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Fall 2005

The Bethel Investor

News for donors to bethel university

Royal Investors: A Gathering of Friends

Saturday, September 10, was a warm, golden day, a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the Bethel University St. Paul campus and get together with friends.

Attendance was good at the Royal Investor Gathering. If you weren't able to attend, here's a recap: An insightful presentation by Bethel Professor of English Dan Taylor. This gifted author, who has written a number of books including Letters to My Children, talked about the value of leaving a legacy for family and loved ones. Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking words and a continental breakfast, too!

After Taylor's presentation, everyone gathered for a picnic lunch under a spacious tent in the CLC Circle Drive. While enjoying a delicious tailgate-style lunch, guests were treated to a greeting from President Brushaber and a sports update from Head Football Coach Steve Johnson.

A rousing Bethel football game against Central College kept the crowd engaged. Royals displayed style and grace, but were a few points shy of a win.

Plans are underway for future Royal Investor Gatherings. Get ready for some good, old-fashioned Bethel fun!

Soon we celebrate the greatest gift ever given: the birth of God's Son, who gives us abundant life now and for eternity.

With your help, the 5,600 students enrolled across Bethel University are preparing to take this good news into nearly 100 fields of professional influence from education, business, and health care, to social work, the arts, and pastoral ministry. The lives of our graduates, transformed by deep encounters with Christ and the influence of godly faculty, will impact thousands of others who need Him.

In this season of gift-giving, please remember Bethel if you have not yet given. The Bethel Fund goal of $3.1 million for 2005-2006 is needed to provide spiritual formation opportunities, counseling resources, tutoring labs, health services, campus upgrades and maintenance, and other expenses above and beyond what tuition is able to cover.

Contributions must be received by December 31, 2005, to qualify as a deduction for this calendar year. For assistance in giving shares of stocks, please call John Wiens, director of donor services, at 651.635.8070.

"Early, consistent saturation in a warm Christian environment prepares children to respond to Christ's salvation call at the appropriate time in their lives. An oft-quoted statistic is that up to 85 percent of decisions for Christ are made before the age of 18. Interestingly, most of those decisions are made during the childhood years. In fact, lifetime values find their foundation in childhood."

This quote, from an article titled "Children's and Family Ministry: The Time Has Come" is by Denise Muir Kjesbo and appeared in a recent Heart & Mind magazine, underscores the importance of strong children's and family ministry in today's churches.

Recognizing that need, Scripture Press Ministries has given Bethel University a $2.1 million grant to support the launch of innovative, high-impact initiatives for those engaged in ministry to children and families.

When Scripture Press merged into Cook Communications Ministries in YEAR, the Scripture Press board voted unanimously to honor the legacy of founders Victor and Bernice Cory and to perpetuate their evangelistic vision by creating an endowment at Bethel. Annual revenue from The Scripture Press Endowment for the Advancement of Children's Ministries will be used to advance the Corys' zeal to communicate the Word of God to children and young people.

Why was Bethel selected to carry out the Cory's vision? In 2000, Bethel Seminary added the Master of Arts in Children's and Family Ministry to its online degree program offerings. This program is designed for those ministering in churches, child evangelism organizations, Christian schools, professional organizations, and missions agencies focused on ministry to children and families.

The cutting-edge program melds internet and computer technology with sound theological teaching to allow non-resident students currently serving in professional or lay volunteer ministry to complete the degree requirements. They complete a combination of distance courses and on-campus intensives taught at the St. Paul campus. Special emphasis is placed on spiritual formation in children, human development and family systems, curriculum and program development, dynamics of staffing leadership, and current trends in children's and family ministry.

"Our prayers were answered in ways that were beyond our wildest imagination when we received a $2 million endowment from Scripture Press Ministries in the spring of 2005," exclaimed Professor Denise Muir Kjesbo '79, director and lead faculty member of the Children's and Family Ministry degree program.

Here's how the funds may be used:

• Offering ongoing continuing education to children's and family ministers via special conferences
• Developing a mentoring network between seasoned children's and family ministers and newcomers to this important field
• Publication of resources via the web that would encourage the children's and family ministry leader
• Partnerships with exemplary children's and family ministries in local churches that could serve as models of ministry practice.
• Cross-cultural mission experiences and service projects related to children's and family ministry both internationally and nationally

The programs of the Scripture Press Endowment will be administered through Bethel Seminary with the assistance of a representative advisory council for planning and assessment. Initiatives will begin in 2006.

