Hope Spreads Further: From Crisis to New Life

A New Tree, a New Train of Thought...

Paul Busekist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

When Meredith bought a new synthetic Christmas tree this year, I must confess: I was a little skeptical.

Bethlehem Remembers

Paul Busekist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Trail Buds

Paul Busekist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Locusts

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The End of the World?

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Surveillance System

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The Rule and Reign of God

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Unbelievable

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Blessed

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The Bowl (Our Cup) is Full

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Does your cup overflow?

Metaphors

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Jesus vs. Caesar

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The Lectionary Comic, October 18, 2020

Tend My Sheep

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

In many of my earlier messages I have talked about Psalm 23; clearly one of my favorites. It speaks to me on so many levels and provides comfort and assurance in all circumstances.

The Reign of God

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The Lectionary Comic, October 11, 2020

Who is Important?

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Over the weekend, I was talking to my mom (I feel like a lot of my blog entries start with this sentence) and the parable of The Lost Sheep came up in our conversation:

The Lord Will Provide

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I am currently reading the book of Luke and enjoying the good new of the Gospel. Throughout the Bible we read about and are reassured that God is with us and will keep us in His perfect care. Read Luke 12: 22 to 32.

Pink Moscato

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

From the Lectionary Comic October 4, 2020

Tools of His Trade

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

We all have tools. I have probably more than I really need. I have one for almost every fix-it job I have ever undertaken.

Faith in the Storm

Paul Busekist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion;

Enjoying God's Creation

Dave Peppler — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The age of covid has certainly affected us all. Fortunately for me...

For You Are With Me

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

As this pandemic drags on, now in its sixth month, we are weary of the masks and restrictions, the social distancing and the loss of fellowship. Some days we feel we are in the valley

Yesterday, Today, Forever

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

You cannot find a more reassuring statement in the Bible than God’s guidance of his children – his followers.

Be Strong in the Lord

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

My early education comprised of nine years at St John Lutheran School in New Orleans. I had wonderful teachers:My early education comprised of nine years at St John Lutheran School in New Orleans. I had wonderful teachers:

Being Content

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

When we invite God into our lives and strive to live in his presents, our minds can relax. Anxious thoughts retreat in the presence of the Lord and His Word and unconditional love. Contentment comes as we realize that He is all we need and He meets all of our needs.

Angels Among Us

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Do you feel that angels are watching over you? I do. I can feel them watching over me for so many things from finding a parking space to guiding me while I am traveling.

Thinking About Salt

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I was preparing a typical summer meal of burgers on the grill and summer sweet corn and while I was seasoning them with salt, I was reminded of the Bible verse from Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth.”

Thinking About Being a Light to the World

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I have a nightlight in my hallway. It casts a bit of light in the darkness and is particularly helpful when I am trying to navigate my way to wherever in the middle of the night. This bit of light in the darkness reminded me of the second part of

The Holy Spirit in Our Lives

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Lately, I have been reading the Gospel of John; one my personal favorites. The passage I would like to share with you today is John 7: 37-39:

37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later

(Untitled)

Carolyn Mann — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

What gives me hope in these troubling days? One example is an activity achieved by my precocious granddaughter, Lilliana. She will be nine in a couple of weeks. Lilliana captured a tiny green monarch caterpillar on June 10 and began to fully care for its needs. Abundant milkweed leaves were diligently placed in a glass terrarium. The caterpillar ate huge amounts, in comparison to its size. Several days passed and its colors became black, yellow and white. A sturdy wood stem was in the container and

Remembering

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Grieving is not about forgetting your loved one, it is about being able to remember them without the pain.

For the past couple of months I have been receiving weekly emails from Hospice of Michigan with grief affirmations. The quote above is one that I especially liked. I am writing this on Fathers Day weekend. This is the first one without my father so I have been thinking about him a lot.

My father and I had some common interests – golf, New Orleans Saints, Mardi Gras and food. Playing golf with my father was not always a lot of fun because he wanted to give me lessons while playing when I just wanted to be out on the golf course. But we played together whenever we could. This photo of

Psalm 23 - A Slight Return

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog posts on my favorite Psalm. I wanted to return to it today as I was thinking about being content. In my life, the picture of peace is when my mind is content. I watch my pups, Kona and Kailua as they nap on the floor. Kailua often sleeps on her back, legs sticking up breathing softly. Kona sleeps curled up almost cat-like. They are the picture of contentment. Jesus told us, “Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or your body, what you will...

Thinking About Psalm 23, Part 5 - Living in the Hope and Comfort

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I hope you have enjoyed the series I have written about Psalm 23. I have found the experience to be fulfilling and insightful. As I read and reread these verses, I am struck by the simplicity it offers the reader. We all look for ways to simplify our lives. There is much chaos, confusion, and events that seem to swirl around us every day. I see Psalm 23 as a very simplified version of...

