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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
Director of Children's Ministry
Ext 15
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September 2019
News and Events
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Dear People of Bethlehem,
The fall is upon us. It is time of energy and forward motion. (It is also a time to pray the humidity and temperature comes down :)
) At Bethlehem it is a time for new energy and new ministry. New visitors to worship and the beginning of fall programming. It is an opportunity to thank you all again for your generosity, particularly in the funding of our new HVAC unit. Worship has been so energetic and grace filled over the summer and the temperature in the sanctuary has been glorious.
We have received a great deal of positive feedback on the summer worship schedule. Although we are returning to our normal 3 service schedule beginning this Sunday, we are certainly considering moving to 2 worship services permanently. Your staff, council, children's ministry leaders, council, Pastors and worship team are working thoughtfully and carefully, to incorporate normal fall programming
into a
2 worship schedule, including: Sunday School, children's choir and children's chimers. We are working to make a thoughtful decision that meets all the needs of the congregation's ministries. You will be hearing from us about this soon, as decisions are made and your input is welcomed.
On September 11th, Pastor Sam will begin a 4 week teaching series on "Holy Currencies." The materials are engaging and thought provoking as we explore the many aspects of stewardship in our lives, including: time and place, gracious leadership, relationship, money, truth and wellness. You are invited to join him.
I will be hosting an informational gathering on the Churchwide Assembly, this Sunday, September 8th at 11:45 am. I was privileged to be a voting member to the assembly this August in Milwaukee. If you would like more information on the vote to become a sanctuary denomination, or the new social statement on Church and State, or the adoption of "A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment," or the election of a new Secretary of the ELCA, . . ., I invite you to join me this Sunday. I learned a great deal about the movement of the ELCA at this time, and I look forward to conversation with you.
In the month of September you are invited to join other members of Bethlehem for a great deal of fun and fellowship: Adventure ministry at Oceanside harbor, our annual golf tournament, and ASL classes in addition to our regularly scheduled ministries. This coming Sunday we will bless all teachers and students as they begin their new school year, including the teachers and administrators of our wonderful preschool. If you have an elementary school student at your house, please have them bring their backpack to church this Sunday, Sept. 8th, for a blessing.
As we move into October and November, pledge cards will be received in worship on October 6th. Look for 2 mailings that will be arriving soon concerning stewardship. Confirmation Sunday will be October 20th and Reformation Sunday on October 27th. Blessing of the Animals and All Saints Sunday is November 3rd. Our endowment committee will be hosting 3 financial education classes this fall. We are busy and you are invited. Perhaps you have a new ministry you would like to consider. If so, please talk to Pastor Sam or myself.
I dearly love serving a church that is this engaged in ministry and grace. Whether it is our high school students at work in New Mexico, or our own Bethlehem Serves, or Reformation Sunday; worship, joy and service are always at the center of what we do. All are welcome! I look forward to seeing you at church.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Laura
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| Our summer worship schedule has ended and starting September 8th we will return to our normal Sunday worship schedule of 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am. |
| Stewardship Book Discussion Class |
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Pastor Sam will be leading a 4 part book discussion group using Pr. Eric Law's book
Drawing on the Holy Currencies. The class will be held on Wed nights from 7 - 8:30 (9/11 to 10/2) in the Multi Use Building. This book is an interactive coloring book that takes a broader view of stewardship by looking at 6 Holy Currencies - Truth, Relationship, Money, Wellness, Time and Place, & Gracious Leadership. You are welcome to purchase the book for yourself or we can purchase them in bulk ($16 per book). Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex by Sunday Sept 8
th
so that we have time to order the books.
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Upcoming Events and News
Return to Normal Worship Schedule:
This Sunday, Sept. 8, we will resume our normal worship schedule. Nursery will be available at the 9 AM service. Kids will attend Learning Circles after the children's message. We will have a special large group activity planned for all students. Children's Choir and Chimers will resume this Sunday as well.
Children's Choir will meet in the Family Center at 10:00 and the Chimers will meet in the Family Center kitchen at 10:30. Both of these programs give kids a wonderful chance to learn about music and serve the Lord. Performances will be scheduled throughout the year.
Back to School Blessing, Sept. 8:
Kids are invited to bring their backpacks, full of school supplies, for a special blessing during the 9 AM worship service.
