Lent begins ash wednesday

february 18

worship at 7 PM

The season of Lent is 40 days of preparation for the central mysteries of the Christian faith: the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout these 40 days, people pay attention to faith in steady, practical ways. Lent is a season when the church leans into the practices that help people grow -- showing up for worship, setting aside time for reflection and prayer, engaging in acts of service and generosity, and focusing more intentionally on scripture. 


Lent is best practiced in community. Start the season with the faith community at Bethlehem with Ash Wednesday worship February 18, 7 PM.


There will be only one additional mid-week worship this year. Join us at the midpoint of Lent, Wednesday, March 11, for a shared meal beginning at 6 PM, followed by worship with Holden Evening Prayer and Prayer around the cross at 7 PM. The usual Wednesday Bible study will continue after worship. 

Bible studies/

Storytelling worshops

This Lent we will be digging into powerful stories from the Gospel according to John. We will engage the stories not only with our minds, but also with our bodies and voices. We will learn how to tell these stories "by heart" and use storytelling techniques to poke, or provoke, the Gospel into telling the stories we need to hear in this moment. 


Plan to attend one of the three study opportunities offered each week. 

Sundays after worship, beginning February 22

Wednesdays at 7 PM, beginning February 25

Thursdays at 10 AM, beginning February 26


Sign up for a study using the button below or using the sign up sheet in the narthex. If you cannot attend your study on a given week, feel free to join in with another. 


If you want to look at the stories we will be exploring

Week of February 22: John 3:1-17 -- Nicodemus and Jesus

Week of March 1: John 4:5-42 -- Jesus and the man born blind

Week of March 8: John 9:1-41 -- Jesus and the woman at the well

Week of March 22: John 11:1-45 -- Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus


Bible Study Sign Up


lenten devotional books

This year the Bethlehem community is once again invited to a shared Lenten discipline of practicing daily devotions. Pick up a free copy of the daily devotional book, "Love Outpoured" at church and commit to enjoying each day's scripture, short reflection, and prayer. You can use some tried and true habit techniques to help make the discipline stick:


  • Determine an amount of time you will do devotions each day and set a timer. Knowing it will only take 5-10 minutes can make it easier to start.
  • Write down a plan. Maybe use habit stacking, the practice of adding a new habit to an existing one. "After I brush my teeth each night, I will sit down and do my devotions." "While I drink my morning coffee, I will read the devotional book." "I will read my devotion before I check my email or phone."
  • You don't have to be perfect. One missed day does not mean you have failed! Just pick it up the next day!
  • That said, some people really enjoy earning a "streak." Use the commitment card inserted in your book to mark each day you practice devotions.
  • After 40 days of regular time with God, think about how you might integrate this new habit into your post-Easter life!

Holy Week

During Holy Week the Church engages the mysteries of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection through liturgies that enact the key events in the last week of Jesus' earthly life. Join with the Bethlehem community as we observe these sacred days in ways that allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives in new ways and lead us into the story of new life.

  • Palm Sunday, March 29, 9:30 AM

    Today we remember Jesus' triumphant entry to Jerusalem, days before his crucifixion. We will gather outside the church building in the north lawn (outside the red doors), where we will hear the processional gospel. We will parade into the church with palms and instruments. Our joy will turn to grief, as we hear the story of Jesus' Passion (arrest and crucifixion).  


    Those who desire to move our worship into the world are invited to be part of a procession that will go out into the streets after the benediction to share the news of Jesus who proclaims good news to the poor and release to the captives; binds up the brokenhearted and sets free the oppressed.

  • Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7:00 PM

    Our Maundy Thursday observance returns to a traditional liturgy in the sanctuary. We will receive individual absolution, hear the story of Jesus' last supper with his disciples, and meditate on Jesus' betrayal as the altar is stripped. We leave in silence. 

  • Good Friday, April 3, 7:00 PM

    Today we come to the climax of our Lenten observances as we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Through the liturgy of tenebrae ("shadows") we will hear the story of Jesus' passion, punctuated by musical reflections. At the end, the tomb is sealed and we go in silence, contemplating the lengths to which God will go to be with God's beloved children. 

  • Sunday of the Resurrection, April 5, 

    9:30 AM

    God does not leave us in grief! Like the women who came to the tomb that first Easter morning, we come together to hear the amazing good news that Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! We gather with processions, special music, and Holy Communion as we rejoice in God's victory over the death and the promise of life renewed for all creation! Alleluia!