Strong in Faith. Boundless in love.
Bold in Service.
Worship at 9:30 AM Sundays
Live Streamed on Facebook
Bethlehem is a congregation of the ELCA.
Bethlehem gives a wide welcome to all people as a Reconciling in Christ Congregation.
Bethlehem is the founding organization and ongoing supporter of
About us
Our mission is to be Strong in Faith. Boundless in Love. Bold in Service.
Bethlehem is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, rooted in the Beverly -Morgan Park neighborhood on Chicago's far southwest side. Born through the consolidation of two congregations in 1997, we have a history that extends back to the foundation of our predecessor congregations in 1977 and 1875.
Today we thrive as a flexible, mission-spirited congregation that seeks to put our faith into practice in daily life. Bethlehem values hospitality and genuine care for others. Our worship is at once reverent and comfortable. We value strong preaching that connects the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our lives and world. We read the Bible as God's good news for all.
We value the gifts of people of all ages -- children, elders, young adults, and every stage in between. We strive to be a community that knows how to talk together about important topics in ways that are respectful of all. We live out our mission through The Peace Center at Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We are committed to sustaining a faith community of inclusiveness and safety for all people of God's creation. We seek to live out our welcome statement in word and action:
"United in Christ, we embrace radical welcome to all, believing that Christ is our peace. 'Through the cross, Christ has broken down the dividing wall between us.' (Ephesians 2:14)
We believe that God's love is for all, God's grace is for all. We affirm that all people are children of God, and we are committed to welcoming those in the LGBTQIA+ community, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, all ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religious backgrounds, and people of varying abilities and cultures.
We are committed to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care, stepping out in hope toward a world of justice and peace.
We respect, embrace, and affirm with love the sacredness of the diversity, uniqueness, and gifts of each person."
The best way to get to know us is to come and see!
STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
Jennie English-dumont
PASTOR
Pastor Jennie began her ministry at Bethlehem in 2008. She is a passionate preacher, a committed teacher, and loves watching people use their God-given gifts at Bethlehem and in the world. A native of the northwest side of Chicago, she enjoys living in Beverly with her husband and their daughter. She served her first call in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for almost 7 years. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary (M.Div.) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Th.M. in Old Testament), as well as Gustavus Adolphus College. She enjoys gardening, reading, running, live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Contact Pastor Jennie at Pastor@bethlehem-chicago.org
David ritter
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
David has served as Bethlehem's organist since 2011. In 2013 he
became the Director of Music. David seeks to enhance the congregation's worship
experience each week through music. Working with the Pastor and the worship
committee, he selects hymns and songs from a variety of different traditions
and cultures. He directs the choir, which not only provides a musical offering
most weeks, but also helps to lead the assembly’s singing and worship. He enjoys
working with other musicians in the congregation whenever possible.
David is a lifelong Lutheran with over 50 years of experience as a church musician. He has served congregations of various denominations in the Midwest and southeast and is a graduate of Indiana University (MMus) and Valparaiso University. He is a retired CPA and enjoys fiber arts, including knitting and weaving. David designed and wove the Gold and Green paraments that adorn Bethlehem's altar, pulpit, and lectern.
SUSAN EVANS
OFFICE MANAGER
Susan Evans has worked as Bethlehem's faithful office manager nearly since the start of the consolidated congregation. Hers is the friendly voice you hear when you call the church office. She manages the congregation's communication via the weekly worship bulletin, monthly newsletter, regular email blasts and more. She keeps everything at Bethlehem running smoothly.
Contact Susan at se9401@ameritech.net
I'M NEW
We're glad you found us! Below are some questions we often get from visitors and newcomers, along with our responses. If you have other questions or need information you cannot find on our site, please call or send us an email. We'd love to hear from you and hope to see you soon!
Do I have to be a Lutheran to attend services?
Nope. We welcome visitors from all faith backgrounds, as well as visitors who don't currently subscribe to any particular religious faith and just want to hear and know more about the Christian faith. Even our members come from very diverse religious (and non-religious) backgrounds.
How should I dress for Sunday services?
Be yourself – be comfortable. You will see worshipers in anything from jeans to their "Sunday Best".
Should visitors or newcomers participate in communion?
It is up to each individual worshiper. We practice open communion every Sunday, welcoming all who believe in Jesus to join in communion at the Lord's table. This includes welcoming children of all ages at the table.
Am I expected to put something in the offering plate?
We do not expect visitors to contribute an offering. Offerings are given of free will and are not considered payment for attending services.
Can I bring small children to Sunday services?
Please do! Many families with small children regularly worship together in the sanctuary during Sunday services. If kids need a break from service, we have a comfortable and engaging playroom nearby.
I have many questions about religion and what spiritual path is right for me. How do I find answers to these questions?
Questions and the discourse they provoke are important parts of helping each of us define who we are and what choices to make. Our Pastor would welcome your call or email to discuss your questions and offer spiritual guidance. Click on the "Contact Us" section of this site for Pastor Jennie's contact information. You may also find that attending services and joining one of our small discussion/study groups will bring the clarity you seek. Whether it's one-on-one with our Pastor, within a small group, or just between you and God...keep asking those questions!
HOW TO FIND US
We are located at 9401 S. Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL.
The directions below (and map) consider one way streets, dead ends and traffic barriers which GPS apps often do not.
Most Direct Route
From Western Avenue: East on 91st St., then right (south) on Oakley Ave. 3 blocks to the church which is on the south east corner of 94th and Oakley.
Street parking is permitted without restriction in our neighborhood.
A wheelchair ramp is located at the Oakley worship entrance.
