Message from Pastor Korte Regarding the Process for Revitalizing Bethlehem

Transcription

1 T h e B e t h l e h e m C o n n e c t i o n Bethlehem Lutheran Church May 2015 Volume 39, Issue 5 Message from Pastor Korte Regarding the Process for Revitalizing Bethlehem Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Many of you had the opportunity to participate in our church consultant s visit from the Transforming Churches Network during the weekend of April During their consultation the consultants objectively looked at Bethlehem s current mission and ministry. They interviewed many lay leaders, the teaching staff, the church staff, the office staff, and conducted focus groups of school parents and church members. On Saturday, they conducted a six hour workshop for the Parish Leadership council, Board of Elders, the church and school staff. On Sunday, in a joyful combined worship service, we heard about Famous Last Words, especially those of Jesus. We were encouraged to boldly proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all people in His name. On Sunday afternoon, over 130 of Bethlehem s members joined together to hear the report and prescriptions that the Transforming Churches Network consultants had for Bethlehem. We learned about natural life cycles of congregations and how a clear vision targeting and focusing on renewed outreach can transform a congregation. The consultant s report included strengths of Bethlehem which can be leveraged for more outwardly focused outreach. Also included were some concerns about Bethlehem that are impeding effective outreach. But the highlight of their report were their prescriptions, or next steps, for Bethlehem to begin a new life cycle. The prescriptions focused on five areas: spiritual preparation; vision; relationships; ministries; and structure. Each of these areas has detailed steps for the entire congregation of Bethlehem to embrace. The church consultant report is included in this issue of the Connection. It is also available for you in the narthex and church office on yellow paper. We highly encourage you to pick up a copy; read it with mission eyes; ask questions; discuss it among fellow Bethlehem members (remember our consultants said it is okay to gossip about this report) and - most importantly - prayerfully consider its prescriptions. On Sunday, May 17, at 9:30 am (for those who normally attend 8 & 10:45 worship) and at 10:45 am (for those that normally attend 9:30 worship) an open forum, discussion, question, and answer meeting will be held. If you did not have a chance to be present for the Town Hall meeting or if you have any questions or concerns, this will be an excellent chance for you to get your questions answered. For us to move forward every member of Bethlehem needs to ask our Lord how He wants to use them in this process. At our Annual Meeting, on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30 pm, Bethlehem must vote to accept or reject the 1

2 prescriptions proposed by the Transforming Churches Network. It must be accepted in its entirety by a 2/3 majority. The prescriptions are not just for the pastors, teachers, and lay leaders of Bethlehem to accomplish but for every member of Bethlehem. Each one of us must be involved and take ownership. It is essential that each of us identify those action steps that God is calling us to accomplish. As pastor it is my heartfelt prayer that God will use this report to motivate the members of Bethlehem to do great things for God and our Saginaw community. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. May our gracious God continue to bless Bethlehem with the transformation of the Gospel to bring more people into a closer relationship with Him, so that they may know Him as their Lord and Savior. I am In His Service, Pastor Korte April 16-19, 2015, Introduction: It has been a privilege to work with the pastors, leaders and congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Everyone has been helpful and provided us with all the information that was required for us to conduct this consultation. Our prayer is that God will use this report to motivate the congregation to do great things for God in this community. Strengths - These can be leveraged to become more outwardly focused 1. Energy & Resources: Bethlehem has a long history and presence in Saginaw. During this time, the church has been successful in serving the spiritual and personal needs of people across a number of generations. At this point in the congregation s history, there are still considerable resources and energy to reach a variety of population segments in the current community. 2. Proactivity: While Bethlehem appears to be a healthy congregation, according to conventional standards, the leaders and many people recognize that the church will inevitably Church Consultation Report 2 decline if there is not a compelling ministry vision for the future. This proactivity has led to the engagement of outside help to assist with determining and implementing that vision. 3. Poised for Making New Relationships in the Community: Bethlehem has begun holding a variety of special events designed to attract people to their campus, like Trunk or Treat, Boars Head, and Easter Egg Hunts. These are the kinds of events and activities, which help members meet new people in the community. 4. Church Ministries: There are many activities in which the members of Bethlehem may participate, helping to foster stronger faith and discipleship among them. Especially helpful in preparing for an outwardly focused strategy are choices of style in worship, Small Group Bible Studies, C2C, and Youth Ministry. These groups can become the seedbeds for serviceoriented and relationally based ministry to the community, showing Jesus love in a tangible way. 5. Facilities & School: Bethlehem has an attractive and well-kept facility, which is flexible enough to house a wide variety of programs

