Important Worship Service Information:

As we suspend in-person events due to the Covid-19 outbreak, please check for recorded and live streamed worship events on Bethlehem's Facebook page. You do not need to be a member of Facebook to view the services.

Dear Bethlehem Members and Friends,

In light of the CDC’s recent recommendations regarding gatherings of people in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus, Bethlehem’s Congregation Council has made the difficult decision to suspend all in-person events in our building now through April 5 (Palm Sunday). This applies to all worship services and to all other church and community events that use our building. The building will only be open to staff.

The CDC recommends that gatherings of over 50 people be suspended for the next eight weeks. While we have not yet made a decision regarding our congregation’s Holy Week worship, we must prepare for the possibility that we will be marking these important holy days very differently this year. Yet, I promise that whatever day we are able to gather together for worship, we will be proclaiming the good news of resurrection!

I want to emphasize that while our building will be closed, our congregation and our ministry remain very much open and active. During this time, we will be putting content online, as well as providing opportunities to study and pray together through the internet and phone. Wednesday nights at 7 PM and Sundays at 9:30 AM, you will find a message and other opportunities to worship “together” through Facebook. The Lenten small groups all will move to an online format. Bethlehem’s staff will be updating our social media with content to guide you spiritually through this difficult time. If you are interested in setting up a prayer circle that meets by phone or have other ideas for how we can spiritually support you, please email or call Pastor Jennie (pastor@bethlehem-chicago.org, 773-445-7558).

In addition to providing opportunities to worship, study, and pray together, we will continue to reach out to our neighbors, as well as those on the margins. We are delivering food to the food pantry, calling members to assure that everyone has the supplies they need for the possibility of a two-week confinement, and making pastoral phone calls to those who are hospitalized or otherwise in need. You are encouraged to check in with one another, check in with neighbors who might need a hand with grocery shopping or sharing supplies. If you or someone you know is in need of help picking up medications and supplies or have other needs during this time, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Jennie or Susan Evans in the church office (773-445-7558).

We also can continue our advocacy work, calling on our representatives to approve emergency aid packages that benefit workers, health care providers, the vulnerable, and those already living on the edge (see the ELCA’s advocacy page for an action you can take today.) Let’s look for ways to support local businesses that are impacted by this stoppage. And we will be in touch with local services for those who are homeless for practical ways we can help that already vulnerable population.

This is not the last you will hear from us in the coming weeks. But please know that you continue in our prayers as each of us navigates the many challenges that are to come from these “interesting times.” We welcome your prayers as we face unprecedented decisions and challenges. And perhaps we all do well to heed the words of Jesus, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). We turn to God in these times of worry and uncertainty, trusting in God’s abundant love and steadfast mercy.

Be well,

Pastor Jennie and the Congregation Council

Thrivent Choice Dollars

Thrivent Choice Dollars reminder: you can still direct 2019 Choice Dollars before the deadline at the end of the month. Designation of eligible organizations (including Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church) to receive charitable contributions based on 2019 premiums and contract values must be made by March 31, 2020. To do so, or for questions about the program, call Thrivent Financial at 800-847-4836 or log in online to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and click the “Get Started” link to begin. If you have any questions about directing Choice Dollars you can contact our Member Connection Center at 1-800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt. It’s an easy way to help our congregation.

Peace Camp

It's time to get ready for summer! We invite all kids who will be entering grades 1 - 6 in the fall to attend Peace Camp. This year's theme is "Come Together." Peace Camp will be held June 29 - July 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The cost is $50 per child. Peace Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun, make friends, and learn how to be peace makers in God's world. The four days of camp will include yoga, art, time in nature, lessons on non-violent conflict resolution, daily peace circles, and more! Registration opens in early April. Have questions or want to help with Peace Camp? Talk to Linda Bond (lindab5131@aol.com) or Pastor Jennie.

Bethlehem Scholarships

Bethlehem has scholarship funds available to members who will be full time undergraduate college/university students in the 2020-2021 academic years. The guidelines can be found here 2020_Scholarship_WOV.pdf here and the application form can be found at  https://form.jotform.com/90841428249. The deadline for application is April 19. 

Men's Discussion Group

Join the Men’s Discussion Group every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Markland Hubbard located at 1739 W. 99th Street. Join them for fellowship, conversation, coffee and sweet treats.

Click here for this month's calendar.