Bethlehem April News

Lent comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “the lengthening of days” as Spring approaches. It is a time of new flower and new growth and new life. It is a time of hope and expectation for the church and a time of confidence in the risen Lord. There is much hope and expectation at Bethlehem in these days, and it is all of the Spirit’s leading. It is a time of expanding light.

Margaret is 74 years old, and she tirelessly sews for the pajama project, started by Belinda Simonini. A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to join Margaret at her trailer home. She welcomed me with a bright smile and open arms. In Margaret’s 14 years in the ministry, she has sewn 12,000 pairs of pajamas for families in shelters and women and children leaving domestic violence. Margaret is not a member of our congregation, but we share the same heart to offer love, extend grace, and create community. She and I were recently interviewed by Channel 8, and that day I was invited into her community of neighbors who care for and support one another each day. They all live in a trailer park together, with limited financial resources but abundant resources of the heart. The welcome and community they offered me, touches me still.

At Bethlehem, we create the same community. We are here to offer love, to extend grace, and to bring hope to weary hearts. If you are finding these days difficult, please come for the healing you may need. If you are looking for ways to make a difference, join us in this work that we share. If you are not sure where you fit in this world, you are welcome at Bethlehem.

We have been blessed this Lent with voices like Pastor Adham, who came to teach us of what it means to live as a Palestinian Christian in Israel, with Muslim and Jewish neighbors. Antoine Cummins came to remind us of the work of antiracism and justice for everyone. This Wednesday, we welcome Pastora Maria and her immigrant story. The common thread running through Margaret’s story, and all of these stories, is the power of love. The power of love to help us find our common ground. The power of compassion to bring us together. The power of hope to light our path.

For this Jesus came. To walk among us in our need, and in the roiling complexity of the pain of today. For this Jesus came. To honor it all, and to lay down his life so that hope would forever be our strongest truth, and life stronger than death in each of our lives. For this Jesus came. To show us how we might rise together toward the new dawn. Certainly, it is a dawn not yet fully realized, but it is always visible in the ways we see one another, extend grace to one another, embody love, and press on toward the goal and the calling of Christ.

When Channel 8 aired the story of Margaret and her labor of love, the Encinitas community responded. Seventy people sent in a total of more than $14,000. It is just one project in this wide world. It is just a few tireless hearts. But the small things are the big things.

Love is no small thing. God’s love for us. Our love for one another. Jesus’ love given on the cross. Dear people of God — the dawn is coming. We can always see the light.

Blessed Easter, Pastor Laura

April Worship Schedule

Sunday Worship

April 6th, 13th, and 27th - 9:00 and 10:30 am
April 20th (Easter) - 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am

Worship usually takes place in the sanctuary for both services, and there is the option to sit outside in the eco-narthex as well. The livestream usually takes place during the 10:30 am Sunday service or as indicated.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday Cantata - April 13th - 9:00 and 10:30 am

Maundy Thursday Service - April 17th - 7:00 pm

Good Friday Service - April 18th - 7:00 pm

Easter Vigil - April 19th - 5:00 pm

Easter Sunday - April 20th - 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am

Walking in the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Journey

Join us each Wednesday during Lent starting at 6 PM for Holden Evening Prayer in the sanctuary. After worship we will gather at 6:30 PM for a community meal in the family center. At 7 PM we will transition into the educational portion of the evening which will be centered on where we are called to show up in the world as followers of Christ. Each week we will have a different opportunity for learning and we will be welcoming a number of guest speakers. Please join us for the remaining evenings in April!

Blessed are the Merciful | April 2nd — Pastora Maria Santa Cruz will share her personal story as an immigrant, as well as update us on what is happening at the border, and Border Church, at this time. Pastora Maria serves as the Assistant to the Bishop for Latiné ministry with the Pacifica Synod.

Defiant Hope | April 9th — In times such as these, we must hold tightly to the indefatigable hope and joy that grounds us, and makes us the people of God. Actor Jamie Newcomb and Pastor Laura will bring into conversation: scripture, poetry, and the stage. The powerful words that give us strength for the journey.

We hope that will be able to join us. All are welcome

Music Ministry

Palm Sunday Cantata - 4/13 - Good News Singers 9 and 10:30 am -

The Good News Singers will perform Who Is This King? by Lloyd Larson as the sermon at both services. Combining choir, narrators and orchestra this musical presentation of the Passion prepares us for Holy Week. Don't miss it!

