Kid Connection Christmas Program, Sunday, December 22 at the 10:45am service.
Our kids will be acting out the Nativity Story “Christ is Born in Bethlehem”, while Amanda narrates.

Sunday, Dec 22 at 2–7pm
Save the date for our annual trip to Winterlodge for ice skating outdoors, followed by caroling for some special people, and then enjoy pizza at Tony & Alba's. Read more details and sign up at Eventbrite. Contact Tom Hoegel if you have questions. Families welcome!

The Bethel office will be closed for Christmas and New Year's.

This Christmas Eve, honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus at one or both candle lighting services. At 5pm, celebrate with a family theme as you sing with and listen to the Worship Team, led by Clayton Johnson. At 9pm, celebrate in a traditional, more meditative style, with traditional music and communion, led by Melody Wright.
Nursery will be available at the 5pm service.

Out 'n About Plays Games at Bethel, Saturday, January 11, 5-9pm. All are invited to come to the Fireside Room for a Game Night. Bring your favorite board game and/or puzzle and we'll figure out which ones we are going to play. Pizza is provided but feel free to bring snacks. Contact is Paul Baldwin.

We will not meet in December, but for this month's book selection, please select a book of your own choosing about the season of hope, love and charity. Our next meeting will be Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1:30pm in the library.

Sunday, January 26, noon-1:30pm, Torvend Hall.
It’s time again for the Annual Chili Cook Off, so let's get cookin’! Whether you are 'in it to win it' with your best recipe, or just comin' for the great eats, RSVP via your bulletin insert (in January) and/or contact Mary Deutscher in the office (408-252-8500).
Break out your western wear and please bring a side dish, bread or dessert to share. We will provide chili toppings, chips, and beverages. Volunteers are needed for set up/clean up.

Please attend the upcoming winter Congregational Meeting, Feb 2 at noon in the Sanctuary. Hangout after services to hear ministry updates, officer elections, financials, what’s going on at Bethel and snacks. Please read the minutes from our summer Congregational Meeting in preparation for the vote to approve them.

Do you like to knit? How about crochet? Ellen Aist is starting a new knitting ministry, in January, to make hats for the unhoused. Kids may also crochet. Yarn, and loom for crocheting, will be provided. If you would like to be part of this ministry, contact Ellen Aist or Amanda Laughlin.

Bethel Staff meet about once a month to record a brief presentation that you can view on our YouTube Channel. Look for the heading Bethel Staff Zooms.

On Nov 23, Hella Bluhm-Stieber led a crew to clean up Calabazas Creek between Vallco Parkway and Tantau, the part that our church adopted. She would like to thank everybody who helped. The rains stopped just in time for us to do the cleanup.

6 volunteers collected a total of 84 lbs trash, 1.3 lbs recyling, 4.85 lbs glass, 6.83 lbs metal, and 2.64 lbs plastic. In addition, we hauled up several water-clogged blankets, bed sheets, and some wire mesh. Click a photo to see a larger view.

Thanks to Hella for the photos.

Tom Hoegel led Bethel's fall Adult Mission to Mexico this year from Sep 27–Oct 1. Esperanza International recently featured Tom in their fall newsletter, Esperanza Hope Happenings. You can read an excerpt, below. Click any image to see a full size version.

Esperanza Hope Happenings
Fall 2024

Meet Tom Hoegel
Dedicated Volunteer

“My name is Tom Hoegel and I am the group leader for Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino, CA. I have had the blessing of leading 69 servant trips to Tijuana, most of them with Esperanza since their beginning. I lead an intergenerational trip in the spring and adult trip in the fall. Our journey to work with our family and future friends in Tijuana is a part of our congregation’s DNA and never in question to be together twice a year. Even during Covid, we had held Fiesta Zooms with the Esperanza staff and some community members, plus we sent our financial support. We carry the ministry of Esperanza deep in our hearts and will be part of our Congregation’s rhythm for years to come.”

Thank you Tom for your example of servant leadership😊, for sharing Esperanza with hundred if not thousands of volunteers over the years🏡, and many more to come!👏

Bethel's Out 'n About enjoyed a tour of the San Francisco Symphony and a matinee performance of their annual “Día De Los Muertos”. The concert celebrates Latin American music and culture, honoring the rich heritage of this ancient holiday. Thanks to Molly Schrey for these photos. Click one to see a full size version.

In this video, a few current and former Bethel members share accolades and messages for Tom Hoegel, who started ministry at Bethel Lutheran Church in 1984.

Bethel held its annual Trunk or Treat event on Oct 27. Thanks to Amanda Laughlin for these photos. Click each one to see a full size version.

Mary Deutscher has published an updated Ministry Guide. This is primarily intended for visitors and new members so they can see what is happening at Bethel. You can download the Guide here.

Masks and/or vaccination are not required. We encourage you to be vaccinated if possible and we fully support anyone who wants to come masked.