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"Caught in grace, created for service, called into community"
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Rev. Laura Ziehl
Senior Pastor
Ext 2
Pastor Sam Nelson
Associate Pastor
Constance Mithelman
Youth Director
Ext 12
Judy Foland
Office Administrator
Ext 1
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August 2021
News and Events
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Dear people of Bethlehem,
It is August. A time when we wish the pandemic was over, but it is not. A time when the nations of the world gather for the Olympics and we see a vision of a world united, if only for a moment. It is a time when most of us are traveling to see family for the first time in almost two years and the reunions are full of grace. A time to be God's people, the body of Christ, in a world that increasingly needs the incarnation of love and grace in its midst.
We are not Jesus in the world, we are but those who worship him. We are not perfect by any means, we are but those who seek to live according to the love and grace laid in us. Imperfect though we be, in need of grace though we regularly are, I am always amazed at the power of the church for good, in the world. St. Paul tells us that we are the body of Christ. Every sinew and ligament, we are bound together, not by how similar we are to one another, but by how similarly we cling to Christ. How common is our hope and how certain our faith, regardless of the day.
God joys in our differences as we each offer our unique voice in making better this world. Today I am celebrating and giving thanks for the voice and unique love of Pauline Benson. Long time member of Bethlehem, Pauline died suddenly this week and I have spent this week with her smile in my mind's eye, and my heart giving thanks for her kindness and unique joy. God bless this saint of God, and her witness to Christ's love, as she now claims eternity's promise. God bless you and your witness to Christ's love in this world every day. We have but a brief time to make glad this world in Jesus' name. I give thanks for you and the ways in which you do that so well.
Please join us online, on the grass, or in the sanctuary as we celebrate together God's love in this world each Sunday. A special invitation to you on Sunday, Sept. 19th as we go out in service to this world and in care for our neighbors on Bethlehem Serves Day. Join us on Oct. 3rd as we gather for Octoberfest and good beer and good company. And join us on Sunday, Nov. 7th in a celebration of Pastor Sam and Alissa's new life together. Join us in study and conversation as we continue to learn how to be bearers of justice in this land.
The celebration won't be the same without you. The body of Christ is at its fullest, because of you. God bless you this week, as you gift the world with love and grace. May God lay his hand on you in healing, in hope and in joy.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Laura
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There are four ways to worship at Bethlehem:
- You will be asked to sign-up for this worship ahead of time using this Signup Genius link. Attendance will be limited to 70 people.
Important Update: There is a significant increase in Covid cases in North County. And in compliance with new CDC guidelines, we are now requiring masks indoors for everyone, vaccinated or not. We are also returning to Bring Your Own Communion (BYOC) for the time being. Follow the link below to check out our list of what to expect when you come to worship.
- You may attend in person worship on the grass at 10:30 AM.
- You are no longer be required to sign up for outdoor worship. - You may join us for livestream worship currently at 9 AM
- In order to join the livestream click on this link here. - The link will not appear until we go live 5 minutes before the start of worship/ Fear not, we will be there. - You may use the chat stream to talk with other worshipers in real time. This is really fun. - You may watch worship on demand at any time you like.
- The livestream is immediately uploaded to YouTube at the close of worship. - Or it will be available to you on our worship page on our website by midday on Sunday. |
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Covid Vaccine Appointment Assistance
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If you need help navigating the Covid-19 vaccine sign up process, we are here to help. Our Stephen Ministry/Parish Nurse team can assist with:
- Finding out your eligibility to receive a vaccine.
- Helping you find a vaccination site and make an appointment.
- Assisting with transportation to the site.
Please call the church office, (760) 753-1026, and we will get you the help you need.
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Bethlehem's Music Department invites you to their summer concert
"Live On the Green" on August 15 @ 4 pm. Bring your lawn chair, snacks and drinks and enjoy music by the JuBellation Ringers, instrumentalists and a variety of vocal solos and ensembles. This fun performance will include spirituals, broadway music and some beautiful religious favorites for your listening pleasure! The concert will last about 90 minutes.
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Mark your calendars for Bethlehem's Day of Community Service on
Sunday, September 19. Arrive by 8:45 am for the outdoor 9 am service. You will be choosing from twelve projects/activities and spending the morning having lots of fun working and getting reacquainted with the people of Bethlehem. No dressing up for this event; shorts and t-shirts will be just fine! Projects,on and offsite, will start and end at Bethlehem with a lunch of beans and tacos from El Napolito's Restaurant. Sign-ups, both in person and through sign up genius, will begin after services on August 22nd.
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Upcoming Giving Tree Ministries:
- August 22 - September 19: Bethlehem Serves Lead By: Mona Goetsch
In order to create travel size hygiene bags for Third Avenue Charitable Organization in San Diego. ( T.A.C.O.) we are asking congregational members to donate Travel size donations of : Deodorant, liquid body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, lotion. We will start collecting these items at church beginning August 15th or contact Suzi Westmoreland for earlier drop off options.
- October 3 & 10 Lutheran World Relief Ingathering: Quilts
Lead By: Scraps and Prayers Quilting Group
- October 17 - November 30: Secret Santa Lead By: Cheryl Monreal
- December : Happy Advent/Merry Christmas/Joyous New Year
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August Educational Opportunity
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Acting on Our Faith: Following Christ Together in the Face of Racism has been an active online group for the past year as we struggle with the realities of racism in our society and our communities and how it impacts us as people, as Christians, and as lifelong learners. Over the past year we have participated in book-reads, discussions, deep sharing, and lots of listening and learning together. This is an invitation to join us as we continue this work and learning together, continuing to meet monthly to delve into openness and action individually and as a group.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 17th from 6:00-7:30 on Zoom. A link will be sent out a few days prior to the session.
