From the Pastor for April, 2011
I write this article following our first Wednesday evening Lenten supper and worship in March. The Church Council provided five different soups to enjoy and Pastor Antonio Cabello served an inspirational message in the sanctuary about the faith of Noah in preparation for the Flood. Being in our ark—the church nave—in worship to hear God’s promises is comforting when the storms of life descend upon us.
The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan concerns their citizens and our international community. Our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is partnering with the Lutheran church in Japan to bring relief and resources there as noted in www.elca.org. Our prayers and gifts are welcomed in dealing with the shock and flood aftermath.
Thursday was St. Patrick’s Day and it was refreshing to see our Child Development Center children and staff wearing a bit of green, walking in Lords Park, and enjoying the breakfast specialty of green eggs and ham. It was good to celebrate the Irish heritage and remember many Irish blessings to brighten the day.
Our Lenten journey continues with mid-week Lenten worship in April as we move to the dramatic events of Holy Week. Come and enjoy food and fellowship and thoughtful messages by Pastors Art and Antonio and two members of our congregations.
Worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter are opportunities to experience anew the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and its importance for us as a community of living faith.
Look for the combined BLC and St. Stephens Lutheran worship schedule for Holy Week in colorful flyer inserted in the Daily Herald on a day the preceding week. Thanks to our St. Stephens partners in the Gospel for providing this outreach to the community. Also, please invite your family, friends and neighbors to worship at Bethlehem. Together let us give them a warm welcome when they come to be with us.
Holy Week highlights include the Palm Sunday procession of palms, the pancake breakfast by the Boy Scouts and BLC youth group, and the powerful reading of the Passion of Jesus Christ. During the Lord’s meal two boys will celebrate their first communion.
Maundy Thursday at both services is a remembrance of the Lord’s Meal and Christ’s continuing presence among us and the evening service will include a foot washing liturgy for children led by Pastor Antonio.
Good Friday evening worship offers traditional hymns, the seven last words of Jesus, and a closing outdoor memorial processional around the church building with prayers and meditation.
Our Easter Sunday celebration begins with the return of the Alleluia’s by the Sunday Church School children, festive music and the Easter story, Holy Communion, and the reception of new members by Holy Baptism and transfer from other congregations.
During April your Koinonia Leadership Team will be active in providing a second retreat for BLC council members and several other leaders on the morning of April 2 in the Red Room. The KL team is also preparing a schedule of times we can listen to members in small groups. We are eager to hear what you will say concerning our mission as a congregation, the values that unite us, and the vision that takes us to God’s future for us.
These listening sessions will take place following Holy Week and Easter.
The snows and storms of the winter season are passing. We are heading toward springtime and new growth in faith and opportunities. Let us gather as did the eye witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who were first surprised by these events and then lifted by the new opportunities to share God’s good news with others. Our journey continues.
Pastor Art
