West Dundee's Bethlehem Lutheran making a difference

What does a pastor do when he can't hold church services or education or events and there are restrictions on visiting people? That is what Pastor Jim Murr has had to deal with at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Dundee.

He started by writing a daily devotional that connects what we are going through with what people have gone through in the Bible. You can read Pastor Jim's Daily Devotional Thoughts by going to Bethlehem's website at bethlehemdundee.org.

He also began recording his weekly Sunday services, which you can also view by going to the website. Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter services were recorded, as well as the live celebration of Easter.

Bible studies were also put on hold while the stay-at-home and social distancing orders are in effect, and again technology has been brought to bear. There are now Wednesday and Sunday morning Bible studies being held using a video conferencing solution. A new topic entitled "God's Arks" that will include thoughts about the coronavirus pandemic will be starting April 15 and April 19.

The same video technology is being used by our Youth Leaders for Sunday get-togethers to keep in touch with church youth.

Churches are struggling financially due to the effects of canceling worship services and members have been encouraged to make sure Bethlehem does not fall behind in its financial obligations. Church financial leaders are working on providing an electronic system for members to more easily continue their regular stewardship without physically dropping their offering in the plate at church.

Congregation members have also been active in dealing with the pandemic, too many to all be mentioned by name. Many people had to become more familiar with website technology, video recording, dynamic adaptive streaming and video conferencing, and to arrange for everything to actually take place. Other congregation members have been busy making protective face masks needed by hospital workers and others. One member who knows piano has offered to play hymns over the phone for people who miss the music from the worship services.

If you too are interested in making a difference, go to the Contact Us page on the Bethlehem website and let them know.