Worshiping at Bethlehem

We share worship on Sunday at 8:55 am. Our worship service is open to anyone who wishes to attend and is also Livestreamed for those who wish to participate remotely through our website and YouTube. Weekly worship encourages full participation through singing, reading, and praying. You are welcome to participate fully by following an order for worship or just take in the experience through your senses. Even if you’ve never been to Bethlehem in person, we welcome your presence in worship. If you’re new to worship with us or you have something you wish to communicate with the office or pastor, please complete the web form (scroll down on the page to find it.) While the use of face masks is now optional, we invite worshipers to practice precautions, including washing and sanitizing hands, and self-monitoring and joining virtually when you are feeling ill.
 
How and when do you share Communion?
We celebrate communion weekly in worship. If you wish to receive communion through a communion visitor in your home, contact a pastor and we will work with you to make those arrangements. If you cannot make your way to Bethlehem because of the distance, trust that Christ is also fully present with you in your home as you worship!

  • Am I welcome at Bethlehem?

    We believe everyone is created in God’s image. Jesus showed us that God loves all people, and we try to do the same.

  • Our congregation includes many generations and children are invited to participate in worship along with their parents, grandparents, or other caring adults.  We believe that children learn to worship by being in worship and we welcome the sounds and sights of their learning! All kids ages 3 through elementary are also invited to participate in Worship for Kids during the middle portion of the service. We have a small nursery at the back of Narthex (ushers can help you find it) if you need a space with your child during worship. The nursery has a child-sized restroom as well as a changing table. There are gliders in the room in addition to an assortment of toys.

    Is worship suitable for all ages?

  • Is the church accessible?

    There is an electric lift just inside the street level entrance on Perrin Street, and an accessible all-gender restroom in the lower level. An usher would be happy to assist.

  • How do I get to Bethlehem Lutheran Church?

  • Where do I go and where do I sit?

    When you enter the church from the main entrance on Perrin Street, you will come into a large open space we call the Narthex. One of our greeters will welcome you to Bethlehem! There is a coat room off to the side if you would like to leave your jacket. As you move forward in the space, an usher will offer you a printed bulletin at the entrance to the sanctuary. There are also large print versions, as well as children’s versions available. You are invited to sit in any pew at all, wherever you are comfortable! You will know the service is about to being when BLC musicians begin to play the prelude calling us to worship.

  • The whole order for service is printed in a bulletin for those who worship in person, and is also available on our website and sent in a Ready for Worship email each week, making it easy to take part and follow even for someone new to the Lutheran Church. Spoken parts are printed in bold when it is the congregation’s turn to speak, and we include many songs and hymns in the bulletin. Hymnals are found in all of the pews as well for any hymns not fully printed in the bulletin.

    How will I know what to say and do?

  • What happens in worship?

    We gather with God’s people.  We confess our sins and hear God’s promise of forgiveness.  We communicate our joys, concerns, praise and thanksgiving with God through prayer and song.  We hear about what God has done through reading from Scripture and through preaching.  We commit ourselves to serving God as we leave worship. We trust that God is present when we gather together in the name of Christ!

  • There is no specific dress code- you will find people dressed ranging from jeans, to business casual, to suits.

    What should I wear?