Bethel United Church of Christ

The LINK is a monthly publication LINKing together the people of

Bethel United Church of Christ

Volume 54, Issue 12

JULY/AUGUST 2014

© Aug. 9 & 10—Reiki Workshop—Reiki Workshop  classes will be held at the clubhouse at North Brighton Townhouses, Inc, 5057 NE 37th St., Kansas City, MO 64117.  Lunch will be provided.  In addition to the Reiki workshop there will be a free lecture on Reiki at Bethel United Church. The schedule is a follows:  

© 7 pm Friday, Aug. 8 free lecture/history of Reiki at Bethel United Church of Christ, 4900 NE Parvin Road, Kansas City, MO 64117

© August 9 from 9am—4pm at North Brighton Townhouses, Inc.

© August 10 from 9am—2pm at North Brighton Townhouses, Inc.

Cost for the 2 day training is $150. Checks can be made out to either Pat Armstrong or Tim McNamara. Payment needs to be received by Aug. 1. See Pat Armstrong 816-695-7825 for additional information.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing.

Bethel has help fund two Habitat houses and continues to support Habitat through this special offering. Please consider prayerfully your donation to this special fund.

 HUNGER ACTION

Hunger Action Center is a non-profit organization through the UCC working with partners across the United States to end hunger. Hunger Action's mission focuses on ensuring food security for all peoples. Local and national ministries working directly with hunger programs that feed the poor.

An estimated 925 million people globally will go hungry today. 7 billion people share the planet and by 2050 the world’s population is expected to increase to 9 billion people. This increase will put enormous pressure on global food capacity. Added to that, more people in Western-style and growing economies are adopting a high calorie, meat-based diet, and the price of staples used for continue to rise .

In this compelling scripture, Jesus includes even those we do not know as those with whom we must share our food, our water, and our welcome. He does not distinguish between the “deserving’ or undeserving” poor, nor does he make a distinction between those who live close to us and those who may live in other places. He calls all his followers to share what we have and to work towards a time when all people have enough food and water for their needs.

 There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, July 27 immediately following  worship.

The Link editor is taking a break. We will not be publishing a Link this August—Information on special activities and events will be available on Bethel ‘s Facebook page or posted on the website.

Twinkies and Root Beer

"I Am who I Am." Exodus 3:13

This month I continue with stories I have received over the years. Here is a special message that takes us on a trip with a little boy looking for God.

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly woman. The woman was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the woman looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. The woman gratefully accepted it and smiled at the boy. Her smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again the woman smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the woman and gave her a hug. The woman give him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile the elderly woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mom, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

~Author Unknown~

Throughout the Bible we hear stories of people meeting God in a number of ways. Moses met God in a burning bush. God has been described as a Comforter, Healer, Shepherd, Mother Hen, a Rock, a Father, a Refuge, a Shield, and even a Righteous Judge. Have you ever had an experience where you walked away and said, "I have looked into the face of God?" Because we are human we try to describe God with human qualities and often forget that God can be found in an action just like the story says: a touch, a smile, a kind word, etc. So think back and remember those times that God was probably right there beside you and you just didn't recognize the great "I Am". Pack up your twinkies and root beer and be ready to share them. You don't know who might join you!

Peace, 

Pastor Karen

The third Saturday of October (October 18) is the day that people of faith, from many different denominations all over the state, gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia. The groups and families bring money that has been raised and “kits” that have been assembled during the year. Volunteers help to sack rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to Missouri agencies. In the afternoon state agencies bring their trucks and trailers to receive the kits, rice, beans and potatoes to distribute to their clients. Kits, assembled for Church World Service, are loaded on a semi truck to continue their journey to other parts of the world. The Festival generates approximately $1 million annually. The interfaith event is an expression of mission support and involvement that has helped improve the lives of countless individuals in Missouri and around the world. This year we will be doing the Dental and Hygiene kits. The list of needed items will be available in the Narthex or you can give a monetary contribution and Benevolence will do the shopping for you.

Saturday July 26, 2014

10 a.m.—Noon

Games & Activities for the whole family and FREE school supplies for youth in grades K-8

To volunteer see Anne Eversmeyer or Kristen Marshall.

Cash donations needed to purchase supplies or see the shopping list in the Narthex.

Please pray for . . . 

