Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Middleville Township

08/29/2026

It pleased the Lord to receive Karla (Goerke) Walberg into the gates of Paradise. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo along with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Karla's funeral will be here at Bethlehem on Monday, August 31, at 11 a.m. with a visitation an hour before the service. We take comfort in Christ who has overcome death and the grave.

Karla (Goerke) Walberg by Tami Peterson Chapel | Aug 28, 2026 | Obituaries | 2 comments Print This Pageof Maple Lake, MN December 4, 1967 – August 27, 2026 Karla Kay Walberg, age 58, of Maple Lake passed away on Thursday, August 27th, 2026 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. She was bo...

07/07/2026

We invite you to memorize John 5:39 with us this week.

Memorizing Scripture is a valuable practice for Christians, even in a digital age. Join us each week as we hide God's Word in our hearts.

Learn more at lcms.org/memoryverse.

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

06/22/2026

On this Father’s Day, we give thanks to God for the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and faithful men who serve as examples of Christ’s love in our homes, church, and community.

We recognize the many ways fathers reflect God’s care through their leadership, sacrifice, encouragement, and steadfast faith. Their influence reaches far beyond today, helping to shape future generations in the truth of God’s Word.

We also remember those who find this day difficult, those missing their fathers, longing to be fathers, or carrying burdens known only to God. May the Lord surround you with His comfort and peace.

As a church family, we thank God for the gift of faithful fathers and pray His continued blessings upon them.

📖 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4

Happy Father’s Day from your Bethlehem Lutheran Church family. May God strengthen you in your vocation and bless your walk of faith.

06/13/2026

This week, you are invited to pray for the Synod presidential election, especially for the electors, who are preparing for the second round of voting.

In place of a collect, consider praying and meditating on the following verses:

The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:8–9)

06/12/2026

Then & Now. ⛪

For 148 years, Bethlehem has stood as a place where God’s Word has been preached, His Sacraments administered, and generations of families have gathered in faith.

Within these walls, countless memories have been made from Baptisms and Confirmations, weddings and funerals, Christmas and Easter celebrations, Sunday school lessons, fellowship gatherings, quiet moments of prayer, and there was even a time where we had our very own baseball team.

Each generation has added its own chapter to the story of this congregation, making Bethlehem a rich and historic piece of family history for many generations.

As we look back with thanksgiving and ahead with anticipation for future generations to come, we’re reminded that while much has changed over the years, God’s faithfulness remains the same.

We’d love to hear from you!

What is your favorite Bethlehem memory?
📖 A special worship service?
👶 A Baptism or Confirmation?
💍 A wedding?
🎶 A favorite hymn?
🤝 A friendship or fellowship event?
❤️ A family tradition?

Share your memories, stories, and photos in the comments to preserve these treasured memories as we approach our 150th anniversary.

📖 “One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
— Psalm 145:4

06/01/2026

We give thanks to God for the 2026 graduates of our congregation. 🎓🙏

As these young men and women complete one chapter of life and prepare for the next, we rejoice in the gifts God has given them and pray for His continued guidance in the years ahead. We pray that they remain steadfast in the faith, grounded in God’s Word, and confident in His promises.

We thank God for their families, teachers, and all who have helped nurture them along the way. Most of all, we thank our gracious Lord, who has faithfully sustained them and who continues to lead them according to His good and perfect will.

📖 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

Please join us in congratulating our graduates and praying God’s blessings upon them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

🎓 High School Graduates: 🎓

Lindsay Minear- Homeschool
Kody Uecker- Maple Lake High School

🎓 College Graduates: 🎓

Emma Jost- SDSU Interior Design
Olivia Minear- MNSU Sports Management
Luke Williamson- NDSU Mechanical Engineering
Walker Lahr- U of MN Doctor
Erin Uecker- UMD Elementary/Special Education
Jolie Uecker- UMD Elementary/Special Education

05/19/2026

Membership Monday 🤍

There is something so beautiful about hearing God’s Word spoken through the faith of a child.

At Bethlehem, we pray our children grow rooted in Christ, knowing His promises, His love, and His truth for every season of life. Church membership is more than attending, it is belonging to the family of God and being nurtured by His Word and Sacraments together.

Come worship with us at Bethlehem this Sunday. ✨