Bethlehem Member Builds Houses in Costa Rica

Bethlehem member Daleen Gore has traveled to Costa Rica as part of the Thrivent Habitat for Humanity mission trip. You can follow her team's exploits at:

http://thriventbuildscostarica.blogspot.com/2009/02/wednesday-february-18-2009.html

Bethlehem's Annual Meeting

Bethlehem Members Voting "Aye"

On Sunday January 27, 2009, Bethlehem held its annual meeting and elections. Pastor Nelson’s report gave a comprehensive look at what we did in 2008 and provided a challenge for 2009—to make outreach the primary focus of the year. Specifically, outreach to our own neighborhoods and the fast growing Porter Ranch community that has no ELCA Lutheran presence.

Speaking of challenges, our Treasurer Karen Fouts described the financial issues facing the congregation and encouraged every family to consider increasing their offering. These are tough times and the church is not immune to the money problems facing society in general. On a positive note, attendance is up over last year and there is a lot of positive energy flowing through the congregation.

Elected to Church Council were Todd Akin (President), Paul St Michel (Vice President), Kim Kalusa (Property & Grounds), Janet Puchlik (Stewardship), Lisa Chow (Evangelism), and Megan Ranger (Social Ministry.)

A revision to our committee structure was also approved by the congregation. Committees were reorganized and are now called “Council Support Teams.” This new structure will enable the church to more effectively accomplish our mission:

“To know Christ…to make Christ known!”

Dedication of the School Mosaic Mural

On Sunday, January 11, we dedicated a new mural mosaic at the entrance to our school. The beautiful artwork was donated by the Cross family in memory of Carla's father Clarence. Cordelia Cross participated in the dedication with Pastor Nelson and did a terrific job. Many thanks to the Cross family for such a great improvement to our school facility!

The Christmas Choir Concert was Really Special!

As advertised, the Christmas Choir Concert held last Sunday (December 14, 2008) turned out to be really special. For starters, I think that was the biggest crowd I've ever seen at Bethlehem. Over 300 tickets were passed out and it looked like they were all used. Above is a clip from the concert. I will be working on the DVD, but it will take a little time since I had 4 cameras going and I will use the best video from each to make the final cut.

Lots of people were involved to make the program a success, but special thanks to our Music Director & Concert Conductor Garineh ("Gaga") Avakian for making it all come together!

Gaga Making Opening Remarks at the Concert

Former Bethlehem Supply Pastor Installed at ELCA Church in Newbury Park

Rev. Todd Payne

(Picture from Daily News)

Nice to see a good article in the Daily News about Rev. Todd Payne being installed at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Newbury Park. I think I remember him preaching at Bethlehem at least a couple of times over the past few years. I remember him wearing sandals and mentioning that he was a stay at home dad. Anyway, check out the article at:

http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11152327

...Ron

It's great when churches can help each other out instead of acting like they're in competion with each other!

Pastor Chuck Bunnell Welcomes Bethlehem Visitors

Bethlehem Visits Prince of Peace
Because of the Sayre Fire and the possible closure of the Balboa Boulevard access to Bethlehem on Sunday, November 16, our congregation attended the service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Northridge. Pastor Chuck Bunnell and the congregation of Prince of Peace welcomed us with open arms. One of the members mentioned that it was fun to see the parking lot and the church full.

Pastor Nelson gave the sermon and the choir from Bethlehem sang the anthem. Although the circumstances that caused the service relocation were tragic (several members of both congregations lost their homes in the fire), it was a joy to share worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ right down the street from us!

Bethlehem Members are welcomed at Prince of Peace