Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Mental Health: Let's Talk About It!
Saturday, April 20
9:30-11:00 am in the Sanctuary

Education and conversation are first steps in dealing with the difficult reality of mental illness. Learn about the newly launched Wellstone-Barlow Mental Health Initiative that is designed to do just that. Hear about the experiences of Ken Barlow, recently diagnosed with bipolar disease and whose father died with it. Know how he's dealt with the stigma attached to mental illness and what he's learned from it that has led him to 'jump start' the public discussion. Become familiar with the signs of mental illness or addiction and how to have safe and impactful conversations with those we love who are struggling.

Letters of Love with Sandy Jerstad

Saturday, April 13, 6:30 pm in Iverson Hall

Former Augustana College coach and South Dakota Senator Sandy Jerstad will talk about her book, Letters of Love; Sermons and Reflections by Mark and Sandy Jerstad. Her husband Mark was Augustana's campus pastor from 1976-1985. Sandy has added real life reflections that anchor Mark's sermons. Her stories of the hilarity, joy and adventure depict what living life with Mark was like. You will share with her a near-death experience, the perils of a solo 600 mile bike ride, her world of coaching, life in the South Dakota Senate, the death of her father and the difficult journey through mark's dying and death. As Sandy writes, "For 31 years I had the privilege of living with a man who never said never."

Wednesdays through May 15
9:30-10:45 am OR 6:30-7:45 pm

Reading the Bible alone is good; reading the Bible with others is even better! Together, we take the conversation to places we might imagine alone. In this class, we'll read the book of Acts - a chance to go deeper with the stories we're hearing in worship. We'll read a few chapters at home, then bring our questions and insights to the table and explore together.

Dunamis, the Greek word for power, is the root word of dynamite.

It's an accurate image for the blow your mind, unsettling, unexpected, changed-lives kind of power we encounter in God. Open yourself to God's power and others might wonder: what's gotten into you?