Learning Circles:
Our regular Learning Circles Program will begin on September 15.
Learning Circles Volunteers:
This is the perfect time to prayerfully consider becoming a volunteer teacher in our Sunday school program. Your time and talents can be used to make a huge difference in the lives of our children at Bethlehem. We pray for at least 15 teachers to cover our Learning Circle classes this fall. There will be 5 groups, nursery, pre-k - kindergarten, 1st - 2nd, 3rd - 4th, and 5th - 6th. If you
would like to volunteer please contact Chris Matthews at
[email protected]
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Children's Christmas Program:
Mark your calendars, this year's Christmas Program will be on December 15 during the 9 AM service. All children of Bethlehem are invited to participate!
Blessings,
Chris Matthews
Director of Children's Ministries
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
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| CRC 40th Birthday Celebration |
CRC 40th Birthday Bash Gala Fundraiser
October 5, 2019 - Del Mar Fairgrounds
Are you planning to attend this Community Resource Center Fundraiser?
Would you like to be part of a Reserved Table with other people from Bethlehem? If so, please contact Sheri Burtt at
[email protected]
to coordinate your ticket purchase.
"CRC is grateful for the faithful support of Bethlehem, both at the 40th Birthday Bash, and throughout the year." Karin Kloehn - Chair, CRC 40th Birthday Bash Gala Committee
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PLANTING EVENT: A member of the congregation has generously donated about 35 agave plants (non-leaf needle species) to the church. We will be planting these around the church campus on Saturday, September 21
st at 9AM. Please come prepared with water, hats, and sunscreen. Bring your favorite digging tools or use church supplied tools. All are welcome!
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| Bethlehem Women of the ELCA- Giving Tree |
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Bethlehem Women of the ELCA:
Mission Action and Giving Tree Schedule 2019
All through the year, the Giving Tree, at the entrance of the church, gives opportunities to help people. There are different projects, with different leaders, but the same heart.
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January
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ELCA World Hunger Appeal // St. Andrew's Food Pantry
Cheryl Monreal
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February
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T.A.C.O.
Lori Cook
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March
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College Care Packages
Skye Svenningsen
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April
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Celebration of Lent
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May
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June
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Center for Global Awareness
Dianne Nichols & Gail Winterbourne
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July 1st-8th
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Vacation Bible School
Chris Matthews
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July 9th-Aug 18th
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Bethlehem Serves
Beth Nelson
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Aug 19th-Sep 22nd
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Pajama Project
Belinda Simonini
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Sep 23rd-Oct 12th
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Lutheran World Relief Ingathering: Quilts & Blankets
Scraps and Prayers Quilting Group
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Oct 13th-November
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Secret Santa
Cheryl Monreal
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December
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Community Resource Center (CRC)
Sheri Burtt
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Ongoing
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T.A.C.O.
(soup kitchen)
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| Giving Tree (Aug 19th-Sep 22nd) |
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The Pajama Project is close to completing it's 23rd year!
Look for our PJ's displayed later this month on the Giving Tree. There is an endless request for the PJ's, quilts and pillowcases that are made. This ministry truly provides COMFORT to many in need in our community and beyond and is made possible by this Bethlehem Outreach Ministry.
We will be shopping again for 3000 yards of flannel and need your help in funding our purchase!
Please donate online with "Pajama Project" noted in the "special" area and we will be sure to receive your donation before our Flannel Frenzy Shopping Spree!
Check out pillow case making on Servant Sunday or stop into one of our two remaining work days on Saturday August 24th or September 28 to lend a hand and see what it's all about!
Warmly yours,
Belinda Simonini
PJ Project Coordinator
760-822-9573
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Quilts on the Pews- September 29th and October 6th
It's that time of year again...when the quilting ministry, Scraps and Prayers, places quilts on the pews.
For a donation, you have the opportunity to take home a baby, lap, full size or specialty quilt. Your donation helps support the Scraps and Prayers ministry in purchasing materials needed to make quilts throughout the year
If you would like one of the quilts, please see Bobby Allen, Laure Reynolds, Dana Roberts or Kim Oswald or any of the other Scraps and Prayers members on the 29th or 6th. You may take your quilt home with you on those dates. Large and lap quilts available for donation will be located in the pews in front of the organ. Baby quilts available for donation will be located on the pews in front of the Pray Room. Thank you for supporting this vital ministry!
