Glory to God in the Highest!
The angels said to the shepherds: I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
Indeed this is the news that we await to hear on Christmas Eve, the pronouncement that our Savior, Jesus Christ is born! It is life changing, earth shaking news for the entire world. God’s promise has been fulfilled!
On behalf of the Church Council, the staff and all the members and guests of Bethany, we want to wish you and those you love a blessed, Merry Christmas! It is a time of hope, joy, love and peace.
In recent days we’ve celebrated the MESSIAH concert and laughed with the Sunday School children in “ARREST THESE MERRY GENTLEMEN”. Both excellent reminders of the promise fulfilled in Jesus which brings us merry mirth and abundant joy.
Our theme for 2012 is Blessed to Belong. We are a community of Christians, marked by the cross, gathering in God’s house, Bethany Lutheran Church. Yet, we are also a community gathered with and sent into the world to bear the Good News of Jesus Christ. In our baptisms we are commissioned to “Go and tell it on the mountains and everywhere!” We encourage you to hold in prayer Pastor Ron’s and our sabbatical, our larger community, military personnel and their families.
This coming year we are celebrating the General Fund. We thank you in advance for your generosity and support of all of our ministries. In light of our focus and commitment of the general fund we are closely monitoring special requests for fundraisers during the first quarter of 2012. We will have opportunities to support Souper Bowl of Caring (50% of the funds raised will go to ELCA Hunger and 50% to Metro CareRing). We will have fundraisers for the Youth Group mission trips. We’ll collect items for Hope Totes during Lent; and on Easter Sunday, we’ll ask that you bring disposable diapers for DENUM ministry. We know that you’re always very supportive of requests from the community and participate as you are able.
During these holy days of light and love we pray for you and yours. God’s blessings, and thank you for your partnership in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to God’s people on earth.
Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry
