Hello Bethlehem,

Welcome back! Fall programming is underway and we are excited to kick off a wonderful new season of faith and fellowship together. 

The 53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi honoring the 38 Dakota is September 19-21 at Dakota Wokisuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park). A BLC group will leave the church at 6PM this Friday, Sept. 19 to attend the first evening of the weekend together. Grand Entry begins at 7PM and the cost is $7 to enter for the weekend. If you plan to attend but have not sent an RSVP to us, please do so ASAP using our online form or by calling the office this week so we know to expect you. Thank you! 

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This week

The Connections Block Party is this Tuesday.

Last call to join New Meet & Eat this season! We will match 3 couples/individuals to each host and share a meal with their group throughout the season. Let us know if you’d like to host your meal here at Bethlehem. Groups will be contacted tomorrow, so sign up here today if you’d like to join Meet & Eat! 

Prayer Shawl Makers gather on the third Thursday of each month. Join them this Thursday in the Library from 6-8PM. Knitters, crocheters, and learners welcome: grab your project and join us for a friendly casual evening of crafting and conversation!

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00 PM in the lower level. All are welcome and the meal is FREE. The fall menu is now available online.  September Menu: 

• Sept. 17 Ham, macaroni and cheese, salad and roll 

• Sept. 24 Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad and roll 

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday we will hear about Iambi Secondary School in Tanzania with Pastor Jay and fellow Tanzania travelers. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

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Family faith Formation

Our Confirmation Orientation and Blessing will be held this Wednesday, Sept. 17th. NightLIGHT programming also begins this Wednesday.

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Announcements

Newborn Baby Kits: So far in 2025, Bethlehem volunteers have assembled 46 Newborn Baby Kits to be distributed by Global Health Ministries. Volunteers will gather again on Saturday November 19th following Deborah Circle to assemble more kits. Interested in joining this ministry? Contact Kirsten Simon-Frank or Roberta Ganske. 

Shop Fair Trade: Save the date for fair trade shopping! Bethlehem’s Fair Trade Committee will be selling goodies like chocolate, coffee, tea and olive oil on Sunday, October 12 after worship. 

Time & Talent forms are available on the Welcome Kiosk. Stop by to fill one out and let us know how you want to be engaged with Bethlehem this season! 

Introducing the Office Drop Box! Located outside of the office, you can use this drop box to securely deliver checks and envelopes to office staff, even if the office is closed. Located outside the office doors, this box will be checked by staff throughout the week. 

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Thank you!

Thank you for joining us at God’s Work, Our Hands! Check out more photos of the fun in the Facebook album.

Thank you to Jerry Gale of Christians Against Christian Nationalism MN for joining us for our first Adult Forum of the season. 

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Thank you Christine!

This month marks 35 years of dedicated service at the Bethlehem organ and piano as well as in our office for Christine Schulz. Wow!! How blessed we have been with her many talents over these years! She has the longest tenure of service among our pastoral and lay staff in the 150+-year history of Bethlehem. What an impressive accomplishment!

Christine has shared her outstanding musical skills at our worship services in guiding our singing, accompanying our choirs, guest musicians and contemporary band and performing at many special church events and celebrations. Every occasion has been a marvelous concert of expertise, experience,  inspiration and dedication at the keyboards.

Christine has also made her impact in our office every day as the creative editor of our STAR monthly newsletter; scheduling worship readers, greeters, ushers and so many other volunteers; maintaining our membership directory; facilitating mailings to our members; creating worship bulletins; assisting our pastors and lay staff with special requests and so much more. She has been the dedicated anchor in the office.

Thank your for all you do for Bethlehem! We would not be the dynamic church we are today without your many contributions and faithful service.