3 and services to benefit the community as well as the congregation. Bethlehem s School, which has a long history of quality Christian education in the Saginaw area, can serve as a significant agency for reaching new people with the Gospel. Bethlehem Church has always valued the school as its most important asset and continues to generously support its ministry to current and future generations of families in the community. Concerns - Factors which are impeding effective outreach. 1. Declining Life Cycle: From the TCN surveys and from conversations with members, it is clear that the current life cycle of Bethlehem Lutheran Church has begun to decline. While this is a great concern to leaders and members alike, there is not a clear understanding of how to address it. While there are many specific issues, which cause concern, the larger question of establishing ministry based on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) is an essential spiritual concern, which needs to become the priority of the church. 2. Lack of a Clear & Compelling Vision: While the people of Bethlehem have a desire to extend their Gospel ministry into the community, they do not have a specific picture of what this ministry should look like. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). This lack of a clear, compelling and unified vision is preventing the congregation from reaching its potential in fulfilling the Great Commission. 3. Difficulty in Building Relationships with Unreached People: While the outreach events hosted by Bethlehem have attracted many people from the community to the church campus, the members of Bethlehem have, for the most part, been unable to take advantage of these opportunities to form new relationships. Also, it is not evident that the church has provided a great deal of training to equip, encourage and empower its members in building such relationships with people who do not yet know the love of Jesus. 4. Ministries in Crisis: Some of the most visible ministries at Bethlehem are at a crossroads. a. School enrollment has declined, and the church is facing an increasing challenge to continue to supply the considerable resources which it has historically given to support the school ministry. b. Financial stewardship seems to be reactive, rather than proactive and in line with good biblical principles. c. The service times and style of worship are a current source of anxiety in the congregation; yet a larger concern is the conflicting attitudes underlying this issue. 5. Ineffective Structure: With a missional vision in place, the current structure of Bethlehem will not be adequate to carry out and support this new vision. Moreover, the current structure, with its many boards and positions, will compete for the time, energy, and resources of the people implementing the new vision. There are further concerns about clear lines of accountability and the decision-making process. Prescriptions - Next steps. 1. Spiritual Preparation: Because starting a new life cycle is a spiritual exercise, it is important that the members pray like they have never prayed before, especially for the church s ministry vision and for unchurched and lost people in the community by name. Starting immediately, the members of Bethlehem, in their public worship and private devotion will pray for a God-pleasing response to this report, and will begin praying regularly for unchurched and unsaved people that they know by first 3

4 name. Under the direction of Pastor Korte, or his designee, as many prayer groups, teams, and partners as can be established, shall regularly pray for God s direction and blessing upon this entire process. As soon as possible, the TCN 6-week Small Group series on Prayer shall be initiated in existing Bible classes or other appropriate formats, involving as many members as possible. Sunday sermons during this period will be coordinated with the topics of that series. 2. Vision: Under the leadership of the Senior Pastor and Executive Director, Bethlehem Lutheran Church will engage in a comprehensive Visioning Process, using guidelines provided by TCN. This process will include, but not be limited to, interviews and surveys with people and leaders in the community, prayer walking in targeted areas, and an interpretation of the area demographics. Finally, a Visioning Day, led by TCN will be conducted and an outwardly focused Vision Statement will be drafted. The congregation will be given the opportunity to critique and edit this document, prior to its final acceptance. This process will be completed no later than November 15, The new vision will then be the guiding beacon for all other prescriptions, as well as all existing ministries. After the adoption of the Vision Statement, a Mission Audit will be conducted of all existing ministries and staff positions, so that they are in alignment with the new vision. 3. Relationships: In order to better understand the mission targets of the vision and prepare for engaging unchurched people, the congregation will launch the TCN 6-week Small Group series on Motivation for Mission, along with an accompanying sermon series, as part of its customary Fall Small Group experience. For the Winter Small Group Experience, the 4 congregation will use TCN s 6-week series, Natural Evangelism. 4. Ministries: The following will be initiated as soon as possible after the acceptance of this report. a. A task force will be formed by the Principal and the Chairman of the School Board to undertake a marketing survey of the community, in order to better understand how to put the school in a better position to attract new students. Also, the marketing program at Bethlehem will make the need for new students in the school its highest priority. b. The Stewardship Board at Bethlehem will select a biblically based Stewardship Program to implement in the congregation, by November 30, c. The TCN Consultation team strongly recommends that the congregation be surveyed and otherwise engaged in a discussion of options for its Sunday worship schedule. Upon completion of this process, a prayerful decision, as to whether or not to alter the schedule, will be made. During this time, through sermons, teaching opportunities and pastoral practice, the people of the congregation will be urged to be flexible and to consider the greater good of the congregation above their own personal preferences. d. The pastors of the congregation will meet regularly and work closely with the worship staff in developing well-coordinated worship services, with an eye to the highest quality, inspiration, and relevance possible. This will include prayerful discussion of topics, themes, and practices that would be most helpful for the spiritual growth of the congregation. 5. Structure: The following will be initiated as soon as possible after the acceptance of this report.

