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John 11:25-26 says,
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Alleluia—CHRIST IS RISEN! He has RISEN INDEED—ALLELUIA! Greetings in the name of the Risen King Jesus Christ whose sacrifice on the cross does not just end with Him dead, but with Him RESURRECTED for us! This Jesus is ALIVE—and He is moving in our hearts today!
We are so thankful to bring you this Spring “Resurrection” newsletter. Take a look at all the amazing things that our Living Jesus is accomplishing through His people at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Join us as we minister to those in darkness with the light of Jesus Christ!
Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling—Lead Pastor
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Holy Week!
Holy Week at BLC was incredible. We started it off with the kids leading us in Palm Sunday worship by waving their palms while walking through the sanctuary. Then, our pastoral team washed the feet of everyone at our Maundy Thursday worship service. Good Friday was a Tenebrae service, where we walked through Jesus' crucifixion. On Saturday, we had a free Easter Egg hunt for the kids... the Easter Bunny even made an appearance! Then, it was Easter! This year, we kicked off Taking Jesus to the Streets on Easter by SHUTTING DOWN Salisbury Street and worshiping outside. We had over 350 people join us in worship. We had food, games, BLC rally towels, music, and a great message from Pastor Bolling. We are so thankful for all the volunteers that made Holy Week possible. BLC has been blessed with a team that is on mission to tell more people about Jesus; Easter was a great example of that!
If you would like to support BLC in our mission of Taking Jesus to the Streets, click HERE.
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Your ongoing generosity is pivotal in upholding BLC's mission and ministry. With your consistent contributions, we can cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for our community. Your support provides us the opportunity to effect meaningful change, benefiting not only our congregation but also the broader North St. Louis Area.
Scan this QR code to see how you can help!
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Click HERE to support our Hyde Park EAC site! | |
Hyde Park Update
As a person who has the privilege of working with children in all capacities of life, I'm consistently reminded of good growth. As the lead at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for its after-school activities, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of instilling good in all children and actually watching the growth from the lessons. There are many good things that have happened under my leadership and I am ecstatic to tell you about one specific accomplishment. While working at the camp/church, there were young ladies, who, for lack of better terms, were at each other's throats. They simply did not like each other for whatever reason.
As a mother, mentor, and as a lead, I have incorporated restorative practices, allowing students the space to talk about their feelings. As well as what they don't like based on what a person does to them or makes them feel. With these restorative practices, I can honestly say that not only are these young ladies speaking with each other, they have become more like sisters than actual friends. This is just one situation of all the good that comes from instilling greatness into our youth.
Ms. Q - EAC Team Leader
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Consecration Week & Ash Wednesday
We had another great Consecration Week filled with fasting from food, electronics, money, and more. This was a time for us to set aside earthly things and focus on God through daily prayer and devotion. Consecration Week always brings so many people together as we lean into what God has given us.
As part of that week, we got to celebrate Ash Wednesday across our campuses. This was an evening full of teaching and remembering all that Christ has done for us through his death and resurrection. The kids were excited to get to share this day with the whole church body by receiving the ashes and learning about their meaning. We concluded the night with a worship service, allowing us to prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.
If you would like to help us continue to provide opportunities for our kids to learn about Jesus, click HERE.
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Hoops for Hope
We are very thankful for our continued relationship with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. They supported our CCLS academy through their annual "Hoops for Hope" event. Our kids got to sing both the National Anthem as well as Lift Every Voice and Sing. Additionally, Pastor Bolling and Mr. Stew gave short messages about our school and what a huge impact this event has on our ministry.
If you would like to support our CCLS students, teachers and school, click
HERE.
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Thank You Zion Lutheran Church and School - Bethalto!
We are SO blessed by this amazing gift given to us by Zion Lutheran Church and School in Bethalto. This original Jesus Painter painting is going to look so great on one of our church walls! We thank God for how great of a relationship we continue to have with so many of our Sister Churches, such as Zion Lutheran Church.
If you or your church would like to join in supporting our mission, click HERE.
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How You Can Support!
