Grow in Faith

From the youngest child to the oldest adult - we are never done learning, growing and maturing in our faith. Following Jesus may be a new idea for you, or you may have spent a lifetime as a Christian. Regardless - becoming more and more like Jesus is the journey of an entire lifetime.

...and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you...
Matthew 28:19a

Book Groups

Wednesday Evening Book Group 6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Gather for lively and thought provoking discussion of a variety of books

Women's Evening Group - every Wednesday night during Wed. night series.  Meets at Bethlehem at 6:30

Contact: Helen Heitz (eve.) 612.825.7579 helenorm@usfamily.net Please join us and bring a friend.

Women's Mid-Day Group - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 2:00pm at 7500 York.

Contact: IvaNell Monson 952.835.8248 incmonson@aol.com 

Mid-Day Group Fall Booklist:

Mary by Janis Cooke Newman, a historical novel on the life of history's most misunderstood and enigmatic woman, Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. (September discussion)
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Eagan, the untold story of those who survived the great American dust bowl, our nation's greatest environmental disaster. (October discussion)
Out Stealing Horses by the Norwegian novelist Per Petterson, known as a master storyteller. (November discussion)

Bible Study

Moms' Bible Study

Are you a mom, of any age, looking to connect with other Christian moms in a nurturing, small group, Bible study format?

Are you searching for a means to learn more about your faith and more specifically your relationship with Christ in an informal, non-threatening setting?

If so, join us! We always have an open chair available. Small groups meet weekly Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. with childcare available for those with young children.

If you are unable to meet during the day, our Water Walkers group meets two evenings per month and includes moms and non-moms alike! In addition, our small groups come together for social and service events throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you! Please contact Amy Rimington or the church office for more information.

 

June Bible Study on Acts

 Register Here

4-Week Bible Study with Pastor Beth on Acts

Wednesdays, June 11-July2
10:00-11:30am
OR
7:00-8:30pm

Look at the spread of the Christian faith from its beginning in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

As we grapple with the new vision at Bethlehem - Connecting People with God, Each Other, and Their Mission in the World - we'll find inspiration from this early account of how a small community dared to reach out beyond their comfort zone, trusting only in the power and mission of God.

June 11 - Acts 1-2: Continuing the Ministry of Jesus
June 18 - Acts 3-11:18: Transformation and Witnessing in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria
June 25 - Acts 11-20: Paul's Mission as a "Light to the Nations"
July 2 - Acts 21-28: God's Power Acts to Change the World

Classes

Bethlehem offers a variety of learning experiences at various times during the week to encourage continued growth in faith and learning for ALL ages.

Conversations with Dr. Phil Sundays at 9:00 am

Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Go deeper into Scripture with Bethlehem’s very own Dr. Phil Quanbeck! Dr. Quanbeck brings great insight and inspires interesting conversation as he facilitates this Bible Study which looks closely at the texts assigned for the Sunday morning worship services. 

Healing Touch Training - Level 1 & Level 2

Healing Touch Training - Level 1 & Level 2

Register Here

The Health Ministries program of Bethlehem Lutheran Church is pleased to announce the upcoming Healing Touch TM Level I and Level 2 training schedule. We are excited to welcome back Carol Schonecker* as our instructor.

Level 1: Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16
8:30am-5:30 pm

Level 2 Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11
8:30am-5:30 pm

Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church
4100 Lyndale Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55409

Cost: Includes tuition, training manual, Healing Touch ProgramTM fee and certificate, lunches and snacks.

$280 (non-members)
$180 (Bethlehem and TRUST church members)

Continuing Education Credits: 16 CEUs

For more information, call Gretchen Porter at 612.312.3405 or Lynnea Forness at 612.312.3413

Carol Schoenecker, RN, BSN, CHTP, CHTI is a provider of Healing Touch and Spiritual Direction in private practice and provided those services for three years at the Mind Body Spirit Clinic that was located at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. She also works as a nurse in adult mental health at the U of MN. She is a Certified Healing Touch Instructor, co-founder and member of the Minnesota Holistic Nursed Association, a charter member of Healing Touch International, a member of AHNA and MNA. Carol received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Certified as a nurse midwife in England, Carol practiced midwifery for 3.5 years in Kenya, East Africa and has worked as a nurse for over 40 years

Core Classes

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Core Classes

The basic building blocks for you to grow in your faith and discipleship

Core Class 101: Discover Bethlehem

This class looks at what we believe as Crhistians, our membership covenant, what Bethlehem membership means, and our vission for ministry together.

Core Class 201: Discover Spiritual Growth

Focus on deepening your relationship with God, getting the most out of God's Word, prayer, looking at God's plans for your finances, and making meaningful connections at Bethlehem.

