Bethel Ev. Lutheran Church and School

Bethel Ev. Lutheran Church and School We are a family of believers in Jesus Christ in Bay City, MI that is dedicated to preaching Christ, teaching Christ and reaching others for Christ.

You are welcome to visit our family and see the love of Christ in action.

09/11/2026

A Prayer on the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Gracious Father, creator and sustainer of all things, on this anniversary of terror and violence, we come to you in repentance, recognizing our own sinfulness and weakness. Forgive us our many sins. In your mercy, grant to our nation peace and protection from all our enemies, both physical and spiritual. Defeat the plans of the wicked who would bring terror and destruction to our society and to the world. Give knowledge and wisdom to our leaders, that they may serve our people with honesty and honor. Give courage and strength to all who protect us in our communities, our country and our world. Bring the light of the Gospel, through the Holy Spirit, to all who serve false gods and live in the darkness of unbelief and fear. Bless us, that we may serve you and bring your word of forgiveness and salvation in Christ to all people- even our enemies- that all may know the eternal peace you grant to your faithful. In the name of the Lord and Savior of all, Jesus, Christ, we pray. Amen.

The following letter was shared after worship yesterday:Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, members of Bethel,“Trust in...
09/07/2026

The following letter was shared after worship yesterday:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, members of Bethel,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

Bethel is truly a special place and my family and I have been blessed to call it home over the last ten years. During that time it has been an enormous privilege serving the congregation and serving in the public ministry in my role as a called worker.

To put a renewed focus on my family, I will be stepping down from my position as principal and upper grade teacher at the end of the school year, effective June 30th, 2027. I have notified and discussed this decision with church and school leadership. I believe stepping away is what is best for my family to move closer to our extended family and make them a bigger part of our lives.

This decision was difficult, as I care deeply about the public ministry and the ministry at Bethel, but stepping away is what I feel is best for myself and my family at this time. I will help in any way that I can during the transition process as you seek a new leader for the school. I pray that God provides you with the leader needed for Bethel’s ministry. I have enjoyed serving in the public ministry at Bethel and have appreciated your support, prayers and encouragement as I served.

While we don’t fully know what God has in store for the future, we can be encouraged by His Word in the book of Ephesians: “Now to him, who is able, according to the power that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

In Christ,
Zachariah Thooft

If you have questions about the process moving forward, please feel free to reach out Pastor Killinger.

We are happy that so many of our young men and women are continuing their Christian education at Michigan Lutheran Semin...
08/24/2026

We are happy that so many of our young men and women are continuing their Christian education at Michigan Lutheran Seminary again this year!
May they always be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus! (2 Timothy 2:1)
And to all our students that are heading back this week, whether other high schools or colleges, may God bless your year!

08/22/2026

Tomorrow, August 23rd, is our third outdoor worship service. Bring a friend, bring a chair, and meet us out by the playground as we gather to praise our Lord! The service begins at 10 am

Address

749 N Pine Road
Bay City, MI
48708

Telephone

(989) 892-4252

Website

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