5 a. The Senior Pastor will begin to schedule regular meetings of all the staff, under his supervision, both paid and volunteer. These meetings will be designed to coordinate the activities of the various ministry areas managed by the staff. Once the new vision is in place, all activities of the staff shall be aligned with that vision and evaluated on the basis of how they contribute to its implementation. b. The Executive Director will devise a process designed to set goals and evaluate each member of the staff. Job descriptions will be developed or updated where necessary. c. The Parish Leadership Council and the Board of Elders will begin a study of the book, Structuring Your Church for Mission, by Les Stroh and Kurt Bickel. Upon completion of this study, we strongly recommend that the congregation host TCN s Hinge Event on Structure. This event will feature the principles of accountable leadership upon which a congregation may design a new model of governance. The congregation will vote on accepting or rejecting this report at the Annual Voters Meeting. If the report is accepted, TCN commits to walk along side Bethlehem Lutheran Church for a minimum of two years to help with the implementation of this report. This agreement includes the provision of a ministry coach who will meet monthly via distance communication with the Senior Pastor. Coaching will take place for a minimum of one year and may continue at the discretion of the church. Conclusion: We want to thank you for the opportunity to consult with you. We believe your best days as a congregation are ahead of you. Dr. Terry Tieman & Rev. David Born Spiritual Preparation for Reaching Saginaw May 10 June 21, 2015 The first prescription proposed by the Transforming Churches Network is Spiritual Preparation. Because starting a new life cycle is a spiritual exercise, it is important that all the members of Bethlehem pray like they have never prayed before, especially for the church s ministry vision and for unchurched and lost people in the Saginaw community by name. Because we feel that this spiritual preparation is essential for Bethlehem as we consider our vision and outreach to unchurched and unsaved, we will begin a Small Group Bible Study for our whole congregation immediately. Many Christians want to have an impact in their communities. They desire to reach people with God s love. They need to know how prayer can get them started. The prayers of God s people matter. They matter to God and to those who offer them. In addition, the prayers of God s people open doors to reach a community, like Saginaw. This small Group Bible Study consists of six studies based on the Lord s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. They will equip you to deepen your prayer life and in developing ways to pray for your community. We will discover common things that often block our prayers and ways to overcome them. We will investigate stimulating and creative ways to take your prayer from a mundane obligation to enjoyable communication with your Father. By God s grace we will find new ways to reach the Saginaw community with His love. THEMES May 10 May 16: Connecting with Our Father: Our Father Who Art in Heaven 5

