The Little Brick Church

Our Bible readings for today, the 6th Sunday in Easter, are: Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:13-22; and John 14:15-21. Our reading from John assures us that Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for May 3, 2026, the 5th Sunday in Easter are: Acts 7:55-60;1 Peter 2:2-10; and John 14:1-14.As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise, especially to the ones who disappoint him, that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday April 26, the 4th Sunday in Easter are: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10.Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday” but we at Bethel focused on the Acts reading where we hear the stories of the earliest Christians. Amazing as it might sound, the Jewish Christ followers shared all that they had and all that they were as they learned about the Way of Christ and the love that is given to all who believe. We, as Christians, are still called to, freely and without qualifications, share the gifts that God has given us.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for April 19, the 3rd Sunday in Easter are: Acts 2:14a, 36-41;1 Peter 1:17-23; and Luke 24:13-35Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Our readings for this glorious Easter day are: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Good Friday are Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; and John 18:1—19:42. Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Palm Sunday, March 29, is a little different kind of a day. It is a day when we begin by joining in with the excited throng who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and begged him to save them and it is the day when we hear much of the rest of the story. It is an emotionally hard day, a long day. We begin by hearing the the story of Jesus's triumphal entry in Matthew 21:1-11. Unfortunately we didn't get a recording of that.Then we hear readings from Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; and finally Matthew 26:14—27:66. It is a long reading which we were able to break up a bit by singing verses of the beautifully haunting hymn Were You There. A hard story, yes, but a story that shows the depth of love that our Savior has for us.Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is both glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, March 22, the 5th Sunday in Lent are: Ezekiel 37:1-14;Romans 8:6-11; and John 11:1-45. In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ in order that we will also be raised with him to new life. And that life is found, here and now, in community with all the people of God.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, March 17, the 4th Sunday in Lent are: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday or Rose Sunday. It is the halfway point in Lent. Traditionally, this Sunday is a day of celebration within the more solemn period of Lent. It is a day specifically appointed to rejoice!The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives. We are recreated from dirt to mudpies to disciples.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for March 8, 2026 are: Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11;  and John 4:5-42.In today’s gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel and those of the next two Sundays to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter. As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal—offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for the second Sunday in Lent, March 1, 2026 are Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17.During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.Here at Bethel we talked about the apostle Paul, both his quirkiness and his  passion for the gospel. How he informed the Christians in Rome that we rely not on our own faith but on the faith of Jesus which has been shared with us. And that passion for that faith, that gospel, can propel us out into the world to share the good news of hope to all people.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 are: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11.Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical (Christian education) focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Feb. 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday are: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.On Ash Wednesday we begin the forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust re-traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Readings for Transfiguration Sunday, February 15 are: Psalm 2 (used as our call to worship); Exodus 24:12-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. From this perspective, we know so much more than the disciples but still so little about who and what God is. It is a Mystery that we continue to explore even as we have faith in God, trusting God's word. We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, Feb. 8, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany are: Isaiah 58:1-12; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; and Matthew 5:13-20.Isaiah declares that when we loosen the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. We all know folks who live that spirit of grace for our siblings in need. We are called to join them. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

The Gospel reading today is The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), the familiar blessings shared by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. Guest Pastor Ellen Ayres gives us a fresh experience on this passage by reading it from the "First Nations Version New Testament," a Native American translation. The term "Creator" is used to refer to Jesus. For example, here is verse 3: "Creator's blessing rests on the poor, the ones with broken spirits. The good road from above is theirs to walk." Jesus, God with us, blesses the unlikeliest ones - and that  includes us.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, January 25  are Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23.Upon hearing of his cousin John's arrest, Jesus moves his residence into the land of Herod and begins his public ministry by repeating and amplifying John's call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" He then calls fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by oppression, sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, January 18, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42Today’s gospel opens with a reflection on Jesus’ baptism; there isn't actually a baptismal scene in this gospel rather, John discusses his memory of Jesus' baptism. John relates that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed and indwelt by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, January 11, the Baptism of our Lord, are Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; and Matthew 3:13-17 In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany (AKA revelation or sudden insight), Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In our reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of Gentile new converts even before they can be physically baptised. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

