“Let us run with endurance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 

Worship Schedule: 
-	Monday, June 2nd @ 6:30 p.m.
-	Sunday, June 8th @ 10:00 a.m.

Worship Encouragement: This is the last week of the school year. Soon we will begin our summer routines and schedules. Although we will be taking a break from school for the summer months, our worship schedule continues on. Summer can be a busy time and there are opportunities for our families to still meet for worship on Sunday mornings or Monday evenings. I pray that all our families make worship a part of their weekly routine throughout the summer. 

Thank you: As the school year comes to an end this week, I want to take an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped this school year. Thank you to the kids for their hard work and effort both in the classroom and in their extra-curriculars throughout the year. Thank you to the parents for making Christian education a priority in your child’s life, the sacrifices you have made to make that happen and the volunteering that was done throughout the school year. Thank you to our secretaires for volunteering their time and for their hard work in helping our school. Thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time to help our kids and school. Thank you to our staff for their hard work and dedication. I pray God’s blessings on everyone’s summers and look forward to seeing you back in the fall!

Graduation Sunday: Sunday, June 1st is Bethel Graduation Sunday. During the 10:00 a.m. worship service, our 8th graders will graduate from BLS. All other graduates of our congregation will also be recognized. Graduating 8th graders from BLS are: 

Eliza Figley
Easton Jacobs
Grace Janz
Avery Kukla
Ian McGehee

Collin Nitz
Laney Wilson

MALL Track Meet: Our annual MALL track meet at Garber was held last Friday. Thank you to all the kids who participated for their hard work in preparing for the track meet. I am happy to report that we finished in second place overall at this year's meet. Congratulations to our track athletes!

MLS Track Meet: Students in grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in another track meet being held by Michigan Lutheran Seminary on Wednesday, May 28th. The MLS meet starts at 11:00 a.m. Students will be dismissed at 10:00 a.m. to go to the meet. Please make sure to arrange transportation to MLS for your child that day. 

Field Day 2025: On May 28, Grades K through 4 will participate in our sixth annual Field Day. We will serve a picnic lunch of hot dogs around 11:30.  After lunch, students will rotate through a variety of fun outdoor activities. We are looking for volunteers to help run each of the activities. If you are unable to help in this way, we are also taking donations of hot dogs and buns, juice boxes, water bottles, chips, popsicles, and cookies. Please use the Sign-Up Genius link or QR code to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4EACA92BA6F85-56771103-field 

Records Day: Thursday, May 29th will be a half day of school. Your Bethel staff will use the afternoon to finalize report cards and permanent file reports. Classes will dismiss at noon on that day. 
End of Qtr./Report Cards: The 4th quarter of the school year will end on Friday, May 30th. Report cards will be handed out before your child is dismissed for the school year. Nothing needs to be returned to school related to report cards. 

Last Day of School & Closing Service: Friday, May 30th is the last day of school. Classes will be dismissed for the year after the closing service. The closing service will begin around 11:30 a.m. and finish around noon. We hope that all are able to attend!

Awards Presentation: This Friday evening is our Awards Day Ceremony for grades 1-8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the church for the presentation of awards. Students may sit with their families and will be called up by grades to receive their awards and parents will be given a chance to get a class picture before the students will return to their seats. Refreshments will be provided in the gym after the presentation.  

Ascension Service: This year’s Ascension service is at St. John’s, Bay City, and will be held on Thursday, May 29th at 6:00 p.m. You are invited to come and worship with fellow area churches as we celebrate our risen and ascended Savior!

Bethel Boosters Meeting: The next meeting of the Bethel Boosters will be Sunday, June 1st, after church. Plans for events for the next school year, as well as future school projects, will be discussed at this meeting. Please plan to attend and see how you can be involved with our school!

25-26 Preschool Enrollment: Bethel Preschool began accepting next year’s Preschool enrollment on Wednesday, January 15th.  Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Get your application in and get the word out to your family and friends. As of this writing, there are 8 openings in Pre-K4 and  6 in Pre-K3.

Egg Cartons: If you have egg cartons at home, a congregation member is interested in collecting them. If you are willing to donate egg cartons, both 12 or 24 count, drop them off in the school office or talk with Mr. Thooft.

