A Few Fundamentals
Just in case you're already asking yourself these questions...

What is a Lutheran?

Lutheranism traces is roots to the 1500's when a German priest & theologian (Martin Luther) played a pivotal role in the reformation of the institutionalized church and understanding of the Christian faith. Yes, Lutherans are Christians. The main emphasis of the Lutheran faith revolves around an understanding of God's grace as an abundant gift, revealed to the world in Jesus. The grace of God in Jesus frees us from our captivity to sin, and calls us through faith to live in love and service to God and one another.

Who is welcome at Bethlehem?

Anyone is welcome; no exceptions. When Jesus said, "love one another" there were no conditional "except for's" in that command. You are welcome here. No matter where you come from or what you look like. No matter who you choose to love or choose to vote for. Whether you live an affluent life, or wonder how you're going to keep the lights on. Whether you are single, or married, or divorced, or widowed. Whether life's journey has been kind to you, or if you carry a heavy story of your past with you. Whether you are confident in your faith, or if you question if God is even real. You are welcome here and you are loved here!

 

How can I learn more about BLC?

For starters, continue exploring this website! There is a lot of helpful information about the ongoing life and ministry of BLC on this site. You can also direct questions to the church office, using the email/phone number provided at the very bottom of this webpage, or you can provide info using the contact form (button below) and someone will communicate with you soon! 

BLC...Bold. Loving. Community.
It's more than an acronym... It's our mission!

At Bethlehem we affirm that "we are called to be Bold. Loving. Community."

Bold- in word and in action. The church exists because of boldness. Jesus boldly took on our human experience. He spoke boldly, served boldly, died boldly, and rose again boldly. For thousands of years the church has continued living out that boldness in voice and in action, and we continue that holy work now.

Loving- In the wisdom of The Beatles hit from 1967, "All you need is love." The greatest commandment (also known as the "golden commandment") in John 13:34 is Jesus teaching that his way is the way of love. Jesus commands, "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other." Paul echoes Jesus' command to love in his letter to the 1 Corinthians 13:13: "Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love." Everyone wants to be loved. It's our natural desire. And part of our mission at BLC is to nurture that desire that we all share. We try to love one another, and by doing so we are faithfully striving to follow in the way of Jesus.

Community- Let's be real, life is like a roller coaster; there are some really exciting "highs" and some really tough "lows." Whether life is filled with joy or sadness,  we affirm that we don't journey through those seasons alone. God is with us, all of us (that means you too), always. As church together, we can strive to be present with one another along life's journey. Bethlehem is a genuinely authentic faith community. People come from different places, professions, and opinions. However, at the end of the day, we acknowledge that what strengthens us for service in the world is the gift of our shared uniqueness. 

We are Bethlehem Lutheran Church. We are BLC. We are a Bold, Loving, Community trying to follow in the way of Jesus. And we look forward to sharing that journey together with you.

 

We invite you to watch the video below featuring our Lead Pastor, Vern, who will share more about who we are!

PV Shares About BLC