Sundays
Sunday School: 10:00am
Divine Service: 11:00am
Divine Service: The worship at Bethlehem is called the Divine Service, which is derived from a German term that means “Service of God.” Most people think that they go to church to serve God. Serving God is certainly a wonderful thing to strive to do, and it most certainly does happen even during the service on Sunday morning. However, we understand the primary focus of Sunday morning’s activities to be God serving us. He reaches down from heaven to give to us forgiveness, life, and salvation, and we simply receive His Word, His forgiveness, His body and blood, and His mercy. We then respond with prayer, praise and Thanksgiving.
The Liturgy: At Bethlehem, we use the historic liturgy, known today as the common service. We very purposefully refrain from those things that are new and cutting edge. Our forefathers and our parents have handed down a tradition that is well over 1600 years old. Not only has it stood the test of time, which new and cutting edge things never seem to do, but it also connects us with the church through all time and space (see the painting above by Raphael). We sing the same words they sang. We confess the same things they confessed. All this because we have the same Christ.
Feasts & Festivals
Bethlehem gathers with her sister congregation (Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE) for most of the feasts and festivals of the church year. These include, but certainly are not limited to: Ash Wednesday, Maundy (Holy) Thursday, and Good Friday. We also gather with congregations in the panhandle to celebrate some feasts and festivals. The date, time, and location varies each year for all of these services. Please contact us for information about any upcoming feasts and festivals.
Midweek
Other than during the seasons of Advent and Lent, Bethlehem gathers every Wednesday night at 7pm in her parish hall to study God’s Word. During the season of Advent, we gather in the church at 7pm for Vespers.
During Lent, Bethlehem gathers with her sister congregation (Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE) every Wednesday night for Vespers. The location of these services rotates each week. Please contact us for information about any midweek Lent service you plan to attend.