A weekly e-newsletter of

Bethesda Lutheran Church

Ames, Iowa

November 28, 2024

Access the Quarterly Wellspring Magazine Online

Due to unforeseen printer issues, we are unable to proceed with the mailing of this quarter's Wellspring Magazine. The newest magazine featuring Scandinavian Coffee's success, our new digital sign, Caring Ministries, and more, is available to view here.

There are a limited number of printed copies in the office available for pick up if you would prefer a physical copy of the magazine.

Help Keep $aving Suds Going!

Saving Suds is in need of four new individuals to take over the operation in 2025. 

Saving Suds is a very well-utilized and recognized ministry of Bethesda, and we would love to keep Saving Suds an active ministry at our church. If you are interested in making a difference in the community and taking over Saving Suds, please get in touch with the church office via email at contact@bethesdaames.org or via phone at 515-232-6256.

Denver Bierman Returns December 3rd!

You're invited to get in the holiday spirit with a performance from Denver Bierman and Des Moines' CJC Big Band, featuring members of the Mile High Orchestra Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary. This family-friendly event is free to attend and sure to have you out of your seat and dancing along!

Beer & Carols is Back!

Lift your voices, and your glasses, for this seasonal sing-along event featuring Pastor Bryan Simmons and Interim Associate Pastor Christine Cowan! Gather the family and get ready to sing some of your favorite carols Friday, December 6th starting at 6:30 PM at Torrent Brewing Company (504 Burnett Ave).

Get Involved with This Year's Christmas Festival!

There are multiple opportunities for you to get involved with at this year's Christmas Festival. Volunteer in the kitchen, kid's corner, taking photos, donate cookies or candy, or show off your musical talents! Sign up on the boards outside of the Sanctuary or Commons to participate!

Whether you will be volunteering to help make the Christmas Festival the best it can be, or just attend, we cannot wait to celebrate how Jesus' Love Keeps Us Warm on December 15th from 3-5 p.m. in the Commons!

Women's Gather Bible Study December Meeting

Due to the Christmas holiday, Women's Gather Bible Study will meet on December 19th instead of December 26th.

Fellowship time is at 9:30 am followed by the study 10-11 am. Find the study in the November/December Gather magazine.

Feast of Holy Innocents Prayer Service for Peace

2:00 pm Sunday, December 29, 2024 Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community, 3306 University in

Des Moines

This ecumenical service is one of a series organized over the last several years by the D.M. Faith Committee for Peace. This is a time to lament the terrible losses of war, pray for peace, and re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace-making worldwide. Carmen Lampe Zeitler will offer Reflections for the service.

The service has its roots in the Christmas story recounted in the Book of Matthew, 2:16-18: “When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’”

Give a Gift from the ELCA Gifts Catalog

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we believe that God is calling us into the world – together. And with generous, loving hands, we can make a difference.

ELCA Good Gifts is your opportunity to provide critical support to the ministries and programs that mean the most to you and the people you love. Browse the Good Gifts Catalog (https://goodgifts.elca.org/all-gifts) and give a gift today!

Ways to Give a Gift from the Catalog:

1. Give online (https://goodgifts.elca.org/all-gifts)
2. Give over the phone by calling 800-638-3522
3. Mail a check to:

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

P.O. Box 1809

Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

Make all checks payable to "ELCA Good Gifts". To designate your gift, write your gift(s) in the memo line of the check.

2025 Adult Forum - Luke Book of Faith

In the New Year, we'll be taking a closer look at the gospel of Luke and all it ponders; Why was Jesus born? What will become of this child? Why must Jesus Die? and more through the learner guide that will accompany this Adult Forum.

Join Associate Interim Pastor Chris Cowan in Centennial Hall starting Sunday, December 5th after worship to engage in a discussion of these questions and find a deeper meaning within the Gospel of Luke.

The guide costs $15.00 to purchase and those interested can pick up their copy in the office.

Bethesda Book Club 2025 Reads!

The Bethesda Book Club has selected books to start off 2025!

• The Woman by Kristin Hannah will be discussed Thursday, January 23rd
• Mother, Nature by Jedidiah Jenkins will be discussed Thursday, March 6th

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.

2025 MLK Celebration High School Essay Contest

The Ames-Story County MLK Day Celebration Committee is hosting its 4th Annual Essay Writing Contest to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All Ames/Story County area high school students (9th-12th grades) are invited and encouraged to participate. 

Essay Contest Topic:

Contestants are asked to share "How Dr. King, Jr. impacted your life or the lives of family, friends, and community, which helps motivate and inspire others to continue his legacy."

Click here for detailed instructions on how to participate and submit your application.

Prize Awards are available for the top three Essays:

1st place prize: $500; 2nd place prize: $250; 3rd place prize:$200

All Ages Invited to Lutheran Lakeside Camp

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

Help Bethany Life Residents Attend Chapel in 2025

On behalf of Bethany Life Chaplaincy Volunteers, friends and congregation members are invited to volunteer as wheelchair pushers next year. We encourage you to dedicate one Sunday or more to helping residents attend chapel services. 

Interested in volunteering? Contact Arizza Lynch (515-733-3058, arizza.lynch@bethanylife.org) at Bethany Life.

Sponsor a Meal for Living Water Wednesdays!

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

The Current, the physical copy members pick up each weekend, is limited to the order of worship on the front and a calendar of events on the back. Announcements will now just be in 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.

Address: 1517 Northwestern Ave.

Ames, IA 50010-5299

Phone: (515) 232-6256