It has pleased almighty God to call to Himself the soul of Mary Hoerauf, who passed away on Tuesday, December 23^rd and given Christian burial on Saturday, December 27^th. We pray God will comfort those who mourn her death.

Our Faith In Action

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Christmas Eve 4:30 pm – 314, Christmas Eve 11:00 pm – 322

Christmas Day 248 – Communion - 190

Sunday Dec. 28^th – 329

Receipts received December 28^th: $33,321.03

New Bible Classes

Starting next

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Adult Bible Classes are

the following:

Gospel of Luke

conducted by John Brandt

Angels of Angels

conducted by Pastor Korte

Women’s Bible Study (Tuesday 7:35 am)

Great Women of the Bible (Tuesday 1:45 pm)

conducted by Cindy Korte

Book of Daniel (Wednesday 10:00 am)

conducted by Pastor Korte

Mary Magdalene – she isn’t who you may think she is (Wednesday 7:00 pm)

conducted by Evelyn Wittig

Men’s Bible Study (Friday 6:15 am at Crumbs)

conducted by Mike Denno

As this newsletter reaches you, we have just celebrated the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas and the beginning of another New Year. For many of us one of the most cherished moments is singing “Silent Night, Holy Night” in the darkness of our candle light service. On New Year’s Eve, many of us rush outside in the darkness at midnight to give thanks for the past year and to ask God’s blessings for the coming New Year. At those times the darkness adds atmosphere, but at other times after a heavy snowstorm or windstorm the resulting power outages that cause darkness are not welcome at all.

Darkness is all around us, isn't it? Think of the last time you were in the dark. It isn't fun, is it? Have you ever needed to get up out of bed to get a drink? Not wanting to wake your spouse, you didn't turn on the lights. You had forgotten the clothes chest was at the end of the bed, or the chair that wasn’t pushed in all the way, or the child’s toy (Lego’s are the worst!) that was left lying on the floor and you walked, tripped, stumbled or stepped on it. Can you picture the scene and feel the pain?
Walking in the dark can be dangerous to your health. We can end up walking in many dark and dangerous places. But this isn't the only darkness we need to worry about. What about the deep, dark secrets of our own? In our world, think of the greed, idolatry, cheating, stealing, wars, and threats of terrorism that still remain. What about our own personal sins of lust, resentment, or the lack of love given to our neighbors? These are all signs of the dark world in which we live. Have you been walking in this darkness? As you can start to see, darkness can be dangerous not only to your health, but also to your soul.

On January 6th, we celebrate the coming of the Magi, “Wise Men” led by the Bethlehem Star to the infant Christ Child or as we call it in church Epiphany. (This year at Bethlehem, we will observe Epiphany on Sunday, January 4^th.) The word “epiphany” literally means “appearance or a sudden realization.” In popular language it is as if someone suddenly turns the light on, and now we get it. Or a cartoon character suddenly has a light bulb above their head.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Epiphany of Jesus, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 and again “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:1-3

It is my New Year’s prayer for you that the light of Jesus shine in your dark world. That the Light of Christ chase away all the darkness in your life. May our Lord enlighten you with the bright light of His love. I am

In His Service,

Pastor Korte

Bethlehem Lutheran

2008-2009 Budget (Work Program)

At Bethlehem’s Annual Meeting held on May 13^th, 2008 the following budget was approved by our congregation. The first column reflects the projected Budget for the first five months of our fiscal year. The next two columns are the actual receipts and spending to date. As you can see we received almost 93% of our projected income while spending 97% of our projected budget. Thus instead of creating a projected deficit of (-$9,861) for the first five months of the 08-09 fiscal year, our congregation has a deficit of (-$25,306) in budgeted spending.

Please remember that our budget is a work plan and is based on the assumption that each month the amount of offerings and other income as well as the spending is exactly the same. However, income and expenses are often seasonal. During the summer months when vacations are in full swing our spending is always low and in the fall when school starts our expenses are significantly more. Over the course of the year things tend to equal out.

We give thanks to God for continuing to bless our congregation. The faithful members of Bethlehem took a step of faith at last year’s Annual Meeting in approving a deficit budget. Your timely contributions help us to consistently continue the ministry at Bethlehem. Thank you for your faithfulness.

