Bethlehem July News

Let me start by saying that it is so wonderful to be back with all of you now that my paternity leave has officially ended. Having that time to invest in my family and grow closer with Zachy was amazing, and I am beyond thankful. I can’t wait for him to continue to grow into who God has created him to be. This past week we had our annual Vacation Bible School program which afforded me a sneak peek of what awaits us with him in just a few years’ time. I’d like to start by saying thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make this week possible, and especially to our Children’s Ministry Director Jana Hegg. Our congregation had the privilege of welcoming over 50 students from 9 different congregations, each one of them a radiant and shining reminder that we are all made in the image of God.

The theme for the first day was “I wonder,” and that phrase returned throughout the week, especially in the 5th and 6th grade group where I helped out. We asked the students to give us their biggest questions. You know, really easy stuff like what happens after you die? And why do bad things happen to good people? And how does Jesus fit into the Harry Potter universe? Super simple questions … not! On day two, we divided into small groups to talk about the questions, and I started the conversation in my group by admitting that I, unfortunately, didn’t know all the answers to those questions. Shocking, I know! Now that’s not to say that I don’t have some insights and wisdom to share around those questions, but I wanted them to know that just because I’ve been to seminary, and am a pastor, that doesn’t mean that I know all the answers. In fact, I actually have some of the same questions that they do.

Some people will claim that there is no room for questioning, or doubts, or wonders when it comes to faith. They believe that God requires absolute, blind, never-wavering belief from us. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. First of all, the opposite of faith isn’t doubt, it’s apathy. To doubt means that you care about something enough to think critically about it, to engage with it, and wrestle with it. Think about how different our world would be if we, as the old quote says, chose to opt for curiosity instead of judgement. Rather than jumping to conclusions, or making assumptions, or simply shutting down for fear of looking stupid, if instead we were bold enough to ask questions, to share our doubts, and to say, “I wonder.” What is it that you wonder about, dear people of Bethlehem? Whatever it is, I can say with absolute certainty that you are not the only one. And when we are brave enough to share our doubts and wonders with one another, we build a stronger community based on trust, openness, and love. The exact kind of community that Jesus intended for the body of Christ to be.

Yours in faith, doubt, wonder, and hope,

Pastor Sam

July Worship Schedule

Sunday Worship

July 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th - 9:00 and 10:30 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.

Music Ministry

VBS - We had a fabulous week providing live music for our Vacation Bible School again this year! I thank Joshua Hegg who provided the written sheet music that we used to learn all the VBS songs. I appreciated his musical talent to score all six songs for our use. Thank you to the band of Marilyn Stenoien, Bob Fell, Mike O'Leary, Dick DuBois, Judy Collier, Carolin Meinhardt, Blair Lindberg and Mona Goetsch. Having a live band for Vacation Bible School is unique and we appreciate the talents of our musicians! The girls that taught the movements were outstanding, teaching all the movements to the entire group and music classes! Thank you Sarah Weed, Emma Kvaternik(every music class!) and Ana Draskovic. Finally, our technology team of Suzi and Darrel Westmoreland broadcasted our sound and video daily with true mastery! It takes a team to make this happen and I think we inspired many kids through the music of 2025 Vacation Bible School - Just Like Me!

July Special Music

7/6- Woodwind Trio - Heather Pizzuto, Tim Martin, Clark Crane
7/13- Vocal Duet
7/20 - Piano Solo by Eden LeClair
7/27- Special Video of Hawaiian singers

Choir Start times for Fall 2025

9/14- SECOND SABBATH -rehearsal 9/13
9/14- Children's Choir first rehearsal 10 am
9/17- JuBellation and Good News Singers first rehearsal 6/7:22 pm

Children's Ministry

Just Like ME! VBS 2025 was a huge success! We welcomed 52 children from 9 different churches for a wonderful week of Bible adventures focused on wondering, asking questions, sharing and speaking up for ourselves and each other. Our time in the garden was a definite highlight and we also enjoyed our games, music, and snack time as well.

We heard from a different guest speaker each day and learned what it is like to be a person who learns differently, someone who needs a wheelchair to get around, someone who was born in another country and someone who is deaf and uses sign language to communicate.

Water play and learning sign language was the perfect end to an awesome week, but most of all, we enjoyed being in community together as beloved children of God, just the way we are!

Our week was supported by over 50 volunteers from both the Bethlehem and St. Andrews communities. We have the BEST volunteers and their love and acceptance of all of the children are what made this such an awesome week. Thank you for your support for our VBS program. We are already making plans for next year!

Youth Ministry

Meetings:

Wednesdays at the Beach on July 9 & 30 from 4:30-6:30 at Moonlight
Summer Sunday Nights on July 6, 13, and 27 from 6:30pm-8pm.

Contact Deacon Mindy for details and meeting places.

Summer Trip - Youth will be traveling to Maui July 15-22. Please keep them in your prayers for safe travels. Don’t miss church on July 29 when they will share about their experience.

Adventure Ministry (BAM)

A Day at the Beach - Join Bethlehem Adventure Ministry (BAM) for a day at the beach!

Saturday, July 12, 2025

All day

Moonlight Beach

The westernmost end

of Encinitas Blvd.

(Click here for a map)

We will arrive at 9 am to save a fire pit. Look for us!
Plenty of parking, restrooms, rentals, and food to purchase.
Bring your sand toys, boogie boards, and surfboards.
Bring your own food or purchase at the beach.
Don't forget your hat, rash guard, flip-flops, chair, towel, and lots of sunscreen.
All are welcome!

We are going camping! - Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th.

We will be tent camping at the El Prado group campground near the town of Mount Laguna. Our site is the Big Sage campsite. Parking will be limited to 15 vehicles so we will be requiring signups in advance. Maximum vehicle length of 45 feet.

We will share a potluck dinner on Saturday night. Last year we had a Mexican themed meal, this year (thanks to a suggestion from Alisa Wolf) we will have a Mediterranean themed meal – hummus, pita bread, tabouleh salad, tzatziki sauce, shawarma, falafel. The rest of the meals will be your responsibility. There’s a fire pit and several picnic tables at the site. There is also a pit toilet at the site. Showers and flush toilets are available in the larger campground. We can go hiking, biking (e-bikes are not allowed on the trails but can be used on the paved roads), play games, or just relax.

Signup early to reserve your spot here.

Questions? Contact Dennis Astroth

Stephen Ministry

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

Galatians 6:2

Last month we commissioned four new Stephen Ministers, Monika Gaus, Larry Hart, Nancy Henroid, and Mary Tigue-Velardi. They join our existing Stephen Ministers Annmarie Robbins, Beth Nelson, Blair Lindberg, Dan Halvorson, Frank Belock, Linda Inskeep, and Mark King as well as our Stephen Leaders Molly Hall, Suzi Westmoreland, and Laure Reynolds. Please pray for them as they support and care for those in our midst who are experiencing difficult life transitions.

Bethlehem Serves

Mark your calendar for Bethlehem's annual Day of Service on Sunday, September 21st. We have a short worship service about 9 am and then participate in service projects onsite or at various locations in our community. Last year we had 13 projects that included working in the gardens at Ocean Knoll School, Car Wash, Hygiene Kits for Showers of Blessings, School Bags, First Responders Care Baskets and many more. The morning ends with an all church picnic on the lawn about 11:30 am Mona Goetsch and Jana Hegg will be contacting people to lead the various groups.

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