Bethlehem April News

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, I am drawn to a different resurrection story, one that we heard just the other week – the raising of Lazarus. These two stories are intimately connected to one another – Jesus’ decision to save his friend is precisely what seals his fate and ultimately leads to his execution. If you re-read that story (John 11:1-45), you will notice the very last thing that Jesus does is to tell the onlookers to unbind Lazarus and let him go. And that is because, while Jesus is the source of the abundant, everlasting, present-in-the-here-and-now life that courses through Lazarus’ body, that life can only be fully realized when it is experienced it in the midst of community. In order to become fully actualized, Lazarus needs the help of those who are around him. As human beings we were built to be in relationship with one another. To laugh together, cry together, learn and grow together, make mistakes and figure out solutions together. God infuses this world with grace, life, and light, and we are called to magnify and embody those things in the midst of community.

Next week we will gather as a community to hear the ultimate story of God’s love for us. We will join first the disciples who gathered in an upper room, then the witnesses who gathered at the foot of the cross, and then finally the women who gathered at the empty tomb early on the third day. We will hear a story of how the powers of sin and death are no match for God’s grace, life, and light. And we will hear the words of Jesus as he sends first the women at the tomb, then his disciples, and finally us, out into the world to be bearers of that grace, life, and light so that all the world might come to know the truth of his Gospel of mercy and love. It is a joy to get to travel this winding road through the holiest of weeks with all of you – the members of this blessed community of believers, seekers, and stewards.

Resurrection Blessings,

Pastor Sam

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Dear People of Bethlehem,

Easter is upon us. Now is the time to put away the disciplines of Lent. I wonder about all that disciplines our lives. The morning coffee I make before taking the dog for a walk. The daily work that includes all the things I love about my vocation, and all the things that simply must be done. The bills that need to be paid. These routines are comforting and necessary. But then, there are the other moments in our lives — the Easter moments. The moment a dolphin jumps from the water, the sunrise we glimpse made of pinks and purples, a long awaited visit from a loved one, a doctor saying the cancer is gone. These are the things that take our breath away.

So much of our lives, lies in the liminal space in between. There are the heights of our joys and the depths of our sorrows, and I think many of us are afraid of both. We are afraid to feel too much joy or too much sorrow, least our hearts might break under the weight of it all. Perhaps the routine is simpler, the regular pace of our lives. Yet, Easter is a different kind of moment. In Matthew’s gospel, when the angel told the women that Jesus had been raised, “They left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” I love that it was both fear and joy at the same time. It seems so true of the human heart.

Perhaps fear and great joy, together become our hope. Perhaps Easter is the possibility of it all. The possibility that there can be joy, even in our sorrow. That we can feel resurrection in our lives, even in our pain. That sorrow, joy, mercy and grace, do indeed happen all at the same time, and mingle together in the messy, beautiful joy of our lives.

May you be blessed in your Good Friday moments, and in your Easter joys. And may you be blessed in every regular moment in between — for we live in the liminal space of God’s grace. We live between Good Friday’s darkness and Easter’s sunrise. Hope means that God is with us in it all, has promised to join us in it all, and will accompany us through it all.

Blessed Easter,

Pastor Laura

April and Holy Week Worship Schedule

Holy Week Worship

April 2nd - Maundy Thursday - 7 pm
April 3rd - Good Friday - 7 pm
April 4th - Easter Vigil - 5 pm
April 5th - Easter - 8, 9:30 & 11 am - Easter Egg Hunt - 10:30 am

April Worship (After Easter)

April 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.

Music Ministry

Thanks to all who participated in the Palm Sunday Cantata "God So Loved" on March 29th. It was a powerful message that set the tone for Holy Week. The cantata can be viewed as the sermon for Palm Sunday on our Bethlehem Lutheran Church Encinitas YouTube channel or by clicking here.

April begins with the continuation of Holy Week. We celebrate the Triduum - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil leading to Easter Sunday. Music is an important part of those services and many groups will be highlighting the lessons with their musical selections.

