Opportunities for Youth
Worship with JOY … This year, all school age kids are invited to take part in Worship with JOY, which combines our last year’s groups into one. Beginning on Sunday, September 13th, this group will gather in the room across the hall from the side entrance to the sanctuary. Worship with JOY will include a small snack, prayers and a variety of songs, activities and crafts reflecting the Word and shared in an age-appropriate way! Parents can remain in the sanctuary while this group meets. Children will return to the sanctuary during the offering so they can participate in Communion
The Scarecrow Making Youth Event Friday, September 18th from 6pm – 8:30pm s for grades 6th – 12th a youth event to be held at BLC. We will be gathering to create a scarecrow entry for Fairport’s annual Scarecrow Festival and use the event as an opportunity to begin to get to know each other too.
See Patty Chaffee for more information.
Confirmation Ministry … Do you know a child entering grades 6-8 who is interested in learning more about their faith? Confirmation Ministry is a two-year program designed to help young people learn about Jesus, the Bible, and what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. This coming year, we’ll be focusing on Bible stories, and we promise a very active and engaging experience! Let Pastor Amy know if you’re interested in learning more!
Confirmation Ministry Kick-Off Pizza Potluck (grades 6-8) Sunday, September 27, 4:30 – 6:30 at BLC. For all new and returning confirmation-aged youth and their families! We’ll gather for an opportunity to build connections. Sign up HERE to bring a dish or contribute to pizza! Questions? Know someone who would love to be part of confirmation? Contact Patty Chaffee [BO1] [RAWP2]
Music
Bethlehem loves musicians, including YOU! Do you love to sing? Do you play an instrument? Have you always wanted to be a part of a choir or small instrumental group? All ages are welcome to share musical talents by offering special music in worship or assisting with accompaniment. Let Raelynn Clare our Director of Music know if you have musical gifts to share, and she will coordinate with you. (raelynn.clare@blcfairport.org)
Practice Schedules for the following groups will be:
- Folk Group: 6:15-7:15 Wednesdays – Starts September 16th
- Dulcimers: 3:00-4:30 Fridays –Starts September 18th
- Beginning Dulcimers: As needed.
- Chancel Choir: 7:30 Wednesdays Starts September 16th
- Children’s Music Time: 10:20-11:10 First Sunday; 10:15-11:00 other Sundays
- Chancel Bells: 6:15-7:15 Wednesdays Starts September 9th
Bell Choir: Have you ever wanted to play handbells or chimes? Stop by and visit with us at our Open House on Wednesdays, September 9 and 16 at 6:15 in the bell room! We welcome everyone from 6th grade and older. No prior experience required!
Chancel Choir is inviting music lovers at BLC to join us for our first rehearsal of the fall on Wednesday, September 16th, from 7:30 – 9:00. We would love to welcome some new folks to rehearse with us, then enjoy a “meet and greet” social time with snacks and refreshments afterwards. Singing together in a choir is a very special way to worship and pray. The music that is present at BLC each week enhances our worship, and is meaningful for all involved. We hope to see some new faces (as well as our faithful members) on September 16th!
Folk Group: Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 16th at 6:15pm in the choir room.
Dulcimers: Rehearsals begin Friday, September 18th at 3pm in the sanctuary.
Connect and Grow
Sunday Table returns for 2026-2027! Sunday Table returns on Sept 13th! Please stay after worship for Sunday Table on Kick-off Sunday. Once a month, we will share this fun, fellowship opportunity that includes a light brunch and social time in the Fellowship Hall. New this year: will offer an activity station for children and families! Most months, Sunday table will happen on the first Sunday. We will share upcoming dates in the Star and on the church calendar!
Love You Like a Sister: The Love You Like a Sister (LYLAS) program is like a prayer secret santa- each participant will be given another participant to keep in their prayers throughout the year and in turn, will have someone praying for them. The partners are kept anonymous until a final reveal at the end of the year. You can also send cards or a small gift for major holidays, birthdays, or other important dates for your partner (though not required!) If you are interested in participating for the 2026-2027 year, please complete a LYLAS information form so your partner will be able to get to know you better! Forms should be submitted by Sunday, October 18th and can be completed here or found on the kiosk in the Narthex!
Sunday Morning Fellowship: After worship each Sunday morning, gather in the Narthex with us for light refreshments and a time to chat with other BLC members, friends, and visitors.
Mid-Week Bible Study: Bible Study meets in person or on Zoom (check the church calendar) Wednesdays at 9:30. Even if you’re not a usual Bible Study attendee, you’re welcome to join this special study.
Women’s Fellowship on September 14 and October 19 starting at 2 pm in the BLC Living Room. Alli O’Malley will be leading a discussion of her new book – More Than A Crime. If you’ve already read it, you know what a powerful story Alli shares from her own life. If you’ve not read it, this is a powerful first-hand account of one domestic violence survivor who has made the move from surviving to thriving. Alli’s presence will give you the opportunity to ask her questions directly. Friends are always welcome, please invite others (at BLC or beyond!) to join these two gatherings. If you need the book, please email Alli directly, at alli.omalley45@gmail.com, or you can purchase it on any online bookseller.
Men’s Breakfast: Gather with the men of BLC on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00am at the Landmark Restaurant in East Rochester for fellowship, food, and fun.
Life Happens Support Group:Could you benefit from a faith-based, supportive environment to help navigate the joys and challenges of life? Pastor Hoffman has led support groups for those grieving and caregiving in recent years, and those who have participated have appreciated the mutual support, learning from each other, and sharing the journey with others walking a similar path. We meet every other Tuesday with our next upcoming meetings on August 25th, September 8th and 22nd at 2:00PM in the Courtyard Sitting Room. Please reach out to Pastor Hoffman if you have questions!
Grief Support Group: Grief Support Group is a time of sharing and conversation open to those who have experienced loss. There is no specific agenda other than connecting with others who are walking a similar road. We meet every other Tuesday with our next upcoming meetings on August 25th, September 8th and 22nd at 11AM in the Courtyard Sitting Room.
Service Opportunities
Second Sunday Dinner Ministry (SSDM): BLC is part of the Perinton Sunday Dinner ministry where different area churches provide meals to those in need in our community. On the second Sunday of each month, a group from BLC prepares and delivers about 100+ hot meals. The next SSDM days will be September 13th and October 11th. Contact the church office (office@blcfairport.org or 223-0634) if you would like to get involved!
Quilters: On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 7pm, BLC Quilters gather to iron, cut, sort, and package fabric to make quilts for Linus Blankets. We take packages home to sew and sometimes much more! On the 5th Thursday we gather to tie a quilt for Lutheran World Relief. If you can see yourself with time on Thursdays, time to sew at home (we’ll give you a kit with easy directions or make your own,) or time just occasionally on the 5th Thursday, please join us! All skill levels are needed and welcome.
Gleaning: Starting on September 5th at Bejo Farms you are invited to help pick produce that will be distributed to different groups in the area including our Sunday Table Ministries. All ages are invited to help dig vegetables out of the ground or pick them off vines to be distributed to those who might not have access to fresh produce. If you would like to help and need more information reach out to Julie Owen.