Why Worship?

     As Christians, we understand that our relationship to God in Christ embraces all of our lives. Our Sunday worship is a public and shared expression of the faith and conviction that lies at the center of our existence.  When we were baptized into the Christian faith, we were baptized into a community, a family, and a body of believers.
     By faith we know that in worship God is meeting us with His gifts of forgiveness and eternal life through His written Word, the spoken Word, and in the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ our Savior.  God wants His "family"  to worship – receiving His gifts, sharing the faith together to encourage one another and witnessing to the great things God has done for us. Therefore, worship is a vital response to God’s great gift to us in Christ Jesus.

How do we worship?

We celebrate with many styles of worship services. But all follow a form which clearly brings the grace and mercy of God to each person in need.  Whether traditional or contemporary, formal or casual, our worship services will all include:
  - an opportunity for repentance, and assurance of forgiveness
  - reference to God's Word
  - relevant Biblical preaching
  - inspiring praise and thanksgiving to God through song and speaking

What to expect at our services

8:30 a.m.  -  Traditional Worship
  At this service one may expect to find the pastor wearing robes, traditional hymns from the Lutheran Worship Hymnal sung to organ accompaniment, and a liturgy of prayers and responsive readings printed in a worship folder.
 
11:00 a.m.  -  "Morning Song" -- Non-Traditional Worship
  At this service music is provided by the Contemporary Worship Team accompanied by guitars, drums, and electronic keyboard.  Song lyrics, prayers, and readings are projected onto a screen. The contemporary service may also include video, drama, and other forms of participation.

Special Services
During the festival seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter special worship services are scheduled during the week.  Some are during the daytime hours and others are in the evening.  Other special services for weddings and funerals are scheduled with the pastor.

Celebrating Children in Worship

To the parents of our young children, may we suggest . . .

· Relax! God put the wiggle in children. Don’t feel you have to suppress it in
God’s house.
· Sit toward the front where it’s easier to see and hear.
· Quietly explain the parts of the worship service.
· Sing the songs, pray, and speak the responses. Children learn worship by
copying you.
· If you need to leave the worship service with your child, please feel free to do so... but please come back!

To all who worship with us . . .

· Remember, the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to church and to God. Let them know they are at home in this worship gathering.
· A smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children.
· If you see that a family could use some assistance, graciously offer your help.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

   The Sacraments and Worship 

The Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are part of the worship service.  Holy Communion is celebrated twice a month at each of the two services. Baptisms are celebrated when families bring their children into membership or when adults who have not been baptized wish to become members of the Bethlehem family.

Weekly Sermons

The weekly sermon is based on a reading from Scripture and usually delivered by the pastor.  The following sermons are in mp3 format.

1/22/2012	Adam Finney, "The Produgal Father"	Listen
1/8/2012	David Reinke, "The Baptism of Jesus"	Listen
12/18/2011	David Reinke, "Nothing Is Impossible with God"	Listen
12/11/2011	David Reinke, "Make Straight the Way"	Listen
11/20/2011	David Reinke, "Eternal Life"	Listen
11/13/2011	Richard Kiessling, "Staying on the Right Path"	Listen
11/6/2011	David Reinke, "Surprise"	Listen