Core Class 301: Connecting Point Launch

This is a short-term way to experience a slice of small group life for six weeks. Take an opportunity to develop friendships with others and explore the dynamics of community, your faith and your next steps. New groups begin at each Connecting Point Launch. Come once or come to multiple launches.

Core Class 401: Discover Your Gifts & Strengths

God has created you with unique gifts and strengths. This class explores how these gifts are meant to be shared and used in service to God and others.

Core Class 501: Discover Your Mission

Learn how to reach out beyond the walls of Bethlehem and share God's love with others by discussing ways to engage actively in mission and exploring ways to share your faith.

Sunday Take Out

August 3

Submitted by pdunn on Wed, 2008-08-06 12:30.
Connect       

Ever had a big deadline for something that was then postponed, or cancelled altogether? What were the circumstances? How did you feel when you learned your time, trouble, or worry had been for nothing -- relieved, or ticked off?

Grow

Jonah runs

We don't know what kind of relationship Jonah had with God, other than that when God came to ask him a favor, Jonah tried to run away instead. I sympathize with Jonah. If God were just some "friend" of Jonah's, we'd probably tell him the relationship was dysfunctional. Who in their right mind wants to be friends with someone who asks for impossible favors, and then constantly changes his mind about what he says he is going to do?

Read:

Consider:

  • Why didn't Jonah want to go to Nineveh?
  • What was most striking to you about this story? Can you put yourself in the place of Jonah? Of the fishermen? Of the people of Nineveh?

God relents

Jonah gets so angry at God for changing his mind and sparing Nineveh that he leaves town to sit on the road and sulk.

Read:

Consider:

  • Why do you think Jonah gets so angry at God for sparing Nineveh?
  • Why does he get so angry about the bush that God provides, and then kills?
  • What does God's response mean?
  • How does God's response change how we think about God? About our neighbors? About ourselves? 

Close

Lord, use us even when -- especially when -- we are inept, ungrateful, short-sighted, and unkind. Help us to see ourselves and each other with your eyes.

Amen.

 

 

View all past Sunday Takeouts

Share the Spirit Capital Campaign

Bethlehem is a healthy, vibrant congregation today, because it has continued to say 'yes' to God when called.

The Goals of our Campaign (click on a link for more information)

"We must recognize the foundation on which Bethlehem has been established – generations and generations of faithful members who have shared their resources. They built the buildings, taught the children, maintained the property, and shared Bethlehem’s tremendous resources – all aimed at spreading God’s good news and demonstrating Christian care for those who need it.

We have a four-part plan – our Share the Spirit campaign – to reach our next level of ministry and outreach. Each component will have long-term impact on the ministry and outreach of our beloved church. Of course, we will need your prayers and sacrificial support to make this plan a reality. This is not the first time that the congregation has been asked to stretch, nor will it be the last. Stretching is one of the important building blocks that has kept us a vital and forward-thinking congregation."

Christopher Nelson, Senior Pastor

Building Progress in Argentina

In the 2006 capital campaign Bethlehem gave Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry a grant to build separate space for the daycare center in Bethlehem's "sister" congregation San Juan Bautiste in Comodor Rivadavia, Argentina. The daycare center is currently meeting in the sanctuary during the week. 

To read more about the 2006 mission: http://www.lutheranpartners.org/MissionTrips/argentina.htm 

Below is an update we received from the congregation: 

We hope to communicate at least a part of our excitement and happiness that we have, if that is possible. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Your brothers and sisters in Christ,

The people of Saint John the Baptist Congregation

sjbautista@ielu.org.ar/gustavo.sanjuanbautista@gmail.com

 Oscar Dietz Master BuilderOscar Dietz Master Builder

sanctuary/child space serves as storagesanctuary/child space serves as storageAs of October 31As of October 31

Building Progress

News from our sister congregation Saint John the Baptist in Comodoro Rivadavia

 "We only are waiting for doors and windows."

 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Ps. 127) 

 

Previous Construction Pictures

 

 

Stewardship

Walking on Water

by Ted Contag, Stewardship Ministry Team

Lake Harriet BandshellLake Harriet BandshellIf you attended the Bethlehem service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, then you witnessed the Power Lab Vacation Bible School experiment "Sink or Float."  This simple, yet very memorable experiment (my kids now play it all the time in the pool, lake and bathtub) was the launching point for the New Testament story about Peter and his ability to walk on water.  At one point during the "sink or float" children's sermon, "Peter" had his eyes on Jesus and calmly walked, or in this case, danced across the "water."  Yet, when Peter strayed from Jesus and became somewhat absorbed in his own ability, he started to sink.

