Bethlehem January News

Blessed New Year. As the warmth of Christmas and its joy still hangs in the air, a new year stands before us. Yet, it feels as if we are facing this new year differently than in the past. It could be just me, but unbridled optimism for a magnificent new year, seems to have settled recently into, “I wonder what this year will bring?” And who can blame us. Since 2019, each new year has indeed been “interesting”. And yet, I think this might actually be a more authentic place to stand — a more human place, and certainly a more faith filled place. The human condition has never been without pathos, pain and joy. And as people of faith, we continue to tell a story of wandering hope, of a star in a night sky, and of death turned to life. Abject optimism is wishful thinking, and wishful thinking is not faith.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Faith is holding it all — the good and the bad, and seeing it all — the blessed and the broken, and still believing in a hopeful tomorrow. A few weeks ago, our children’s Christmas program included a frog. I still love that! Nathan the frog reminds us that the story of the manger is grounded, and very earth bound. Angels, camels, wisemen, and stars speak of the other worldly and of miracle. But frogs speak of the everyday, and the everybody. They remind us of the regularity of faith. And at the center of our program was baby Cleo in her first stage role, cast as the baby Jesus. As I watched the program unfold, both in Nathan and in Cleo, and in all the other children, I felt the sweet reality of today. Kids dressed as wisemen and donkeys, telling the old, old story, but deeply grounded in today. The new year is ours and theirs. Beautiful and terrible things will happen, and all of it will be woven into the tapestry of faith and hope.

Faith is the knowledge, that the child in the manger and the cross, are both possible. Angels can sing of peace on earth, while the world still waits painfully for the fulfillment of that promise. Our hearts can be broken by the pain we see in the world, and healed by the promise of God’s love, all at the same time. This new year can fill us with both trepidation and hope, and that is as it should be. For we are people of faith who will not be scattered by the winds of the day, but grounded in the hope of tomorrow, and rooted in all the promises of God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, joined our humanity, and that is why there should always be a frog in the manger.

Blessed New Year,

Pastor Laura

Thank you...

My deepest gratitude to all of you for your gifts and cards and good wishes. My particular thanks for the gift of money from the congregation. This particular Christmas, my daughter Emily was unable to travel due to a medial issue and your kindness allowed me to gain lodging near her, so that we could be together for Christmas. I am so grateful for your kindness.

God bless you all,

Pastor Laura

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the incredible generosity of your Christmas gift this year. You all are such a blessing in my life, and I am so deeply grateful for all that you do to help support me. I am especially thankful for this gift, as it will help me towards achieving my goal of paying off all of my student loans by the end of 2024! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year.

Thank you,

Pastor Sam

January Worship Schedule

Worship and Special Services:

January 7th, 14th, & 28th - Sunday morning service - 9 & 10:30 am

January 21st - One service at 9am followed by the Annual Meeting

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 or as indicated.

Music Ministry

The choirs of Bethlehem had a highly successful Christmas Concert on December 3rd. If you would like to watch the concert, "The Glory of Christmas" it can be found at by clicking here.

Choir Rehearsals Starting Dates/ Request for Singers - We welcome new members to join the various musical groups at Bethlehem. We are in need of more children to participate in our Children's Choir which meets between services each Sunday at 10 am. Drop your child off and enjoy a cup of coffee and fellowship as they rehearse!

The Good News Singers will begin preparation for our annual Palm Sunday cantata scheduled for March 24th at both services. The cantata highlights the Passion story through word and song and is accompanied by a small orchestra. We are in need of Basses and Sopranos! Please consider making a Lenten commitment and join us for this inspiring presentation!

Here are the starting dates for each group that meets weekly:

Jubellation Singers: Wed., January 10th at 6 pm in the Family Center
Good News Singers: Wed., January 10th at 7:22 pm in the Sanctuary
Children's Choir: Sun., January 14th at 10 am in the Multi-use room.

