Rarely in life as an individual or as a group do we get a chance to let our actions clearly
reflect our beliefs. We are often bound by the constraints of society, time or
all too often money.  The scarcity ofthese chances is only surpassed by the amount of times we chose not to takethem; we have even come up with a saying to cover up our choices “do as I say
not as I do.”  That is why the work beingdone now by this congregation through the Heartside Neighborhood Collaborative Project is so important; it is our clear opportunity let our actions reflect
our beliefs.

Bethlehem Church is uniquely positioned toserve as the safe point for communication and collaboration acrossorganizations and individuals in our neighborhood.  Our mission is to help bring a voice to those in the neighborhood who do not have one, to listen to neighborhood organizations,
to help coordinate for common good and to be part of something much bigger than
ourselves with the hopeful result of improving the lives of our neighbors.

In other communities across the countryand around the world, our neighborhood and our neighbors are often treated with angst and distain. These areas and individuals are seen as barriers to
progress, a problem that needs to be moved or hidden so everyone else cancontinue to grow. But what is the cost of that growth if to achieve it we must brush aside our neighbors as a nuisance?

The Heartside neighborhood, our neighborhood, does face many challenges both
internal and external.  The Heartsideneighborhood also faces a great opportunity, the opportunity to do what is right and become a shining example of how to build a community where everyone
has a voice, where people are not moved or disregarded for the benefit of
others.  Every day through the efforts of HNCP, we move closer to that example, closer to giving individuals a voice and closer to making a long term positive change in the lives of all of our neighbors.

So as a congregation we can appreciate andcelebrate the work we are all doing as it does make a difference to those around us. Finally, keep in mind the needs of this ministry as a main pillar of
our congregation and continue to support its good work as our actions here truly do speak louder than words.

~Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council

For more information about HNCP, click here.

For most of us, I suspect that in response to being called a “radical” our knee jerk reaction would be, “I am not.” In fact, most of us work pretty darn hard to fit in, to not rock the proverbial boat. Standing out, standing up just isn’t our style. We pay our taxes, we follow social etiquette, and we wear sensible shoes.

But still, we are radicals. Every Sunday, when we proclaim “Christ is Risen,” we are lifting up a radical idea: Resurrection. We believe in second chances, that there is always hope, that there is always the possibility of restoration. Renewal, redemption, rebirth are part of our everyday language.  Every Sunday when we proclaim Christ crucified, Christ triumphant, we are leaning into the strong winds of our prevailing culture and holding fast to an alternative reality.

And this reality shapes your lives. I witness you engaging in all sorts of rebellious activity—from faithfully setting up the sanctuary for worship, to gently caring for those who cannot give back to the community because of age or illness. You courageously change systems by exposing racism and working for opportunities for all people, you pour your heart out to care for those who are vulnerable and voiceless. You give yourself, expecting nothing in return. This self-giving for the betterment of the world speaks to Resurrection, to living into an alternative vision of the Kingdom.

As we celebrate the season of Easter, you might note that you are not alone in your rebellion. Signs of the Resurrection are all around us—in the laughter we share, the smiles that are offered, the heartbreak we tend to. We can see it in forgiveness granted, prayers spoken, needs fulfilled. Watch with joy and wonder as the sun coaxes a bud to open and flower. Resurrection. Life. An empty tomb!

We too are part of this unfolding story of Resurrection. Pay attention to your soul stirring, stretching, flexing. Give yourself space to grow, weeding out those these that choke back life. Open yourself to the newness of life, the joy of possibility!

Rebirth, Renewal, Restoration. Resurrection! It’s radical, but it is what gives us life. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” Amen! Amen!

Wishing you Easter joy, now and always,

Pastor Cheryl

You can help alleviate hunger for families in our community by walking with us on May 5. Join the Bethlehem team of walkers, or sponsor one of our walkers today! Contact Pastor Cheryl or Pastor Jay for more information.

Visit Access Website

Join us for Vacation Bible School where we will learn that everything is possible with God.

Each day we’ll focus on trusting God, no matter who we are, how we feel, what people do, what happens, and where we are. We’ll have see old friends and meet new ones. We would love for your child to join us!