The majority of the quilts from Scraps and Prayers are made for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). The LWR quilts will be displayed on the pews for all to see and will be blessed on October 6th and then sent to LWR for distribution around the globe. Where have our quilts gone? Last year's our quilts were shipped to Iraq, Mali and Tanzania. If you would like to donate to the LWR shipping fund, place your donation in the donation box on the left side of the Giving Tree or give to any of the Scraps and Prayers representatives.
Scraps and Prayers also supports our community by making quilts for:
- Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton
- STEP (Support The Enlisted Project)
- 1st Battalion, 5th Marines commanded by congregation member, Eric Olson
- 29: Eleven Maternity Home (May Giving Tree)
- Gently Hugged - a nonprofit which aids new moms in need
- Foster Teens entering UCSD this fall
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| Scraps and Prayers Ministry Collecting Bars of Soap |
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The Scraps & Prayers ministry is collecting full size bars of soap through
October 6th.
The bars of soap along with the LWR quilts and the 125 school bags which were filled with school supplies during Bethlehem Serves will be sent to Lutheran World Relief in mid-October. Please put the full size bars of soap in the box labeled LWR soap bars next to the Giving Tree Table.
As always, your support is very much appreciated.
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Save the date
- Women's Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, December 8th. We will also have an opportunity drawing for a breathtaking quilt at the end of the bazaar. Get your Christmas shopping list ready - so many goodies for only a couple of hours once a year.
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| Learn American Sign Language |
It's ASL time again!
Please join the Westmoreland family to learn American Sign Language and an introduction to Deaf culture. Every Thursday starting September 19 through November 21 in the Multi-Use Building. Introductory class from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Intermediate class from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Join one or both! Contact Suzi Westmoreland for more info and to sign up:
[email protected]
or 760-505-3365 mobile.
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| Bethlehem Women's Retreat |
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Save the Date
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The next Bethlehem Women's Retreat is scheduled for May 1 - 3, 2020 at Luther Glen.
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| 3rd Annual BLC Golf Tournament |
| Bethlehem's 3rd Annual Golf Tournament. Sunday, September 15th starting at 2 PM. St. Mark Executive Golf Course. Best Ball format - golfers of all abilities welcome. See flyers in the church entry. Sign-ups will start 3 weeks prior to the event. |
| MOB BBQ and Trivia Fundraiser |
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MOB BBQ and Trivia Fundraiser
- The MOB will be having a BBQ and trivia night to raise money for the next phase of the Family Center Patio Project on Tuesday September 17th at 6 pm. All men in the congregation are welcome! Burgers and brats will be provided. The event is BYOD (brink your own drink) and if you can bring a side that would be great. Please speak with Pastor Sam if you are not already on the MOB mailing list.
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| Simple Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement |
"Simple Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement"
- A one-hour, interactive session illuminating the road ahead for Bethlehem families who are just retired or soon to retire. Presented by Ted A. Lange Sr. CFP and Carole Lindsey. Sunday, Sept. 15, at 11:30 a.m. in the Multi Use Building. If you wish to attend or have a question you would like answered at this session, contact Ted Lange at [email protected]
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| Bethlehem's Mission Endowment Fund |
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"Maintaining Financial Health"
Bethlehem's Mission Endowment Fund Committee is sponsoring a series of three forums this Fall on "Maintaining Financial Health," providing Bethlehem members of all ages with information, suggestions and tools to develop and implement financial plans appropriate for their stage in life.
Just as we recognize the importance of maintaining healthy bodies through our health ministry, and healthy minds through education for all ages, we also believe in educating and encouraging our members to maintain financial health.
The forums will be at 11:30am on these Sundays:
Sept. 15 - Retirement planning - options for planning to create the retirement you want
Oct. 13 - Family financial planning - starting early on a program that anticipates medium- and long-range needs
Nov. 10 - Estate planning - planning for disposition of assets according to one's wishes
Do you have questions on any or all of these topics? Then we want to hear from you. Send us the topics and/or questions you would like covered at these sessions. E-mail them to
[email protected]
And mark your calendars to attend one or more of the forums.
