Advent and Christmas at Bethlehem

Join with the Bethlehem community as we prepare for the Good News of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us. 

Throughout this sacred season, Bethlehem offers a wide variety of opportunities for worship, study, fellowship, and service. These events touch on various parts of the holiday experience. All are invited!

  • Midweek Contemplative Worship


    Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 7 PM


    Take a break in the midst of a busy season for spiritual rest. These services use silence, candles, simple songs, and prayer stations to invite us more deeply into the heart of the season. 

  • advent study: Queering advent

    Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 7:45 PM

    (following worship)


    In Advent the Church prepares to receive Jesus Christ, who comes to end oppression and usher in new life. This Advent at Bethlehem we will explore Advent themes connected to the experience of LGBTQ Christians, in hopes of deepening the experience of the liberating power of Christ for all. 

  • advent and christmas decorating

    Saturday, December 3, 4 PM (prep team meets December 2 at 7 PM)


    Join in fun and fellowship as we decorate the church building for Advent and Christmas. There will be jobs big and small for all ages and abilities. Stay for pizza and fellowship afterward! 


    A prep team will meet Friday night to take the boxes out of the basement. This is a great opportunity for service hours. 

  • Santa lucia festival

    Sunday, December 11, 10:30 AM (following worship)


    With roots in both Sweden and Italy, the Santa Lucia festival celebrates the gifts of love and service, which shine the light of hope in our lives. Join us for the Lucia procession and for a reception with homemade cookies.  The Lucia Procession will be live streamed

  • lssi angel tree

    Gifts due by December 11


    This Christmas Bethlehem is partnering with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to provide Christmas gifts for children in foster care. You can participate by selecting a name off the angel tree, purchasing one or more of the requested items on the back of the card, and returning the card and gifts to church. You can bring the gift(s) wrapped, or bring it by December 10th to be wrapped during the Santa Lucia Festival. You may also make a monetary donation to this project. 

  • The longest night worship service

    Wednesday, December 21, 7 PM


    Not everyone feels jolly around the holidays. We gather together on the winter solstice to acknowledge the truth of our grief and longings. Through song, prayer, and silence, we will seek healing and hope through the light of Christ. 

  • Christmas eve family worship

    Saturday, December 24, 3 PM


    A service designed with children and families in mind, but where all find a welcome! Worshipers are invited (though not required!) to participate in an "Instant Christmas Pageant." Holy Communion will be served. All are invited to the table.  This service also will be live streamed.

  • christmas eve candlelight worship

    Saturday, December 24, 8 PM


    Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. A service of word and music celebrating the gift of the Incarnation. Holy Communion will be served. All are invited to the table. This service also will be live streamed. 

  • christmas day pjs worship

    Sunday, December 25, 9:30 AM


    Move from your Christmas tree to ours as we join in song, the Christmas story, and hot cocoa. Christmas PJs and Christmas sweaters are encouraged! This service also will be live streamed.