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.

Jeff Schertz Coaches Team to State Title

As we wrap up the friendly competition the March Madness brackets brought, here's one more win for congregation members: Jeff Schertz, Ballard High School's Men's Basketball coach, helped his team achieve a state title for the first time in the program's history. Congratulations, Jeff on your excellent work!

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! More details are coming soon!

Get Ready for Worship Services with "Text Study with Pastors Bryan Simmons + Jesse Hershberger"

This week in episode 12 of our podcast, Pastor Bryan and Pastor Jesse discuss:

• Maundy Thursday - John 13:1-17,31b-35
• Good Friday Arrest\Trial - John 18:1-19:16a
• Good Friday Crucifixion - John 19:16b-42
• Easter - Matthew 28:1-10

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". 

Keep an Eye Out for VBS Registration!

Save the date for Vacation Bible School, June 28th - July 2nd from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM! Our theme this year is Illumination Station. Registration and more details are coming soon!

Maundy Thursday Service in the Sanctuary TONIGHT!

Church is open tonight for our Maundy Thursday service, honoring The Last Supper, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Get here early to claim your pew!

Tomorrow Enjoy the Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Tomorrow Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM all are welcome into the Sanctuary to experience a moving musical service.

Plan to Join us on Easter for Breakfast & Worship!

Saturday night Easter Vigil on April 4th and Easter Sunday service (with breakfast beforehand) is April 5th. Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM with service following at 9:30 AM.

Know Thy Shelf Book's April & May Reads!

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

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.

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!

New Member Orientation

Have you seen new faces in the congregation or know somebody in the surrounding area looking for a church home? Tell your friends about Bethesda's New Member Orientation on Sunday, April 12th in the Crossroads after worship.

This is an opportunity for new faces to ask questions and get to know other congregation members from both Saturday and Sunday 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!

Help Elevate Weekend Worship

Bethesda's audiovisual team invites you to join us in running slides, camera, and sound. Whether you want to learn new skills or know someone who would enjoy being part of the action, connect with Randy or Nancy Ewing.

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. 

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.