is already here. In this four-week course, we’ll explore different ways to deal with this new reality.
February 6th – Optimism, Faith, and the Climate Crisis - Course Recording HERE.
Dr. Naomi Mandsager Bartley, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, will speak about climate psychology and how to deal with the stress of climate change. She will guide us through common struggles and current approaches, including how to understand eco-anxiety, climate grief, the dynamic between hope and despair, and the process of transformational resilience.
February 13th – All Creation Sings: A Worship Resource - Course Recording HERE.
David Sims, Music Development Manager at Augsburg Fortress, will introduce us to All Creation Sings, the worship supplement published in 2020. One of its guiding missions is to provide more resources for singing about creation care, justice, aging, and lament, helping us join our voices with the whole creation God so marvelously made.
February 20th –The ELCA’s Mission to the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska and the Threat of Rising Waters - Course Recording HERE.
For the congregation of Shishmaref Lutheran Church on Sarichef Island, climate change is at their doorstep. Retired ELCA pastor Curt Johnson visited the ELCA’s mission to the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska in Shishmaref. In this session, Curt will share his experience and bear witness to how rising sea waters are affecting the lives and livelihoods of people there. Watch this presentation here.
February 27th – Whole & Holy Foods: Christian Considerations for Eating in Light of Climate Change - Course Recording HERE.
Ethicists speak about climate change as a “perfect moral storm” due to its abstract, global, and intergenerational nature. Christian ethicists explore the theological rationale and consequences of thought and behavior. St. Olaf Professor Kiara Jorgenson and students in her ‘Theo-Ethics of Climate Change’ seminar will guide reflection upon the moral act of eating and help us consider how the realities of climate change might influence our relationship to food.
January
A new pastor’s musings: Who is Bethel? Who are we called to become?
At the end of the month, the congregation gathers during Bethel U for a budget meeting (January 23rd) and then the following week for our Annual Meeting (January 30th). It is a good time to reflect on who we are and who we are becoming – especially now that you have a new pastor! First, we’ll ground ourselves in scripture.
Jan 2 – Bethel: A Bible Study Part I
Do you know what “Bethel” means? How can our name challenge and inspire us? Join Pastor Inger exploring the first “Bethel” story in scripture – Genesis 28:10-22
Jan 9 – Bethel: A Bible Study Part II
This week, Pastor Inger will share some of her musings that have come up “dwelling in the Word” of this Genesis 28 text while getting to know the congregation.
Jan 16 – Bethel Dreaming in 2022: Next Steps
This session will focus on two particular priorities of 2022.
As a fairly large congregation, Bethel is used to having two rostered leaders to provide pastoral care and leadership, and Pastor Inger has been observing the congregation and leading with that understanding. In the past, the congregation called a Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor. In 2022, as we prepare to form a call committee, there are more options for them to consider. The ELCA’s roster includes both pastors and deacons. Where pastors are called to word and sacrament, deacons are called to word and service. There is lots of overlap between the two!
Pastor Inger will also give a theological framework and outline some of the logistical needs the congregation has to build a more robust digital ministry. Some items are shared with our in-person experience, such as sound quality. Our wonderful director of administration and finance, Jen Leonard, has formed a task force that already is doing the ground work on items we’d like to address.
2021 Offerings:
November and December
Opening the Book of Faith II, led by Pastor Inger, November 7, 14, 21
Class takes place in the Sanctuary.
After taking the time to review the tools Lutherans use to engage and honor God’s word, we’re diving in to scripture!
November 7: Exodus 3:1-15
November 14: TBA with Deacon Ross Murray
Mission and Justice Series, November 7 and 21
November 7: Habitat for Humanity led by Dayna Norvold. Come and hear stories from recent Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
November 21: Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Class takes place in the Fireside Room.
A representative from LSS will detail the process of resettling Afghan families in Minnesota. Afghan Refugee support will be the focus of our Thanksgiving offering this year. Class takes place in the Sanctuary.
Opening the Book of Faith Advent Series: Luke’s Playlist, led by Pastor Inger, November 28, December 5, 12, 19
November 28: Song of Mary - Luke 1:46-56
December 5: Song of Zechariah - Luke 1:68-79
December 12: Song of the Angels - Luke 2:10-14
December 19: Song of Simeon - Luke 2:28-32
MAY
Sponsored by Mission and Justice, May 2
Midori Krieger, education outreach for the organization “Health Care for All Minnesota,” will present an informational slideshow and discussion about the vision this organization has for a system that would provide equal access to all forms of healthcare, save money, and allow doctors and patients to have ultimate authority over medical care. Come with questions and concerns.
