Message from our Pastors

Dear Bethlehem family,

We celebrate 3 important events this month.

1. DAY OF PRAYER

The first Thursday of May each year is designated as a day for the people of our country to pray. Yes, there is separation of state and church in America, but religious people in our nation would never vote for the separation of America from God. This country surely will always remain, "one nation under God. " Therefore we are right to set aside a day for national prayer -a day when we can beseech God's guidance regarding our nation's policies and actions, and pray for the general welfare of all citizens, especially for the helpless and those suffering injustices.

2. Mothers Day

Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) loved her mother dearly. It was Miss Jarvis who first suggested a national day to honor all mothers. At a memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, Anna gave a carnation, her mother's favorite flower, to each per- son in attendance. Within a few years, the idea to honor mothers gained popularity, and Mother's Day was soon observed annually in many large cities of the United States.

On May 9, 1914, by an act of congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. He established the day as a time for "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country." By then, it had become customary to wear white carnations in honor of departed mothers and red carnations to honor the living. The custom continues to this day.

Memorial Day emerged from the grim shadows of the American Civil War. Before the close of the war, women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war. The practice quickly spread, and a few years later May 30, 1868, was designated as Decoration Day-a day for placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers throughout the United States.

In 1882, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, and soldiers who died in other wars were also honored. Over the years, it has become a day when all loved ones who have died in war and otherwise are remembered. In 19711 the United States Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed annually on the last Monday May.

On this Memorial Day, remember those who gave their lives for our country. But also pray for those who continue serving to keep America free, especially those who are in harm's way.

Jim and Jean Vargo

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

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