Bethesda Lutheran Church
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.
Sunday Worship Schedule
Bible Classes Available Sundays at 10:15 am
Special Midweek Worship Services and Soup Suppers are held during Advent and Lent each Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Midweek Activities
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.
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
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.
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