Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church

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.

05/19/2026

"The Divine Cure for Anxiety"
I Peter 5:6-11
7th Sunday of Easter

When we look at the anxiety epidemic, reporters can diagnose a crisis of anxiety. They can see the symptoms, track the trends, and spot the growing issue. They can even suggest societal causes that play into changing mental health outcomes.

But if they overlook the spiritual dimension, they're missing a key detail. Yes, listen to doctors and mental health professionals. Their advice is good. But listen to God, too! He has a good finger on what we humans need, since he's the one who created us, who put us together. And he points us back to himself, and back to Jesus, as the one on whom to offload our anxieties, and with whom to unburden ourselves from our worries.

May the Holy Spirit grant us the trust, as only He can, to do so! Amen.

05/19/2026

05/11/2026

"Where Does Your Allegiance Lie?"
John 14:15-21

Jesus has the authority to demand our primary allegiance because he's the King of the universe.

But Jesus doesn't claim your allegiance so he can order you about mindlessly. He's not looking for senseless slaves who only serve him, while they get nothing in return.

Jesus has comfort for you who align yourselves with him. In fact, he blesses you first to win your allegiance.

05/04/2026

"Don't be Troubled, Believe in God"
John 14:1-6

There is religious confusion everywhere and all kinds of strange spiritual notions. In Jesus and his Word, we have truth. Death by its very nature is separation, but life means peace and unity with God.

"You know the way," Jesus said. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Are there many ways to the Father, many ways to the many rooms in heaven? "No one comes to the Father except through me."

The offer is to the whole world. There is one God and one Savior for the whole world. No one has to make up anything new. No one has to guess. No one has to have a troubled heart.

Believe in God. Believe in Jesus, who is the way.

04/29/2026

JOINT ASCENSION DAY SERVICE - Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 pm (Fellowship Meal at 5:00 pm)

Join us at Bethany on Thursday, May 14th, to commemorate the Lord’s bodily ascension into heaven that occurred 40 days after his Resurrection. This day marks the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his exaltation to the right hand of God, and the promise of the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost.

Enjoy a potluck meal in Bethany’s Fellowship Hall beforehand, starting at 5:00 pm, and a joint choir singing for the service.

(See the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall if you’d like to help with the meal.)

04/21/2026

"To Emmaus and Back"
Like 24:13-25

"In our church, on the steps leading to the balcony, is a familiar painting called "The Road to Emmaus." Whenever you see it, or whenever you hear this reading, or whenever you think of Easter, may your hearts burn within you -- filled with trust, confidence, and joy.

It's true! The Lord has risen!"

04/14/2026

"The Point of Pain"
I Peter 1:3-9

"Can I see where the good comes in, while I'm in the middle of pain? Can I discern how the Lord's going to work out his plan while I'm still up close?. No, I can't.

If you look at one puzzle piece up close, you won't see how it fits into the whole puzzle. But isn't it true that, when you look back on things, you're thankful that the Lord had a plan to get you through it?

Aren't you glad that God's a whole lot wiser than you, because his plan was much better than anything you could have laid out?"

Pastor Read
2nd Sunday of Easter

04/07/2026

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPEN FORUM
On Sunday, Apr. 12, at 6:00 pm, at Bethany, join us for an open forum as we gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ to thoughtfully discuss, prayerfully review, and consider the future of Christian education in Fort Atkinson. This will be an opportunity to receive a CLCA update, explore ideas, ask questions, and ponder how we can continue to support and strengthen Christ-centered education for the next generation. All are encouraged to attend and be part of the conversation.