Message from our Pastors

Dear Bethlehem family,

We are about to journey through the holiest week of the church year. It is a powerful story that begins with the waving of palms and the shout of Hosanna. The story continues with toasts, a meal, tears and weeping, prayer and stripping the altar. We watch the candles go out one by one until there is total darkness. And then Jesus gives his last breath and the tomb of Jesus is dark and guarded. Then we light a new fire, talk about what about happened on the cross. We talk about Jesus’ promise to come again, to rise to new life. And so in the promises of Jesus we baptize a small child into the death and the resurrection of Jesus. And then all the darkness is stripped away and Life comes to each of us. The sanctuary is transformed before our very eyes as we sing the Alleluias of the Ester Life.

Come, share in the moving and powerful story of our Lord Jesus. We tell the story in 5 parts: Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday at 7pm, Good Friday at 7pm, Holy Saturday at 7pm, and on Easter Morning at 7, 9:15 and 11am.

As we enter Holy week, let us prepare our hearts and minds for worship by listening to the sounds around us: music, the voice of God, the silence of God. Worship is the act of expressing reverence to God, it is the work of the people, it is the laity (the people) praying and praising God. Everything we do in worship is to praise God, to please God, to connect with God. In the early church, as early as 300A.D. worship consisted of readings from scripture, music, drama, monologues, prayer, & dancing, all directed in acts of worship toward God. Worship is not a time of entertainment, it is a time when we direct our full attention to all that God has given us, all that God means to us, and in strengthening our relationship with him through prayer, praise and thanksgiving. As we turn our focus toward Holy Week let us giveour full attention to expressing our thankfulness for our Lord’s life, death & resurrection; for forgiveness, love and grace. As you worship, listen, God is calling you to live your life as a disciple of our Lord Jesus.

Also, this week is our “CALL TO PRAYER”. Beginning March 27th with Tuesday’s Lunch-n-Pray at 11:45 until Easter Saturday, we the Pastors and Mutual Ministry Committee call you, the faith family of Bethlehem to a time of prayer. Prayer is our connection with Jesus Christ, it is a powerful and awesome way to communication with our God.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OPEN YOURSELF TO A NEW SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE:

A prayer labyrinth will be set up in the fellowship hall. The church is open days and most evenings. The Sacred Labyrinth Walk, illuminating the INNER PATH, is the ancient practice of "Circling to the Center" by walking the labyrinth. The rediscovery of this self alignment tool to put our lives in perspective is one of the most important spiritual movements of our day. Labyrinths have been in use for over 4000 years. We extend an invitation to you to walk the labyrinth, to pray and to center yourself on Christ as we lift up the Listening Post, begin a new journey with our faith family, and as we walk again with our Lord Jesus during Holy Week.

Jim and Jean Vargo

P.S.  Come to Bethlehem and worship with us. It could be the bright spot in your week!

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