Hello Bethlehem,

You are invited to Bethlehem’s annual Children’s Christmas Program. “We Were There, Too!” will tell the birth of Jesus through the perspective of the nearby animals. The program will take place during Sunday morning worship, so join us at 9:30am this Sunday, December 22!

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This week

Ecumen Pathstone Christmas bow gifts must be dropped off at Pathstone today! If you have not already brought your gift to the church office, please bring it directly to Ecumen Pathstone. On behalf of the residents of Pathstone, thank you for making this Christmas season a very merry one!

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving lasagna, garlic toast and salad. 

Advent Wednesday services continue this Wednesday, 6:15pm in the sanctuary. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series. This week’s focus is Ponder.  

Bethlehem will host a blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

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family faith formation

Due to sickness at Connections Shelter, we are looking for an alternative place to go Christmas Caroling on Wednesday evening. Keep an eye on the BLC Facebook page, we will update with a caroling plan by Wednesday morning! 

Youth interested in attending our BLC Youth Christmas Party this Sunday can sign up now using this form! We will have an "Elf" viewing party, decorate gingerbread houses, and more. Friends are welcome. Join us!

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Announcements

Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome! Interested in serving as a communion assistance on Christmas Eve? Contact the office or Gordy Larson, and let us know if you would prefer the 4:00pm or 6:00pm worship service. 

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. We are also introducing a visual arts component, so share your crafts. We can’t wait to see your skills! 

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Thank you

Thank you all our musicians and our Director of Music and Worship, Charlie Leftridge, for leading us in a beautiful ensemble program yesterday. Thanks also to our very talented Christine Schulz for helping to lead us in a Christmas Hymn Sing after worship in Grounds for Joy. 

Thank you to Kellen Schaefer for 5 years of service at BLC! Yesterday was Kellen’s last Sunday working as one of Bethlehem’s weekend janitors. We are so thankful for all his hard work and wish him the best! 

Huge thanks to all who provided food or made donations to ensure that all of the guests at Connections had a delicious and warm meal in December! We have more upcoming dates to serve on January 3, 4, 5 and on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

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hiring

BLC Weekend Janitor

One of the 3 BLC weekend janitor positions is now open for application by interested BLC members. Our 3 janitors rotate duties on Sunday mornings and at special weekend events with this position starting in January. The job responsibilities and electronic application are available on our website. 

The starting hourly wage is $10.55. The application deadline is today, Monday, December 16. Interviews will be conducted after this date. Questions can be addressed to Bob Ihrig: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953

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Monthly mission partner: God’s global barnyard

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. You can purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form. Last call to make names appear on the screens at Christmas Eve! Make your donation by December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Delores Raveling

Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad Dean Phillips

Izzie Asleson Jane Sletta

The family & friends of Nancy Bartell

Concordia Lutheran of Pickerel Lake in Albert Lea East Chain Lutheran in Blue Earth

People of Hope in Rochester St. Paul Kyengege Lutheran in Tanzania

Palliative Care Program at Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

December 18, Luke 1:26-38

December 22, Luke 1:39-45

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Hello Bethlehem,

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. You can purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Make your donation before December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form.

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This week

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving ham, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls. 

Advent Wednesday services continue this Wednesday, 6:15pm in the sanctuary. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series. This week’s focus is Prepare. 

Bibles & Brews gathers this Thursday, 6:00pm at Weggy’s! Join Pastor Jacie for meaningful conversations on faith and culture.

Bethlehem will host Christmas with Musicorum this Saturday, December 14 at 6:30pm. Gather in the sanctuary for festive music from talented local musicians. 

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family faith formation

Friends in Faith: We are looking for 10 more adults who would like to correspond with LIGHT & NightLIGHT kids as they share crafts they make during education at BLC. We would like the adults and kids to correspond roughly once a month Dec.-May. Please contact Anna or Kaitlin if you are interested. 

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Announcements

Help us spread Christmas cheer at Ecumen Pathstone this year! Ecumen Christmas bows are up in the Narthex. Members are invited to take home a bow and purchase the gift item listed, with a limit of $15-20 per bow. Then return the bow to the church office by Sunday, December 15th or drop off at Pathstone by Monday, December 16th. On behalf of the residents of Pathstone, thank you for making this Christmas season a very merry one!

Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome! Interested in serving as a communion assistance on Christmas Eve? Contact the office or Gordy Larson, and let us know if you would prefer the 4:00pm or 6:00pm worship service. 

Join Christine Schulz for a Christmas Hymn sing, Sunday December 15th after worship. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. Song, dance, poetry, puppetry, hula-hooping, all (church appropriate) talents are welcome! We are also introducing a visual arts component, so share your crafts. We can’t wait to see your skills! 

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hiring

BLC Weekend Janitor

One of the 3 BLC weekend janitor positions is now open for application by interested BLC members. Our 3 janitors rotate duties on Sunday mornings and at special weekend events with this position starting in January. The job responsibilities and electronic application are available here on our website.

The starting hourly wage is $10.55. The application deadline is Monday, December 16. Interviews will be conducted after this date. Questions can be addressed to Bob ihrig: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953

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Thank you

We can't believe that we are already one week away from winter break at MSU-Mankato. We feel blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, December 3rd, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Zoe Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, and Sue Larsen prepared and/or served a hearty lunch of chicken tetrazzini, spinach & garlic noodles, Italian bread, salad, and cookies to 45 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $43.00 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, February 4th as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep. We couldn't do this without you!

Have a blessed Christmas,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Delores Raveling

Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad Dean Phillips Izzie Asleson

The family & friends Esperanza Cruz

The family & friends of Nancy Bartell

St. John Lutheran in Elkton Bethlehem Lutheran of Myrtle in Glenville

Dennison Lutheran in Dennison St. John’s Lutheran in Northfield

Kisimba Lutheran in Tanzania Msamaria Mwema Getwanasi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

December 11, Luke 19:28-40

December 15, Luke 3:7-18

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Hello Bethlehem,

Advent Wednesday services in the sanctuary begin this Wednesday, December 4. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series focusing on themes of Pause, Prepare and Ponder.

This week at our Wednesday night supper, we’re serving grilled chicken on a bun, with potato salad and pickles. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome.

The BLC Men’s 5th Annual Bowling Championship is this Thursday! Contact Pastor Jay for details.

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family faith formation

Friends in Faith: We are looking for 10 more adults who would like to correspond with LIGHT & NightLIGHT kids as they share crafts they make during education at BLC. We would like the adults and kids to correspond roughly once a month Dec.-May. Please contact Anna or Kaitlin if you are interested. 

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Announcements

Help us spread Christmas cheer at Ecumen Pathstone this year! Ecumen Christmas bows are up in the Narthex. Members are invited to take home a bow and purchase the gift item listed, with a limit of $15-20 per bow. Then return the bow to the church office by Sunday, December 15th or drop off at Pathstone by Monday, December 16th. On behalf of the residents of Pathstone, thank you for making this Christmas season a very merry one! 

Join Christine Schulz for a Christmas Hymn sing, Sunday December 15th after worship.

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

Bethlehem is signed up to provide meals at Connections Shelter on December 5, 6, 7 and 8. Still needed are all meal items for Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7.  Also needed are servers for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Can you help? Please sign up online.

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

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Cruz family update

This is an update on the Cruz family who is supported by our 5 local Lutheran churches in Mankato. We are nearing the 2nd year point of their adventures in Mankato. The process of immigration is taking longer than originally thought for the family. The WELCOME team appreciates that all churches have committed to support the family for at least one more year. If you have been pledging money for the family, please prayerfully consider continuing to financially support the family. If you would like to make a pledge, please do so thorough your church. The Cruz family is very thankful for your support. 

Ariac, Andrea and their oldest, Randy, all attend school. Ariac working at Christ the King, and is available for odd jobs. He is hoping to pass his driver's exam soon. Randy enjoys math and soccer. Kamil, the youngest member of the family, turned three this year and is fan of the Hulk! For a more detailed update on all members of the Cruz family, check out the flyer on the Welcome Kiosk. 

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hiring

BLC Weekend Janitor

One of the 3 BLC weekend janitor positions is now open for application by interested BLC members. Our 3 janitors rotate duties on Sunday mornings and at special weekend events with this position starting in January. The job responsibilities and electronic application are available here on our website.