This is exactly how it works with stewardship and joyful giving.  When we understand that everything we have is a gift from God and keep our eyes on God, then giving is easy.  We are simply returning a small portion of the blessings we have been given back to God and allowing others to be blessed in the process.  Our joyful giving can provide a buoyant feeling, a tangible outpouring of God's love through us.  However, when we calculate the hours it took US to make the money, or the sacrifices WE have to make to give the money, we start to sink in thoughts of doubt and selfishness.  We end up "nickel and diming" God with his own money.  As summer comes to a close, I would ask you to think about your stewardship commitment and whether your giving is an example of sinking or floating.   Keep in mind that it is your joyful giving that allows Bethlehem and our missions to give others the faith they need to walk on water.

Why Give?

Do you ever wonder about your own giving and its relationship to your faith? In the articles listed to the left, read how others have responded to God’s abundant grace!

What is a generous giver?

A generous giver is one who learns to:

  • experience the joy of giving,
  • live and give with an eternal perspective,
  • model the proverb, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,"
  • recognize that God owns everything,
  • offer gifts as an act of worship.

Thank you for your generous giving!

Creating Abundance

Stewardship Creates Abundance

by Ted Contag
Stewardship Ministry Team

At Bethlehem’s leadership dinner in early October, a colleague of mine, Richard Andersen, Senior Financial Consultant with Thrivent Financial, spoke with us about stewardship. The stories he told and the points he made were so pertinent that the stewardship commission felt they should be shared.

Richard made three main points:

1. Stewardship is a calling,
2. Stewardship requires planning, and
3. Stewardship is generated from gratitude not guilt, and creates abundance not scarcity. He gave a couple of examples of clients with whom he has worked to illustrate his points.

Minnie was a client of Richard’s in her late 80's who is now deceased. She owned her home in south Minneapolis and had only one source of income, her monthly Social Security check in the amount of $695. Her husband died over 50 years ago. Her only child, a son, died of complications from MS over thirty years ago. Her only living relative was an older brother living in Washington state. During her lifetime she saved over $100,000 from her social security income that was all gifted to Community Emergency Service and her local church at her death. It was through planning that she was able to create abundance.

Many people would like to give more to charity to express their gratitude for all the gifts they have been given. However, the one thing that keeps them from giving is fear, fear that there will not be enough to go around if they give it away. Richard shared a story about Ed and Shirley who, through planning, were able to create abundance.

Ed and Shirley inherited $512,000 in assets. Had they sold those assets, they would have had to pay capital gains tax and been left with substantially less for themselves and for their children. Instead, they gifted those dollars into a charitable trust with The Lutheran Community Foundation. Ed and Shirley receive an annual income from the Foundation of $43,000 for the rest of their lives. At their death, four charities (including their local congregation) benefit from the underlying principle. To leave an inheritance to their two daughters, they purchased $512,000 of life insurance. $25,000 of the $43,000 is used to fund the insurance policy, leaving them a net income stream of $18,000.

The results of Ed and Shirley’s planning is as follows:

They avoid the capital gains tax on the inheritance. They receive an annual net income stream of $18,000 for their own use. As a result of the gift they get a substantial tax deduction that can be spread out over six years. Most importantly to Ed and Shirley, at their death, they leave tax-free gifts of $512,000 to the institutions they love and $512,000 to their daughters. Finally, they have not exposed themselves to additional estate taxes as both the charitable gift and the life insurance is owned outside of their estate.

The motivation for the gifting was Ed and Shirley's gratitude. Because they were willing to give the assets away they created abundance: abundance for themselves, for their children AND for their charities.

The stewardship challenge as I see it is to be able to recognize three things. First, recognize that you are being called to give. Second, learn that good stewardship requires good planning. Seek advice from those who understand ways to leverage your gifts—your pastor, your attorney, your financial consultant. Finally, realize that stewardship is generated from gratitude not guilt, and it creates abundance not scarcity.

Faith Statement

My Faith Is Not a Destination

By Tom Kuder

I don't think I will ever "arrive" at a place where my beliefs, faith and relationship with God are complete - at least not on this Earth. There won't be a graduation ceremony to mark my achievement of a fully developed faith. No sigh of relief at having finished the trip, reached the endpoint, learned all I can learn. 

My faith is a journey.  

Twisting and turning, this journey is all about discovery, acceptance and growth. For instance, I've discovered that it's important to give up control of my life to God in order to really understand God's plan for me. I haven't always accepted this, but when I have, I've been able to let down my guard and allow God's spirit to enter my soul - and my faith has grown as a result. When that happens, the journey gets exciting, but it doesn't end. There's always more to discover about God. More acceptance to learn. More growing along the way. 

