Bethlehem May News

Once, when leading a worship service to honor high school graduates, I asked members of the congregation to raise their hand if they had been present at specific life events of the students. Were they present at one of their baptisms, first communions, confirmations? Did they help with their Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School, or chaperone retreats or trips? Did they support any of the fundraising the youth led over the years? Did they work alongside any of the youth in a service project? Did they attend a school or sport event to support them? Did they invite them to help with worship or other church ministries? Did they regularly greet youth on Sundays? The list went on.

By the time all the questions were asked, nearly every congregation member had their hands in the air. That is when I informed them that they all had done youth ministry.

Youth ministry is not a one-person-call at any church. Youth ministry needs each and every adult member to engage with and to support the church youth. Whether you give to them with prayers, a kind word, an invitation, or a donation to their latest activity, your giving spirit is recognized and appreciated by our young people.

Bethlehem is blessed with a congregation of people who celebrate and outwardly appreciate all of the youth. I’ve seen adults enjoy working side-by-side with youth on our Day of Service. I’ve watched many of you give of time and talent to VBS each year. I’ve seen you celebrate the baptisms and confirmations of young people. I’ve heard words of praise for youth who help with worship and worship music. I’ve watched when congregation members welcome home our college students. I’ve overheard curious adults asking about students’ sports and school activities. I know many of you pray for our young people regularly. Through these things, and many others, the congregational baptismal promises to nurture the faith of young people, to proclaim that they are loved by you and by God, and to work with them for justice and peace are being fulfilled.

Recently, I’ve seen your commitment to our youth through your response to the fundraising for our summer trip to Maui. Bethlehem donated generously at the cinnamon roll sales and the pancake breakfast. You are supporting the Pono Tree display which has helped to fund numerous activities for the trip. Bethlehem showed up for the Luau dinner, auction, and Lip Sync event helping to raise over $5,000 for Bethlehem and St. Andrew’s youth travelers.

The youth know that YOU make this trip and all the youth ministry opportunities at Bethlehem possible. On behalf of our young people and their families, we are so very grateful for everyone at Bethlehem and the love you demonstrate. Thank you for answering God’s call to nurture their faith.

May Worship Schedule

Sunday Worship

May 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th - 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

Thank you to all the singers and instrumental players who enhanced our Holy Week services. Your dedication and abilities were appreciated by all. Attached is a favorite picture from Holy Week.

Next month, we move into the Easter season and feature different duets, Second Sabbath and the Good News Singers. Mark your calendars for our Spring Concert on June 8 @ 4 pm where all our groups will be performing!

May Schedule of Special Music

5/4- Carolin Meinhardt and Art Schmidt, duet
5/11 - Sandy Lakey and Mike Lindberg, duet; Children's Choir
5/18- Second Sabbath
5/25- Good News Singers

Children's Ministry

Learning circle schedule for May and June

May 4th - Saul to Paul; Acts 9:1-20
May 11th - Peter and Tabitha; Acts 9:1-20
May 18th - Music with Mona!
May 25th - Lydia; Acts 16:9-15
June 1st - Paul and Silas; Acts 16:16-40
June 8th - Summer Popcorn Party!

Learning Circles will take a break for the summer. Activities and snacks will be available for children in the narthex throughout the summer.

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

Youth Group - In May, youth group will meet on the 1st and 29th at St. Andrew’s and on the 8th and 22nd at Bethlehem. No meeting on May 15th.

Summer youth group meets at the beach. Watch your emails for the dates and times.

Confirmation - The last confirmation class meeting of the school year will be on May 13 from 5:30-6:30pm.

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 - Meet at Bethlehem

if you want to carpool.

10 am - Meet at the Visitor Center

at 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.

The entrance fee is $20.00 per car, for up to four passengers. You can also enter with the America the Beautiful pass. See the SignUp Genius for information about carpooling.
We will meet at the Visitor Center. We plan to walk the Bayside Trail, which is about 2 miles long, smooth and wide, but does have a 300-foot elevation change. If you prefer not to walk a trail, we hope you will enjoy the many activities at the Visitor Center and stay to join us for lunch.
Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, sun hat, jacket, and your walking shoes. We also recommend bringing walking sticks and binoculars.
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. There are plenty of benches and low walls to sit on but no picnic tables. You may want to bring your own chair.
You can purchase water and sodas from a vending machine at the Visitor Center but no food is available to purchase.