The starting hourly wage is $10.55. The application deadline is Monday, December 16. Interviews will be conducted after this date. Questions can be addressed to Bob ihrig: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953

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Monthly Mission: God’s global barnyard

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. Beginning next Sunday, December 1st, you will have the opportunity to purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Make your donation before December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form. Feel free to pick up ornaments, cards, or crafts in the narthex to commemorate your gift of a barnyard animal! 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Delores Raveling

Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad Dean Phillips Carl Schoenstedt

The family & friends of Maxine Wagner

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Spring Valley Evanger Lutheran in Sargeant

Minneola Lutheran in Goodhue North Waseca Lutheran in Waseca

Urughu Lutheran in Tanzania Msingi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

December 4, Matthew 6:25-34

December 8, Luke 3:1-6

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to all who helped out with lefse making! As you can see, we had another wonderful turn out. Thank you for keeping this delicious tradition alive. Take a look at the Facebook photo album and keep an eye out for an article coming up in The Land.

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up your pre-order yet, please do so this week. Bethlehem’s office will be open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be no Wednesday night programming. We hope you have a safe, blessed and happy Thanksgiving. 

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‘Tis the season

Our Fair Trade Committee will have their Fair Trade Bazaar on Sunday, December 1st. Shop after worship for holiday gifts that do good! 

Help us spread Christmas cheer at Ecumen Pathstone this year! Ecumen Christmas bows are up in the Narthex. Members are invited to take home a bow and purchase the gift item listed, with a limit of $15-20 per bow. Then return the bow to the church office by Sunday, December 15th or drop off at Pathstone by Monday, December 16th. On behalf of the residents of Pathstone, thank you for making this Christmas season a very merry one! 

Advent Wednesday services in the sanctuary begin December 4. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series focusing on themes of Pause, Prepare and Ponder. 

Join Christine Schulz for a Christmas Hymn sing, Sunday December 15th after worship.

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family faith formation

Friends in Faith: We are looking for 20 adults who would like to correspond with LIGHT & NightLIGHT kids as they share crafts they make during education at BLC. We would like the adults and kids to correspond roughly once a month Dec.-May. Please contact Anna or Kaitlin if you are interested. 

There is no NightLIGHT this Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, December 1.

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Thank you

We want to thank you for providing meals and servers, fulfilling our November serving dates at Connections Shelter. The spirit of generosity and hospitality is abundant here at Bethlehem, and it makes a real difference in our community. Thank you.

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Liam Slotemaker performing during worship on Sunday. Interested in sharing your musical gifts with Bethlehem? Contact our Director of Music & Worship, Charlie Leftridge.

Opportunities to serve

Bethlehem is signed up to provide meals at Connections Shelter on December 5, 6, 7 and 8. Can you help? Please sign up online. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please  call (507) 345-7477.

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Monthly Mission: THe reach youth resource center

Our November Monthly Mission is the REACH Youth Resource Center, a program of Lutheran Social Services. Located on the Liberty Street side of the Bethlehem campus, the REACH assists area unhoused and at-risk youth ages 16-24. Since opening in 2011, they have served over 5,500 youth by providing basic necessities, housing and shelter options, assistance with employment, access to support and education, and opportunities for recreational activities. The REACH has served 33,600 meals. Referrals are up 15% and the needs of our area youth continue to rise. Your financial support provides youth with the resources they need to live productive, healthy, and independent lives. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. Beginning next Sunday, December 1st, you will have the opportunity to purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Make your donation before December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online form in December.

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Maxine Wagner

Delores Raveling Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad

Mount Olive Lutheran in Rochester Our Savior’s Lutheran in Austin

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Rochester Kinakumi Lutheran in Tanzania

Iambi Secondary School in Tanzania El Salvador Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

December 1, Luke 21:25-36

December 4, Matthew 6:25-34

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Hello Bethlehem,

Mankato area ELCA churches present, Winter Warm-Up 2024, with music by Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter, Rachel Kurtz! Join us Wednesday, November 20th in the sanctuary. Doors open at 6pm and the concert will go until 7:45pm. Note, there will be no worship service in the chapel this Wednesday. Confirmation youth are expected to attend this event but the whole community is welcome! Grab your friends and join us at Winter Warm-Up!

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ELCA SURVEY

Our congregation has the unique opportunity to participate in a national study of worship attenders. The study is being conducted by Faith Communities Today (FACT), a research partner of the ELCA. Since 2000, FACT has conducted research that provides religious leaders of all traditions with critical information about the changing nature of congregational life and how to respond effectively. For participating in this survey, our congregation will receive a $200 Amazon gift card and, if at least 10 people respond, a report of our responses.

