News & Events

HEALING SUNDAY

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:05:52 -0700

This Sunday (March 21st) is a “Healing Sunday” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with a special “prayer station” set up at the back of the sanctuary for those who would like a brief time of private prayer with the pastor during the distribution of Holy Communion. Bethlehem Lutheran designates one Sunday a month as a “Healing Sunday”. In addition, Parish Nurse Debbie Knudtzon will be on hand to provide blood pressure screenings follow both worship services for any who want it.

YOUTH CLIMBING EVENT
Bethlehem 7th-12th grade youth head to Vertex, Santa Rosa’s indoor climbing venue, this Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours of fun, challenge, and ropes. Sack lunch at church following the late worship, then off to Vertex!

SIXES AND SEVENS DINNER CLUB
For anyone who likes to eat, talk and eat some more, it is time once again for a 6s & 7s dinner! The date is Saturday, March 27th. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex on the table. The deadline for sign-ups is this Sunday, March 21st. Any questions, call Gale Muehlbauer 537-0911, e-mail her at galemary@sbcglobal.net, or tackle her after service on Sunday!

FINAL LENTEN SOUP & BREAD SUPPERS, VESPERS
Bethlehem’s sixth and final soup & bread supper of this Lenten season takes place this coming Wednesday (March 24th) at 6:00 p.m. in the church Parish Center with homemade soup, bread, and warm fellowship. Each week during Lent Bethlehem members bring soup and bread to share prior to the Wednesday evening Lenten devotions at 7:00 p.m.

ONE SERVICE ON PALM SUNDAY
The Bethlehem community will gather for a single, combined, worship service on Palm Sunday, March 28th. The 10:30 a.m. worship will include special music, procession with palms, and dramatic reading of the Passion according to St. Luke. Education hour meets at the regular time (9:30 - 10:15 a.m.).

HEALTH KITS FOR HAITI & CHILE
Due to the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Lutheran World Relief’s supply of health kits has been drastically depleted. People who must flee their homes quickly do not have time to pack essential items. Health kits can help these people maintain personal hygiene while living under adverse conditions. Much of LWR's supply of Health kits was diverted from other parts of the world to go to Haiti. Bethlehem’s Witness & Service Commission will be collecting items for Health kits now through April 18. A basket is in the Narthex to place the items in. A list of what is needed is available online at www.lwr.org/beinvolved/healthkit.asp and at the church.

BETHLEHEM HIKING GROUP
The Bethlehem Hiking Group will return to the Palisades near Calistoga to hike on Saturday April 17th. The Palisades are the dramatic rocky ridge to the northeast of Calistoga. This is a fairly challenging hike and should only be attempted if you are in decent shape, but the rewards of the views and the beautiful landscape make it worth the effort. There are bizarre rock formations, steep cliffs that are home to peregrine falcons, numerous wildflowers, historic trails with wagon wheel ruts from the early 1800's, and more. It is an 11-mile point-to-point hike that is not real steep, but mostly uphill, starting in Calistoga and ending at the Robert Louis Stevenson trailhead at the summit of Hwy 29 on Mt St Helena. We will leave BLC at 8am and return around dinner time. Contact Brian Bertoli at bbertoli@aol.com if you want to go or if you want more info.

SONOMA COUNTY CHAMBER SINGERS SPRING CONCERT
The Sonoma County Chamber Singers are back at BLC on Saturday April 10 at 4:00pm to present "A Spring Time of the Spirit", a concert of both classical and contemporary works centered on the thoughts and themes of spring. The concert will feature works by Brahms, Buxtehude, Monteverdi, Vaughan-Williams, and others. They will also present the premiere of singer/composer Walter Thompson's "The Lord to Me a Shepherd Is". We hope you can be part of the always enthusiastic BLC audience. For more info, including other dates and venues, go to www.sonomacountychambersingers.org, or contact Brian Bertoli at bbertoli@aol.com, or at 217-8333.

