Bethlehem Lutheran Church

03/16/2026

BETHLEHEM PARTICIPATES IN CIRCUIT BIBLE BOWL, ADVANCES TO DISTRICT EVENT

Fielding its first Youth Bible Bowl team in 13 years, Bethlehem participated in Sunday's Circuit Bowl at St. John's Effingham and earned the right to advance to the 27th annual Central Illinois District event on March 22 at Camp CILCA in Cantrall.

Coached by Pastor Manley, who was assisted by Ronnie Putnam, Bethlehem's team consisted of Kysson Koester, Anna Manley, John Manley, and Emily Putnam. The team gained confidence and momentum as the afternoon unfolded, answering questions concerning The Gospel According to Matthew.

Bethlehem pressed St. John's early in its opening match before Avery Bohnhoff answered seven consecutive questions to put the game on ice for the host team. Bethlehem then took St. Paul Wheeler to the wire before the latter secured a 50-40 triumph, while Faith Sullivan dominated the finale by a score of 130-20.

Under the rules of CID Bible Bowl, each circuit has the right to send two teams to the District event. Each of the four teams which competed Sunday afternoon will therefore advance to next weekend's competition, with Bethlehem representing the Altamont Circuit, St. John's Effingham and St. Paul Wheeler carrying the banner for the Effingham Circuit, and Faith Sullivan representing the Shelby Circuit.

Faith Sullivan, coached by Nicole Rincker and Kimberly Cullen, won Sunday's tournament with a 3-0 record, followed by St. Paul Wheeler (2-1), St. John's Effingham (1-2), and Bethlehem.

Pastor Mike Burdick of St. John's gave the invocation Sunday afternoon and noted that the presence of four teams representing three circuits was a significant step toward rejuvenating local and area interest in Bible Bowl.

According to the CID, Bible Bowl is open to youth from grades six through 12 from any congregation in the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Bible Bowl is to be "a friendly competition concerning our common confession of the Christian faith, so that by God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, youth will grow in their knowledge of God's Word and deepen their faith that Jesus truly is the Son of God and our Savior."

01/24/2026

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is cancelling Sunday, January 25th, morning Worship Service, Bible Class, and Sunday School due to inclement weather.

11/01/2025

10/01/2025

Trunk or Treat, October 31st, 6pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont, IL

After Trunk or treat we will be having a Lock In. This is for 7th grade-HS Seniors. We will have pizza ~8pm, followed by games, movies, indoor s'mores, etc. Schedule is tentative. All participants will have to have paperwork filled out and turned in at sign in. Parents please plan to pick your children up by 6am the following morning.

08/21/2025

Church Directory Group Photos – Following the worship service THIS Sunday, a congregational group photo will be taken. All members are kindly asked to remain after the service to participate. In addition, group photos of the Sunday School Students & Teachers, Acolytes, Ladies’ Aid/LWML, Altar Guild, Church Council, and Ushers will be taken at the front of the chancel area. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we work to update our church directory.

Sunday School Potluck Brunch – All Are Welcome! You are invited to attend our Sunday School Potluck Brunch THIS Sunday following the group photos. Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship. Students will be able to see their classrooms, proper transition from church to the parish hall, and all members can see the Sunday School and Adult Bible Class plans for the year. Best of all, we get time together as a congregation before Sunday School classes begin on Aug. 31st.

06/26/2025

Hymn Sing and Fellowship at Bethlehem What is your favorite hymn? Sunday, June 29th at Bethlehem. You get to pick the hymns for the hymn sing from the Lutheran Service Book (Hymn index pg. 1017). Hymn sing starts at 5:30 pm in the Bethlehem Church. Fellowship and pizza at 6:30 pm in Bethlehem Parish Hall. All are welcome.

06/17/2025

Come tonight to Blue Point!!

06/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AQa5WDTFT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lord willing, HTLHS will open to 9th and 10th grade students in Fall of 2027, adding the 11th and 12th grades in the subsequent two years. HTLHS will be a Christ-centered, classical school dedicated to shaping students through faith, truth, and virtue.

05/21/2025

2025 Altamont Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 26th - The Church will be entering a float and walking in the parade this year. If you wish to participate, meet at ACHS by 9:45am or join us along the parade route. Parade starts at 10:00 a.m. and the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome!

05/20/2025

The Committee for Holy Trinity Lutheran High School in Effingham County invites you to a Summer Speaker Series. Come learn how a Lutheran High School will benefit our community from the unique perspective of a supporter, a teacher/mom, a student, and a pastor. The talks are being held at LCMS churches in the area and all are welcome at the talks no matter which church is hosting. Please come!

05/01/2025

Private Confession
Thursday, May 1
6-6:30pm