Bethlehem Lutheran Church

                                   and Early Childhood Center

 
"Caught in grace, created for service, called into community"
 
In This Issue

Sunday Mornings... 

Worship Services   8:00am, 9:00am, and 10:30 am

 

Learning Circles 

(Pre - 6th)

9:00 am

 

Revolution
(7th - 12th)

10:30 am

 

Contact Us

760.753.1026 

Rev. Laura Ziehl 
Senior Pastor 
Ext 2
   
Jonathan Garman
Youth Director
 
Judy Foland
Office Administrator
Ext 1
 
Chris Matthews
Director of Children's Ministry

Quick Links

July 2016

News and Events

From Pastor Laura

Dear members and friends of Bethlehem,

Summer is here. Long days and relaxing evenings. A little extra time to see the sunset on the beach or spend time with family. I'm a fan of summer. It slows the frenetic pace of our lives. It challenges our ruts and causes us to think and behave in new ways. It opens new doors. It provides room for the breath of the Spirit.
Here is the breath of the Spirit at Bethlehem this week. It is VBS prep week. Many of us have exchanged our regular routines, for packing tape and paint, food prep and tie dye t-shirts. We are building sets and preparing curriculum and checking and rechecking lists of children. We are flinging wide the doors and inviting everyone in: children and adults who worship here every Sunday; many, many families who come only for VBS; and many who are coming to Bethlehem this week for the first time. It is not only the insanity and joy of it all, that makes VBS my favorite time of the year; it is first and foremost, the witness. It is our opportunity to offer the best of who we are: We open the doors wide, for we are a place that welcomes all. We work together as a community centered in Christ. We are a people living in joy, giving the best that we have for the sake of the children of the community. If you can stop by during VBS week, please do. We have 50 volunteers and 100 children. The doors are always open!!
In yet another way, the doors at Bethlehem are always open. We are continuing our conversation on what it means to be an All Inclusive Church. We had our second open forum last Sunday. 35 people came for a wonderful conversation. We discussed radical hospitality and the RIC process. This is a process that seeks to particularly welcome LGBT people and name Bethlehem as a congregation that is safe for all people and celebrates all people regardless of race, economic status or sexual orientation. As our process moves forward you will continue to hear more. The next forum is Sunday, July 31st at 10 am in the multi-use. Please bring your questions, concerns, thoughts and input. Feel free to email Rose Moldenhaur ( rosemoldy@cox.net ), one of the committee members, with any thoughts or questions, or call Pastor Laura at 760-753-1026. There is a box in the narthex as well for your questions or comments.
Mary Shaima is here with us for the summer. She is offering the breath of a new spirit in our midst. Please join her at Moonlight Beach on Wednesday's beginning at 5 pm. Bring your dinner with you. She will have a fire ring if possible and great conversation until the sun goes down. It is simply a time for good fellowship. S'mores will be waiting. As you travel this summer, and are not able to worship at Bethlehem, please remember us in prayer and in your pledged giving.
Bethlehem Serves is coming up Sunday, August 21. We will gather together for one worship service at 9 am. After a brief service of sending, we will go out to projects large and small all over Encinitas. Several projects will happen on campus as well. Whether you are 3 or 103, there is something for everyone. At noon we will gather back at Bethlehem, for potluck, grilling and fellowship. For Bethlehem, it is another chance to fling wide the doors and be of service to the community. Sign-ups begin Sunday July 31st.          
Have a blessed summer. May you know moments of the Sprit's new breath. May you have a chance to step out of the ordinary routine and into God's surprising grace.
Peace to you all,
  Pastor Laura

Moonlight Wednesdays

MOONLIGHT WEDNESDAYS! 
 
Time to relax and hang out every Wednesday night starting July 6th from 5 pm on at Moonlight Beach.  YES this is a change from what was announced in worship - Wednesdays allow more folks to join us.  We'll try to get a fire ring; otherwise we'll be set up somewhere around the snack shack.  Bring dinner and seating.  S'MORES PROVIDED if we get a fire pit!!
 
