FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Bethlehem affiliated with a denomination and how can I learn more about your beliefs?

• We are a congregation of the largest body of Lutherans in the United States, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
  
  
• At the local level, we are a congregation of the North Carolina Synod.
  
  
• "Discovering Bethlehem" is a short course about our congregation and about Lutheranism which is offered occasionally by the pastor. Please call the church office at 828-327-3600 for details.
  
  
• You can also click here to find the answers to some essential questions about our faith.
  
  
• Learn more about the history of Lutheranism here.

• In the front parking lot, we have reserved visitor parking spaces for your convenience. There are also handicapped spaces available for the disabled.
  
  
• Facing the facilities from the front, the building to your right with the tall tower and the cross is the sanctuary. Our worship service is held here at 10:30 a.m. The foyer or lobby of the sanctuary is called the narthex. On the right side of the narthex are rest rooms with baby changing stations. A "cry room" is also available for parents who desire to take their infant or small child and still be able to hear and see the worship service.
  
  
• The building to your left is the fellowship building. Sunday school classes (9:30 a.m.) are located downstairs. The stairway is located on the right side of the building.
  
  
• Worship bulletins are provided to help you follow along.
  
  
• We do not embarrass newcomers by asking them to stand up to be recognized or by asking them to call out their name! We want you to feel at home.
  
  
• The church offices are located in the back part of the sanctuary building (behind the pulpit and altar area).

• I want to join the congregation - Everyone interested in membership at Bethlehem should plan to attend the Discovering Bethlehem course. During this orientation (three hours total), we cover the basics of what it means to be a Christian, some history and teaching of the Lutheran Church, and what it means to be a part of Bethlehem. Discovering Bethlehem is offered as the need arises. After attending the orientation, you can make a decision about joining the congregation. New members are formally received at our worship service a week or two after attending their orientation. Please call the pastor at 828-327-3600 for the dates of the next Discovering Bethlehem.
  
  
• I want to get married - The first step is to call the church office 828-327-3600 and make an appointment to meet with the pastor. Your wedding date must be discussed with the pastor prior to having invitations printed and the reception scheduled in order to avoid conflicts in the use of the church building and the availability of the pastor. You will be given a booklet which includes important guidelines for planning your wedding at the church. Pre-marriage counseling and wedding planning will be required. The bride or the groom (or both) must have been an active member of Bethlehem for at least one year in order to have a wedding at Bethlehem. Because of the importance of being a part of a Christian community, couples are expected to worship regularly and actively participate in the life of the church during the months of preparation. Call the church office at 828-327-3600 for more information.
  
  
• I want to discuss Baptism - Baptism marks entry into the Body of Christ and is an important step in the life of every Christian. Baptism at Bethlehem is celebrated at regular worship services except in cases of emergency. Call the church office at 828-327-3600 for more information or to set a date for Baptism.
  
  
• I want to use the church building - Members who wish to use the church building for a church activity are asked to call the church office to place the event on the church facilities calendar. Members of the congregation who wish to use areas in the church building for a family event may do so if the space is not being used for an official church function. Community groups may ask to use the church facilities for meetings and events by making a request to the Congregation Council. Please contact the church office at 828-327-3600 to see if the desired building space is available on the date you have planned and make your request.

• Call the church office answering machine at 828-327-3600 after 7:00 a.m. (If you do not get an answer, call back a few minutes later in case the call waiting has intercepted your call.)
  
  
• Watch the local TV stations for closings. Keep in mind that some stations do not allow us to give specific details, such as "services postponed," only "services canceled." Also, it may take some time before our message gets into their system.

There is so much happening at Bethlehem, almost anyone can find an activity to participate in!




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