About Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a congregation that is living a joyful expression of God's love in north western Iowa.  We are a vital part of the community of Inwood and are guided by theses words of scripture: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)

Our understanding of loving our neighbor means that all people are welcome here.  We celebrate and value diversity.  We believe that all people are created in God's image.  We celebrate people in all their diversity as good.

We invite you to share in God's loving word with us.  Come share a time of worship with us on Sunday morning at 9:30 and stay for a treat in our fellowship hall after worship.  Let our friendly nature welcome you into this space.  If you can't be with us in person, check out a posted worship service on this site.

Faith

God's love and gift of grace to all humanity is what unites us.  We respond to God's love by living what Jesus demonstrated, working for justice and bringing healing, compassion and love to all the world.  

We engage the Bible as the written Word of God.  We understand the authors of the books of the Bible to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.  The words themselves are not dictated by God.  We approach the texts with curiosity, believing it is holy work to wrestle with the text.  We believe that the Holy Spirit continues to help us understand scriptures' relevance in today's world.

We experience God's activity in our lives through Jesus' presence in Holy Communion, which we celebrate on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.  We welcome all who believe in Christ to share in communion.

We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States.

Family

At Bethlehem Lutheran Church we value the family and we believe church should be a place for people of all ages.  Children have a joyful part in our worship.  They engage in ministry through gathering a special 'noisy offering', sharing their musical talents through bell choir and song, and are welcomed in a special message for them during 'Kid's Time at the Altar.'  

We strive to have elements in worship that will meet the spiritual needs of all ages and draw from both traditional liturgies and more contemporary worship.

From September-May Sunday School classes are available for preschoolers through high school students.  Guests are always welcome.