Easter Vigil - 4/19 - 5 pm - Start your Easter celebration at the Easter Vigil! This service begins at 5 pm moving from darkness to light. The World Music Ensemble leads the music and it's an evening of baptism and celebration of the Risen Christ.

Easter Morning - April 20 - Three Services 8, 9:30 and 11:00 am - Filled with trumpets, organ, and choirs, we celebrate the Risen Lord through music at all three services.

Special Music for April

4/2- Holden Evening Prayer 6 pm
4/6- Second Sabbath
4/9 - Holden Evening Prayer 6 pm
4/13- Palm Sunday Cantata -Good News Singers, orchestra, narrators
4/17- Maundy Thursday - 7 pm - JuBellation Ringers
4/18- Good Friday - 7 pm- Good News Singers, Anna Grable, cello
4/19 - Easter Vigil - 5 pm- World Music Ensemble
4/20 - Good News Singers Ensemble- 8 am, Good News Singers 9:30 and 11:00 am, Children's Choir 11:00 am
4/27- Natasha Riabova, piano solo

Children's Ministry

Our Sunday morning Learning Time continues each week during the 10:30 service. We are using a multi-age classroom curriculum which emphasizes the use of peer buddies across all ages.

Here is our Learning Circle schedule and themes for the month of April:

April 6th - Music with Mona!
April 13th - Holy Week
April 20th - Easter Sunday! Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30
April 27th - Doubting Thomas

Easter Egg Hunt - Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 am on Easter Sunday! We'll meet out on the playground, where kids up to Grade 6 can search for eggs filled with sweet surprises. Bring your baskets and your best hunting skills as we celebrate this special Resurrection Day together. We are excited to see you there!

Teacher Appreciation Day - Join us on Sunday, May 11th, at both services as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Sunday! We will honor all of our incredible teachers, including our dedicated Learning Circle teachers, for their hard work, guidance, and commitment to our children. Let’s take this special time to show our gratitude and appreciation for the impact they have everyday.

Join us for Vacation Bible School: Just Like Me! from June 23rd to 27th from 9 am to 12 noon daily. Hosted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Click here to register.

This year’s garden theme will focus on inclusion, celebrating how we are all wonderfully made in God’s image. Kids will engage in exciting rotations, including Digging Deep into the Bible, Creation Time in the Garden, Interactive Music, and Garden Games. Each rotation will inspire kids to embrace their differences, celebrate their similarities, and grow in faith together.

Just Like Me! VBS is designed for children Age 4 - 6th Grade. Cost is $75 for the first child and $30 per each additional child. Scholarships are available.

Get ready for a week of joy, friendship, and the powerful message that we are all wonderfully created—just like me!

Are you excited to volunteer for "Just Like Me! VBS? Click here and come and join the fun!

Questions? Contact Jana Hegg @ childrensministry@blcenc.org.

Youth Ministry

Summer Youth Trip - Nine students from Bethlehem and 5 from St. Andrew’s are preparing to travel to Maui this July. This trip will include service with Habitat for Humanity, Sky Conservation, A Cup of Cold Water, and more. Our fundraising is going very well.

The Luau event was a great time of fun, fellowship, and terrific food. Thanks to Cynthia Heigold and her team of cooks (Naida, Chacha, Sandy & Tom) for a great meal. The auction was a lot of fun. Lip Sync competitions were fierce this year. Competitors brought their best abilities. Pictured here are a few of the performers. The winner of the Golden Microphone was “The Fab Four” (AKA Laure, Mark, Rose and Dick). The Congregational Cup trophy was won by Bethlehem.

Look for the Pono Tree - The Pono Tree display is in the church narthex with information and opportunities for you to sponsor parts of the youth service trip to Maui. Options range from coffee for adult leaders at $10 each to one-way cost of the airfare for $300. Choose an expense from the leaves and return your donation of the stated amount. Or click here to donate . This is certain to be a life changing trip for our youth. We thank you in advance for all of the support

(To be "pono" means to be in a state of harmony or balance with oneself, others, the land, work and life itself. The concept aligns well with our Christian understanding of community and loving care for all of God's creation.)

Youth Group Meetings - The 6th–12th grade students meet on the following Thursdays:

April 6th at St Andrew’s
April 10th and 24th at Bethlehem
We will Not meet on April 17th due to Maundy Thursday services

Join us for pizza, discussions, fun, and homework time.

