Youth

At Bethlehem, we work with parents and families to help youth:
We do this by:
 

Monthly News

FOUNTAIN FOR YOUTH

Monthly News and Updates are available on PDF - see attachment!

Senior High

Bethlehem's High School Ministry is for all 9-12 grade youth and their families.

A ministry where students claim their God-given gifts for ministry and community, reaching into the world to make a difference in the lives of others.

Senior High Ministries

Mandy Licklider Baseman, Director

phone: 612-312-3406
youth hotline: 612-312-3390 e-mail: mlickliderbaseman@bethlehem-church.org

Faith Formation Ministry Assistant

Gena Koeberl

phone: 612-312-3364 e-mail: gkoeberl@bethlehem-church.org

Graduating Seniors Pontoon Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka

Senior Sailing Trip has been Cancelled

GRADUATING SENIORS ARE INVITED to a Pontoon Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka!

Monday, June 23, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Contact Gena or Mandy to reserve a spot! 

Meetings and Sr. High Calendar

Team Meetings

NYC Mission Trip Adult and Peer Leaders Meeting
Sunday, June 22
12:30-1:00 Risk Management Training
1:00-3:00 pm Meeting
Viking Room

Confirmation Peer Leaders:
No Summer Meetings

SH Ministry Team:
No Summer Meetings

  Peer Ministers

Encourage friends to participate in Peer Ministry Training, starting Fall, 2008! 

Senior High Calendar

Sunday Morning Discussion
9:00am or 10:15 am May 11 & 18
Viking Room
(no discussions June, July, August)

END OF SCHOOL YEAR LOCK-IN!
Thursday, June 12, 7:00 p.m.
to
Friday, June 13, 11:00 a.m.
$10.00
Viking Room
Invite a friend. Contact Mandy

Bethlehem's Vacation Bible School
June 16-20

Mission Trip to New York City
July 12-21, 2008

Know that you are Known

Make Yourself Known

See you at Church!

Peer Ministry

We're Not Doing Youth Ministry Until YOU(th) Are Doing Ministry!

Peer Ministers

Sunday, May 11
Commissioning Service
All students who have completed Peer Ministry classes this year invite family and friends as you answer to the call to use your training in serving friends and peers. Attend your usual worship service

Help 4-5-6 Lock-in
Friday, May 30
Peer Ministers needed to help lead. Interested? Contact Mandy immediately!

 

2007-2008 Peer Ministry Registration

Peer Ministry is a model of living calling you to share your faith through caring conversations, active listening and role modeling.

Ever tried to be there for a friend with a problem and wished you knew how to help him/her? In Peer Ministry you will gain skills to do just that.

PM Training Sessions
All classes are part of Wednesday Church Night and meet from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Some sessions may include a Retreat or additional Day Away. Choose what is best for you!

Basic Training: 9th graders, newly confirmed or students without previous PM training:

  • Fall Session: September 12-December 19
  • Spring Session: March 26-May 21, with April 19 "Day Away"

Advanced Training: Sophomores or students who have completed Basic Training.

  • Fall Session: same as above
  • Spring Session: same as above

Find Your Fit: Special series where gifts assessment & personality exploration is offered. Ideal for those who have completed Basic Training, though anyone is welcome.

  • J-Term Session: January 9-30, with a retreat on January 25-27

PM Summer Camp: For any student who is not able to fit one of the above in their school year schedule or wants to continue his/her training with advanced material in a camp setting.

  • Dates have yet to be selected and will be selected, along with location, based on registration feedback and student interest.

Order of the Towel

At the completion of training, students will be commissioned through a service called the "Order of the Towel."

Using the imagry of "washing feet," a towel will be presented as a reminder of each student's call to serve and reach out with a servant heart.

At the end of the school year, a larger commissioning will take place in corporate worship on Sunday morning.

Jr. High/Confirmation

Confirmation Registration Form

Note: Please use the DROP OFF SLOT available in the closet door of the church office for returning registrations, permission slips, notes, etc.

