Monday evening at Bethlehem, outside the sanctuary doors a little boy played with the figurine of a donkey in the memorial manger scene. I didn’t worry at all because the figurines are close to unbreakable. This year we had placed the manger scene on the lowest table we have, putting it at eye level when a 5-year-old is kneeling down.... READ MORE >
“Give me some of that old time religion” is the way an old gospel song from 1873 begins. For many people the old songs of the faith are the best and touch the heart in such a special way that the sentiment expressed in that old gospel song rings true for them. This Advent season we hear the old songs... READ MORE >
I fish with Grandpa Thorwald’s Langley Streamlite reel. I once “googled it,” as they say, and was surprised by some of the values I saw. Very impressive. That is of course values for Langleys in mint condition, preferably in the original box. Not the one I use. Grandpa’s reel has been with me for many years now. He used it... READ MORE >
While I was straightening up in the sanctuary on Monday I found two pieces of saltwater taffy next to my water glass in the pulpit. What a sweet surprise. It put a smile in my heart for the rest of the day. I know how they got there. We had held a festival on Sunday in which the children got... READ MORE >
“Whoever receives one such child…” There is a little boy in our congregation who has mistaken me for God. After I had complimented his shoes one Sunday, he told his parents the next Sunday he needed to wear those same shoes again to church “because God likes them.” This mistaken identity has happened before, and always with little kids. It... READ MORE >
I enjoyed Groundhog Day this year. Usually I don’t give it much thought actually. In the past I have heard a few weather forecasters make small mention of it. At times I have forgotten just what the shadow means – more winter? Or earlier spring? That is about how much attention I give to it. Basically it has been low... READ MORE >
In many churches all over the world this Sunday we will hear the story of the disciple we have unfortunately come to call “Doubting Thomas.” Of course it is quite appropriate fresh in the Easter season to hear the story of what happened just one week after the first appearance of the Risen Christ. It is also appropriate in the... READ MORE >
This Sunday, April 20, is Easter Sunday for Christians around the world. In our services at Bethlehem we will hear the traditional readings as well as one that is new to our Easter celebrations. Jeremiah 31:1-6, our first reading, is one we haven’t used before, but will provide many thought-provoking and inspiring images this year. One such image is in... READ MORE >
Why are there loons? Or lynx? Or hummingbirds? Or eagles? Why are there lady slippers? Or Indian pipe? None of them seem to have too much relevance to human life right at the surface of things. We haven’t domesticated them or depend on them for food. We seem to live without any reliance upon them. Why are they? “God loves... READ MORE >
For this season of Lent at Bethlehem Church we are following the theme of change as a guide for our midweek reflections. This week the weather is certainly illustrating wild and rapid changes. Overall we acknowledge we are in times of uncertainty and change. We see changing styles of communication, the changing world of politics, the changing climate, the changing... READ MORE >
