Hello Bethlehem,

Bethlehem’s most delicious tradition lives on! Our annual lefse making day will be held this Friday, November 21. Volunteers are needed to help. Join us at 9AM for coffee, treats, and lefse making! Pre-order your lefse using this form. Any leftovers will be available for purchase on Sunday, November 23, just in time for thanksgiving! 

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Semi-Annual Meeting

The Semi-Annual Meeting is this Sunday, November 23 at 10:45am. Please plan to join us in the Dining Hall. The agenda will cover: 

1. Approval of April semi-annual meeting minutes

2. Review of Council/board/committee goals & activities

3. Approval of 2024 Financial Review Report

4. Approval of LSS Bathroom Renovation Proposal

5. Review & Approval of the 2026 Proposed Budget & Narrative Budget

A quorum is needed; donuts are provided. Please plan to attend. You can review the Council Minutes and Council Documents online in advance.

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This week

Wednesday, November 19: Winter Warm-Up is this Wednesday! Youth will be heading to Christ the King. 

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. Upcoming Menu: 

• November 19 Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll & salad

• November 26 NO MEAL - there will be pie served after our Thanksgiving Eve worship service 

• December 3 Scalloped potatoes & ham, salad & roll

Prayer Shawl Makers gather this Thursday at 6:00pm in the library. 

The Youth Board is hosting a Youth Bake Sale next Sunday, November 23rd to raise funds for future youth trips. We invite you to bake some bars, a pie, some cinnamon rolls, or whatever your heart desires. You can bring items on Sunday morning. We will sell from 9-9:30 am and 10:30-11 am.

Any left-over lefse will also be available for purchase on Sunday, so plan to take home some deliciousness next Sunday! 

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Family faith formation

Photos from the Youth Lock-In on Friday!

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Announcements

Bethlehem’s Fair Trade Bazaar is scheduled for November 30th before and after worship! Shop vendors including Global Mamas Ten Thousand Villages, New Ulm's Own and BLC's coffee, tea, olive oil, chocolate and soups. This is a great opportunity to stock up on ethically sourced holiday gifts! 

On November 15, 2020, Bethlehem officially became an R.I.C. congregation. We are proud to celebrate 5 years as a Reconciling in Christ congregation! Learn more at reconcilingworks.org

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Greater Mankato Area United Way Gathering: Join us on Monday, November 24 at 10am in Grounds for Joy to learn what the Greater Mankato Area United Way is doing to make a difference in our 4 area counties. Enjoy coffee and morning treats as you hear from representatives of United Way. Check out details below. Please RSVP as directed by Friday, November 21.

Asylum-Seeking Family update: Thank you for your prayers and support. The meeting for our family on Wednesday went well, and everyone is safely back in Mankato.

We want YOU on an usher team! Some of our usher teams need a few more folks to help service run smoothly. Contact the office if you are interested in learning more or joining a team. We are also looking for volunteers interested in joining our Wednesday night supper serving teams. 

Bethlehem recently participated in a House of Worship Safety Training with Mankato Public Safety. A recording of the training will be available for members interested in reviewing this information. Contact the office for access. 

Not only does Connections Shelter appreciate donations of meal items to serve their guests, but also people to help serve the food.  Please consider signing up to serve. The team of four service volunteers are provided with a brief orientation by Connections staff and an evening of fun and meaningful interaction with the very appreciative guests at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

Thank you to Ginger Erlandson and the volunteers who helped teach our youth the joys of lefse making last Wednesday!

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Monthly mission partner

Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is doubling November monthly mission donations!

Our November Monthly Mission Partner is the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Located on our campus and operating for 14 years, this vital organization serves youth ages 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. They have served 5,600 youth, provided 38,000 meals, and distributed 76,000 health, hygiene and clothing items. The center provides basic necessities, housing and employment assistance, teaches independent living skills, provides recreational activities, support and education. They provide access to legal advocacy and community sex trafficking prevention education. This month is matching donations, so your contribution will go twice as far to make a difference to area youth. 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 Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

First Lutheran in Lake City Henrytown Lutheran in Canton

Trinity Lutheran in New Richland Vasa Lutheran in Welch

Mruma Lutheran in Tanzania Castillo Fuerte Lutheran in Colombia

Ulemo Lutheran in Tanzania Ishenga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

November 19, Luke 21:5-19

November 23, Luke 23:33-43

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Hello Bethlehem,

Bethlehem’s lefse tradition lives on! Join us this Wednesday for Family lefse night. We will gather in the lower level during dinner for lefse lessons. Children, youth, families and lefse learners are invited to roll, flip, taste and enjoy! 

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This week

This week, Bethlehem and the rest of the WELCOME Team pray for the Cruz family as they have their asylum meeting this Wednesday in Minneapolis. We pray for safe travels and a successful meeting as they continue their asylum journey.

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. Upcoming Menu: 

• November 12 Hamburger goulash, vegetable, salad & roll 

• November 19 Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll & salad

• November 26 NO MEAL - there will be pie served after our Thanksgiving Eve worship service 

• December 3 Scalloped potatoes & ham, salad & roll

The Youth Lock-In is scheduled for November 14. Register online by Wednesday!

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 15th following Deborah Circle to assemble more kits. Interested in joining this ministry? Contact Kirsten Simon-Frank or Roberta Ganske. 

2026 Budget Forum: Bethlehem congregation members are invited to preview the proposed 2026 BLC budget at a forum scheduled for next Sunday, November 16 at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy. Get your coffee & donuts and hear from our Financial Secretary and members of the Council explain the details and priorities of the budget. Copies of the budget proposal are available on the narthex kiosk. We will also preview other agenda topics for the fall semi-annual meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 23 at 10:45 am in the Dining Room.

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Family faith formation

The BLC Men’s group and BLC youth gathered on Saturday for Rake the Town! 

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Announcements

Bethlehem’s most delicious tradition lives on! Our annual lefse making day will be held on Friday, November 21. Volunteers are needed to help. Join us at 9AM for coffee, treats, and lefse making! Pre-order your lefse using this form. Any leftovers will be available for purchase on Sunday, November 23, just in time for thanksgiving! 

Greater Mankato Area United Way Gathering: Join us on Monday, November 24 at 10am in Grounds for Joy to learn what the Greater Mankato Area United Way is doing to make a difference in our 4 area counties. Enjoy coffee and morning treats as you hear from representatives of United Way. Check out details below. Please RSVP as directed by Friday, November 21.

Bethlehem’s Fair Trade Bazaar is scheduled for November 30th before and after worship! Shop vendors including Global Mamas Ten Thousand Villages, New Ulm's Own and BLC's coffee, tea, olive oil, chocolate and soups. This is a great opportunity to stock up on ethically sourced holiday gifts! 

We want YOU on an usher team! Some of our usher teams need a few more folks to help service run smoothly. Contact the office if you are interested in learning more or joining a team. We are also looking for volunteers interested in joining our Wednesday night supper serving teams. 

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Not only does Connections Shelter appreciate donations of meal items to serve their guests, but also people to help serve the food.  Please consider signing up to serve. The team of four service volunteers are provided with a brief orientation by Connections staff and an evening of fun and meaningful interaction with the very appreciative guests at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

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Thank you

From Crossroads Campus Ministry: We are already past the midway point of Fall Semester and quickly closing in on Thanksgiving and Winter Break. We couldn't be happier with how the school year has progressed. Students continue to join us for Lunch For-a-Buck every Tuesday, and they are always so polite and take time to thank volunteers and staff for the delicious, hot meals. We are thankful and blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, November 4th, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Alex Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, and Sue Larsen prepared and served a delicious feast of turkey and dressing, spinach alfredo, Italian bread, organic spring mix salad, and cookies to 48 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $42.50 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during the school year. 

God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, December 2. We couldn't do what we do without you!! 