Our Confirmation Process

Our Confirmation process includes...30 Hour Famine30 Hour Famine

  • Sunday Morning Electives at 9:00 or 10:15 a.m. - explore life, society and the Bible from a faith perspective.
  • Wednesday Confirmation Nights - Journey through the Bible and Lutheran theology
  • Fellowship Events - social events
  • Service Activities - three service activities per year.
  • Retreats
    1. Fall retreat -- Community
    2. Spring retreat -- Healthy Relationships
  • Summer Camp - Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, MN.
  • Mentors - parents and youth choose an adult with whom youth can discuss issues about faith and life.
  • Worship Attendance and Ministry - Regular worship attendance is expected.
    Each student chooses an area of ministry to participate in (choir, nursery assistant, acolyte, property helper, etc.)

Peer Ministry trained High School youth and equipped adults play an important role in making our Junior High Ministry effective!

Pastor Beth Warpmaeker, Director

phone: 612-312-3367 e-mail: bwarpmaeker@bethlehem-church.org

Faith Formation Ministry Assistant

Gena Koeberl

phone: 612-312-3364 e-mail: gkoeberl@bethlehem-church.org

Confirmation Covenant

Please review the Confirmation Covenant that is attached in PDF form.

When you make public profession of your faith you are committing to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism:
...to live among God's faithful people.
...to hear God's Word and Share in the Lord's Supper.
...to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ through word & deed.
...to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
...to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

2008-2009 Calendar


Put These Dates On Your Calendars!

Confirmation Online Registration!

Sunday, September 7
Celebration, Orientation and Registration
All parents and confirmation students meet downstairs in Iverson Hall at 9:00am or 10:15am.

Wednesday, September, 10
First Wednesday Church Night Gathering in Harrisville on2nd floor

Fall Retreat
September 12-14
This will be a time for small groups to bond and learn about Christian community

Service of the Cross in corporate worship
October 12, 2008
Students about to be confirmed will join parents for this service during corporate worship times.

Faith Walk/Family Celebration
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Students about to be confirmed and their families

Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, October 26, 2008

30 Hour Famine
February 20-21, 2009

Healthy Relationships Retreat - Wise as Serpents
March 20-22, 2009

Service Activity

Confirmation Service Projects

Each student needs to complete a minimum of 6 service projects for Confirmation. (This works out to 3 per year.)

These projects can be done

  • with the large confirmation group
  • within the small confirmation group
  • within families
We encourage parents, mentors and other interested adults to participate. Drivers are always needed!

Large Group Opportunities:

What: Donation Drive
When: April 26
Group Size: 75 students
Description: Collect toiletry items from your neighbors for Simpson's Housing Centers. Sort and deliver items to the shelter and have a tour. 

Small Group Opprotunities:

Some areas your small group can make a differences can be set up:

Children - Prepare & serve lunch at the Crisis Nursery, Saturday Sunday School at Marie Sanvick Center, Saturday Kids Club in North Minneapolis

Homelessness - prepare, serve & share a meal at a homeless shelter

Elderly - nursing home visit, deliver Easter baskets to homebound BLC members, yard work

Poverty - sort donations at variety of sites (On Call Ministry, ARC, Goodwill, LSS, etc)

Hunger - food shelf work (30 Hour Famine weekend)

30 Hour Famine 2008

FEBRUARY 8-9, 2008

Amazing youth raised $7586.31 for 30 Hour Famine. Prizes should be arriving in May!

Thank you to the 7th-12th grade youth who participated in the 30 hour famine. Senior and Junior High Youth

  • Fed 32 kids for a year at Feed My Starving Children by filling 54 boxes with 11,664 meals
  • 200 sandwiches were distributed to individuals
  • 11 blankets were made and distributed
  • 350 families received Cheerios packed at Second Harvest Food Share
  • Food shelves were restocked at Community Emergency Services
  • 200 sandwiches and 45 bag lunches were prepared for Simpson House Shelter
  • 200 sandwiches and 45 bag lunches were prepared for St. Stephen's Men's Shelter

Questions? Contact Pastor Beth Warpmaeker

Ministry Opportunities

Ministry Opportunities

Each student needs to do ministry INSIDE Bethlehem. Here are 2 needs:

Acolyte/Crucifer - one service a month is really appreciated and easy way to serve - contact GENA

Youth Band - 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00pm. Learn about leading worship and performing music as a band. Contact Rev Hillstrom.

 

Contact gkoeberl@bethlehem-church.org if you have questions.

New York City Summer Mission Trip

2008 Mission Trip to New York City

July 12-21, 2008

Pre-Trip Slideshow

 

 

What is Mission Trip New York City?

