BLC Weekly, March 17
Hello Bethlehem,
This weekend Bethlehem will be hosting Ignite: Via de Cristo, a weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God’s grace. A Via de Cristo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. There is music and singing, food and fellowship, a time for laughter and a time for prayer. Christians of all denominations are welcome. The objective of the movement is to inspire, challenge and equip people for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. Via de Cristo is the adult-version of TEC, or Teens Encounter Christ. Contact the Wagners or Marian Mallory if you are interested in attending or learning more about this event.
This week
The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association will meet tonight at 6:30 PM in Grounds for Joy. Bethlehem members are welcome to attend and learn more about our neighborhood community.
Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving lasagna with salad and rolls. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome.
Join us at 6:15 in the sanctuary each Wednesday in Lent for a guest preacher exploring the topic of Hope. Preaching Schedule:
March 19 - Pastor Becky Sullivan
March 26 - Pastor Shelly Olson
April 2 - Pastor Heather Hammond
April 9 - Pastor Roger Haug
Prayer Shawl Makers will meet in the library this Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM. Knitters, crocheters and beginners are welcome!
BLC Men are taking a Schell’s Brewery tour this Saturday! Email Pastor Jay for details.
Adult forum
March 23 - Caring Circle for Community Connections
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.
A Compassionate Community acknowledges that the care for one another during life’s most challenging moments is not solely a task for medical and social services but is everyone’s responsibility. We belong. We take care of each other.
Join Mary Ann Boe this coming Sunday, March 23 at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy to learn about 'Compassionate Communities' and the activities of NicBluCares in the greater Mankato area community. Enjoy coffee and conversation with our speakers and other Bethlehem members.
Family Faith Formation
Yesterday our 4th graders had their communion retreat here at Bethlehem. They designed chalices, baked communion bread and learned about the practice of communion.
BLC Family Easter Egg Hunt coming up on Saturday, April 12th. Requesting candy donations to fill eggs! Drop off in the main office by April 6th. Thank you!
BLC Youth Night for 5th-12th Grade Youth. Sign up here by March 26th: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/YouthEvent1
Torchlight, Nightlight, and LIGHT kids are preparing to lead us in worship on Palm Sunday!
Announcements
Meet Your Neighbors!
The New Compassionate Community Center at Emy Frentz Art Building - 523 S 2nd Street. "The Compassionate Community Center provides community-driven, non-medical holistic care and comfort support for individuals and their families facing end of life. Rooted in the belief that everyone has a role to play, the Center fosters learning and service, grounded in kindness and shared humanity."
Breakfast with the Bishop:
The SE MN Lutheran Men in Mission Board is sponsoring Breakfast with the Bishop on Saturday, April 26th at 9:00 AM at Cabela’s Owatonna. Everyone, and especially young men, are invited to attend this special event. Asst. to the Bishop, Matt Larson will be sharing a Devotion. John Sundquist, Executive Director of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), will be the Keynote Speaker. Cost: $15/person (under 20 yrs. Old $10) Send reservations and check by Friday, April 18 to:
Russell Tesch 906 4th Ave SE Waseca, MN 56093
Fiesta of Joy
Thursday, April 3rd from 5 to 8 pm at Christ the King
RSVP online or by calling Christ the King at 345-5056 by March 23rd. The WELCOME Committee is already floored by the generosity and creativity of our basket donors! If you are donating items or a basket, please drop off your items in the BLC office by March 23rd.
Event Details:
Celebrity Chef Jordan Mendez, owner/manager of Mazatlan, has partnered with Bethlehem member Jim Christensen to create a truly authentic south of the border meal of chicken breasts smothered in fajita seasoned vegetables, complimented by a simple lettuce salad and the traditional beans and rice. We trust that this free-will offering meal will be strongly supported through your generosity.
Preceding and continuing throughout the meal is our Silent Auction with nearly 40 baskets displayed and ready for your bids. You will also have the opportunity to purchase our artist-designed centerpieces which reflect the Nicaraguan heritage of our special family, thanks to the inspiration and leadership of Paulette Bertrand, another Bethlehem member.
At 7 PM, the Silent Auction closes as we transition to the sanctuary to enjoy classical Latin American songs with a mariachi style, courtesy of Luis Orozco. The evening will conclude with words of gratitude shared by the Cruz family themselves.
Pastor Jacie said it best: The Welcome Team “believes that all people who are fleeing violence, poverty and environmental injustices should be allowed to seek new lives for themselves where they are better able to receive those basic human rights.” We hope to see you there!
-The WELCOME Team
Monthly mission partner
Our March monthly mission partner is THEE Alliance for Forgiving Medical Debt. Their mission is to combine expertise and compassion. $1 forgives $100 of financial hardship family debt. Many people are just one medical emergency away from a financial crisis. 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 Paul Haugesag
Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Gail Ihrig
Rita Gibbs Pastor Jay Dahlvang
The family & friends of Joan Stoffel
Urland Lutheran in Cannon Falls First of Highland Lutheran in Lanesboro
North Prairie Lutheran in Lanesboro Lutheran School of Theology (IELCO) in Bogota
Iguguno Lutheran in Tanzania The True Vine Ministry in Colombia Zion Lutheran in Stewartville