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| Choose To Serve (Outreach Ministries) |
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Upcoming Opportunities to Serve Others
September 4, 11, 18, 25 8:30-11:30am
Scraps and Prayers
September 28 9:00-2:00pm Pajama Project
September 28 9:00am- 12 noon
Feed the Homeless (at St. Andrews)
Scraps and Prayers
This group sews quilts, and assembles school bag and fabric kits for people in need. We meet each Wednesday morning from 8:30-11:30am in the Multi-Use Room. We need your help cutting, sewing and tying quilts. No experience necessary! Come along for an hour or the whole morning; we'd love to share our scraps and prayers with you. For more information, contact Kim Oswald at [email protected] or Laure Reynolds at [email protected].
TACO (Third Avenue Charitable Organization)
Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO):
We are collecting travel size toiletries for TACO again this summer. All items need to be unopened and nothing sharp. Please put them in the box in the entry which will be labelled TACO. Thanks to everyone for you continued support of TACO. You are much appreciated!! If you have any questions, please call me, Lori Cook, at 760 207-0432.
Pajama Project
The Pajama Project Kicks off it's 23rd Year!
We distributed 1235 pairs of PJ's and Sleep Pants last October and are ready to wash flannel and begin again!
We will begin our"Work Party Days" this month, our schedule for the year is below. Come to cut out PJ's and make "kits" to be taken home to sew. We Always need more sewers if you, or someone you know, would like to sew these cozy PJ's, which warms the heart, ours and the recipients!
We also always need volunteers to provide lunch on one of our Work Party Days for 8 to 20 hard working people. Please contact Belinda Simonini if you are willing to help with this.
2019 Work Part Days: Drop in and stay as long as you would like between 9:00 and 2:00 on these Saturdays:
February 23, March 30, April 27, May 18, June 15, July 27, August 24 and September 28
Thank you for your support of The Pajama Project Bethlehem!
Warmly Yours,
Belinda Simonini
760-822-9573
[email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Five new beautiful shawls were added to our inventory. We have already distributed three shawls this year. If you know anyone who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl (if he/she is going through a particularly difficult
or joyful time), please contact
[email protected], Please continue to create at home at your own pace - & if you are interested in learning how, we will pair you with an experienced knitter/crocheter! We meet every other month 9-11 at church (before or after your favorite service) for a casual drop in opportunity to knit/crochet and visit together.
Patterns are available at
www.shawlministry.com
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Here is a quote from their website: "Shawls...made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles."
CRC (Community Resource Center)
Last year, 138 homeless individuals obtained permanent housing through CRC's case management and housing assistance?
Over 500 households visit CRC monthly to receive healthy food, nutrition resources, benefits assistance and education?
Last year, 150 people found safety in CRC's domestic violence shelter, receiving help and counseling to get back on their feet?
CRC works to end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence in North County San Diego. As a provider of integrative services, CRC's programs include a domestic violence emergency shelter, hotline and prevention/education outreach; a Therapeutic Children's Center; professional counseling; legal advocacy; food and nutrition distribution center; homelessness prevention; and rental and housing assistance. All of CRC's programs are designed to assist participants to successfully navigate their paths of safety, stability & self-sufficiency. CRC relies on our community support.
Click here to see the many ways in which you can help CRC to help those in need!
Es Por Los Ninos
Es Por Los Ninos is a binational non-profit organization helping children, women and adolescents infected with the AIDS virus in Baja California Mexico. Lacking financial resources and education, this vulnerable population is struggling to survive. For 20 years, the members of Bethlehem have supported Es Por Los Ninos, by donating clothing, supplies and money, including gifts from our Secret Santa program and school bags assembled during Bethlehem Serves. Donations are welcome at anytime; please call Cheryl Monreal for more information.
Contact: Cheryl Monreal 760-942-1482
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Summer's done...
...the time has flown...
...the kids are gone...
...I'm all alone.
The end of summer means that vacations are over, your visitors have returned home, and college students are gone again. If this time of year is difficult for you consider turning to a Stephen Minister. A Stephen Minister can listen and help you through this time. They are not professional counselors, but rather members of the congregation who have been trained to support, encourage and pray with people who are facing life challenges. If you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry please speak with Pr Laura, Pastor Sam, or one of our Stephen Leaders, Molly Hall or Laure Reynolds.
