Bethlehem Lutheran Church

09/16/2026

Our community has always demonstrated incredible generosity, and we're deeply thankful to each person who helps us serve local families. 💙

Right now, we're experiencing a higher need for:

- Newborn diapers
- Size 1 diapers
- Size 4 diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby boy clothing (newborn–9 months)
- Rectangle Laundry Baskets

Every donation, big or small, helps us provide practical support and encouragement to parents caring for their little ones.

You can also check out our online lists
on Amazon: https://a.co/0fdAkSO2
and Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/6787e336-9664-47e2-989c-ba206b41d827

Thank you for partnering with us to meet these needs and for reminding families that they are not alone. Your kindness makes a lasting difference in the lives of babies and parents throughout our community.

08/13/2026

06/24/2026

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, having received more than 50% percent of the votes cast in the third ballot for the election of the president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), is the president-elect for the 2026–2029 triennium. It will be his sixth term in office.

May the Lord richly endue him with strength for continued service and make him a blessing to the Synod and to the church.

Read more: https://www.lcms.org/convention/national/elections

06/24/2026

All are invited to Movie Night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, featuring the documentary, The Story of Everything. Movie starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
If you like history and/or science you will like this movie with terrific graphic art and teaching which humbly concludes that everything has come into being by an intelligent designer or creative God.
If you want you can bring your own lawn chairs or any comfy chairs to enjoy the movie.

Drinks and popcorn provided.

05/14/2026

The Ascension of Our Lord
Join us for worship service this evening at 7:00pm.

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."