Pastor's Blog

Dearest Members of Bethlehem, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6 It has been said that an effective way to fend off the doldrums is to have something to “look forward to.”  There definitely is some truth to this encouragement. A genuine sense of anticipation and expectation can be a real blessing.  It permits us to hope for a joy-filled future without being consumed by

Dearest Members of Bethlehem, “Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” -Matthew 2:11 This is the Epiphany of our Lord! January 6th isn’t just the day set aside for the removal of Christmas decorations, it is the inauguration of a new liturgical season. Of course, today is the day we remember the Magi following the star and finally making their way to Jesus. The wise ones brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We k

TIDINGS from BETHLEHEM                                                              -----Monthly News From In & Around Our Parish January 2026  Tremendous Potential   “Do to others…” -Luke 6:31 (NRSV)   I admit, this is not an easy time of year.  The Christmas holiday is in the rearview mirror and Easter seems to rest on a distant horizon.  The days are short.  The cold has settled in.  And the snow shovels stand at the ready for the next inconvenient squall.  It is only a ma

Dearest Members of Bethlehem, “Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’  Joyful all you nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’” - ELW #270 We will be singing lots of carols in the coming days, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” is one of the best. It’s a tremendous carol for many reasons, but one of the elements that I truly treasure

Tuesday Tidings, December 16, 2025   Dearest Members of Bethlehem,   “For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” -Isaiah 11:9   “There’s got to be one more box!”  This is usually the line that precedes the frantic search for the missing Christmas decorations.   “It’s the one with the stockings, the tree skirt, and the special table cloth…”.  And back up the ladder into the attic I go. Trust me, just about 11 months ago all the totes

Check out the cards for the week!

Dearest Members of Bethlehem, “Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming.  People look east and sing today - Love, the Lord, is on the way.” People, Look East, ELW #248 I have an affinity for Advent hymns, they’re the forgotten treasures buried within the hymnal that we stumble upon and uncover once a year. “People, Look East” definitely ranks near the top of my list.  The very title of the hymn invites us into a deeper sense of expectancy, reminding

Join Pastor Ellen to organize your cards for week 2 of Families Celebrate Advent and Christmas!

Dearest Members of Bethlehem, “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10 A few weeks back, we were hosting a community event at Bethlehem when the elevator gave out.  Before we go any further, please note that those who were momentarily trapped on the elevator are just fine. In response to this unfortunate mechanical failure the police and fire department responded.  Whe