About Us
Mission Statement
We, the faith community of Blackhawk-Bethlehem Church, exist to grow generations of faithful followers of Jesus Christ by:
· Preparing the fertile soil bed of faith.
· Sowing seeds of God’s Word in peoples’ hearts.
· Cultivating and nurturing each individual’s spiritual growth.
·Harvesting the fruit of souls made righteous by God’s grace.
Our History
On March 4, 1864, several faithful families decided to form a church in this farming community of Sauk County. The Articles of Congregational incorporation were drawn up, adopted, and named Bethlehem Congregation of Troy. An acre of land was donated for a church building as well as a plot of ground across the Harrisburg Road (now Hwy C) for the parsonage. Due to lack of finances, building was delayed until two years later. On October 14, 1866, the new church building was dedicated, debt free. The total cost came to $3,500. Records indicate there were 33 proud members.
As the years passed and the Bethlehem Evangelical congregation grew in numbers, a decision was made to build a new church and a plan was presented on April 13, 1901. The beautiful block and stack building of native limestone was dedicated on December 13, 1901.
In 1946 the Evangelical Association merged with the United Brethren to become the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church.
More growth. More families. More space. In March of 1948, plans were made for a larger house of worship. Members of the congregation helped in many ways, including planting, tending and harvesting 16 acres of corn as a means to raise funds. Ground was broken on March 29th, 1948. A year later, on March 26, 1949, the cornerstone was laid.
In 1969 the Evangelical United Brethren merged with the Methodist Church to form the United Methodist Church. In 2023 BhB disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and became an independent, non-denominational church.
For nearly 160 years, God’s people have remained steadfast in their service to the community and world around them. Through the various ministries of Blackhawk Bethlehem Church, we commit to the ongoing work of PREPARING the soil, SOWING the seeds, CULTIVATING the field and HARVESTING the fruit as we grow generations of faithful for years to come.
Christian Discipleship
We believe spiritual training begins in the home. The church encourages families to read the Scriptures, pray together and develop godly disciplines in their homes. The church supplements and encourages families by providing Christian discipleship through our programs of Christian Education. We offer Sunday school for children in preschool through High School as well as studies for Adults.
Church Membership Vows
A person may take their place as a member of the church once they have proclaimed a personal faith in Jesus Christ and have publicly declared their intent to live out that faith by God’s grace as stated in the following Membership Vows:
-As a professing Christian and Member of this church I will be a faithful witness and live a life consistent with a disciple of Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Scriptures.
-I will regularly gather with the church for Sunday worship.
-I will commit to regular personal prayer and Scripture study.
-I will regularly take my place in this church’s spiritual development and discipleship opportunities.
-I will support this church with my tithes, gifts, and offerings.
-I will faithfully participate in the life, mission, and ministry of this church with my God-given gifts and graces to the glory of Almighty God.
BhBC Music
Music has always been an integral part of Blackhawk Church. About 15 members keep the Sunday morning chancel choir active since their organization in 1938. That’s close to eight decades of singing praises to God!
Our Sunday school students have opportunities to minister through music during Sunday morning worship several times a year. Whether its singing and moving to awesome VBS music, sharing the Christmas story through verse & song, singing the Palm Processional on Palm Sunday or playing piano for the service, we encourage our young people to share their musical gifts and talents with the congregation.