Mission NYC 2008 Daily Devotions

You are invited to follow our Daily Devotions (written by a team of students and adults going to NYC) Our theme follows VBS Power Lab and is meant to be both a way for our students to connect with what they are teaching and leading in Harlem adn to give them a change to process within our personal experience in NYC. The following questions are adapted from our devotional to better fit your role as support.


Saturday, July 12 - Looking Ahead
Bible Verse: Matthew 5:13-16

  • How can you shine this week?
  • What/Who is the light that shines in you?
  • How can the salt metaphor apply to you as a parent/family member left back at home?

Sunday, July 13 - Thankfulness
Bible Verse: Colossians 3:12-17

  • Where in your life can you give thanks?
  • How do you show your thankfulness?
  • What specific gifts do you bring to your family?
  • With all the gifts in 1 family, what can you accomplish?
  • How can the love between family members reflect God's love for the world?

Monday, July 14 - Helping Others
Bible Verse: Romans 12: 11-21

  • How do you typically act when you are mistreated?
  • What does Paul offer the Romans as a different action?
  • How can an outpouring of kindness affect the unkindness of the world?

Tuesday, July 15 - Bravery
Bible Verse: Psalm 23

  • What do you fear? How do you overcome these fears?
  • How does your faith in God help to calm your fears?
  • Do you need to believe in God, or can other higher powers work for calming fears?
  • How can you make the message of Psalm 23 available and relevant to everyone you meet (co-workers, classmates, neighbors), regardless of their Christian background?

Wednesday, July 16 - Living Forever
Bible Verse: John 14: 19-21

  • How does this passage make you feel?
  • What does this passage mean for your own faith? For your family?
  • What does "to live" mean for the gospel writer of John?
  • How can "to live" be translated for other faith cultures and backgrounds?

Thursday, July 17 - Telling Others
Bible Verse: Mark 16

  • How can your family share Jesus Christ with those outside the church walls?
  • What hesitations might hold you back from doing this?
  • Do you have a faith story that you can easily share?
  • Where does the Easter story become your story? 

Friday, July 18 - A Witness
Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:9-13

  • What do you hear in these verses?
  • Is it necessary to believe in one specific God, or is this message applicable to any faith tradition?
  • How can you be a witness of Christ's love across the barriers of tradition, culture and socio-economic differences?

Saturday, July 19 - Acceptance
Bible Verse: Acts 10

"The New Colossus" by Emma Lazaruslibertyliberty
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land,
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A might woman with a torch, whos flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.
From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your learning shore.
Send these, the homeless, the tempst-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" 

  • What would happen if we as a culture and a church family didn't accept people who were new and different?
  • How does the story of Cornelius in Acts and poem about the Staute of Liberty embody acceptance and connectedness between differences?
  • How can your family welcome diversity and be accepting?

Sunday, July 20 - Do Not Be Ashamed
Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

  • How has your life been blessed by Christ?
  • How do you share those blessings?
  • Has the Word of God ever been mistreated? In what ways?
  • Does shame ever keep you from sharing the love of Christ?
  • As a family, what can you do to help your daughter/son share her/his story upon the return from NYC?
  • How can you help your child not be ashamed of their Christian witness?

Monday, July 21 - Better Together
Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

  • As parents/family, what can you do to help your child share his/her story upon the return from NYC?
  • As a family, what can you do to keep the spirit of NYC Mission 2008 alive? What ways can your family continue to reach out in Christian witness? 

Our Week At A Glance

NYC ScheduleNYC Schedule

Summer Camp -GLLM

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries
Week # 9
August 3-8

320-796-2181
www.gllm.org

Youth completing 2nd through 12th grades are encouraged to attend the appropriate camp for this week.

Elementary Camp

Completed 2-5 Grades
Shores of St. Andrew - Andy's Gang Program
Great counselors, a big beach and fantastic surprises await you. Spend a week playing, praying, singing, creating and growing in your faith. Bring a friend! See page 8 in the camp brochure.

Bethlehem Confirmation Camp

Completed 6-7 Grades
Green Lake - Beach House Program
Fun campfires, exciting worship, life-changing Bible studies, a place where Jesus becomes real and students are excited about their faith. Campers will gather with Pastor Beth each day for Confirmation. Bring a friend! See page 6 in the camp brochure.