6 May 17 May 23: God s Character Calls for Our Worship: Hallowed Be Thy Name May 24 May 30: Praying that God Will Bring His Kingdom into Our World: Thy Kingdom Come May 31 June 6: We Pray Trusting that God will Provide our Needs: Give Us this Day our Daily Bread June 7 June 13: We Confess Our Sins and God Forgives Us: Forgive Our Debts June 14 June 20: We Pray that God Delivers us from the Evil One: Deliver Us from Evil CLASS TIMES AND PLACES Sunday Mornings 9:30 am in the Lower Level led by Dr. John Brandt Sunday Mornings 10:45 am in the David Room led by Dave Odenbach Sunday Evenings 6 pm at Jan and Terry Laux s house Tuesday Mornings 8 am in the David Room led by Laurie Denno Wednesday Mornings 10 am in the David Room led by Pastor Korte Friday Mornings 6:15 at Biggby s Coffee on Bay Road led by Mike Denno Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex on May 3-10, or call the church office. VIRTUAL PRAYER WALK As written in the Prescriptions from the consultants, our spiritual preparation begins with prayer. Our call is: Every day on Facebook we are posting a prayer request. Some days we will be praying for our neighbors on a specific street in our neighborhood. Other days we will be praying for nearby schools. We also have plans to pray for those who are in medical facilities in our vicinity. Will you please join with fellow members of Bethlehem to pray like we ve never prayed before? 1. Go to facebook.com/bethlehemsaginaw and view today s posting on our timeline. 2. Spend time praying for our neighbors and for Bethlehem to work together to create a ministry vision for unchurched and lost people by name. 3. After you have prayed, please click LIKE. This action will encourage others to join us in prayer and certainly fits the criteria of praying like we ve never prayed before. INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Revitalizing Bethlehem Sunday, May 17 9:30 am and 10:45 am 6

7 Bethlehem News Men s Retreat May 16 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27: Men s Retreat Iron Sharpens Iron Saturday, May 16 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 140 Churchgrove Frankenmuth Brian Pruitt, former All- American football player for CMU and lifelong Saginaw resident, will speak on the importance of fathers and how to minister to the fatherless. He is a dynamic speaker and founder of Power of Dad Ministries. A hearty breakfast and snacks will be served. Cost is $20. Men, invitations are in the narthex for you to invite your friends. Please sign up in the narthex or call the church office at ext CONNECT WORSHIP SERVICE - (Formerly called the Family Worship Service ) On May 10 we will have another interactive worship service focusing on mothers and prayer in honor of Mother s Day. BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF BETHLEHEM, we'd like to invite you to share in our joy. Please join us for an open house celebrating Matt's graduation from Valley Lutheran on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at our house, 3456 Spicer Dr., from 4-10pm. Pastor and Cindy Korte GIFTS FOR EEK: Donations like blankets and food items for Eek need to be at the church by May 17 so we can mail them. Cash donations will be accepted until the team leaves on July 10. Thank you for supporting our trip! RECEIVED INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on Saturday, April 25, was Danny LeRoy Brenner, Jr. We pray God will keep Danny in his baptismal grace until life everlasting. SHORT-TERM HELP NEEDED to sew rugs to help BLEST raise funds at craft sales. Please contact Tim Grueber at to arrange a time that will work for you. RUMMAGE SALE DONATIONS may be dropped off in the gym on the stage during school hours or on Sundays until June 7. Please bring only items that work or are in good shape. The sale will be on June 11-13, IT HAS PLEASED ALMIGHTY GOD, in His great wisdom, to call out of this world the soul of Betty Strohpaul on Friday, April 24. Betty was given Christian burial on Tuesday, April 28, at Bethlehem Lutheran. We pray that God will comfort those who mourn her death with the hope of everlasting life. IT HAS PLEASED ALMIGHTY GOD, in His great wisdom, to call out of this world the soul of Jerry Leahy on Friday, April 24. Jerry was given Christian burial on Wednesday, April 29, at Bethlehem Lutheran. We pray that God will comfort those who mourn his death with the hope of everlasting life. REMINDER: Please pick up dishes leftover from funerals. 7