A Blessing of Masks

Cindy Monroe — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Many weeks ago I felt it was my responsibility as chair for the membership committee to put out a request for extra masks. I wanted to make certain that when we joined together in person again if anyone forgot their mask at home or if there was a visitor who came without one that masks were available. I am a firm believer in Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you….” so I sent out a request to...

Seasons

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I'm so excited that summer is here! More and more, I find myself itching to step outside and enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather. I have always thought myself to be the type of person who loved the Fall and never really cared about the other seasons...but during the course of this Quarantine, I'm finding myself truly appreciative and in love with both spring and summer so far. I think that the reason for...

Thinking About Psalm 23, Part 4 - I Shall Not Want

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Welcome back. I hope you have enjoyed the last three editions of this blog as much as I have writing them. Psalm 23 is such an inspirational set of verses. I enjoy the peace and hope it brings me; every time I read it. Theses few verses sum up all our needs in life and all the abundance of God’s limitless grace. Notice how it begins with “The Lord” and ends with “forever”. God is indeed the Alpha and...

Spring Means Golf

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Spring is finally here. For me that means that it is time for golf. At the beginning of the year, I had these grandiose plans to start practicing in mid April so I would be ready for my league play in June. These past couple of summers have been difficult for me in playing golf. The summer of 2018 I played golf not knowing that...

I've Got the Music in Me - Part 3

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Singing. Did you know that the Bible contains over four hundred references to singing and fifty direct commands to sing? There are three short verses in the book of Psalms in which we are commanded to sing seven times! (Psalm 96:1-2; Psalm 47:6) God delights in hearing us sing praises to him. Personally, I can’t believe that there are people who derive zero pleasure from listening to music, but there are. It’s a real neurological condition called “Specific Musical Anhedonia” and it can be measured using...

Thinking about Psalm 23 - Part Three

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Hello, and welcome back to my blog about diving into Psalm 23. I hope you took some time to consider how this wonderful set of six verses applies to your life; not just now, but also every day and in every way. When the Lord is your shepherd, you have enough. He is enough. Enough to meet your needs, calm your nerves, clear our vision, restore your sole, ensure your future, and bless your day.

So, last week I talked about the first words, The Lord is...

I've Got the Music in Me - Part 2

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I began playing the flute in sixth grade because I thought it was the most beautiful sounding instrument ever! I also played piccolo in high school. In my final concert as a senior, I got to play the piccolo solo in John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Striped Forever.” It was possibly the hardest part I had ever played, plus my director made me stand up to play it! I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous as I was that evening.

When I was 16, I decided I wanted to learn to play the...

Thinking about Psalm 23 - Part Two

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Welcome back to my third in a series of blogs about Psalm 23. I think this a beautiful set of verses, written by King David in which he draws upon his experience as a shepherd and his relationship with God. David clearly understood the role of the shepherd and his importance to the flock. He also understood and embraced his dependence on God in a spiritual and practical way. Our word today is the fifth word in the verse and is the underpinning of the entire Psalm.

Shepherd

The word shepherd is a contraction of the two words...

Doxology

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

My mother went on a trip to Turkey, Greece and Rome with Dr Paul Maier while he filmed the study series, Odyssey of St Paul. Some of you may remember that BLC small groups used this video a few years ago. It was a very interesting visit because of Dr Maier’s wonderful knowledge of both the secular and spiritual history of the area. Especially in Turkey, Dr Maier had to be careful while he filmed his...

I've Got the Music in Me - Part 1

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Music has been a part of my life since the day I was born. My folks are both vocalists who met in The Acapella Choir at Holland High School. As far back as I can remember, my mom sang in a trio with one of my aunts and a mutual friend of theirs. They “toured” Holland, singing at many area churches. She, my dad, my sister and I have all been members of the adult church choir since we were teens. My dad was relegated to sitting with me and my siblings during church while we were young, but once we were...

Thinking about the 23rd Psalm

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

During this shutdown, stay home, stay safe period I have been thinking about Psalm 23. To me, this is an inspirational chapter in the Book of Psalms. During the next few weeks I want to share some thoughts I have about this wonderful and inspiring passage. Now, I am no Bible scholar or theologian – I leave that to Pastor Paul. I am simply giving you some of my...

Beginning, Middle, End

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Many people have given us hope throughout the past few months by telling us that the current Covid 19 situation has a beginning, a middle and an end. While we are still in the middle, each day we are getting closer to the end. Pr Paul and staff are working towards the time that we are...

