Notice something familiar about our Centennial logo?

The star of Bethlehem, the rainbow of God’s promises - these are images inspired by the stained glass window in the sanctuary that rises before worshipers every week. The star that led Magi to worship the Christ child, the Son of God, reminds one of the cross by which the Father has promised to draw all people to God’s very self.

Prayer
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Epiphany of Our Lord, ELW p. 21

Twenty-eight days and counting!

So - have you made your reservation for the Centennial banquet and picnic yet? Someone from out of town stopped by the church office the other day and said that she and three of her friends from confirmation are planning their own mini-reunion for Sept. 27-28. How about you? Is there someone with whom you would like to reconnect over the Centennial weekend? Is there someone to whom you would like to introduce this congregation? Why not contact them and make arrangements to get together? Or If you have adult children who grew up in this congregation, have you shared all of the Centennial information with them so they can come back home and enjoy the festivities?

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the unity of heart and mind is like to that above. ELW 656

What’s in a Name?

The names of those first people of Bethlehem were Knutson, Haugen, Fuhre, Quickstad, Iverson, Hendrickson, and Jensen. Today, you can still find names like those on our roster, and you will also discover there Moralez, Puotyual, and O’Hara. What a great reflection of how, over the years, God shaped Bethlehem by blessing it with people of all nationalities and cultures. Where did your family heritage begin? How was it that you or your family came to live in this area?

Prayer
Lord of all nations, thank you for the streams of heritage that formed this congregation. Thank you for those the ancestors in my family. Show me how to embrace all people, even as you in your great love have welcomed me into your family.

Grateful for Hospitality

When the Norwegian immigrants first started talking about forming a congregation, it was the German Lutheran Church of St. Cloud that provided the hospitality and the space in which the Norwegians could meet. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons in order to save fuel, because the church was already heated for the German services. Services were held in this manner about every six weeks for over a year.

Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the hospitality of others that provided space and support so that this church could assemble and worship. Give us such a spirit of welcome and hospitality for all people today.

One Month and Counting

Get ready for the birthday party! In exactly one month, the Centennial weekend celebration will be upon us. On September 27, 1908, Rev. Peder Langseth organized the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation in St. Cloud. The Spirit was blowing, and Bethlehem was born.

Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for forming your church at Pentecost so long ago. Thank you for forming this congregation, now called “Bethlehem Lutheran Church.” May this church today glorify you as our forebears prayed it might. Amen.

A Prayer for a New Year

Prayer:
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever – the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW, p. 63)

A Homecoming of Sorts

During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the church consistently hears wonderful readings from the prophet Isaiah. Tonight I am reminded of words from chapter 60, which begins, “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” The chapter goes on with the prophet Isaiah envisioning the gathering of the nations to behold God’s glory. “Your sons” and “your daughters” will come, recognized, protected, and carried by the love of family and of the faith community. This reading comes alive for me on Christmas Eve, because one of my greatest joys on this evening is to see the families who come to worship together: Parents with children whom I remember from confirmation, adults over whose weddings I presided, many, now coming home with children of their own. They have grown up. They may live far from their parents, but when they come back to visit, their parents’ homes shine with the light and joy of their presence. When I hear about what they’re doing these days, I hear of their Christian vocations and of the many ways they’re engaged in work that will make this world a better place. Tonight I see them holding their Christmas Eve candles, with the light reflected in their beautiful faces. And they are living the blessing that the God gave them through the church when they were baptized, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Tonight, they and all of us have come to worship the newborn Christ child…

Prayer:
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW, p. 20)