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Monthly mission partner

Bethlehem’s September Monthly Mission partner is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. This church-managed boarding school serves 200 students in the Mkalama district, Singida region in Tanzania. Academically, it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Sandy Birkholz Kurt Burdick Mary Clark Nikolas Perez

Bear Lake Concordia Lutheran in Albert Lea United Lutheran in Walters

Spring Garden Lutheran in Cannon Falls Kinyangiri Lutheran in Tanzania

Venezuelan Ministry in Colombia El Salvador Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

September 17, Luke 15:1-10

September 21 & 24, Luke 16:1-13

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thanks for joining us at God’s Work, Our Hands yesterday! The fun continues this Wednesday, September 10. This year’s theme is Share, Receive, Be Blessed. Supper will be served at 5:00PM, worship will begin in the sanctuary at 6:15PM, projects and stations will begin at 7:00PM and we will wrap up with music and dessert at 7:45PM. Additional God’s Work, Our Hands details are available in the Facebook Event. Come and enjoy a chance to reconnect with your church family! 

This is a great time to bring in your extra garden produce for the Farm Stand or nonperishable items to help restock the Blessings Box pantry! This will also be your time to complete a Time & Talent form, so begin to think about where you feel called to share your passions and gifts. 

It’s not too soon to start signing up! Head to the BLC website to check out our Small Groups, take a look at the Wednesday Night Supper Menu and Adult Forum schedule, and register for youth programming. 

Let us reunite for a new season to share, receive, and be blessed!

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This week

BLC Men’s Vikings Football Watch Party is today, Monday, September 8th. Contact Pastor Jay to join BLC Men! 

Book of Faith- Genesis begins Sept. 10. Join this 8-session study exploring the book of Genesis from a historical, literary, Lutheran, and devotional perspective, 10:30AM Wednesdays. Sign up here. 

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00 PM in the lower level. All are welcome and the meal is FREE. The fall menu is now available online. 

September Menu: 

• Sept. 10 Hamburger/cheeseburger with cold pasta salad and chips

• Sept. 17 Ham, macaroni and cheese, salad and roll 

• Sept. 24 Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad and roll 

Bibles & Brews meets Thursday, September 11th at Weggy’s beginning at 6:00PM. Join Pastor Jacie for meaningful conversations on faith and culture. 

Adults Forums resume this week! Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. We kick off the season with Jerry Gale, founder of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Minnesota, to discuss, “Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism.” The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

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Family faith Formation

LIGHT & NightLIGHT are starting up again! Join us Sunday Sept. 14th or Wednesday the 17th for the first classes of the year.  

Our Confirmation Orientation and Blessing will be held on Sept. 17th.

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Announcements

The 53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi honoring the 38 Dakota is September 19-21 at Dakota Wokisuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park). A BLC group will leave the church at 6PM on Sept. 19 to attend the first evening of the weekend together. Grand Entry begins at 7PM and the cost is $7 to enter for the weekend. Please RSVP by Sept. 12.

The Good Counsel Learning Center (GCLC) is a program that promotes literacy.  THE GCLC does that by providing tutors who help students, mostly in grades K-12, to learn to read.  They also provide tutoring services for people new to the U.S., or who are learning to speak and read English, regardless of age. Many, if not most, of their students cannot afford the cost of the tutoring services. GCLC tutors are people with an education background who have the skills necessary to teach people to read. The GCLC pays tutors at a rate consistent with each tutor's level of educational attainment.  Some members of BLC already work as tutors for the GCLC but more tutors are needed.  The GCLC, a not for profit organization, needs funding so that it can provide tuition assistance and so that it can continue to perform its' mission so, donations are welcome. People can also contact the GCLC to request services, and/or to make referrals for people who need services. People can contact the GCLC through their website at www.gclearningcenter.org, or can call on them at 507-389-4229.  

New Meet & Eat groups are forming! We match 3 couples/individuals to each host and share a meal with their group throughout the season. Let us know if you’d like to host your meal here at Bethlehem. Sign up here. 

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Thank you!

Thanks for joining Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board at SEMN PrideFest over the weekend! 

Thank you for assisting in loading 2,400 school kits last Tuesday to be taken to Lutheran World Relief in the Twin Cities. 

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Thank you Christine!

This month marks 35 years of dedicated service at the Bethlehem organ and piano as well as in our office for Christine Schulz. Wow!! How blessed we have been with her many talents over these years! She has the longest tenure of service among our pastoral and lay staff in the 150+-year history of Bethlehem. What an impressive accomplishment!

