Message from our Pastors

Dear Bethlehem family,

Have you ever felt far away from God? Have you ever felt that God doesn't seem to care about your concerns or worries, or that you used to be close to God but now feel distant? Or, are you one of those who feel that sometimes you are close to God but you can't sustain that closeness over time? Have you ever wanted to feel closer to God but you weren't sure how to go about it?

During this Lenten season we will explore these universal questions. We will talk about the promises God gives us and focus on prayer and listen- ing to the word of God. This will help us become more intimate with God, so that God may direct our lives. We can know that God intervenes in our lives even when we least expect it.

This Lent we offer several opportunities to pray, listen and study: Lunch 'n Pray, Tuesdays at 11:45 am; Bible Study, Thursdays at 10, Sundays at 9:15 and 10:15, Small Group Ministry, Monday night youth Bible Study, Sunday night youth Bible Study, and Wednesday night Lenten suppers and worship -to name a few. During our Wednesday nights we will have a bit of dinner theater as we hear the voices of lent, then we will process into the sanctuary for worship. The topic of the evening is "The Beati- tudes of Promise". I hope you will invite your friends to join us for study and prayer and fellowship.

The key, however, to getting the most out of the Lenten season is daily prayer and scripture reading/meditation. There are devotional guides available. I invite you to join me in setting aside 15 minutes each day to reflect on God's word and deepen your spiritual union with Jesus Christ. I invite you to pray for your friends, family, church and world; for those who are dear to you and those who are not your "friends". I invite you to fast and to feast. I invite you to feast an one attitude that will draw you closer to the love of God whether it is an attitude of hope, of peace, of joy, of affirmation, or of love. And I invite you to fast from one attitude that pushes you away from God whether it is an attitude of _______________ . This Lenten discipline just might change your life.

With much anticipation.

Jim and Jean Vargo

P.S.  Come to Bethlehem and worship with us. It could be the bright spot in your week!

Previous Messages

Februrary 2007

January, 2007

December, 2006

November, 2006

October, 2006

September, 2006

August, 2006

July, 2006