In preparation for this meeting we invite you to participate in the
21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge created by Debby Irving (author of Waking Up White). This challenge is a way to incorporate learning, listening, noticing, acting, watching, reflecting and engaging on a DAILY basis regarding issues of racism and anti-racism. The website provides detailed information on how to do this challenge and resources to use to complete the daily opportunities. Attached is a Tracking Tool you can use to track your progress. It is NOT necessary to participate in the challenge in order to attend the meeting on the 17th!
Hope to see you on the 17th!
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2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission - California is in the process of drawing new lines for new our legislative districts. Fair and equitable districts depend on active involvement from community members in each district. Visit the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission website to find information about the redistricting process and how you can get involved. You can participate by describing your community, drawing a community map, and submitting comments directly to the Commission. You can register on the website to receive more information and to attend a Commission meeting for the San Diego area on August 13. Lots more information is available on the website. Your participation is valuable and needed!
August Recess Opportunities -U.S. representatives regularly return to their home districts to stay engaged with their constituents. Traditionally, August Recess is one such time - and while everyone needs some rest and relaxation, lawmakers are likely busy during this period with Town Halls, arranged meetings and other contact points that give you a window to raise your experiences and policy concerns while they are local.
You can join this weekly Zoom meeting to hear an update on current legislative priorities from Regina Q. Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California. These quick 30-minutes sessions include a specific action you can take in support of our efforts to end child poverty, fight for water justice, and support equitable reform of housing, hunger, and immigration policies.
Follow us!
For information or questions about Bethlehem's Advocacy Team, contact Karin Kloehn at blcadvocacy@gmail.com.
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Save the Date! Adventure Ministry is coming back. We're planning our first adventure:
- When: Saturday, September 11 @ 10 am
- Where: Oceanside Harbor Paddle
- What: Meet at the Boat Rental Shop near the lighthouse. You can bring your own watercraft or rent there.
If you're interested, please contact one of the leaders:
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Save the Dates! - Stephen Ministry invites you to join two mental health learning opportunities presented on Zoom:
Monday, September 20, 7 pm: Learn about three new apps from the San Diego Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The apps provide resources for navigating the behavioral health scene for adults and children and navigating the California special needs education system.
Monday, October 4, 7 pm: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, an educational program designed to teach lay "gatekeepers" the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.
Note: You can choose to join these sessions with or without video.
If you're interested, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders: Molly Hall, Laure Reynolds, or Suzi Westmoreland.
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Anyone interested in a recertification of CPR with AED please contact Rose Moldenhauer rosemoldy@cox.net. The class will be one hour by zoom and 1/2 hour safe, hands on practice. Date to be determined .
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As you may be aware, it is not currently possible to access our website using the Google search engine. We are aware of this problem and are working to address it. Unfortunately, the malware that is present in the system cannot be easily removed. We have increased security on the website and are working to correct the problem. It is very frustrating for us all. Until the problem is corrected you can simply access the website directly at www.blcenc.org.
Our apologies for this inconvenience.
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Learn Americal Sign Language (ASL)
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If you have ever wanted to learn American Sign Language (ASL), now is your chance, in a friendly, supportive learning environment. The classes are designed for high school to adult learners.
Bethlehem ASL Classes:
Most Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm Pacific Time
Our textbook is available on Amazon: "Learn American Sign Language" by James W. Guido
If you're interested in joining us, contact Suzi Westmoreland at
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Qigong/Tai chi -The weekly Qigong/Tai chi practices at our church is available by Zoom. You are able to join online from your computer on Wednesdays at 6 pm. Also, Chacha is having a Friday at 9 am practice by Zoom. These practices are moving meditation practices that focus on relaxation, breath, and visualization while carrying out gentle movements. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining please e-mail Chacha at chachapinillap@gmail.com. Please let her know which of the practices or if you would like to be invited to both practices. She will send an e-mail invitation with the zoom link.
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Did you miss one of Pastor Sam's sermons? Want to double check if he actually said what you think he did? Accidentally fall asleep and want to go back and read the section you missed? Check out all of Pastor Sam's sermons on his blog at: https://sinningboldlywithsam.wordpress.com/"
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Global Mission "Global Links" E-Newsletter
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Rooted and built in Jesus! This is the core of our work as the ELCA walks with more than 80 companion churches in other countries to participate in God's reconciling mission through proclamation and service. Participating in these relationships, ELCA members see how people's lives are touched by the gospel, how their lives are transformed and renewed, and how their communities live in hope. If you would like to receive the ELCA Global Mission e-newsletter "Global Links", please click on the following link to subscribe: https://community.elca.org/elca-email-subscriptions
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Bethlehem Cares Fund: For members of Bethlehem, we have a fund to assist you with temporary financial needs such as medical, home, family or personal needs.Contact Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, Rose Moldenhauer or Molly Hall. If you are able to contribute to the fund please mark your gift to BLC with the notation Bethlehem Cares.
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Newsletters Available on Our Website
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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 Newsletter Archive page there are links available to view current and past newsletters.
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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.
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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
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