8 Bethlehem Lutheran Church Mission Plan March 2015 Bethlehem s Annual Budget began its fiscal year on July 1, The first column reflects the projected Budget for the fiscal year. The next column shows the actual receipts and/ or spending to date. The third column shows the percentage of budget received or spent. The fourth column is the annual budget for the fiscal year. July - February Projected Actual Percent Annual Budget Our Giving to the Lord Regular Envelopes (Tithes) $544,000 $505,128* 93% $721,000 Thrivent Choice (Match) $ 3,375 $2,278 68% $ 4,500 Other Gifts & Offerings $ 43,550 $ 46, % $ 56,000 Total Income $590,925 $552,906 93% $781,500 Church Mission Operating Costs Total Board Spending $82,027 $100, % $104,315 Employee compensation & benefits $200,918 $200, % $267,904 Mission Giving Bethlehem School Support $256,035 $256, % ++$341,380 Valley Lutheran High School $ 20,745 $ 20, % $ 27,665 Other Outside Missions $30,757 $ 31, % $ 40,645 Total Spending $590,483 $608, % $781,909 Net Surplus/(Deficit) (-$442) (-$55,970) -409 *Please Note: Our regular envelope giving to Bethlehem needs to average $13,865/week to meet our current projections of anticipated spending for the year. ++Please Note: All of our Bethlehem School income and operating expenses have been moved to a separate school budget. This current budget now reflects Bethlehem s biggest mission item as being our elementary school. Bethlehem congregation supports about 50% of the cost of operating our school. 8

9 Those Who Serve in Worship May Altar Guild: Ann Braun, Cris Jurmanovich, Ruth LeRoux, Jan Pringle Church Mice: Norm Sowatsky, Jean Wagner, Jim Scheyko May 3 & 4 8:00 9:30 10:45 Monday 7:00 Elders Davis Davis Keel LeClair Ushers Team 5 Team 6 Team 7 Comm. Assts. Brandt/Mike Duclos No Communion LeClair Weiss Lay Readers Darin Griffore Ian Sheinart Mark Laux Music Senior Choir Sound Matt Korte Justin Houthhoofd Jacob Wilson Acolytes Clarissa Glatz, Cade Lambert Keegan Hook, Laura Dombrowski Greeters Jim & Dianne Harris Karen Dietzel & Vicki Houthoofd Thomas & Sandra David May 10 & 11 8:00 9:30 10:45 Monday 7:00 Elders Laux Laux/Fritzler Fritzler Rodammer Ushers Team 1 Team 2 Team 8 Lay Readers Mike Weiss Gerry Freiman Gene Dombrowski Music Senior Sound Royce Houthoofd Jacob Wilson Lucas Inman Acolytes Parker Wynne, Joshua Inman Greeters Bill & Betty Baird Paul Seidel & Jan Laux Tom & Jodi Roekle Noisy Offering May 10 & 11 - His Restoration Ministry for Mothers and Children. A Door Offering will be held on Sunday, May 17, & Monday, May 18 for The Gideons International. We have the opportunity to help them distribute Bibles in our name throughout the world but especially right here in Saginaw. When you give your spare change to the noisy offering, you are helping to Change Lives Through Christ. The Board of Stewardship thanks you for giving generously to help give hope and support to HIS Restoration Ministries and The Gideons International. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR GIFTS OF LOVE! 9

10 News from Friends of Bethlehem VALLEY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will be holding a Third Sunday Open House from 2 3 p.m. on May 17 where prospective families may stop in for a guided tour and to receive more information about the many programs and activities VLHS has to offer. For more information, please call or Director of Student Recruitment, Tom Roekle ( or troekle@vlhs.com). BIG BROTHER NEEDED Patricia Helpap (from Holy Cross) is looking for a big brother for her brother, Dennis. This would be a paid position. He has Community Living Supports hours, 12 per month. This would involve taking him to Loons Baseball games, Sting Football games, Spirit Hockey games, out to eat, or special events such as a movie. Would prefer a male. For more information, please call Patricia at Thank you. A TALENT SHOW AND DINNER will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 4241 Williamson Road, Bridgeport, on Saturday, May 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. A free will offering will be collected for the Valley Lutheran High School scholarship fund. Thrivent Financial will provide supplemental funds. For more information, call the church office DEAR BETHLEHEM FRIENDS, your kind-hearted gift of $ has arrived. Thank you! I am deeply grateful for your faithful, generous support for The Salvation Army. May God bless you for your compassion. Major Thomas Bower, Divisional Commander LOOKING FOR A NEW WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR PRO-LIFE CONVICTIONS THIS SUMMER? Walk Across the Thumb just might be for you! The walk will begin in Port Sanilac on Wednesday, August 5. There will be overnight stays both Wednesday and Thursday with the walk ending in Frankenmuth on Friday, August 7. Additional information may be obtained via at WATT4LIFE2015@gmail.com or by calling DEAR FRIENDS, we recently received your gift of $ to Lutheran World Relief. Thank you. May God bless you! Warm regards, Daniel V. Speckhard, President and CEO DEAR BETHLEHEM: Each year, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan further recognizes and addresses hunger issues through the support of community partners. Your generous gift of $76 will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need restoring confidence and dignity as they help support themselves and their families. Sincerely, William E. Kerr, President DEAR FRIENDS AT BETHLEHEM: Thank you for your recent Noisy Offering gift to CrossRoads. We will use these funds to provide Christian counseling services to those individuals who are in financial need. Thank you for helping to make this ministry available to all who seek out Christian counseling at CrossRoads. Sincerely yours, Janet A. Gray, Administrative Director DEAREST BETHLEHEM: Thank you so very much for your continued support of my education! I am currently student teaching St. Peter s Lutheran in Columbus, Indiana. My 85 seventh and eighth graders are fun to teach. We have so much fun exploring literature! Sincerely, Emily A. Peters 10