Bethlehem is my guide.  

Whenever I go on a vacation trip or visit a new city on business, I get a map. Sometimes I even ask for directions! On my own, I might stumble upon a few places of interest while wandering about. But with the help of others, I learn so much more and find places I never would have found without a guide.  On my personal faith journey, Bethlehem gives me sermons that inspire. Classes that explain. Fellow travelers that share in discovery. Music that delights my soul.  But Bethlehem also challenges me to guide others, to give back what meager faith I have to others who are seeking God. Surprisingly, it is in giving to others that my own faith grows the most. Whether through stewardship, or service or simple hospitality, the act of sharing my faith strengthens my faith. It's a mystery to me, but it works. 

Thank you, Lord, for this continuing journey. Where will you lead us next?

It's Been Awesome

By Jenny Parker, 12th Grade

[Note: If you think good kids just happen, think again. Your giving makes a difference!]

Hi! My name is Jenny, and I’ve been involved in youth activities at Bethlehem since my baptism! But I haven’t often stopped to wonder what makes all our programs for kids possible – or to say thank you. That’s why I’m writing this.

I’ve gotten into so many cool things here, especially since 7th or 8th grade. Wednesday night Confirmation classes, challenging Sunday discussions with Hi League, ski trips, retreats – now that I think of it, there’s always something happening! Lately I’ve been teaching Confirmation kids myself, and getting trained for peer leadership so I can help out on this summer’s youth mission trip. I’ve even branched out into groups outside of church, like Loaves and Fishes, that I discovered through Bethlehem.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from great leaders who are really good examples of strong faith. Pastors Greg and Chris hang out with us some times, and Pastor Rob has been everywhere with us. Rob is incredible, a truly positive influence in my life.

It’s hard to name just one thing that’s most valuable from my experience here. I’ve learned so much about myself, how to reach my personal goals, and how we all form a support community to help each other. And I’ve learned acceptance – of myself, my growing faith, and of others who are searching or growing in different directions.

Like I said, I never thought much about who pays for all this great stuff. I mean, it’s not very visible but obviously there are salaries, trip costs, training materials, even scholarships so every kid who wants to can join in.

I guess it’s our support community – our congregation – that pitches in with money, time, talents and other gifts to make this happen. And I am so grateful! This has been a huge opportunity for me, absolutely awesome! And, it’s been fun!

Thank you, Bethlehem!

Left or Right

 by Judy Thompson,
 Stewardship Ministry Team

I write to you this morning from my little cabin in the woods. I am one of those Minnesotans who always dreamed of having a cabin and fulfilled that dream in a very modest way a couple of years ago.

When I drive up north I prefer taking smaller state roads with less traffic. As I drive, the tensions of the city fall away. Often simultaneously I begin to count my blessings. Although I’ve had intense heartache, I have much for which I am thankful. After going through the long familiar list of the gifts from God which I particularly appreciate (the whole wide world of nature), my thoughts turn to family and friends. How blessed I am. I am loved by God, and by family and friends. They support me and love me for who I am. The long drive to my cabin always seems shorter when I take the opportunity to praise God.

Another joy of driving through the lesser-traveled highways is seeing small communities with little businesses, libraries and churches. Churches up north often use their signboards for messages as well as service time announcements. One time I read: If God is your co-pilot, switch seats. Hmm. Pithy but thought provoking. This time the message at another church caught my eye: Do you give God what is right or what is left? What an interesting thought, which I mused over for several miles.

With all my blessings, do I give back to God what is ‘right?’ I strive towards tithing. But even counting my gifts to other charitable institutions, I know I fall short. I will continue to work on that. One way is to be faithful with my pledge even when I am out of town. I use the automatic contribution through Simply Giving. Although my bank deducts my contributions weekly, I subtract the monthly amount at the beginning of the month to be sure I have set aside the correct amount. I am still working on giving back to God what is “right,

Living Waters

 

Arriving at church with his family, the young boy hesitates. It’s a warm fall day, and the prospect of sitting inside for an hour or more is making him fidgety. A trickle of moisture is already forming in the small of his back, and his legs need to move, somewhere, anywhere. Learning about God is great, but the confines of a Sunday school classroom can be tough when you’re ten years old and growing fast!

Today will be different, though. Today, Sunday school has disappeared and Living Waters has taken its place. Instead of classrooms, there’s an art studio, a computer lab, even a movie theater! Suddenly, the world of faith and biblical teachings takes a shape that even a ten-year-old can appreciate. Living Waters. Other than worship service, perhaps no other program at Bethlehem touches so many people – and not just kids. Adults, too, have found new meaning and fulfillment by volunteering their time and talents, and both adults and kids are richer for it. Where else can you hear a master storyteller spin a tale, or learn the Lord’s Prayer in sign language?

