Bethlehem Bits 12/29/2011
 
New Year Greetings from 1915 N. First St,

Bethlehem is connected: My friend, Sundar, head of the Arcot Lutheran Church Schools Project in Tamil Nadu, India, sent Christmas Greetings to Bethlehem on Monday. What a gift to receive warm wishes from Bethlehem’s international friends. The work you do on their behalf is noted and appreciated by the students and staff of the ALC schools! Thank you.

You are making a difference: Bethlehem’s food pantry has been busier than usual this morning. Your gifts to the congregation’s general fund and to the food pantry keep this vital lifeline open to meet the nutrition needs of more than 2,000 people each month. Thank you.

Upcoming:
Sunday, January 1, 9:30 am: New Year’s Day Worship
Sunday, January 8, 11:00 am: Epiphany Program, pot-luck follows.
Sunday, January 29, 10:00 am: Annual Meeting, Part 2
Every Sunday – bring a friend – bring your loved ones!

See you in worship!
Pr. Gary

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Bethlehem Bits 12/22/2011
 
Bethlehem Bits
12/22/11
Christmas greetings from 1915 N. First St,
Bethlehem is connected: Bethlehem, a congregation of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, supports the growth of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania through our financial support. Each year our synod generously supplies seminary and high school scholarships; training for evangelists and teachers; support for the ongoing work of the North Central Diocese; and food assistance for a rural boarding high school. Thank you for the gifts you give through Bethlehem’s general fund.

You are making a difference: “Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise…” Join the chorus of praise at Bethlehem Christmas Eve at 7:00 pm; Christmas Day at 9:30 am; New Year’s Day at 9:30 am. Every voice strengthens the congregation’s praise!

Upcoming:
Confirmation classes resume Wednesday, January 4, 5:00 pm.
Sunday school resumes Sunday, January 8, 10:00 am.
Epiphany Program, Sunday, January 8, 11:00 am – potluck follows.
Ash Wednesday worship: February 22, 7:00 pm.

See you in Worship!
Pr. Gary

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Bethlehem Bits 12/15/2011
 
Greetings from 1915 N. First St:

Bethlehem is connected: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is actively involved with other organizations in fighting malaria. This preventable disease kills nearly one million people each year. Learn how you can support this life saving initiative at www.elca.org/malaria.

You are making a difference: Thank you for your great participation in Annual Meeting Part 1 held last Sunday. Because of your faithful support Bethlehem intends to be actively engaged in ministry locally, regionally and globally! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Upcoming:

Saturday, December 24, 7:00 pm: Christmas Eve Worship

Sunday, December 25, 9:30 am: Christmas Day Worship

Sunday, January 1, 9:30 am: New Year’s Day Worship

Sunday, January 8, 11:00 am: Epiphany Program with pot-luck following (Program props are needed: leather wineskins, decorative birdcage, cloth flour sacks, and help padding the camel costume.)

Sunday, January 29, 10:00 am: Annual Meeting Part 2

See you in worship!

Pr. Gary

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Bethlehem Bits 12/08/2011
 
Greetings from 1915 N. First St.

Bethlehem is connected: Men’s ministry in the ELCA is growing! Lutheran Men in Mission is the men's ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. LMM works to strengthen men's Christian faith, relationships, witness and service in their homes, congregation and communities. Learn more at: www.lutheranmeninmission.org.

You are making a difference: Response to Bethlehem’s “Buy-a-Degree” boiler repayment program has been great. The program ends December 31! Your help in finishing this project is appreciated. Please be sure that gifts are marked “Buy-a-Degree Boiler Repayment Fund!” Thank you for keeping Bethlehem warm!

Making a difference II: Have you seen the 2012 Youth Gathering Giving Tree? You’ll find it in the lounge. Take an envelope off the tree and help send our youth to New Orleans.

Making a difference III: The following items are needed for the Epiphany Program: leather “wineskins,” decorative birdcage, cloth flour sacks, wooden bucket, benches to seat up to 20 children. Help is also needed to make the Bethlehem Camel more comfortable. See Valerie Talsma for details.

Upcoming:
Sunday, December 11, 10:00 am: Annual Meeting, Part 1
Saturday, December 24, 7:00 pm: Christmas Eve Worship
Sunday, December 25, 9:30 am: Christmas Day Worship
Sunday, January 1, 9:30 am: New Year’s Day Worship
Sunday, January 8, 11:00am: Epiphany Program, worship, and potluck

See you in worship,

Pr. Gary

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