Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church

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Sunday, December 15 – 3rd Sunday of Advent

December 11, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Matthew 11:2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? Has God ever “disappointed” you? Has Jesus ever seen “too far way” that you were uncertain of His presence or even meaning in your life?  For the earliest disciples, this was a real concern because Jesus DID NOT MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS.  Still, think of a time when your expectations were not met, but it turned out to be better than you could have imagined?  This is like God.  God takes us beyond our expectations and offers some better!

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, December 8 – 2nd Sunday of Advent

December 2, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Isaiah 11:1-10

1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6 The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? Consider the deep roots our Christian faith has in Judaism.  Here, the “stump of Jesse” is the lineage that begets David and eventually Jesus.  Consider the images of what God’s “anointed” will portray … wisdom, peace, reconciliation.  How does Jesus portray these in his life?  Where do you see these portrayed in our world?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, December 1 – 1st Sunday of Advent

November 26, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Isaiah 2:1-5

1 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? The way of God is the way of peace. Where in your lives or in our world do you see God’s vision of peace occurring? Where in your life or in the world do you see God’s vision of peace being thwarted by human desires for violence? How can you help promote God’s vision of peace in your spheres of influence?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, November 24 – Christ the King Sunday

November 18, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: He is Exalted

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Luke 23:33-43

33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? King is not a term we use much anymore, at least not without a sense of it being most ceremonial.  So, what does it mean to call Christ our “King”?  Consider the best use of that term and how it might portray the ministry, message, and motives of Jesus.

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, November 17

November 11, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: Revelation Song

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Luke 21:5-19

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” 7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!’ and, “The time is near!’ Do not go after them. 9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? When Jesus uses “end times” language he is marking the importance of his mission.  However, it can seem odd to us now. Do you ever consider the “end times”? Do you ever consider it may happen in your lifetime?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, November 10

November 4, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: Revelation Song

SHARE

Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Luke 20:27-38

27Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30then the second 31and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32Finally the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.” 34Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.”

TALK 

What phrases/words/sentences intrigue you or have your attention as you read this passage? What does living a fully “alive” life look like to you?  What makes the promise of resurrection life-giving to us now?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, November 3 (All Saints Sunday)

October 28, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: For All the Saints

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Luke 6:20-31

20Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 24“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25“Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 26“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

27“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

TALK 

Who has made an impact on you in your life of faith? Talk about the people, living or dead, who have been the most influential people in helping you experience God’s grace, love, mercy, and peace.

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, October 27 (Reformation Sunday)

October 28, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: A Mighty Fortress is Our God

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

John 8:31-36

31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ 33They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’

34 Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

TALK 

On Reformation Sunday, we remember the work and ministry of Martin Luther and the 16th century reformers, who reoriented our lives of faith away from “works” to “faith and grace”.  In what ways are you still trying to “work you way” toward God? How might you begin to embrace the grace freely given to you without the need to “impress or perform”?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, October 20

October 14, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: New Day (Avalon)

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

Genesis 32:22-31

22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ 27So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ 28Then the man* said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’ 29Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel,* saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’ 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.

TALK 

What surprises you or engages you in this reading? Have you ever felt like you were “holding on for dear life” amidst a struggle or difficult situation?  Jacob certainly felt this way and he hung on to “the man” (God) for a blessing.  Perhaps part of our discipleship is realizing that “holding on for dear life” is not an experience of faithlessness but instead is the perfect example of faithfulness.  Consider and discuss the moments in your life of faith when you have “held on tight” even though you were afraid or uncertain.

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

Sunday, October 13

September 30, 2019 by pastordave Leave a Comment

To get started this week, watch this video: New Day (Avalon)

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Share your “highs” and your “lows” for the past week with each other.

READ

1 Peter 2: 4-5, 9-10

4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and

5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people, once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

TALK 

What surprises you or engages you in this reading? Do you feel special?  Do you feel chosen?  Do you feel as if you are valued?  If not, please know that you are.  Why?  Because you are chosen and valued by Christ as a unique and special person and part of His Kingdom.  If you could come to believe this, how would it change your life? Your actions? Your witness in the world?

PRAY

Special prayer requests:  Pray for those on the margins, those children in difficult and desperate situations, and for compassion to reign in all ways.

BLESS

Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each one’s forehead.

Filed Under: Church Where You Are, Weekly Devotions

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Bethel Lutheran Church

2077 N. Frederick Pike
Winchester, VA 22603
540-662-3245

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Upcoming Worship

December 15, 2019
  • Worship
    Starts: 9:30 am

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December 18, 2019
  • Starts: 7:00 pm

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This Week at Bethel

Sunday, December 15- 3rd Sunday of Advent

Join us on Sunday at 9:30 for worship as we continue the Advent season! Our HS youth will be participating in a “Candy Cane” outreach after worship, handing out candy canes on the downtown mall and then inviting others to worship on Christmas eve at “Christmas in a Barn”!