Weekly Email, Apr. 11
April 11, 2022
We had a joyous Palm Sunday yesterday! Hosanna! Join us for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday! Note the time changes from other years. Hope to see you there!
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Yesterday at the Semi-Annual Meeting, the Capital Campaign proposal passed unanimously. We are excited as always at the generosity of this church. With the help of GSB Fundraising (who assisted with our last capital campaign in 2016), we seek to raise $1.1 million over the next three years. Please find all the details here.
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During worship yesterday, we blessed our Family Faith Formation Director, Anna Wencl, as she leaves on her 6-week sabbatical. She will be spending her time walking the Camino de Santiago from Southern France to Northern Spain. She will return May 26th. Please call the church office if you need something Anna would normally have helped you with.
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On Saturday, April 23, Musicorum will present its Spring Concert at Bethlehem, featuring our own Charlie Leftridge, who has composed a work for the group to perform. Tickets are $15 General Admission ($10 for students). Doors open at 7pm, concert at 7:30.
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The Adult Forum speaker on May 1 will be Jacy Fry, Director of the Kearney International Center (KIC) at MSU-Mankato. Currently, MSU has over 1,280 international students from 96 countries. The KIC has 11 full-time staff and over 30 student employees working hard to recruit more students and support the ones currently enrolled. Due to the global pandemic, the KIC resorted to all virtual/online recruitment activities since March of 2020. Applications have increased by over 100%, showing that international students are still very interested in coming to the U.S. for their studies. “Africa Night” will be one of KIC’s first in-person events at 6 p.m. on April 9.
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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 April Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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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."