Worship at Bethlehem
- Why?
- How?
- What to Expect
- Children
- Sacraments
- Sermons
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" | |
| 1/8/2012 | David Reinke, "The Baptism of Jesus" | |
| 12/18/2011 | David Reinke, "Nothing Is Impossible with God" | |
| 12/11/2011 | David Reinke, "Make Straight the Way" | |
| 11/20/2011 | David Reinke, "Eternal Life" | |
| 11/13/2011 | Richard Kiessling, "Staying on the Right Path" | |
| 11/6/2011 | David Reinke, "Surprise" |

