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All Saints Sunday

Sermon Theme for November 3:
God's Promise

On Sunday we will hear God’s Word from Pastor Ben Sandin.

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. John 11:32–33[Offsite Link]

On Sunday we will remember all the saints who gone to heaven before us, particularly those who have died in the past year. As we remember these beloved children of God, we are grounded in God’s promise of eternal life and reminded of God’s presence in our struggles. The gospel text features the interaction that Mary and Martha have with Jesus after their brother Lazarus has died. Jesus is deeply moved by their grief and begins to weep. Jesus shows God’s heart for the hurting and reminds us we never walk alone. Join us Sunday as we remember our loved ones.

Making Sense of Luther cover

Making Sense of Martin Luther, Oct 6–Nov 17

This Sunday morning video series (9:50am in the Fireside Room) features Rev Dr David Lose focusing on Martin Luther and Lutheran theology. This seven-session video explores how Luther's understanding of God's life-changing gospel informs day-to-day faith and life in the world today.

The series is published by Augsburg Fortress[Offsite Link].

  • Introduction: Luther as Monk, Myth, and Messenger
  • Chapter 1: The Reluctant Reformer—Introducing “the Monk Who Changed the World”
  • Chapter 2: Freedom! Justification by Grace through Faith
  • Chapter 3: The Present-Tense God—Law and Gospel
  • Chapter 4: The Ambidextrous God—The Two Kingdoms and God’s Ongoing Work in the World
  • Chapter 5: Called for Good—Vocation, Sinning Boldly, and the Respiratory System of the Body of Christ
  • Chapter 6: God Hidden and Revealed—Luther’s Theology of the Cross and the Sacraments
  • Chapter 7: Semper Simul—Sin, Forgiveness, and “Becoming Christian”
Giving Tree logo

Giving Tree, Nov 3–Dec 1

The Bethel Lutheran family is once again partnering with Help One Child[Offsite Link] to provide love and Christmas cheer to children and adolescents in foster care.

Help One Child[Offsite Link] is a non-profit organization that partners with local churches and community agencies, with a mission to strengthen foster, adoptive, and at-risk families by providing them access to education, community and tangible resources. By addressing the unique needs of foster, adoptive and vulnerable families, we strive to positively impact the long-term health and stability for family preservation.

Bethel has been asked to give a total of 40 gifts with 8 gifts per age group:

  • 0–3
  • 4–7
  • 8–12
  • 13–17
  • 18–21

Starting Sunday Nov 3, pick up a gift tag for a child you would like to support and return the unwrapped gift to church with the gift tag securely fastened. Each gift tag will list an age and gender. Gift suggestions will also be provided. Each gift should be $40–50. We are also collecting gift cards to support older youth.

Sunday Nov 24 is the last day to select a gift tag. Gifts (unwrapped), with gift cards securely attached, must be returned no later than Dec 1. If you have questions, please contact Mark Evashenk.

Liz Milner

Wed Night Speaker Series, Nov 6
Rev Liz Milner

Join us in the Fireside Room at 7pm on the first Wednesday of the month for special topics and guest speakers. (In January we will meet on the second Wednesday.) Invite friends! Each session will end with a Q&A time and sweet and savory refreshments. Look for more info in your bulletin and e-news.

Our speaker for Nov 6 will be Rev Liz Milner from CIC ministries[Offsite Link].

Brunchies announcement

Brunchies Walk, Nov 7

Thursday Nov 7, 10am–1:30pm. All are invited to the initial outing of “Brunchies.” Take the Bethel bus to Willow Glen, where we will enjoy a leisurely stroll down Lincoln Avenue, then have brunch/lunch at the Crepevine Restaurant[Offsite Link]. Contact Robyn Winegardner for more information.

frozen turkey

Turkey Drive, Nov 24

Once again, Bethel Lutheran Church will be supporting the needs of our community by donating turkeys to a local food bank bank. This year we are supporting West Valley Community Services[Offsite Link] as The Lord’s Pantry[Offsite Link] is temporarily closed. Let’s keep the Lord’s Pantry in our prayers.

The mission of WVCS is to unite the community to fight hunger and homelessness. Their vision is a community where every person has food on the table and every person has a roof over their head. Their work is fueled by six core values: compassion, dignity, integrity, service, diversity, and ingenuity.

Bring your frozen turkey to Bethel on Sunday Nov 24. Note, there is some space to accept turkeys the previous Sunday. But all turkeys need to be delivered by 12:30 pm on November 24th so they can be taken to WVCS.

For questions, please contact Mark Evashenk.

