Crossings - May, 2010

May is a festive month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church as we celebrate many events together.  Welcome to join us as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in our worship on Sundays and we encourage members and friends in their faith journeys.

 

On May 1 the BLC Strawberry Festival links our congregation and community neighbors for fellowship, food, and financial support for mission outreach and community services.  Thanks to all members and friends who help make this annual event happen.

 

On May 1-2 the BLC Endowment Board meets with representatives of social service agencies, church organizations, and mission projects of our congregation.  They seek Endowment Grant funding for important services to persons who need assistance.

 

On May 15 BLC begins our participation in the Koinonia Leadership program led by Stephen Ministries of St. Louis in cooperation with Metro Chicago Synod, ELCA. I will be attending the initial workshop on May 15 for pastors of participating congregations and the recruitment of BLC team members will follow.  The training sessions in leading missional congregations for our BLC team will be held later this year on several non-successive Friday evening and Saturdays.

 

On May 23 the Day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church of Christ, recalls the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of our Lord.  A special feature of the 10:30 a.m. service will be the affirmation of baptism/confirmation of faith of youth members Sean Edwards, Rebecca Jindra, Christopher Lempa, Alex O’Claire, Ali Rodriguez, Elaine Shroder, and Meredith Wolff who are completing two-years of study led by Patty Burnett, Cindy Lange, and your pastor.  Congratulations to these talented youth who have served as acolytes, readers, communion stewards, hand bell ringers, and solo musicians during worship this past year.

 

Congratulations too to fifth/sixth graders Jack Anderson, Kaitlyn Anderson, Sara Lauren Burnett, and Emmy Noelle Harris who celebrated their first communion on April 25.  Emmy was baptized at that same worship service.

 

On Memorial Day weekend our thoughts and prayers remember family members and friends who left us a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to our country before passing on to receive the promise of the Risen Christ, “I go to prepare a place for you.  In my Father’s house are many rooms.”

 

As Easter Season continues, the month of May offers us many opportunities to experience renewal and joy when we gather together in worship and throughout the week in our daily walk.