Tue, 21 May 2013 11:46:55 -0800WeeblyThu, 27 Dec 2012 16:19:49 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/12/bethlehem-bits69.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St,

Bethlehem is connected: “We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.” Be sure to take a look at www.elca.org.

You are making a difference: Thank you! 2012 has been a good year for Bethlehem! Your faithful attendance, faithfulness in sharing, and faithful prayer for our congregation keeps us strong as we enter the new year.

Upcoming:


]]>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:53:42 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/12/december-20th-2012.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St:

Bethlehem is connected: Many thanks to all members of Bethlehem who shared the joy of midweek Advent worship with our neighbors at First Lutheran Church. Each evening started with soup, continued with crafts and conversation, and ended with Holden Evening Prayer brilliantly led by John and Sara Ann Feken from First. Our community partnerships build the value of all of our partnerships.

You are making a difference: Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobsen serve as ELCA medical missionaries in the North Central Diocese in Tanzania. They are amazing people, good friends, and excellent ambassadors for the Christian faith. Dr. Jacobsen writes, “Our training efforts to address the huge shortfall of health care professionals have leaped ahead. In the last few months we have been registered as a training center and our assistant medical officer training program has been accredited.

We have taken the final steps toward opening our own nursing college in February 2013!

We have become an international training center for African surgeons to study laparoscopic surgery and join the global movement to this video surgical care.

Upcoming:
Sunday, December 23: 4th Sunday of Advent
Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day, office closed.
Wednesday, December 26: No Confirmation Class
Sunday, December 30: One worship service at 9:30 am.
Monday, December 31: Office closed.
Monday, December 31: Youth Lock in at Bethlehem
Tuesday, January 1: New Year’s Day, office closed
Wednesday, January 2: No Confirmation Class
Sunday, January 6: One worship service at 9:30 am – Epiphany Program!
Wednesday: January 9: Confirmation Class resumes at 5:15 to 6:15 pm.

See you in worship,
Pastor Gary

]]>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:41:12 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/11/bethlehem-bits67.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St,

Bethlehem is connected: CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted "The Body of Christ and Mental Illness" as an official social message of the church when it met here Nov. 9-11. The message lifts up the ministries of ELCA congregations, social ministry organizations and others and the urgent need for efforts to make a place for and with people who suffer from mental illness in the church and in society… "We can be a different face of Christianity," said Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. "We are united in our shared commitment to respond together to human suffering," he said. "It is who we are and what we do."

You are making a difference: A couple of weeks ago Sunday morning worshippers found themselves shivering in the cool atmosphere of Bethlehem’s nave. Since then boiler, boiler pump, and blower units have been repaired and maintained. Your regular gifts to Bethlehem allow us to warm up the worship space so that we can focus on God’s Word and not on our discomfort. An extra gift at this time will assist us in promptly paying our heating system maintenance bill. Thank you!

Upcoming:
Sunday worship at Bethlehem: 8:45 and 11:00 am. Come, Share the Spirit!
Wednesday, November 21, 7:00 pm: Thanksgiving Eve Worship – bring friends and family!
Sunday, November 25: Christ the King Sunday! Crown him with many crowns!
Wednesday, December 5, 7:00 pm: Shared Advent Worship with First Lutheran Church – at First.
Saturday, December 8, 5:30 pm: Annual Ethnic Christmas Party!
Sunday, December 9, 10:00 am: Annual Meeting, Part 1
Wednesday, December 12, 5:30 pm: Advent crafts, soup supper, and shared event with First Lutheran Church – at Bethlehem (worship at 7:00 pm)
Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 pm: Shared Advent worship at First Lutheran Church.
Monday, December 24, 7:00 pm: Christmas Eve worship.
Sunday, December 30, 9:30 am: One Worship Service
Sunday, January 6, 9:30 am: Epiphany Program.
Sunday, January 27, 10:00 am: Annual Meeting, Part 2

See you in worship!
Pastor Gary

]]>Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:34:37 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/10/bethlehem-bits66.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St.

Bethlehem is connected: I like the sound of “local, regional and global.” That is Bethlehem’s outreach through prayer, education, involvement and financial gifts. On October 7 we celebrated some of our local, regional and global partnerships with our Mission Endowment Fund celebration. Twenty ministries were given grants for furthering their work. Our partnerships strengthen our faith at home and build bridges of understanding around the world.

