Pastor-s-Message

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

The Heart of Bay Ridge

Sunday Service 10:30am

4th & Ovington Avenues

Brooklyn NY 11209

718.748.9502

Pastor's Annual Report - 2025

Dear Members and Friends,

One of our newer members described Bethlehem Lutheran Church as a real Christian community. She went on to say that this is difficult to find these days. Her comments were made at the end of one of our coffee hours in which she was engaged in several meaningful conversations with the people sitting at her table. There was a real sense that people cared and truly wanted to support each other amidst life’s challenges. The concern was genuine.

Whenever I send an email to our church online distribution list, I always begin by addressing it to our “Bethlehem Family.” I believe this is a good description of who we are. We have a wonderful connection with each other and we demonstrate that togetherness every time we gather. A family has a love for all of its members and a community perceives itself as distinct, sharing a common goal or purpose. “Family” and “Community” describe Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

We are blessed to have each other. This family of God is comprised of dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. Some have been members since birth, others are relatively new to our church. Some have joined us from other Lutheran churches and some have found a home here because of our school, our senior center or The Healing Center. We have members who walk from their homes in Bay Ridge, while others drive from Staten Island and the Rockaways. There is something which binds us all together despite our differences, and that is our devotion to Jesus and the mission we share.

The apostle Paul needed to admonish the Corinthians because of their divisive nature. They were separated into groups that disagreed with each other. We have always risen above this negative tendency and we remain united with a single purpose. We are called to be Christ’s loving presence in this world and everything we do needs to align with this goal. Our worship experiences, our incredible ministries, and our fellowship gatherings all fulfill this objective. We need to be “as Christ” to the world.

Sundays are inspirational with Maria, the choir and our music. Scripture is read, the word is preached and the sacrament is administered. Our Sunday School is thriving and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers. Fellowship always follows our worship.

Throughout the week, children are educated in our school, homebound seniors are fed by our Meals on Wheels program, older adult activities are offered, and women and children receive assistance when they are abused. Yes, we are fulfilling our mission in a powerful way.

We have great leaders heading up our ministries and we are truly blessed with a church council that always knows what is important and what is not.

Three dedicated church members are terming out on church council this year, so I would be neglectful if I did not recognize Al Koehler, Liz Bohrer and Lorraine Tuccillo. Al has served as our congregational president and he exemplifies Christian Leadership in everything he does. Liz has been our council secretary, preparing the minutes month after month after month. Lorraine, after retiring as our LES principal, has concentrated on our finances and our fellowship experiences. All three provided Christ-centered thoughts, words and actions in all they did for us. Their presence will be missed.

In 2026, Bethlehem Lutheran Church turns 120 years old. The Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge will be 69 years old. The Bay Ridge Center celebrates 50 years. The Healing Center just celebrated 25 years. Our church and our ministries remain strong, and we continue to be a “community” and a “family.” This is a joyful place to be, because we gather with a purpose. We are the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this world. This will always be our focus and our mission.

2025 Pastoral Acts:

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Funerals: 20

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Baptisms: 7

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Weddings: 2

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Hospital, Nursing Home & Home Visits: 117

In the Lord’s Service,