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History of the
Auxiliary
The Bethel Home
Auxiliary was organized November 14, 1956 in a meeting at Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church. The first regular meeting was held
December 11 at Bethel Home and we have met the first Tuesday of
every month since then. There were 61 Charter members from women's
organizations of the Vernon Circuit Lutheran churches and at that
time 17 churches were represented. The stated purpose was to aid
in the maintenance of the Bethel Home and assist in providing for
the comfort and welfare of the residents, which then numbered 29.
The members came in and did cleaning, baking, and provided canned
goods. They held coffee parties as a means of raising money, in
addition to the monthly worship offerings.
Bethel Home has
grown and so, too, has the Auxiliary, now servicing up to 106
residents from many denominations other than Lutheran. The
Auxiliary also has become Ecumenical. We now have members from
many area churches. There are no membership dues. We have our
worship offering and several money-raising projects during the
year and our concerns are still to provide a pleasant home-like
atmosphere for the residents.
What does the Bethel Home &
Services Auxiliary do?
The members of the
Auxiliary offer their loving support to the mission and ministry
of Bethel Home & Services through their prayers, presence, gifts
and service.
Their monthly
meetings are a time of inspiration and fellowship for the members
of the Auxiliary and many of the residents of Bethel Home. Each
month a different church group presents an interesting and
meaningful program. A time of fellowship is shared in the
Fellowship Room of Bethel Home.
During the year the
Auxiliary also sponsors special fund-raising efforts and supports
important projects to "enhance the quality of life for the
residents and clients of Bethel Home and Services." It is an
important work in total caring ministry which the Auxiliary
accomplishes.
Major Project Support
In the past the
Auxiliary has supported the following projects: chairs and tables
for the Activity Room, patio furnishings for the courtyard and
front patio, pianos for the Chapel and Dining Room, electric beds,
therapy equipment, printing of a "Bethel Hymnal" for worship and
Bible Study, Christmas and Easter gifts and birthday greetings for
each resident, and countless other special touches to promote
dignity for our elderly. The Auxiliary has also sponsored projects
for Bethel's Assisted Living facilities in Cashton, Westby and
Viroqua. Who Can
Join?
Anyone who is
interested in the mission and ministry of Bethel Home & Services
and desires to enhance the quality of life for the residents and
clients is welcome to join the Auxiliary
Why Should I Join?
As Christians and
members of the family of God, we each need to find ways to reach
out and minister to others in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Auxiliary provides an opportunity to identify with,
participate in and support a loving ministry to "those affected by
the transitions of aging." Many will benefit from your service
through the Auxiliary.
How And When May I Join?
New members are
welcome at anytime. You may come and join us at one of our general
monthly meetings, call the Activity Staff at Bethel Home, or speak
with a current member. Know that you are always welcome!
Should I Join If I Can't
Be Active?
Yes! Your interest,
prayers and support are always welcome and needed. We realize that
not everyone will be able to participate at the same level of
commitment, but your membership is still important to the
Auxiliary. |
