BLC Weekly, September 25
Hello Bethlehem,
Fall is here! We are so excited to welcome back Adult Forums, Wednesday night suppers and worship, music, small groups, and youth and children’s programming! There's still time to join in the fun. Just head to our website or contact the office to get involved! Financial Peace University begins tonight. Sign up using the link and join Pastor Jay for this 9 week course, Mondays at 6:30pm to get control of your finances.
Upcoming Events:
Bethlehem will host a Vaccine Clinic with Cub Foods Pharmacy this Sunday, October 1, from 9am until noon and Wednesday, October 4, from 4pm to 8pm. Flu and Covid shots will be available.
Bethlehem will hold a New Member Orientation on October 8 after worship. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member, please indicate so on a black pew pad during worship, or contact our office!
The Young Adults group will meet on October 14th at Ben and Danielle Johnson’s house located at 604 Page Ave in North Mankato for a bonfire! Post high school young adults are invited to attend. Friends are welcome! Contact Pastor Jacie if you’d like more information.
Trunk or Treat at Bethlehem is set for October 25th! Sign up here to donate candy or to be a trunk. Donated candy must be dropped off at the office by October 22. We are hoping to get even more trunks this year!
Bethlehem will host a Women’s Event on October 7th, organized by BLC women. We invite you to come and enjoy light refreshments and Fair Trade shopping, and learn about Bible Journaling and Neuro Art. We will hear from speakers Marcie Flygare, neuroplasticity coach and trauma sensitive yoga instructor in Mankato, Minnesota, and Deb Hadley, author of the Morning God Boost, Founder of the KT Humble Hearts Foundation, and the Bereavement Manager for Knute Nelson Hospice. Event will take place from 9am to 1pm, and tickets are available online. Register here to attend.
This Sunday's adult forum will focus on the "Challenges Facing The Church Today". Come hear Dr. Sarah Ruble, Associate Provost, Dean of Academic Programs and Accreditation and Professor in Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College, speak on this timely topic. The forum runs from 10:45 - 11:45 am in Grounds for Joy. Pick up your morning coffee and donuts and join us for a stimulating conversation. A copy of the fall Adult Forum schedule is available on our website.
It’s a Fiesta de la Familia and YOU are invited! This celebration will recognize the Ariac and Andrea Cruz family on Thursday, November 9th 6 PM to 8PM at Christ the King Church located at 222 Pfau Street in Mankato.
The WELCOME Committee invites you to a Nicaraguan-style supper: scrambled eggs wrapped in warm tortillas, Huevos Duros Y Tomate (eggs cooked in a wild tomato sauce) Chorizo, a simple but flavorful sausage, black beans and fresh fruits including bananas, papayas, mangoes and avocados. A short program will introduce attendees to the many adventures and accomplishments of the family since their arrival last December. Reservations required and limited! Use this form to sign up. Free will offering is gratefully accepted.
Home Care for Pr. Don: Bethlehem has been caring for and supporting Pastor Don and Bonnie Roberts since he was diagnosed with ALS in 1995, and now the Roberts need our help. Are you interested in helping with Pastor Don's home care? If you have experience as a caregiver, a good heart, and a willingness to learn, you are needed, as they are looking for more caregivers to round out their team. Let Pr. Don and Bonnie know if you can help! Connect with the Roberts by emailing dbroberts320@hotmail.com
Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Ministry. Connections includes a low-barrier emergency shelter as well as outreach services. The shelter is seasonal and will open on October 2nd. There are 40 beds for unhoused men, women and children, and last year Connections served 115 shelter guests as well as 700 individuals in their outreach office. We can serve Connections through both monetary support and volunteering. The Connections vision statement says it all: “Walking with individuals and families experiencing homelessness by extending a radical welcome that provides dignity, shelter and community.” Our goal is $3,000.
This Week in our Prayers
Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory
Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland
Sarah Nelson Nikolas Perez Shari Elbert
Lynette Freyberg Jean Thompson Earl Peterson
Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers
Cross of Glory Lutheran in Hartland
Trinity Lutheran in Hayfield
Ilongero Lutheran in Tanzania
Ishenga Lutheran in Tanzania
Torpuot Lutheran Parish in South Sudan