Bethel Lutheran Church Hudson

Day 5 of K-5 Scuba VBS
It’s a wrap! We had a great week at VBS diving into friendship with God! Today our Bible Octavia, the octopus, taught us God is a friend for everyone. We hope you will see us demonstrating friendship to everyone. Next week, it’s the preschoolers turn for VBS!

Day 4 of K-5 Scuba VBS!
Today we met Waylon, the whale shark, who taught that God is a friend forever! The daily question was “Would you rather travel on a submarine or a cruise ship”, and CRUISE SHIP won! Which would you rather? In the Imagination Station they observed that an egg sinks in tap water but floats in salt water. Try it again at home! Our day ended with a Dilly Bar treat – thanks Hudson Dairy Queen!

The Trende family invites you to celebrate Richard's life. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, July 20th at 11:00AM at Bethel Lutheran Church Highlands Campus - 504 Frontage Road, Hudson, WI. Livestream will be available on Bethel's Facebook, Website, and YouTube Channel.

Richard William Trende, a devoted servant to the community of Hudson, to his faith, and to his family, passed away on July 8, 2024, in Hudson, WI. He was born on March 24, 1949, in Preston, MN, to parents Fredrick and Arlene Trende and graduated from Silver Bay High School. He went on to attend Southwest Minnesota State College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. His athleticism was demonstrated throughout high school and college, instilling a lifelong love for sports. He was also a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, and Twins.

Dick married Charlotte Nelson on July 1, 1972, and together were blessed with three children, Bethany, Andrea, and Scott. Dick began his law enforcement service as a City of Hudson, WI, Patrol Officer in 1972. Dick was promoted to Hudson’s first Juvenile/Detective Sargent in 1989; a position he held until his promotion to Chief of Police in September, 1993. After serving the City of Hudson for 34 years, Dick retired in May, 2006. Not quite ready to leave the law enforcement community, he continued his mission of safety and service to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls as their Chief of Police.

For his service in the Law Enforcement community, Dick received several awards, including 1990 State of Wisconsin, Office of the Attorney General, Officer of the Year. In 1993, Dick was also selected to attend the FBI National Academy (University of Virginia) Quantico, VA.

Beyond his professional career, Dick was an avid fisherman and hunter, sharing this interest with his family and like-minded friends. He also loved to read about the histories of the American Civil War and World War II. In addition, Dick generously volunteered his time with various community organizations, including Hudson Community Action, the St. Croix County Jail Ministry program, and refereeing high school football games. He was so proud to participate with his children in their many sports and school activities.

Dick lived out his faith as a member of Bethel Lutheran Church for 52 years supporting the life of the church as a worship volunteer, council member, providing Loaves and Fishes meals and many other servant experiences. Some of Dick’s most treasured moments were his twice-a-month Men’s Bible Study followship group at Key’s restaurant; sharing friendship, faith, life stories, jokes and, of course, breakfast.

Dick also kept his long-time police department friendships having coffee together, reminiscing and story-telling.

As a loving and caring husband, father and (especially) grandfather, Dick will remain in the hearts of his wife Char; children Bethany (Kyle) Trende-Steffen, Andrea (Korey) Werk, and Scott (Lauren) Trende; grandchildren Kayla and Emmet Murphy, Brayden, Keagan, and McKynlee Werk, and Ryker Trende; as well as his extended Trende and Nelson families.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and sister Diane Jonland.

The memorial services to honor Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church – Highlands Campus in Hudson, WI, at 11:00 a.m. His visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service at Bethel Lutheran. Memorials are preferred to the immediate family to help support organizations in Dick’s memory.

The Worship Committee listening sessions start this Sunday after the 9am service at Bethel Highlands Campus. If you are unable to attend, please fill out the online form at bethelhudson.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/731/responses/new

Please join the Worship Committee at one of the upcoming listening sessions to share your feedback on future worship times at Bethel. The committee has recommended two options, and will be hosting two listening sessions. Additional details
at bethelhudson.org

Day 3 of K-5 Scuba VBS!
Our Day 3 Bible Buddy was Fisher, the seal, who taught us God is a friend we can trust. Today’s closing finale featured things that float and sink – ask the kids whether the bowling ball floated or sank! Today's snack was inspired by our Buddy Fisher – we had Goldfish. 😊 We are looking forward to some fun surprises tomorrow!

Day 2 of K-5 Scuba VBS!
Today we met our Bible Buddy, Finnley – the dolphin, who taught us that God is a friend who loves! Our Bible story was about Jonah & the whale and there was even a blow-up whale. We are thankful there was no rain this morning so we could have some of our stations outdoors, including games of Sharks & Minnows!

Day 1 of K-5 Scuba VBS!
K-5 Vacation Bible School has begun at Bethel, diving into friendship with God! We met our first Bible Buddy, Tad the frog fish, who helps teach us our daily lesson: God is a friend who’s real. The kids had fun seeing all of the amazing decorations and learning about echolocation. We are excited for more fun and adventures tomorrow!

Dear Bethel,

As you have heard, on Saturday the former President Donald Trump was the victim of an attempted assassination. There are truly no words to express my disappointment of this heinous act. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and respect each other even when we hold differing views. Jesus has shown us through scripture that when we have differences that we pray for that person, and we come to the one we disagree with and talk about it respectfully, we don’t turn to violence and demeaning words.

It is my prayer and hope that as people of Bethel we are an example of respect. I pray that we think twice before we speak and most of all listen to even those we disagree with. This applies to all political parties. In the end we are all children of God and as beloved children of God, we are called to love and respect all people.

Living by Christ's example,
Pastor Ladd

Bethel’s Scuba K5 VBS starts tomorrow! We are all ready to dive in to friendship with God!

During the storm this morning, Bethel Downtown lost its internet connection. We were unable to restore the connection, and therefore, we were not able to livestream or record the Ralph Swenson memorial service. We apologize for these technical difficulties.

The Swenson family invites you to celebrate Ralph's life. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00AM at Bethel Lutheran Church Downtown Campus - 920 3rd St., Hudson, WI. Livestream will be available on Bethel's Facebook, Website, and YouTube Channel. A luncheon will follow the service.

Read Ralph's obituary here: oconnellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/ralph-victor-swenson/

Please join the Worship Committee at one of the upcoming listening sessions to share your feedback on future worship times at Bethel. The committee has recommended two options, and will be hosting two listening sessions. Additional details
at bethelhudson.org

“Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord” –Psalm 33:12

Bethel offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday!

During the month of July, we are participating in the Hudson Food Cupboard's Christmas in July food collection event. Local organizations have been given a theme of food items to collect, and Bethel has "Here's Dinner!". High valued items include taco shells, taco seasoning, salsa, and beef stews.

Please consider serving our local community with this initiative! Collection boxes can be found at both Bethel campuses to drop donations.

Another Great day sharing Christ with others and experiencing Christ in others!

Another Great day in Memphis! It was hot (101 degrees), but the youth are rocking it! Thanks for all the prayers and support!

High School Mission Trip is underway! Memphis here we come!

Happy Father's Day to all of the special men in our lives! In addition, we also blessed the Middle School and High School Mission Trips as they leave today and Friday for trips to Milwaukee and Memphis. Blessings to all!