Christine has shared her outstanding musical skills at our worship services in guiding our singing, accompanying our choirs, guest musicians and contemporary band and performing at many special church events and celebrations. Every occasion has been a marvelous concert of expertise, experience,  inspiration and dedication at the keyboards.

Christine has also made her impact in our office every day as the creative editor of our STAR monthly newsletter; scheduling worship readers, greeters, ushers and so many other volunteers; maintaining our membership directory; facilitating mailings to our members; creating worship bulletins; assisting our pastors and lay staff with special requests and so much more. She has been the dedicated anchor in the office.

Thank your for all you do for Bethlehem! We would not be the dynamic church we are today without your many contributions and faithful service.

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A note from Your congregational Services coordinator

Hello Bethlehem,

I have begun my studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary, a four year program in pursuit of becoming an ELCA pastor. As Pastor Jay Dahlvang said on Sunday, no one becomes a pastor in a vacuum. Discernment was a journey that I would not have taken without the faith, support and inspiration of this precious congregation. Thank you.

It’s an exciting time, and a busy time. I am attending class live zia Zoom throughout the week. While I may take a bit longer to respond, I will still be here, and I will still be your Congregational Services Coordinator. The office will remain open 9-5 on Tuesdays, however, to accommodate my class schedule, my Tuesday office hours have changed to 9-1 & 2:40-5pm.

Thank you for your understanding and thank you for walking with me. Blessings to all.

-Molly Nelson, CSC

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Monthly mission partner

Bethlehem’s September Monthly Mission partner is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. This church-managed boarding school serves 200 students in the Mkalama district, Singida region in Tanzania. Academically, it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Sandy Birkholz Kurt Burdick Mary Clark Nikolas Perez

St. Matthew Lutheran in Harmony Moland Lutheran in Kenyon

Epiphany Lutheran in Eagle Lake Kinakumi Lutheran in Tanzania

Ikhanoda Lutheran in Tanzania Iglesia San Lucas Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

September 10, Luke 14:25-33

September 14 & 17, Luke 15:1-10

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Hello Bethlehem,

We will gather for God’s Work, Our Hands this Sunday, September 7 & Wednesday, September 10. This year’s theme is Share, Receive, Be Blessed. Join us for a meal, music, community art and service projects, and a chance to reconnect with your church family.

This is a great time to bring in your extra garden produce for the Farm Stand or nonperishable items to help restock the Blessings Box pantry! This will also be your time to complete a Time & Talent form, so begin to think about where you feel called to share your passions and gifts. 

On Sunday we will gather for 9:30AM worship, 10:30AM projects and stations, then share a meal in the dining hall at 11:30AM. On Wednesday supper will be served at 5:00PM, worship will begin in the sanctuary at 6:15PM, projects and stations will begin at 7:00PM and we will wrap up with music and dessert at 7:45PM. Additional God’s Work, Our Hands details are available in the Facebook Event.

It’s not too soon to start signing up! Head to the BLC website to check out our Small Groups, take a look at the Wednesday Night Supper Menu and Adult Forum schedule, and register for youth programming.

Let us reunite for a new season to share, receive, and be blessed!

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Events

Werner needs help loading 2,400 school kits into a U-Haul at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. The kits will be taken to Lutheran World Relief in the Twin Cities. 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in SEMN PrideFest on Saturday, September 6. Saturday’s events will begin with a worship service at First Presbyterian at 9:30 AM. Then, we’ll head together to the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 AM. Wear your BLC shirt and join us! We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 PM that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

BLC Men’s Vikings Football Watch Party is Monday, September 8th. Contact Pastor Jay to join BLC Men! 

Bibles & Brews meets Thursday, September 11th at Weggy’s beginning at 6:00PM. Join Pastor Jacie for meaningful conversations on faith and culture. 

Book of Faith- Genesis begins Sept. 10. Join this 8-session study exploring the book of Genesis from a historical, literary, Lutheran, and devotional perspective, 10:30AM Wednesdays. Sign up here. 