This weeks readings are Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 and Matthew 2:13-23Where is Jesus Emanuel in grief and times of fear? Does he really understand? Matthew’s Gospel answers that question starting from the first words all the way to the ending.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, December 21, the 4th Sunday of Advent are: Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25.Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. Today's gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the annunciation (how Joseph was told the back story of Mary's surprising and completely faithful pregnancy) and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, December 14 are: Isaiah 35:1-10;  Psalmody - Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11. A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, Mary's Magnificat prophecies a societal upending, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us even as we contemplate what kind of Savior we are expecting.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 are: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12. The focus for this liturgical year is on the gospel of Matthew, interspersed with the occasional reading from John. Reading through the gospel of Matthew in particular might be a great way to start off the season of Advent and our new year. At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and oppressed of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. Through his nearness we are able to burst forth from the hard shell of ego and self-protection so that the tender, vulnerable grain of humanity can be freed to nourish the world.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

This beautiful Advent season calls us to not only fill our stockings and homes with presents, or to only busy our lives with activities and events...but to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.  Actually, two "comings".  To ponder once again at the wonder of the Word made flesh.  The Christ of the manger.  AND the second coming of Christ...which may seem a little more mysterious and obscure.  When will that be, we ask?  Many have tried to figure that out.  Perhaps we should be asking instead, "what are we to be doing in the meantime?"  Pastor Russ gladly filled in for Pastor Diana on this first Sunday of Advent and shares his thoughts.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our worship for Sunday, November 23 was a bit out of the ordinary. We still had three readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1:4-8; and John 18:33-37 but beyond that, things were a little all over the place. As this is the last Sunday of the Church year it was a little like New Year's Eve so we walked our way through a standard church year, both so that we could remember the year gone by and look forward to the rhythm of the year to come. But since the church year doesn't quite flow like a standard church service things felt a little out of sorts. The gospel came before the second reading, communion came before the offering, there was NO SERMON, and we sang more hymns than we would sing on a month of Sundays, but it was all for a good reason: it helped us keep our eyes on the story of God. Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, November 16 are: Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19.The end is nearer than it has ever been and the times are scary. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts seems ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament and community. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.” We live as the people of God, witnessing to the goodness that has been shared with us. Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, November 9 are: Job 19:23-27a; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38. Our reading today from the gospel of Luke sounds particularly interesting to our 21st century North American ears and sensibilities, but different cultures had rules and laws that were appropriate to them. Reading about a culture where the concept of eternal life was granted not through God but through male children who would carry on their father's lineage takes a bit of clarifying to understand. The Sadducees were using what they understood as a newfangled understanding of eternal life as a way to trick Jesus into denigrating other factions of Jewish religious hierarchy. But Jesus didn't fall for it. Instead, he revealed to the Sadducees and those around him that the reality of life eternal in God was so much deeper and fulfilling than even our best, most transcendent experiences here on earth! No one owns anyone but instead we live in love, grace, and peace. Share the good news!Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for All Saints Sunday, November 2 are: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Ephesians 1:11-23; and Luke 6:20-31. In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Reformation Sunday, October 26 are Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-36. Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission. The grace of God, through Christ, for our neighbor can be our focus.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, October 19, 2025 are Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; and Luke 18:1-8.Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the gospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts to Sunday, October 12, 2025 are 2 Kings 5:1-15c, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, and Luke 17:11-19. It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us whole. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place, wherever we are in our wanderings between the borders and boundaries of life, we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, September 28 are Amos 6:1a, 4-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; and Luke 16:19-31. Consideration of and care for those in need (especially those “at our gate,” visible to us, of whom we are aware) is an essential component of good stewardship. It is in the sharing of wealth that we avoid the snare of wealth. It is the one whom death could not hold—who comes to us risen from the dead—who can free us from the death grip of greed. We are not haunted but helped by the love and presence of a God who returned to us from the dead to welcome us into love and forgiveness for the sake of all humanity and creation.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible readings for Sunday, September 21, 2025 are from: Amos 8:4-7;1 Timothy 2:1-7; and Luke 16:1-13.Our text from the gospel of Luke is considered to be one of the odder sayings of Jesus. It seems to come down to the grace of our Savior who finds us, celebrates us, and welcomes us into a new relationship with God and with each other. Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing. By God's gracious favor we have everything we need and more than enough to share. Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, September 14 are: Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; Luke 15:1-10 The grumbling of the religious leaders in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God seeks and saves the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. Thanks be to God.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, September 7, 2025 are: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-21; and Luke 14:25-33.Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of Christ in holy communion and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own. We can also take this opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of our current practices; are they serving the community and the mission of God in this place? How can we release what no longer serves that mission and commence with new avenues of worship and service?Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, August 31, 2025 are Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; and Luke 14:1, 7-14. Invited and inviting—that is the nature of God's call to the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at Christ’s banquet table. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still. In God's kin-dom the rules of the world are turned upside down; like Mary sang out, the proud are scattered in their conceit, the mighty are brought down from their thrones, etc. This is shocking, even angering for some folks, but for those in need (financially, emotionally, spiritually) it is what saves us all.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, August 24 are: Isaiah 58:9b-14; Hebrews 12:18-29; and Luke 13:10-21.Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing.  These are fabulous reminders to recognize God in all God's blessings . Remember that you are never lost from God and healing comes through both God and community. Even in those days that you are most weary, God sees you and knows you and loves you.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, August 17 are: Jeremiah 23:23-29; Hebrews 11:29—12:2 and Luke 12:49-56. The word of God is a refining fire, purifying and preparing us for the work that we are called to do in caring for our neighbor. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, August 10 are Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; and Luke 12:32-40.Where is your treasure? What do you use those treasures for? In whom do you trust? Jesus says, I am the thief who sneaks into your house, your heart, when you least expect it. I come to remove the lust for those treasures that do not serve the neighbor so that you may find hope and joy and grace in servanthood.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible readings for Sunday August 3, 2025 are Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21. Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word. We are gifted for the care of neighbor and community rather than for the satisfaction of the self. We are called to look beyond our own navel.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible readings for Sunday, July 27, 2025 are Genesis 18:20-32; Colossians 2:6-19; and Luke 11:1-13. Hospitality and prayer are our foci this week. Persistence in prayer is encouraged by Jesus and wins the attention of God when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus—is to be nurtured with prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our Bible texts for Sunday, July 20 are Genesis 18:1-15; Colossians 1:15-28; and Luke 10:38-42. We hear the story of Martha and Mary of Bethany as Jesus and his disciples drop in for a meal and a rest. Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word that gives life. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the word of life.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, July 13 are: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Colossians 1:1-14; and Luke 10:25-37 (sometimes known as The Good Samaritan").To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in both seeing and responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the table, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you. Who would be neighborly with you that you may not recognize?Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, July 6 are Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:1-16; and Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. How might our gospel reading about disciples being sent out to share the good news be not so much about us being the givers of good news but instead our being the receiver of the good news from sources that we might ordinarily discount? Who is sharing the gospel with us that we might not recognize? Who are we discounting who may leave our presence only to wipe our dust from their feet? Might God be opening you to a new revelation?Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings today are 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25, and Luke 9:51-62. We have no good apart from God. That makes Jesus’ call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, and patience. This is freedom to not be imprisoned by anything or anyone that would keep us from the fullness of the life God has given us. This is the path of life.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for this Sunday, June 22, 2025 are Isaiah 65:1-9; Galatians 3:23-29; and Luke 8:26-39. In our gospel reading we follow the journey of Jesus and his friends as they travel into other lands and meet folks who are in extreme need. But when we poke into the story a bit deeper we find nuance that we had never expected. Listen closely to the story and find a God who is willing and able to stand against chaos and the power of sin so that God's entire creation can flourish.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