Confirmation class will meet April 8th and 22nd from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

Pajama Project

The PJ Project and “PJ Crazy Margaret” are spotlighted on the CBS Jeff Zevely Zone! - This is self-designated “PJ Crazy Margaret” Dailey who is the heartbeat of The Pajama Project. In it's 29th year, The Pajama Project has delivered over 20,000 PJ's to children in need through many organizations. The Pajama Project started here at Bethlehem with the help of the Scraps and Prayers Quilting group. PJ Crazy Margaret is not a member of Bethlehem but came to the PJ Project to help many years ago. Margaret has kept track and has sewn 12,000 of the over 20,000 PJ's herself! It is her “JOY” as she often says and The Pajama Project is always Joyful with her presence, help and her unique abilities to be our PJ Project Ambassador. Pastor Laura was part of the action too so take a look and see our Ambassador Shine!

If you would like to help we are in great need of :

Sewists to sew PJ kits
Helpers to wash hundreds of bolts of flannel just ordered
Donations towards the purchase of more flannel and supplies!

The Pajama Project will be meeting in the Family Center on these upcoming Saturdays, April 26th, May 24th, June 28th, July 26th, August 30th and September 27th from 9 am to 1 pm.

Belinda Simonini

The Pajama Project Coordinator

760-822-9573

BLC Advocacy

You Don’t Have to Go to Washington to be an Advocate! - Antoine Cummins, who spoke at the March 26th Lenten Gathering, left us all inspired. Best wishes to him as he goes to Washington, D.C. But you don’t have to go to Washington — you can be an advocate right here in California!

Join us for Lutheran Lobby Day 2025 in Sacramento on May 28th, hosted by St. John’s Lutheran. No previous advocacy experience necessary. You’ll be on a team with an experienced Lobby Day leader and be given everything you need to meet in small groups with legislators to advocate for priority legislation. This is a powerful experience, and they always appreciate folks who come from Southern California for the day.

As with last year, travel scholarships are available for young people (~ 25 and under)! Please email Courtney Hall, Courtney.Hall@elca.org for more information.

For FAQ and registration, click here. For any additional questions about Lobby Day feel free to email blcadvocacy@gmail.com.

Anti-Racism Resources

The Work We Share - Anti-Racism resources from Antoine Cummins, Assistant to the Bishop for Anti-Racism Coordination:

Anti-Racism Resources

Many ELCA specific resources now widely available, online and for free, to meet pacifica synod 2016 and 2019 resolutions on anti racism education and ELCA anti-racism pledge components:

Successful Day of Racial Healing with high quality workshops and content available ELCA Racial Justice
New ELCA Lenten Devotional addressing white supremacy now available (https://resources.elca.org/racial-justice/dismantle-an-anti-white-supremacy-lenten-devotional/ )
On going programming opportunities provided through White Lutherans for Racial Justice and Thriving Leadership Formation. (click each to learn more)

2. Commission for Renewed Lutheran church:

The work of the commission now enters its final stretch in preparation for Church Wide Assembly 2025

Recommendations and Proposed changes pending review and additional consultation from Conference of Bishops and Church Council

Summaries of our work can be found here: https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/church-council/crlc

Bethlehem Adventure Ministry (BAM)

Cabrillo National Monument Walk - Join us to walk the trails at the Cabrillo National Monument. We will meet at the Visitor Center and break into groups depending on which trails you want to explore.

Saturday, May 10, 9 am

Cabrillo National Monument

Visitor Center

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

Please register here so we know to expect you and can send you updates. Information about the Cabrillo National Monument can be found here.

Entrance pass is $20.00 per car. You can also enter with the America the Beautiful pass. Stay tuned for information about carpooling.
Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, sun hat, light jacket, and your walking shoes.
The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm. You may want to plan to spend the day to enjoy the various exhibits and presentations.
The park has many restrictions for bringing pets but certified Service animals are allowed anywhere in the park.
Bring a picnic lunch. We can eat on site and enjoy the incredible views.

Save these dates for 2025! - Mark your calendars! All dates are Saturdays and are subject to change. Check the newsletter every month for updates.

July 26: Water event
September 5 - 7: Camping in Mt. Laguna

If you have an idea for an event, please contact one of the BAM leaders. We love to work with you to schedule and support events.

BAM Leaders: Dennis Astroth, Eileen Lajimodiere, Lori Wolf, and Suzi Westmoreland. Find us at church or send an email to: blcsm@outlook.com

Stewardship Stream

As we journey through Lent toward the joy of Easter, we are reminded that stewardship is more than just financial giving – it is a way of life. Lent calls us to reflect, repent, and renew our commitment to Christ. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we steward our faith by drawing closer to God and serving others.