Anyone 18 or older who is a regular participant can complete the survey. It should take between 12 to 15 minutes. To take the survey, please click this link. Please complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 22. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please visit: https://www.covidreligionresearch.org/attender-survey/

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THIS WEEK

Thank you, landscaping crew, for getting us ready for the Thanksgiving season!

• Wednesday Night Supper this week: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls and salad. There will be no supper next week. We hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

• We are making lefse this Friday, November 22 at 9am. Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com.

• Lefse pre-orders are now open! Pre-order now to pick up on the 22nd or at church on Sunday the 24th, just in time for fresh Thanksgiving lefse! Any leftovers not claimed in the presale will also be available for purchase after worship on Sunday the 24th.

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family faith formation

• Youth Bake Sale: This Sunday, November 24th after worship 10:30-11:30 am. Stop in the Narthex and buy a delicious treat to take home and support our youth trips to the Boundary Waters and camp at Shores of St. Andrew. If you want to donate bake sale items, you can contact Anna (annawencl@blcmankato.org).

• We are looking for 20 adults who would like to correspond with LIGHT & NightLIGHT kids as they share crafts they make during education at BLC. We would like the adults and kids to correspond roughly once a month Dec.-May. Please contact Anna or Kaitlin if you are interested. 

• There is no NightLIGHT Nov. 20 or 27. Kids are invited to attend the Rachel Kurtz concert in the sanctuary from 6:15-7:45 pm instead. The nursery will still be available.

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announcements

Thank you to everyone who attended the Semi-Annual Meeting. We had a quorum and all items were passed. As always, our Council Documents are available on our website for your review. The meeting was livestreamed to the Friends & Family page on Facebook and is available for viewing.

Advent Wednesday services in the sanctuary begin December 4. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series. 

Bethlehem will host another blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

VIGIL of PRAYER & LISTENING – final 2024 session, November 21, 7-8 PM, St. John the Baptist, Mankato School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for this hour-long gathering of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest, and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The final session in 2024 will be Thursday, November 21, 7:00-8:00 PM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S Broad St. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

Bethlehem is signed up to provide meals at Connections Shelter on December 5, 6, 7 and 8. Can you help? Please sign up online. 

Our Fair Trade Committee will have their Fair Trade Bazaar on Sunday, December 1st. Shop after worship for holiday gifts that do good! 

Bethlehem members are welcomed to join in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association’s (LPNA) bi-monthly meetings, held here at Bethlehem. Meetings begin at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. Upcoming meetings are November 18th and January 20th.

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

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Monthly Mission: THe reach youth resource center

Our November Monthly Mission is the REACH Youth Resource Center, a program of Lutheran Social Services. Located on the Liberty Street side of the Bethlehem campus, the REACH assists area unhoused and at-risk youth ages 16-24. Since opening in 2011, they have served over 5,500 youth by providing basic necessities, housing and shelter options, assistance with employment, access to support and education, and opportunities for recreational activities. The REACH has served 33,600 meals. Referrals are up 15% and the needs of our area youth continue to rise. Your financial support provides youth with the resources they need to live productive, healthy, and independent lives. 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 Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Maxine Wagner

Delores Raveling Donna Quick

Sudanese Nuer Community at St. Olaf Lutheran in Austin Zion Lutheran in Stewartville

North Blue Earth Lutheran in Bricelyn Shelui Lutheran in Tanzania

Ishenga Lutheran in Tanzania Banytic Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

November 17, Mark 13:1-8

November 24, John 18:33-37

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to the BLC Men and the youth for helping to Rake the Town on Saturday! Also over the weekend we held our 2nd Annual Women’s Event, with Fair Trade shopping, lefse, inspirational speaker, Darla Makela, and entertainment by the “Desperate Housewives.” Thanks to all who attended, decorated a table, volunteered and organized!

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semi-annual meeting

Sunday, November 17:  Semi-Annual Meeting - Dining Room. We need a quorum of 75 members to approve the 2025 budget & other agenda business, so please attend if you are able.  The agenda and Council/boards/committees goals & activities report are available here, on the BLC website.

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family faith formation

We are looking for 20 adults who would like to correspond with LIGHT & NightLIGHT kids as they share crafts they make during education at BLC. We would like the adults and kids to correspond roughly once a month Dec.-May. Please contact Anna or Kaitlin if you are interested. 