You are making a difference: The stewardship emphasis insert for 10/14 says, “Gathered in worship, focused on the living God, we are reminded why God created us in the first place – to be in relationship with God and each other.” Your presence on Sunday morning makes a difference for many.

Upcoming:
Sundays at Bethlehem: Worship at 8:45 and 11:00 am. Sunday school at 10:00 am.
Sunday, October 14: Giving God My Worship
Tuesday, October 16: Northeast Conference meeting at Bethlehem
Sunday, October 21: Crop Walk leaves from First Congregational Church at 2:00 pm. (The Bears have a bye this weekend – why not walk for a good cause?)
Sunday, November 4, 10:00 am: Special Congregational Meeting to discuss restroom renovation.
Wednesday, November 21, 7:00pm: Thanksgiving Eve Worship

See you in worship,
Pr. Gary

]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:31:13 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/10/bethlehem-bits65.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St:

Bethlehem is connected: “What does it mean to be church?” “What are we called to do, to be?” “How does our structure support our sense of mission and call?” These are just a few of the questions we need to ask ourselves. Our congregation’s mission is not happenstance but is rooted in Jesus’ command, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 7:12]

You are making a difference: Have you ever considered what impact your presence in worship makes on others? You make a difference at worship by adding your voice to the hymns, your prayers to the chorus of prayer, and your hands to our fellowship. Be the difference on Sunday and join those who offer their best to our Lord.

Upcoming:
Every Sunday worship at 8:45 and 11:00 am. Sunday school at 10:00 am
Saturday, October 6: Men’s study at 8:30 am
Sunday, October 7: Mission Endowment Fund Sunday
Monday, October 8: Church Council at 6:30pm
Tuesday, October 16: Northeast Conference at Bethlehem 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, November 10: Coffee with the Bishop, 10:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake
Wednesday, November 21: Thanksgiving eve worship at 7:00 pm

See you in worship!
Pr. Gary

]]>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:34:20 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/09/bethlehem-bits64.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St.

Bethlehem is connected: Our partnership with DeKalb County Community Gardens (find them on Facebook!) is yielding great produce for our food pantry and others interested in fresh vegetables. To date our 4 garden beds have produced more than 125 of produce for use by our pantry clients. Thank you! The Church Council approved the addition of a “hoop house” in our garden space. Please join us Monday, September 17 at 5:00 pm at Bethlehem as we meet to discuss the placement of the hoop house for maximum benefit.

You are making a difference: Dear friend and lifelong member of Bethlehem, Toini Koski, resides at Oak Crest care facility. Intern Pastor Dan, Oak Crest staff, and I had to tell Toini it was no longer safe to bring her to worship on Sundays, an activity she looked forward to. Please remember Toini in your prayers, and make time to visit her at Oak Crest. We will miss bringing her to Bethlehem, but we can delightfully bring Bethlehem to her!

Upcoming:
Every Sunday: worship at 8:45 and 11:00 am. Sunday school at 10:00 am (adults at 10:10)
September 16: Intern Pastor Dan Wynard leads worship at both services
September 17, 5:00 pm: Dekalb County Community Garden meeting at Bethlehem
September 19, 5:15 pm: Confirmation class
September 27, 6:30 pm: Evening in Tanzania via New Orleans

See you in worship,
Pr. Gary

]]>Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:42:34 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/09/bethlehem-bits63.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St.

Bethlehem is connected: Stacy Veldhuizen was the adult advisor for Stefany Velhuizen and Anastasia Wade when they traveled to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Stefany and Anastasia have lined up two opportunities to share their trip with the congregation. The first opportunity is Sunday, September 9 during the Adult class from 10:10 to 10:50. The second will be a special evening opportunity to share their experiences on Thursday, September 27 at 6:30. Beignets will be served as we open the “Evening in Tanzania via New Orleans.” Following the highlights of the New Orleans trip we will share a simple Tanzanian meal and then stroll through some slides and stories of Tanzania. I hope you can join us for both of these events!

You are making a difference:  Rally Day! Join us Sunday, September 9 at 10:00 am. Your continued support for Bethlehem allows us to provide materials, space, teachers and teacher support for our Sunday School. Thank you.