Those interested in the contemporary ensemble, Second Sabbath, should contact Marilyn Stenoien at mstenoien@aol.com or speak to her at services on January 14th.

Participation in BOB (Band of Bethlehem) should be directed to Mark Weed at weedster1@gmail.com who will determine their schedule .

Special Music this Month

1/7 - Mona Goetsch, Mike Lindberg - duet
1/14 - Second Sabbath
1/21 - Only one service at 9 a.m. - JuBelllation Ringers
1/28 - Carolin Meinhardt, Mark Reynolds - duet

Children's Ministry

Our Learning Circles/Sunday School continue weekly during the 10:30 service. We meet as one large group to begin in the Multi-Use/Library right after the Children's Message. The curriculum that we are using is designed to break into "buddy pairs" with older children helping the younger children to participate in discussions and complete activities together. This time is intended for children ages 3 - 6th grade. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jana Hegg at childrensministry@blcenc.org. We are excited to see you on Sunday!

Here are the upcoming themes:

1/7 - Jesus' Baptism
1/14 - MUSIC with Mona
1/21 - Jonah and the Big Fish (during the one service at 9 am)
1/28 - Teaching and Healing

Youth Ministry

Thank You! - Many thanks to everyone who purchased wreaths and poinsettias in support of the youth’s summer trip. You helped us to raise over $500.

These fine volunteers helped to spread Christmas cheer as they assisted with distributing the items.

Winter Retreat 2024 at LRCC - Middle and High School - February 2-4at Luther Glen

Sign up NOW by emailing, texting, or telling Deacon Mindy that you will attend. Retreats include FUN worship, Fun workshops, and FUN faith-filled discussions and lots of FUN time on the farm and, maybe, in the snow. The FUN begins Friday night and ends on Sunday at lunch. $185 per student. More information can be found on the LRCC website. Don’t miss this!

Youth meetings this month - Middle School group will meet January 2nd and 16th at St. Andrew’s. High School group will meet January 3rd, 17th, and 31st at Bethlehem and on January 10th and 24th at St. Andrew’s.

Solar Fundraiser

We did it! - Thanks to the generosity and stewardship of this congregation, we have met and surpassed our fundraising goal to help pay for the new solar panels that we will be installing! Thank you to all those who supported this project. As you know, this has been a priority in the heart of this congregation for many years, and we are overjoyed that it is now finally going to be a reality. We are in the process of finalizing the design and plans, and installation is set to begin in the early part of this year. Thank you for your stewardship, and for helping our congregation be better stewards of the creation.

ELCA Advocacy

ELCA Presence at COP 28 - Six representatives from the ELCA participated in COP 28, the UN Conference of Parties, which met in Dubai from Nov. 30 - Dec. 12, 2023. These included both Regina Q. Banks, Director of Lutheran Public Policy California, and Savannah Jorgensen, Legislative Coordinator with LOPPCA.

The recent ELCA Social Message “Earth’s Climate Crisis” reads, in part, that it is our duty to be responsible caretakers of God’s creation and that with God’s help, humanity can turn from the present course, take loving and just action, and live more harmoniously within God’s beautiful and verdant creation.

Here’s a 30-minute video of important messages from ELCA participants at COP28, and for those who want a deeper dive into ethical considerations for the important Loss and Damage Funding that occurred early in COP28, here is another 90-minute panel discussion on that topic.

ACTION ITEM: Connect your local, state, and federal actions and passions with developments on the global scene by registering for the webinar Voices of Faith in Climate Action: COP28 and Beyond, to be held on Zoom on January 24 from 12-1 p.m. online.

LOPP- CA: Facebook, Twitter

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Facebook, Twitter

Pacifica Synod: Facebook, Twitter

ELCA Advocacy: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

ELCA: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

For information or questions about Bethlehem’s Advocacy Team, contact Karin Kloehn at blcadvocacy@gmail.com.

