Weekly Email, Mar. 28
March 28, 2022
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10th! Not only is Palm Sunday being led by our youth, but we also have the Semi-Annual meeting after church down in the dining room (Annual Report available here.) We will be approving the new members of boards and committees, and there are still slots open to be filled! Please see details below if you are interested.
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This Wednesday, we welcome Pr. Janet Adams from Trinity in Madelia! For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent.
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Our final shelter week of the season starts April 4. Please sign up early, so we’re not scrambling. If you’d like to donate supplies instead of helping out, contact Emily in the office to learn Connections’ current needs.
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The deadline for using your Thrivent Choice Dollars is March 31st. If you haven’t designated them yet, please make sure to do so. Contact Janell Spelbrink if you have questions.
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SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!!! The BLC Nominating Committee seeks Bethlehem members who would like to serve on the following boards and committees for new 3-year terms starting June 1:
Children's
Community & Global Mission
Endowment
Facilities
Finance
Nominating
Personnel
Stewardship
Welcome & Inclusion
Contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953 with questions and sign-up. We welcome your willingness to serve the mission & ministry of Bethlehem.
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Please join us for a Palm Sunday Hymn Festival, Sunday, April 10 at 6:30 pm in Christ Chapel on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Organist Nathaniel Gumbs, from Yale University, will lead the hymn festival from both the 55 rank Hillgreen-Lane organ in the loft and the Steinway grand on the chapel floor. Members of the choral ensembles at Gustavus, the Christ Chapel Brass, and the Sunday Worshiping Community praise band will assist with musical leadership. As a part of the regular Sunday evening worship service in Christ Chapel, the festival will feature some Palm Sunday liturgy, including a short homily and Holy Communion.
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NicBluCares is the national pilot of a successful worldwide movement called ‘Compassionate Communities’. The people of Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties in Minnesota are building a safety net of community support, strengthening our compassion and capacity to care for one another in difficult times. For more information, see: nicblucares.com
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The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships is now available. Current college undergraduates and high school seniors should apply here.
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New Small Group at Bethlehem! Commit to Growing Your Marriage!
Are you looking for an opportunity to strengthen the role of Christ in your marriage? Are you looking for tools and resources to help nourish your relationship? Are you looking to connect with other couples who are determined to always make their marriage the priority? Join us for a monthly couple's gathering at which we'll enjoy conversation revolving around marriage, along with great fellowship with peers. If you're interested, please email: nataliejcasper@gmail.com; or call the church at 507-388-2925 and ask for Pr. Jay.
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The mask requirement has been lifted at church. You can read Pr. Jay’s statement on the blog.
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The March Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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Join us for Palm Sunday led by the youth, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday! Note the time changes from other years. Hope to see you there!
Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam
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News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates
Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021
"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."