Women's Bible Study: Abide with Me

Bethesda women will meet from 9:30 - 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 28 in Centennial Hall for the second part of a study, God's Name, God's Promise. We'll see how God "abides" with us and look at the parable of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

The study is in the March/April/May Gather magazine. If you do not have a subscription, copies are in the Welcome Center. The study also can be found online here

Screen-Printed Spiritwear is Ready for Pickup!

Great news!

Screen-printed Bethesda spiritwear is ready for pickup (embroidered designs aren't quite ready yet). Karla Mortensen will be here this weekend for you to pick up your new garments at the following times:

• Before and after worship on Saturday, April 18th
• After worship on Sunday, April 19th

If you will not be around to pick up your orders this weekend, they will be available to pick up in the office.

If you missed this round of ordering but are interested in spiritwear, a select number of retro design and stained-glass t-shirts and sweatshirt samples are available in the office for purchase. Sizes range from Medium to XL. They are limited, so get them while you can!

April Ladies Lunch Bunch!

The Ladies Lunch Bunch is meeting at Provisions Lot F (2400 N Loop Drive) at 11:30 AM on April 23rd.

All ladies are welcome to join, no need to sign up just show up!

O.W.L.s Cafe World Food Prize Hall of Laureates Tour June 11

OWLS is offering a tour of the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates for ANY interested Bethesda member on June 11 at 1:30 PM. Kent Schescke, Bethesda member and docent at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates has arranged a 60 - 90 minute tour. Sign-ups are available online by clicking here or on the Welcome Center.

Sign up by May 31 to attend.



If you’re able to drive, we would appreciate volunteers to help transport those who cannot drive themselves. You may indicate on the sign-up if you are able to drive. The group will meet at the Bethesda parking lot at noon to carpool to Des Moines.

Be Part of the Clean Up Crew at the End of Year Celebration!

Our end-of-year celebration is just around the corner, and we can’t make it a success without you! We need two more volunteers on May 16th to help with cleanup after the festivities. Cleanup should start around 7:00 PM and last until 8:00 PM. Sign up here to lend a hand.

A New Podcast Episode is Live!

This week in episode 14 of "Text Study with Pastors Bryan Simmons + Jesse Hershberger," our hosts explore...

First Reading - Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm - Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Second Reading - 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel - Luke 24:13-35

Give it a listen before or after services this week!

You can find the podcast on Bethesda's YouTube Channel, Apple Podcasts or on Spotify: "Text Study with Pastors Bryan Simmons and Jesse Hershberger". 

Recognize your High School and College Seniors!

Let's celebrate all of our graduating seniors during worship on Saturday, May 16! If you have a graduating high school or college senior, please email their senior photo, school accomplishments, and future plans to Tess Hanson before Monday, May 11!

Know Thy Shelf Book's April & May Reads!

In April, The Know Thy Shelf book club will be discussing The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters by Christine E. Webb on April 16, 7:00 PM in the Crossroads.

Know Thy Shelf's will meet Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM in the Crossroads to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

The book club is open to everyone, and there’s no obligation to attend every time. If we’re reading a book that interests you, join us! If you haven’t read the book but you’d like to listen to the discussion, you're welcome to attend!

Spring Cluster 1 Gathering

The Women of the ELCA Spring Cluster 1 Gathering is taking place Saturday, April 18th at Bethesda Lutheran Church. Registration ($5) opens at 9:30 AM with coffee and fellowship time and the program begins at 10:00 AM.

This year's speakers are:

• Natalie Estrem from LSI Global Greens
• Mary Ross and Barb Dalholft from Girls Matter Period

Girls Matter Period is a non-profit organization serving girls and women by providing washable/reusable feminine hygiene supplies, donating the products so girls can stay in school to reach their full potential. The organization has served over 4,300 women and girls in South Africa, and would be grateful if attendees considered donating items from the list below:

• PUL (Waterproof fabric)
• Quilter's 100% cotton in bright and pretty colors for bags and medium to dark prints for sheets
• 100% cotton flannel in medium to dark colors
• Fabric (no fabric with faces bugs, animals, war, camouflage, words, or culture specific prints)
• New washcloths (no white) - not washed. Do not purchase from Walmart as they do not keep their edge stitching.
• Polyester thread - medium to dark colors
• polyester serger thread (no white)
• Girls' underwear size 10-16 or adult size 5-10 (no white)
• Gift cards for fabric from Hobby Lobby, etc.
• Cash donations for ribbon, polyester thread, wash cloths, underwear. Payable to Ames Sewing Team.

Help Lead SPLASH Music and Art Workshops This Month!

Here's your chance to be a music workshop leader for SPLASH April 23, and 30. No musical experience needed and the lessons are planned out for you. If you're interested, contact Elizabeth Matthies!

Confirmation Weekend is Coming Up!

Plan to join us in celebrating our 8th grade confirmands on May 2 & 3.  In celebration, cake with be provided in the Commons for both services.

April and May SPLASH Donation Asks

The end of the programming year will be here before we know it, and SPLASH still needs your help! Donation asks for April and May are currently listed on the donation board on the Welcome Center. If you want to donate an item or two, write your name on the tab!

O.W.L.s Cafe Puzzle Exchange May 14

Join us for coffee, treats, and fellowship in the Commons on Thursday, May 14 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Bring a jigsaw puzzle or another puzzle to exchange!

Save the Date for the End of the Programming Year Celebration and Senior Recognition!

Come together for a blended worship service on Saturday, May 16th at 5:30 PM on the East Patio to celebrate the end of the programming year and senior recognition! Remember to bring your lawn chair! After worship, enjoy yard games for all ages, food, a balloon artist and face painter.

Registration for VBS is OPEN!

Register your pre-k through 5th grade students for Vacation Bible School, June 28th - July 2nd from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM! Please note, this year you will register your child with the grade they are currently in. To register your child click here.

If you are not registering a child, but would like to financially support the VBS Ministry, click here.

Calling All Energetic Event Organizers...

Bethesda is gauging interest in volunteers to organize and participate in the Ames 4th of July Parade. If you're interested in organizing the event, please fill out this form. Please note, we are only gauging interest and have not yet made a commitment to participate in the Ames 4th of July Parade,

Join Bethesda at Camp this Summer!

Bethesda youth (and friends!) are encouraged to sign up for Week 6 (July 19th - 24th) at Lutheran Lakeside camp this summer.

Youth will participate in camp activities within their age/cabin groups, with congregation time led by Pastor Jesse each evening.

Explorer is for students entering 2nd - 4th grade and lasts from July 19th - 24th.

Cultivator is for students entering 4th -6th grade.

Trailblazer is for students entering 6th - 9th grade.

Voyager is for students entering 10th-12th grade.

Click here to register. Use code BLames24 during checkout for 50% off the cost of camp. Register before March 1st for an additional $50 off. When registering, please be sure to put that you are connected to Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa, and let Pastor Jesse know you have registered. Contact Pastor Jesse with any questions. 

Highlight Congregation Members Receiving Community Recognition

If you know of a congregation member who is being recognized in our community for their accomplishments or positive contributions, e-mail Tess AND Heather in the office with their name, a short description of their accomplishment, and/or a link to an article discussing their achievement.

Looking for a New Devotional Resource?

You are invited to check out the d365 devotional, available online or as an app (search d365 in the app store). This ministry is supported by the ELCA. There is a daily theme, a short scripture reading and reflection and a prayer. You can even sign up for a daily text reminder! Contact Pastor Jesse with any questions. 

DOWNLOAD NOW: Church by MinistryOne!

Bringing the church directory with you just got even easier! We're thrilled to introduce our Beta phase of a new mobile app, Church by MinistryOne, that will not only replace the ShelbyNext mobile app but also bring a host of exciting new features and improvements! Click here to learn how to download the new app!

Why are we changing apps?

MinistryOne brands will no longer be supporting the ShelbyNext mobile app. The ShelbyNext app will still be available to use, it will just not be getting updated.

What about ShelbyNext Web?

ShelbyNext Web will remain accessible on desktop or laptop computers and will still be supported. This change does not affect ShelbyNext Web.

What will I be able to do on this new app?

The new mobile app, Church by MinistryOne, offers a wide range of features. You can view the church directory (and actually see the profile photos of other congregation members), manage your ShelbyNext profile, set up contributions, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and even watch past worship services, among other things. It's a comprehensive tool designed to enhance your church experience.

If you have issues with the new app, please contact the office.

Give a Gift Online

Don't carry cash or checks? You can set up a recurring or one-time gift to Bethesda online. You can also donate to organizations like LSI or Global Refuge through Bethesda by selecting "other" on our giving form.