Holy Week: April 2-5

Maundy Thursday - 7 pm - JuBellation Ringers
Good Friday - 7 pm - Good News Singers
Easter Vigil - 5 pm - World Music Ensemble
Easter Sunday -

> 8 am - Mark Weed, trumpet , Natasha Riabova, piano

> 9:30 am - Children's Choir and Good News Singers

> 11 am- Children's Choir and Good News Singers

All choirs will have one week off following Easter. Rehearsals will begin again on :

JuBellation Ringers - Wednesday, April 15 - 6 pm - Family Center
Good News Singers - Wednesday, April 15 - 7:22 pm - Sanctuary
Children's Choir - Sunday, April19 - 10 am - Multi-use Room

Special Music - after Easter

4/12 - Natasha Riabova, piano solo
4/19 - Eden LeClair, piano solo
4/26- JuBellation Ringers

Education Opportunity

Understanding Neurodivergence Workshops - This free workshop series provides practical, evidence-based strategies to understand and support neurodivergence in yourself and others with ADHD and autism.

Sundays from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm on:

April 19 - Supporting Neurodivergence in Ourselves & Others
April 26 - Successfully Navigating Life with ADHD
May 3 - Autism Support in Daily Life

Details:

Feel free to attend individually or as a series.
Snacks provided- bring a packed lunch if desired.
Workshops for teens & adults - childcare will be available for all ages.
Register online here.
Have questions? Contact Marisa Smith at (858) 324-4945 or msneurodiversityeducator@gmail.com

Youth Ministry

Beach Clean Up - Saturday, April 18th - With Surfrider, we will meet at Moonlight Beach from 9am-11am. Sign up with Surfrider by clicking here. Connect with other youth over a fun morning of service. Invite a friend. Families are welcome too. If weather permits, we will hang out following our task. Bring a water bottle, lunch, or snacks. Let me know to expect you with an email please.

Cinnamon Roll Sale - Sunday, April 26 - Following worship, youth will offer tasty sweet treats as a fundraiser for their summer trip. Don’t miss out! Many thanks to everyone who participated in the March sale. It was very successful!

Beach Party, May 9 - Area youth groups are getting together at Crown Point on May 9. Save the date and watch for more details.

Youth Fundraiser Dinner and Lip Sync - Sunday, May 17th -Save the date! Bethlehem will host a delicious dinner prior to the 3^rd Annual Lip Sync Competition. Reserve your spot for dinner now using this link to the sign-up page. To compete in the Lip Sync Contest, complete the registration form available here.

Youth at Border Church - Over 50 youth and adults attended Border Church on March 8th. It was a terrific experience with the message for the day presented by Lily, a Claremont Lutheran youth. We all felt the Spirit among us. We learned a lot and look forward to returning in the future.

Summer Service Trip - Registration is now open for our summer service and learning trip to the LA/Pasadena areas of Southern California. This is an opportunity to share our love and compassion while growing in faith and building relationships.

Dates: July 27 - Aug 2, 2026
Who: 8th - 12th grades
Cost: $250 per student

The Google Form to register is linked here. Contact Deacon Mindy for more details.

Children's Ministry

June 22-26, 2026 – Camp Kindness - Join us for Vacation Bible School: Camp Kindness! from June 22nd to 26th 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 camping theme will focus on spreading kindness through exploration of Bible stories centered on friendship. Kids will engage in exciting rotations, including Around the Campfire (Bible Story), Cooperation Station (Science), Interactive Music, and Teamwork Time (Games). Each rotation will inspire kids to work together, celebrate our differences and spread kindness in our world. We will also be exploring different ways that we can spread kindness in tangible ways around the neighborhood.

Camp Kindness! VBS is designed for children Age 4 – 6th Grade. Cost is $75 for the first child and $30 per additional child. Scholarships are available.

Are you excited to volunteer for Camp Kindness! VBS? Click HERE and come and join the fun! Questions? Contact Jana Hegg @ childrensministry@blcenc.org.