Gratefully,

Crossroads Campus Ministry

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From MY Place: Thank you for your generous gift of 13 twin size quilts to MY Place. MY Place is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to reach their full potential. Thanks to generous donors like you, our members are able to participate in a wide range of programs including academics, arts, stem, life skills, healthy living, and FUN on a daily basis. 

With your generosity we continue to work with youth who are not typically engaged in other programs and fill a critical gap in the Mankato area. Thank you for your support and for investing in the future of MY Place members. 

With gratitude, 

Erin Simmons - Executive Director at MY Place

Laura Stevens - Development Director at MY Place

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Monthly mission partner

Exciting news: Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is doubling November monthly mission donations!

Our November Monthly Mission Partner is the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Located on our campus and operating for 14 years, this vital organization serves youth ages 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. They have served 5,600 youth, provided 38,000 meals, and distributed 76,000 health, hygiene and clothing items. The center provides basic necessities, housing and employment assistance, teaches independent living skills, provides recreational activities, support and education. They provide access to legal advocacy and community sex trafficking prevention education. This month is matching donations, so your contribution will go twice as far to make a difference to area youth. 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 Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

The family & friends of Jim Rossow

Hosanna Lutheran in Rochester St. Paul’s Lutheran in Meriden

Ascension Lutheran in Albert Lea Isanzu Lutheran in Tanzania

Ihanja Technical School in Tanzania Jokow Wareda Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

November 12, Luke 20:27-38

November 16 & 19, Luke 21:5-19

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us for All Saints’ Sunday. We give thanks to God for our loved ones, our saints, who have passed on and for the faith, witness and lasting impact they have made in our lives. 

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This week

LAST CALL This is your last opportunity to sign up for the Mankato Public Safety Department's presentation on Workplace Safety at Bethlehem. This will be presented on Wednesday, November 5 from 3 - 4:30 pm in Grounds for Joy. This is presented by the BLC Personnel Committee. RSVP today with Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com

The office will be closed from 3-4:30pm this Wednesday so that staff can attend. 

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. 

Upcoming Menu: 

• November 5 Chicken tenders, fries and salad

• November 12 Hamburger goulash, vegetable, salad & roll 

• November 19 Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll & salad

• November 26 NO MEAL - there will be pie served after our Thanksgiving Eve worship service 

• December 3 Scalloped potatoes & ham, salad & roll

Rake the Town is coming up this Saturday, November 8th. Contact Pastor Jay or Anna if you have any questions. 

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, November 9, we will hear from Adult & Teen Challenge MN. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

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family faith formation

The Youth Lock-In is scheduled for November 14. Register online!  

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Announcements

Bethlehem’s Fair Trade Bazaar is scheduled for November 30th before and after worship! Shop vendors including Global Mamas Ten Thousand Villages, New Ulm's Own and BLC's coffee, tea, olive oil, chocolate and soups. This is a great opportunity to stock up on ethically sourced holiday gifts!

We want YOU on an usher team! Some of our usher teams need a few more folks to help service run smoothly. Contact the office if you are interested in learning more or joining a team. We are also looking for volunteers interested in joining our Wednesday night supper serving teams. 

Bethlehem’s most delicious tradition lives on! Here the lefse details: 

• Family lefse night: Join us Wednesday, November 12 in the lower level for lefse lessons. Children, youth, families and lefse learners are invited to roll, flip, taste and enjoy! 

• Lefse making day will be held on Friday, November 21. Volunteers are needed to help. Join us at 9AM for coffee, treats, and lefse making! 

• Pre-order your lefse using this form. Any leftovers will be available for purchase on Sunday, November 23, just in time for thanksgiving! 

Bethlehem members are invited to serve at Connections Shelter. Please use this link to sign up.

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 15th following Deborah Circle to assemble more kits. Interested in joining this ministry? Contact Kirsten Simon-Frank or Roberta Ganske. 

