Healing Waters… Reflecting The Son!
Bethesda Lutheran Church
We Are Bethesda Lutheran Church and School
in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
We are a Christian community dedicated to joyfully serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and others in Christian love to one another and to the people of the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. We do so by offering regular worship services, adult and youth ministries, and Bethesda Lutheran School and Early Learning Center.
We are equipped for service through the regular study of God’s Word, the Sacraments, worship and prayer, and through the opportunities of fellowship offered by the congregation. In addition, Bethesda offers full time Christian education through its Lutheran accredited primary school, preschool, and its year-long child care and enrichment for parents and children of the church and community.
Bethesda Lutheran Church and School is a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and its worldwide missionary endeavors. It was founded in November of 1919.
The purpose and mission of Bethesda Lutheran Church is to know Christ and to make Christ known through prayer, worship, Bible studies, and other ministries.
Worship and Activity Schedules
Sunday Worship Schedule
- 8:00 am Early Adult Bible Class
- 9:00 am Worship Service, streamed live on Facebook (Holy Communion is offered every Sunday)
- We welcome anyone who is unable to attend in person to join us online as our worship services are streamed live on Facebook.
- 10:00 am Coffee
- 10:15 am Bible Classes
Bible Classes Available Sundays at 10:15 am
- Bible Study led by a pastor
- Bible Study with John Staben in the Church Library
- Youth Ministry for Preschool through 6th Grade
Special Midweek Worship Services and Soup Suppers are held during Advent and Lent each Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Midweek Activities
- Bethesda School Chapel: Wednesdays at 8:45 a.m. through the school year
- The Fire and the Staff: Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm with Pastor Dan Praeuner
- Christ Connection Teen Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. during the school year for middle and high schoolers
- Sewing Circle: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Contact: Lillian Hagen, Vice President: Carol Grover
- Choir Practice: Mondays at 6:00 p.m. Director: Georgia Holmes
- Lutheran Women’s Missionary League: Scheduled Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact: Liz Lorang, Vice President: Carol Grover
- Ladies’ Bible Study: Fridays at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
What To Expect
- Our worship is Christ centered, focusing especially on all that Christ has done for us by His death and resurrection. We believe that Christ’s ministry continues in and through His Church.
- Infants, toddlers, and children are welcome in our worship services and are encouraged to participate. There are children’s bulletins and activity bags in the back of the church just for the kids.
- There’s no need to worry about how to dress when you come to worship at Bethesda. You will see people in dress clothes, jeans, or shorts and t-shirts.
- At the end of the service, we have a time of announcements. Please contact the church secretary if you would like to include something.
- Come as you are and join us in a time of worship!
What We Believe
Bethesda Lutheran Church of Hot Springs Believes:
- We believe and confess one Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and the Good News (Gospel) is the power of God for salvation for all who believe.
- We believe the Bible to be the living word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.
- We recognize and confess our fallen and sinful nature and we trust that only through the life, death, and resurrection of God’s Son Jesus that we are made right with God. By grace we are saved through faith in order that we will give Glory to God in all we do and say.
- We believe baptism is God’s Work to make us His Children and to daily wash away our sins. So we believe baptism is for everyone, infants, children and adults.
- We believe that the bread and wine on the altar are what Jesus says they are, “This is My Body” and This is My Blood.”
1530 Luther Rose
This seal was designed by Dr. Martin Luther while teaching at Wittenberg and has become the primary emblem of the Lutheran Church. Comprising it are: the black cross for faith in Christ crucified; red heart for faith in the Savior; white rose to show the faith that brings joy and peace; blue sky to denote that such faith begins the heavenly joy to come; and a gold ring surrounding all to signify bliss in heaven is endless.
1984 LCMS Cross
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod logo is three crosses in one. It declares, “We worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in unity.” The top points upward toward God in prayer and openly receives God’s grace. The lower points down, as if to embrace the world with God’s love. The 12 individual parts of the logo cross remind us of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. The four arms appear to be in motion, as we urgently tell the word what God’s love in Jesus Christ means to us and, uniquely, as Missouri Synod Lutherans.
For more information on what we believe click here: The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Sola Gratia – Sola Fide – Sola Scriptura
The “three solas,” namely: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, and Sola Fide are three phrases used in connection to the Lutheran Reformation in the 16th Century. These three Latin phrases mean: “Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, and Faith Alone.” The phrases are the benchmark of confessional Lutheranism today and continue to be proclaimed at Bethesda.
Contact Us
Pastor: Rev. Pete Utecht
Welcome! I am glad you found our website and I hope you are able to visit us in person! Bethesda Lutheran Church is a welcoming church and we want to get to know you and share the love of Christ with you. We meet Sundays at 9am to hear God’s Word and dine at His Table. After the service we have coffee and fellowship. Sunday is the highlight of our life together and we hope you join us.
Pastor Peter Utecht was born and raised in South Dakota. He has been a pastor for over 25 years. He is an integral part of Bethesda Lutheran School, bringing experience in teaching the faith, leading chapel, coaching, and interacting with kids of all ages.
Church Email: bethesda@gwtc.net
School Email: bls@goldenwest.net
1537 Baltimore Avenue
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Church Phone: (605) 745-4834
School Phone/Fax: (605) 745-6676