Golf Tournament

Bethlehem Annual Golf Tournament -January 28, 2024 - It’s time for fun and fellowship at the annual BLC Golf Tournament. Join other BLC golfers of all ages and abilities at 'The Links' at the Lakehouse Resort (formerly St. Mark Golf Club) in San Marcos on Sunday, January 28th beginning at 1pm.

Price per golfer is $48, which includes green fee and cart. We play a scramble golf format. ( a team works together to score on each hole) . Below is the link to Bethlehem's website for payment. Checks will be accepted in person after services in early January.

Tournament Registration

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.

Stewardship Stream

Fear Not! - That was the message a few people heard from angels in the story of Jesus’s birth – Zechariah about the coming birth of John to Elizabeth; Mary about becoming the mother of Jesus; and the shepherds as the angel announced the birth of Jesus. In each case, the hearer overcame their worry and went boldly forward to play their role.

Are there worries that you face as you discern and better understand what your stewardship role might be? Does the prospect of a new volunteer opportunity intimidate, or cause you to pause, even though you feel a tug? Is it hard to imagine parting with those funds for a special gift or an increased pledge? Take some advice from the angels – FEAR NOT! In our fears and our joys, in our struggles and our victories, God is always with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry Training Class starts on January 22, 2024. In addition to offering this class to new Stephen Ministers, this year we are opening up the class to anyone in the congregation who would like to improve the listening and caring skills that you use in your own life- either in your personal life or in the ministries you are part of within the church or community. The class will meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm throughout the spring. The cost of the class is $55 which covers the cost of books. If you are interested in taking the class please contact Laure Reynolds this week so that we may order materials: laurereyn@roadrunner.com or 760-271-3359

“I Can’t Be a Stephen Minister……”

You may have heard about Stephen Ministry, realized that you have the gifts and the desire necessary to become a Stephen Minister, but you still aren’t sure. We often hear the following responses:

“…..I’m not qualified!”

To be a Stephen Minister you need to be a caring person who is willing to learn, grow, and serve. You must be willing to maintain confidentiality. You need to make a commitment to training, ministry, and supervision. If you meet these qualifications, our Stephen Leaders will equip you with the rest of what you need: training, support, encouragement, care, and prayers. They will help you succeed.

“…..I don’t know what to say!”

Stephen Ministry training is thorough and practical. It includes listening; dealing with feelings; maintaining assertiveness, confidentiality, and boundaries; beginning and ending caring relationships; and caring for people who are grieving, dying, aging, divorcing, and experiencing other life crises. The goal of training is to prepare Stephen Ministers for whatever they might encounter when working with care receivers. Through reading, lecture, and skill practice you will learn what you need to know to succeed as a Stephen Minister

“….I have problems in my own life!”

Some problems are so big that you need to address your own needs and wait until later to become a Stephen Minister. After you have worked through your own problems, however, you will find that your own experience is valuable preparation for helping someone else through their tough times. A Stephen Minister’s job is to walk beside another person as that person works through his or her struggles. The Stephen Minister brings stability, prayer, and Christ’s love to the care receiver’s situation.

If you have questions about Stephen Ministry or the upcoming class please contact one of our Stephen Leaders: Suzi Westmoreland, Molly Hall, or Laure Reynolds

New Columbarium Project

We are in the process of creating a new outdoor columbarium space. We are working on finalizing the design, contracting with a company to build both the niches and the supporting frame, and local artist Jane Wheeler has already created an incredible tri-panel mosaic art installation for above the columbarium.

The price per niche is $2500. Each niche has space for up to two urns. You do not need to be a member to purchase one - all are welcome here at Bethlehem. Please sign up by contacting the church office, and payments can be made via check, or online here.

If you have any questions, or would like to inquire about payment plans, please contact the church office. If you would like to simply donate to this project, but do not wish to purchase a niche, your generosity and stewardship would be so appreciated, and you can do that by clicking here.

As Christians, we know that we are connected with all who have come before us in the faith – a great cloud of witnesses. Through this columbarium space we bear witness to that fact and will provide a much needed place of final rest for members of our community.

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