Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we give thanks to God for the gift of work and for the many ways He uses our everyday vocations to care for His creation and for one another.

Whether our work happens in an office, a classroom, a workshop, a hospital, a home, a church, or somewhere entirely different, God works through ordinary people in ordinary places to serve our neighbors.

Today, we give thanks for workers of every kind, pray for those seeking work or carrying heavy burdens in their vocations, and remember that our worth is not measured by what we accomplish. Our identity and rest are found in Christ.

May God bless the work of our hands and give us opportunities to serve our neighbors with joy, faithfulness, and love.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

Please note that Bethlehem’s office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

09/02/2026

Last fall, Bethlehem’s leaders gathered to reflect on who we are as a congregation and how we can communicate it simply and clearly. From that conversation came three phrases that capture so much of our life together:

Light of Christ. Love in Action. Life Together.

☀ Light of Christ — Jesus is at the center of who we are. We gather around His Word and Sacraments and carry His light with us into our homes, schools, workplaces, and community.
♥ Love in Action — The love we receive in Christ moves us outward. We serve, care for our neighbors, give generously, welcome others, and put our faith into action.
⊕ Life Together — Faith isn't meant to be lived alone. We worship, learn, pray, serve, celebrate, ask questions, and grow together as the Body of Christ.

You’ll see these words more and more at Bethlehem—in worship, throughout our ministries, and across our website, app, and social media. They give us a simple way to describe what we hope you experience whenever you connect with Bethlehem:

08/31/2026

Join us for our annual Backpack Blessing & Church Picnic!

Sunday, September 13th | 9AM

🎒All students, teachers, and proud backpack wearers are invited to bring their backpack to worship to receive a special "Shine like Stars" bag tag and blessing during the Worship service.

🎲🍔 Following Worship, join us for games, food, and fellowship! This is a great space to make a new friend and plan to join a Connection Group for the year.

RSVPs kindly requested for food planning at this link: https://bethlehemchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3794853

Hope to see you there!

08/30/2026

08/26/2026

Congregational Meeting | Sunday, August 30

As a reminder, all members of Bethlehem are encouraged to join us for our Congregational Meeting this Sunday, August 30, following worship.

We will gather to hear updates on the life and ministry of our congregation and vote on the proposed 2026–2027 budget. Your presence and participation are an important part of our life together at Bethlehem. We hope you’ll join us as we look ahead to the coming year and the ministry we share together.

08/25/2026

This past Sunday, we had the opportunity to install some of our church officers and give thanks to God for those who serve and lead at Bethlehem.

We are grateful for all of our officers, including those not pictured, and for the time, gifts, and wisdom they offer in service to our congregation. We pray that God would guide their decisions, strengthen them in their service, and keep Christ at the center of all that we do together.

Please join us in praying for our officers and their leadership as, together, we continue to share the Light of Christ, Love in Action, and Life Together.

08/24/2026

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” — Romans 11:33

There is something freeing about beginning a new week remembering that God sees what we cannot.We like answers. We like plans. We like knowing how things will work out and what comes next. But Paul reminds us in Romans 11 that God’s wisdom is deeper than ours, His ways are beyond what we can fully understand, and He owes nothing to anyone. And yet, this unknowably great God has made Himself known to us in Jesus.

So maybe Monday doesn’t need to begin with having everything figured out. Maybe it begins with trust. The God who created all things, sustains all things, and holds all things together is the same God who has loved and redeemed you in Christ.

Whatever this week holds, it belongs to Him. And so do you.

Happy Monday, Bethlehem! ✨

08/17/2026

Confirmation begins Monday, September 14, from 4:30–5:30 PM in the Parlor!

Over the course of our two-year Confirmation program, students will dig into Scripture, explore Luther’s Small Catechism, ask big questions, and discover how the Christian faith connects to everyday life. At the heart of it all is Jesus: who He is, what He has done for us through His death and resurrection, and what it means to live each day as a baptized and deeply loved child of God. Confirmation isn’t just about memorizing the “right” answers. It’s an opportunity to grow in God’s Word, better understand the gifts He gives us in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and learn what it looks like to follow Jesus and live out our faith at home, at school, at church, and in the world.

The class is designed for 7th and 8th grade students and includes preparation for receiving First Communion in the spring of 2028. Questions or ready to get started? Reach out to Kenzie Koehler, DCE, at [email protected].

08/12/2026

Join us next Wednesday, August 19, for our last Summer Dinner & Worship!

Dinner begins at 6:00 PM downstairs in the extended Youth Room and Fellowship Hall, followed by worship at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

This month’s theme is a true church classic: the Lutheran potluck. Bring a favorite family recipe, a tried-and-true dish, or the thing everyone always asks you to make. We’re talking casseroles in nine-by-thirteen pans, crockpot favorites, salads that may or may not contain vegetables, and desserts made from recipes passed down for generations.

Nothing needs to be fancy. Just bring something you enjoy sharing, come hungry, and join us for an evening of good food, fellowship, and worship!