11 End of Year School Dates PTL Music Extravaganza and Art Show- May 13 at 6:30 1st Grade Celebration-May 21 6:30 Track and Field-May 29 starting at 1:00 End of Year Award Ceremony 4th at 9:00 Closing Service-June 5th at 8:15 8th Grade Graduation-June 7th April 2015 Memorials Altar Guild Flower Fund In loving memory of Harold Dierich, friend of Barb Trautman, by Kathy Schrank & Bob Beardsley. Bethlehem Food Pantry In loving memory of Marlene Gotham, by Richard & Margaret Younk. In loving memory of Lawrence Johnson, by Rich & Marge Younk. In loving memory of Adele Weaver, by Rich & Marge Younk, and Louise Kleinschmidt. Bethlehem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund In loving memory of Marlene Gotham, by Edward & Shirley Frank. Boar s Head Festival In memory of Marlene Gotham, by Bethlehem Senior Choir. In loving memory of Adele Weaver, by Ron & Ruth Berlin. Braille Center In loving memory of Marlene Gotham, by Connie Dowis, Evelyn Lubben, and Elizabeth Berkobien. In loving memory of Harry Walter, by Mildred Burt. General Fund In loving memory of Judith Mleczek, by Carol Hoeppner, and Marcia Princinsky. In loving memory of Vivian Laubhan, by Carol Hoeppner, and Jane York. Marlene Gotham Memorial Fund In loving memory of Marlene Gotham, by Geraldine Hoernlein, Marian Pratt, Philip Graves, Bonnie & Paul Black, Nancy & Dale Bartlett, Eldean & Larry Gandy, and anonymous donors. Judith Mleczek Memorial Fund In loving memory of Judith (Judy) Mleczek, by her daughter Kathy Malzahn s co- workers in Clinical Improvement at Novant Health Inc. Sandra Gum, Leslie Honeycutt, Catherine Fenyves, Nancy Shami, Abby Steelhammer, Sue Smith, Myra Piott, Sandy Cox, Susie Rakyta, and Lesli Hall. Scholarship Trust Fund In loving memory of Harold Deirich, by Ed & Shirley Frank. School Family Financial Grant Fund In loving memory of Harold Dierich, by Ed & Shirley Frank. 11

12 Bethlehem Lutheran Church 808 Weiss Saginaw MI Jesus lives in the heart of Bethlehem's Vision Changing Lives through Christ Bethlehem s Mission Sharing Christ s Love and Caring for All People Worship Services Sunday Traditional Worship: 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Worship: 9:30 a.m. Monday Evening Traditional Worship: 7 p.m. Holy Communion on 1st and 3rd Sundays Children s Ministry C2C Children to Christ Christ to Children Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Christian Day School Education Opportunities Bethlehem Lutheran School 3&4 year old Pre-School through 8th Grade Volume 39, Issue 5 The Bethlehem Connection (USPS ) is a once-a-month publication of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Inc., Saginaw, Michigan. Periodical postage paid to Saginaw, MI POSTMASTER. Send address changes to Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 808 Weiss, Saginaw, MI