NEW MEMBER CLASS SCHEDULED
Pastor Brian will lead a class for prospective new members of Bethlehem’s faith community on four Sunday morning’s in April and May, prior to Bethlehem’s New Member Sunday on the Feast of Pentecost, May 23rd. The class will introduce visitors to the history, culture, and ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church as well as reviewing the foundations of Lutheran theology. Current Bethlehem members are welcome to “audit” the class. The class will be preceded by a “Visitors Welcome” luncheon on Sunday April 11th hosted by the Witness & Service Commission. Class dates are April 18, 25, May 2, 16; 9:30-10:15 a.m. Sign up in the church Narthex or call the church office.

CHILE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is responding to the massive earthquake that hit Chile one week ago. Members can follow our outreach to Chile and contribute to the effort by visiting Lutheran Disaster Response (http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx) on the web.

BETHLEHEM RECEIVES THANKS FROM ELCA
In a letter addressed to the members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) thanked the congregation for their recent generous gift of $10,000 to ELCA Disaster Response, much of which went to provide aid to relief efforts in Haiti. The donation, given in addition to donations made by individual Bethlehem members, was made possible through Bethlehem’s accumulated Mission Fund which is supported by regular Sunday offerings by Bethlehem members. Visit http://lwr.org/haiti/video4.asp to view a five minute video of the work being done by Lutherans in Haiti.

SPRING FORWARD

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:28:00 -0800

Don’t be late for church this Sunday! Remember to set your clocks AHEAD one hour before going to bed on Saturday evening. Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.

YOUNGER YOUTH ASSEMBLE EASTER BASKETS FOR NEEDY
Each year the “Faith and Friendship First” youth group (3rd-6th graders) collects donations of Easter candy and plastic eggs to prepare Easter baskets for underprivileged youth at The Living Room. The FFF group will meet at the church after the second service this Sunday, March 14th for some fellowship and basket assembly. Donations of candy, eggs, pencils, and small toys are much appreciated. Questions? Please call Alicia Virtue, 578-8638

YOUNG AT HEART
Bethlehem’s Senior Group, “Young At Heart”, meets on Monday, March 15th, at the 4th Street iHop restaurant for food, fellowship, and mutual support. All are welcome!

MEETING OF THE MOB
The next meeting of the MOB (Men Of Bethlehem) takes place Tuesday evening, March 16th, at 7:00 p.m. All men of all ages are welcome. Food, fellowship, and meaningful discussion.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
The Church Council will hold it’s monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, March 17th, 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Center, following Lenten Vespers. The Council is charged with promoting and organizing the various ministries of the faith community as well as maintaining and improving the property. Guests are welcome at the Council meetings.

LENTEN SOUP & BREAD SUPPERS
Bethlehem’s popular tradition of Lenten soup & bread suppers continues each Wednesday during Lent at 6:00 p.m. in the church Parish Center with homemade soup, bread, and warm fellowship. Each week during Lent Bethlehem members bring soup and bread to share prior to the Wednesday evening Lenten devotions at 7:00 p.m. Sign-ups for soup and bread cooks and hosts are posted on the kiosk in the narthex.

MIDWEEK LENTEN DEVOTIONS
This year’s midweek Lenten devotions at Bethlehem Lutheran Church are centered around the liturgy of “Night Prayer” or “Compline”. The half-hour worship (7:00 - 7:30 p.m.) includes familiar evening hymns, a special time for “prayers for the world”, and devotional meditations provided by Bethlehem members on the theme, “Where In the World Is God?”. Lenten devotions take place each Wednesday in the sanctuary throughout the season of Lent.

PICTURES FOR PRAYERS AT THIS WEEK’S LENTEN VESPERS
Bethlehem members are invited to bring pictures or photographs with them to Lenten Vespers this Wednesday evening (March 17th) to place on our “prayer map” as part of the evening worship. Members may bring pictures of people or places, near or far, for which they wish to offer prayers of help, healing, or thanksgiving.

HEALTH KITS FOR HAITI & CHILE
Due to the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Lutheran World Relief’s supply of health kits has been drastically depleted. People who must flee their homes quickly do not have time to pack essential items. Health kits can help these people maintain personal hygiene while living under adverse conditions. Much of LWR's supply of Health kits was diverted from other parts of the world to go to Haiti. Bethlehem’s Witness & Service Commission will be collecting items for Health kits now through April 18. A basket is in the Narthex to place the items in. A list of what is needed is available online at www.lwr.org/beinvolved/healthkit.asp and at the church.

