Bethlehem Lutheran Church

It is hard to believe that another summer has passed us by. I hope yours was filled with times of rest, renewal and re-creation. But with the end of summer come wonderful new beginnings! Those of us with children or grandchildren, or nephews and nieces watch them head off to school. There is always a new beginning there-new classes, teachers and friends. For me, this time of year has always been one of incredible optimism and the sense of new possibilities.

That is absolutely true at Bethlehem this fall, too. Are you looking to make new friends? Or, perhaps reconnect with some people you have known for years? Are you looking to grow in your faith in deeply important ways? And are you looking for a way to make your life count; to grow in a sense that your life matters and is significant? If your answer to any one of these questions is "yes," then I look forward to participating with you in Better Together: 40 Days of Community.

Starting September 16, and continuing to the end of October, we will be aligning the entire church, from children through seniors, in a journey of faith that will make a huge difference in our lives, as we grow together in our relationships, in our church family, and in this city that we all share in one way or another! You are invited to be a part of a movement of hope-of significance-as we partner with local congregations (Richfield Lutheran and Redeemer Lutheran) and with some outstanding social service agencies (Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Plymouth Christian Youth Center and others)  to make a difference in Minneapolis, especially on the north side of town.

We are going to make new friends, we are going to learn together, and most importantly, we are going to be used by God to change our city for the better! We are going to clean up yards; we are going to mentor children in need of real friends and help with school; we are going to paint houses. All kinds of possibilities await us! We are going to share hands and hearts, and in the process see God take hold of our lives, and bring our church to a whole new level of understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus-serving and growing joyfully in His name!

There is nothing more important than this-being God's hands and feet in a city crying out for Good News. I will be looking for you at Bethlehem this fall, looking forward to worshiping, serving, reaching, connecting and growing together with you as God's people for God's glory.

Over the years, I have been in awe at the way God has used us. This fall, God is calling us to new heights. I am grateful to be able to share with you in this journey, and more thankful than ever for your partnership in the Good News!

Pastor Christopher Nelson