Bethany Lutheran Church

The table was one of Jesus’ most consistent ministry tools. Meals were sacred spaces where outsiders became insiders, and strangers became friends. Eating together remains one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to build trust and show hospitality. As Paul encourages us to “practice hospitality” and “share with God’s people in need,” we’re reminded that the dinner table is often where blessing begins.

 Luke 5:27–32 (ESV)

After th...

Before healing, Jesus listened. He stopped, asked questions, and responded with compassion. Listening is more than being quiet—it’s an act of love that makes others feel seen and valued. In a noisy, opinion-filled world, true listening stands out. This week reminds us that to bless someone, we must be willing to listen with both ears and our full hearts. 

Luke 18:35–43 (ESV)

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the ...

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave them a vision not just for God’s kingdom “up there” but for transformation “down here.” Prayer is how we align with God’s purposes in our neighborhoods and world. Paul reminds Timothy that we are to pray for all people—because God’s desire is for all to be saved. We’re called to pray with boldness and specificity—for our neighbors, workplaces, and cities. 

Matthew 6:5–13 (ESV)

“And whe...

Before choosing His disciples or launching His public ministry, Jesus began with prayer. If we want to join Him in His mission, we must first tune our hearts to His. This week, we explore how prayer shapes our awareness of others, opens our eyes to opportunity, and anchors our mission in the peace of Christ. Prayer is not passive—it’s the first step in loving our neighbors well. 

Luke 6:12–16 (ESV)

In these days he went out to the mo...

Jesus didn’t just preach good news—He embodied it in ordinary encounters, like with Zacchaeus. In this opening week, we see how Jesus “blessed” people through simple acts of presence and attention. The B.L.E.S.S. model helps us recover this everyday approach to mission. God makes us new in Christ—and then sends us out as His ambassadors, not with pressure to convert, but with an invitation to love, serve, and bless.

Luke 19:1–10 (ES...

Celebrate what we have done and what God will be doing. 

Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built togethe...

As Joshua led the people into what was new, they had to let go of what was, and before they did, he told them to consecrate themselves because the Lord was about to do amazing miracles among them. The word consecrate comes from the Hebrew word qadosh, which means to be “set apart, holy, or sacred” or to “prepare or dedicate” oneself. Are we in a place where we are prepared and set apart for what God desires to do in and through us?...

Bethany has seen a lot of change over all its years of ministry. Staff have come and gone for various reasons but in everything we always remember who we are and how far we have come. Even more so, we remember who He is and what He’s done. Remembering how far we’ve come is worth celebrating. Remembering how good God is reminds us that He is worthy of our praise.

Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cl...

Change often involves releasing what was in order to embrace what God is doing now. Change is about moving forward with integrity and trust. Often we are not in control of change. We might initiate something or move forward but how everything unfolds is part of what makes change hard. We cannot control how others choose to embrace changes or evaluate what is changing but we do get to decide if we will face changes with integrity an...

In every new season we have the same God. Starting a new school year, going to a new school, changes at work. In the middle of all the change it can feel like a storm. In this the words of Christ ring true: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). Transition can be a teacher or take us out. We get to choose. 

Joshua 1:1-9 (ESV)

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, ...

The Feast of Purim is established to remember God’s deliverance. The story ends with joy and peace for God's people. Christians also are a remembering people — not in ritual for its own sake, but to proclaim the Gospel of God's faithfulness. We gather to remember, rejoice, and receive grace in Word and Sacrament. 

Esther 9:20–28 (ESV)

20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the...

The Jews are saved, Haman is defeated, and the people rejoice. Mordecai is elevated, and Esther’s people are delivered.God delivers His people by grace, through hidden means. This foreshadows the greater deliverance in Christ. 

Esther 8:3–8, 15–17 (ESV)

On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. And the king took...

Esther approaches the king, risking her life. Meanwhile, God begins to unravel Haman’s power and protect His people. This is not a story of self-salvation but of faith acting in love. Esther’s courage flows from her trust in God’s providence, not in her own power. This is about faith over fear. 

Esther 5:1–8; 7:1–6 (ESV)

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of...

Mordecai uncovers a plot, and Haman's plan to destroy the Jews is revealed. Esther hesitates, but Mordecai challenges her with the famous words: “Who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” God works through the everyday roles and positions He gives us. Esther is not a superhero, but someone God has placed in a particular setting for a purpose. So are we.

Esther 4:6–17 (ESV)

Hathach went out to Mord...

God is never named in the book of Esther — and yet He is all over it. Esther becomes queen through a series of unlikely events. God's hidden work through the ordinary, even in secular settings. God's grace is not always spectacular but always present — especially in weakness and mystery. 

Esther 2:5–11, 15–18 (ESV)

Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, ...

The work of the Spirit doesn’t end with individual empowerment — it creates a Spirit-filled, united, and mission-driven Church. The Spirit gives diverse gifts for one shared purpose, binds believers together in unity, and equips us to be Christ’s body in the world. 

1 Corinthians 12:4–13 (ESV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activ...

The Holy Spirit is not silent — He speaks, convicts, and guides. This spirit invites us to cultivate listening hearts, discerning the Spirit’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and community. Explore the Spirit’s ongoing role in shaping our daily direction and decisions. 

Acts 13:1–4

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod...

 Ezekiel 36:26–27, Acts 1:4–8, John 14:15–17, 25–27 

The Spirit didn’t arrive unexpectedly — He was promised by Jesus and foretold by the prophets.The Holy Spirit is the living fulfillment of God’s plan to dwell within His people, continuing Jesus' presence and power in the world.

 Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV)

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh a...

On Pentecost, the Spirit is poured out with power, transforming the fearful into the bold. The Spirit is not just a gentle helper — but the fire and breath of God that equips the Church for its mission. 

Acts 2:1–13 ESV

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongu...