Bethel Lutheran Church

09/07/2026

BOOK SALE CHAPTER 4: Due to the success of our last three book sales, the church will be hosting another book sale (“Chapter 4”) on October 24-25. At this time we are asking for book donations. Most needed are novels and paperbacks. We have plenty of religious and self-help books already, but you can still donate them. Sign-up sheets for setting up and working at the book sale will be in the lobby at a later date.

09/07/2026

Siblings of Bethel,

This week’s gospel lesson, Matthew 18:15-20, ends with a very familiar statement from Jesus, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (v. 20). This is a powerful promise from God…but also, I would argue, a very challenging one.
I often tease that “wherever 2 or 3 are gathered, politics happen.” To better describe this, I remember a great friend talking about getting married and having children (this happened when we were in college). He expressed that he wanted either 2, 4, 6, or 8 children. I asked if he was planning on living in a shoe…for why on earth did he want such a big family? He stated that with even numbered children, there would be less likely one child left out or in opposition. (I am not sure of the truth to that wisdom, but I do know that he had 4 kids J)
The real challenge I have with the “gathering” statement of Jesus…is how do we know that the gathered group is gathered in Jesus’ name? What sets aside a group that is gathered in Jesus’ name? Would groups that judge others be gathered in Jesus’s name? Would groups that attack others be gathered in Jesus’s name? Would groups that help or love others be gathered in Jesus’s name?
Let’s talk more! See you in church!
Pastor Jamey

09/03/2026

Always :)

09/03/2026

Thanks Be To GOD!

08/29/2026

BETHEL ANNUAL PICNIC
It’s time again fore Bethel’s Annual potluck picnic!. On
Sunday, September 13, there will be one service at 10:00 am with a potluck picnic following outside and in the gym.

The Member Care Board will provide fried chicken, gluten-free chicken, and beverages. If you can, please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the foyer on August 30th so we can get an idea of how much chicken to order. Hope to see you there for a great time and great food!

STARTING AUGUST 30th RAFFLE TICKETS for the Bethel Picnic's baskets will be available each Sunday after each church service in the foyer, leading up to the final selling frenzy during the picnic on September 13th. See Rachel Balon for details or purchase.

08/29/2026

Siblings of Bethel,

In this week’s gospel lesson, Matthew 16:21-28, we have Jesus telling the disciples (again) that he must “undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Matt 16:21b). It is at this point that Peter (remember just a few verses ago Peter had called Jesus the Messiah), wants to avoid it all. Jesus calls him Satan (the Tempter) and orders him to follow him…not direct him.
Now…before we get all “high and mighty” on Peter’s response…perhaps we would do well to recognize why Peter responds this way. Because he truly believes that Jesus is the Son of God, Peter does not want him killed. In fact, Peter’s fear of Jesus’ safety causes him to forget his station and rebuke him. My question for us today is this: Do we believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah enough to get upset when he faces suffering? Do we believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah enough to speak up when Jesus’ way is threatened?
It is truly a confusing thing…to follow Jesus and not desire to lead him in our desired direction. It is truly a challenging thing…with all the noise of our world…to even know the direction that Jesus is calling us. Well…perhaps it isn’t hard to know Jesus’ direction, because he constantly tells us in the words he speaks, the actions he does, the people that he lifts up.
“Love your neighbor/enemies.” “Whenever you do it to the least of these…you do it to me.” “Go, your faith has made you well.” Touching the sick and curing. Challenging the religious and political elite to include the outsiders. Eating and drinking with sinners and tax collectors. Lifting the cause and worth of women, foreigners, sickly, injured…all people.
Have we been following? Have we been scared of Jesus’ call to stand up for truth and against power? Have we managed to alter Jesus’ path from the cross to our glory?
Let’s talk in church!
Pastor Jamey

08/24/2026

Thanks to all who participated in “Junk in Your Trunk” on August 15. There were ten participating sellers, plus a Bethel table where free Bibles were offered as well as information on our Sunday services. In addition, several Bethel family members and friends stopped by in support. While traffic was a bit slower than last year, it was a good day to engage with our surrounding community!

08/24/2026

Watch our worship services anytime, anywhere. Join the Bethel community online and stay connected in faith - wherever life takes you. No matter the distance, His love draws us near.

Bethel's August 23, 2026, 10:30am, Sunday Service

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/24/2026

>>>NOTICE DATE CHANGE

08/24/2026

PRAYER SHAWLS NEEDED!

Our huge supply of prayer shawls has dwindled and, again, we are in need of more! These shawls provide comfort and warmth and are a great ministry for our church. If you have the time and desire to make a prayer shawl or 2, we would greatly appreciate it! If you need yarn, we have a supply here at Bethel. Any questions, please contact Diane Grignano at 586-775-6328 or the church office.