Bethesda Living Current - March 14, 2025

A weekly e-newsletter of

Bethesda Lutheran Church

Ames, Iowa

March 14, 2025

Vacation Bible School Registration in OPEN

Registration is $10/child and includes a t-shirt, nightly dinner for the kids at 5 PM, Bible Study, music, and other recreational activities throughout the week focused on how we can magnify God's love!

For organizational purposes, we ask that you fill out the form once for every child you have attending.

If you would like to sponsor a child's VBS experience this summer, you can write a check or bring cash to our main office and notate your donation is for a VBS Sponsorship.

New Member Gathering Sunday, March 30

Mark your calendars for the New Member Gathering!

New faces in the congregation are invited to attend the New Member Gathering on March 30th in the Crossroads directly following worship.

(Please note: "New Member" is a loosely defined term in this context. You are welcome to attend the gathering if you've been worshiping with us for a few weeks, months, or years, both official members and not.)

This is a great way to get to know Saturday AND Sunday newcomers in a fun environment. We hope to see you there!

Attend the Lent Soup Suppers

All are invited to attend the Lenten Soup Suppers in the Commons every Wednesday at 5 PM, with worship in the Sancturary following at 6 PM.

March 19th, church council will be serving the supper.

Lenten Soup Suppers are being served weekly until April 9th. After April 9th, we are back to our regular Living Water Wednesday programming.

Help Us Buy Additional Soup Bowls

We are purchasing additional bowls for continued use. While we have some of the new bowls already, we need to buy some additional to ensure there are enough for everyone.

If interested in assisting with this effort, free-will monetary donations can be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church via check and putting "soup bowls" in the memo line or via cash. Whatever amount you feel called to donate would be appreciated. The donations can be dropped off in the church office.

Thank you.

Saving Suds Ministry Update

Last Thursday, Saving Suds distributed $595 in quarters and around 100 Tide Pods from 3:45 to 5:30 PM. Thank you to the four volunteers Pam Sargent, Kim and Lynn Burnett, and Linda Sornson. The work goes fast with four volunteers. If you're interested in helping with the Saving Suds Ministry, please sign up below as we always need volunteers and are still looking for volunteers to take over the operation.

If you are able to volunteer at least an hour and a half of your time, either from 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM or from 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM, the first Thursday of every month, please consider being the people to let this ministry continue as it is highly utilized within the community.

Interested in volunteering, but unsure what you'd be doing? Find step-by-step directions for the volunteer position here.

To volunteer for Saving Suds sign up online or call the church office.

Novice to Expert Bakers...

Bethesda Women's Ministries invites bakers of ALL skill levels, whether you're just learning your way around the kitchen or know any kitchen like the back of your hand, to bake treats, enjoy fellowship - AND your creations - Sunday, March 23rd at 12 PM in the Bethesda kitchen.

It's Time to Plan for Scandinavian Coffee!

All are welcome to attend the Scandinavian Coffee Planning Meeting Monday, March 31st at 6:00 PM in the Crossroads.

Bethesda Book Club's April Read

No Longer Keeping The Peace by Reverend Sam Houser will be discussed Thursday, April 3rd.

Everyone is welcome to participate, whether it’s once for a book you’re interested in, or more frequently for fellowship. The Bethesda Book Club meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Crossroads for book discussion.

Community Easter Egg Hunt April 12th!

It's almost time for Bethesda's annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! Taking place Saturday, April 12th from 10 - 11:30 AM, eager egg hunters and their families will gather in the Commons before the main event for crafts, photo opportunities, and more. We hope to see you there!

Reverend Sam Houser to Speak at Bethesda

All are invited to hear Rev. Sam Houser speak about their book No Longer Keeping The Peace Saturday, April 5th at 1:00 PM. This work allows readers to explore the intersections of trauma, faith and healing through the stories of women clergy.

Copies of their book will be available for purchase on April 5th. If you would like to purchase a copy prior to the author's visit, click here.

All Ages Invited to Lutheran Lakeside Camp

All ages are encouraged to Register now for the week of July 20th - 25th at Lutheran Lakeside. Secure a spot for you or your child for a fun, faith-filled week at a special early bird price!

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.

ShelbyNext

Refresher to log onto ShelbyNext:

On your laptop or desktop Computer - https://bethesdanet.shelbynextchms.com

On your cell phone go to the App Store or Google Play Store

search for ShelbyNext Membership - download the free app;

On first screen replace the word domain with Bethesdanet

Enter username and password.

You should be ready to go! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@bethesdaames.org.

What's The Difference Between The Current and The Living Current?

The Current, a physical sheet members pick up each weekend, is limited to the order of worship on the front and a calendar of events on the back. Announcements are The Living Current, on slides depending on date proximity and importance to the congregation at large and verbally stated by the Pastors at the end of worship services.

The Living Current, an e-newsletter sent every Friday at 9 AM, consists of all announcements and events affecting the congregation.

If you have an event that you would like advertised in The Living Current for weekend services, submit your announcement or event via email to Tess Hanson and Lynn Anderson no later than the Tuesday before you would like it advertised. If submitted after the stated deadline, it will be integrated into The Living Current e-newsletter the following week.

Healing Prayers: Carolyn Ahlstrom; Mark Allen; Pat Banitt; Kathy Lowe; Shirley Stromer

WELCOME!

We invite you to join our community, which is committed to inclusion, racial equity and anti-racism. We share in God’s abundant grace knowing that we cannot be separated from the love of God by our age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, physical or mental abilities or faith background.