BETHLEHEMBETHLEHEM
July is here and with it comes so excitement. We celebrate our country’s Independence. But I ask all of you what is Independence, why did our forefathers write and sign this declaration, why do we as Americans take so much pride in this day? The answers to these questions will be different based on what we have been taught and learned over the years. The cook-outs and fireworks the music and recreation that takes place on this day takes place because of a group of men that stood up and said we are not going to put up with this stuff anymore.
Another declaration of sort was written in 1517; 259 years earlier where one man stood up and said we need to fix this problem. On October 31st of this year we will celebrate our own Independence the reformation or beginning of the Lutheran Church. It is my hope that we can become just as excited to celebrate in such a festive way the independence that we all now have and the freedom to have a Bible and read for ourselves God’s Word.
So what is going on this month? Well on July 18th we will be going to Ichetucknee Springs to float the river. We will leave the church in cars as families to White Springs Florida (about 1 ½ hour drive) and relax on the river. This is a state park and we must get there early so we can float. The cost is about $20.00 per person with tube or raft rental. Arrangements will be made for one of the tube rental companies to have our tubes there and ready to go. I encourage young and old to attend this relaxing and beautiful day on the river.
On July 26th 16 of our youth will depart on their summer servant trip along with these youth 6-10 adults are planning to go with us. We will attend the 8:30 a.m. service and depart for Eustis, Florida after church. The cost of this trip is $150.00 per person. I am already excited and ready to go. We already have 60 projects to work on and it is growing daily. Currently there are 154 youth that will be attending this year.
Our Middle School youth Gathering is coming up in November this will be open to all youth 6th grade —8th grade I encourage you to get your children signed up early this year as last year we only had 4 beds left out of 950. I would like to see our Middle School youth sign up and bring a friend, as this is a great outreach to others as well.
Young Life Bible Study continues to grow on Wednesdays and Sundays come and join the interesting topics
Wednesday 7:00pm till 8-8:30 (depends on discussion)
Sunday 9:45am till 10:45am
Submitted by Mark Junk
Dear Friends in Christ,
It has been awhile since I have written you with information on our youth and the wonderful events past and upcoming that have or will be going on. The Holy Spirit has been moving through our ministry here at Bethlehem and blessing us in many ways. I encourage you to stay steadfast in your support of this ministry as I can see many more awesome events in the works.
I would like to start of by saying Thank You for allowing me to work with your children, I look forward to the bright and shining faces of all your children and the input they have when discussing our studies and life topics.
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING?
In January we took the Senior High to the District Youth Gathering in Jacksonville. The topic was CONNECTED. While original sin separated us from God, God loved us so much that and he wants us to spend eternity in heaven with him that he gave us his son Jesus Christ to absorb all our sin so that his loving, compassionate Grace can once again connect us to him through our Faith.
In April we saw six 8th grade youth stand in front of the congregation and confirm their faith and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We then took the middle school youth to Luther Springs on a retreat to learn more about staying on course in their faith and walk with God.
We continue to hold Wednesday Night Young Life Ministries Bible studies every week. The groups that meet are, Bethlehem Buddies, Jesus Company, Middle School Youth and Senior High Youth.
The Middle and Senior High Groups will be studying Friendships this month. This is a four part Video / Bible study that deals with friendships and relationships along with biblical references. Loneliness, Peer Pressure, Comparisons, and Identity are the discussions. We encourage you to attend this valuable life lesson series.
I would also like to add that on July 26 through August 1st the senior high summer servant event would be taking place. The cost is $150.00 per person and we need to have everyone registered ASAP. Please see me if you would like to go. We also have scholarships available but must be applied for before monies are due.
Note to our Parents:
Every Sunday we have Youth Ministries between services. These classes are very important to the spiritual growth of your children. It is wonderful to see the families together in worship services on Saturday and Sunday but your children need more than that. The children are exposed to many different things in school and with friends that their faith sometimes plays second fiddle to what God commands from us that he (GOD) be number 1 in our life. As parents we have a responsibility to provide our children with steadfast growth in their spiritual growth as well as their scholastic education. Let us all work harder to see to it that the little ones have the Milk to grow on so that they can swallow the meat with ease.
God’s richest blessings to you all,
Mark Junk