Easter Egg Hunt - Hop on over to Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 5th, at 10:30 a.m. for our annual Easter egg hunt in the playground area! Children of all ages are invited to join the fun, with clearly marked sections for toddlers, 3- to 5-year-olds, and kids ages 6 through 6th grade, so everyone can hunt safely and successfully. Bring a basket and your best egg-spotting skills as hundreds of colorful eggs are scattered and waiting to be found. Join us as we celebrate the promise of Easter in this special way.

Learning Circles - 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. Deacon Mindy meets with our 5th and 6th graders on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Here is our Learning Circle schedule and themes for the month of January:

April 5 - Easter Sunday! (No LC); Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30
April 12 - Doubting Thomas (John 20:19-31)
April 19 - MUSIC with Mona
April 26 - Early Believers (Acts 2:43-47)

Teacher Appreciation Day - Join us on Sunday, May 10th, 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.

Adventure Ministry (BAM)

Join us at the Museum of Making Music

Saturday, April 18

9:30 am Meet at the museum

10 to 11 am Private Docent-led tour

11 am Enjoy the museum exhibits until closing at 5 pm.

The Museum of Making Music

5790 Armada Drive

Carlsbad CA 92008

The museum is offering us discounted tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (age 60 and up), Children age 3 and under enjoy free admission. If you're a member, we would love to have you join us, too!

REQUEST: Please pay one of the leaders when you see us at church.

REQUEST: Please sign up here so we know you're joining us and can notify you of any changes.

Questions? Contact one of the leaders: Dennis Astroth, Eileen Lajimodiere, Lori Wolf, or Suzi Westmoreland

Future Adventures

May 16: Brick N Barn in Valley Center. This is the former estate of the real Betty Crocker, Agnes White. The house was built in 1883. We can enjoy the monthly antique and crafts sale and purchase tickets to tour the house and grounds. We can also sign up for various workshops. Food trucks are available for lunch. And there are lots of peacocks! For information click here. (Please note: This adventure has been rescheduled from June so it doesn't interfere with VBS preparation.)

September 12: A water adventure at Oceanside Harbor. Bring or rent your kayaks and paddle boards. If you don't want to be in the water, join us on the electric party boat as we tour the harbor and compete to find the most hilarious boat names. Stay for lunch, too! Click here for the rental options.

October 16-18: Camping in Idyllwild. We've picked a new camping destination this year. Stay tuned for more details.

Bethlehem Advocacy

Travel Scholarships to Lutheran Lobby Day! -

This year there are airfare and hotel scholarship funds available for younger adults (under 36) to come to Sacramento for Lutheran Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 20th. Lobby Day is when ELCA Lutherans across the state gather at the Capitol to advocate for hunger relief, environmental justice, and other priority legislation as based on our faith values.

We first gather for opening worship service the evening before at St. John’s Lutheran, and the next day we meet in small groups with our scheduled legislative offices. If you’ve never met with a legislative office before, no worries! You’ll be in good hands paired with an experienced leader.

Registration for participants of all ages is open here and it is encouraged to register early, as hotel rooms in our block do run out. For information on travel scholarship funds, email Lutheran Office of Public Policy director Regina Banks at regina.banks@elca.org.

Louise Julig is attending and is happy to answer any additional questions you may have: email blcadvocacy@gmail.com.

Hope to see you in Sacramento in May!

Stephen Ministry

Anxiety vs. Stress - Stephen Ministry invites you to a community education presentation from the Faith-Based Behavioral Health Academy.

In these modern times, many of us may feel stressed or anxious. What's the difference? And what can we do? Learn the difference between anxiety and stress and when and how to find support at this free Zoom presentation.

Anxiety vs. Stress

Monday, May 4, 2026

6 to 7 pm PDT

Please register here for this meeting. You will receive the Zoom link via email.

Questions? Contact one of the Stephen Leaders: Molly Hall, Laure Reynolds, or Suzi Westmoreland

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