During Lent, we are invited to examine how we use our time, talents, and treasures in service to God’s kingdom. Are we generous with our love? Do we give sacrificially to those in need? Are we using our gifts to build up the body of Christ? True stewardship means offering all that we are in gratitude for all that God has given us.

As Easter approaches, we move from the solemnity of sacrifice to the joy of resurrection. Christ’s victory over sin and death reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, meant to be shared. This Easter, let us recommit to being faithful stewards – spreading God’s love, giving generously, and living as witnesses to the hope and renewal found in Christ.

May our Lenten sacrifices bear fruit in Easter joy, as we embrace our call to faithful stewardship.

Note: prepared using ChatGPT.

Stephen Ministry

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Does the Joy of Easter Seem Far Away… For those who have suffered a loss or are going through a difficult time, Easter can be a time of painful loneliness and emptiness. If you are smiling on the outside but full of pain on the inside, and the joy of Easter seems far away, help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, and pray with and for you. Stephen Ministers have been specially trained to meet your emotional and spiritual needs; male Stephen Ministers are always matched with men, and female Stephen Ministers are matched with women. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with a pastor or with one of our Stephen Leaders: Molly Hall, Suzi Westmoreland or Laure Reynolds. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

Prayer Chain

Are you or someone that you know and love in need of prayer? The BLC Prayer Chain is a virtual space where we can share prayer concerns with one another, hold each other in prayer, and support one another during times of need. You can share your prayer requests by clicking here. On that same page you can also sign up to receive prayer requests when they are sent out, so that we might hold one another in prayer, light, and love.

Volunteers Needed for Sat. Breakfast at St. Andrews

Volunteers Needed! Saturday Breakfast at St. Andrews - Our mission to feed the hungry a hot breakfast each Saturday is starting back up again, and the kitchen at St. Andrew’s is now open for business. Bethlehem will be preparing breakfast on the 4th Saturday of each month. We need 6 volunteers to crack and scramble 6 doz. eggs, cook 60 hash browns, 13 lbs. of bacon, make 80 pancakes and serve up plates with a smile! Click below to volunteer!

Opportunities to Engage

Qigong/Tai chi -The weekly Qigong/Tai chi practices at our church is available by Zoom. You are able to join online from your computer on Wednesdays at 6 pm. Also, Chacha is having a Friday at 9 am practice by Zoom.

These practices are moving meditation practices that focus on relaxation, breath, and visualization while carrying out gentle movements. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining please e-mail Chacha at chachapinillap@gmail.com. Please let her know which of the practices or if you would like to be invited to both practices. She will send an e-mail invitation with the zoom link.

Scraps and Prayers - This ministry sews quilts for people in need of comfort and care. We meet each Wednesday morning from 9am-11am in the Multi-Use Room. We need your help sewing and tying quilts. No experience necessary! Stop by for an hour or stay for the whole morning; we'd love to share our scraps and prayers with you. For more information, contact Bobby Allen at roberta798@aol.com or Laure Reynolds at laurereyn@roadrunner.com.

Pastor Sam's Sermon Blog

Did you miss one of Pastor Sam's sermons? Want to double check if he actually said what you think he did? Accidentally fall asleep and want to go back and read the section you missed? Check out all of Pastor Sam's sermons on his blog at: https://sinningboldlywithsam.wordpress.com/

Global Mission "Global Links" E-Newsletter

Rooted and built in Jesus! This is the core of our work as the ELCA walks with more than 80 companion churches in other countries to participate in God's reconciling mission through proclamation and service. Participating in these relationships, ELCA members see how people's lives are touched by the gospel, how their lives are transformed and renewed, and how their communities live in hope. If you would like to receive the ELCA Global Mission e-newsletter "Global Links", please click on the following link to subscribe: https://community.elca.org/elca-email-subscriptions

Bethlehem Cares Fund

Bethlehem Cares Fund: For members of Bethlehem, we have a fund to assist you with temporary financial needs such as medical, home, family or personal needs.Contact Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, Rose Moldenhauer or Molly Hall. If you are able to contribute to the fund please mark your gift to BLC with the notation Bethlehem Cares.

Newsletters Available on Our Website

Have you missed one of our monthly e-newsletters? Have you wished you could open up that newsletter again to get that bit of information you were looking for? Well, now you can. On our Newsletter Archive page there are links available to view current and past newsletters.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

www.blcenc.org