(Orchids...)

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Hello Bethlehem Faithfuls!

This is a picture of the beautiful orchid that Barbara and I have in our office. How, you ask, does this picture portray hope? Look at the center, below the blossoms on the left hand stems, and you will see a new branch growing! I’ve always thought budding flowers represented one of God’s most beautiful signs of hope. We know that with proper care, those buds will, in time, turn into pretty flowers. I am certain that, with proper care, we will all be able to

Thinking about My Garden

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Even as the snow blows by my window this morning, I am thinking about my garden! I love to dig in the dirt, prepare the soil, and drop in the seeds of new vegetables. I feel a strong connection to the earth and new growth as I envision the bounty to come in the fall. This reminded me of a devotional reading I did the other day:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the..

Earth Day

Inga Nyquist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Celebrating earth day as we are apart...

A Zoom Like No Other

Pastor Paul — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I have a confession for you all...I have been zooming a lot. No, I haven't broken numerous speed limits or made multiple moving violations recently. But I've been taking part in what a lot of us have been doing: meeting others remotely...from staff meetings, to committee meetings, to a session or two with old friends.

But yesterday I was blessed to take part in a Zoom online meeting that had no...

The Joy in the "Silence"

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Usually, I'm a person constantly on the go and always talking. I don't like silence, my parents have always said that I often just talk to myself so that I can fill that silent void. Since the Stay at Home Order came into effect I have found myself alone in the silence more often that not. Trent is still considered an essential employee at the pharmacy and is also working hard with a few projects for his film company. I help when and where I can, but there are times where he needs to be left alone so he can concentrate on his editing.

Sure, I have my dogs but they don't...

Empty Stadiums, Filled...?

Pastor Paul — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Friends, there's no better American pastime in spring like baseball.

Yes, I know that is probably a matter of opinion. But there is something about the timing of spring training (usually in parallel with the full season of Lent), and then the Major League home opener - often within a few days of Easter morning. One a new beginning, another a resurrection.

They both...

"Together..."

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

#TogetherAlone is a term that I have seen a lot in the past few weeks. While I am by myself at home, I have my church family to rely on. It has been comforting to talk to you. Among other things, we talk about what we have been doing, movies we have watched, and my favorite topic – food. I have learned that our church still exists. Just because we are not in the sanctuary, Bethlehem people are thriving. Our members are active even at home by walking, gardening, cleaning and cooking. Pr Paul, Sharon, Annie and Trent, Zeke and David have produced our services through Real Church Virtual. I hope you are “attending” these services. I like having the worship sheets so I can

Thinking about Trust

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I was thinking about trust and how many times it is mentioned in the Bible. It actually appears 134 times in the Old Testament (KJV) and 13 times in the New Testament; 44 times in the Psalms. No, I looked it up on Google!

Read Psalm 9 verse 10: Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Trust is the intersection of hope and fear — we want the best but think the worst can always happen.

What comes first, to trust or to be trusted?...

He is Everywhere!

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I was lucky to go to Cornerstone University and be surrounded by professors who were open and embraced their faith in class. The professors in my theatre major were no exception. We would often start classes and shows in prayer, asking God to have our performances not only go well but also reflect our love for Him and to bless Him by using the talents He gave us to tell an amazing story--whatever that story in particular was. Nancy Wagner was one of my favorite instructors within the theatre department. I've lost touch with and don't talk to a majority of my...

"Home Church"

Cindy Monroe — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

We traveled to southwest Michigan right before the "stay home-stay safe" ruling in order to celebrate 3 birthdays with our grandchildren. On Sunday morning we knew they were hosting up to 6 others for a small Hispanic group “home church” as organized by their pastor. We took our...

An Easter Card for All!

Inga Nyquist — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

"He is risen. Alleluia!"

-Inga and Tom

Hello again!

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Hello again folks! I wish this was a current picture, but alas, it’s not. Some of the weather we’ve had lately, though, brings that old “spring is on the way” vibe, doesn’t it? Yesterday’s thunderstorm was wonderful! I’ve always enjoyed thunderstorms, especially when they happen at night so I can watch the...

(Soaring on Wings)

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

This Isaiah passage has always comforted me. I read it every time I send an email because it is my email “signature.” At this time of uncertainty, we are strong in the Lord. We are strengthened by our hope in the Lord. He is with us as we soar on wings like eagles. Because of this, we can run and not grow weary or...

Thinking about Happiness...

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Thinking about happiness – always. There are a lot of things that make us happy on a regular basis. Think about the simple little things that put a smile on your face. It could be a person, a thing, an experience, an action, a song… the list goes on and on.

An easy way to increase our overall happiness and contentment is to...