There is no NightLIGHT Nov. 20 or 27. Kids are invited to attend the Rachel Kurtz concert in the sanctuary from 6:15-7:45 pm instead. The nursery will still be available.

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announcements

Bethlehem members are welcomed to join in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association’s (LPNA) bi-monthly meetings, held here at Bethlehem. Meetings begin at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. Upcoming meetings are November 18th and January 20th.

Bethlehem is signed up to provide meals at Connections Shelter on December 5, 6, 7 and 8. Can you help? Please sign up online. 

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

Thank you for turning in your pledge cards! If you have not had a chance yet, please drop off your paper copy in the office or feel free to complete the online pledge form. 

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving hamburger goulash with salad and rolls.

Join us for lefse making on Friday, November 22 at 9am. Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Lefse pre-orders are now open! Pre-order now to pick up on the 22nd or at church on Sunday the 24th, just in time for fresh Thanksgiving lefse! Any leftovers not claimed in the presale will also be available for purchase after worship on Sunday the 24th. 

VIGIL of PRAYER & LISTENING – final 2024 session, November 21, 7-8 PM, St. John the Baptist, Mankato School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for this hour-long gathering of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest, and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The final session in 2024 will be Thursday, November 21, 7:00-8:00 PM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S Broad St. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

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ELCA SURVEY

Our congregation has the unique opportunity to participate in a national study of worship attenders. The study is being conducted by Faith Communities Today (FACT), a research partner of the ELCA. Since 2000, FACT has conducted research that provides religious leaders of all traditions with critical information about the changing nature of congregational life and how to respond effectively. For participating in this survey, our congregation will receive a $200 Amazon gift card and, if at least 10 people respond, a report of our responses.

Anyone 18 or older who is a regular participant can complete the survey. It should take between 12 to 15 minutes. To take the survey, please click this link. Please complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 22. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please visit: https://www.covidreligionresearch.org/attender-survey/

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Thank you

“We are now past the midway point of Fall Term as we continue welcoming students through the doors of Crossroads! We feel blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, November 5th, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, Sue Larsen, and Susan Brown, prepared and/or served a tasty lunch of chicken enchiladas and cheese & onion enchiladas over rice, garlic bread, and homemade bars to 39 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $38.00 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 3rd as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep. We couldn't do this without you!”

-Our friends at Crossroads Campus Ministry

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Monthly Mission: THe reach youth resource center

Our November Monthly Mission is the REACH Youth Resource Center, a program of Lutheran Social Services. Located on the Liberty Street side of the Bethlehem campus, the REACH assists area unhoused and at-risk youth ages 16-24. Since opening in 2011, they have served over 5,500 youth by providing basic necessities, housing and shelter options, assistance with employment, access to support and education, and opportunities for recreational activities. The REACH has served 33,600 meals. Referrals are up 15% and the needs of our area youth continue to rise. Your financial support provides youth with the resources they need to live productive, healthy, and independent lives. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Maxine Wagner

Gatchang Duach Donna Quick

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Kiester Faith Lutheran in Delavan

Sudanese Anyuak Community at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Austin Pulroaa Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Mazoezi Songambele Lutheran in Tanzania Kisonga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

November 10 & 13, Mark 12:38-44

November 17, Mark 13:1-8

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Hello Bethlehem,

We have a big week ahead with a lot going on. Our 2nd Annual Women’s Event will be held this Saturday, November 9th. Grab your gal pals and join us from 9:00am to 1:00pm for a tour of tables, brunch, speaker, Darla Makela, and comedic musical entertainment by the “Desperate Housewives.” Tickets are $20 and going fast! More details and tickets are available here or by clicking the link on our homepage. 

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This Week

ALL WEEK: Bethlehem is signed up to provide meals at Connections Shelter on November 4, 5, 7, and 8 and December 5, 6, 7 and 8. We are in special need of sign ups for this Friday, November 8th. Can you help? Please sign up online. 

SATURDAY: Rake the Town Our Confirmation youth and the BLC Men will once again be raking yards for our neighbors who need support. We invite parents to come along as drivers and/or rakers, too! Gather at Bethlehem at 9am. We will have donuts before we leave the church and be done once all our yards are completed, likely around 11 am.