Younger High School

Completed 8-9 Grades
Green Lake - Hill Town Program
Your week will have many activities that help you develop and grow in your faith. Everything you need will be in your own town, including the new Lighthouse Lounge where you can hang with friends, listen to some tunes and experience community. Bring a friend! See page 6 in the camp brochure.

Completed 7-9Grades
Green Lake - Homestead Program
Survivor, Bible Camp Style! Ever wonder what it would be like to really "rough it?" See how your life may change when you "unplug" and listen. No clocks, no tight schedule - just peace, quiet and fun. Bring a friend! See page 6 in the camp brochure.

Older High School

Completed 10-12 Grades
Green Lake - Dock Crew Program
Sand between your toes, sun kissing your face, and God's love around you. You live int he "Crew Quarters" and spend the week going further and doing more than any previous week at camp. You will not only study God's word, but you will have chances to live it too! You have done camp before, now it is time to BE camp! Bring a friend. See page 7 in the camp brochure.

S.I.T. Program

Completed 11-12 Grades
Staff in Training Program
This is a two week leadership training program. The first week is spent learning what it means to be a camp staff person. Topics incldue: leading Bible studies, worship planning and leading, game leading, and how to work with campers. The next week is spent as a junior counselor with a group of campers. See page 8 in the camp brochure.
Week 1 Training: June 22-27
Week 2 Leadership: August 2-8

Family Camp

August 3-6 (Week #9)
Shores of St. Andrew

Cost:
Adult (per) $175
Youth (K-12) (per): $90
Preschooler: FREE
Family Max: $525

New this year is family camp with programming by GLLM Camp Staff! While adults have Bible study and personal time, children are being well taken care of. Afternoons are spent together doing whatever you want, such as: boating, swimming, crafts, hiking, napping, etc. See page 9 of the camp brochure.

Special Needs Camp

June 29 - July 2 (Week #4)
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries

Cost:

Adult (per) $175
Youth (K-12) (per): $90
Preschooler: FREE
Family Max: $525

Participate in this short week of camp geared expecially toward campers with special needs and their families. Campers receive 1 to 1 attention from camp counselors with opportunities for parents to socialize with other parents or have time for themselves. Each camper's schedule is adapted as necessary. For more information contact the camp. See page 7 in the camp brochure.

Summer Choral Camp @ Green Lake Lutheran Ministries

July 27 - August 1 (Week #8)
Completed 6-8 Grades

NEW THIS YEAR: Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and Lutheran Summer Music Program partner for new music camps in 2008.

Cost: $400 per camper

Grow musically and spiritually by enjoying Bible camping and having time for musical instruction by professionals. There will be a concert at the conclusion of the week where you can show family and loved ones what you have learned. See page 7 & 11 in the camp brochure

How to Register?

How Do I Register for Green Lake Lutheran Ministries?

Fill out the registration form in the back of the camp brochure or register at www.gllm.org

Make your check payable to Green Lake Lutheran Ministries and mail it directly to the camp. 9916 Lake Avenue South, Spicer, MN 56288. Contact the camp directly at 320-796-2181.

When filling out the registration, fill out the following information

Church: Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Minneapolis

Program Choice: Completed 2-5 grades - Andy's Gang, Completed 6-7 grades - Beach House Program, Completed 8-9 grades - Hill Town Program, Complete 7-9 - Homestead Program, Completed 10-12 grades - Dock Crew, Completed 11-12 grades - S.I.T.

Site registered for: Green Lake Bible Camp or Shores of St. Andrew

Camp Week: WEEK #9, AUGUST 3-8

Balance is Due: May 23, 2008

Health Forms: MUST bring completed health forms with to camp

Phone Registration: Name taken over phone DOES NOT mean that you are registered. A written on online registration WITH PAYMENT must follow.

Take the Bus: Bethlehem will take a bus to and from camp. It is $15 each way.

Take the Bus to Camp

We will have a bus taking all youth to and from Green Lake and the Shores of St. Andrew's Camps. Dead line to sign up is July 7. 

Leave Bethlehem: 12:30pm, August 3

Return to Bethlehem: 4:30pm, August 8

Cost: $15 each way

Sign up here if you would like to ride the bus.

How to make Payments Online?

NEW - Make Payments ONLINE!

Payments Online: Indicate amount in line marked "Other Payment/Fee". In the line next to the amount describe the event you are paying for,e.i "Youth Mission Trip". Payments are from Checking or Savings accounts.