Please take a moment to complete your pledge from the Season of Gratitude mailing you received, or head to our website to complete a pledge online. 

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Thank you

Thank you to our fall clean up crew! The landscapers spent Saturday morning tidying up the BLC grounds for the winter. We appreciate your hard work and care!

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Monthly mission partner

Exciting news: Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is doubling November monthly mission donations!
Our November Monthly Mission Partner is the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Located on our campus and operating for 14 years, this vital organization serves youth ages 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. They have served 5,600 youth, provided 38,000 meals, and distributed 76,000 health, hygiene and clothing items. The center provides basic necessities, housing and employment assistance, teaches independent living skills, provides recreational activities, support and education. They provide access to legal advocacy and community sex trafficking prevention education. This month is matching donations, so your contribution will go twice as far to make a difference to area youth. 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 Nikolas Perez

Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

The family & friends of Sandra Birkholz and Jim Rossow

Bethel Lutheran in Rochester St. Peter’s Lutheran in Northfield

Lunder Lutheran in Albert Lea Matongo Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO in San Lucas, Bogota Choma Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

November 5, Luke 6:20-31

November 9 & 12, Luke 20:27-38

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Hello Bethlehem,

Trunk or Treat is this week! Join us Wednesday, October 29 from 6:45-7:45pm. Grab your costumes and candy bags and join us for trunk alley, facepainting, hot cider and more. This year there will also feature a spooky sanctuary tour. We can’t wait to see you! 

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This week

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. Upcoming Menu: 

• October 29 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables & roll

• November 5 Chicken tenders, fries and salad

• November 12 Hamburger goulash, vegetable, salad & 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, November 2, we will hear from the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly the REACH). The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

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We want YOU on an usher team! Some of our usher teams need a few more folks to help service run smoothly. Contact the office if you are interested in learning more or joining a team. 

Please take a moment to complete your pledge from the Season of Gratitude mailing you received, or head to our website to complete a pledge online.

Announcements

Join the landscapers for Fall Clean Up! The landscaping crew would love for you to join them 9AM on Saturday, November 1 for raking and tidying up the landscaping. Bring your own rakes, clippers and supplies. Thank you! 

Bethlehem’s newest member waves hello!

Bethlehem will host a workplace safety training from 3-4:30pm Wednesday, November 5 in Grounds for Joy. All BLC members are welcome to attend to learn more about how we make Bethlehem safe. RSVP to Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com 

Rake the Town is coming up on Saturday, November 8th.

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. 

Bethlehem’s most delicious tradition lives on! We’re so excited for lefse season. This year we are once again offering a family lefse night. Join us Wednesday, November 12 in the lower level for lefse lessons. Children, youth, families and lefse learners are invited to roll, flip, taste and enjoy! Our usual lefse making day will be held on Friday, November 21. Volunteers are needed to help. Join us at 9AM for coffee, treats, and lefse making! There will be the usual pre-sales available and any leftovers will be available for purchase on Sunday, November 23, just in time for thanksgiving! 

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Monthly mission partner

Exciting news: Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is ready to double your monthly mission donation! Donations made in October and November will go twice as far. Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Shelter, and November’s will be the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Donate this fall and your dollars will go twice as far! 

Our October Monthly Mission partner will be Connections Shelter. Beginning their 9th year of operations, Connections is a 48-bed seasonal emergency shelter and year-round drop-in center. They offer assistance in obtaining housing, medical care, employment and other basic needs. They assisted in finding permanent housing for 61 individuals last year. Bethlehem has founding ties with this vital organization in our community. Please continue to support this work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Bethlehem members are also invited to volunteer to prepare and/or serve meals at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

Thank you to our Bethlehem volunteers who served meals this week!