This is a special day, a day when we try to wrap our heads around how one God can be three persons. The good news is that we will never get it exactly right because God is so much bigger than our little brains can comprehend. If we had all knowledge and all wisdom and could explain in detail what God was, then what would we need a God for? I for one am grateful that God knows more, is more, and loves more than I can even comprehend. Our readings for this Sunday, June 15 are Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; and John 16:12-15. “O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

On Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, our second advocate,  to people of varied languages, communities, and customs, people outside of the previous scope of the gospel story. This particular reading comes to us from Acts 2:1-21. We also heard Genesis 11:1-9 and our gospel reading was John 14:8-27.  This advocate, whom Jesus had promised, now comes to us in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abiding in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our readings for Sunday, June 1 are: Acts 16:16-34; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26. Today is not a normal day. Five of us are just returned from our Synod Assembly where we gathered with hundreds of Lutherans from across the Southwestern California Synod to sing, pray, discern, vote, listen, and worship. It was a thrilling time! Please ask Julie H., Grace S., Autumn B., Cherie D., or myself about our experience. I'll also try to type up something for the Friday Collective.That being said, our Bishop, Brenda Bos, provided a sermon for use this Sunday, since most of us preacher types were preparing for and then at the Assembly during our normal sermon prep hours. What a gift! So what you will hear preached on this Simply the Sermon is me, preaching the sermon written and prepared by Bishop Bos.It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Bishop Bos uses Jesus' words here to remind us of who Jesus is and how we are called to follow his lead in giving and receiving love.Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to [email protected].• Donate for ministry.• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.• Web site: www.blctempleton.org