June 11th to 15th   .   9:30  to 11:30 a.m. Ages Preschool to 5th Grade

Please Register by May 29th. Forms are available by contacting Bethlehem, 616.456.1741, or contact Pastor Cheryl with questions or to learn more. cmolhoek@bethlehemchurchgr.org

April Art Show with Sandy Kirchinger

Opening: April 13, 6pm-10pm

Although she has college degrees in communication and theology, Sandy Kirchinger has never studied art. She started painting as therapy. Sandy explains it this way:

“I believe art is healing. As a child, my now 22 year old daughter developed a sudden, incurable and uncontrollable seizure disorder. The years of medication and brain trauma have left her unable to function above a first grade level. I have grieved, I have been angry, but now I paint. 

All of my pieces are repurposed, unique and original. I do not mass-produce anything. Each item is sanded, primed and base-coated before I apply the decorative accents. Since I enjoy lots of detail, I may spend over 25 hours on a small table or chair. You will find imperfections on my art. As long as it’s structurally sound, I leave the bumps and nicks that have naturally occurred over time.

My style is considered “Folk Art” because I am an untrained artist and my subject matter is representative of nature and everyday life.”

The Easter Story

The story of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is critical to the Christian expression of faith. In fact, it is so important that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection every Sunday during worship! In Jesus Christ’ resurrection from the dead, we are assured that God has ultimate power over death and that love triumphs over evil.  We are all excited that the “big” Resurrection Sunday, EASTER, is fast approaching. We will celebrate this most important Sunday of the church year with the addition of brass and string instruments and special music accompaniment, and of course, will celebrate Holy Communion.

Prior to the Joy of Easter Sunday though, we at Bethlehem take care to celebrate all of Jesus’ life, including his earthly life and his death.  So for the final week before Easter Sunday, called Holy Week, we have a number of special worship services that focus on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and his death itself and guide us into the
mystery of faith.  We start on the proceeding Sunday, what we call Palm/Passion Sunday, to celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and to recognize our own fickle alliance to so humble a man. On Thursday, we recall Jesus’ final meal with his closest friends and his charge to serve one another. Called Maundy Thursday, this is a rather dramatic service, complete with symbolic washing, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and “stripping” our worship space of all its symbols and decorative elements. On Good Friday, we enter into Christ’s darkest hour during this meditative worship service.  

We would love to have you join us for any/all of these times of learning and growing and celebrating the love of Jesus for all of humanity!

Please join us for Worship during Holy Week

Palm/Passion Sunday
April 1  10:30 am

Maundy Thursday
April 5  7:00 pm

Good Friday
April 6

12:00 pm Ecumenical Service at Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE, Pastor Cheryl Molhoek preaching

7:00 pm at Bethlehem

Easter Sunday
April 8  10:30 am

Easter Breakfast—Yum!
April 8  9:00 am

April 13, 2012
7PM Bethlehem Church Sanctuary

Listen to NPR Interview

Neil Jacobs is truly a master of the acoustic 12-string guitar.  With his own style of playing that the St Louis Riverfront Times describes as “mesmerizing” and the Austin Chronicle describes as “the rockin’est since early Leo Kottke”. Neil covers a full spectrum of styles and dynamics, touching on music diverse and varied as Gypsy, World, Balkan Folk, Jazz, and Fingerstyle guitar, while maintaining his own refreshing energetic style of playing.  A self-taught musician, Neil draws inspiration from his world travels and experiences.  His most recent focus includes the Gypsy music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, which is showcased in his third CD “American Gypsy“, in which he draws from his first hand knowledge of Eastern European Gypsy, Balkan and World Folk music to create his riveting compositions.

Virtual Case Manager Demonstration
Wednesday, March 14, 2:00 p.m.
Bethlehem Church
250 Commerce Ave. SW

(Indoor Parking Available – Enter off Commerce Ave)

What is Virtual Case Manager?
Virtual Case Manager (VCM) is an integrated web-based
system developed to collect, track, measure, and manage the
details about client information and their service needs. Built
on a centralized database and utilizing a common information
platform, the VCM consolidates client information and record
keeping into a uniform, confidential and collaborative system
within your agency and throughout the network.

A number of Heartside Neighborhood Agencies are moving
forward with implementation of this shared case management
database system. They have invited a representative of
Integrated Network Systems to do a presentation and Q&A on
the Virtual Case Manager System.

We are opening this demonstration to any agencies, ministries
and social service providers who would like to attend.

Please email Jay Schrimpf @
jschrimpf@bethlehemchurchgr.org if you would like to attend
the demonstration.