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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 Nikolas Perez

Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

The family & friends of Sandra Birkholz

Zion Lutheran in Ellendale Chatfield Lutheran in Chatfield

Immanuel Lutheran in Wykoff Espiritu de Vida Lutheran in Colombia

Tyeme Lutheran in Tanzania San Marcos Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

October 29, John 8:31-36

November 2 &5, Luke 6:20-31

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you TEC volunteers, youth and leaders! Teens Encounter Christ was at Bethlehem this last weekend. We are thankful for this opportunity for participants to deepen their faith, and we appreciate all the volunteers and coordinators who help to make these weekends happen. 

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This week

Exciting news: Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is ready to double your monthly mission donation! Donations made in October and November will go twice as far. Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Shelter, and November’s will be the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Donate this fall and your dollars will go twice as far! 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 available online. Upcoming Menu: 

• October 22 Taco buffet with rice & beans

• October 29 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables & roll

• November 5 Chicken tenders, fries and salad

• November 12 Hamburger goulash, vegetable, salad & roll

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Family faith Formation

Trunk or Treat is October 29th! Grab your costumes and candy bags and join us for trunk alley, face painting, hot cider and more. We are especially in need of candy donations to ensure every trunk has plenty of treats to hand out to all our neighborhood trunk-or-treaters. Sign up online to host a trunk or to donate candy! 

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Women of Bethlehem—Join us at the 2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines Iowa July 16-19, 2026

The Triennial Gathering brings together 1500 or more WELCA leaders and participants to worship, hear inspiring speakers, sing, pray, engage in service projects and meet Lutheran women from across the country.

Quilters of all abilities are invited to create a quilt interpreting the Gathering theme of I Am Worthy, based on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

• Early Bird Registration until January 5, 2026:  $475 full event or $250 one day

• Registration after January 6, 2026:  $525 full event or $275 one day

• BLC Women do have some funds that could help with registration fees. The SEMN Synod WELCA has also offered scholarships to previous Triennials, especially for younger women and first-time attendees.

Visit the website below to learn more about the speakers, leaders and workshops, how to register and make hotel reservations.

womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page

I have attended two previous Triennial Gatherings and would be happy to share my experiences with anyone who would like to know more.

Kristen Simon-Frank kdsimon-frank@hotmail.com (507) 383-1952

Announcements

Bethlehem’s most delicious tradition lives on! We’re so excited for lefse season. This year we are once again offering a family lefse night. Join us Wednesday, November 12 in the lower level for lefse lessons. Children, youth, families and lefse learners are invited to roll, flip, taste and enjoy! Our usual lefse making day will be held on Friday, November 21. Volunteers are needed to help. Join us at 9AM for coffee, treats, and lefse making! There will be the usual pre-sales available and any leftovers will be available for purchase on Sunday, November 23, just in time for Thanksgiving! 

Please take a moment to complete your pledge from the Season of Gratitude mailing you received, or head to our website to complete a pledge online. 

A message from BLC’s Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: Third quarter contributions are being sent out. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you!

Connections Shelter is open for the season! We invite you to serve in the ways and times that appeal to you. Head to their volunteer website to sign up.

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Monthly mission partner

Our October Monthly Mission partner will be Connections Shelter. Beginning their 9th year of operations, Connections is a 48-bed seasonal emergency shelter and year-round drop-in center. They offer assistance in obtaining housing, medical care, employment and other basic needs. They assisted in finding permanent housing for 61 individuals last year. Bethlehem has founding ties with this vital organization in our community. Please continue to support this work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Bethlehem members are also invited to volunteer to prepare and/or serve meals at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

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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 Sandy Birkholz

Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul Pru Gushwa

Gol Lutheran in Kenyon St. Paul Lutheran in Conger

Highland Prairie Lutheran in Peterson Grace Lutheran in Peterson

Mazoezi Mwankoko Lutheran in Tanzania Issuna Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 22, Luke 18:1-8

October 26 & 29, John 8:31-36

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Hello Bethlehem,

Fall is in full swing! We had a blast yesterday at the Fall Family day on the Phillip’s Family Farm. Check out some more photos of the fun.