April
Confirmation Flashback, April 11, 18, 28
Have you ever thought about what you learned when you were a confirmation student? Have you wondered about what our confirmation students learn today? Well, here your chance to relive some of that learning and perhaps, look at it from a different viewpoint. Join our Bethel confirmation teachers as they each present a lesson from the curriculum they share with their students:
April 11 – Guilty (2 Samuel 12:1-14), from 7th Grade Curriculum, 22 Bible Stories You Don’t Want to Miss!, Pastor Tim
Course recording here.
After King David’s affair with Bathsheba and his subsequent order of the murder of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite, God, through the prophet Nathan, confronts David for his sin. David repents but the consequences of his actions remain. At the end of the lesson, I raise the question, What does it mean that our faith communities are full of sinners?
April 18 – The Lord’s Prayer, from 8th Grade Curriculum, Luther’s Small Catechism, Al Freeland
Course recording here. Lord's Prayer power point here.
One of the parts of Luther's Catechism is, of course, The Lord's Prayer. The 8th graders learned, not only, about the Lord's Prayer itself, but how prayer in general is a highway to God! There is power in prayer. Al looks at it as: hammering on the "gates of Heaven". Al Freeland, the presenter, will review the class material and expound a bit on his views on Prayer in general.
April 28 – Christian Friendship, from 9th Grade Curriculum, Learning to be Disciples of God & a Member of Your Church Community - Doug Casson & Peder Jothen
Course recording here.
One theme the 9th Graders thought about together is friendship. What makes a good friend? In this session, Doug and Peder will help us reflect on how Christian discipleship is lived out through our friendships. Practices like being a good listener, sympathy, kindness, and forgiveness are all important facets of living out our relationship with God by being a good friend.
March
Sponsored by Mission and Justice, March 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7 – Community Action Center – Satellite Food Shelf
Course recording here.
Dawn Wegscheid and Julia Braulick from the CAC will be our guests. They will discuss plans for the new food shelf housed at the Northfield Community Education Center (old Greenvale Park School). Bethel has been asked to partner with the CAC, Carleton College, AmericaCorps Vista and Growing up Healthy to help operate and fund this initiative in our own neighborhood. You will learn about this program, how it plans to operate, when it will actually start, and Bethel’s potential role. Bethel’s 2020 Thanksgiving offering of $8,410 has been donated toward the startup expenses.
March 14 – Global Health Ministries
Course recording here.
Ceallaigh Anderson Smart, Director of Philanthropy for this Lutheran-based medical organization that works with partners in 14 countries around the world, will join us. Ceallaigh (pronounced Kelly) will explain the mission of GHM, based in Fridley, MN, that collects and sends medical supplies to underserved populations and works to support local hospitals and clinics. During this time of the global pandemic, we will learn about how GHM is supporting local efforts to save lives. Bethel’s Christmas offering of $3,457 (an equal amount was sent to Doctors without Borders) was designated to help GHM and their partners support Covid-19 mitigation. Access the recording here.
March 21 - Isaiah
Course recording here.
Learn about our new Bethel outreach partner for social justice in Minnesota. A panel of presenters will explain about how Isaiah began, who our partners are, and how we can contribute to this initiative. Speakers include Judy Tonolli, member of Bethel’s Mission & Justice Committee, Kathleen Doran-Norton, St. Dominic Catholic Church, Evelyn Burry, United Methodist, and Leota Godney, UCC.
March 28 - Polarization, Community and the Christian Message
Course recording here.
St. Olaf professors Doug Casson, Professor of Political Science and Anthony Bateza, Professor of Religion, will lead a discussion on this timely topic. Doug and Anthony are also Bethel members.
February
New Year, New Hope: Building a Healthier Climate, Lead by the Creation Care Team, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Sunday, February 7 – Responding to Climate Change with Effective Strategies
How the global climate system works is obviously complicated, but thanks to a century of climate science and powerful climate computer models, we're able to understand what changes will help us meet the target to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Rod Fisher, with Climate Interactive and Citizens' Climate Lobby, will be running a live workshop using En-ROADS, one of these models. Together, in this exercise, we'll find a path forward that's good for the climate and for people. Access the recording here.
Click here to explore the En-ROADS model yourself. Can you get global warming down to 2 degrees Celsius?
Click here to learn more about H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which seeks to put a price on carbon.
Click here to call your Representatives and ask them to support the bill.
