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A weekly e-newsletter of
Bethesda Lutheran Church
Ames, Iowa
November 5, 2026
| | Healing Prayers: Carl Anderson, Annie Bartlett, Karen Burrow, Henry Gray, Darlene Hade, Dick Hade, Sharon Haugen, Jean Nicol Jahren, Daniel Karr, Lynn Kaizer, Sandy Lyon, Kay Nelson, Josh Pierce, Roger Roland, Joey Young | | |
Calling All Puzzle Lovers
Grab your friends and join the Second Annual Bethesda Jigsaw Puzzle Competition this Friday, November 6 (Doors open at 6; competition begins at 6:30) in the Commons! Groups of 2-4 people will have two hours to complete a 1000 piece puzzle. All ages welcome! Teams are welcome to bring their own snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. First team to complete their puzzle wins! Registration is now closed, but you can still come cheer on the teams as they race to complete the puzzle.
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Good Neighbor Fall Choral Concert
Join us for a concert benefiting Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance. The Bethesda Choir will perform, along with other area groups. The concert will take place at Bethesda this Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 PM.
Spread the word by sharing the Facebook event!
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SEIA Synod Gathering
You are invited to join Bishop Current of the Southeastern Iowa Synod for a Peace Be with You Gathering on Sunday, November 8, from 2:00–4:00 PM at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Ankeny. The gathering will include worship, a presentation, conversation, and a “peace” of pie. You’ll learn how mission support makes this work possible and how congregations and ministries are faithfully stewarding their time, talents, gifts, and treasure to serve others. All are welcome! Learn more on their Facebook event page.
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Cafe Bethesda
Come to Cafe Bethesda this Saturday, November 7, before worship at 5:00 PM! Food will be provided, in addition to potluck dishes. Come enjoy the feast and fellowship! If you wish to bring something to share, please bring it to the church by 5:00 PM.
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November OWLS
Older Wiser Lutherans will meet on Thursday, November 12, from 10:00–11:30 AM in the Commons. Join us for conversation, coffee, and a presentation from Bethesda member Darla Best. She will share what she has learned about the Amish people in her 24 years of working with them and will bring a display of her baskets and crafts.
No need to RSVP; just bring yourself (and a friend!)
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A New Podcast Episode is Live!
This week, in a new episode of “Text Study with Pastors Bryan Simmons + Jesse Hershberger,” the pastors explore this week’s readings. Give it a listen before or after services this week!
1st Reading: Amos 5:18-24
Psalm: Psalm 70
2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
You can listen to the podcast on Bethesda’s YouTube Channel, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify: “Text Study with Pastors Bryan Simmons and Jesse Hershberger"
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Tanzania Ministry Scholarship Recipients
The Bethesda Tanzania Ministry Team would like to introduce you to Bethesda’s current scholarship recipients. Each student receives their tuition, room and board, and a computer. All scholarship recipients express their gratitude to Bethesda for giving them the opportunity to receive an education. Click the button below to see the recipients.
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All-Committee Headwaters Meeting
All are invited to the All-Committee Headwaters Meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 PM in the Commons. Get updates on current ministry teams and get connected with new ones.
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Women’s Bible Study
The Bethesda Women’s Bible Study meets on Thursday, November 19, at 9:30 AM in Centennial Hall. The group follows the Women of the ELCA’s Gather Bible Study. This month’s theme is “Bold Faith on an Unexpected Journey.” No need to sign up in advance; just bring yourself. Contact Laura Miller with any questions.
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Ladies Lunch Bunch
The Ladies Lunch Bunch meets on November 19 at 11:30 AM. The Lunch Bunch will meet at Wallaby's.
No need to RSVP, just come join us!
Please note the date change due to Thanksgiving.
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A Message from Bishop Curry
In light of recent national events, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement on the death penalty. Read the statement by clicking the button below.
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Thank You, Landscapers
A thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the fall landscape cleanup and outdoor maintenance on Saturday, October 24. The grounds look well maintained and ready for fall.
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Thank You from the Food Pantry Committee
Thank You for Making the Lake Wobegon Brass Band Concert a Success
The Food Pantry Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our church family and community for helping make the Lake Wobegon Brass Band concert on October 11 such a tremendous success.
More than 150 people attended the concert, and together we raised over $3,650 for the food pantry. These funds will be used to provide holiday gift cards for local families, helping make the season brighter for those in need.
This wonderful event would not have been possible without the generosity, hard work, and support of many people. We would like to especially thank:
- All who attended the concert and made donations
- Lee Smithson and Polly Gilbert for their leadership and coordination
- Bob Smithson for his many contributions behind the scenes
- The Lake Wobegon Brass Band for sharing their exceptional musical talents and providing an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment http://lwbb.org/
- Randy Ewing for his assistance and support
- Glenn Connor and Norma Sisson for their help in making the event a success
- We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and resources. Your generosity and support enable the food pantry to continue serving our neighbors and providing assistance when it is needed most.
Thank you for helping us turn an afternoon of great music and fellowship into a meaningful gift for our community.
—The Food Pantry Committee
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New Voyagers Adult Forum · Book of Faith: Mark
Sundays through December 20 · 10:30 AM, Centennial Hall
Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 1
Denver Bierman & The Mile High Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, December 2 · 7:00 PM, Sanctuary
Beer & Carols
Friday, December 4 · 6:30–8:00 PM, Torrent Brewing Company
Bethesda Christmas Festival
Sunday, December 20 · 3:00–5:00 PM, Commons & Crossroads
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Advent Candle Lighting Sign Up
Families are needed to light the advent wreath and read the associated readings for the four weekends of advent. If you or your family are interested in participating, please contact Heather Holcomb, Administrative Specialist.
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Know Thy Shelf Book Club
The next book for Know Thy Shelf book club is The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick. The group meets on Thursday, November 19, at 7:00 PM in the Crossroads.
No need to RSVP, just bring yourself! Even if you don't have time to read the book, you are welcome to come listen to the discussion.
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Annual Pie Social
Kick off the holiday season with our annual pie social on Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, after worship services. Anyone who wants to bake a pie to bring and share with others is encouraged to do so. All types of pies are welcome, but please label them. If you have any questions about the pie social, reach out to Joyce O'Donnell.
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Church Council Nominations Open
If you are interested in being part of the day-to-day decisions needed to keep the Bethesda community going or if know someone that may be interested, please submit a nomination for the Church Council. Terms are for three years beginning immediately following the Annual Meeting in January. Council Members must be voting members of Bethesda. Online nomination forms are available at this QR code and hard copies are available in the Welcome Center. Nominations are due by Sunday, December 20.
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Find a Place for Your Spiritual Gift with Group Finder!
Bethesda has endless fellowship opportunities to be a part of, and now they're all in one place! We're thrilled to introduce Group Finder, available on the Church by Ministry One App or online in the directory.
You can also find Group Finder on the Fellowship page of our website.
For instructions on how to use Group Finder, click here or pick up a hand out available in the office. If you have issues with this new feature, please call or stop by the office.
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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 specific ministries such as the Community Food Pantry or Saving Suds.
| | | | 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. | |
Worship Schedule
SATURDAY (a modern service with praise band) · 5:30 PM
SUNDAY (a traditional service with choirs, organ) · 9:30 AM
Holy Communion is served every week at both services.
Assistive listening devices are available in the Sanctuary’s sound booth.
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1517 Northwestern Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 232-6256
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