Serving our Country: Austin Rice, Eric Rice, Jamison Dickey, and John Gonzalez, grandsons of Charles Arnspiger; Barbara Moffet’s nephew, TJ Moffet; Tom Adams, Lindsey Adam’s spouse

In Extended Care:  Gale Sundermeyer,  Ray Terrill, Veterans’ Home of Missouri, Cameron; Bettye Hadley, Excelsior Springs; Mae Veach, Gower Care Center, Rm 116; Vi Highbarger, New Mark Care Center

 Family and friends needing prayer:    Marilyn Helmich; Gerry McGuire; Gene &  Ginny McCarty;  Betty Meugniot; Carol Mann; Audie Wilson; Jim Manley;  Ruth Gullotta, Mike Mendon’s mother; Mollie Geitz’s sister Loretta Duncan; Doug Williams; Hance Pierson’s sister, Anna Lou Porter; Melvin Berka and Karen Lind-Olson Doug Berka’s father and sister; Susan Schindler’s  sister-in-law, Phyllis Carpenter; Jim Pope, Marilyn Helmich’s nephew;  Anthony Hayes; Nathan & Shatara Lisle & Baby Mason Jade, Chad Willis’ cousin; Lorene Reese, friend of Jan Rickert;  Twila Corn, mother of Preston Corn; Lauri Buck’s friend, Rita Mendenez; Ernestine Heusi, sister-in-law of Marie Penrod; Ruthanna Rodatz, Kathy Corn’s sister; Debbie Burnikel, friend of Don & Anne Eversmeyer; Salli Pace, Randy Pace’s mother; friends of Marquita Pace, Seth & Jazzmine Stockam and their newborn son Nolan; Marilyn Martin, friend of the Rickerts; Matt Williams, Barb Moffet’s nephew; Macklin Watson, friend of Jay & Kristen Marshall;  Judy & Jerome Lighthart, friends of the Corns. 

KIDS’ Fest is coming right up!  This year’s date is Saturday, July 26th from 10:00 to noon.  Plans are in FULL swing for another fun filled morning of activities and Bethel’s gifting of a bag of school supplies to children in our neighborhood, from Kindergarten thru 8^th grade.  By the time you are reading this LINK you will also have seen a poster in the narthex and a brightly colored bulletin insert promoting this now annual event.  This is year #10.  YOUR help with the purchase of school supplies OR cash/check donations for the purchase of the needed supplies will be genuinely appreciated.  Needed supplies are as follows:

Elementary:

• · #2 Pencils

  

• · Large Pink Eraser
• · 24 Count Crayons
• · Glue Stick
• · 70 Count Spiral Notebook

Middle School

• · wide ruled notebook paper
• · Blue or Black Pens (erasable preferred)
• · 70 Count Spiral Notebook
• · Large Pink Eraser
• · #2 Pencils

There is a printed shopping list in the school bus on the poster                                                                      

 If you are doing the shopping, items may be brought to church and placed in the orange plastic tub in the narthex, under the KIDS’ Fest poster. If getting out in the heat to shop is not your thing, we will happily accept cash/check donations so that the supplies can be purchased. These last few years we have targeted giving 200 gift bags and we hope to reach that goal again this year.  In addition to school supplies we will need some volunteers to help with activities that morning.  Please call Anne Eversmeyer (468-5050) if you can be part of the fun on the 20th. The KC MO. Police and Fire Departments will be on our parking lot that morning showing off various pieces of safety equipment.  This year for our 10^th anniversary we will also have “Slugger” from the KC Royals and a few critters from the KC Zoo.

Please plan to be present for this REALLY FUN  outreach event.

 THANKS in advance for your caring and generosity.     -----  

Bethel’s Evangelism Team     

Wednesday, July 9 at 12:30 pm  Bethel Friends Unlimited invites you to joining them in the Northroom to watch “Frozen”.  What better way to spend a hot July day than to relax in the air conditioned Northroom of Bethel watching the hit Disney movie “Frozen”. Popcorn, candy and drinks will be available. Please call the church office at 816-453-2638 to let us know if you can come and watch the movie. Parents with children are encouraged to come share an afternoon with the Bethel Friends Unlimited.  You might consider bringing a lawn chair.

Dear Bethel Family,

Thank you for your prayers during my recent illness and hospital stay. We’ve had plenty to pray about lately and I’m grateful for you including me in your prayers.