Click here for City of Encinitas beach use guidelines.
 
See you there! 

For more info contact Mary Shaima, Diaconal Intern at maryshaima@gmail.com

Children's Ministry

Upcoming Events and News
 
Cave Quest VBS: Our Cave Quest Adventure begins! The first day will be Tuesday July 5th @ 9 am . Please be early! This will help us get all of the kids checked in and ready for fun! Cave Quest will run from July 5 - 8. Each day will begin at 9 am and end at 12 pm.
At Cave Quest VBS, kids explore the rock-solid foundation of Jesus' love. Cave Quest VBS is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. (Since everything is hands-on, kids might get a little messy. Be sure to send them in play clothes and safe shoes.) Plus, we'll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life-something we call God Sightings. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot!  
Your kids will also participate in a hands-on mission project. We will be raising funds to "Raise UP the Roof" for a much needed center for Es Por Los Niños (translation: It's for the children) This mission project will let the kids in our community show God's mighty love to children and their families living with HIV/AIDS in Baja Mexico.
Please note: The fun starts at 9 am and ends at 12 pm each day! Parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to join us at Cave Quest Closing for each day at 11:30 am, a daily exploration of Jesus-the light of the world!
Children's Praise: We are looking to start a new program this summer! If you play an instrument, or would like to learn, we need you! As soon as the dust settles, after VBS, we will be looking to begin forming a praise-band comprised of elementary aged children. We can use piano players, guitar players, bass players, percussionists, singers, etc. No prior experience necessary, but definitely helpful. If you are interested please contact me at: childrensministry@blcenc.org
Please remember to visit the Children's Ministry Table, each week, to sign your children in. Sign in will be very quick and easy!
Blessings,
Chris Matthews
Director of Children's Ministries

blcym

IMPORTANT!! The departure date for the Summer Trip to Berkeley, CA has changed. Our new date of departure is Sunday, July 31st. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact Jonathan with any questions or concerns. There is still time to register but space is limited so don't delay! Updated forms can be found on the website under the blcym forms page.
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blcym Scholarships Needed! Each year, blcym encourages all students in the ministry to attend the Summer Trip and each year, there are students that are unable to afford it. As a ministry, we do not want any of our students held back from the transformative experience of the Trip because of financial station and that is why we need your help. We are hoping to provide 3 scholarships (at $395 apiece) for this Summer Trip to Berkeley. Please contact Jonathan with any questions and prayerfully consider sponsoring a student in part or in whole. Thank you for all of your prayers!

Stephen Ministry

What Kind of Man Would Receive the Care of a Stephen Minister? 

 

* A man like Adam
who was cut off from all that gave meaning to life and needed someone to remind him of God's promise.
* A man like Noah
who witnessed the destruction of everything around him and needed someone to wait with him for a new day.
* A man like Abraham
who had to leave everything he knew and loved behind him and needed someone to journey with him to a new life.
* A man like Moses
who faced great opposition and needed a companion to support him and speak on his behalf.
* A man like David
who grieved the death of a wayward child and needed a shepherd's care.
* A man like Elijah
who thought he was all alone and needed a still small voice to encourage him.
* A man like Job
who lost everything and needed someone to silently endure his pain with him.
* A man like Peter
who found himself in over his head and needed the strong hand of a faithful friend.
* A man like Paul
who knew the unending distress of a thorn in the flesh and needed someone to rejoice when he rejoiced and to weep when he wept.
* A man like JESUS
who knew intense disappointment, sorrow, grief, rejection, and loneliness and needed an angel of God to minister to him.
A man like you. 

 

If you would like to know how a Stephen Minister could care for you please speak with Pastor Laura or one of our Stephen Leaders Dianne Nichols, Molly Hall, or Laure Reynolds.

 Giving Tree

The Giving Tree for July 1 - July 15 will be set up to help Es Por Los Ninos.
 