The 53rd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi honoring the 38 Dakota is September 19-21 at Dakota Wokisuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park). A BLC group will leave the church at 6PM on Sept. 19 to attend the first evening of the weekend together. Grand Entry begins at 7PM and the cost is $7 to enter for the weekend. Please RSVP by Sept. 12. 

New Meet & Eat groups are forming! We match 3 couples/individuals to each host and share a meal with their group throughout the season. Let us know if you’d like to host your meal here at Bethlehem. Sign up here. 

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Announcements

Adults Forums resume soon! Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. We kick off the season with Jerry Gale, founder of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Minnesota, to discuss, “Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism.” The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

BLC Vice-President: Good news! Jason Bruns has accepted our invitation to serve as BLC Vice-President for this year. He will then step into the role of President-Elect for 2026-27 and President in 2027-2028. We are grateful for his continued service to Bethlehem since he recently served in these 3 roles from 2021-2024. Thank you!

The BLC Farm Stand: Located inside the narthex, this is a place to share your garden extras and pick up delicious produce grown by members of the congregation. Stop by Sunday mornings or during office hours throughout the week. Just like the Blessings Box, the Farm Stand is free and you do not need to bring in produce before taking some home.

Staff will regularly check the table to make sure produce is fresh and any produce that isn’t taken home quickly will be brought out to the Blessings Box. The Farm Stand will be up until the end of God’s Work, Our Hands on Sept. 10th.

The final Summer Sack Lunches of the season will be distributed this Sunday, Sept. 7th at 5:00 PM in the parking lot, and then we will return to Wednesday Night Suppers. The fall menu is now available online. 

September Menu: 

• Sept. 10 Hamburger/cheeseburger with cold pasta salad and chips

• Sept. 17 Ham, macaroni and cheese, salad and roll 

• Sept. 24 Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad and roll

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Monthly mission partner

Bethlehem’s September Monthly Mission partner is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. This church-managed boarding school serves 200 students in the Mkalama district, Singida region in Tanzania. Academically, it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Sandy Birkholz Kurt Burdick Mary Clark Nikolas Perez

Connections Shelter Church in Mankato St. Ansgar’s Lutheran in Cannon Falls

St. Paul Lutheran in Le Center Mazoezi Kitusha Lutheran in Tanzania

Nguony Keel Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Sudanese Nuer Community at St. Olaf Lutheran in Austin

Lectionary Readings

September 7 & 10, Luke 14:25-33

September 14 & 17, Luke 15:1-10

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Hello Bethlehem,

Bethlehem’s Fall Catalogs have been mailed! Check your mailbox or pick up a copy from the Welcome Kiosk to see all the exciting new offerings at Bethlehem this season, including a Pet Blessing, Thanksgiving Eve worship, and more. 

Mark your calendars: We will gather for God’s Work, Our Hands on Sunday, September 7 & Wednesday, September 10. This year’s theme is Share, Receive, Be Blessed. Join us for a meal, music, community art and service projects, and a chance to reconnect with your church family. This will also be your time to complete a Time & Talent form, so begin to think about where you feel called to share your passions and gifts. Additional God’s Work, Our Hands details are available in the Facebook Event. 

It’s not too soon to start signing up! Head to the BLC website to check out our Small Groups, take a look at the Wednesday Night Supper Menu and Adult Forum schedule, and register for youth programming.  We are so looking forward to a great year of growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God’s world! 

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Events

Join us for the Blood Drive tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

New Member Orientation: New members, we hope you will join us this Sunday, August 24th to be welcomed during worship. After worship we will gather for an orientation at 10:45am. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Bethlehem, please contact the church office or indicate your interest in the pew pads. 

Night to Unite: Join the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association in the Bethlehem Parking lot on Tuesday, August 26 from 5:30-8:30PM for their annual Night to Unite! Enjoy a meal, live music, open stage, games and more. Come on out and meet the neighborhood! 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in SEMN PrideFest on Saturday, September 6. Saturday’s events will begin with a worship service at First Presbyterian at 9:30 AM. Then, we’ll head together to the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 AM. Wear your BLC shirt and join us! We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 PM that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

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The new and improved Blessings Box has been a great success! Several social media posts in local neighborhood groups have helped spread the word, and community members enjoy stopping by to chat, peruse and restock the Blessings Box, which inspired this year’s God’s Work, Our Hands theme: Share. Receive. Be Blessed! 

