“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, The Message)
Our God does not remain light years away, but in Jesus, takes on every aspect of human existence – from birth to death and beyond – and promises to be with us always. Scripture tells us that Jesus is baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit in the river Jordan; Jesus gathered his disciples around the holy meal at the last supper; Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine for the wedding at Cana; and Jesus weeps at the tomb of his dear friend Lazarus before raising him to life.
As the church, we have the joy and privilege to be the body of Christ – the presence of God – surrounding and supporting each other as we grow in faith through these same life passages.
Baptism is one of two Sacraments in the Lutheran Church (along with communion), following Jesus’ command and joining the visible and tangible elements of water with God’s promised grace and forgiveness. People of all ages, including infants, are baptized and welcomed by the church as children of God and fellow members of the body of Christ. We promise to pray for them and support them in their life in Christ.
Confirmation is a rite of affirming the faith that comes through baptism. As young people approach adulthood, we offer two years of instruction for middle schoolers in Scripture and our Lutheran Confessions of the faith to prepare them to affirm the faith of their baptism. Those who choose to be confirmed become full members of the church, who commit themselves to continuing to learn and grow in the faith, which is a lifelong process. Adults who wish to affirm their faith through Confirmation are invited to speak with a Pastor.
Listen to our Pastors share more about Baptism and Confirmation:
Welcome to the Table/ First Communion
“…the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Communion is the other Sacrament in the Lutheran Church (along with baptism), joining the visible and tangible elements of bread and wine with God’s promised grace and forgiveness. Jesus is the host of this meal and all of the baptized are welcome at the table. As part of learning and growing in the faith, we offer instruction about communion geared towards young people in early elementary school. Please speak with a Pastor if you believe your child is ready for formal instruction or have questions about communion practices at Bethlehem.
Listen to our Pastors share more about Communion here:
Wedding
“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11)
As Jesus celebrated at the wedding at Cana, we are delighted to celebrate with couples wishing to join their lives through marriage. Marriage can be solely a civil commitment; those who choose a Christian wedding acknowledge their need for God’s love, grace and forgiveness to guide their life together. Our Pastors are happy to walk with couples preparing for marriage and to plan a wedding that is a service of worship focused on God and that invites the prayers, love and support of the whole community for the couple.
Listen to our Pastors share more about Weddings here:
End of Life
“ When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep.” (John 11:33-35)
As Jesus wept with Mary and Martha at the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus, we weep with those who grieve. We celebrate the fulfillment of the baptismal promise to life eternal with God as we commend those who have died as part of a Christian funeral. If you are in need of pastoral services at the time of a loved ones’ death, please contact the Pastors.
Listen to our Pastors share more about Funerals here:
Find resources to consider your own legacy, practical and spiritual considerations for the end of life here.