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"After moving to Massachusetts, I joined the local Congregational Church, and stayed several years. Issues, conflicts and general attitude of the members gave me the push to search for a true worship experience."
"Coming to Bethlehem was like coming home, with warm and friendly people who genuinely care about each other, are ready to comfort and help those in need."
"We worship, work and laugh together. We are small but mighty in our purpose."
- Beth St.C.
"Bethlehem is a wonderful community! When you first come here, most people notice that we're a welcoming community (I did - that's one of the first things I noticed!). The next thing that people tend to notice is that the Word is not just preached, it is acted upon. The community cares actively about its members, and about the larger world around us. We are all responsible to carry out God's work, each by using our unique and distinct talents. By doing that work, we learn about other wonderful people, about God's grace in our lives, and the people we serve, and sometimes, we find out that we have new talents that we need to tap into."
- Beth W.
"How do I describe BLC? Do you want support in good times and bad? Laughter and tears, high fives and hugs? Come to BLC, you will experience them all. We're family, we're home, once you've been here, you'll never want to leave!!!!"
- Ginger P.
"Bethlehem has touched our family in many ways. Walking into church is like going to a backyard barbecue every week! Warm, welcoming and fun! The community unconditionally welcomes everyone with respect and appreciation, especially children. Our kids even get sad if we are not able to attend! Pastor Fred consistently delivers meaningful sermons linking Gospel to everyday life. He shows us how to go into the world and do God's work. Bethlehem continually surpasses our expectations and enriches our lives in every way."
- Jen H.
"BLC is a church that makes you feel welcome, no matter what the circumstance. I was 13 years old when I took part in the first church service BLC ever had. I was confirmed and married in this church, my Dad's funeral was here, and I have recently baptised my own child here. I am proud to say I am a member of BLC."
- Heidi M.
(It should be noted that Cory and Heidi Moody were the first couple to be married in the new church building).
"What Bethlehem means to me…
It is being part of a loving and caring community who not only care for each other but also for those outside our doors. The people of Bethlehem practice their faith by reaching out in Christ’s name to those in need in our neighborhoods and beyond."
- Carol D.
"Being a member of Bethlehem is like listening to great music! It is energizing to worship in harmony with those around you, in an active community with a caring spirit and a sense of humor. During my work week, I look forward to the time spent at choir rehearsals, and the positive and reflective nature of the Sunday sermons. I feel I've found home when we come together to share a meal in our social hall. We are truly a family."
- Laura E.
"We walked into the Narthex, and there were so many friendly faces welcoming us. We quickly learned their names and shared stories with each of them. Partners at BLC care about you and help you, not only by their words, they WALK the TALK! BLC does so many different missions for the community and for each other. When you are a partner at BLC you really feel you are a 'Child of God.' To quote a GREAT Pastor."
- Wayne and Sally H.
"Bethlehem….. I LOVE this congregation – and I’ve learned so much from them… I’ve learned that sticking around a community long enough to let them touch you is the real meaning of “community” - getting to know their lives a little deeper than the smiling face on Sunday morning is what IT is all about. It is only then that you discover what you have to give. When someone shares that their mother is dying of cancer, a whole world opens up. You realize the universality of the human experience, and start to treat people differently – more compassionately."
"There was an email prayer going around awhile back – it said 'Lord, help us to remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single father who worked nine hours that day, and is rushing to pick up at daycare, cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry, a spend a few precious moments with his children.'"
"THAT'S the shift my life has taken in the last five years. I 'get' more, and I 'give' more. And I love more."
"And, my teenager has NEVER said to me: 'Do I have to go to church?'"
- Anne J.
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