Coffee?
If it were not for Coffee Hours what would Lutherans do after church service?  Join us next Sunday, or better yet, sign up to "host" a Coffee Hour on the board just inside the front door.  We even have a Fellowship Commission that will explain what will be needed.  

First Communion Sunday 
We joined together on October 14th to celebrate with one of the largest First Communion groups in recent years with Michael Chen, Erin Flynn, Jenna Joyce, Arielle Jurado, Amjad Khan, Bonnie Mateo, Celestino Nieves & Justin Roszko.  "Do this in remembrance of me." 

Monthly Adult Bible Study 
Bethlehem launched a Bible study night on the last Tuesday of each month.  At 7:30pm we gather in the Parsonage with Pastor Paul for an hour of conversation and interaction in an informal setting, followed by refreshments. 

Youth Group @Koinonia
Our high school Youth Group held their summer outing at Koinonia  July 13-15.  The weekend included tubing down the Delaware River and other outdoor activities.  The theme - how God speaks to you - carried the day, even for the more sunburned members of the group (Brian & John). 

The weekenders posing in front of the fireplace include: (left to right) Brian Moore, John Swiontak, Youth Group President Jillian Solby, Jessica Pirro, Michael Pietrafesa and Pastor Paul.  Victoria Hofmo, also joined them on the trip.

Check out our Youth page and Calendar for details on our events.     

ELCA Assembly -- A Brief Summary of Actions
This year's churchwide assembly (Aug. 6-11) concluded with the re-election of Presiding Bishop Hanson, and actions that impact our gay and lesbian pastors, mission finances, social issues, and international relations.  For a summary, click here.  

Even More Growth
Bethlehem's attendance is up -- dramatically.  The average Sunday service saw a 20% increase from 2004 to 2005 and another 12% increase from 2005 to 2006.   

Unfortunately, many churches are shrinking.  According to the January 2007 issue of The Lutheran magazine, "Nationally, only three in 10 ELCA congregations gained worshipers between 2000 and 2005, said Kenneth Inskeep, director of ELCA Research and Evaluation. What's more, among churches with 150 people or fewer in worship -- a segment that represents about 70 percent of the denomination's 10,500 congregations -- three out of four dipped or held steady."

But, Bethlehem is growing in Bay Ridge.  Why?  If you haven't been to see us in a while, or have never been -- come see what everyone is talking about.  You are always welcome here.

History Needed
Bethlehem is steeped in history, but we are putting out a call for more.  Please take a moment to read our History page and the Archives page attached to it. 

- Do you notice anything missing?
- Know some fact about our church or pastors that we left out? 
- Where did a particular pastor come from or go to?
- Do you have any old photos of the people and events at Bethlehem?  Or any old copies of our newsletters? 

Let us know. We would greatly appreciate hearing from you.  Please contact our webmaster.

 ELCA Daily News

Lutheran Disaster Response Nearly Completes $27.7 Million Expenditure ELCA Bishops Learn About Christian Zionism, Discuss Other Matters Lutheran Leader Condemns Kidnapping and Death of Iraqi Archbishop ELCA Introduces 'Money Leadership' Curriculum for Congregations ELCA Synod Bishop Issues Statement after Arrest of Former Treasurer More ELCA News Previous Page 1 of 5 Next

The Heart of Bay Ridge

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Sunday Service: 10:30 am
Fourth & Ovington Avenues - 718-748-9502

- A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -
Copyright © 2004-2008 Bethlehem Lutheran Church