Tidings from Bethlehem Aug. 2026

A word from our Associate Pastor

Dear friends in Christ,

To me, August serves as a month where we still hold on to summer and yet are looking forward to the activities of fall. Before we look too far ahead, I wanted to share one of my favorite moments of the summer.

I got to attend Grown-up and Me Day at Lutherlyn this year. My sister invited me to

attend on a day she would be there with my youngest niece. I enthusiastically accepted the invitation. Grown-up and Me is a program for kids who aren’t quite old enough to stay for the day on their own yet. It’s always so nice to spend the day at Lutherlyn, to be among the trees, in the sunshine, and the laughter and joy of campers. I also got to see a few of our young members from Bethlehem who were there for Small Fry Days, Lutherlyn’s on-site day camp.

It was a fabulous day. The day kicked off with jumping on Lutherlyn’s famous jump

pillow. While I did not personally risk any jumps, my niece and the campers were full of bounce and laughter, playing games and seemingly jumping the entire allotted time. Then, off to the Environmental Center to explore different animals and habitats. We took a tractor ride, did a craft, played games, ate lunch, swam, played parachute games, and did one last activity before the closing worship.

Our last activity was again at the Environmental Center, outside this time. I’ll admit I was surprised when it was announced our activity was to find bugs and put them, momentarily, in a plastic specimen box. I don’t exactly have a fear of bugs, but I’m used to more of the find-in-your-home scenario where you either scoot them outside or squash. But outside in God’s creation, no fears or worries came from all the little ones, so I followed their bravery. My niece, sister, and I found such interesting bugs! Shiny beetles, fast ants, and beautifully winged moths. Each group had the opportunity to find multiple bugs, and then we shared our finds, passing them around so

that everyone could ooh and ahh. I’m trying more and more to follow these little ones’ example. To explore creation with bravery, to be intrigued, and to be enthusiastic in learning about God’s good gifts to us.

As summer flows into fall, I hope you enjoy God’s good earth too!

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, who in your self-emptying love gathered up and

reconciled all creation to the Father. Innumerable galaxies of the heavens worship you. Creatures that grace the earth rejoice in you. All those in the deepest seas bow to you in adoration. As with them we give you praise, grant that we may cherish the earth, our home, and live in harmony with this good creation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, prayer for Creation’s praise)

Peace,

Pastor Ellen