On the Level: Transformation

Pastor Paul — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Two years ago, Meredith and I found a contractor to finish our basement. Though the process turned out to be a disaster in some ways (the contractors turned out to be unreliable and disappeared...long story), it resulted - at long last - into a wonderful new space...for hosting guests, safely storing items, and providing the family with places to work and play.

And now it has another use...

3 Apostles

Tom Rockne — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I'm missing seeing Bethlehem friends as we are confined to our homes...

So I've been thinking about some of them specifically (Click "More" for halos)...

Kindness in Crisis

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I'm incredibly close to my mom and talk to her multiple times throughout the day. Even before all of this craziness happened I always call her on my way into and home from work. I called her this morning to have our daily chat and she shared with me a beautiful...

Hope for All

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

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...

Take Time for the Small Things

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

While I sit at home, I truly wish I could see you folks for worship or in the Fellowship Hall knitting, making quilts, or the work group gathering for coffee, cookies and conversation. I miss you folks – each one of you!

I stop and remember how important each one of you are to me and we are to each other. I thought about a Mac Davis song, Stop and Smell the Roses. A snippet of the lyrics go like this: ...

(Untitled)

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

I took this picture last month as I walked out of the Meijer in Acme after a shopping trip. I look at it now and ponder how I had NO idea what life would be like six weeks later! These days of lockdown and social distancing make me long for a leisurely trip through the (well stocked) aisles of that giant store. But if you had asked me then what I thought of my trip, I probably would have

"Anchor of Hope"

Carolyn Mann — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

When I was a child, my church was Hope Lutheran in Detroit. As an adult, I belonged to Hope Lutheran in Dearborn. The symbol for those congregations was the “anchor of hope,” as described in the book of Hebrews. From the time I was a young teenager, I have claimed the promise that “we have this...

Hope in Our Heroes

Annie Slabaugh — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

My husband, Trent, works as a pharmacy technician. Almost every day since things have begun to escalate, he has been braving the risk of exposure along with other healthcare workers. Whenever I see him put on his smock and watch him head out the door, I can’t help but think of the healthcare workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others.

One of the most crucial ways to demonstrate love for God is to take action and help others. That’s what these brave individuals are doing every day. It's not just healthcare workers either. People from everywhere are...

Interesting Times

Phil Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

“May you live in interesting times.” An old English expression

Life seems better during uninteresting times, times of peace and tranquility when the road ahead is smooth, flat, and well lit. We are now faced with much angst and uncertainty. These are the times when we need God most. When we trust in ourselves, our...

Hope

Sharon Weller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

When I think about “HOPE” the first thing that pops into my mind is rainbows! When Noah and his family were in the ark for all of those long days and nights, they longed for a sign from God that all was going to be well. Right now, our world is consumed with fear as is evidenced in this huge pause we’ve been asked to take from our normal lives. I don’t suspect we’ll get some sort of new sign from God blazing across the skies, but I truly believe that all will be well. This pause is allowing scientists to rush the...

Complete Trust in God

Barbara Oster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

On August 29, 2005, my life in New Orleans came to a halt. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans that morning. Fortunately, my mother and I had evacuated 24 hours before the storm hit. We were in an American Red Cross Shelter in a Batesville, MS, Baptist church. The Red Cross staff was...

Hope Smiles

Pastor Paul — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

The other day, while my almost 4-year-old son was taking a nap, my wife and I were taking an hour or so to watch a Netflix episode of a series that is strangely theological (long story, not 100% relevant) and just a little captivating. And to be honest, it's Stephen King-like content was already starting to creep me out a little.

And then it happened. I looked at my cell phone news feed and I saw this headline: "Illinois Governor Shuts Down All Restaurants and Bars to Help Stem the Coronavirus." I turned to Meredith and said something I can't repeat verbatim, which ended with "...This is serious."

We both took a moment to daydream in our surprise and shock. My son awoke from his nap, and I told him I had to stop by the church to pick up a few items for my sermon prep. As luck would have it, he

Living Water (in) the Distance between Us

Pastor Paul — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

This past weekend, in my "Real Virtual Church" message we explored a new household term in this rapidly changing age: "Social Distancing." Building upon ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton's message recently, we talked about several key "spin-offs" of those words: social and distance. Here are few follow-up definitions, and a couple new thoughts...

Where to Begin...Psalm 46 and Christ's Living Water

Pastor Paul and Art Newhouse — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:15:29 +0000

Our blog begins by not just focusing on who we are, but whose we are...

We belong to a God who gives us everything, and calls upon us to take comfort and "be still."

To begin with, I wanted to make Art Newhouse's "Saturday Sermonette" available to