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

BLC Advocacy

New ELCA Podcast - ELCA Advocacy has just launched a podcast to connect faith-based advocacy and current events. Here I Pod is hosted by Lutheran Office of Public Policy California director Regina Banks. Each episode includes insights from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience to help you reflect on today’s challenges and find out what you can do. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired!

Lutheran Lobby Day May 28: Easier than you’d think!

I’ll admit, the first time I attended Lutheran Lobby Day in 2019, I was a bit intimidated. I had never visited a legislator’s office to advocate for anything, and I wasn’t sure how it would go. But Lutheran Lobby Day is set up for you to be successful, even if you’ve never done advocacy before.

We were divided into small groups, with at least one experienced Lobby Day participant in each group. We were briefed on the priority bills that had been selected by the LOPP CA Policy Committee (as well as had received a packet via email beforehand), and had plenty of time to ask questions in the large group before going to our first legislative appointment. Each group had three to four meetings during the day that typically lasted fifteen to thirty minutes each. We met with staff from different Assemblymember or State Senator’s offices, and had the chance to tell them why we supported that year’s priority legislation. Typical bills advocate for poverty reduction, clean air and water, hunger alleviation and the like. Above is a photo of our group with a staff member from Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s office.

By the end of the day I was tired but inspired! Seeing other Lobby Day groups in the State Capitol made me feel like my voice was amplified and I could make a difference. You can do it too! Join us May 28th for Lobby Day this year. Feel free to email blcadvocacy@gmail.com for any questions of me (Louise Julig) or email Courtney.Hall@elca.org for more information about this year’s event. Register at Lutheran Lobby Day 2025 – Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California. Scholarships for travel funds are available for young people 25 and under.

Hope to see you in Sacramento this year!

-Louise Julig

Golf Tournament

Our Annual BLC Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, June 22nd starting at 1pm at Lomas Santa Fe Executive Golf Course, 1580 Sun Valley Rd, Solana Beach. Price per golfer is $60, which includes green fee and cart.

Deadline to sign up is June 9th. Golfers can sign up on-line by clicking here.

Pajama Project

The Pajama Project gets a Second segment on Channel 8's Zevely Zone!

On March 10th Channel 8's Feature Reporter, Jeff Zevely, went out to see “PJ Crazy Margaret” for the Second time to shine a light on The Pajama Project which has been busy here at Bethlehem for 29 years! The response in donations was so Immediate and Plentiful that Jeff Zevely and Pastor Laura hatched a plan to Surprise Margaret with news of how much was raised to buy flannel for another year! Take a look using the link below...

The Pajama Project Raises $14,000 from Jeff Zevely's appeal on Channel 8 News!

Our volunteers cut out 103 pairs of PJ's on Saturday and will do it again on the scheduled PJ Party Workdays until we reach between1200 and 1500 pairs of PJ's to be sewn each year. Bethlehem continues to support this project with the use of our facilities and office support but our funds were running out to buy more flannel and supplies! With this incredible boost to our coffers the project can go on! All earmarked donations from our members and the community are kept separate for this purpose and reflect expenses of $12,000 to $15,000 a year or approximately $10 per garment created.

PJ Crazy Margaret sends you a Warm Hug from The Bethlehem Pajama Project!

Stewardship Stream

The New Testament’s book of John is sometimes called the Bible’s Love book. Whether it speaks of “abiding in love” or “no one has greater love than . . . to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” or “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another,” John seems to be all about love. Oh, and don’t forget “For God so loved the world ….”

Stewardship is one way in which we express love. The volunteer time Bethlehem members contribute to others and the church is an expression of love. The giving of financial support for the various causes we rally around as well as for the church personnel and other resources that make all this happen is an expression of love.

Thank you for loving as John has challenged us to do!

Stephen Ministry

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

Galatians 6:2

How Does Stephen Ministry Work? When someone requests a Stephen Minister, Molly Hall, our Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, will meet with that person, explain how Stephen Ministry works, and together they will determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that person needs. Our Referrals Coordinator then matches the care receiver with one of our available Stephen Ministers. Male care receivers are always paired with male Stephen Ministers and female care receivers are always paired with female Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Minister will then call that person and begin meeting with him or her for about an hour each week as long as the need is there. Everything a care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is kept confidential. The Stephen Minister doesn’t try to solve problems; rather, he or she listens, cares, prays, and helps the care receiver find his or her path to healing and wholeness.

If you or someone you know is going through a crisis please consider having a Stephen Minister help you through this difficult time. To learn more about Stephen Ministry please contact Pr Laura or Pr Sam or one of our Stephen Leaders, Laure Reynolds, Suzi Westmoreland, or Molly Hall.

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