Mission Program: Our 4th quarter chapel offering is going to support Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS). The special purpose of Michigan Lutheran Seminary is to prepare high school students for the public ministry of the gospel, encouraging them to enroll in the WELS College of Ministry, Martin Luther College. I pray that families take this opportunity to teach their children the importance of supporting the work of the church. Last week, our chapel offering was $31.12. Our total for the quarter is $188.77.

25-26 School Play: We will once again be using Missoula Children’s Theatre for our play production next year. April 20th-25th will be the week of the play, with performances on Friday and Saturday night. Please mark your calendars!

Ladies’ Aid at Buds to Blooms: Do you plan to purchase spring flowers or plants from Buds to Blooms? If you purchase between May 1st and May 31st, mention Bethel Ladies Aid! 10% of purchases will be credited to Bethel Ladies Aid. 

Coming Up:
-	5/26 - Memorial Day (No School)
-	5/28 - MLS Track Meet
-	5/29 - Records Day - ½ day of school
-	BALM Ascension Service @ St. John’s, Bay City
-	5/30 - Last Day of School & Closing Service - ½ day of school
-	Awards Ceremony @ 6:30
-	6/01 - Graduation Sunday
-	Bethel Booster Meeting after Church

Upcoming Singing Schedule Dates: 
-	6/1 - Grades K-8 - Graduation Sunday

Birthdays:
May & June
Pastor Killinger - Pastor - 05/29
Emery Heinz - PreK-4 - 05/29
Hadley Heinz - PreK-4 - 05/29
Teagan Shorkey - 2nd grade - 06/02
Isabella Davies - PreK-3 - 06/02
Baker Asel - PreK-3 - 06/09
Harper Doran - 3rd grade - 06/13
Eliza Kent - 2nd grade - 06/16
Isaac Powers - 6th grade - 06/25
Addison Peterson - PreK-4 - 06/25
Dylan Kramer - 2nd grade - 06/26
Oakleigh Ball - 1st grade - 06/26

July 
Lincoln Hurley - PreK-3 - 07/07
Rylee Thunberg - 6th grade - 07/08
Paisley Reinig - 2nd grade - 07/10
Eva Watkins - PreK-4 - 07/14
Collin Nitz - 8th grade - 07/16
Coda Eifert - 1st grade - 07/18
Lily Shenberger - 2nd grade - 07/18
Arya Raushi - 7th grade - 07/21
Mrs. Friske - Grades 3-4 Teacher - 07/23

August
Max Kowalski - 4th grade - 08/06
Ella Szostek - 3rd grade - 08/09
Gavin McGehee - 5th grade - 08/11
Adam Weiler Jr. - 1st grade - 08/12
Eliza Figley - 8th grade - 08/14
Gracious Longley - PreK-4 - 08/18
Emma Faulk - PreK-4 - 08/27
Kinsley Ball - Kindergarten - 08/28
Colton Couturier - PreK-4 - 08/30

Google Calendar:  If you have not, please check out our Google Calendar for the latest dates of events. It is important that you have access to our Google calendar because that is the primary way to know when events are happening at Bethel. If you need assistance with setting up access to the Google Calendar, please contact a staff member. 

Michigan Lutheran Seminary

MLS SUMMER CAMPS - REGISTER NOW
Less than one month left to register for MLS Summer Camps! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer experience! There’s less than ONE MONTH left to register for MLS Summer Camps—the deadline is June 1, 2025! Whether your child is into Fine Arts, Basketball, Football, or Volleyball, we’ve got a camp designed to help them grow in skill, teamwork, and faith. Spots are filling up fast, so secure your child’s spot today! Don’t forget: Use code FAMILY at checkout for a 15% discount when registering multiple campers from the same family. Visit www.mlsem.org to secure your child’s spot today.

MLS APPLICATIONS FOR 2025-26
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is underway at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. If your family plans to send a new student in the Fall, now is the time to apply! Visit www.mlsem.org for information and the application form. If you would like to know more about the school or the admissions process, please reach out to MLS Admissions Director, Pastor Jared Natsis, at jared.w.natsis@mlsem.org.