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This week

“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the people whose lands we walk, whose Indigenous voices have always been spoken here and who share their gifts and contributions throughout our society. We pray that, in our relations with Indigenous neighbors and children of God, we will not waver in our commitment to repentance, reconciliation, healing and unity.” -ELCA

We will have no Wednesday night programming this week due to MEA. We invite you to attend the Healing of the Nations Community Prayer Service on Wednesday, October 15 at Christ the King. The service, sponsored by Bethlehem, Christ the King, and Messiah Lutheran churches, will begin at 6PM. All are welcome to join this contemplative service of prayer, gentle music and scripture to bring before God the suffering of the world and our lives.

Teens Encounter Christ returns to Bethlehem! This weekend we will share our campus with TEC. We pray for a safe and fun weekend of fellowship and faith formation and look forward to seeing the TEC youth at our worship service this Sunday! 

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Family faith Formation

Trunk or Treat is October 29th! Grab your costumes and candy bags and join us for trunk alley, face painting, hot cider and more. Sign up online to host a trunk or to donate candy! 

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Announcements

Exciting news: Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is ready to double your monthly mission donation! Donations made in October and November will go twice as far. Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Shelter, and November’s will be the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Donate this fall and your dollars will go twice as far! 

On October 4th, Rev.Yehiel Curry was installed as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA at a service in Minneapolis. You can now view the full service online. 

A message from BLC’s Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: Third quarter contributions are being sent out. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you!

Connections Shelter is open for the season! We invite you to serve in the ways and times that appeal to you. Head to their volunteer website to sign up.

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Thank you

Fall semester started on August 25, and we were pleased to host the first Lunch For-a-Buck of the new school year on September 9. We were thrilled to welcome students back to Crossroads while they eagerly awaited the resumption of Tuesday lunches. We feel blessed beyond words to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program.

On Tuesday, October 7, faithful servants Gary Petersen, Lan Evenson, Dennis Sandersfeld, Frank Larsen, Al Dykema, Bob Ihrig, Gordy Larson, Roger Haug, and Pastor Jay served a delicious lunch of beef lasagna, cheese lasagna, garlic toast, coleslaw, garden salad, and homemade bars & cookies to 47 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $82.32 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during the school year. 

Also, if your congregation is interested in monthly food collections for the Campus Cupboard food shelf, we are in need of the following:

dish soap - laundry detergent pods - toilet paper - shampoo - conditioner - bar soap - paper towels - cornmeal - black eyed peas - flour - sugar - pasta - carrots - peanut butter - jelly - green tea - oatmeal - cereal - tuna - red beans - cooking oil - Menstrual products are always desperately needed - Ramen noodles are always a favorite!

God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We couldn't do this without you. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, November 4!

Gratefully,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

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Monthly mission partner

Our October Monthly Mission partner will be Connections Shelter. Beginning their 9th year of operations, Connections is a 48-bed seasonal emergency shelter and year-round drop-in center. They offer assistance in obtaining housing, medical care, employment and other basic needs. They assisted in finding permanent housing for 61 individuals last year. Bethlehem has founding ties with this vital organization in our community. Please continue to support this work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Bethlehem members are also invited to volunteer to prepare and/or serve meals at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

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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 Sandy Birkholz

Kurt Burdick Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

East St. Olaf Lutheran in Byron Grace Lutheran in Austin

Faith Lutheran in Winona Mungaa Lutheran in Tanzania

Nzega Lutheran in Tanzania Itigi Lutheran in Tanzania Ishenga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 19 & 22, Luke 18:1-8

October 26 & 29, John 8:31-36

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thanks for joining us for the St. Francis Day Pet Blessing last week! More photos of the evening are available on our Facebook page.

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This week

Tomorrow:

• School Kit Assemblers and Quilters will gather at 9AM.

• BLC Men will be serving Lunch-for-a-Buck at Crossroads. Contact Pastor Jay if you’d like to join!

