Members of the Thrivent members meet irregularly after the worship service to plan activities. Members are all those who have investments with Thrivent.
Each month Bethlehem celebrates with cake and beverages the birthdays of members and visitors. The celebration is generally on the third Sunday of the month. All who attend the preceding worship service are invited to attend the Birthday Sunday celebration. Different individuals and organizations sponsor the party each month. To volunteer to serve, sign up on the sheet in the church narthex.
Weekly league bowling at Classic Bowl provides an opportunity for exercise and Christian fellowship. Contact Willard Thiel at 847/498-1019 for details.
Youth study the six chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion), and the Office of the Keys and Confession. The study, when successfully completed, will make the catechumen a candidate for confirmation as a member of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and of this congregation.
The Bethlehem Choir rehearses each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for about one hour (except during Lent, when rehearsals are shorter and take place after the Lenten worship service) . Choir sings for many of the evening worship services as well as on Sundays. Anyone interested in music is invited to join the choir. Reading music is not a prerequisite, as vocal parts are learned by practice.
The Church Council is the governing body of the congregation. Its elected members meet at 8:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except not in July, to discuss matters concerning the congregation's facilities and other things. Any interested person may attend the meeting and speak on the issues, but only elected Council members may vote.
The Board of Parish Ministry has the responsibility for the spiritual life of the congregation. Members of the Board, "Elders," are elected by the Voters' Assembly. The Board meets with the Pastor each month on the third Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday evening services are held each week until Holy Week. The Ash Wednesday service is a service of Holy Communion and includes the imposition of ashes for those who desire to receive them. The subsequent Wednesday services do not have these special features.
During Holy Week, worship includes a Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. and a Good Friday tennebrae service, also at 7:30 p.m.
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League meets with the Women's Guild four times a year, March, June, September and November, on the first Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. The meeting includes prayers and reports on activities as well as a brief Bible study or devotion.
During Lent, simple suppers are served by congregation members on Wednesday evenings before the Lenten worship service. The suppers begin at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering to cook and serve can call the chairman of the Parish Fellowship Board, Janelle Strong, at 847-675-3243.
On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, as well as on special occasions, the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar) is celebrated. The liturgy generally used is from "the old hymnal" officially called The Lutheran Hymnal, page 15.
Worship on the first and third Sundays of the month (and the fifth Sunday, if there is one) generally follows the liturgy of The Lutheran Hymnal, page 5.
Sunday School and Sunday morning Bible Class provide study opportunities for people from age 3 through adults. The Sunday School begins with group worship and then meets in small groups, separated by age, to study the lesson for the day.
The Bethlehem Voters' Assembly meets five times a year (January, March, June, September and November) on the fourth Sunday of the month after the worship service. Voters are members of the congregation 18 years old or older who have signed a copy of the congregation's constitution. The Voters must approve expenditures recommended by the Church Council before such expenditures can be made. They also help in making other decisions for the congregation.
The Women's Bible Study meets monthly at 1:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the homes of members. Current studies are from Lutheran Woman Today. All women of the congregation and their friends are invited to attend. Refreshments are served after each study by a member of the group.
The Bethlehem Women's Guild's members meet in the evenings each month except January, February, July and August. A day meeting combined with the LWML is at 1:00 p.m. at church on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and November. For the Guild, this is a business meeting at which various fund raising projects are discussed.. Funds raised support church projects. The night meeting, generally at a member's home at 6:45 p.m. on the third Friday of the month, is primarily social, with devotions, food, and fellowship. All women members of the congregation are eligible to join.
Questions, comments, etc. are welcome.
Send them to Marilyn
Gardner at MFGardner@aol.com