SUMMER CAMP PLANNING - rescheduled
Pastor Brian will be in Humboldt county Friday/Saturday (March 19th & 20th) in order to chair the Northcoast Outdoor Ministries committee as they continue planning for Summer Camp and Family Camp at Blue Slide. Family Camp will take place July 9-11, 2010. Youth Camp, July 11-16th. Registration information and forms are available at the church or online at www.blueslidecamp.org. Check out Blue Slide on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138912677955. Registration deadlines are early this year and RV hookups are limited for Family Camp, so don’t put off registering! (Meeting rescheduled due to Tiedeman funeral)

FLOUR INSTEAD OF FLOWERS FOR LENT
During the season of Lent it is tradition in many churches to discontinue the display of flowers in the sanctuary during worship. At Bethlehem Lutheran Church flowers are replaced by flour (and cereal, canned food, and other non-perishables) at the sanctuary altar. Members are invited to sign up to provide “Flours” rather than “flowers” during Lent, which are then donated to local food pantries. Sign-ups are posted on the kiosk.

BETHLEHEM HIKING GROUP
The Bethlehem Hiking Group will return to the Palisades near Calistoga to hike on Saturday April 17th. The Palisades are the dramatic rocky ridge to the northeast of Calistoga. This is a fairly challenging hike and should only be attempted if you are in decent shape, but the rewards of the views and the beautiful landscape make it worth the effort. There are bizarre rock formations, steep cliffs that are home to peregrine falcons, numerous wildflowers, historic trails with wagon wheel ruts from the early 1800's, and more. It is an 11-mile point-to-point hike that is not real steep, but mostly uphill, starting in Calistoga and ending at the Robert Louis Stevenson trailhead at the summit of Hwy 29 on Mt St Helena. We will leave BLC at 8am and return around dinner time. Contact Brian Bertoli at bbertoli@aol.com if you want to go or if you want more info.

SONOMA COUNTY CHAMBER SINGERS SPRING CONCERT
The Sonoma County Chamber Singers are back at BLC on Saturday April 10 at 4:00pm to present "A Spring Time of the Spirit", a concert of both classical and contemporary works centered on the thoughts and themes of spring. The concert will feature works by Brahms, Buxtehude, Monteverdi, Vaughan-Williams, and others. They will also present the premiere of singer/composer Walter Thompson's "The Lord to Me a Shepherd Is". We hope you can be part of the always enthusiastic BLC audience. For more info, including other dates and venues, go to www.sonomacountychambersingers.org, or contact Brian Bertoli at bbertoli@aol.com, or at 217-8333.

NEW MEMBER CLASS SCHEDULED
Pastor Brian will lead a class for prospective new members of Bethlehem’s faith community on four Sunday morning’s in April and May, prior to Bethlehem’s New Member Sunday on the Feast of Pentecost, May 23rd. The class will introduce visitors to the history, culture, and ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church as well as reviewing the foundations of Lutheran theology. Current Bethlehem members are welcome to “audit” the class. The class will be preceded by a “Visitors Welcome” luncheon on Sunday April 11th hosted by the Witness & Service Commission. Class dates are April 18, 25, May 2, 16; 9:30-10:15 a.m. Sign up in the church Narthex or call the church office.

CHILE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is responding to the massive earthquake that hit Chile one week ago. Members can follow our outreach to Chile and contribute to the effort by visiting Lutheran Disaster Response (http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx) on the web.

BETHLEHEM RECEIVES THANKS FROM ELCA
In a letter addressed to the members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) thanked the congregation for their recent generous gift of $10,000 to ELCA Disaster Response, much of which went to provide aid to relief efforts in Haiti. The donation, given in addition to donations made by individual Bethlehem members, was made possible through Bethlehem’s accumulated Mission Fund which is supported by regular Sunday offerings by Bethlehem members. Visit http://lwr.org/haiti/video4.asp to view a five minute video of the work being done by Lutherans in Haiti.

