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 is "joinable" at any time.
Bethel U will be online for Fall 2020. 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.
Bethel U will be online for Fall 2020. 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.
2021 Offerings
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.
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.
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.
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.
DECEMBER 2020 OFFERINGS
Alternative Giving Fair: How Can I Help Those in Need, November 22, 29, December 6, 13 with Karna Hauck, Amy Narveson, & Friends.
We are living in unprecedented times, similarly to when Jesus walked the earth. People were experiencing extreme challenges like we are experiencing today...fear, pain, suffering, and injustice along with unbridled hope and resilience, then and now. Jesus was the hope and love then, and Jesus is the hope and love now – through us. Together, we can create equality and support justice. We can help provide resources for those in need and raise up those who are marginalized. We can protect our planet so we can live healthy lives. One person, one contribution, one act of faith, and one offer of help adds up to a world of hope in a world of need. When we give, we provide hope.
Hosts Amy Narveson and Karna Hauck will feature a different guest speaker each week with a special ending story, poem, or prayer with Mac Gimse.
Nov 22 - Operation Joy: Scott Wopata and Lisa Percy talk about the Community Action Center and the current needs of the Northfield community during these pandemic times and learn ways you can make a difference right here in the Northfield community. Click here for more information on Operation Joy.
Course recording is here.
Nov 29 - Plugging In!: Amy Narveson and Karna Hauck talk about Alternative Giving during the holidays. Find out the 2020 projects sponsored through the 12th annual Alternative Giving Fair (AGF). Amy and Karna will talk about how AGF has positively impacted their lives, how it has called them to take action, and how it has transformed the Bethel faith community. ALSO, please welcome special guest Kathryn Lozada from ISAIAH MN!
Course recording is here.
Dec 6 - Out of the Dead Earth Rises the Green Shoot: Dan Ruth talks about Minneapolis-based organization, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry - LPGM (founded by Bethel members, Gordon and Betty Olson) - the past, present and future of this global relationship-building group.
Course recording is here.
Dec 13 - Water is Life: Paige Nagle from International organization, charity: water will share information about clean water needs in the world. It is a known fact that one in ten people lack access to clean water and Paige will share how charity:water is on a mission to change that fact by bringing safe water to the planet. To hear the story of chairty: water, click here. Course recording is here.
Join this Bethel U class to learn about how these organizations are making a difference, and learn ways to help locally and internationally and give to those in real need this holiday season.
For more information on the Alternative Giving Fair, to view the 2020 AGF Booklet and order form, click here.
NOVEMBER 2020 OFFERINGS
Mission & Justice Forum, November 15, with Rep. Todd Lippert
Course recording is here.
District 20 Representative Todd Lippert will be speaking on his basic philosophy about working for the common good, as it applies to his legislative perspective. Todd, who hails from small-town Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa and later, Union Theological Seminary; he was ordained in 2003. He is married to Sara and is father to 3. Since 2003, he has been the lead pastor at the UCC Church in Northfield, a position he held until resigning in 2020 to devote more time to legislative duties. His goal there is to make our government work for everyone. His areas of concern are health care, climate change, clean energy and fully funded schools, as well as concerns for Northfield's immigrant community. In the house, he serves as vice-chair of the long-term care division, and serves on 4 other committees.
Self-care in Uncertain Times, November 1, 8, 22, with various Bethel members
Sunday, November 1: Chicken Soup for the Body, Mind, and Soul, with Kitty Runzheimer & friends -
Course recording is here. Kitty's "Chicken Soup" recipe and Table Grace are here.
We know (and it has been proven!) that chicken soup is good for our bodies when we’re stressed or ill. But are there other things we can learn from this old staple to help us nourish our mind and soul as well? Join Bethel’s Kitty Runzheimer as she explores ways to care for ourselves in these constantly changing times.
Sunday, November 8: Staying Active, with Chelsey Headrick & Marcy Korynta
Due to technical difficulties, this course was not recorded. However, resources from the discussion are here.
Join us to discuss how to care for ourselves by staying active. We will talk about ways to stay engaged and balanced in the three areas of the Health Pyramid: Physical, Mental, and Social/Spiritual wellbeing. This will be a collaborative discussion where leaders and participants can offer tips and tricks to stay active, happy, and healthy.
Sunday, November 22: The Power of Positivity – Tips for staying mentally well during the pandemic, with Jane Runzheimer, MD
Course recording is here. Positive Mental Health Gratitude Prayer is here.