Students Catch Vision for Missions

Your contributions to Bethel University create a place where men and women can catch a compelling vision for world missions. Two events this fall underscored that goal.

At a two-day Missions Festival held at Bethel Seminary on October 17-18, students explored evangelism opportunities with Africa Inland Mission, Arab World Ministries, Operation Mobilization, Pioneers, Youth for Christ International, Youthworks, and Wycliffe, among others. Students in the College of Arts & Sciences observed "Salt and Light: A Week of Focus on Missions" October 24-28 with serious thought about meeting the world's needs.

"It was a look at how we can be salt and light in our everyday life, in our immediate relationships, in our neighborhoods, in our families," says Matt Runion, associate campus pastor. "As followers of Jesus, we have such a great opportunity to offer hope to our worldespecially in our immediate spheres of influence."

A special guest was Shane Claiborne, who leads a Christian community living among the homeless of Philadelphia. "Students were excited by his high view of community as a means of sharing the gospel," says Runion.

During lunch hours during Salt and Light Week, a group of students, faculty, and staff fasted and gathered in prayer for the world's hungry, for justice, and for the persecuted church. At an Abandoned Devotion Gathering on Friday night, students entered into worship and prayer, seeking God's best for their lives in a world that needs Christ.

Donor Advisory: Congress Enacts a Special Giving Opportunity

We wanted to make sure you are aware of an opportunity that might enable you to accelerate your charitable intentions this year. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the U.S. Congress has passed the Katrina Hurricane Relief Tax Package (H.R. 3768) which affects tax deduction limits on ALL qualifying cash charitable contributions made between August 28, 2005 and December 31, 2005. Here are the two key provisions:

For tax year 2005, charitable donations will qualify for an income tax deduction up to 100% of AGI instead of 50% AGI for cash gifts made between August 28, 2005 and December 31, 2005.

For donors at least 59½ years old, the legislation allows virtually unlimited withdrawals from IRAs and full deductions for corresponding gifts to charity.

This opportunity might open the door for you to accelerate donations you had already planned to make available to Bethel, your church, and other ministries you support.

You will, of course, want to consult your tax advisor. For gifts to Bethel University, Angie Hjelle at our Bethel Foundation will serve as a resource to answer your questions related to these special provisions. Contact Angie at 651.635.1001.

Bible Studies: Bethel Seminary San Diego Reaches Out to Neighbors

Bethel Seminary San Diego offers a unique opportunity to its neighborhood and nearby churches: theological education in a casual, Bible study format. During the past three years, the Dean's Bible Study and other courses taught by professors have grown in popularity.

Fall studies this year have dealt with Bible interpretation; the body of Christ; and art and the Bible. "The study aims to provide more serious students of the Bible, an opportunity for Bible study that is more in-depth than what is typically available in the church context," explains Bethel Seminary San Diego Dean John Lillis.

Each weekly, 90-minute session includes a presentation by a seminary-level teacher, with time for questions and interaction.

Lillis stresses that the classes are designed to supplement, not supplant, local church teaching and worship efforts. "By providing opportunity for this type of laity in the churches, Bethel intends to come alongside the church and help in the development and mobilization of its members for more effective ministry in communities, neighborhoods, and the marketplace."

The courses hold broad appeal and reflect diversity in cultural, ethnic, church backgrounds, age and gender. Discounts are given for couples and students.

The dean notes that attendees appreciate the "life-focus" emphasis of the lessons. "We not only look seriously and in-depth at what the text is saying to its own time and culture, but we also wrestle with the significance and demands the text places on our life today."

In January, Bethel Seminary San Diego will offer the Dean's Bible Study and other study courses by a new name: "Laos," a Greek word often used to describe the people of God.

"The Dean's Bible Study has definitely contributed to building awareness of Bethel Seminary San Diego by bringing a host of people in our doors who have never visited before or who have never even heard of us," observed Lillis. "In addition to increasing interest in the mission of Bethel Seminary San Diego, it also has helped to communicate the message that the seminary has something for those who are not preparing for ministry."

Why would a busy faculty member—or seminary dean—take on the added time and responsibility required by such a class?

"In addition to my love of teaching and administering graduate-level theological education, I love to study, teach, and preach the Word of God in non-academic settings," Lillis reflects. "I also love Bethel Seminary San Diego and the unique outreach that we have. The study provides a terrific opportunity to spread the word about that ministry."

Some of the courses require a fee to cover materials or entrance passes. A new series of Laos courses will kick off in January. For more information, visit the Bethel Seminary San Diego webpage at http://seminary.bethel.edu/sandiego/index.html . To register, please contact Judi Bailey, 800.238.4352, ext. 227, or j-bailey@bethel.edu.

