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Church Newsletter |
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Rev. David R. Bergman, Editor
Natalie Byrd, Publisher
Devin Jackson, Website Publisher | |
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BETHLEHEM STAR |
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A Challenge from the President |
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We surely have been blessed by the Lord since the first meeting regarding this building on September 3, 1998. Pastor Robert Pace opened that meeting with scripture from Jeremiah 29… the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people King Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The letter concludes: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” It has been 11 years, 1 month and 15 days since that first meeting on that Thursday night!
There are many to thank for their help with making this day happen…
This congregation, who has supported this project with your financial support and prayers,; to those who brought years of experience and craftsmanship to this project; To the congregational laborers, and the Laborers for Christ; those who brought food to give those laborers and vendors a “Home cooked meal”; those members who came forward and said the could volunteer next Tuesday, or I’m off on this Friday, or I can take a couple days of vacation … how can I help? ; to the members of the Building Committee, Capital Campaign, and Construction Committee; and to those who were ready for action… as Rooted in God’s Word, WE GROW!
The Lutheran Pastor and German Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”
During the 40 meetings of the Construction Committee from September 3 1998– January 23, 2003, and then during what is believed to be the longest open, active building permit ever issued by the City of Palestine, Bethlehem is now ready for the responsibility for diligent stewardship and make this a ministry tool for this city and community.
Martin Luther said “Anyone who is to find Christ, must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is, and what faith is in him, unless he knew where his believers are?”
For those who are lost, those looking, those who don’t know Jesus Christ. For our neighbors who may not know WE ARE HERE! Through outreach and evangelism opportunities, such as : Chili Friday, Parade Evangelism floats, Vacation Bible School and the Jesus O’ Lantern Party.
The apostle Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:16 to make the most of every opportunity.
Outreach and Ministry to our Risen Lord is why we ARE here!
Devin Jackson
My Special Thanks to:
Yanneth Harris & Natalie Byrd for heading up the fantastic reception after the dedication! I appreciate their willingness to step forward for such a challenge!
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Our Resident Artist |
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As you tour the new addition, you will see some paintings David Byrd has painted for our church. In the kitchen you will find “ Christ Feeds the 5000” based on the scripture John 6:14. As you proceed through to the classrooms you will find paintings depicting the “Crucifixion” and of the “Ascension of Jesus”. There are also two Luther paintings, one located in the library of Martin Luther, during his years as an Augustian Monk, and the newest painting of the “Diet of Worms” (pronounced “Deet of Vorms”), found in the new foyer, tells the story of Luther in 1521 declaring “ Here I stand! I cannot do otherwise. God help me! Amen.” Where Martin Luther made a stand for Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Scripture Alone. And finally in the Narthex you will see a painting of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
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New Directory |
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We are getting ready to publish a new directory. Please inform the church office of updates to your information. Those not listed in the current directory please fill out an information card and leave it with Natalie in the church office.
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"Get Up Off Our Laurels..." |
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That’s what Pastor Preece told us in his message Sunday. And that’s exactly what we need to do, ALL OF US! From Pastor, Elders, and Church leaders all the way to the smallest child, “get up off our laurels.” Now that our new addition is (almost) complete our task is not finished, it is just beginning! There is so much to be done. We all need to be inviting, encouraging and reaching out. We need to be about the great task our Lord has for us. Everyone needs to hear the Good News about our loving Savior. God has blessed us with a wonderful new facility, but it will not magically fill up with people. Let’s “ GET UP OFF OUR LAURELS.”
Donna Hughes
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Wednesday Bible Bunch |
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Bring some food to share for supper at 6 p.m. and join us for the fellowship and Bible study that follows at 7 p.m. The Adult class is reading through the Book of Genesis, this week looking at chapter 48. Join us as we journey through our salvation history! | |
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BLC DVD |
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Available to order…
Groundbreaking to Dedication
DVD
Available for $5.00 each
Sign up sheet in the Narthex
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The LCMS Cross |
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In the foyer of the New Addition you will find the LCMS logo Cross has been inlayed into the tile, the idea brought to life by Devin Jackson and the tile work conducted by Richard of Lightfoot Carpet One here in Palestine.
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Did You Notice?? |
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The new signs at the driveway as you leave announce, “You are now entering the mission field.” It is a reminder that, strengthened and empowered by Christ’s Word and Sacrament, we are sent out to be our Lord’s witnesses and workers.
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