More questions? Email us! Presenter Rod Fischer | Bethel member Cynthia Carau
Sunday, February 14 – Electricity- What it means to go green by 2050
Richard Schulte brings over 30 years of industrial experience in the electronic and gas industry preceded by degrees in electrical engineering (South Dakota State University) and a masters degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MIT) to a discussion on electricity and its role in confronting climate change. He will characterize the present status of the electrical industry and lay out the challenges of moving to totally green electrical energy by 2050. Access the recording here.
Sunday, February 21 - Local action for Climate
What can you do to help implement the Northfield Climate Action Plan? Attend this presentation to learn about the energy use in our community, energy efficiency ideas for your home, the Grow Solar Rice County Program and other actions you can take. Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator for the City of Northfield will be our speaker.
Sunday, February 28 - A Faith voice for Climate Justice
Join Charissa Verdoorn from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light as we explore the climate justice movement that is emerging around the world. From climate strikes, to building equity into the emerging renewable energy revolution, to protecting sacred lands, MNIPL is at the center of organizing a faith voice to take climate action. Learn how you can get engaged in this growing movement, and how Bethel Lutheran can become a Climate Justice. Congregation. To change everything, we need everyone--and we can make a difference together. Access the recording here.
January
Mission & Justice Forum, Lead by Mission & Justice Committee & Paul Ramig, January 10.
The recording for this course is here. Additional resource videos mentioned in the class are: Trip Summary video, Mural, Chamizal, Trip Summary report. If you have additional questions, email Paul Ramig.
Sunday, January 10 - Paul Ramig
Paul Ramig is a member of Vang Lutheran Church located east of Dennison. He and 8 other members and friends of the congregation were looking for a mission trip to build fellowship and to help others. They settled on the Border Immersion Trip which they took in late January, 2020. They traveled to El Paso-Texas, Jaurez-Mexico, and Las Cruces-New Mexico to find out first-hand what was taking place on the border. Paul describes his life-changing trip through a video he helped create, as well as his personal experiences and perceptions.
March
O Day Full of Grace: What Happens To Us When We Die?
Led by Pastor Merv Thompson
Sunday, March 6: Part One- What happens to us when we die? 5 Lutheran Answers
Sunday, March 13: Part Two- What happens to us when we die? 5 Lutheran Answers
Sunday, March 20: Part One- A tour of heaven.
Sunday, March 27: Part Two- A tour of heaven.
Sunday, April 3: Near-death experiences- fact or fiction.
Sunday, April 10: The Final Resurrection- A new heaven and a new earth.
February
Climate Change is Here — Now What?
Over the past few years, the Creation Care Committee has invited speakers to discuss the science of global warming, ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and how our leaders are preparing for a climate-changed future. But extreme weather and wildfires show us climate change is already here. In this four-week course, we’ll explore different ways to deal with this new reality.
February 6th – Optimism, Faith, and the Climate Crisis - Course Recording HERE.
Dr. Naomi Mandsager Bartley, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, will speak about climate psychology and how to deal with the stress of climate change. She will guide us through common struggles and current approaches, including how to understand eco-anxiety, climate grief, the dynamic between hope and despair, and the process of transformational resilience.
February 13th – All Creation Sings: A Worship Resource - Course Recording HERE.
David Sims, Music Development Manager at Augsburg Fortress, will introduce us to All Creation Sings, the worship supplement published in 2020. One of its guiding missions is to provide more resources for singing about creation care, justice, aging, and lament, helping us join our voices with the whole creation God so marvelously made.
February 20th –The ELCA’s Mission to the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska and the Threat of Rising Waters - Course Recording HERE.
For the congregation of Shishmaref Lutheran Church on Sarichef Island, climate change is at their doorstep. Retired ELCA pastor Curt Johnson visited the ELCA’s mission to the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska in Shishmaref. In this session, Curt will share his experience and bear witness to how rising sea waters are affecting the lives and livelihoods of people there. Watch this presentation here.
February 27th – Whole & Holy Foods: Christian Considerations for Eating in Light of Climate Change - Course Recording HERE.
Ethicists speak about climate change as a “perfect moral storm” due to its abstract, global, and intergenerational nature. Christian ethicists explore the theological rationale and consequences of thought and behavior. St. Olaf Professor Kiara Jorgenson and students in her ‘Theo-Ethics of Climate Change’ seminar will guide reflection upon the moral act of eating and help us consider how the realities of climate change might influence our relationship to food.
January
A new pastor’s musings: Who is Bethel? Who are we called to become?
At the end of the month, the congregation gathers during Bethel U for a budget meeting (January 23rd) and then the following week for our Annual Meeting (January 30th). It is a good time to reflect on who we are and who we are becoming – especially now that you have a new pastor! First, we’ll ground ourselves in scripture.
