worship with bethlehem
All are invited to worship with Bethlehem on Sundays at 9:30 AM.
Worship is currently available both in-person and online. Online worship can be found on Bethlehem's Facebook Page. Use the Live tab to access the video easily. You do not need to be a member of Facebook to view the services. Worship will also be posted to the web page on Monday mornings. Worship is also available by phone by calling 773-932-5545.
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. Bethlehem is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We welcome into full participation in our life and ministry
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 young 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 45 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 also a full time CPA and enjoys singing in the Apollo Chorus of Chicago.
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
Katie Mueller
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE
Katherine (Katie) Mueller (she/they) began working at Bethlehem in 2021 as a seminarian at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. She was assigned to work at Bethlehem to complete a ministry-in-context requirement from the seminary. Since completing this requirement, Katie has stayed at Bethlehem as a year-long part-time staff member. Katie brings values of holy joy, justice for marginalized communities, and passion for environmentalism to her ministry. She loves thinking creatively about contemplative forms of worship as well as walking with people as they come to understand who they are in their faith and spirituality. Katie grew up in south-central Illinois, and now lives in Hyde Park with her partner Sadie, her dog, 11 fish, and many plants. She is a graduate of Lawrence University with a degree in Music (voice and musicology emphasis) and Religious Studies and she has two more years till completing her M.Div. Katie spends her time painting, song-writing, working on poetry, and cooking. She also enjoys riding bikes, hiking, swimming, dancing, and anything that involves good laughter and good food.
Contact Katie Mueller: katherine.mueller@LSTC.edu
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 you prefer, children 4 and under may spend service time comfortable and well-supervised in the nursery. Little ones typically return for the Children's Sermon and join their parents for communion. The nursery is attended during the service and is available to you and your child at any time.
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.