Every week, Living Waters connects the generations in our church family. Without the time and talents of staff and volunteers, and without your financial gifts, this program wouldn’t be possible. Your gifts supplied the initial capital to remodel our education area, and they support an ongoing budget for things like up-to-date curriculum, supplies, teacher training and art materials. They even help pay for popcorn in the movie theater! Every week, your time, talent and money make a difference in children’s spiritual lives. Now, even kids who can’t sit still can focus on God’s promises! Thank you!

Moving & Shaking

God is ‘moving and shaking' in and through our lives, sometimes even in spite of us!

As a recipient of financial assistance from the Bethlehem Foundation through the Adopt-A-Seminarian program at Luther Seminary, I was asked to share a little about myself and how it is that I find myself at Luther Seminary preparing to become a pastor.  I am delighted to do that for several reasons.  This provides me with a great way to say ‘thank you' for your generous giving that has enabled the Bethlehem Foundation to help me with the costs of tuition and books.  It is through this kind of giving that seminary is possible for me.  My husband, Jim, and I are so grateful for this gift!

Secondly, since you are helping to support my endeavor, I think it is important for you to know something about me and my journey to Luther Seminary. Jim and I, along with our three children, have been Bethlehem members for about four years.  During that time, my primary areas of involvement have been Small Group ministry, Moms' Ministry and the Zoom House.  In the spirit of honesty, I would have to say that the initial impetus for becoming more regular in our church attendance was that I felt it was important for our children to be raised in the faith.  That this meant I would also be a more regular churchgoer was secondary.   Over the course of a couple of years, I became increasingly interested in sorting through the many big faith questions I'd had for many years.  Despite having been raised Lutheran and even having a twin sister who is a pastor, I couldn't seem to swallow some of the key Christian concepts.  How on earth could I believe that God became man in Jesus? Could I really believe that Jesus was raised from the dead?

I found Bethlehem to be a place that met me exactly where I was in my faith.  Some key people were willing to take the time to become involved in my journey and to be in dialogue with me even as I questioned the beliefs that are central to what it means to be a Christian!  It was a couple of years ago at a conference that Bethlehem had given me the opportunity to attend where I had what I have come to call the "God attack!"  Each faith journey is unique and ongoing.  Mine includes the "God attack" which completely turned my life around and caused me to see the world in a radically new way. I haven't been the same since and I look forward to learning more about our gracious, persistent, and loving God, and in spending time with people sharing faith stories, walking in our faith journey together, and creatively living out our faith within our families and communities.  As I look back on my life, I see God's hand on me even when, at the time, I couldn't see it.  God is ‘moving and shaking' in and through our lives, sometimes even in spite of us!  One thing I most look forward to in ministry is helping people to see God's presence in the daily-ness of life and growing together in a life-giving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your support and prayers!

In Christ, Dawn Fuglestad

Say Goodbye to Winter

 Dave Dronen, Stewardship Ministry Team

I love it when I can say those words every spring. Yes, I did grow up in Minnesota, and no, I do not like winter. There ...I said it. The changing seasons remind me of my life. Growing up my Dad taught me "you get out of something exactly what you put into it." I can remember times in my life when my faith was on "cruise control." I put the least amount of effort into it and expected great things in return. It took me awhile to figure out that this is not how it works. I doubt that God put me on this earth to sit idly on the sidelines. I noticed a change when I got married and started to come to church on a regular basis. My wife was getting involved in everything and having a ball. I saw the change in her and decided to get in the game. I had no idea how fun it could be to get involved and work together with other Bethlehem members towards common goals. It was as though winter was ending and the sun was coming out. I have seen Bethlehem bring cohesiveness to our family and strengthen our faith.

Getting involved at Bethlehem is easy; doing something about it is the hard part. It is part of human nature to want to leave things as they are and resist change. Winter would love to stay around all year, but spring won't let it. Take that leap of faith and try something new at Bethlehem. It can be anything-a small group, ushering, choir, teaching Sunday school or any other group that may interest you. I think you will be amazed by how it enriches your life. I can see now the more I put into my faith, the more I get out of it. Arizona is not the only place where the sun shines...it shines at Bethlehem too.

The Power of Light

Her smile could light a small city.

His energy lit up the room.

Everyone knows at least one person like that. Someone whose happiness or intensity is so strong, it just leaks out. Someone with The Power of Light.

The Power of Light can transform the world around us. It can overcome terrorism, or simply calm one troubled child. It can lead an entire organization in the right direction, or put one person back on the good path.

The Power of Light can come from many sources. Inner peace. Patriotism. Commitment of purpose. Faith in God. But it has to come from within.

How do you get The Power of Light? Start by energizing your power source. If you focus on what you believe - on your growing faith, on your gratitude for God's incredible gifts - then your light will radiate naturally into the world around you.

This is a good way to approach our traditional Fall stewardship campaign at Bethlehem. Start within, determine what you're passionate about, then act naturally on your convictions. The results may be illuminating!

Let Your Light Shine!

Why I Tithe

By Stephanie Hegland

A while back I was "church-shopping" with my then four-year-old daughter. Although both my former husband and I had been raised Catholic, we'd most recently worshipped at an Episcopal church. After our divorce I didn't feel comfortable returning to where we'd worshipped as a family. Our goal had been to find a religious home that helped us connect with God where we were in our developing faith. However, once I was on my own, my focus changed to finding a church where my daughter could find God in a way that made her feel good about herself.

A friend, whose son attended daycare with my daughter, had recently found Bethlehem in her own family's search for a church home. I mentioned my church-shopping journey to her one day and she suggested I visit Bethlehem. She told me she'd been impressed with the children's ministries and that her son really enjoyed going. She was also pleased that her older son seemed much more comfortable with the confirmation classes at Bethlehem than he had at a previous church.

My daughter started tagging along with her son to Sunday school, while I attended worship with my friend and her husband.  Within weeks we were both hooked, and subsequently went on to officially join. Since our first introduction, my daughter has continued to participate in Sunday school, day camp, vacation bible school and camp kaleidoscope.  The reason I share how I found Bethlehem is because I consider it among one of the many blessings God has bestowed upon me.

A few years ago I joined the stewardship commission. Becoming a member of the church leadership has helped me to reflect and focus more deeply upon my own faith and how God has worked in my life. I began to realize that without the financial generosity of previous and current members, Bethlehem might not have had such a stellar children's ministry, the very ministry that brought us to Bethlehem.

I have learned so much more about how Bethlehem touches the lives of so many each and every day. And that the church's ability to reach out and change lives is a direct result of the many contributions made by its membership. In praising and thanking God for the blessing of Bethlehem's children's ministry, it occurred to me that I have the ability to extend that ministry to touch others by my own contributions. And so, both my daughter and I have begun to tithe regularly. In fact, a portion of her allowance automatically goes into a "charity" piggy bank. My tithing is a bit more high tech, as I have BLC set up as a payee on my online banking system. In this way, my weekly contributions are deposited once a month into the church's bank account.

I feel so blessed to have been led to Bethlehem and to its children's ministry. By regular tithing, I am able to praise God and thank the church for its work in this important ministry and many others.

Ways to Give

Electronic Giving

Simply Giving, a service of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, provides a means of electronic giving to Lutheran congregations, at no cost to the congregation. Bethlehem has participated in the Simply Giving program since 1999. Now you can make contributions online, on a one-time or recurring basis.

Electronic Giving is an easy, secure way to make your regular contributions to Bethlehem.

Two Ways to Sign Up Today!

1) Enrollment Form
Print the Enrollment and Authorization Form. Complete the form and return it to Kathy Callahan at the church office.

2) New! Online Donation
Make a Secure Online Donation, one-time or recurring. (You can also make payments for retreats, etc., here.)

Reasons to sign up for Electronic Giving:

  • No need to write checks or bring cash to church
  • Peace of mind knowing that the church is receiving your contribution even if you are unable to attend
  • More secure than checks
  • Can contribute using a checking or savings account
  • All contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement

Offering Envelopes

Weekly offering envelopes are a great way to combine your giving with attendance at worship services. Simply drop your gifts in the offering plate, and your personalized envelope number will assure that your contributions are properly credited. Offering envelopes can also be mailed if you can't attend a service. And there are special envelopes for special causes, such as outreach and missions.

Email kcallahan@bethlehem-church.org if you need a supply of offering envelopes.

Stocks and Securities

Gifts of appreciated stocks and securities can be an excellent way to share God's gifts. There are two ways to make a donation of securities: through an electronic transfer authorization or physical delivery. To ensure that we can acknowledge your gift for income tax purposes, please notify us in advance of the transmittal at kcallahan@bethlehem-church.org or call 612.312.3409.

Option 1: Electronic Transfer Authorization
Your broker can electronically transfer your securities to Bethlehem. You can download the Stock Transfer Form at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions on it when you make your gift.

Option 2: Physical Delivery
If you have stock certificates, you may deliver them in person, by registered mail, or by courier to Bethlehem's office. If they are registered in your name, you will need to provide an Irrevocable Stock/Bond Power Form found at the bottom of this page.

For more information, email kcallahan@bethlehem-church.org.

Mission & Ministry Focus

Are you passionate about a cause, either close to home or in the world at large? God's kingdom extends beyond the walls of Bethlehem, and so can your giving. Watch the Beacon and bulletin for opportunities for special contributions each month during the year.

Time & Talents

In addition to your financial gifts, your time and talents can make an enormous difference in accomplishing God's plan on Earth. Visit the Shared Ministry page to see some of the many ways you can get directly involved in God's work.

Bethlehem Foundation

FAQS

Who are Bridge Builders?

The Bethlehem Bridge Builders is the group name for those who have promised gifts -- or who have already given them -- to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation (endowment). The group meets only once a year for a festive dinner and business meeting, to share the philanthropic activities of the endowment.

Who's eligible to be a Bridge Builder?

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation is an endowment that provides opportunities for legacy gifts. Those who name the Foundation in their wills, or who give directly to the foundation, become Bridge Builders. This growing group of Bethlehem members and friends want to assure the continuity of the congregation's mission through legacy giving. Gifts become part of the Foundation's endowment, and only the interest earned on the principal is used to fund special projects and outside missions. Anyone who makes a gift to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation or who names the foundation as a beneficiary of wills or other investments is considered a Bridge Builder. When people formally indicate their intentions to leave gifts to the Foundation through a will, they are automatically considered Bridge Builders. To become a Bridge Builder, you must officially inform the Foundation of your gift plans.

How large is the Foundation's endowment?

The endowment currently has $1.25 Million in assets. Principal is never invaded, as only dividends or earnings are used to provide grants to worthy causes inside and outside the congregation. A volunteer committee of investment professionals manages it. While investment results vary from year to year, the foundation has given away from $50,000 to $60,000 each year over the past few years. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation was established in 1957.

How can I get more information?

For a Bridge Builder's brochure, please call the church office at 612-312-3400 and ask for one to be mailed to you. To have specific questions answered, please leave your question in our mailbox, and we will get back to you by phone or e-mail, whichever you prefer. Leave your questions at bridgebuilders@bethlehem-church.org.

Who’s on the Foundation Board of Directors?

Three-legged Stool Part One of Six

 

We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us - our selves, our time, and our possessions - signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We say this prayer together every week at worship. What does it mean? What does it mean to you? What does it mean for you?

Several years ago someone brought a small stool to a meeting of Bethlehem leaders. We were talking about stewardship. It sat on the table while we discussed the needs of the Bethlehem community and our challenges and responsibilities in this place. What could a three-legged stool possibly mean to you in your tithing to Bethlehem?

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth...

Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18. 

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from You. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at Your request. Amen.

Three-legged Stool Part Two of Six

 

Recently we typed "three legged stool" into an internet search engine. You can imagine that we found stools of all sizes and shapes made out of a myriad of materials with a wide price range. What we didn't necessarily expect was the number of corporate references to this seemingly insignificant household item. From retirement plans to systems analysis to website design to McDonalds, folks are sharing a three-legged stool analogy in their work and life. We even found a young student asking the mathematical question why three legs are better than two or four (the answer isn't as technical as you might think!). And this was just on the first page of results from our search.

This lesson can be applied to our tithing. In our church-at Bethlehem-we have the opportunity to give a weekly offering. We have the challenge to give to an occasional capital campaign, like Share the Spirit. And we have the privilege to leave a legacy by giving to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation.

If you have any questions about the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation, please contact a board member: Bill Fredell, Paul Hauge, Kathleen Hokemeir-Seim, Roy LaFayette, Naomi Staruch, Paul Steen, Dorothea Tenney or Pastor Chris Nelson.

You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth... Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from you. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at your request.  Amen.

Three-Legged Stool Part Three of Six

In our church - at Bethlehem - we have the opportunity to give a weekly offering. We have the challenge to give to an occasional capital campaign, like Share the Spirit. And we have the privilege to leave a legacy by giving to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation. Three-legged giving. Wow!

Do you know about the third leg we mention here? The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation was started in 1957 by some very forward thinking gentlemen. Today the assets exceed $1.5 million. The principal of the fund is invested and never spent. This will ensure this fund living into perpetuity ... forever!

The income has generally been about $50,000 for the past several years. Records indicate that since the first grant was made in 1963 through July 2006, $984,654 has been given to the glory of God for the following purposes: Bethlehem programmatic needs 20%; for BLC Staff enrichment 11%; for Bethlehem building and equipment needs 39%; for the tuition of seminary students 6%; and for general outreach to the community and the world 24%. [note:The total grants likely topped $1 million at the October meeting which was held after publication date.]

If you have any questions about the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation, please contact a board member: Bill Fredell, Paul Hauge, Kathleen Hokemeir-Seim, Roy LaFayette, Naomi Staruch, Paul Steen, Dorothea Tenney or Pastor Chris Nelson.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth... Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18.

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from You. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at Your request. Amen.

Three--Legged Stool Part Four of Six

In our church - at Bethlehem - we have the opportunity to give a weekly offering. We have the challenge to give to an occasional capital campaign, like Share the Spirit. And we have the privilege to leave a legacy by giving to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Foundation. Three-legged giving! WOW.

While the annual church budget and the Share the Spirit Campaign have been quite successful, recent gifts to the Bethlehem Foundation have been few. That means that there has been very slow growth in the financial base of the Foundation. Without a growing base of gifts, the Foundation will become stalled in its ability to grant income to church programs, seminarians and to outreach ministries connected to Bethlehem. Therefore, the Foundation's Board of Directors has begun an awareness-building campaign to explain to the Bethlehem community the value of giving to the Bethlehem Foundation. This six-part series is part of that effort.

Did you know that a memorial or commemorative gift to the Foundation can be made by anyone? You or a family member may give right now. We often receive memorials when someone dies. These contributions are very helpful to the Foundation and also very thoughtful to the family of the deceased. Consider honoring the special people in your life with a gift to the Foundation at births, baptisms, confirmations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays (or be creative). This is truly a gift that lasts forever.

What might seem small to you at the time will allow the fund to grow and prosper when added to the gifts of others. All you need to do is make your check payable to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation and get it to the office clearly marked for the Foundation. There are designated envelopes available at the church office. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization in the State of Minnesota and your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. There is no special membership required to make a contribution to the Bethlehem Foundation.

If you have any questions about the Foundation, please contact a board member: Bill Fredell, Paul Hauge, Kathleen Hokemeir-Seim, Roy LaFayette, Naomi Staruch, Paul Steen, Dorothea Tenney or Pastor Chris Nelson. Or you may contact Jean Westberg in the church office at 312.314.3402.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth... Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18.

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from You. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at your request. Amen.

Three Legged Stool--Part Five of Six

In our church - at Bethlehem - we have the opportunity to give a weekly offering. We have the challenge to give to an occasional capital campaign, like Share the Spirit. And we have the privilege to leave a legacy by giving to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation. Three-legged giving! WOW.

The Bethlehem Foundation was begun in 1957...2007 is the 50th Anniversary year! Please join us for a festive celebration on Sunday, January 14, 2007 to hear stories regarding the organization. There will be displays to peruse with information about the history and the future of the Bethlehem Foundation, Foundation Board members will be available to answer questions, there will be coffee and treats sponsored by the Foundation and we will praise God for the first 50 years by lifting up the Bethlehem Foundation in the worship services on that day. Please pay special attention to more events throughout the year.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Bethlehem Foundation, all you need to do is make your check payable to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation and get it to the office clearly marked for the Foundation. You may also participate in the Bethlehem Foundation by making a designation in your will or trust, by gifting real estate or other assets, and/or making the Bethlehem Foundation a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. There is no membership required to make a contribution to the Bethlehem Foundation. If you need assistance or would simply like to talk to someone more about these options, please send an email to bridgebuilders@bethlehem-church.org  or call Jean Westberg in the Bethlehem office or ask to leave a message for a Bethlehem Foundation director. Someone will get back to you to answer your questions or connect you with appropriate people to help you with your planning.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth... Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18.

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from You. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at Your request. Amen.

Three Legged Stool--Part Six of Six

In the church-at Bethlehem-we have the opportunity to give a weekly offering. We have the challenge to give to an occasional capital campaign, like Share the Spirit. And we have the privilege to leave a legacy by giving to the Bethlehem Foundation. Any of these three "legs" of giving would be weaker without the other two.

Thank you for your commitment to the annual budget! Thank you for your pledge to the Share the Spirit three year campaign! To those who have given/do give to the Bethlehem Foundation ... thank you! Thank you for considering a gift to the Bethlehem Foundation!

While we may be on uneven, shifting ground due to life circumstances and economic conditions, in order to keep the seat of our giving stool level we must make adjustments to ensure the proper balance. God will give us the guidance as to what is appropriate.

If you have questions, please contact a board member: Bill Fredell, Paul Hauge, Kathleen Hokemeir-Seim, Roy LaFayette, Naomi Staruch, Paul Steen, Dorothea Tenney or Pastor Chris Nelson.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth... Deuteronomy 8:17 & 18

I pray that I will never lose sight of this truth, Lord. All I have comes from You. Help me to hold all I have very lightly and may I always be ready to pass it along at Your request. Amen.