Athletics: Fundraising to Help Student Athletes

Thanks, in part, to athletic fund-raising efforts, three major athletic facilities have been added to the Bethel University campus since 1996: Royal Stadium Complex (1996—football and soccer), Hargis Park (2000—baseball), and the Ona Orth Athletic Complex (2003—tennis, softball, and soccer).

People who give to sports initiatives at Bethel believe that the competitive athletic experience is an integral part of the university's mission to create whole and holy persons. They understand that very nature of athletic competition creates opportunities for character development and spiritual growth.

"As student athletes compete to win, experience being part of a team, and respond to the unique challenge of intense athletic competition," says Jeff Westlund '83, director of athletic development, "they develop decision-making skills and habits that will prepare them well for the challenge of living for Christ and reaching out to those who have yet to meet Jesus. This belief gives donors a high level of trust that their financial gifts will be wisely used."

Since 1996, Bethel has been blessed by many alumni, parents, and friends of Bethel athletics who have generously given to athletic development efforts. Three major athletic game and practice facilities have been constructed: the Royal Stadium Complex, for football and soccer; Hargis Park, for baseball; and the Ona Orth Athletic complex, for softball, tennis, and soccer. Donors also have funded numerous smaller athletic projects, sport-specific budget relief items, gender equity related projects, and in-season special team travel expenses.

The Royal Stadium Club (RSC) and the Royal Athletic Association (RAA) are the primary groups through which Bethel raises funds for athletics. Donors who wish to be members of RSC commit to a two-year membership at $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 and above. Those who desire to make a two-year commitment of less than $2,500 or who wish to provide a one-time gift of at least $250 for athletics become members of RAA.

A third group of donors—companies and businesses—form the Royal Stadium Club Business Class. Since 2000, Business Class has provided funding to help spring sports (baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis) compete in southern climates in preparation for the rigors of the MIAC league seasons. Companies join the Business Class for two years at $3,000. Members have their company names published in Bethel media guides, and 6' x 8' banners with company logos are displayed in the Royal Stadium Complex and in Hargis Park. Also, Business Class demonstrates to the community outside Bethel that businesses believe in the value of the Bethel athletic experience.

"I enjoy being a phonathon caller because I am able to speak with alumni and people associated with Bethel, hear stories, and pray for them. I also enjoy it because it's a wonderful environment and I'm able to make an impact on the lives of students at Bethel."
—Justina Clifford '08

People give to Bethel because they have a relationship with us," says Dayna Taylor, manager of Bethel phonathons. "A telephone call is interactive, personal, and can build that relationship."

This year, Bethel phonathon callers will contact many types of donors: university alumni, recent graduates, parents of current students, and friends. Phonathons are conducted Monday through Thursday evenings during the school year only. Twenty-two Bethel students, including two student supervisors, make up the present phonathon teams.

Student callers present specific reasons to give and offer those on the other end an opportunity to share their thoughts about Bethel. Projects that will be highlighted during the 2005-2006 campaign include need-based financial grants, chapel services, and student-led Vespers.

Making a pledge or gift over the phone is an easy, convenient, and secure way to give.

"The caller provides pertinent information and the amount he or she wishes to give," says Taylor. "A Bethel accountant will then charge the credit card for an immediate gift or will send out a pledge form. No more hassles or reminders."

No matter what the amount, a donor's gift to Bethel is important. "Granting agencies and private corporations look at how many of our alumni are giving back to Bethel to determine whether or not this is a quality institution," explains Taylor. "This percentage directly relates to 'customer satisfaction' and determines Bethel's rank when compared to other schools."

During Homecoming 2005, Golden (class of 1955) and Platinum (classes of 1954 and prior) alumni were guests at special Homecoming 2005 reunion luncheons. The complimentary luncheons were sponsored by Bethel's Royal Heritage Society. Dan Wiersum, associate vice president for planned giving, is shown visiting with Bethel alumni (above).

For Upcoming Events go to: http://www.bethel.edu/events/calendar/

Questions?

• For Bethel University alumni chapter events, please call the Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 651.638.6462 or 800.255.8706, ext. 6462.
• For donor events, please call 651.635.8066 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8066.
• For Bethel Seminary San Diego events, please call 619.582.8188, ext. 225 or 117.

To contact the Office of Development, call: 651.635.8066

Credits

Sherie J. Lindvall '70, Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Patty Thomson, Editor

Thomas Vukelich '82, Design