Sunday Worship

8:30 Bethesda

11:00 Immanuel

Contact:

Pastor Connie Monson

678-360-6089

connie.monson@gmail.com

Parish Office:

715-779-5611

bethesdachurchbayfield@gmail.com

Immanuel:

715-742-3440

Links

Bethesda/Immanuel Website



Bethesda FACEBOOK 

Immanuel FACEBOOK 

We pray for those afflicted by war, oppression, or violence of any kind.

 Greetings!

From the Pastor

Did you know?

Pastor Connie’s office hours are Monday, 9-12, at Bethesda, and Wednesday. 9-12, at Immanuel. If you’d like to see her outside of these times, look at the whiteboard posted on her office door to see where she’ll be this week, or just call her! She’s always happy to make appointments at your convenience.

Dear friends in Christ,

You’ve probably heard this before: the church is not a social club—even though we hope everyone here finds a sense of belonging. Nor is the church an action committee—even though we hope to serve our neighbors and share out of our abundance. Our community already has social clubs and action organizations—and thank God for that—so it must be that our mission is different from either one.

My training and temperament lead me to the belief that we the church exist for the sake of the world. But there is equally a need for what Howard Thurman would call “The Inward Journey,” finding your own meaning in and relationship to the divine. I’ve been mulling some questions in my own devotions lately that I’ll share with you.

Where have you been experiencing spiritual growth?

Where has your spiritual journey hit a rut?

Where in your life are you hoping to find God’s presence and guidance?

Do these questions even make sense to you? If not, try these on for size:

How have you followed Jesus in the last month? How have you tried but fallen short? What do you think Christ’s message for you might be?

These are not meant to be “judgy” questions but rather helpful ones. There’s no external measure you have to meet, no way to ace the final. Just an expanded sense of God’s abiding love for you, just as Creator made you. If you’d like to talk more about your spiritual journey, come see me. I love watching peoples growth in relationship to the sacred.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Connie

Reconciling in Christ Statement

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

We welcome YOU to Bethesda and Immanuel to participate fully in our congregational life. You who may have experienced exclusion, injustice or racial inequity; You who are young, old, rich, poor; You of all abilities; You from all nations and ethnic backgrounds; You of all sexual orientations, gender identities or gender expression.

We are committed to racial equity, economic equity, gender equity, sexual equity. We are committed to learn, celebrate, advocate and welcome everyone through a series of forums and educational opportunities. May we grow in acceptance and become a voice for inclusion, equity and justice.

No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Bethesda Worship Committee Forming May 4

Calling all who have an interest in worship arts: music & hymn selection, words and prayers, banners and other visual arts. We would like your input on the rhythm of the church year. Your attendance at this initial meeting does not obligate you to meet forever afterward! But please join us with your ideas: Monday, May 4 at 4 pm.

Bethesda Member Update

Teresa Weber 715-209-4410

Dan Weber 715-209-1634

They no longer have a land line. Please update your directory.

Save the date: Red Cliff 2.0

Our friend Jim Pete is willing to lead a second field trip for us as we endeavor to learn more about our Anishinaabe neighbors. This year, we will visit places of importance in Red Cliff. The trip is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, with a potential overflow date of June 27. More information will be forthcoming, but please let Pastor Connie or Diane Fizell know if you want to be included.

Also, don’t forget the 48th annual Red Cliff powwow, scheduled for July 3-5.

Zoom Bible Study



Topic: Tuesday Bible Study

Time: 2:00 Central Time (US and Canada)

To join Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81000510562?pwd=HdJLF2gxH7m2JZcT2FujgrYOYZKr1O.1

Meeting ID:  810 0051 0562

Password: 615053



If you know of someone who could use some sunshine or a thank you please let Sharon Bestul at bestulshack@gmail.com or 715-828-0455 know.

Other Immanuel Sunshine spreaders are Al Reedy, Yvette Fleming and Charlotte Calhoun.

 Weekly Letter received by Jane Edwards

A Visit That Feels Like Grace

This week, my home feels a little fuller, my heart a little lighter, and my spirit deeply blessed. My cousin Jane has come to visit—though “cousin” hardly captures who she is in my life. She is part of my history, yes, but she is also one of the women who helped shape me, steady me, and remind me who I am.

After my husband died, when I made the difficult but faithful decision to follow our retirement plans and move to Florida, Jane walked every step of that journey with me. She was there when I found my home, when I signed the papers, when I packed up the life I had known, and when I stepped into the life I was building. She helped me settle in, not just into a house, but into a new chapter. She has been my safe place for both tears and laughter, a companion who knows the whole story and loves me through every line of it.

Jane is also a woman of faith, and over the years we have shared countless conversations about God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s quiet work in our lives. I believe that when we are fortunate, God places certain people in our path—people who remind us of His love, sustain us when we falter, and renew our faith simply by walking beside us.

This week, I am reminded that God’s blessings often come wrapped in familiar faces and long friendships. They arrive not with fanfare, but with the gentle comfort of someone who knows your history and still sees your hope.