YOUTH LEAD WORSHIP

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 07:21:33 -0800

Bethlehem Youth take primary leadership roles this Sunday (March 7th) at Bethlehem Lutheran as they assist in leading worship with music, drama, and devotion. The youth will lead the worship services at both the 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Bring a friend!

FIRST FRIDAY YOUTH EVENT
Bethlehem Youth gather for their monthly social/worship/food event, “First Friday”, tonight, Friday evening March 6th at the church. The fun begins at 7:00 p.m.

MEETING OF THE MOB
The next meeting of the MOB (Men Of Bethlehem) takes place Saturday morning, March 6th, at 7:00 a.m. All men of all ages are welcome. Food, fellowship, and meaningful discussion.

TOWN HALL FORUM WITH ELCA BISHOP
You’re invited to join Bishop Mark Hanson and ELCA members from across the country, online, in a conversation about the mission and ministries of this church this Sunday, March 7th:
• Watch the town hall forum live online from 2-3 p.m. (Pacific Time)
• Log in to ask a question
• Plan a viewing party with members of your congregation
• View open captioning in English and Spanish
For more information, visit www.elca.org/townhall for details.

CHILE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is responding to the massive earthquake that hit Chile one week ago. Members can follow our outreach to Chile and contribute to the effort by visiting Lutheran Disaster Response (http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx) on the web.

BETHLEHEM RECEIVES THANKS FROM ELCA
In a letter addressed to the members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) thanked the congregation for their recent generous gift of $10,000 to ELCA Disaster Response, much of which went to provide aid to relief efforts in Haiti. The donation, given in addition to donations made by individual Bethlehem members, was made possible through Bethlehem’s accumulated Mission Fund which is supported by regular Sunday offerings by Bethlehem members. Visit http://lwr.org/haiti/video4.asp to view a five minute video of the work being done by Lutherans in Haiti.

LENTEN SOUP & BREAD SUPPERS
Bethlehem’s popular tradition of Lenten soup & bread suppers continues each Wednesday during Lent at 6:00 p.m. in the church Parish Center with homemade soup, bread, and warm fellowship. Each week during Lent Bethlehem members bring soup and bread to share prior to the Wednesday evening Lenten devotions at 7:00 p.m. Sign-ups for soup and bread cooks and hosts are posted on the kiosk in the narthex.

MIDWEEK LENTEN DEVOTIONS
This year’s midweek Lenten devotions at Bethlehem Lutheran Church are centered around the liturgy of “Night Prayer” or “Compline”. The half-hour worship (7:00 - 7:30 p.m.) includes familiar evening hymns, a special time for “prayers for the world”, and devotional meditations provided by Bethlehem members on the theme, “Where In the World Is God?”. Lenten devotions take place each Wednesday in the sanctuary throughout the season of Lent.

SUMMER CAMP PLANNING
Pastor Brian will be in Humboldt county Friday/Saturday (March 12th & 13th) in order to chair the Northcoast Outdoor Ministries committee as they continue planning for Summer Camp and Family Camp at Blue Slide. Family Camp will take place July 9-11, 2010. Youth Camp, July 11-16th. Registration information and forms are available at the church or online at www.blueslidecamp.org. Check out Blue Slide on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138912677955. Registration deadlines are early this year and RV hookups are limited for Family Camp, so don’t put off registering!

FLOUR INSTEAD OF FLOWERS FOR LENT
During the season of Lent it is tradition in many churches to discontinue the display of flowers in the sanctuary during worship. At Bethlehem Lutheran Church flowers are replaced by flour (and cereal, canned food, and other non-perishables) at the sanctuary altar. Members are invited to sign up to provide “Flours” rather than “flowers” during Lent, which are then donated to local food pantries. Sign-ups are posted on the kiosk.