With the stressors going on in our world right now, many of us are struggling with anxiety, depression and isolation. In this class we will explore some ideas for staying mentally healthy during this time including the practices of gratitude, mindfulness, meditative prayer and healthy sleep. We are hoping to have open discussion where others can share practices they have found helpful during this time as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DECEMBER 2020 OFFERINGS
Alternative Giving Fair: How Can I Help Those in Need, November 22, 29, December 6, 13 with Karna Hauck, Amy Narveson, & Friends.
We are living in unprecedented times, similarly to when Jesus walked the earth. People were experiencing extreme challenges like we are experiencing today...fear, pain, suffering, and injustice along with unbridled hope and resilience, then and now. Jesus was the hope and love then, and Jesus is the hope and love now – through us. Together, we can create equality and support justice. We can help provide resources for those in need and raise up those who are marginalized. We can protect our planet so we can live healthy lives. One person, one contribution, one act of faith, and one offer of help adds up to a world of hope in a world of need. When we give, we provide hope.
Hosts Amy Narveson and Karna Hauck will feature a different guest speaker each week with a special ending story, poem, or prayer with Mac Gimse.
Nov 22 - Operation Joy: Scott Wopata and Lisa Percy talk about the Community Action Center and the current needs of the Northfield community during these pandemic times and learn ways you can make a difference right here in the Northfield community. Click here for more information on Operation Joy.
Course recording is here.
Nov 29 - Plugging In!: Amy Narveson and Karna Hauck talk about Alternative Giving during the holidays. Find out the 2020 projects sponsored through the 12th annual Alternative Giving Fair (AGF). Amy and Karna will talk about how AGF has positively impacted their lives, how it has called them to take action, and how it has transformed the Bethel faith community. ALSO, please welcome special guest Kathryn Lozada from ISAIAH MN!
Course recording is here.
Dec 6 - Out of the Dead Earth Rises the Green Shoot: Dan Ruth talks about Minneapolis-based organization, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry - LPGM (founded by Bethel members, Gordon and Betty Olson) - the past, present and future of this global relationship-building group.
Course recording is here.
Dec 13 - Water is Life: Paige Nagle from International organization, charity: water will share information about clean water needs in the world. It is a known fact that one in ten people lack access to clean water and Paige will share how charity:water is on a mission to change that fact by bringing safe water to the planet. To hear the story of chairty: water, click here. Course recording is here.
Join this Bethel U class to learn about how these organizations are making a difference, and learn ways to help locally and internationally and give to those in real need this holiday season.
For more information on the Alternative Giving Fair, to view the 2020 AGF Booklet and order form, click here.
NOVEMBER 2020 OFFERINGS
Mission & Justice Forum, November 15, with Rep. Todd Lippert
Course recording is here.
District 20 Representative Todd Lippert will be speaking on his basic philosophy about working for the common good, as it applies to his legislative perspective. Todd, who hails from small-town Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa and later, Union Theological Seminary; he was ordained in 2003. He is married to Sara and is father to 3. Since 2003, he has been the lead pastor at the UCC Church in Northfield, a position he held until resigning in 2020 to devote more time to legislative duties. His goal there is to make our government work for everyone. His areas of concern are health care, climate change, clean energy and fully funded schools, as well as concerns for Northfield's immigrant community. In the house, he serves as vice-chair of the long-term care division, and serves on 4 other committees.
Self-care in Uncertain Times, November 1, 8, 22, with various Bethel members
Sunday, November 1: Chicken Soup for the Body, Mind, and Soul, with Kitty Runzheimer & friends -
Course recording is here. Kitty's "Chicken Soup" recipe and Table Grace are here.
We know (and it has been proven!) that chicken soup is good for our bodies when we’re stressed or ill. But are there other things we can learn from this old staple to help us nourish our mind and soul as well? Join Bethel’s Kitty Runzheimer as she explores ways to care for ourselves in these constantly changing times.
Sunday, November 8: Staying Active, with Chelsey Headrick & Marcy Korynta
Due to technical difficulties, this course was not recorded. However, resources from the discussion are here.
Join us to discuss how to care for ourselves by staying active. We will talk about ways to stay engaged and balanced in the three areas of the Health Pyramid: Physical, Mental, and Social/Spiritual wellbeing. This will be a collaborative discussion where leaders and participants can offer tips and tricks to stay active, happy, and healthy.
Sunday, November 22: The Power of Positivity – Tips for staying mentally well during the pandemic, with Jane Runzheimer, MD
Course recording is here. Positive Mental Health Gratitude Prayer is here.
With the stressors going on in our world right now, many of us are struggling with anxiety, depression and isolation. In this class we will explore some ideas for staying mentally healthy during this time including the practices of gratitude, mindfulness, meditative prayer and healthy sleep. We are hoping to have open discussion where others can share practices they have found helpful during this time as well.