Announcements

Invitation to the 2025 GHM Symposium: Healing in a Wounded World is going to be taking place on September 27th, from 9-11:30, followed by lunch, at Normandale Lutheran Church! We are going to spend a morning together in community, learning from three incredible speakers. We will welcome two notable international guest speakers, Archbishop Rev. Dr. Musa Pantl Filibus of the Lutheran Church in Nigeria and Dr. Rebecca Duerst from the Lutheran World Federation, as well as Rev. Doug Cox - GHM's Executive Director. We would love to have you all attend and to spread the word to your congregations about this event! I have attached an image that you can share, and we also have invitations available for pick up at the front desk at GHM.Registration is $20, and is now open at https://www.ghm.org/healing! 

Thank you for an awesome first year of Summer Sack Lunches! We want to especially thank Amy Haigh for all of her work spearheading this work. The final Summer Sack Lunches of the season will be distributed on Sunday, Sept. 7th at 5:00 PM in the parking lot, and then we will return to Wednesday Night Suppers. The fall menu is now available online. 

We Want Your Ideas for Adult Forums The Bethlehem Adult Education Board wants to know what YOU would like to learn about in our Sunday morning adult forums. In addition to promoting our monthly missions, we seek to contribute to BLC member lifelong learning by addressing topics of interest to YOU! Help us to develop a robust 2026 calendar of forum presentations. Are there topics near and dear to you? Are you involved with groups and organizations that connect to Bethlehem's mission and ministry? What would you like to share with members of our congregation? Send your forum ideas to Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com We will connect with you to develop future forums in 2026.

It’s been a summer of adventure! Stop in and see the photo wall outside the library lounge with memories from VBS, Camp, and the Boundary Waters. 

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Monthly mission partner

Our August Monthly Mission partner is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Bethlehem has a long and close relationship with Crossroads and Pastor Jacie currently serves on their board. Led by Pastor Jenna Couch, the mission of Crossroads includes building community, deepening faith, growing in the understanding of God, and encouraging service. Crossroads is home to Campus Cupboard, a food support ministry, and offers Lunch 4-a-buck, a weekly meal prepared by local congregations. The majority of students utilizing these resources are international students. With increased costs and increased need, these resources are more important than ever. Your generous support is appreciated. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 
Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. If you care about supporting college students in their faith journeys and want to help guide a vital ministry in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Board members provide leadership, vision, and support to the ministry’s mission on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.For more information or to express interest, please contact Pastor Jenna Couch at pastorjenna@gmail.com, or 507-200-8096.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen Ross Hall

Red Oak Grove Lutheran in Austin Hayward Lutheran in Hayward

Mabel First Lutheran in Mabel Solo Por Fe Lutheran in Colombia

Emanuel Cathedral Lutheran in Tanzania Casa La Paz in Medellin, Colombia

Lectionary Readings

August 24, Luke 13:10-17

August 31, Luke 14:1,7-14

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Hello Bethlehem,

They’re back and they brought some great photos with them! The BLC group returned safely from the Boundary Waters after a week in the wilderness. Check out more photos in the Facebook album. 

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Events

Don’t miss Bethlehem’s own, Christine Schulz, performing this week! The Summer Organ Recitals finale will be this Tuesday, August 12, at 12:10 pm in the sanctuary, presented by the Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Come and enjoy incredible music with Christine! Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information. 

Bibles & Brews meets this Thursday! Join Pastor Jacie for meaningful conversation on faith and culture, 6PM at Weggy’s. 