We Praise You, O God!

Thrivent Financial Members:

We give thanks to God for the generous gifts that you have given to Bethlehem in this fiscal year and for the blessings of Thrivent Financial for Lutheran’s “Giving Plus” matching funds program. Thrivent allows its members who give gifts to our Day School and/or Preschool to be matched at 50% up to $300 per year. The program continues to help fund the ministry at Bethlehem in a significant way. If you are a Thrivent product holder and are not currently participating, please call the office or talk to Mr. Dressler.

“Wait Until Next Year!”

Ernie Banks, a former Major League star shortstop, played his entire career (1953-1971) with the Chicago Cubs. During his career he was selected to the All-Star game eleven times, named the League’s Most Valuable Player two times and in 1977 elected into Baseball’s hall of fame on the first ballot. Two of his more famous nicknames included “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine.” During his long career, the Cubs never won a world championship, but at the end of each season of his great career he would say, “Wait until next year!” When that next year came around, Ernie would play each game with excitement and enthusiasm. His catch phrase was, “It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame…let’s play two!” The world championship never came, but that did not dampen Ernie’s excitement and enthusiasm for life and for baseball. Ernie was playing the game for more than a championship; he enjoyed the game for the game’s sake. (If you would like more information, a whole lot more information, about the Cubs, just ask Pastor Buckhahn!)

Perhaps when we were reflecting on our many failures and shortcomings as we move toward the end of 2008, we may also have been saying to ourselves, “Wait until next year.” Well, whether or not that was the case, it is now the “next year!” With God’s help we can look forward to 2009 with the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm that Ernie Banks displayed year after year. That’s possible because of the assurance of forgiveness we have as a result of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. The past is gone, a new year has come and we can move forward with enthusiasm and excitement because God’s Holy Spirit is within us to help us to will and to do those things that are evidence of our being the children of God.

As God’s redeemed stewards, we look forward to this new year of grace and the many opportunities to use all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. It is helpful for us to remember that we live out our stewardship in cooperation with and encouragement from our fellow redeemed stewards. We are never in this work alone. While it is true that our stewardship is a personal response to God, it is always to be lived out within our community of faith, specifically our congregation. Perhaps we can have the same spirit and enthusiasm that Ernie Banks had for baseball but instead of saying, “It’s a great day for a ballgame…let’s play two,” we can say “It’s a great year for being God’s stewards, let’s do twice as much!”

May God bless us as His redeemed stewards and help us throughout this year to freely and joyfully serve Him and His kingdom with all that we are and have.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

with

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Dedicated in honor of Rev. C. F. Buckhahn J J J

2008 NOISY OFFERING SCHEDULE:

January 2008 Saginaw Pregnancy Care Center $396.65

February 2008 People Care (Heating Emergency Assistance Plan) $279.48

March 2008 Bethlehem’s Alaskan Mission Trip $511.73

April 2008 Gideon Bible Society $1,039.00

April 2008 Special Door Offering for Fire Victim $968.68

May 2008 Saginaw County Truancy Initiative $400.30

June 2008 Saginaw Habitat for Humanity Lutheran House $319.31

July 2008 Bethlehem’s Alaskan Mission Trip $385.30

August 2008 Underground Railroad $326.43

September 2008 Bethlehem Church Worker Scholarship Fund $1,145.99

October 2008 McNally House – Covenant Hospital $442.78

November 2008 Food Bank of Eastern Michigan $462.12

Thanksgiving Bethlehem Welfare Fund $473.00

December 2008 Visiting Nurse Association $362.11

YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: $7,512.88

UPDATE FOR DECEMBER’S NOISY OFFERING at the end of each service on Sunday, December 14 & Monday, December 15, our congregation designated the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for Hospice Care for Bethlehem’s "Noisy Money Collection" in December. On that weekend we gathered $362.11 for this important cause.

For more than 75 years, the VNA has been offering comprehensive home care services to people of all ages, providing the “perfect” answer to many health challenges. Best of all, you can count on them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Time spent with family and friends becomes even more precious when diagnosed with a terminal illness. This is why many terminally ill patients turn to the Covenant Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for Hospice Care services. Hospice is a non-profit health care program that enables patients to spend their final days at home in dignity and comfort with loved ones at their side. VNA HOSPICE CARE for in-home hospice visits or details about the James E. Cartwright Care Center, call 1.800.VNA.4.YOU or 989.799.6020 You can also set your browser to http://www.covenanthealthcare.com for more information.