EASTER BASKET GOODIES NEEDED
Each year the “Faith and Friendship First” youth group (3rd-6th graders) collects donations of Easter candy and plastic eggs to prepare Easter baskets for underprivileged youth at The Living Room. Donations of candy, eggs, pencils, and small toys are much appreciated. Please look for a basket in the Narthex labeled "Easter Basket Donations" and toss in a bag of your favorite jelly beans, chocolates, or other delights. The FFF group will meet at the church after the second service on March 14th for some fellowship and basket assembly. Questions? Please call Alicia Virtue, 578-8638

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:12:31 -0800

Bethlehem’s Pastor Stephanie Lord and husband Bill McHardy are at Memorial Hospital this weekend where the medical staff is working to encourage the birthing process of their new (somewhat overdue) baby boy. Bethlehem’s prayers are with the family for strength, patience, a healthy baby, and much joy.

BAPTISM THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday (February 28th) Bethlehem celebrates with the baptism of Caitlyn Mae Kelly, daughter of Jason and Megan Kelly, granddaughter of Peggy and Bob Bimbi. Caitlyn will be baptized into the family of God as part of the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

COMMISSION MEETINGS
The ministry Commissions of Bethlehem congregation meet on Wednesday evening March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. (following Lenten Vespers) in the church Parish Center to continue the ongoing work of the congregation in building community, making disciples, maintaining the facilities, and serving community and world. All members of Bethlehem Lutheran are encouraged to involve themselves in one of the congregation’s specialized ministries.

LENTEN SOUP & BREAD SUPPERS
Bethlehem’s popular tradition of Lenten soup & bread suppers continues each Wednesday during Lent at 6:00 p.m. in the church Parish Center with homemade soup, bread, and warm fellowship. Each week during Lent Bethlehem members bring soup and bread to share prior to the Wednesday evening Lenten devotions at 7:00 p.m. Sign-ups for soup and bread cooks and hosts are posted on the kiosk in the narthex.

MIDWEEK LENTEN DEVOTIONS
This year’s midweek Lenten devotions at Bethlehem Lutheran Church are centered around the liturgy of “Night Prayer” or “Compline”. The half-hour worship (7:00 - 7:30 p.m.) includes familiar evening hymns, a special time for “prayers for the world”, and devotional meditations provided by Bethlehem members on the theme, “Where In the World Is God?”. Lenten devotions take place each Wednesday in the sanctuary throughout the season of Lent.

CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY LEADERS
The Bethlehem women who lead their women’s Circle monthly Bible study meet with Pastor Brian on the first Thursday of the month to review the study materials. This month’s pre-study with Pastor takes place next Thursday, March 4th, 10:30 a.m. at the church.

FIRST FRIDAY YOUTH EVENT
Bethlehem Youth (7th-12th graders) gather for their monthly social/worship/food event, “First Friday”, next Friday evening (March 5th) at the church. The fun begins at 7:00 p.m.

WHO IS HAVING A BABY SHOWER?
We are! February is Baby Shower Month at Bethlehem. Spread the love around this month by contributing one or more of the following items for babies aged 0-24 months: disposable diapers, onesie undershirts, sleeper/stretch outfits, sweaters, jackets, hats, receiving blankets, socks, baby formula, bottles, baby lotion, baby shampoo. Please place all items in the crib located in the Narthex throughout February. Thanks for your help! Questions? Ask Linda Knapp at knapping@sbcglobal.net.

FLOUR INSTEAD OF FLOWERS FOR LENT
During the season of Lent it is tradition in many churches to discontinue the display of flowers in the sanctuary during worship. At Bethlehem Lutheran Church flowers are replaced by flour (and cereal, canned food, and other non-perishables) at the sanctuary altar. Members are invited to sign up to provide “Flours” rather than “flowers” during Lent, which are then donated to local food pantries. Sign-ups are posted on the kiosk.

EASTER BASKET GOODIES NEEDED
Each year the “Faith and Friendship First” youth group (3rd-6th graders) collects donations of Easter candy and plastic eggs to prepare Easter baskets for underprivileged youth at The Living Room. Donations of candy, eggs, pencils, and small toys are much appreciated. Please look for a basket in the Narthex labeled "Easter Basket Donations" and toss in a bag of your favorite jelly beans, chocolates, or other delights. The FFF group will meet at the church after the second service on March 14th for some fellowship and basket assembly. Questions? Please call Alicia Virtue, 578-8638

SUMMER PLANS - CAMP AT BLUE SLIDE!
Include summer camp at Blue Slide in your summer plans this year. Family Camp takes place July 9-11 for families and individuals of all ages. Youth Camp, for 4th through 12th graders takes place July 11-16th. Registration forms are available at the web site www.blueslidecamp.org and in the church Narthex. Discounts for early registration, multiple youth from the same family, and “bring a new camper”.