Several months back, we unveiled our ambitious initiative to construct a new building! This upcoming facility promises enhanced services for our community, offering fresh avenues for worship, event hosting, and outreach. To achieve this vision, we're aiming to raise $5 million! Scan this QR code to delve deeper into our project and stand alongside us in bringing this building to life.
At BLC, we believe in the power of consistent giving to fuel our endeavors. Whether it's a one-time donation or setting up recurring gifts through our website, your support ensures better preparation for the road ahead
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At the end of the month, we had the opportunity to host our annual lock-in. This was a great night filled with lots of food, learning, games, and little sleep! Our students had a ton of fun connecting with their friends and getting to meet new people their age from our community. The Lock-In provides an easy opportunity to welcome new faces into our church to tell them more about Jesus!
Events like this are only possible with your support. Thank you for all you do! If you would like to continue to help us create more events like this, click HERE.
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Black History Month Program
To cap off Black History Month, our CCLS Students presented a captivating program featuring powerful quotes, Bible readings, and af f ed us in the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing". It left a lasting impression on everyone who attended
If you would like to support our CCLS students, teachers and school, click
HERE.
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A week later, they took home the first-place trophy at the St. Paul Des Peres Tournament! It was a great way to end an awesome season! | |
Basketball
March began with BLC hosting a basketball tournament where our 5th-6th grade team as well as our 7th-8th grade team competed. The Bulldogs fought hard and took home first place!
If you or your church would like to support our basketball teams, click HERE.
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What About Us 3/14 Day Hoopout
What About Us hosted their annual 3/14 Day Hoopout. There was a great turnout of young men choosing to come together in fellowship and play basketball. We had real refs, lots of games, and food for everyone that came. Ministries like this provide a way to serve our community by offering safe and healthy places to go. What About Us teaches men to show up for their families and live in the way God has made them to be.
To help us continue to support our community with ministries like this, click HERE.
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Support Today!
Your involvement is the heartbeat of BLC's mission, fueling our dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. By giving today, you become an integral part of a movement that uplifts, empowers, and transforms communities. Together, we can create a ripple effect that resonates far beyond our immediate surroundings. Join us in shaping a brighter future for North St. Louis.
Scan this QR code to see how you can help!
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Bethlehem Lutheran Childcare
We are excited to announce Bethlehem Lutheran Childcare (BLC) as our newest Ministry addition! This is a wonderful opportunity to further reach the children and families of our community for Christ. BLC will serve kids from 2-year-old Preschool to 5-year-old Kindergarten, and we are now enrolling in our 2-3, 4-5, and Kindergarten rooms! State assistance is accepted. To learn more and to see our private pay rate, click HERE.
Additionally, we have many job opportunities for anyone who would like to work for our Childcare center. Check out this link HERE for our general application and select what you are applying for!
If you would like to support our Childcare, click HERE.
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Click HERE to support our Spanish Lake EAC site! | |
Spanish Lake Update
One of the amazing ways that God has worked through our EAC Spanish Lake camp has been seeing siblings grow their bond together! Pictured on the left are Damonte and Damontray who are brothers and have been coming to our camp since the fall! Pictured on the right are Qirah and Quashon who have also been coming to our camp since the start of last year! Both Damonte and Qirah are the older siblings who have taught their younger siblings how to pray during meal time, assisted them in their arts and crafts skills, and boosted their confidence as children of God! Seeing in action how God is changing families in the Spanish Lake community, child by child, has been heartwarming and is a reminder that lives are being changed by all that Bethlehem Lutheran Church has done for young people in our EAC programs.
Seminarian Eddie Krez - EAC Team Leader
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Free Hair Braiding Event!
We want to say a HUGE thank you to Epiphany Lutheran Church for providing our youth a free way to have their hair professionally done by Genesis African Hair Braiding for free! This was an amazing gift and made so many youths so happy. We are consistently blessed by the partnership we have among the churches around us.
If your church is interested in supporting an event, reach out by email or click HERE.
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Thank you for reading about what God is doing here at BLC! It is a blessing to be in ministry with you each week.
You can donate by mailing a check to:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
2153 Salisbury Street,
St. Louis, MO, 63107
Click HERE to give online and set up recurring gifts.
Or scan the QR Code!
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| Contact – Email | Call – (314) 231-4702 | |
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