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Apostles Lutheran
Church & Preschool
3140 Broadwater Avenue ~ Billings, Montana ~ 59102
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Sunday
8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Monday
6:30 p.m.
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Pentecost in the 21st Century
 It was only a few weeks ago that we celebrated the wonders of Pentecost, 50 days after Easter. We know the story well: the disciples gathered in the crowded room, the sound of rushing wind, the tongues of fire, the strange ability given to the disciples to speak different languages they had never heard before. But what does all of that mean for us today?
We rejoice that the same Holy Spirit who worked such wonders on that first Pentecost some 2,000 years ago offers us the same blessings today. The same Holy Spirit who worked a stronger, bolder faith and clearer understanding in those disciples is still with us, working the same miracles in us. And he uses the same “power-tools” today as well; the good-news message of Jesus our Savior. The Holy Spirit began this awesome work in you at baptism. He gave us the gift of faith which allows us to see and trust in the saving work of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit continues to grow your faith when you, like Mary, sit and listen to God’s Word.
Pentecost also has another important meaning for us today. Jesus’ words before he ascended make that meaning crystal clear. He told his disciples, “You will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit took those uneducated, scared, confused and weak disciples and made them bold witnesses for their Savior. This same command and promise is ours today. We are Jesus’ witnesses in our own homes to our children and family, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, in our communities, and throughout the whole world. This is no small task! And perhaps we are left scared, confused and weak.
Thank God that he sends His same Holy Spirit to us to empower us. The Holy Spirit makes us strong and bold to be His witnesses. We are strong because our strength does not come from us but from Jesus himself as we stay connected to him in the Word and sacraments. And then, like Paul, we can boldly claim, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
God’s blessings to you as you boldly look for opportunities to speak about the hope that you have in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will go with you and bless you!
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CHURCH NEWS
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 This Week's Announcements
June Newsletter
 FALL FAMILY BIBLE HOUR SCHEDULE
Sunday school and adult Bible class will take a break until September 12, when we will begin with our fall lessons. (No classes 8/29 and 9/5.) Ages 3 through the 8th grade will study New Testament lessons, memorize Bible passages and learn hymns to sing for our worship services. High school through age 16 will study a six week course titled “The Glory of Living Under the Cross.” Bring a friend and grow together in the grace of Jesus Christ!
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
A healthy marriage does not happen overnight but takes hard work and understanding of how your spouse operates. On September 17, Pastor Bickelhaupt will begin leading a group of 5 couples through a 40 day marriage enrichment class using the book The Love Dare. The group will meet at 7:00 p.m. on the Fridays of September 17, October 1, and October 15. On day 40 of the class, we will have a date night as a group at a local restaurant to celebrate the marriages with which God has gifted us. Prayerfully consider taking the challenge as we seek to give God glory through a strengthened relationship with him and a deeper love for our spouse. The sign up is in the entry. If the first session is filled, you may sign up for a second session whose time is yet to be determined. Speak to Pastor Bickelhaupt if you have any questions or concerns.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE CONFIRMATION
Confirmation instruction is going to begin soon for those who are entering seventh and eighth grades. If you have a child or grandchild that is desiring to receive instruction in order to take on a more active part in God's ministry at Apostles, please sign them up on the sheet in the entry or call Pastor Bickelhaupt at 656-7141. After all the names are gathered, each family will be contacted to establish a time that will work for various schedules throughout the year. Pastor Bickelhaupt will also request to make a home visit with each confirmation family before catechism begins. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pastor Bickelhaupt.
REVISED FUNDRAISING POLICY
A revised policy concerning fund raising at Apostles was written to replace the outdated policy that we had and to give direction to our church in the proper management of our blessings. Your church council has reviewed the policy as it was presented by the elders and now wishes for you to have the opportunity to review it before it is accepted by the congregation through the voting body. Copies of the policy are available to you in the entry way. Please direct any questions or comments to the chairman of the elders, Karl Wenz or to Pastor Bickelhaupt. The final draft will then be presented with your comments or corrections to the voters at the fall meeting.
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS
Men, join us Saturday, September 4 at 8:00 a.m. for Bible class.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Events Team - Saturday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Team - Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.
PRESCHOOL OPENINGS
The afternoon 3 and 4 year old class has 2 newly available openings. If you know of anyone looking for preschool for their child, please have them contact Lynette Scott at 656-7141 or speak with Pastor Bickelhaupt.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE
We are in need of a family or individuals to fill an open spot on our cleaning schedule, due to the Ronan's leaving. If you can help, please call Denise at 656-7141. Thank you.
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 BACK TO THE TOP
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May is always a bittersweet time of year.
 It is exciting to see how the children have grown throughout the year spiritually, socially and academically. However, it is hard to see them go. We are truly grateful that all of the children from the afternoon will be joining us again next year, with the exception of one who will be moving. It is a comfort to know that the Lord is always with them no matter where they go.
May has been hectic with parent/teacher conferences and preparing for our Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, May birthdays, summer birthdays, track and field day and graduation. The children enjoyed having their parents come and enjoy snack, bingo or outside time and story time with them. They even made special gifts for their special guests.
Track and Field day consisted of different running, jumping and throwing events. We had a long and short race, high jump, long jump, ball throw, noodle throw, and a sack race. After all that activity, we enjoyed the playground shelter and had popsicles.
In our Bible lessons this month, we learned about how God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit and wanted to spread His Word. The children heard how they were even willing to die proclaiming the Good News! We heard the lessons of Stephen and Phillip. We also learned that we are all sheep. The children knew exactly who our shepherd is – Jesus! We finished the year with the lesson of Jesus blessing the children. They heard how Jesus told His friends to let the children come to Him. What a wonderful way to wrap up the year...hearing once more how much their Savior loves them.
The room will soon be empty again for the summer. The good news is that we are already completely full for fall, when we get to share our blessings again! Thank you to everyone that helped make this year such a great success, whether it was with time, treasures, or talents - they are all greatly appreciated! Please keep the preschool in your prayers.
Lynette Scott
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PRESCHOOL INFORMATION
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May Preschool Calendar
Apostles' goal is to plant the seed of wisdom, nurture the children with love, and to watch them grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Our mission does not only include the children but our goal is to nurture the entire family. Throughout the year there will be several events hosted by the preschool to promote interaction with other preschool parents and children. The entire family will have the opportunity to participate in projects and fellowship during the family nights.
Apostles Lutheran Preschool serves children ages three to five years old. We offer families two sessions:
Morning Session
(4-5 year-olds)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00-11:30 AM
4 years old by September 10
Afternoon Session
(3-4 year-olds)
Tuesday, Thursday 12:45-2:45 PM
3 years old by September 10
All children are required to be potty-trained.
Sessions begin the first Tuesday in September. Enrollment is open to the public and a waiting list is available.
Preschool Director:
Lynette Scott 406-656-7141
2009-2010 Handbook
Preschool Flyer
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Meetup with local moms as we encourage, support and enjoy playtime with our children!
Come to a Moms Meetup to share experiences, find advice, give support and make new friends. We will have craft days, story time, playdates, picnic lunches, day trips and much more.
This group is organized through Apostles Lutheran Church, but is not limited to just members of the church. All moms are welcome (young or old)! Children have a lot of activities from school to swimming lessons, so even if they can't make it, moms are still encouraged to come and join us!
If you or a mom you know could benefit from being a part of the group, please check out our website at www.meetup.com/apostleschurch. Praise God for his many blessings on this group!
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