Bethlehem Lutheran Church

I attended three separate meetings last week that reminded me of the biblical significance of the number forty. Every time forty days or forty years is mentioned in the Bible, it is evidence of

a new development in God's saving activity in the world where God called his people to do a new thing. After forty days of the flood, there was a new creation. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites entered into a new land. After Moses was on the mountain with God for forty days, the new law was given. After Elijah fasted for forty days and nights, he could hear the voice of God in sheer silence. And after forty days in the wilderness, Jesus began his public ministry. There are many more examples from the Bible that highlight how this period of time is followed by God's new creation and renewed presence in history. The church calendar follows the precedence of this divine rhythm as well. We observe forty days in Lent before Easter and then forty days after the resurrection before Jesus ascends to heaven.

At Bethlehem, during Lent of 2005, we dedicated 40 Days to explore our purpose and examined the question: "What on earth am I here for?" This fall (September 16 to October 28) we will take 40 Days to explore the question that naturally follows when we understand that God did not intend for us to be alone: "What on earth are we here for?" This 40 Day campaign entitled Better Together: 40 Days of Community will enable us to deepen the community within Bethlehem and reach out in mission to the community around us. The church is God's plan for fulfilling the Great Commandment (Love God and neighbor) and the Great Commission (Go and make disciples....). We accomplish both by being the arms, legs and body of Christ in the larger community through experiencing Jesus in community with others.

There are four ways to participate in the divine rhythm of 40 Days this fall:

• Individual participation-daily devotion books will be available for study and journaling.
• Small group participation-The pastors will be preparing a DVD for small groups to use as part of their weekly discussions.
• Attend Sunday worship services which will focus on the themes highlighted each week in the small group discussions.
• Participate in mission projects throughout the city.

We will partner with several mission partners to create opportunities for all of the small groups. The purpose of the mission projects is to develop relationships with others in the Bethlehem community while also meeting an area of need in the larger community. This highlights the realization that we are Better Together when we are a community; we are Better Together when we are a united city; and we are Better Together when we are the hands and body of Christ in the world reaching out and loving one another.

God's saving activity did not only realize itself in biblical times-it is alive and at work today. And in the waters of baptism, God continues to call us to new things-to "let our light so shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify God in Heaven." We are called to be the Body of Christ in our fragmented and disconnected world. How can you help with this significant 40 Days of Community focus? Pray for the 40 Days team leaders; and sign up to host a small group. If you are interested in facilitating a new or existing small group, please contact Wendy Osman or me in the church office.

I look forward to the new growth we will experience this fall and I anticipate the new thing that God will bring about during this time.                      

Peace,  Pastor Beth