Jan 2 – Bethel: A Bible Study Part I
Do you know what “Bethel” means? How can our name challenge and inspire us? Join Pastor Inger exploring the first “Bethel” story in scripture – Genesis 28:10-22
Jan 9 – Bethel: A Bible Study Part II
This week, Pastor Inger will share some of her musings that have come up “dwelling in the Word” of this Genesis 28 text while getting to know the congregation.
Jan 16 – Bethel Dreaming in 2022: Next Steps
This session will focus on two particular priorities of 2022.
As a fairly large congregation, Bethel is used to having two rostered leaders to provide pastoral care and leadership, and Pastor Inger has been observing the congregation and leading with that understanding. In the past, the congregation called a Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor. In 2022, as we prepare to form a call committee, there are more options for them to consider. The ELCA’s roster includes both pastors and deacons. Where pastors are called to word and sacrament, deacons are called to word and service. There is lots of overlap between the two!
Pastor Inger will also give a theological framework and outline some of the logistical needs the congregation has to build a more robust digital ministry. Some items are shared with our in-person experience, such as sound quality. Our wonderful director of administration and finance, Jen Leonard, has formed a task force that already is doing the ground work on items we’d like to address.
2021 Offerings:
November and December
Opening the Book of Faith II, led by Pastor Inger, November 7, 14, 21
Class takes place in the Sanctuary.
After taking the time to review the tools Lutherans use to engage and honor God’s word, we’re diving in to scripture!
November 7: Exodus 3:1-15
November 14: TBA with Deacon Ross Murray
Mission and Justice Series, November 7 and 21
November 7: Habitat for Humanity led by Dayna Norvold. Come and hear stories from recent Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
November 21: Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Class takes place in the Fireside Room.
A representative from LSS will detail the process of resettling Afghan families in Minnesota. Afghan Refugee support will be the focus of our Thanksgiving offering this year. Class takes place in the Sanctuary.
Opening the Book of Faith Advent Series: Luke’s Playlist, led by Pastor Inger, November 28, December 5, 12, 19
November 28: Song of Mary - Luke 1:46-56
December 5: Song of Zechariah - Luke 1:68-79
December 12: Song of the Angels - Luke 2:10-14
December 19: Song of Simeon - Luke 2:28-32
MAY
Sponsored by Mission and Justice, May 2
Midori Krieger, education outreach for the organization “Health Care for All Minnesota,” will present an informational slideshow and discussion about the vision this organization has for a system that would provide equal access to all forms of healthcare, save money, and allow doctors and patients to have ultimate authority over medical care. Come with questions and concerns.
April
Confirmation Flashback, April 11, 18, 28
Have you ever thought about what you learned when you were a confirmation student? Have you wondered about what our confirmation students learn today? Well, here your chance to relive some of that learning and perhaps, look at it from a different viewpoint. Join our Bethel confirmation teachers as they each present a lesson from the curriculum they share with their students:
April 11 – Guilty (2 Samuel 12:1-14), from 7th Grade Curriculum, 22 Bible Stories You Don’t Want to Miss!, Pastor Tim
Course recording here.
After King David’s affair with Bathsheba and his subsequent order of the murder of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite, God, through the prophet Nathan, confronts David for his sin. David repents but the consequences of his actions remain. At the end of the lesson, I raise the question, What does it mean that our faith communities are full of sinners?
April 18 – The Lord’s Prayer, from 8th Grade Curriculum, Luther’s Small Catechism, Al Freeland
Course recording here. Lord's Prayer power point here.
One of the parts of Luther's Catechism is, of course, The Lord's Prayer. The 8th graders learned, not only, about the Lord's Prayer itself, but how prayer in general is a highway to God! There is power in prayer. Al looks at it as: hammering on the "gates of Heaven". Al Freeland, the presenter, will review the class material and expound a bit on his views on Prayer in general.
April 28 – Christian Friendship, from 9th Grade Curriculum, Learning to be Disciples of God & a Member of Your Church Community - Doug Casson & Peder Jothen
Course recording here.
One theme the 9th Graders thought about together is friendship. What makes a good friend? In this session, Doug and Peder will help us reflect on how Christian discipleship is lived out through our friendships. Practices like being a good listener, sympathy, kindness, and forgiveness are all important facets of living out our relationship with God by being a good friend.
March
Sponsored by Mission and Justice, March 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7 – Community Action Center – Satellite Food Shelf
Course recording here.