Bethlehem will be hosting a Blood Drive on Tuesday, August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

New Member Orientation: New members, we hope you will join us August 24th to be welcomed during worship. After worship we will gather for an orientation at 10:45am. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Bethlehem, please contact the church office or indicate your interest in the pew pads. 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in SEMN PrideFest on Saturday, September 6. Saturday’s events will begin with a worship service at First Presbyterian, start time TBA. Then, we’ll head together to the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 am. Wear your BLC shirt and join us! We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 pm that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

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Announcements

Thank you for an awesome first year of Summer Sack Lunches! We want to especially thank Amy Haigh for leading this make and making sure our community is welcomed and fed all summer long. The final Summer Sack Lunches of the season will be distributed on Sunday, Sept. 7th at 5:00 PM in the parking lot, and then we will return to Wednesday Night Suppers. The fall menu is now available online. 

We Want Your Ideas for Adult Forums

The Bethlehem Adult Education Board wants to know what YOU would like to learn about in our Sunday morning adult forums. In addition to promoting our monthly missions, we seek to contribute to BLC member lifelong learning by addressing topics of interest to YOU! Help us to develop a robust 2026 calendar of forum presentations. Are there topics near and dear to you? Are you involved with groups and organizations that connect to Bethlehem's mission and ministry? What would you like to share with members of our congregation? Send your forum ideas to Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com We will connect with you to develop future forums in 2026.

Stewardship Board Wants You

The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

• Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

• Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

• Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

• Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

• Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

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Monthly mission partner

Our August Monthly Mission partner is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Bethlehem has a long and close relationship with Crossroads and Pastor Jacie currently serves on their board. Led by Pastor Jenna Couch, the mission of Crossroads includes building community, deepening faith, growing in the understanding of God, and encouraging service. Crossroads is home to Campus Cupboard, a food support ministry, and offers Lunch 4-a-buck, a weekly meal prepared by local congregations. The majority of students utilizing these resources are international students. With increased costs and increased need, these resources are more important than ever. Your generous support is appreciated. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 
Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. If you care about supporting college students in their faith journeys and want to help guide a vital ministry in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Board members provide leadership, vision, and support to the ministry’s mission on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.For more information or to express interest, please contact Pastor Jenna Couch at pastorjenna@gmail.com, or 507-200-8096.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Ron Orchard Jan Boyum Ross Hall

Mary Clark Scott Volz

Shiloh Lutheran in Elmore Grace Lutheran in Nerstrand

Principe de Paz Lutheran in Colombia Merya Lutheran in Tanzania

Bethlehem Lutheran in Mankato

Lectionary Readings

August 17, Luke 12:49-56

August 24, Luke 13:10-17

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Hello Bethlehem,

The summer adventures continue! BLC Youth and leaders returned from the Shores of St. Andrews last week, and this morning a group headed north for the Boundary Waters. Check out more photos from camp in the Facebook album. We pray our youth and adults have a safe, fun, and blessed week in the Boundary Waters. 

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Announcements

Bethlehem will be hosting a Blood Drive on August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

New Member Orientation: New members, we hope you will join us August 24th to be welcomed during worship. After worship we will gather for an orientation at 10:45am. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Bethlehem, please contact the church office or indicate your interest in the pew pads. 

We Want Your Ideas for Adult Forums The Bethlehem Adult Education Board wants to know what YOU would like to learn about in our Sunday morning adult forums. In addition to promoting our monthly missions, we seek to contribute to BLC member lifelong learning by addressing topics of interest to YOU! Help us to develop a robust 2026 calendar of forum presentations. Are there topics near and dear to you? Are you involved with groups and organizations that connect to Bethlehem's mission and ministry? What would you like to share with members of our congregation? Send your forum ideas to Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com We will connect with you to develop future forums in 2026.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in the Bethlehem sanctuary. Upcoming performances include Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information. 