Thank you for contributing to Bethlehem’s Noisy Offering in DECEMBER, "Your change could change a life". Thank you, the Board of Stewardship.

UPDATE FOR THANKSGIVING’S DOOR OFFERING at the end of each service on Thanksgiving Eve and Day, our congregation designated a door offering for the Bethlehem Welfare Fund in November. This money is used to purchase food and other necessary needs of our brothers and sisters less fortunate. On Thanksgiving we gathered $473 for this important cause.

2009 NOISY OFFERING SCHEDULE:

January 2009 Saginaw Pregnancy Care Center

February 2009 People Care (Heating Emergency Assistance Plan)

March 2009 Bethlehem’s Alaskan Mission Trip

April 2009

May 2009

June 2009 Saginaw Habitat for Humanity Lutheran House

July 2009

August 2009

September 2009 Bethlehem Church Worker Scholarship Fund

October 2009

November 2009

Thanksgiving Bethlehem Welfare Fund

December 2009

If you would like to make a suggestion to the Board of Stewardship concerning a future noisy offering, please feel free to do so. Please remember that we are primarily seeking to fund hometown missions, and accordingly a higher priority will be placed on those missions that have a more direct impact on our local community. A number of suggestions people have made have been used with others still waiting to be fulfilled. The Board has at times juggled the schedule to meet special emergency needs like disaster relief. Help to CHANGE LIVES THROUGH CHRIST!

WHAT'S THAT NOISE ALL ABOUT? Bethlehem’s January Noisy Offering has been designated for “Pregnancy Counseling Center " (LCFS) on Sunday, January 11 & Monday, January 12. Be prepared to empty your change and help out a worthy cause. What is my part you ask? Simply empty out your pockets, drawers, and nooks and crannies where you keep your spare change and bring it to church.

The “Pregnancy Counseling Center” is located at 1803 N Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 Phone: (989) 752-7664 The “Pregnancy Counseling Center” provides Abortion Alternative services such as: 24 Hour Line, Abortion Information, Free pregnancy tests and pregnancy information, Ultrasound Maternal Aid, Medical services, including STD tests, Adoption Support, Adoption Services, Post Abortion Counseling, Parenting Classes, Parenting Support, Child Birth Classes, and a Men's Program. You can find out more information by linking to their web site at http://www.pregnancycenters.org/index.html.

When you give your spare change to the noisy offering you are helping to “Change Lives Through Christ.” Thank you, the Board of Stewardship. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR GIFTS OF LOVE!

December Memorials

Alaskan Mission Trip

*In loving memory of Tom & Norma Jean Fleschner, by Tom & Laurie & Dan Klonowski.

Howard Bartels Memorial Fund

*In loving memory of Howard Bartels, by George & Leanne Frank.

Bethlehem Food Pantry

* Thankoffering, by Aileen McInally.

Bethlehem School Playground

*In loving memory of parents, Arthur & Edna Frank, by Ed & Shirley Frank.

Bethlehem Sunday School

*In loving memory of Geraldine Millerick, stepmother of Tom & Trish Millerick,

by The Gallegos Family, and Norm & Jan Sowatsky.

Bible Study Materials

*In loving memory of Henry Wittig, by Evelyn Wittig.

Boar’s Head Festival

*Thankoffering, by Marvin & Barbara Henry.

*Thankoffering, by Roger & Suzanne Jennings.

*Thankoffering, by Douglas Webster.

*In loving memory of Viola Beyersdorf, mother of Gary Engelhardt, by John & Leah Herzog,

George & Leanne Frank, and Bethlehem Senior Choir.

*In loving memory of Lydia Krone, aunt of Ginny Bergant, by Evelyn Wittig.

*In loving memory of Aunt Rosalie Stuart, by Mildred Barko & Ted Reetz.

Braille Center

*In loving memory of Laverne Bolzman, mother of Renee Leach, by Monday Night Braille

Group, and Emil & Lillian Kaleyta.