Es Por Los Ninos (translation: It's For The Children) is a non-profit organization. Their mission: to help to prevent the HIV transmission from mother to child and to provide psychological support to improve the quality of life for children and their families living with HIV/AIDS in Baja California.
 
Please join us, as well as our Vacation Bible School, to Raise UP the Roof for a much needed center for Es Por Los Ninos.
 
Please make checks out to Bethlehem note Es Por Los Ninos in the memo line.
 
Any questions, please call Cheryl Monreal at 760-942-1482
 
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The Giving Tree for July 16 - August 21 will be set up for Bethlehem Serves. Check the bulletin announcements and the Giving Tree for how you can help on this day of service to others.

 Music Ministry

The children from Vacation Bible School will be singing at the 9 and 10:30 services on July 10.  Please come and enjoy all the music that they have learned during the previous week.

 Acolytes

Acolytes Needed: If your child is in 3-6th grade, please consider signing him/her up to acolyte. It is a great way to get involved in the church service and serve the Lord. If interested, please contact: Kim Hogelucht at khogeluc@pointloma.edu or 858-349-6831.

 TACO

We will be going to help serve the meal at TACO on our regular 3rd Monday of the month, July 18.  We need to be there by 3:45.  Please call Lori Cook if you are planning to go or need a ride.  C:  760 207-0432   H: 760 918-2401
 
As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.    Matthew 25:40
 
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SAVE THE DATE!!  TACO's Fall Fundraiser will be Oktoberfest with Craft Beers, Brats 'n Tacos at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach on Saturday, Oct, 1 fm 3-7PM.   $35/person, $40 at the door.  Any questions, call Lori Cook, 760 207-0432.

 Oktoberfest

S AVE THE DATE! Bethlehem will be holding an Oktoberfest celebration Friday, October 14. Details to follow.

 Newsletter Now Available on Our Website

Have you missed one of our monthly e-newsletters? Have you wished you could open up that newsletter again to get that bit of information you were looking for? Well, now you can. On our home page, www.blcenc.org, there are links available to view current and past newsletters.

 Need Help?

Join us in meeting the needs of our north county community. The new Resource Book in the church office has resources that can help those in need. Be equipped to help those who may be experiencing hard times. If you know of a helpful resource or are having difficulties finding the help you need, please contact Sarah Breding at sbreding@cox.net.

 

We have also put the resource listings on our website. Click here to check out the many resources available to assist you. 

 AmazonSmile

Bethlehem is now participating in the AmazonSmile program. This is a great way to easily benefit our congregation when you are shopping online. Bethlehem will receive 0.5% of the price of eligible online purchases automatically when you use the smile.amazon.com website. See the website for more details.

 Thrivent Financial

Choice Dollars
 
The Thrivent Choice® program lets eligible members recommend where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' charitable outreach funds go by directing Choice Dollars®. Bethlehem Lutheran is an eligible recipient of these funds.
For more information click on the link below.
or contact your Thrivent congregational advocate, Dennis Astroth, at 858-354-3566, or dennis.astroth@gmail.com

 Online Giving

Online Giving, a Green Path to Stewardship

 

We are always looking for ways to make giving more convenient and environmentally friendly. With today's online financial tools, it has never been easier to set up and track regular giving, special offerings and donations to specific areas. Just follow the easy steps provided with our new online service and you will be surprised at how easy it is to be a regular giver at whatever level seems right. We have expanded on the services provided by the same Minnesota-based online service that has managed our electronic giving for a number of years. They serve thousands of churches, and the service is secure, maintaining privacy. 

 

How to get started...
You may access the online service by clicking on the link on Bethlehem's web page http://www.blcenc.org/id218.html. Once you are on the site, you may use your checking account, or your debit or credit card information. If your cards are on a mileage program, you can gain frequent-flier miles while helping support the ministries of Bethlehem.

Dear  ,

 

Thank you for registering with our e-mail announcement and update service at www.blcenc.org

 

Yours in Christ

Bethlehem Lutheran Webmaster

webmaster@blcenc.org