Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

"Live a Cross-Shaped Life"
Matthew 16:21-26

"No matter what shape your cross takes, it was hand-picked for you by your heavenly Father. You bear it under his loving care. And you know the glory waiting for you far outweighs any suffering you endure.

So, as strange a symbol as it is, wear your cross proudly, because the cross of Jesus defines your life. Amen."

(14th Sunday after Pentecost)

08/10/2026

"Take Heart: The One You Fear Is the One Who Saves You."
Matthew 14:22-23

"So, what if atrocities come knocking? Does that mean you should be afraid? Does it mean Jesus is asleep at the wheel? Does it mean he's forsaken his promise to provide? No, no, and no.

You don't need to fear; Jesus is wide awake; he's still faithful to his promises. Because neither poverty nor death separates you from his promise of eternal life.

So, "Take Heart!" Jesus is the one who saves you! And your Savior who walked on water will also get you through the winds and waves of life. Amen."

08/06/2026

BETHANY/ST. PAUL'S JOINT PICNIC
Members from Bethany and St. Paul's in Fort gathered for their annual joint picnic this past Sunday. Families were invited to take advantage of two hours of free swimming at the Fort Aquatic Center. We estimated 250 people showed up to enjoy the delicious potluck, lawn games, Bingo, and fellowship.

Sincere thanks to all who helped, set up, brought meat, brought potluck dishes, and cleaned up!

A special 'thank you' to Brett Ketterman at the Fort Aquatic Center for working with us to provide the swimming opportunity.

PICNIC PHOTOS

Tap to view!

07/28/2026

JOINT CHURCH PICNIC THIS SUNDAY! AUGUST 2ND, 5:30-8 PM

FREE SWIMMING at the Fort Pool from 4:00-6:00 PM
(Tell the pool attendant if you're from Bethany, St. Paul's, or CLCA)

OTHER ACTIVITIES
-Littles can enjoy a Craft Table, Bubble Station, & Scavenger Hunt
-Youth can enjoy Badminton & a Round of Disc Golf
-All can enjoy Corn Hole, Lawn Games & BINGO!
Prizes for Winners!
(Bring lawn chairs and lawn games if you have them)

07/13/2026

"Planted By the Word"
I Corinthians 3:5-11

"God uses our unique gifts, talents, and personalities. He uses people who are dramatically different from each other, with different gifts and interests.

Not all of us are a Paul or an Apollos. But God doesn't expect us to be. When we share the Word, God doesn't ask us to be someone or something that we're not. Instead, he asks us to trust who he is and what he does."

Pastor Wessel
July 12, 2026
7th Sunday after Pentecost

07/07/2026

"The Yoke's on You"
Matthew 11:25-30

"Jesus does want to give you rest. You can be sure of that. His invitation goes out to "all who are weary and burdened." That means everyone! Because all have sinned, and that makes everyone weary with guilt and slavery to the law. Yes, Jesus wants everyone to enjoy rest from him. Including you!"

Pastor Robert Read
6th Sunday after Pentecost

06/22/2026

"LESSONS FROM TIMOTHY'S MAIL"
2 Timothy 4:1-8

"It's important to remember that every time the church is persecuted, it does the exact opposite of what we would expect. It doesn't shrink. It grows. As we look back through the church's history, every time a human organization tried to crush Christianity, it caused it to flourish exponentially, and its heralds preached with even more boldness, and it spread.

And that shouldn't surprise us, because it's not our church. It's God's church. And he's in complete control."

Pastor Dan Wessel
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

06/01/2026

"A Beautiful Mystery"
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Holy Trinity Sunday

The Triune God is a mystery. Not to frustrate us. Not to make us feel unintelligent or small. Our God is bigger and wiser and infinitely more complex than we could ever describe or imagine.

But I think that's such a comforting thing. It's a blessing that God is more than we are.

Would you want a God who is just as smart as you? Or just as strong as you? Or a God who loves as much as you love? A God who is bigger and better and wiser than us is able to help us.

We need God just the way he is - just the way he reveals himself in Scripture.

05/29/2026

"The Spirit of Pentecost Flows To Us and Through Us"
John 7:37-39 - Pentecost Sunday

"Whoever believes in me, rivers of Living water will flow from within them."

On the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter, the disciples were gathered together, and we heard what happened that day. The sound of a rushing wind gathered the attention of those from all over in Jerusalem. A vision of fire on the heads of believers made it impossible for people not to pay attention as they began to speak in languages that all the foreign-born listeners could understand.

These disciples had experienced the life-changing, thirst-quenching truth of Jesus' love, and they couldn't help but speak about what they had seen and heard.