Summer Sack Lunches: Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

Stewardship Board Wants You

The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

• Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

• Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

• Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

• Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

• Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

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Monthly mission partner

Our August Monthly Mission partner is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Bethlehem has a long and close relationship with Crossroads and Pastor Jacie currently serves on their board. Led by Pastor Jenna Couch, the mission of Crossroads includes building community, deepening faith, growing in the understanding of God, and encouraging service. Crossroads is home to Campus Cupboard, a food support ministry, and offers Lunch 4-a-buck, a weekly meal prepared by local congregations. The majority of students utilizing these resources are international students. With increased costs and increased need, these resources are more important than ever. Your generous support is appreciated. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 
Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. If you care about supporting college students in their faith journeys and want to help guide a vital ministry in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Board members provide leadership, vision, and support to the ministry’s mission on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.For more information or to express interest, please contact Pastor Jenna Couch at pastorjenna@gmail.com, or 507-200-8096.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Ron Orchard Jan Boyum Ross Hall

Mary Clark Scott Volz

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Wells Faith Lutheran in Dodge Center

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Owatonna Misigiri Lutheran in Tanzania

San Jose de Leon in Colombia Mazoezi Minyughe Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

August 10, Luke 12:32-40

August 17, Luke 12:49-56

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Hello Bethlehem,

It’s camp week! BLC Youth along with Pastor Jacie and Family Faith Formation Director, Anna, arrived safely at the Shores of St. Andrew last night, and while they had to spend some time in the storm shelter, there was a beautiful rainbow waiting for them afterwards. We pray for a safe, fun and blessed week at camp. 

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VBS 2025

We had a great week of VBS, with a record-breaking 54 kiddos in one day! We want to thank all of our volunteers, staff, donors and organizers from both Bethlehem and Centenary. Your hard work and love helped create an incredible week. The smiles speak for themselves. Thank you! Check out even more photos in the Facebook album.

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Announcements

Bethlehem will be hosting a Blood Drive on August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS Recitals move to Bethlehem this week! The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays. Come and enjoy performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information. 

Bethlehem T-Shirt orders are open once again! For 10$ you can have your own shirt with Bethlehem's logo on the front and a rainbow heart on the back. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. -Welcome & Inclusion Board

Summer Sack Lunches: Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

Stewardship Board Wants You The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

• Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

• Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

• Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

• Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

• Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

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Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts.  Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Our August Monthly Mission partner will be Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Bethlehem has a long and close relationship with Crossroads and Pastor Jacie currently serves on their board. Led by Pastor Jenna Couch, the mission of Crossroads includes building community, deepening faith, growing in the understanding of God, and encouraging service. Crossroads is home to Campus Cupboard, a food support ministry, and offers Lunch 4-a-buck, a weekly meal prepared by local congregations. The majority of students utilizing these resources are international students. With increased costs and increased need, these resources are more important than ever. Your generous support is appreciated. 

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. If you care about supporting college students in their faith journeys and want to help guide a vital ministry in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Board members provide leadership, vision, and support to the ministry’s mission on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.For more information or to express interest, please contact Pastor Jenna Couch at pastorjenna@gmail.com, or 507-200-8096.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Ron Orchard Jan Boyum Ross Hall

Cross of Christ Lutheran in Houston United Lutheran in Red Wing

St. Luke Lutheran in Goodhue Our Savior’s Lutheran in Rochester

East Freeborn Lutheran in Albert Lea Mkiwa Lutheran in Tanzania

Maria Mission in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Lectionary Readings

August 3, Luke 12:13-21

August 10, Luke 12:32-40

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Hello Bethlehem,

It’s VBS week! The building is decorated, the games and crafts are set up; we’re just waiting for the fun to begin! Pray for our kiddos, leaders and volunteers as they embark on a week of fun, faith and fellowship. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Bethlehem will be hosting another Blood Drive on August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025. We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 pm that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. Upcoming performances at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, include John Baumann (7/22). The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

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ANNOUCEMENTS

Bethlehem T-Shirt orders are open once again! For 10$ you can have your own shirt with Bethlehem's logo on the front and a rainbow heart on the back. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. -Welcome & Inclusion Board

Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. Upcoming performances at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, include Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22). The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Summer Sack Lunches: Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

Stewardship Board Wants You The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

• Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

• Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

• Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

• Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

• Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

---

Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts.  Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Lisa Hagen

Ron Orchard Jim Dahlvang

The family & friends of Norman Knowles

Trinity Lutheran in Hayfield Bethlehem Lutheran in Lanesboro

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Cleveland Amani Lutheran in Tanzania

Mampanta Lutheran in Tanzania Puma Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 27, Luke 11:1-13