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. Upcoming Menu: 

• October 8 Sub sandwich, cold pasta salad and chips

• October 15 No Supper - MEA Break

• October 22 Taco buffet with rice & beans

Bibles & Brews meets this Thursday. Join Pastor Jacie from 6-8pm at Weggy’s for meaningful conversations on faith and culture. 

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. 

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, October 12, we will hear about the YMCA Brother & Sister Mentoring Program. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website.

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Family faith Formation

Thanks for joining us at ValleyScare on Friday!

Trunk or Treat is October 29th! Grab your costumes and candy bags and join us for trunk alley, face painting, hot cider and more. Sign up online to host a trunk or to donate candy! 

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Announcements

There will be no Wednesday programming next week over MEA. We invite you to attend the Healing of the Nations Community Prayer Service on Wednesday, October 15 at Christ the King. The service, sponsored by Bethlehem, Christ the King, and Messiah Lutheran churches, will begin at 6PM. All are welcome to join this contemplative service of prayer, gentle music and scripture to bring before God the suffering of the world and our lives.

Teens Encounter Christ returns to Bethlehem! Over MEA weekend we will share our campus with this group. We pray for a safe and fun weekend of fellowship and faith formation. 

Connections Shelter is open for the season! We invite you to serve in the ways and times that appeal to you. Head to their volunteer website to sign up. 

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Monthly mission partner

Our October Monthly Mission partner will be Connections Shelter. Beginning their 9th year of operations, Connections is a 48-bed seasonal emergency shelter and year-round drop-in center. They offer assistance in obtaining housing, medical care, employment and other basic needs. They assisted in finding permanent housing for 61 individuals last year. Bethlehem has founding ties with this vital organization in our community. Please continue to support this work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Bethlehem members are also invited to volunteer to prepare and/or serve meals at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

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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 Sandy Birkholz

Kurt Burdick Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Faith Lutheran in Wabasha Scheie Lutheran in Mabel

Oakland Lutheran in Albert Lea North Blue Earth Lutheran in Bricelyn

Jikmir Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Mijuhu Lutheran in Tanzania

Kaselya Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 8, Luke 17:5-10

October 12, Luke 17:11-19

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Hello Bethlehem,

We will host a St. Francis Day Pet Blessing this Wednesday! Join us for an outdoor worship service at 6:15pm in the parking lot. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier for the safety of all pets. We know not all pets enjoy travel or crowds, and some pets have already crossed the rainbow bridge: please feel free to bring a photo or your pet’s collar to receive the blessing if that is more comfortable.

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This week

There will be an ISAIAH House Meeting at Bethlehem this afternoon from 2-3:30pm in Grounds for Joy. ISAIAH is a statewide values based nonprofit. Join them to discuss how to shape local policies and attitudes and envision a society that matches YOUR values. Join Bethlehem’s Mary Bliesmer and her ISAIAH friend, Barb Keith, to discuss values and priorities to discuss with local elected officials at a summit in Mankato next month.

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.  Upcoming Menu: 

• October 1 Spaghetti, garlic toast and salad

• October 8 Sub sandwich, cold pasta salad and chips

• October 15 No Supper - MEA Break

• October 22 Taco buffet with rice & beans

5th-12th graders are heading to ValleyScare this Friday! The deadline to register was last Friday but there are still a few spots available. Use this form to register. If the form is live, there is still room!

The Installation of the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA will take place in Minneapolis on Saturday, October 4th. No tickets are required. More details are available here for anyone interested in attending. 

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, October 5, we will hear from Connections Shelter Ministry. Join speakers Jenn Echevarria, Executive Director, and Liz Paul, Director of Development. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

As of this last weekend, Connections Shelter is open for the season! We invite you to serve in the ways and times that appeal to you. Head to their volunteer website to sign up.

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Family faith Formation

Trunk or Treat is October 29th! Grab your costumes and candy bags and join us for trunk alley, face painting, hot cider and more. Sign up online to host a trunk or to donate candy! 

