Volunteers are an important part of our Bethlehem community.  I cannot express enough how much they are appreciated.  Up to now we see them all around the church, not only on Sundays but every day of the week.  You may have seen them maintaining the grounds, making quilts, knitting prayer shawls, working in the office, counting the offering, attending committee meetings, providing coffee and cookies at services, setting up Communion, greeting our members and visitors, running the PowerPoint for the service, ringing the bell, preparing the worship folders, assisting minsters and lectors at every service, singing in the choir, or playing hand bells or steel pans.  Bethlehem Lutheran Church is not just a building, it is the people.   With the current situation, we are without our “building” but Bethlehem still exists.   Bethlehem is thriving.   All of us can be volunteers.    For now we will not be doing the jobs listed above but everyone can volunteer to keep in touch with other members by telephone or if possible, volunteering to do errands for those who are not able to leave their home.   Do what you can.  I know it will be appreciated.

I have read that the hymn, Now, Thank We All Our God, was written by a Lutheran minister in Germany during a devastating plague in the 1600s.  The second verse speaks well about what happened then and is happening now.  God is with us now and forever.   

“Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, 
with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us,
 and keep us all in grace, and guide us when perplexed,
 and free us from all harm in this world and the next.”

I will close with a “National Distress” prayer from our Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pg. 76.  

“Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world your love is steadfast and your strength never fails.  In this time of danger and trouble, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense.  Guide the leaders of our nation with your wisdom, comfort those in distress, and grant us courage and hope to face the future; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.”

-Barbara Oster