Dawn Wegscheid and Julia Braulick from the CAC will be our guests. They will discuss plans for the new food shelf housed at the Northfield Community Education Center (old Greenvale Park School). Bethel has been asked to partner with the CAC, Carleton College, AmericaCorps Vista and Growing up Healthy to help operate and fund this initiative in our own neighborhood. You will learn about this program, how it plans to operate, when it will actually start, and Bethel’s potential role. Bethel’s 2020 Thanksgiving offering of $8,410 has been donated toward the startup expenses.
March 14 – Global Health Ministries
Course recording here.
Ceallaigh Anderson Smart, Director of Philanthropy for this Lutheran-based medical organization that works with partners in 14 countries around the world, will join us. Ceallaigh (pronounced Kelly) will explain the mission of GHM, based in Fridley, MN, that collects and sends medical supplies to underserved populations and works to support local hospitals and clinics. During this time of the global pandemic, we will learn about how GHM is supporting local efforts to save lives. Bethel’s Christmas offering of $3,457 (an equal amount was sent to Doctors without Borders) was designated to help GHM and their partners support Covid-19 mitigation. Access the recording here.
March 21 - Isaiah
Course recording here.
Learn about our new Bethel outreach partner for social justice in Minnesota. A panel of presenters will explain about how Isaiah began, who our partners are, and how we can contribute to this initiative. Speakers include Judy Tonolli, member of Bethel’s Mission & Justice Committee, Kathleen Doran-Norton, St. Dominic Catholic Church, Evelyn Burry, United Methodist, and Leota Godney, UCC.
March 28 - Polarization, Community and the Christian Message
Course recording here.
St. Olaf professors Doug Casson, Professor of Political Science and Anthony Bateza, Professor of Religion, will lead a discussion on this timely topic. Doug and Anthony are also Bethel members.
February
New Year, New Hope: Building a Healthier Climate, Lead by the Creation Care Team, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Sunday, February 7 – Responding to Climate Change with Effective Strategies
How the global climate system works is obviously complicated, but thanks to a century of climate science and powerful climate computer models, we're able to understand what changes will help us meet the target to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Rod Fisher, with Climate Interactive and Citizens' Climate Lobby, will be running a live workshop using En-ROADS, one of these models. Together, in this exercise, we'll find a path forward that's good for the climate and for people. Access the recording here.
Click here to explore the En-ROADS model yourself. Can you get global warming down to 2 degrees Celsius?
Click here to learn more about H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which seeks to put a price on carbon.
Click here to call your Representatives and ask them to support the bill.
More questions? Email us! Presenter Rod Fischer | Bethel member Cynthia Carau
Sunday, February 14 – Electricity- What it means to go green by 2050
Richard Schulte brings over 30 years of industrial experience in the electronic and gas industry preceded by degrees in electrical engineering (South Dakota State University) and a masters degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MIT) to a discussion on electricity and its role in confronting climate change. He will characterize the present status of the electrical industry and lay out the challenges of moving to totally green electrical energy by 2050. Access the recording here.
Sunday, February 21 - Local action for Climate
What can you do to help implement the Northfield Climate Action Plan? Attend this presentation to learn about the energy use in our community, energy efficiency ideas for your home, the Grow Solar Rice County Program and other actions you can take. Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator for the City of Northfield will be our speaker.
Sunday, February 28 - A Faith voice for Climate Justice
Join Charissa Verdoorn from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light as we explore the climate justice movement that is emerging around the world. From climate strikes, to building equity into the emerging renewable energy revolution, to protecting sacred lands, MNIPL is at the center of organizing a faith voice to take climate action. Learn how you can get engaged in this growing movement, and how Bethel Lutheran can become a Climate Justice. Congregation. To change everything, we need everyone--and we can make a difference together. Access the recording here.
January
Mission & Justice Forum, Lead by Mission & Justice Committee & Paul Ramig, January 10.
The recording for this course is here. Additional resource videos mentioned in the class are: Trip Summary video, Mural, Chamizal, Trip Summary report. If you have additional questions, email Paul Ramig.
Sunday, January 10 - Paul Ramig
Paul Ramig is a member of Vang Lutheran Church located east of Dennison. He and 8 other members and friends of the congregation were looking for a mission trip to build fellowship and to help others. They settled on the Border Immersion Trip which they took in late January, 2020. They traveled to El Paso-Texas, Jaurez-Mexico, and Las Cruces-New Mexico to find out first-hand what was taking place on the border. Paul describes his life-changing trip through a video he helped create, as well as his personal experiences and perceptions.