Caregiver Reception announcement

Caregiver Reception, Nov 24

During November's National Family Caregiver Month[Offsite Link], Caring Connection wishes to honor and thank the family caregivers at Bethel with a reception. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, your children, your spouse, neighbors or friends; Bethel sees you and thanks you. Please join us for cake and treats during the coffee hour, 9:40–10:40am, in the Welcome Zone.

Thanksgiving Eve Eve announcement

Thanksgiving Eve Eve Worship & Pie, Nov 26

Come to Bethel for a Thanksgiving worship and stay for pie. Bring a pie if you wish. Tuesday, Nov 26, 7pm, Sanctuary & Fireside.

Decorate for Advent & Christmas announcement

Help Decorate, Dec 7

On Saturday, Dec 7, 9:30am-noon, come and help decorate the Sanctuary and Narthex for Advent and Christmas. There will be 3 Christmas trees, poinsettias, a nativity scene, banners, and lights to put up. Contact Tom Hoegel.

Altar Guild announcement

Altar Guild Needs Helpers

The Altar Guild is searching for women or men to help with Holy Communion: one hour prep on second Saturdays and/or 45 minute cleanup on second Sundays, 3 or 4 times a year. Please contact Marion Abney for more information.

Safe Car Park announcement

Rotating Safe Car Park

This is the second year that Bethel will be a Rotating Safe Car Park (RSCP) host. All guests have been through a screening and placement process. We can expect 10–15 guests and about the same number of cars at Bethel. Safe Car Park hours for guests will be between 6pm–7am, 7 days a week.
Volunteers are needed to provide hospitality services, like snacks and drinks, to the guests. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Hella Bluhm-Stieber or Robyn Winegardner and they will send you the sign-up link. Hospitality hours are 7pm–7:30pm & 6:30am–6:55am. The YMCA provides free shower privileges to the RSCP Guests.

Family Supportive Housing logo

Seeking San Jose Family Shelter Breakfast Volunteers!

The San Jose Family Shelter[Offsite Link] needs volunteers to cook or serve, on the follow Sundays in 2024:

  • Feb 11
  • Apr 14
  • Jun 9
  • Aug 11
  • Oct 13
  • Dec 8

Cooks are needed 5:30–7am
Servers are needed 6:45–8:15am
Contact for more info: Chris Ford.

Bethel Staff on Zoom

Bethel Staff Zooms

Bethel Staff meet about once a month to record a brief presentation that you can view on our YouTube Channel[Offsite Link]. Look for the heading Bethel Staff Zooms.

 

What’s Been Happening

Día De Los Muertos, Nov 2

Bethel's Out 'n About enjoyed a tour of the San Francisco Symphony and a matinee performance of their annual “Día De Los Muertos”. The concert celebrates Latin American music and culture, honoring the rich heritage of this ancient holiday. Thanks to Molly Schrey for these photos. Click one to see a full size version.

Thank you Tom Hoegel, Oct 27

In this video[Offsite Link], a few current and former Bethel members share accolades and messages for Tom Hoegel, who started ministry at Bethel Lutheran Church in 1984.

Trunk or Treat, Oct 27

Bethel held its annual Trunk or Treat event on Oct 27. Thanks to Amanda Laughlin for these photos. Click each one to see a full size version.

WOW Pastor Appreciation, Oct 9

Bethel's Women of Wednesday (WOW) celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month. Thanks to Alice Isaacson for sending the photo. (You can click the photo to see a larger image.)

Norman Puck

Rotating Safe Car Park, Sep 29

Norman Puck, one of the managers of the RSCP program, presented an overview of the project, discussed safety and risks, and explained how guests are selected to be in the program. There was a time for questions about the program. Please contact Paul Baldwin or Hella Bluhm-Stieber if you want to know more or to volunteer to help.

Fruits of the Spirit

Fuzzy Fruit Movie, Sep 15

At both worship services, Amanda Laughlin presented a short video of where the Take Out Church's Fuzzy Fruit were photographed this summer. If you missed it, you can watch the services on our YouTube channel[Offsite Link].

Labor Day Retreat, Sep 1

Bethel held its annual Labor Day Retreat at Mt Cross[Offsite Link] on Sep 1. Thanks to Molly Schrey for these photos. Click each one to see a full size version.

Bethel Ministry Guide

Ministry Guide, May 8

Mary Deutscher has published an updated Ministry Guide. This is primarily intended for visitors and new members so they can see what is happening at Bethel. You can download the Guide here[PDF Document].

COVID-19 virus

COVID Recommendations

Masks and/or vaccination are not required. We encourage you to be vaccinated if possible and we fully support anyone who wants to come masked.

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