MONDAY: As the election season comes to a close, we invite you to our Election Eve Prayer Vigil tonight at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. Join us as we pray for our election officials, future leaders and the nation. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY: Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and rolls. 

THURSDAY: Bibles & Brews meets at Weggy’s this Thursday from 6-8pm. Join us for meaningful conversations on faith and culture. All are welcome!

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family faith formation

5th-8th grade youth and a trusted adult are invited to join us for another Brave Conversation on Wednesday, November 6th. The topic: How do we have brave and kind political conversations? Brave Conversations are held twice a year. If your child isn't ready to have a brave conversation, that's okay. Though we hope it's a meaningful and age-appropriate conversation, we trust you to choose what's best for your family. A parent or trusted adult should attend with each youth. If that's not possible, we invite you to ask another parent if they will welcome your child to join their brave conversation. 

We had 40 youth and 6 adults at Friday’s Youth Lock-in!

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Budget forum & semi-annual meeting

Here are the correct dates for upcoming BLC congregational meetings: 

• Sunday, November 10: Budget Forum - Grounds for Joy (At this meeting will review the proposed 2025 budget and answer your questions.)

• Sunday, November 17:  Semi-Annual Meeting - Dining Room (We need a quorum of 75 members to approve the 2025 budget & other agenda business)

The agenda and Council/boards/committees goals & activities report are available here, on the BLC website.

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ELCA SURVEY

Our congregation has the unique opportunity to participate in a national study of worship attenders. The study is being conducted by Faith Communities Today (FACT), a research partner of the ELCA. Since 2000, FACT has conducted research that provides religious leaders of all traditions with critical information about the changing nature of congregational life and how to respond effectively. For participating in this survey, our congregation will receive a $200 Amazon gift card and, if at least 10 people respond, a report of our responses.

Anyone 18 or older who is a regular participant can complete the survey. It should take between 12 to 15 minutes. To take the survey, please click this link. Please complete the survey by Friday, Nov. 22. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please visit: https://www.covidreligionresearch.org/attender-survey/

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Announcements

Join us for lefse making on Friday, November 22 at 9am. Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com.

Lefse pre-orders are now open! Pre-order now to pick up on the 22nd or at church on Sunday the 24th, just in time for fresh Thanksgiving lefse! Any leftovers not claimed in the presale will also be available for purchase after worship on Sunday the 24th. 

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

Thank you for turning in your pledge cards! If you have not had a chance yet, please drop off your paper copy in the office or feel free to complete the online pledge form. If you have any questions about online or automatic giving, please contact our office.

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING – the 4th in a series – St. John the Baptist, Mankato School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest, and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The fourth session will be Thursday, November 7, 7:00-8:00 PM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S Broad St. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

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Monthly Mission: THe reach youth resource center

Our November Monthly Mission is the REACH Youth Resource Center, a program of Lutheran Social Services. Located on the Liberty Street side of the Bethlehem campus, the REACH assists area unhoused and at-risk youth ages 16-24. Since opening in 2011, they have served over 5,500 youth by providing basic necessities, housing and shelter options, assistance with employment, access to support and education, and opportunities for recreational activities. The REACH has served 33,600 meals. Referrals are up 15% and the needs of our area youth continue to rise. Your financial support provides youth with the resources they need to live productive, healthy, and independent lives. 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 Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Maxine Wagner Gatchang Duach

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

Lectionary Readings

November 3 & 6, John 11:32-44

November 10 & 13, Mark 12:38-44

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Hello Bethlehem,

We can’t wait to see you this Wednesday at Trunk-or-Treat! Join us in the Bethlehem parking lot after Wednesday worship for trunk-or-treating, games, treats and fun. Don’t forget to bring those Blessings Box donations as we continue to stock up for the season. 

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This Week

It’s commitment week! Please turn in your pledge cards this week or visit the online form. Have questions about automatic or online giving? Contact the office and we would be happy to help. Thank you for supporting Bethlehem! 

Reminder: Next week daylight savings begins. Keep an eye on those clocks and we will see you an hour later for 9:30am for worship! 

At our November 3rd Adult Forum we will hear from Pastor Jenna Couch at Crossroads Campus Ministry. Join us after worship at 10:45am in Grounds for Joy for coffee and conversation.

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving sub sandwiches with potato chips and cold pasta salad.

