Cathy Durst and her husband, Geoff, recently moved to suburban Minneapolis to be closer to their daughter’s family, but not before contributing greatly to Bethlehem since joining 14 years ago. Geoff was a confirmation mentor. Cathy served on numerous teams and is a past Secretary/Treasurer of the congregation. But perhaps Cathy’s most valued achievement was helping to create Tuesday Ladies—one of several small groups that welcome, worship, teach, and sometimes serve as part of the church’s ministry. Cathy, an original member of Tuesday Ladies in the winter of 2013, recognized early the value of small groups that meet regularly, but don’t require regular attendance.

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When you walk through the doors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, there’s a good chance some of the first faces you’ll see belong to the Donaldson family - Bill, his son Stuart, and grandsons Bennett and Henry - three generations united in the quiet ministry of serving worshipers by ushering.

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The generosity of Lonnie and Judy Anderson has literally paved the way for Bethlehem’s new and improved parking lot. A nearly half-million-dollar gift from the Andersons will provide the congregation with a legacy that everyone can use and appreciate every time they drive to a church service or any of the many activities that bring people to Bethlehem virtually every day of the week.

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Most everyone alive on September 11, 2001 knows where they were when New York City’s World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists. Dennis Nelson was in his early 50s at the time but served his country a decade earlier as part of Operation Desert Storm, an armed conflict with Iraq led by the US to liberate Kuwait. Dennis’ life of service - and his faith - came into focus during each of the two events and continues to be a central part of who he is as a member of Bethlehem.

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For Harlan Young, the scent of fresh-cut hay and the rhythm of rural life have always been part of the story. Raised just south of Aberdeen, near Hub City Livestock - locally known as the South Sale Barn - Harlan grew up steeped in agriculture. His parents, Eugene and Alice Young, operated the sales barn until 1990. Working at the sales barn and farming has instilled a deep respect for the land and those who make a living working the land.  Today, Harlan continues that legacy, farming alongside his brother, Donald.

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This summer, 7 other girls and I, along with Bethlehem Youth Director, Stan Jung and a chaperone, Greta Maier, were blessed with the opportunity to help those in need in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout the week, we took part in stocking food pantries, sorting donations, and even a little bit of fun. We stayed in a church along with 4 other groups from different congregations around the U.S. During these trips, you create memories you will never forget, and meet people you will forever be grateful for. This opportunity gives kids a chance to grow their faith with God alongside each other. We prayed together, worshiped together, and sang together. We were lucky enough to meet awesome people and an amazing pastor who we all loved and really connected with. I myself cannot thank the people of Bethlehem enough who helped and donated to make sure we get to experience an amazing thing like this.

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The Richardt family has experienced two significant milestones recently: On May 22, Dan, Emily, and their biological son Brady welcomed Gabriel, 3, and Amari, 21 months, into their family legally when the children’s adoption was finalized. And on July 20, they welcomed the children into their Bethlehem church family and the family of God through the sacrament of baptism.

“I was more emotional at the baptism,” Emily said. “It just seemed real and final.”

The Richardts had briefly considered requesting a private baptism ceremony but decided to hold it during the worship service they usually attended. “Because the congregation has been supportive through the whole process, it felt right,” Dan said. “I said, ‘We’ve got to have our church family that has been a part of this journey since the beginning (at the baptism).’”

A few months ago a friend and fellow pastor contacted me. He asked if I'd be willing to connect with a friend of his daughter who is a reporter. She had heard about a pheasant I shot years ago and the caring conversations about faith that the pheasant facilitated. She wanted to do a story about ministry in rural settings. This led to me having a Zoom conversation with Betsy Froiland, the reporter. This led to Betsy, coming from Minneapolis to Aberdeen for the weekend to experience Bethlehem and Hub City and talk with numerous people of Bethlehem. (She even talked with Al Froiland as he was serving Sunday coffee, and they learned they are related.) 

Here's the story that Betsy Froiland wrote for The Daily Yonder.

-Pastor Jeff Whillock

Picture on left: Bethlehem congregants share pews at Sunday morning worship (Photo by Betsy Froiland)

Ann’s journey began more than 40 years ago with a simple invitation. While attending Northern State College and working at a clothing store in the Super City Mall, a co-worker invited her to worship at Bethlehem—and to join the choir.

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