Bethany Lutheran Church: Indepth look at church, its people

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A look at the people, groups, projects and committees of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Michigan Longtime northern Michigan TV personality Carl Pellonpaa of WLUC TV6 has the story. -- Welcome to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, Michigan. Hello I'm Carl Pellonpaa My wife, Doris, and I have been members of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 50 years because of its unique sense of family. Founded about 140 years ago, Bethany is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Come inside and meet Bethany Pastor Warren Geier --- I'm Pastor Warren Geier You will see a few glimpses of life here at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Founded in 1860 by Swedish immigrants, who came here to mine the area's rich iron ore deposits. Swedes and miners are still part of the mix 138 years later, but they are joined by many others - some lifelong Lutherans - and some from other faith backgrounds. Worship - of course - is central to what we do, but there is lots more going on. So enjoy the video and enjoy exploring the rest of our website. Better still come and join us when you can. Bethany Lutheran celebrates God with wonderful sounds. From a glorious choir to gifted Bells.Bethany has one of the finest organs in midwest. The pipes to the century old organ were restored a decade ago. A original church bell from the late 1800s still rings for worship services and other events. Worship services are held on Sunday mornings and Monday evening. Communion is celebrated at each service. Church finances and other business are overseen by the church council at monthly meetings. Other Bethany groups and committees include the men's ministry, evangelism and numerous other committees including Property, Christian Education, Social Ministry, Worship and Music, Stewardship and Finance. There are three women's groups - the Joy Circle, Martha Circle and Mary Circle, all are part of the Women of the ELCA. The circles gather for Bible study, engage in reaching out to homebound and nursing home bound members, and participate in the social ministry work of the church. Socializing and fun is a big part of church life: From the kidders of the grumpy old men's club to the oft lively debates of the Bible study groups that meet in the morning and evening each week. Community outreach includes food drives, pie socials to raise money for good causes and a regular community blood drive. The church also supports local charities. The nimble hands of the Bethany Lutheran quilters help spread warmth around the globe. The quilts are distributed around the planet by Lutheran World Relief. The prayer shawl group knits shawls and say a prayer for those in need of a hug from the church - the shawls are for members and non-members as a reminder of the church's presence in their lives and for "those who need a little warmth in their life." And the new Candle Carvers are preparing special candles for baptisms. Bethany is all about youth. Joint confirmation classes are held with two other churches. There are three multi-grade Sunday school classes that help the children learn important age-appropriate Bible lessons. Youth are called to the front of the church each Sunday for "a special children's moment." Easter and the time before Easter are a special and busy time at Bethany. Youth and adults participate in dramas during mid-week Lenten services which are preceded by soup and bread suppers. Holy Week and the three days of Easter - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter - comprise the central worship experience of the church year. Maudy Thursday begins with a Seder Passover meal shared with the families of young people who will receive their first Communion that night. The service includes the symbolic washing of feet like Jesus did for his disciples - and the stripping of the altar Good Friday is marked by a Tenebrae Service during which the Passion according to St. John is read. The church becomes increasingly dark and the service ends with a single candle burning in a dark church. An Easter Vigil service is held on Saturday night. It begins outside with the lighting of a new fire, followed by a candlelight service of readings and renewal of Baptismal vows, after which some members keep vigil in the church all night - leading to the Easter morning festival and celebration - the highlight of the church year. Bethany Lutheran would love to welcome you to our community. Please watch our other videos for more details on all that we mentioned. Bethany Lutheran Church: http://www.bethanyishpeming.org 906-486-4351

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: June 10, 2008 at 11:45 am
Author: BethanyLutheranTV

Length: 0:09:09
Rating: 5.00
Views: 556

Tags: Jesus resurrection ELCA Evangelical Lutheran Church of America pastor Ishpeming Michigan Reverend Warren Geier God Bibl

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Video Comments:
CHRISTSmusiciansSEA (Monday 6th of October 2008 08:32:01 AM)
HI Michigan... from California ! Kerry Livgren of Kansas Rock Band, is Swedish decent. For YOUTH : w w DATAmanos2 c--o--m A Pastor in Virginia made this ROCK FAITH site. GOD BLESS & BLESS GOD. Kerry, Lutheran raised as well. In Kansas. Psalms 33. Play Music Sing a new song...Let your Light SHINE !
redmartian (Saturday 19th of July 2008 10:04:39 PM)
Carl Pellonpaa is such an underrated reporter!