LENTEN PRETZELS

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:35:47 -0800

If it’s the Lenten season then it’s time again for big soft warm chewy pretzels at Bethlehem Lutheran. Sunday February 21st. is Pretzel Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Kids, youth, and adults all gather in the Parish Center during the education hour (9:30-10:15 a.m.) to roll, twist, boil, salt, and bake pretzels, and to hear again Pastor Brian tell the story of how the pretzel came to be a Lenten food. All are welcome.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Parents, enjoy a night to yourselves this evening, February 19th, 5:30-8:30 p.m., dinner provided. Kids of all ages are welcome at Bethlehem’s Parish Center and will be cared for by the 7th-12th grade youth and adult sponsors. A freewill offering will benefit BLC youth programs.

RETURN OF THE BETHLEHEM HIKING GROUP - postponed
Bethlehem’s Hiking Group is postponing their 2010 inaugural hike to Alamere Falls at Pt. Reyes due to predicted rain this Saturday (February 20th). The group hopes to be able to reschedule for the following weekend (February 27th). Stay in touch with Brian Bertoli, or check out the Bethlehem Hiking Group on Facebook for the latest updates.

LENTEN SOUP & BREAD SUPPERS
Bethlehem’s popular tradition of Lenten soup & bread suppers continues each Wednesday during Lent at 6:00 p.m. in the church Parish Center with homemade soup, bread, and warm fellowship. Each week during Lent Bethlehem members bring soup and bread to share prior to the Wednesday evening Lenten devotions at 7:00 p.m. Sign-ups for soup and bread cooks and hosts are posted on the kiosk in the narthex.

MIDWEEK LENTEN DEVOTIONS
This year’s midweek Lenten devotions at Bethlehem Lutheran Church are centered around the liturgy of “Night Prayer” or “Compline”. The half-hour worship (7:00 - 7:30 p.m.) includes familiar evening hymns, a special time for “prayers for the world”, and devotional meditations provided by Bethlehem members on the theme, “Where In the World Is God?”. Lenten devotions take place each Wednesday in the sanctuary throughout the season of Lent.

WHO IS HAVING A BABY SHOWER?
We are! February is Baby Shower Month at Bethlehem. Spread the love around this month by contributing one or more of the following items for babies aged 0-24 months: disposable diapers, onesie undershirts, sleeper/stretch outfits, sweaters, jackets, hats, receiving blankets, socks, baby formula, bottles, baby lotion, baby shampoo. Please place all items in the crib located in the Narthex throughout February. Thanks for your help! Questions? Ask Linda Knapp at knapping@sbcglobal.net.

FLOUR INSTEAD OF FLOWERS FOR LENT
During the season of Lent it is tradition in many churches to discontinue the display of flowers in the sanctuary during worship. At Bethlehem Lutheran Church flowers are replaced by flour (and cereal, canned food, and other non-perishables) at the sanctuary altar. Members are invited to sign up to provide “Flours” rather than “flowers” during Lent, which are then donated to local food pantries. Sign-ups are posted on the kiosk.

PASTOR STEPHANIE ON FAMILY LEAVE
As of this writing the baby has not yet arrived, but Pastor Stephanie has begun her Family Leave time in anticipation of her pending new son. Pastor Stephanie expects to be back into the office and back to work around Easter. Bethlehem congregation prays good health, easy delivery, and joy for Pastor Stephanie and Bill.

SUMMER PLANS - CAMP AT BLUE SLIDE!
Include summer camp at Blue Slide in your summer plans this year. Family Camp takes place July 9-11 for families and individuals of all ages. Youth Camp, for 4th through 12th graders takes place July 11-16th. Registration forms are available at the web site www.blueslidecamp.org and in the church Narthex. Discounts for early registration, multiple youth from the same family, and “bring a new camper”.