Jesus said, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them.” — John 14:23

What a promise. God makes His home with us—sometimes through Scripture, sometimes through prayer, and sometimes through the people who show up at just the right moment.

Living God’s Word is our directive.

Loving God is our salvation.

Believing with God is our gift.

May we all recognize the “Janes” in our lives—those holy companions who remind us that God’s love often arrives on two feet, carrying a suitcase, ready to sit at our table and share both memory and hope.

 Closing Prayer

Gracious and Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of companionship that reflects Your own steadfast love.

For the people who walk beside us in seasons of sorrow and seasons of joy,

for those who steady our steps and lift our spirits,

we offer our deepest gratitude.

Bless the friendships that sustain us,

the family who knows our stories,

and the holy moments when Your presence is revealed

through the kindness of another.

As You make Your home within us,

help us to live Your Word with courage,

to love You with our whole hearts,

and to believe in Your promises with renewed faith.

May our lives be a reflection of the grace we have received,

and may we become blessings to others

just as others have been blessings to us.

Amen.

CORE is thrilled to be offering Stepping On, a seven week community-based program for older people to build confidence and reduce falls. This program is in collaboration with local community experts, including a PT Assistant, a Vision Expert, a Pharmacist, an Ophthalmologist, an EMT, and a past participant.

Focuses include balance and strengthening exercises and moving about safely, home fall hazards, preventative strategies, vision and footwear, medication management, sleeping better, mobility management, and community safety.

How to Apply: Apply now by downloading the application below or picking up an application at CORE –then printing it, and dropping if off at CORE or the Bayfield Carnegie Library. Applications are also available at the Bayfield Carnegie Library. Applicants will then receive a call from one of our facilitators to make sure the series is right for them.

When:  Seven consecutive Thursdays 1pm-3 pm, from May 28th to July 9th. Also included is a follow-up home visit or phone call in the few weeks after session seven, and a three-month booster session.

​Where: Bethesda Lutheran Church, 109 S 6th Street, Bayfield.

Who: The series will be led by two CORE volunteers who have recently trained and certified as Stepping On facilitators: Board Member and Wellness Committee lead, Jenny Tumas, and Jen Maytum, lead of the Senior Connections Committee, along with our guest experts.

Cost: Free, but please only apply if you can make the commitment to attend all or most classes.

Maximum participants: 20 (there will be a wait list if the series fills, and we plan to offer more series in the future)

Who is this for? Older people who have had a fall in the past year or have fear of falling; can still walk independently; are cognitively intact; live in a home, apartment or independent living facility; are able to speak conversational English.

How will it help me? This is an evidence-based program which has a great track record of reducing falls. With the support of your peers, through brain storming and other interactive strategies, you will gain confidence and skills to reduce your likelihood of falls. This series is offered at no cost to participants. 

CORE Community Resources is thankful to Bethesda Lutheran Church for generously hosting this series, and for the support of the local community experts who are generously donating their time and skill to make this series possible.

For more information please contact us at programs@corecr.org or (715) 779-3457

To apply:

https://mailchi.mp/corecr/artseriesannouncement-18105705?e=b047c863a9

The BRICK’s Food Shelf Program focuses on providing a wide variety of food options in a range of forms (canned, frozen, fresh) to program participants; yet we want to offer more than food.  Hygiene items are essential to so many of our pantry shoppers. In May, The BRICK is asking for donations of cleaning supplies: household cleaners, window spray, new rags, disinfecting wipes, toilet cleaner, paper towels, etc.. (Please no big mops or brooms.) These are all items that our pantry shoppers need to stay healthy. Since many hygiene and cleaning items don't expire, The BRICK isn't able to “rescue” them from local retailers. At the end of the month, please connect with our Food Shelf Manager Amaris Shrider to drop off your donation. Reach her by phone at 715-682-7425 or email at foodshelfmanager@thebrickministries.org. Thank you for your support!

Council Meetings

May 20, 2026

April Draft Immanuel Council Minutes

March Draft Joint Council Minutes

April Draft Bethesda Council Minutes

Monday Book Club

See our website or the link above for the Zoom link

Meeting ID: 851 3905 2851

Passcode: 467574

Dial by your location

    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

We are currently reading "Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian" by Paul F. Knitter

Questions? Call Leanne 715.742.3553

South Shore Quilters

Mondays 9:00 am - Noon at Immanuel

Wednesdays 9:00 am - Noon at Immanuel

The mission-quilt group at Immanuel is always in need of donations of clean usable bed sheets--preferably flat sheets--which we use as backing for the quilts, spools of thread (whether full or not) and fabric.

The Knit Wits

Knitting & Crocheting at Immanuel

Fridays 1:00 - 4:00

Immanuel has a painting group that meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, 10:00 - 12:00.



The Immanuel Juliet Club will meet on May 7 at 11:30 at Patsy's, and on May 21 at 11:30 at Poncho's.