BLC Weekly, Jan. 16
Hello Bethlehem,
As we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we invite you to reflect on King’s message and to read the latest post on Living Lutheran: King’s theological legacy. “King’s revolutionary message struck a chord with people all over the world. His illustration of the Beloved Community provided a much-needed alternative to the hatred that was perpetrated against people on the margins of society.” - Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb
Our week at Connections begins next Monday, January 23rd. We are expecting to serve 35 people and need some volunteers to assist with supplying meals, sides, and/or serving meals. Please use this link to sign up.
A message from Pastor Kristin Engstrom: “I have been here in Zambia, working with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa), for almost a year now. During that time, I have been welcomed and invited into ministry by our siblings in the ELCZa. The church here has been a blessing, even as the work I am called to has challenged me to develop new skills and ways of ministry that are appropriate for the Zambian context. In order to share with you about the ministry I am now called to with the ELCZa, I have made a short video.”
In late December, five area churches helped to welcome a family of four from Nicaragua to Mankato. In the few weeks that they have been here the family has started ELL classes, have found an apartment they are preparing to move into, and the children are getting enrolled in school and daycare.
Ways to help:
1. Transportation: for the family to and from school, appointments, etc. You do NOT need to speak Spanish to help be a driver. Provide Pastor Jacie with your contact information as well as the days of the week and times you would be available.
2. Apartment renovations: They are doing work with painting, some minor plumbing work, and replacing some things like countertops in the kitchen. Send your contact information to Pastor Jacie if you are interested in helping.
3. Donations of cash, gift cards, or checks written out to Christ the King Lutheran Church with “WELCOME” in the memo line. NOTE: We are not asking for items to be donated at this time because we do not have a place to store things right now.
Important upcoming dates:
Sunday, January 22nd. We will hold a New Member Orientation in the Heritage room after worship. All new members and curious visitors are invited to attend.
Friday, January 27th. BLC Youth Lego Masters will take place from 6-8pm. 3rd-6th graders are invited to come for pizza and some friendly competition. Adults are also welcome to coach/judge during the event.
R.I.C. Sunday is coming up on January 29th. Join us after worship for Reconciling in Christ: More Understanding, an Adult Forum led by our Welcome and Inclusion Board.
Bethlehem will be at Green Lake this summer from July 30th-August 3rd. Youth must register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website.
Sunday, February 5th is the deadline to drop off baskets for the annual Fat Tuesday Silent Auction. Please drop off in the office. All proceeds go to supporting future youth programming. Thank you!
BLC mugs are in! You can pick up your mug in the office during office hours. Mugs are $8.
Bethlehem's monthly mission for January is The REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Click here to donate online. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.