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Announcements

Shared from the Nebraska Synod, we are invited to join Deacon Ross Murray, the author of The Everyday Advocate: Living Out Your Calling to Social Justice, to talk about how to be an effective Christian advocate. You can find more information and register online. The cost of this 3 session series is $30 with classes Oct. 6, 13 and 27 from 7-8:30PM. 

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. 

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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. 

Our October Monthly Mission partner will be Connections Shelter. Beginning their 9th year of operations, Connections is a 48-bed seasonal emergency shelter and year-round drop-in center. They offer assistance in obtaining housing, medical care, employment and other basic needs. They assisted in finding permanent housing for 61 individuals last year. Bethlehem has founding ties with this vital organization in our community. Please continue to support this work. 

Bethlehem members are also invited to volunteer to prepare and/or serve meals at Connections. Please use this link to sign up. 

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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 Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

The family & friends of Autumn Paulson

The family & friends of Mary Clark

Lands Lutheran in Zumbrota St. Olaf College Student Congregation in Northfield

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Rochester Kisiriri Lutheran in Tanzania

Mwangeza Lutheran in Tanzania Nabii Elia Lutheran in Tanzania

Banytic Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

October 1, Psalm 104; Matthew 6:25-26

October 5 & 8, Luke 17:5-10

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Hello Bethlehem,

5th-12th graders are invited to ValleyScare next week! Please register online by this Friday to let us know you’re coming. We will leave Bethlehem on Friday, October 3rd and stop at the Eden Prairie Center to have dinner in the food court before we head to the park. Cost includes the cost of entry into the park, the haunted attractions, and transportation to and from Valleyfair. 

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This week

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 from Holly Schoettler, the Mankato Community & Homeowner Outreach Manager for Habitat for Humanity. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

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. Upcoming Menu: 

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

• October 1 Spaghetti, garlic toast and salad

• October 8 Sub sandwich, cold pasta salad and chips

• October 15 No Supper - MEA Break

It’s Stewardship season at Bethlehem, a time to consider the gifts, energies and talents we get to entrust to one another in this community. Each week the BLC Stewardship board will share a Value of Stewardship. Look for these in the BLC Weekly and on the screens within the building. 

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Family faith Formation

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Announcements

Bethlehem will host a Pet Blessing on Wednesday, October 1st! 

The Installation of the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA will take place in Minneapolis on October 4th. No tickets are required. More details are available here for anyone interested in attending. 

Shared from the Nebraska Synod, we are invited to join Deacon Ross Murray, the author of The Everyday Advocate: Living Out Your Calling to Social Justice, to talk about how to be an effective Christian advocate. You can find more information and register online. The cost of this 3 session series is $30 with classes Oct. 6, 13 and 27 from 7-8:30PM. 

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. 

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A Letter from thee alliance forgiving medical debt

To Members and Friends of THEE Alliance, 

I am excited to announce that Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN has become the 32nd member to join THEE Alliance Forgiving Medical Debt! The Bethlehem congregation joins our other 31 members in providing Awareness of the critical issue of medical debt on financial hardship families, making a difference through gifting and showing that together we can make a bigger difference.Since 2020, Members have provided $950,000 which has forgiven nearly $117 million of medical debt for 119,000 families in financial hardship.

THEE Alliance Forgiving Medical Debt is the largest group of faith communities forgiving medical debt, through our Partner UNDUE Medical Debt, in our Country. Please welcome Pastor Jay Dahlvang, Pastor Jacie Richmond and the Bethlehem congregation!

Skip Lieser

Lead Advisor

THEE Alliance Forgiving Medical Debt

THEEAlliance.org

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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

John Jates Tyler Ratcliff

Trondhjem Lutheran in Lonsdale West St. Olaf Lutheran in Byron

Trinity Lutheran in West Concord Peace Lutheran in Eyota

Neema Mpipiti Lutheran in Tanzania Deng Hoth Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Nkonkilangi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

September 24, Luke 16:1-13

September 28, Luke 16:19-31

October 1, Psalm 104; Matthew 6:25-26

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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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