Bethany is a member of the ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
15460 TRISKETT ROAD, CLEVELAND OH 44111
Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11:00am
Sunday School 9:45am
Livestream 11:00am service www.bethanyenglish.org
The church office hours: 9am to 4pm Tuesday - Friday. You can call the office 216-941- 7880
Pastor’s Message
Do you have a favorite month of the year? I love the spring and summer months, but if I had to pick just one month it would be December. When I was a kid I had all kinds of things to look forward to- Snow, sled riding, ice skating, hot chocolate and of course a break from school. The entire season of Christmas and lighting candles on Christmas eve were very special to me. I still look forward to the Christmas season with excitement although it looks much different now. Some family members have moved away or are no longer with us. As the years pass, I’m sure Christmas changes for you too. I hope that there are new things happening in your families and in your lives. Sometimes it’s difficult when too much has changed, or when life seems like it has been turned upside down. Jesus chose to come to a chaotic and unpredictable earth to preach the Good News, and to show love to all the earth. Jesus’ presence changed everything. As an interim pastor, I only get one Christmas season to celebrate with the communities I serve. Luckily, as we light candles on Christmas Eve, it always feels like home to me. It serves as a reminder that Christ is with us wherever we go. As we begin the Christmas season and look forward to the new year I hope that you can see God at work in your lives, this church, and the world. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Laura Kuntz
TRANSITION TEAM
At times it is hard to describe what “progress” looks like for the Transition team. During our first meeting in October, we began by introducing ourselves to one another, studying scripture, and praying. In a business setting that may seem like a waste of time, but in a church Christian community is the foundation for all of the work we do. We read from the book of Isaiah ch. 43, which ends in God saying: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.” God is doing something new in this place. God is at work within us as we give thanks for the past, pray for guidance, and trust in God’s presence into the future. At our last meeting we spoke about the ministries of this congregation, and the vitality found here. We also began a conversation about sustainability. As a church, we want to make sure that we are providing a spiritual home where all have opportunities to worship, learn, and grow. We spoke about the overall health of the congregation, and will continue our work as we recognize potential areas for current growth as well as dreams for the future. On December 1st , the transition team invites you to join us for coffee hour between services in the welcoming room! We will share the information we have gathered and learned and answer questions anyone may have.
Thank you, The Transition Team
Join us From Your Home
Bethany English Lutheran Church is proud to offer Live Sunday Service streaming at 11:00am each week.
God’s Work - Our Hands
There is good work to do and we need your help!
Committees have dedicated members who do so much but often need more hands. Together, with more help, we can do more
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WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF FAITH THAT HAS BEEN WORSHIPING, LEARNING, SERVING, AND SOCIALIZING FOR OVER 100 YEARS.
The beautiful stained glass window sanctuary is accessible to all, and we encourage children to worship there as well or utilize the professionally staffed nursery. Communion is an important part of all Sunday services, and all who believe are invited to partake in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Come back to our website often, as we are making updates weekly. For even more information you can download this month's Bethany News below.
Whether you are returning or visiting for the first time, we are excited to have you join us.
