Easter Flowers
A variety of Easter flowers and plants will beautify worship on Easter Sunday at both campuses . You are invited to help celebrate by dedicating a plant in honor or memory of someone special . Order forms are available at the Welcome Desk , in the Gallery on Sunday mornings or you can place your order online .
Bethlehem Music Series presents
Bethlehem Senior Choir , directed by David Mennicke with Dr . Nathan Kennedy and Dr . Oleg Levin , Concordia University St . Paul , piano faculty ; Soprano : Susanna Mennicke , Bass : Matthew Johnson ; Trumpet : Adam Rossmiller ; Percussion : Aaron Isakson Sunday , March 19 , 4:00 pm Performing A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms Brahm ’ s Requiem was premiered in 1868 with six movements , marking the first great triumph of his career . In 1870 , the Requiem was performed 20 times , and has become a beloved standard of the choral and orchestra repertoire . The work propelled Brahms to the pinnacle of his career and his reputation as a leading composer was never again doubted . Our concert will use Brahms ’ own transcription of the work for four-hand piano accompaniment , an arrangement he wrote in 1866 for a home performance in England , referred to as the “ London Version .”
Thank You from Pastor Rob
Dear Members of Bethlehem – Thank you so much for the past 26 years . I had the privilege to grow up here first as a Youth Director , then Intern pastor , Youth Pastor and the Mission Pastor with Spirit Garage . Thank you for your trust and confidence , and most of all your partnership in sharing the Gospel . There are far too many people to name , but I would like to lift up Janet & Jeff Lauber and Kim & Collin Dickey for hosting the celebration . What I believe was the Spirit interceding , the theme chosen was “ Happy Trails ”. Unknown to them , that was the postlude for my parents ’ funeral . It was nice for me to have their presence with me . Last , but not least , thank you to all the paid and volunteer staff , including all the Student Peer Ministers , I worked with through the years . I learned a lot and will use much of it in my new calling to St . Luke ’ s Lutheran in Bloomington . Continued Prayers and Blessings , Rob
EcoFaith Factoid
Ecofaith Network : An earth-keeping Initiative of the MPLS Area Synod ( ELCA ) Caring for the earth that cares for us through CONNECTION , AWARENESS , & ACTION .
In the United States , more people were employed in solar power last year than in generating electricity through coal , gas and oil energy combined . According to a new report from the U . S . Department of Energy , solar power employed 43 percent of the Electric Power Generation sector ' s workforce in 2016 , while fossil fuels combined accounted for just 22 percent . Just under 374,000 people were employed in solar energy , according to the report , while coal , gas and oil power generation combined had a workforce of slightly more than 187,000 . The boom in the country ' s solar workforce can be attributed to construction work associated with expanding generation capacity . Source : U . S . Department of Energy
Women ' s Ensemble Mondays 6:45 pm at Minneapolis campus by Beryl Deskin
Music fills the hearts and souls of our religious tradition . Our congregation has been blessed with generations of talented musical leaders on both campuses , and we ’ ve made music ministry a major contribution to the community . We revel in singing together . We even start our children on their choral journeys by age 4 or 5 and on through their school years . We have an acclaimed mixed-choral tradition . We have a Men ’ s Chorus . And now we have a blossoming Women ’ s Ensemble .
Women of all ages and experiences are invited to participate . If you enjoy singing in the pews , here ’ s another “ outlet ” for your voice . If you sing in community choirs , this is an easy way to contribute to worship . If you sing in Senior Choir , share your leadership . If you are new to our congregation , and want to meet other women , consider this .
Women ’ s Ensemble rehearses Monday at 6:45 pm and we sing at the 9:15 am service once a month . It ' s not an overwhelming time commitment , but it can be a significant spiritual experience .
The most momentous announcement in history was received by a young woman , Mary . And she immediately responded by singing praises to God . “ My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ”. ( Mary ’ s Song , Luke 1:46 )
The music of women has a special place in our Christian worship . It is a unique experience when women come together to sing — for singers and for listeners .
Come join us !
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