Our Youth Lock-in is open to all 5th-12th graders! Join us this Friday, November 1st in the Youth Room from 7pm until midnight. Friends are welcome. Please sign up by this Wednesday, October 30th using our online registration form. There is no cost, but youth are invited to bring a snack to share.

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next Week

5th-8th grade youth and a trusted adult are invited to join us for another Brave Conversation on Wednesday, November 6th. The topic: How do we have brave and kind political conversations? Brave Conversations are held twice a year. If your child isn't ready to have a brave conversation, that's okay. Though we hope it's a meaningful and age-appropriate conversation, we trust you to choose what's best for your family. A parent or trusted adult should attend with each youth. If that's not possible, we invite you to ask another parent if they will welcome your child to join their brave conversation. 

Bethlehem will host an Election Eve Prayer Vigil on November 4th at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. Join us as we pray for our election officials, future leaders and the nation. All are welcome. 

Rake the Town: Saturday November 9th Our Confirmation youth and the BLC Men will once again be raking yards for our neighbors who need support. We invite parents to come along as drivers and/or rakers, too! Gather at Bethlehem at 9am. We will have donuts before we leave the church and be done once all our yards are completed, likely around 11 am.

Our 2nd Annual Women’s Event will be held on November 9th! Join us from 9:00am to 1:00pm for a tour of tables, brunch, speakers and entertainment. More details and tickets are available here or by clicking the link on our homepage. 

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Announcements

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING – the 4th in a series – St. John the Baptist, Mankato: School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest, and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The fourth session will be Thursday, November 7, 7:00-8:00 PM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S Broad St. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

Check it out: new safety railings were installed along the steps off of Second Street. We hope this improvement will make Bethlehem even more accessible to all our members, guests and visitors. 

The Community and Global Missions Board will be hosting a drive to collect Period Products for women served at Crossroads Campus Cupboard.  During the month of November, Bethlehem members are invited to drop off menstrual products - especially pads - in the metal basket located in the Narthex.  Many thanks for helping to address this critical need of women in our community.

We want YOU on lefse making crew! We certainly had a great turnout last year making our famous lefse! Can we do it again? We plan on making it Friday morning, November 22nd, 9:00am so it will be fresh for thanksgiving. Sales will be presales only (watch for details on doing this) and any leftovers open for sales on Sunday November 24th. But we will need your help on Friday to make it another success! Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Let’s keep our Nordic traditions alive!!

A message from Bethlehem member and rostered pastor, Becky Sullivan: Dear Bethlehem friends, I am on the way to connect with some of our Lutheran brothers and sisters in South Africa. I have done this before and some of you have told me that you wished that I would have given them my facebook info so that they could learn more about this part of our church...  so, when I travel I try to regularly post on an open facebook page. Feel free to follow along if you wish!

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Volunteer

Bethlehem is signed up to serve at Connections! We are looking for members to sign up to provide a main dish, two side dishes, dessert, and/or milk on the following dates reserved for Bethlehem: November 4, 5, 7, and 8 and December 5, 6, 7, 8 Sign up online. 

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please  call (507) 345-7477.

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Thank you!

A sweet card we received from the youth at TEC 137! 

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Monthly Mission

Our October Monthly Mission Partner is Connections Shelter. Connections emergency shelter has 40 beds and they offer an additional daytime drop-in center with resources to acquire housing, employment, medical care, treatment and support. Bethlehem was one of several area churches which helped to launch Connections in 2017 and we have partnered closely with this mission ever since, through volunteers, meals and financial support. Our giving goal is $3,000. Please give generously and prayerfully for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. You can give online or send/drop off a check with the monthly mission in the memo line. Thank you!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer Al Rossow Maxine Wagner

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

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

November 3 & 6, John 11:32-44

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We have all heard the phrase, “All Are Welcome” when it comes to churches. Throughout my life I have been a member or a staff person of many churches and every single one of them used that phrase when talking about themselves. We all want to be perceived as welcoming and inclusive. It is one thing to say the words, but it is another thing entirely to live out what they mean. 

I have been so amazed since day 1 at the way Bethlehem truly lives out the idea that All Are Welcome. Since my family first visited me here they shared with me how many people approached them and genuinely wanted to be in relationship with them. My father shared with me that Bethlehem has been the friendliest church that I have ever been a part of. That is a huge compliment since he is usually a very quiet and reserved man! 

