News Archives

Bethlehem Featured in New York Daily News
In the March 26th edition of the New York Daily News, Bethelehm Lutheran Church was selected for their Faith in the City feature.

In the nearly one-full page article, Pastor Paul commented on what he thought was Bethlehem's most prized possession: "We have ministry taking place seven days a week, thanks to the really good group of people at our church, our school and our senior center."

"We are a family-oriented congregation which is large enough to get a lot done yet small enough so that everyone knows one another," Knudsen said.

April 2005

Bethlehem's 100th Anniversary
Our Anniversary was all that we had hoped for -- a meaningful worship service, a celebration, a reunion, and more.

Our 10:30 service on April 24th with Bishop Stephen Bouman, Pastor Paul Knudsen, Rev. Russell Norris and Rev. Phyllis Haynes was both inspirational and joyful, with music by our special 100th Anniversary Choir.

The dinner that followed was a good time, as more than 200 met, mingled and caught up on good times. Pastor Paul presented several members of theBethlehem family awards for their service or their humor. And, we were presented by an oil painting by Ellen Fjermedal of our church. State Senator Martin Golden and City Councilman Vincent Gentile stopped by and letters from President Bush, Mayor Bloomberg, Pastors Helmers and Lunn were read.

Much more will be posted, including photos in the days to come. So be sure to check back to see us.

If you attended and have any photographs that we could post, please e-mail them to webmaster@bethlehembayridge.org.

February 2005

Rev. Dr. Russell Norris Installed as Executive Director of Bay Ridge Center
During service on Sunday, February 13th Rev. Dr. Russell Norris was installed as executive director of the Bay Ridge Community Service Center. Pastor Paul officiated and Rev. Robert Wollenburg, Assistant to Bishop Bouman, gave the sermon. Rev. Norris, (center of the photo) is joined by Pastor Paul and Rev. Wollenburg.

January 2005

Bethlehem Expands Role of Rev. Craig Miller
Rev. Craig Miller, pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, who has been leading Bethlehem's Lutheran Elementary School chapel service for the last two years began a six month stint in an expanded role with Bethlehem in January.

Rev. Miller presides over two LES chapel services a week, teaches Religion at LES, is available for counseling at both LES and the Bay Ridge Center, and is available for clergy duties as needed.

Novebmer 2004

Pastor Paul Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Rev. Paul Knudsen celebrated his 20th anniversary as an ordained minister at Bethlehem's Sunday service on November 14th. The service included a presentation by Church Council president, Lillian Hansen, and was followed by a luncheon in his honor.

October 2004

Bethlehem's Bay Ridge Center Annual Dinner
The Bay Ridge Center's annual dinner was held on October 15th at the Bay Ridge Manor. The gala honored Woman of the Year Wendy Goldstein, President & CEO of Lutheran HealthCare, and Man of the Year Ronald Rothstein, Owner & CEO of Kleinfeld, Inc. The evening included dinner, dancing, a raffle and tributes to our honorees.

The Bay Ridge Center's 2004 honorees -- Ronald Rothstein and Wendy Goldstein (center of photo) are joined by (left to right) Rev. Paul Knudsen, Karen Eggleson, member of the Bay Ridge Center Oversight Commission, Gail Topp, Chair of the Commission, Debbie Roth, Commission member, and Russell Norris, BRC Executive Director.

October 2004

Bethlehem Hosts SW Brooklyn Conference on Sexuality
In 2001 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to study the issues of recognizing same-gender relationships and the ordination of self-identified homosexuals in committed relationships. That process is continuing and it is expected that a recommendation will be presented to the Churchwide Assembly in 2005. Part of that process is a thoughtful and prayerful review of the issues by members of all ELCA congregations.

As part of the Metro New York Synod, Bethlehem Lutheran Church served as host for the Southwest Brooklyn Conference's four-part discussion on the subject -- The ELCA Study on Sexuality: Part Two "The Church and Homosexuality."

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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 -
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