[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 37 (Thursday, March 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of the Bethlehem 
Lutheran Church in Columbus, Georgia, as the church's membership and 
leadership celebrates 50 years of providing spiritual guidance and 
moral counseling to the residents of Muscogee County, Georgia. The 
congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church will celebrate their 50th 
anniversary on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Columbus Convention and 
Trade Center.
  This upcoming anniversary ceremony will enable church members, local 
religious leaders, elected officials and other individuals throughout 
the Columbus, Georgia, metropolitan area to pay tribute to the members 
of Bethlehem Lutheran Church who have positively contributed to the 
spiritual maturation and personal development of those in the Columbus, 
Georgia, metropolitan area and beyond.
  The Bethlehem Lutheran Church traces its historical roots back to 
1963. It was founded by the Reverend Robert Collins, who canvassed the 
entire city in search of members for his new congregation and conducted 
Confirmation classes in his home as the church was being built. The 
first Confirmation class consisted of Henry and Lydia McCullough, Joann 
Doleman, Thomas Mathis and Robert Sherald. Sadly, Mr. McCullough, Ms. 
Doleman, and Mr. Sherald have passed away but Mrs. McCullough and Mr. 
Mathis remain faithful to the congregation today.
  Over the years, Bethlehem Lutheran Church has seen many great 
spiritual leaders come and go, each having a lasting impact in their 
own way. In 2001, the Reverend Bradley Arnholt answered the calling to 
minister to the good people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and he still 
serves as pastor today.
  Also in 2001, the church was blessed to remodel the multi-purpose 
room and significantly increase their outreach programs. Today, the 
church continues to support the community and leans on the declaration 
in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that, ``No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind 
has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.''
  The story of Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a truly inspiring one of 
the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people 
who put all their love and trust in the Lord. They have put to practice 
the Word of Hebrews 10:24: ``And let us consider how to stir up one 
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is 
the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you 
see the Day drawing near.''
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Columbus, Georgia, for all the many 
things this church's members have done and will continue to do to 
positively impact the lives of those seeking spiritual guidance and in 
need of charitable assistance.

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