I have also felt and seen that in many ways. I have felt that when I have been sick or had a family member pass away and I get floods of messages from members checking in on my well being. I have experienced that when members have stopped to talk and engage with community members who are sitting at the bench right outside our front doors. They come back knowing that person’s name and story. Usually these are members of our community who are in need and may be homeless. These are the kind of people who are used to being treated like wall paper, but for a moment, a Bethlehem member let them know that they are seen and that they are important. I have seen this radical welcome in our congregation when members are constantly asking questions about how we can be more mindful of our neighbors and they do not need to be prompted by the pastors to do this; this kind of thinking just comes naturally here.

“I have seen this radical welcome in our congregation...”

— Pastor Jacie Richmond

It is clear that this is the result of a lot of hard work and learning among the people here. That is a huge testament to the people of Bethlehem. People here are serious and intentional about learning and living out what it means to be disciples. If one were to read through the many policies, budgets, strategic plans, committee goals, and other various documents of this place those same values will leap out at you from their pages. That intentionality signals a very deep ongoing commitment to living out what All Are Welcome really means in tangible ways each and every day.

Pastor Jacie Richmond

Hello Bethlehem,

Happy Anniversary Pastor Jay! Congratulations to Pastor Jay in celebration of his 15th Anniversary as our lead pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He reached this milestone in his pastoral service on October 13. We appreciate his dedication, tireless effort and spiritual guidance over the past 15 years. We have been blessed as a congregation!

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“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. “ Luke 12:34

This Sunday, October 27 is Stewardship Commitment Sunday. If you have felt called to support Bethlehem in this way, please bring your commitment forms to worship or complete the online pledge form by Sunday. If you have any questions about the pledge form or setting up automatic or online giving, please contact our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz at elizruiz@blcmankato.org or by calling the office. Thank you!

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This Week

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. The upcoming menu: 

• October 23: Spaghetti with garlic toast and salad

• October 30: Sub sandwich with potato chips and cold pasta salad

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING:  The School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The third session will be Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:00 PM, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S 2nd Street. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

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It was an honor to host TEC 137 here at Bethlehem over the weekend. We hope all youth and volunteers had a great weekend of fun, faith and fellowship. 

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Register now!

Announcements

Our 2nd Annual Women’s Event will be held on November 9th! Join us from 9:00am to 1:00pm for a tour of tables, brunch, speakers and entertainment. More details and tickets are available here or by clicking the link on our homepage. 

Bethlehem will host an Election Eve Vigil on November 4th at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. Join us as we pray for our election officials, future leaders and the nation. 

October 27 Adult Forum Cancelled: The scheduled adult forum on October 27 "Local & State Legislative Candidate Forum" has been cancelled. So many candidate forums have already been held by other community groups that a BLC forum was viewed as unnecessary by the Adult Education Board. For your information, The League of Women Voters of St. Peter Area has made their candidate forums (MN House, Mankato School Board, North Mankato mayor & City Council) available on The Free Press website. Go to mankato-freepress.com/news/elections/

We want YOU on lefse making crew! We certainly had a great turnout last year making our famous lefse! Can we do it again? We plan on making it Friday morning, November 22nd, 9:00am so it will be fresh for thanksgiving. Sales will be presales only (watch for details on doing this) and any leftovers open for sales on Sunday November 24th. But we will need your help on Friday to make it another success! Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Let’s keep our Nordic traditions alive!

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Volunteer

Bethlehem is signed up to serve at Connections! We are looking for members to sign up to provide a main dish, two side dishes, dessert, and/or milk on the following dates reserved for Bethlehem: November 4, 5, 7, and 8 and December 5, 6, 7, 8 Sign up online. 

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please  call (507) 345-7477.

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Monthly Mission

Our October Monthly Mission Partner is Connections Shelter. Connections emergency shelter has 40 beds and they offer an additional daytime drop-in center with resources to acquire housing, employment, medical care, treatment and support. Bethlehem was one of several area churches which helped to launch Connections in 2017 and we have partnered closely with this mission ever since, through volunteers, meals and financial support. Our giving goal is $3,000. Please give generously and prayerfully for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. You can give online or send/drop off a check with the monthly mission in the memo line. Thank you!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer Rita Gibbs Al Rossow

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

Lunder Lutheran in Albert Lea Matongo Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in San Lucas, Bogota Choma Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 20 & 23, Mark 10:35-45

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

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