Upcoming:
September 9: Regular Worship schedule: 8:45 and 11:00 am
September 9: Sunday school at 10:00 am; adult class at 10:10 am
September 10: Church Council at 6:30 pm.
September 12: Confirmation begins for 7th and 8th graders: 5:15-6:15pm
September 27: Evening in Tanzania via New Orleans, 6:30 pm

See you in worship!
Pr. Gary

]]>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 20:50:07 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/08/bethlehem-bits62.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St,
Bethlehem is connected: Healthy partnerships benefit all parties involved! I am pleased to announce that as a result of Bethlehem’s many partnerships we have been given the opportunity to be an internship site for 2012-2013. Intern Pastor Dan Wynard joins Bethlehem’s pastoral staff Sunday, September 2. A meet and greet time during coffee hour will give you a chance to get to know Dan.
You are making a difference: 2012 Vacation Bible School averaged 40 kids each day. Huge thanks to our primary volunteers: Ann Brooks, Valerie Talsma, Mary Bathje, Luz Maria Guilkey, Marla McGaw, Tammie Farley, Kandi Silk, Jennice O’Brien, Lobe Lohr, Emily Rowland. Andrew Tilltson, Chloe Bauder, Anastasia Wade, and Amanda Luchsinger!
Upcoming:
September 2: 9:30 worship, meet and greet Intern Pastor Dan Wynard at coffee hour.
September 4: Women’s Spring Luncheon, 6:30 pm
September 9: Regular worship schedule resumes: 8:45 and 11:00 am worship. 10:00 Sunday School
.September 10: Church Council, 6:30 pm
September 12: Confirmation begins 5:15-6:15 pm
 See you in worship!
Pastor Gary ]]>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:15:29 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/07/bethlehem-bits61.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St:

Bethlehem is connected: You can stay connected with the ELCA Youth Gathering at http://www.elca.org/ELCA/Youth-Gathering.aspx. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of Anastasia Wade, Stefany Veldhuizen (our youth representatives) of Stacy Veldhuizen (our adult advisor for the group). The Youth Gathering is going on now through Sunday in New Orleans!

You are making a difference: The community garden on the west end of our parking lot has now provided 9 pounds of fresh salad for the food pantry. Tomatoes, peppers, and beans will be ready for picking soon! This has been a true community effort – congregation members, community garden club members, community service workers, and food pantry volunteers have all joined in making this garden a valuable asset.

You are wanted: Our annual Vacation Bible School publicity photo is being taken at Bethlehem on Saturday, July 21 at 10:00 am. Join us by the banner for this fun and exciting way to promote our VBS (August 6-10). The photo shoot will not take about 10 minutes. Come join the publicity fun!

Upcoming:
 July 26 through August 8: Pastor Gary leads Northern Illinois Synod delegation to Tanzania.
 August 6 – 10: Vacation Bible School, 1st through 6th grades 9am – 2pm. Pre-k through Kindergarten 9am to noon.
 August 21: 6:30 pm Church Council
 September 9: Normal Worship schedule resumes; 8:45 am and 11:00 am
 September 9: Sunday School resumes; 10:00 am for younger folks and 10:10 for adults

See you in worship,
Pr. Gary

]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:34:33 GMThttp://bethlehemdekalb.org/1/post/2012/07/bethlehem-bits60.htmlGreetings from 1915 N. First St,

Bethlehem is connected: The ELCA Youth Gathering is July 18 through 22. We are proud to send Stefany Veldhuizen and Anastasia Wade as our youth representatives. They will be accompanied by Stacy Veldhuizen as they gather in New Orleans with 35,000 others from around the ELCA. You can join tem in their good work through the initiative to bring one million books to New Orleans. Find out more at: http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/books.html

You are making a difference: Church members, DeKalb County Community Garden Club members, and food pantry volunteers are teaming up to water the community garden located at the west end of Bethlehem’s parking lot. We have already distributed lettuce! Other produce can be seen growing and maturing in the raised garden beds. Want to get in on the fun? For more information about the community garden contact Pastor Gary.

Upcoming:
Ordinary People, Extraordinary God! Vacation Bible Camp at Bethlehem August 6-10! Invite your friends and neighbors.
July 26 – August 8: Pastor Gary leads Northern Illinois Synod delegation to Arusha, Tanzania.
September 9: Sunday School and two worship service schedule resumes!
Now through the end of July: contributions to Pastor’s 30th anniversary of ordination fund are happily accepted. Checks can be made payable to “Bethlehem Lutheran Church.” In the memo line write, “Pastor’s 30th anniversary.”

See you in worship,

Pastor Gary
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