Bethlehem Ministry Overview

Outreach & Care Ministries

Congregational Care

This ministry assesses the care needs of the congregation and develops, provides and evaluates appropriate care and support. It also educates members concerning health and wellness issues.

Groups within this ministry include Stephen Ministry, New Baby Flower Delivery, Senior Ministry, Communion Visits, Card Ministry, Funeral Luncheon Ministry, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Soul Food Ministry, and Blood Pressure Checks. It also works closely with Kaleidoscope to offer educational classes for our journey through life's transitions.

Welcome & Connection

This ministry coordinates an outreach and welcoming ministry to all people, encouraging members to share their life of faith with others. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.  Whether new to Christianity, new to the Lutheran faith, a long time believer going deeper in understanding, or somewhere in between, you will find others here to journey with you as a disciple of Christ.

Groups within this ministry include Sunday Greeters, Life Lutheran Style (new member) Classes/Reception, and Pastor's Elbow.

Mercy & Justice

This ministry helps to serve the needs of our Bethlehem family, the local community and God's wider world. It also makes recommendations for church financial support to service organizations and institutions and educates the Bethlehem community regarding social statements and legislative issues.

Groups within this ministry include Habitat for Humanity, Lazarus House, Hesed House, Bethel New Life, Bethphage Mission, Shelter Assistance, Food Pantry, Porta Lunch, Crop Walk, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kane County, Heifer Project, Blood Drive, and the Tri-City Unemployment Group (TUG).

Youth & Family Ministries

Youth

This ministry guides young people in grades six through twelve to grow together in faith through weekly Bible studies, summer trips, service projects, weekend retreats and Christ-centered relationships with peers and caring adults.

Groups within this ministry include Axis (Sunday night high school gathering), Confirmation Program, BYG (middle school game nights), Confirmation Jr. Guide Program, and Wednesday Bible Study (high school).

Fellowship & Family Life

This ministry provides an opportunity for community among members, visitors and friends of Bethlehem. It also plans special events for families to enjoy together, especially families with young children.

Groups within this ministry include Progressive Dinner, Men's Ministry Events, Friendship Tables (small dinner groups), Seder Meal (traditional Holy Week meal), Softball, Basketball, Bowling, Family Ministry Events, Church Receptions, and Social Gatherings.

Preschool & Day Care

The Preschool Ministry Team works with the Director of the Bethlehem Preschool and Daycare Center to ensure support for this important outreach ministry. Bethlehem has supported this ministry since 1968, providing quality childcare and preschool programs to the children of the Fox Valley.  We are proud to have been accredited by the National Academy for the Education of Young Children in 1999.  Last year we went through the re-accreditation process and earned accreditation through April of 2010.

Congregation Life Ministries

Christian Education

This ministry provides inviting, lifelong Christian education programs of excellence that engage, nurture, challenge and equip people of all ages to become disciples of Christ in their daily lives.

Groups within this ministry include Sunday School, Confirmation, Kaleidoscope (adult education), Marketplace (week-long learning opportunity), the Church Library, Global Missions, Boy Scouts, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA), Book Discussion Groups, and Cradle Roll.

Worship, Music & Fine Arts

This ministry assists in conducting worship services regularly, at the proper times and in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Groups within this ministry include Praise Team, Adult and Children's Handbell Choirs, Adult and Children's Vocal Choirs, Altar Guild, Communion Assistants, Scripture Readers, Acolytes, Ushers, Actors, Liturgical Dancers, and Fine Arts/Festival Decorations.

Stewardship

The stewardship ministry initiates programs for church members to develop good stewardship attitudes with regard to time, talent and monies and provides for the training and involvement of members for the ministry of the church, our community, and the wider world.

Support Ministries

Administration & Communications

The administration part of this ministry oversees office procedures and equipment and serves as a resource for personnel matters. The communications part of this ministry supports the staff and all other ministries by coordinating effective and efficient communication to church members and to the surrounding community, as well as among church staff and leadership. The communications ministry also takes an active role in coordinating the use of visual media to nurture faith and community.

Finance

The finance ministry prepares the budgets for church operating funds, oversees the receipts, disbursements and preparation of financial reports, and manages church investments and insurance. In addition, the finance ministry team provides financial guidance to the congregation council, leadership teams and staff.

Property Management

The church property team oversees the proper maintenance and repair of church property and general protection of the congregation against loss or damage of whatever nature.