Beer & Hymns and Chili Cook-Off Success

Voices and glasses were raised as we sang hymns, had chili, and determined the best dish with cash donations benefiting the Ames Community School District's Lunch Hero Program. Out of nine competitors, Russ Melby took first place with his steak, hamburger, pepper, and onion chili, Jim Stewart took second with his "Look what I found" concoction, and Nancy Ewing rounded out the top three with her cream cheese chicken chili. If you missed this fun event, there's always next year. We're grateful to be able to gather for fellowship and donate to a good cause. We raised over $1,000 for the Lunch Hero Program!

Baptism This Sunday

March 9th, please join us in welcoming Bethesda's newest congregation member, Aria Marie Buckley.

Spring Forward Sunday

Winter is almost over, and Daylight Savings Time will begin Sunday, March 9th! Don't forget to set your clocks an hour ahead before bed Saturday night so you make it to church on time!

Attend the Tanzania Adult Forum Sunday

Glen Rippke, of the Tanzania Ministry Team, will be hosting a VOYAGERS Adult Forum in Centennial Hall (room #100) after Sunday worship discussing the goals of the Tanzania Team and what they do.

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!

Spring Edition of The Wellspring is Online Now

The SPRING issue of the quarterly Wellspring Magazine is available to view online now.

We're working to get the physical copies mailed out to congregation members as soon as possible but wanted to present you with the digital copy as soon as we could (maybe it will bring some Spring weather?).

If you, or your ministry team, has something you would like included in the next Wellspring (Summer 2025), please email Tess Hanson with your idea.

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 free-will monetary donations can be dropped off in the church office.

Thank you.

SUMUD: Voices from the Holy Land

You are invited on Saturday, March 8, for a hybrid conference from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, presented through the SEIA Synod Working Group with input also from Rev. Peter Pettit. This conference is in response to a resolution passed at the 2024 Synod Assembly in which a multi-vocal educational event was requested. You may attend in person at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City or attend via Zoom. 

Please register whether you will join in person or by Zoom (click here).

At the conference:

• In the morning, you'll hear from Christian and Jewish leaders in Israel and West Bank. 

• The afternoon will feature local Palestinian voices from here in Iowa. 

For in-person attendees

• morning snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

• Please bring a sack lunch or plan to order in your lunch from a local vendor. 

• A half hour lunch break will be included in the schedule.

Lutheran Day on the Hill

Our voices matter. 

Join LSI and the three Iowa Synods of the ELCA for our annual Lutheran Day on the Hill featuring a Proclamation signing by Governor Kim Reynolds, advocacy at the capitol, and a hosted lunch. This is our opportunity to share priorities to our Legislators and to shine a light on our local communities.

If you have an LSI shirt from previous years, you're encouraged you to wear it. If not, there will be a limited number available for first time attendees while supplies last.

Registration is open through Wednesday, March 5th. Lutheran Day on the Hill is Tuesday, March 11th.

Bethesda Book Club April Reads

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.

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.

No Longer Keeping The Peace

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.

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!

Easter Candy Donations

As we prepare for the Community Easter Egg Hunt, we ask you to consider donating small, easily packable candy to Bethesda for the community event. If you have candy to drop off, stop by the church office.

Please be mindful of those with allergies to peanuts when donating candy.