From the Pastor for January, 2011

During the December Advent/Christmas Season our Bethlehem Lutheran Church family participated in many inspirational and well-attended events.  The Sancta Lucia Festival featured Ali Rodriquez as this year’s Sancta Lucia, and beautiful music and a light supper were enjoyed by all.

The BLC Child Development Center Christmas program included all children dressed as Rock Stars celebrating Christmas with joyous songs.  Santa met the children in the Library downstairs afterwards and refreshments were enjoyed in Wittenstrom Hall.

The Sunday School Christmas program on December 18 at 9:00 a.m. combined the children from Bethlehem and St. Stephens Lutheran in a creative portrayal of all God’s creatures going to the Nativity scene.  The Youth Group presented a dramatic reading and display of Hanging of the Greens at 10:45 a.m.  We enjoyed the strong voices, joyous melodies, and festive costumes.

Our Advent and Christmas services inspired us with special music, the Lord’s meal, and messages of the Hope, Light, and Joy of Christmas. Christmas Eve services welcomed worshippers at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.  Christmas Carols and special music, messages for children and adults, Communion, and Candle lighting made for a festive Christmas Eve.  On Christmas Day morning at 10 a.m. a bilingual service included readings, carols, and messages celebrating Christmas in the Scandinavian and Mexican tradition.

I hope you have enjoyed a blessed Christmas Season with your family. Carol and I did too as we hosted various family members on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

With a New Year before us it is good to remember our journeys in 2011 as individuals, families, and congregations and to build on our strengths as we develop goals for 2012. 

The day of Epiphany is January 6 and the season of Epiphany is a time for manifestation of God’s glory and the Light of Christ for the people of God.  Miracles of Jesus described in the Scripture reveal healing and health for those in need. During the 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. worship services on January 22, prayers for personal healing will be included.

The Epiphany Season traditionally emphasizes the missionary outreach of the Church, for Jesus is the Light for all people.  Throughout January and into February themes for Sunday worship and meeting will emphasize the outreach ministry of our congregation and the ELCA.  As planning is finalized, you will be receiving additional information.   Remember too to join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 29 following the 9:00 a.m. worship service and morning brunch. 

Happy New Year and May God Bless you abundantly in 2012.