Christ is Lord, Jim Manley

Sunday, July 6 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - COMMUNION                                  Liz Guevel, Lector

We will celebrate camping and share how nature speaks to us. Guest speakers from "Friends of Mo-Val" will bring us greetings. Think of those times in your life where nature bought you closer to God.

                 Psalm 104: 1-4, 14-30

                 Psalm 121:1-2

Sunday, July 13 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost                                                        Stan Niederhauser, Lector

Genesis 25:19-34

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sunday, July 20 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Jody Meyer, Lector

All church picnic and intergenerational Vacation Bible School. Following worship we will

gather together for fun, fellowship, food, crafts and stories. (see related story)

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Sunday, July 27 - Seventh Sunday of Pentecost _____________, Lector

                Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Sunday, August 3 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - COMMUNION                           _____________, Lector

                 Genesis 32:22-31

                 Matthew 14:13-21

Sunday, August 10 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost                                                                Preston Corn, Lector

                 Genesis 37:1-4,12-28

                 Matthew 14:22-33

Sunday, August 17 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost             _____________, Lector

Genesis 45:1-15

Matthew 15:21-28

Sunday, August 24 - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Jan Rickert, Lector

Exodus 1:8-2:10

Matthew 16:13-20

Sunday, August 31 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost _____________, Lector

Exodus 3:1-15

Romans 12:9-21

Please sign up to be a lector this summer.  We need lectors for these Sundays: July 27, August 3, August 17 and August 31.

Read through the scriptures and pick a Sunday!!

The annual Conference gathering was a very busy and exciting time from Rev. Geoffrey Black’s, the General Minister and President of the UCC, keynote speech on Thursday evening until the final gavel ending the session late Saturday afternoon. Activities included Q&A sessions, workshops, individuals sharing their personal faith journeys, and business sessions. The attendance at the CAG was 282 which was approximately 20% greater than last year.

Conference Council officers were elected and installed. The budget for 2015 was approved. The treasurer reported that the Conference finished 2013 with a negative budget of $32,730.00 which was the smallest deficit in a number of years. This improvement was possible because of the increased giving to OCWM and the fact that both Camp MoVal and Shannondale had positive balances at the end of 2013.

Many more exciting things are taking place in the Conference and a more detailed report will be available on the bulletin board at Bethel.

For me the greatest outcome at this year’s Conference Annual Gathering (CAG) was not anything that was said or any action taken by any group or individual. No, it was the sense of unity and spirit. The spirit of everyone I met was full of hope, and joy, and promise, and a sense that we (the Conference) have turned the corner and is finally moving away from some very dark times in the recent past. The Holy Spirit was surely with everyone in Jefferson City during our time together as we dared to “Dream God’s Dream” for the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

Peace, Ron Wendle

All Church Picnic/VBS—July 20

 Are You Ready for

Fun—Food—Fellowship—Bible Stories

Are you ready for fun, food, fellowship, Bible stories for all ages, games, crafts, hot dogs and burgers?  Put July 20^th on your calendar. 

Our Sunday School is hosting an

All Church Picnic/Vacation Bible School extravaganza.

All you need to bring is a side dish and you!! 

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex.

Added entertainment will be a Cupcake Walk!

Fundraiser for the Music Program— Hosted by the    

Not So Young Adults

¶ Date: July 12 

¶ Time: 6:30 p.m.

¶ Cost: $10 per person or $60 per table for 6 people.

¶ Form your own table with a group of friends or family or sign up as an individual and you will be teamed up with other individuals. Registration forms are available at Bethel

¶ What to Bring: Snacks to Share

¶ To Register: Contact Jeannie Kenyon at 816-805-0954 or the church office (816-453-2628)

¶ Need a Ride: Let us know, we’ll be happy to come and get you!

¶ Activities: Silent Auction with Great Items!

¶ If you have an item for the Silent Auction please contact Jeannie.

¶ Prepare to Have Fun and Raise Money for the Music Fund!

 Bethel’s Creative Sampler Bazaar will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.  A sack lunch will be served from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

There will be an assortment of painted items, clothing, seasonal gifts and decorator pillows plus lots more.  A preview will be held on Tuesday night from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  You can bring your donated baked goods at that time.