November 2025 Monthly News

Bethesda Lutheran Church
Oct 28
4 min read

See what's happening in November at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell, Iowa — and find opportunities to get involved!

All Upcoming Events

November 2: All Saints Day
November 2: Adult Education Series: ELCA Use of the Means of Grace
November 4: Tuesday Together Time meets in Fellowship Hall
November 4: Worship at Timberland, 2:00 p.m.
November 9: Community Potluck, 12:00 p.m.
November 10: Church council, 7:00 p.m.
November 16: Mission Sunday: The Lord’s Cupboard
November 17: Poinsettia orders due
November 19: HS Youth Group shopping for Giving Tree
November 20: Love the Lord, Love the Lord’s Cupboard
November 20: Church newsletter deadline
November 23: CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
November 23: Thanksgiving Community Worship at J.U.C.C., 7:00 p.m.
November 25: Tuesday Together Time Thanksgiving Feast
November 26: No after school activities
November 27: Thanksgiving holiday
November 30: First Sunday of Advent; Hanging of the Greens
More in the newsletter

Adult Education Classes Begin November 2

During the month of November, there are 5 Sundays. Interim Pastor Jonathan Dolan is inviting you to join a four‑session (5-week) Adult Education series at the same time that Bible and Brew meets beginning on November 2. Because there are 5 Sundays, that allows us an opportunity to spend a bit more time specifically in Parts 2 and 3 which are the sessions on Baptism and Holy Communion. This faith opportunity seeks to bring Word, Baptism, and Communion to life—rooted in the ELCA’s governing document on those practices shaped for folks who value practical, faithful living in everyday work and community. Read more on page 7 of the newsletter.

Poinsettia Orders

Price includes pot covers, color of covers will be selected by Bethesda. Your order request and payment must be placed with the church office no later than Monday, November 17.

POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

High School Youth Group Information for November

On November 19, the Youth Group will meet in the church parking lot to carpool to do shopping for the Giving Tree. The time is TBD, but will be shared during Youth Group and via text when known. There is no Youth /group on November 26 as there is no school that day because of Thanksgiving break. This is just a friendly reminder that activities at church for Youth Group and Confirmation do not occur when South Hamilton lets out early/closes for weather or during scheduled holiday breaks. Enjoy time with your families over the holiday! On December 3, Youth Group will wrap the giving Tree presents that were purchased with proceeds from the Pumpkin Auction!

Love the Lord, Love the Lord’s Cupboard

Once again, the Lord’s Cupboard is being challenged to match funds from the group “Love the Lord, Love the Lord’s Cupboard”. The group will match up to $2,500. This would be a good year to meet the challenge. The number of families coming to the Lord’s Cupboard varies from 40 to 50 per month. Also, the price of food is increasing. What used to cost us $25 to $30 per family for the perishable food vouchers at the grocery store now fifty dollars. Meeting their challenge would be a big help to the Lord’s Cupboard. We also use this money to give our vouchers for Thanksgiving and Christmas at the grocery store. Those vouchers don’t say what they have to buy, but are used to put a little extra food on the table for those holidays. These vouchers are greatly appreciated by the families. Please send your donations to Lord’s Cupboard, PO Box 330, Jewell, IA 50130, or drop in the offering plate at Bethesda in an envelope marked Lord’s Cupboard or written on the memo line of your check. The challenge will run from October 15 through November 20, 2025. Please help in any way you can.

What is Christ the King Sunday?

Christ the King Sunday occurs on the last Sunday before Advent begins, which means it’s the final Sunday of the church year. On this day, we remember and celebrate Jesus as the King who rules over everything, both earth and heaven. During worship on Christ the King Sunday, we hear Bible stories that talk about Jesus as King, often from the Book of Revelation and the Gospels. Songs and prayers focus on Jesus’ victory over sin and death, his role as a caring shepherd, and the call for us to follow him with courage and humility. Another observance on this Sunday includes the practice of Holy Communion. Receiving the spiritual nourishment of Christ’s Body and Blood empowers us to follow where Christ leads. For Lutherans, Christ the King Sunday is both a celebration and a reminder. It helps us see Jesus as the true King who rules with mercy, forgiveness, justice and grace. Read more about Christ the King Sunday in Pastor Jonathan Dolan's letter in the newsletter.

More in the newsletter and calendar: