Bethlehem October News

We give thanks each and every day for your willingness to be a part of the Bethlehem church community. For your commitment to supporting the work of this place where we gather to hear about the radical promise of God’s never-ending grace and unconditional love. This place where we support and mutually encourage one another through the joys and sorrows of life. This place which allows us to have an impact on the world in ways that are far greater than any one of us would be able to do individually.

We live in a time where there is great need. So much so that it can feel overwhelming at times. Faith organizations, like Bethlehem, offer us an opportunity to utilize the gifts that God has blessed us with – our time, our talents and skills, and our financial resources – in conjunction with one another to be forces for change, love, and justice. Where we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves and do something to make a difference. That’s why this year’s stewardship emphasis is entitled Called to Serve: Here and In the World. As you consider how you might financially support the work of our congregation, we also encourage you to discern how you are being called to be active in our congregation, in our community, and in the world.

Your council is currently working on creating our 2026 budget. In order to meet rising costs and continue to do crucial ministry work, we estimate that an additional 4% over the giving for 2025, or roughly $28,000 will be needed. If every family or individual were willing to increase their giving for the coming year, to whatever degree is possible and most meaningful for you, we could easily meet these goals to support the ministry of this congregation.

Many of you will receive a copy of this letter in the mail in the coming days. Please prayerfully consider what you are able to give and complete the commitment card that is included. Bring it with you to church on October 19th, return it to the church office, or submit your pledge virtually using this link here. If you have never made a financial commitment to Bethlehem, please consider joining us this year. And if you need to decrease or stop your giving for any reason, we understand, and invite you to please reach out to let us know so that we can be of support to you and your family.

In that mailing, we will also be including a Ministry Involvement Form. Many of you may not have seen this since you first joined Bethlehem as new members, and most likely your interests, skills, talents, and availability have changed since then. We would love for you to look at all the incredible opportunities there are to be involved in the ministry of this congregation and choose one (if not more!) that you would like to do in the coming year. And if you don’t quite see exactly what you are looking for, that’s okay! We’ve left room for you to tell us what you think might be the latest and greatest new ministry here at Bethlehem. There is also space to share the names of other organizations you plan to work with, or list other action commitments you have for the coming year.

Together, let us consider not only what we might give, but also what we can do in the interest of making this world a closer reflection of the kingdom of God.

Thank you for your Stewardship,

Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, and your BLC Council

October Worship Schedule

Sunday Worship

October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - 9 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.

Educational Opportunity - Immigration Documentary

STORIES OF HUMANITY AND HOPE AT THE BORDER

Please join us on Sunday, October 26th from 4-6 pm. All are welcome for a screening of the documentary "Samaritans", as well as a discussion on the important work of supporting immigrants in our community.

We will begin with a showing of the powerful documentary "Samaritans". Samaritans is a compelling and deeply human look at the lives of those crossing the border, and those who are working to serve and protect them. Producer and Director David Damian Figueroa will join us for a Q&A following the documentary to share his experience, and his heart for this work.

After the documentary, contact information for organizations in North County working in all areas of immigration support will be highlighted. Those attending will leave with resources and the opportunity to connect in any way they would like.

Hospitality and refreshments will be provided after the event. David will be available for a book signing as well. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Laura or call the church office at (760) 753-1026.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Music Ministry

All the music ensembles of Bethlehem are up and running! This month will feature many of them in our Sunday morning services.

10/5 - Band of Bethlehem
10/12- World Music Ensemble
10/19- JuBellation Ringers
10/26- Good News Singers

Festival Adult Choir for Christmas - Can't make a weekly choir commitment for the school year? Become part of our Festival Choir for the Christmas Concert! This seven week commitment begins with a Christmas Choir Retreat on Sunday, October 19th at church. On that afternoon from 1- 4:30 p.m., singers are introduced to the Christmas music that will be sung for the Christmas Concert on December 7th @ 4 p.m. Weekly night rehearsals and one Saturday rehearsal will continue until the concert. Please contact Mona Goetsch at monagoetsch@gmail.com if you might be interested.

Health and Wellness

Qi Gong practice with Chacha - Qigong and sound bath by Tracy Teregis (We will be practicing and enjoying the sound bath inside the sanctuary.) Bring a yoga mat or a blanket.

Saturday, October 4th at 9 am at San Dieguito Park
Sunday, October 12th at 12 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Youth Ministry

Sunday Nights - Youth meet Sundays at 6:30-8pm. We gather with students from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for fellowship, discussion, and fun. This is the weekly opportunity for students to check in with one another and grow their relationships. Contact Deacon Mindy for updates and weekly location.

Special dates for youth group include the following:

Sunday, October 12 - Youth package college "goodie bags" for SDSU and UCSD students associated with Agape House Campus Ministry.

Sunday, October 26 - SPECIAL MEETING and TIME from 4-6pm, Youth attend the movie screening of "Samaritans" at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. (No other youth meeting that evening)

Confirmation Classes - For all 7th and 8th grade students, Bethlehem’s Confirmation Classes begin in October. Confirmation is a two-year program. Contact Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, or Deaon Mindy if you have questions.

Service Opportunity - Does your student need volunteer hours for school? Youth (and parents) can help the preschool at Bethlehem Lutheran with a garden project on Saturday, October 4th. The project will start at 8:00am. Many hands are needed. Contact Deacon Mindy for information and to sign up.

Children's Ministry

We are so excited that Learning Circles are back up and running at Bethlehem Lutheran Church each week during the 10:30 Service! Families are warmly invited to join us this week as children ages 3 through 6th grade come together after the children’s sermon for a fun and meaningful time of learning. We’ll enjoy Bible stories, games, and snacks as we grow in faith and friendship. This year, 5th and 6th graders will be meeting in the Family Center, where Deacon Mindy will join us every other week to help teach and guide our older children. Younger children will gather in the library for their own time of learning and fun. We’ll return to the sanctuary in time to join everyone for communion. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in helping with Learning Circles, please contact Jana Hegg.

October Themes:

October 5 - A seed of Faith (Luke 17:5-10)
October 12 - Ten Men Healed (Luke 17:11-19)
October 19 - MUSIC with Mona
October 26 - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

LEAP - Our after school tutoring program has begun! The "Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP)" is now under the ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and we are so excited to be able to support our community through this afterschool support program. If you are interested in learning more about our program, or if you think you might be interested in volunteering as a tutor or a facilitator, please contact Jana @ childrensministry@blcenc.org.

Stephen Ministry

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

Galatians 6:2

As the holidays approach, we may face new and old challenges. Stephen Ministry understands. A Stephen Minister can listen and help you through this time. We are not professional counselors, but rather members of the congregation who have been trained to support, encourage, and pray with people who are facing life challenges.

Mark Your Calendars! - Stephen Ministry has organized two guest speaker events in November that are open to any and all who might be interested. You are invited to attend either one or both presentations. If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, please see the information below for complete details and then click here to sign up:

Monday, November 3 at 7 pm at Bethlehem: Join us to learn about The Elizabeth Hospice - the type of services they provide, what Medicare covers, when and how to contact hospice, and the difference between hospice and palliative care. Please sign up using the link above so we know how many people to expect.

Monday, November 17 at 7 pm on Zoom: Join us for a presentation from the Faith-Based Mental Health Academy about Mental Health during the Holidays. Learn how to enjoy the holidays and maintain your mental health. Please sign up using the link above and we will send you the Zoom link.

If you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry please speak with Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, or one of our Stephen Leaders: Molly Hall, Suzi Westmoreland, or Laure Reynolds.

Bethlehem Serves 2025

Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosted Bethlehem Serves, September 21st, a special day of service that brought together approximately 125 participants across 12 different projects both on and off campus. Projects included supporting the community resource center, a beach cleanup, a car wash, sharing chimes at a memory care facility, making plants to share with neighbors, and assembling hygiene kits and laundry bundles for local shelters. Volunteers also packed 170 backpacks full of school supplies, worked in the elementary school garden, and showed appreciation for first responders. A new project this year was making dog and cat toys for the San Diego Humane Society. The day concluded with a wonderful lunch and time of fellowship together.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers who participated—Bethlehem always shows up when it’s time for service! If you would like to read a summary of all of the projects, click on the link here. You can also watch a YouTube video of the groups and volunteers from that day.

Food Pantry

Opportunity to Serve - The St. Andrew’s Food Pantry provides groceries to about 220 local families each week. We have a few volunteer slots available:

Food Rescue Driver- We need able bodied drivers who are will pick up, load and deliver boxes of donated food from Encinitas grocery stores Thursday mornings 8:30-10 am.

Produce Gleaner- This involves sorting and repacking rescued produce. Thursday mornings, 10 am- noon.

Distribution Line Clerk- Clerks assist our clients during the shopping hours. Thursday afternoons, 1:30-4.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Cynthia Heigold at 760-525-3519.

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