Elgin's Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church wraps up its 150th anniversary celebration
Throughout 2021, the members of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin have been celebrating a special anniversary. The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Church was started on Jan. 30, 1871, by Swedish immigrants to the Elgin area, according to the church's centennial book "A Living Heritage: 1871-1971."
The celebration began on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, with Bishop Yehiel Curry of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA preaching at the official start.
Each month, the church shared videos of members sharing their fondest memories, a video of the Centennial Banner made in 1971, followed by videos of the beautiful Cross and Chrismon tree.
Previous pastors were invited to preach: Rev. Patricia Geiseman, Rev. Arthur Puotinen and Rev. Paul Olson.
On Sunday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., Bishop Yehiel Curry will preach and bless the 150th banner designed by a team of women who are church members.
The church's work in the community will continue with the hopes of having the annual Strawberry Festival numbering 47 years this May.
The Child Development Center established in 1995 continues to serve infants through 4 years of age, and a summer program for school-age children.
Members are faithful supporters of community agencies: Martin Luther King Jr. Food drive, Soup Kitchen at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Holiday Toy Drive, Community Crisis Center, Elgin CROP Hunger Walk, Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley, Food for Greater Elgin, and All People's Interfaith Food Pantry.
Church youth have served other communities since 2000 on their annual summer mission trip as well as serving Elgin.
The church invites you to worship. For information, call the church office at (847) 741-8434 or visit www.blcelgin.org.