Church & School Carpeting Fund

*In loving memory of Bud Graebner, by Jan & Terry Laux.

Lorna Enser Memorial Fund

*In loving memory of Lorna Enser, mother of Shirley Frank and grandmother of Brenda Wilson,

by George & Leanne Frank.

Delores Findlay Memorial Fund

*In loving memory of Delores Findlay, by Harold & Arlene Puffpaff, Velma Techlin,

Deb Roussear, Linda Harju, and William & Beth Williams.

Professional Development Fund

*Thankoffering, by Aileen McInally.

*In loving memory of Lorna Enszer, mother of Shirley Frank and grandmother of Brenda Wilson, by The Gallegos Family, and Norm & Jan Sowatsky.

Thelma Salvner Memorial Fund

*In loving memory of Thelma Salvner, by Harold & Arlene Puffpaff, Flora Golomb,

and Velma Techlin.

School Family Financial Aid Fund

*In loving memory of parents, Arthur & Edna Frank, by Ed & Shirley Frank.

Welfare Fund - *Thankoffering, by Lois Zolton.

Bethlehem News & Notes...

Dear Valley Lutheran High School Students: Thank you so much for your hard work collecting donations of food and sharing a portion of those donations with the Bethlehem Food Pantry. It seems like just as soon as the food is put on the shelf, it gets taken off to give to someone who doesn’t have any food in their home. Last month was the busiest month ever for our Food Pantry. We were able to help 24 families (that would be a total of 55 people). So far for December, we have helped 16 families (40 people). Your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you.

Senior High Bible Study will meet every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday in the Youth Room at 9:15 a.m. On the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, we will meet at 6:30 p.m. COME JOIN US!!!

When someone feels compelled to write a letter to the editor of the Saginaw News to express her feelings about the Boar’s Head Festival, we are encouraged. Her final expression about their experience at the Festival is that all is well with the world after all. What an expression of the Gospel of Jesus coming to her loud and clear. What an expression of the Spirit of God working its way into the heart of one of our guests at the festival. This is the ultimate thanks to the many who worked hard to make the Festival meaningful experience. Marilyn Rodammer, who in the midst of personal challenges, continues to pursue excellence in the performances…the participants who make it come alive in their fine costuming and presentation…the singers and players who provide the great message in songs…the many who work in the various rooms downstairs and in classrooms with makeup, supervision, decorations, setting up and taking down…etc. it is rewarding because someone caught the essence of the Gospel in that Babe of Bethlehem. The center of all attention is once again focused on the light of the world as it is once again focused on the light of the world as it is once again carried into the entire world. Thank you to the many people of Bethlehem for making it happen once again…to the glory of God alone. George Frank

Would you like to help Bethlehem save on mailing costs? Do you like to receive emails? If so, please request that you be put on our email list by calling the church office at 755-1144 or emailing churchoffice@bethlehemsaginaw.org.

Pictorial Directory Orders – If you had your picture taken or submitted a picture, you will receive a complementary pictorial directory in 2009. If you did not submit a photo or have your picture taken and would still like to receive a directory, you can place your order with the church office until the end of the year. The cost is $10.00 per directory and prepayment is required. Thank you.

Ladies – The Winter issue of the Lutheran Women’s Quarterly is available on the Welcome Center. It is larger and better than ever. Pick up your copy and check it out.

The January-March Portals of Prayer is available on the Welcome Center. Suggested donation is $1.00 and may be placed in the box marked “Portals of Prayer” located under the display cases and tract rack in the Narthex.

Mary Magdalene – she isn’t who you may think she is. Come find out what scripture really tells us about her and what she can contribute to folks in today’s world. Our Bible Study, Unveiling Mary Magdalene, begins on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 7:00 pm in the church lounge. We hope you join us in this fascinating study and story by Liz Curtis Higgs (author of the Bad Girls of the Bible books).

You Are Not An Accident! Starting in Sept. 2009, Bethlehem will be having a spiritual growth campaign called 40 Days of Purpose at our church. This campaign is designed to answer life’s most important question: “What on Earth am I here for?” The events of the campaign will give us an opportunity to not only learn about God’s five purposes for our lives, but to commit to new practices that will help us live out the five purposes from day to day. Right now, we are looking for people who want to be part of the planning of this church-energizing campaign. There is much planning to do! If you feel that god could use you in this amazing project, we need you! There is a job ofr everyone! Please contact Pastor Korte or Bob or Lorie Newton to find out more about what kind of help is needed. Thank you!

The December/January issue of “Michigan In Touch” is on the Welcome Center. Please feel free to take a copy.

Many thanks for all the expressions of sympathy that we received during the loss of our Mother and Grandmother, Lorna Enser and the loss of our Brother and Uncle, Franklin Frank. Ed & Shirley Frank and Scott & Brenda Wilson

News & Notes from Friends of Bethlehem…

Valley Lutheran Thanks You! – “Thank you to all churches and people associated with our fruit sale fundraiser. Our appreciation to all buyers, sellers, distributors and helpers for your cooperation and support. Money raised will help support music, drama, athletics and many other activities at Valley Lutheran High School. Through your support and the student body, we are fortunate and thankful to meet our goal. Total boxes sold for 2008 were 778 – nearly 23,000 pounds. WOW!”

Sauerkraut, Sausage, & Roast Beef Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran School gym, 6094 West Side Saginaw Road, Bay City. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and all takeouts and $3.50 for children 13 and under. For more information, please call 684-1539.

Following HIS Cross for 160 Years -- The Holy Cross Church family has many blessings received and given over the years. As many may know, our congregation was organized on January 25, 1849. To mark this blessed and eventful occasion, the 160^th Anniversary Committee would like to encourage all members (new, current, and previous) to worship with us during the 2009 year. On Sunday, January 25, 2009, Rev C. William Hoesman, President Michigan District LC-MS, will be our guest speaker with a potluck following for all to share and have fellowship. Also, on the afternoon of January 11, Pastor James F. Krueger will be installed as Holy Cross' new administrative pastor. Please join us for these blessed occasions. Monthly events are also being formulated throughout the entire year. Our theme is: “Following HIS Cross for 160 Years." This is appropriate as we will be looking at our past and present history; through the hardships and “the good times”. We would like to invite and encourage all of our daughter churches to join us in our celebration.

The Lutheran Homecare Hospice Benefit dinner will be held January 14, 2009, at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and a program to follow. The theme of the program will be "Beauty Beyond the Ashes." The speaker is Cheryl McGuinness, who will share her story of renewal, recovery, and faith. Cheryl's husband was the co-pilot in the first plane to hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Tickets for the event are $30 per person. Sponsorships start at $300. For more information and reservations, please call Heather Peche-Gronowski at 989-652-4663 or e-mail her at hgronowski@lhminc.org.

Announcing the 80^th Annual Detroit Lutheran Bowling Tournament held at Bowl One Lanes in Troy, Mic`higan, on February 14, 21, or 28 or February 15, 22, or March 1. For information or entry blanks, please contact Jerry DeRuiter, 21525 Centennial St, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081, 586-771-7004 or email deruiterg@dteenergy.com. Entries close January 19, 2009.

On Sunday, January 11, 2009, at 4:00 pm St. Michael’s will be celebrating the ordination/installation of Lang Yang. Lang has been taking classes and working in Hmong ministry at St. Michael’s Our Savior Lansing and the Michigan District for over four years. He graduated from St. Louis Seminary’s Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology this past fall. The EIIT provides an alternate route to ordination for men engaged in pastoral missionary contexts in ethnic immigrant and urban cultures in North America. Lang did well in his school work and in his theological interviews and was certified by the seminary for ordination. Our call to him to continue serving in the same three areas of ministry went through the LCMS Board of District Presidents and then to the Seminary and finally back to Lang who has accepted.

Scholarships Available for College Studies and Vocation Training The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $200,00 in scholarships for students attending college (undergraduate or graduate) or vocational school in the fall of 2009. The application deadline for these awards is February 1, 2009. To make applying for scholarships less time consuming, SCF has developed and electroin application. Students need to complete only one application to apply for nearly 150 scholarships. The eligibility criteria for each scholarship vary and are explained in detail on our website www.saginawfoundation.org For more information contact SCF at (989) 755-0545