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Gathering under the theme "We are church," voting members of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly made a number of key decisions to further the mission and ministry of this church. The assembly is the chief legislative authority of the church.
ELCA declares itself a sanctuary church
The Churchwide Assembly voted Aug. 7 to approve a memorial that affirms the denomination's long-standing commitment to migrants and refugees and declares the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) a sanctuary church body. The ELCA is the first North American denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body.
ELCA Advocacy Updates for August
Office of Public Policy
"This cruel policy change flies in the face of our commitments as a church to people seeking a new home here. Our social message on immigration commits us to 'work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them,'" says the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, ELCA director of advocacy. "The public charge rule is an unneeded departure from current practice that prioritizes family unification and humanitarian needs and that values the vitality and contributions of all immigrants regardless of economic status."
Follow us!
For information or questions about Bethlehem's Advocacy Team, contact Karin Kloehn at [email protected].
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Adventure Ministry - Out to Sea!
Bring (or rent) your kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and join us to cruise Oceanside Harbor on Saturday, September 14, at 10 am. Meet at Boat Rentals of America on the south side of Oceanside Harbor near the lighthouse. You can bring your own board or boat and launch from their dock, or rent from them. Check Groupon for 2 for 1 coupons.
Important!
If you bring your own kayak or board, bring a life jacket. You must have a life jacket on board in Oceanside Harbor. If you want to join us but don't want to get your toes wet, we are renting a party boat and have room for 10, first come, first on board.
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Cost is $12. For more details and to sign up, contact:
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| Feed the Homeless Program |
Bethlehem has volunteered to help with "Feed the Homeless Program"
at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on the 4th Saturday of each month from 9:00 am to 12 noon. We are in need of volunteers. If you are able to participate please sign up today outside or contact Naida Malchiodi at
[email protected]
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| San Diego Habitat for Humanity- Upcoming Opportunities |
For those who are interested in volunteering onsite in the next month or so, San Diego Habitat has online registration here:
If you would like to volunteer with other people from Bethlehem, contact
San Diego Habitat is currently building in Logan Heights and El Cajon, with build days Tuesdays - Saturdays. The work day is 8:15 am - 3:30 pm with a 30 minute lunch break at 11:30 am. The minimum age to volunteer on the construction site is 16.
San Diego Habitat also has great volunteer opportunities in the ReStores with locations in Kearny Mesa, National City and Escondido. Volunteers are scheduled Tuesday - Sundays at each store. The ReStore shifts are 10am - 2pm and 2pm - 6pm on Tuesday through Saturday and overlapping shifts of 10am - 2pm and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday. Volunteer tasks at the ReStores include helping receive donations, organizing the store, pricing new items and helping customers to load purchased items. The ReStore is Habitat's biggest financial supporter and help is always needed there. The minimum age to volunteer at the ReStore is 14.
Women Build is coming up in May! This event promotes empowerment, solidarity, learning, and pride in our community. It encourages women (and men!) to give back and help San Diego Habitat make a difference in the lives of local families. It is San Diego Habitat's biggest event for the year, and each builder is asked to fund raise or donate $300, which helps Habitat build more here in San Diego. May 2
nd, 4
th, 9
th, 10
th, and 11
th
still have slots available. More information can be found here:
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Bethlehem Cares Fund: F
or 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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| Church Property News/Maintenance Requests |
The parking lot will be sealed and striped the last week of August. The south parking lot will be closed to parking on Monday and Tuesday, August 26 and 27. The north parking lot will be closed to parking on Wednesday and Thursday, August 28 and 29.
The Sanctuary roof will be replaced with new shingles beginning Tuesday, September 3
rd
. The work is expected to take 7 - 10 working days.
Notice something on our church campus that needs fixing? Concerned about lighting, air conditioning/heating, water, etc.? We have a property manager who can take care of your concerns. Please call or leave a message with the church office (760-753-1026) or email
[email protected]
and someone will get back to you.
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| 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 Newsletter Archive
page there are links available to view current and past newsletters.
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| 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 [email protected]. |
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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. |
| 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 Stewardship page. 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 [email protected] |
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