Join us! All are welcome at our table!

Sunday
Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:15–10:05 a.m.

"Gathered around the Word and Sacrament, we live the Good News of Christ's love throughout our Community and the World."

Nursery provided | Get directions to Bethlehem

Welcome to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church website. We hope this site will help you learn more about us and our service for Christ. We strive to recognize and nurture the Christ in ourselves and each person that we encounter along the way. BLC has a long tradition of outreach and service to its members and to the community. We hope you will join us for service on Sunday to experience for yourself the fellowship of Christ. We are truly "Blessed to be a blessing."

Upcoming Worship & Connection Opportunities

Worship Events

December 1 – Advent 1

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today's readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord's coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

• Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Hope
• Healing prayer during communion at both services
• Adult choir at 8:00 a.m.; Boomwhackers and Revelation choirs at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10
• Godspeed Blessing for Bev Berry

December 8 – Advent 2

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord's table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

• Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Matthew 3:1-12.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Peace
• Brass quartet will play at both services.
• Liturgy setting 10

December 15 – Advent 3

A note of joyful expectation marks today's worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God's reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ's advent among us.

• Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 11:2-11.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Peace
• Adult choir at 8:00 a.m.; Revelation choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Sunday School program at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10

December 22 – Advent 4

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew's account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, "O come, O come, Emmanuel," a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

• Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Love
• Adult choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10

December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

Today we celebrate the good news that God makes a place for each of us—even, and perhaps especially, when we feel we have no place or role to play in God's story or amid the bustle of Christmastime. God invites us not just to play a role, but to bring our whole selves. Whatever we face, we are welcomed to take our place next to the newborn Savior and dwell with him in peace, comfort, and joy.

• Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-14 [15-20].
• Children's service at 4:00 p.m.
• Adult choir at 6:15 p.m.
• Guest harpist at 11:00 p.m.
• Liturgy setting 10

December 29 – First Sunday of Christmas

Today, Matthew's gospel reminds us that Jesus' life was marked more by movement and displacement than by a settled existence. Even shortly after his birth, Jesus faced threats that caused his family to flee their home and country. Later in his life, Jesus warned an eager would-be follower about the risks of a life of discipleship, saying, "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Matt.—8:20). But Jesus' goal was not to find home for himself; instead it was to become a resting place for those who struggle to find one in this world.

• Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm Psalm 148; Matthew 2:13-23.
• Lighting the Advent Candle–Love
• Adult choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Liturgy setting 10

Ministry Events

Manna Bible Study

Mondays, 8:45–11:15 a.m.

Handbell Choir Rehearsal

Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

Worship at the Peaks Care Center

Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.

Boomwhackers

Wednesdays, 6:15–6:45 p.m.

BLC Adult Choir rehearsals

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Bethlehem Quilters:

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.

Property Ministry meeting

December 3, 7:00 p.m.

First Friday Fellowship

December 6, 6:00–8:30 p.m., hosted by Schnabels

Council meeting

December 10, 7:00 p.m.

Bethlehem Book Club

December 12, 7:30–9:00 a.m. at Java Stop Coffee

Faith Formation Ministry meeting

December 12, 7:00 p.m.

Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting

December 17, 10:00 a.m.

Bethlehem Tuesday Bunco

December 17, 2:00 p.m.

Evangelism Ministry meeting

December 17, 7:00 p.m.

BLC Living Nativity

December 22, 5:00 p.m.

BLC Office closed

December 25–26

Meet Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Come to the About Us section to meet the staff and clergy and find out what we're all about!

Click on Visitors and Join Us for more guest information!

Checkout Bethlehem Activities in Photos

Be sure to checkout the photographs and slides of our wonderful community (look under Photos in the menu bar at the top of the page) and get a glimpse of some of the many activities that take place at Bethlehem.

Take a look at the "New Pictures" category, to the right, at the bottom of the sidebar. We will add the published date and name of the picture gallery or slideshow for your convenience.

If you have pictures of church activities to share contact Todd Bischoff to make arrangements.