WHAT WE DO AT BETHLEHEM
PURPOSE STATEMENT and GUIDING PRINCIPLES
God’s purpose for our church, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is to share with all people God’s word, love and saving grace. We will pursue this purpose by:
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Being a Christ-centered, joyful community of baptized believers who gather regularly for worship, the Lord’s Supper, study and prayer.
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Inviting, accepting, and supporting all people as we build attentive, respectful relationships.
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Taking action and risks with bold faith, acknowledging our imperfection, while trusting in Christ.
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Actively engaging in community outreach near and far.
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Being faithful stewards of our time, talents, possessions and all of God’s creation.
BE INVOLVED IN OUR GROUPS and PROGRAMS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Classes are available on Sunday morning to learn about the love of Jesus Christ for children ages 2 years through adults of all ages from the 2nd week of Sept. - Mid-May.
TNT CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Tuesday Night Thriller (TNT) for grades 6-8 meets every Tuesday from 6:15-7:55 during the school year. This program teaching youth in preparation for Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) includes lessons, fellowship, and service projects.
TEEN MINISTRY
Luther League, our youth group for High School youth, usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, after our 10:30 service of worship, with our primary focus on community service.
Women of all ages at Bethlehem are invited to participate in our vibrant women’s ministry which includes fellowship, Bible Study and service.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Share your talents and enhance our worship experience in our Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Bell Choir or Praise Team.
FUNERAL COMMITTEE
We provide comfort and warmth for families grieving. We make meals for funerals taking place at Bethlehem.
BOARD OF OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Share the Gospel through outreach into the community. Assists families in need, including Thanksgiving dinner meals and Easter baskets for families.
MISSIONS TEAM
People of any age and skill level are invited to join our group of dedicated volunteers who have traveled to many states for disaster relief and rebuilding projects.
BOARD OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND ACTIVITY
Responsible for developing activities, events and programs to promote fellowship in the congregation as well community outreach.
WEDDING COMMITTEE
Assist wedding parties getting married at Bethlehem; from set-up to making sure everyone is in the right place. Years of experience makes the day go smooth.
MSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
We have fun working the concession stand at Michigan State women's basketball games to raise money for kids to go to camp.
GREEN TEAM
Promotes and teaches recycling and "green" methods of caring for our community.
BOARD OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Maintain building, grounds and properties. Establish building use and rental policies. Maintain church equipment and inventory.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Works to establish a curriculum in order to teach to children, teens and adults, the Word of God within the guidelines of the ELCA and Church mission.
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Bethlehem has a growing Endowment Fund serving God’s mission in ways beyond our operating budget.
BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE
Works to prepare budgets and protect Church assets using the basic principals of Christian stewardship.
BOARD OF WORSHIP LIFE
We are responsible for scheduling worship services. This includes coordination, training, scheduling and providing assisting ministers, ushers, acolytes, readers, greeters, nursery, Altar Guild and music ministries.
We attend to the care, concern and encouragement of the members of our Congregation and to persons that are new and express an interest in becoming a member Bethlehem.
ALTAR GUILD
We prepare each service by setting up for Communion, filling candles, arranging flowers and general set-up of the altar.
WE'RE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in AMERICA
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
NORTH/WEST LOWER MICHIGAN SYNOD
The ELCA is sectioned into 65 geographic areas called ‘synods’. We are part of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod which covers all of the lower peninsula of Michigan except the Southeast corner of the state (including Flint, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Port Huron). The North/West Lower Michigan Synod consists of 117 diverse congregations.