August 3, Luke 12:13-21

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Hello Bethlehem,

Summer is in full swing! BLC’s Bible’s & Brews enjoyed an evening at the MoonDogs last week.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Connections Shelter will hold a Community Listening Session in Grounds for Joy Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30-8:00 PM to discuss rezoning the property on 119 State Street for use as their daytime drop-in center and offices. Questions can be directed to jenn@connectionsshelder.org

Bethlehem will be hosting another Blood Drive on August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025. We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 pm that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

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Family faith Formation

VBS 2025 is next week! We’re looking forward to a great week of fun, faith, and fellowship! VBS is geared towards kids 3-years-old thru 6th grade. Whether you're a member of Bethlehem, Centenary, a member of the Mankato-area community, we'd love to have you join us July 21-24. Register online ASAP. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. We can’t wait to see you! 

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ANNOUCEMENTS

Bethlehem T-Shirt orders are open once again! For 10$ you can have your own shirt with Bethlehem's logo on the front and a rainbow heart on the back. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. -Welcome & Inclusion Board

Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. Upcoming performances at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, include Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22). The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Summer Sack Lunches: Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

Stewardship Board Wants You

The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

•Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

•Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

•Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

•Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

•Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

---

Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts. 

Right now, Lutheran World Relief is deploying resources to assist with recovery efforts after devastating flooding in Texas. 

Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Susan Brown

Lisa Hagen Ron Orchard

First English Lutheran in Cannon Falls Elstad Lutheran in Peterson

Jackson Lake Lutheran in Amboy Ihanja Lutheran in Tanzania

Mission of San Juan in Bucaramanga, Colombia Shelui Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 20, Luke 10:38-42

July 27, Luke 11:1-13

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Hello Bethlehem,

VBS 2025 is just weeks away! We’re looking forward to a great week of fun and fellowship. VBS is geared towards kids 3-years-old thru 6th grade. Whether you're a member of Bethlehem, Centenary, a member of the Mankato-area community, we'd love to have you join us July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer; we will host a volunteer training session this Sunday, July 13, at noon. We can’t wait to see you at VBS 2025!

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Announcements

Connections Shelter will hold a Community Listening Session in Grounds for Joy Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30-8:00 PM to discuss rezoning the property on 119 State Street for use as their daytime drop-in center and offices. Questions can be directed to jenn@connectionsshelder.org

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. In July, the series begins the month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, with performances by Nicholas Liese (7/8), Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22).  The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12).   Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer!

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A Letter from crossroads campus ministry

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 

We need your help now more than ever. 

We don’t say this lightly: due to unexpected circumstances, our ministry is currently in financial trouble. The support we give to students and community members in times of crisis, the spiritual guidance we offer, the community we have built, Lunch-for-a-Buck, and our beloved Campus Cupboard is at risk. 

Every day, we see the difference this ministry makes. Students come to a place they know and love. Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 to feed the hungry, and this is what we strive to do every day. Through Campus Cupboard and Lunch-for-a-Buck, we do what Jesus taught us. We do the work of the Gospel.  Even during the summer, we remain a vibrant place for fellowship, love, and grace. 

We have a plan in place to sustain our ministry long-term. But we cannot do our work throughout the summer without your help. We need to raise $30,000 by August 1st to sustain the ministry through the summer. 

We know this is an ambitious goal. But we also know that God is faithful. Your gifts, whether it’s $5 or $1,000, will help us keep showing up for students who desperately need our help. We know you care about the next generation of leaders, thinkers and faithful witnesses. Now is the time to act. Help us keep this vital ministry alive. 

Click here to support our ministry

Click here to support our Day-in-the-life fundraiser 

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Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts. 

Right now, Lutheran World Relief is deploying resources to assist with recovery efforts after devastating flooding in Texas. 

Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Sheila Stevensen

Susan Brown Lisa Hagen Ron Orchard

The family & friends of Dorothy Knedel

Greenfield Lutheran in Harmony Redeemer Lutheran in Alden

Saint Paul Lutheran in Pine Island San Juan Lutheran in Colombia

Sepuka Lutheran in Tanzania Gumanga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 13, Luke 10:25-37

July 20, Luke 10:38-42

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