BLC Weekly, March 31
Hello Bethlehem,
Order flowers in honor or memory of your loved ones. Easter Flower orders are now open online or you can pick up a form from the Welcome Kiosk. Please order by April 15th. Flowers can be picked up after worship on Easter Sunday.
This week
Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving sub sandwiches with potato chips and cold pasta salad. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. The meal is free. 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:
April 2 - Pastor Heather Hammond
April 9 - Pastor Roger Haug
The Fiesta of Joy is this Thursday 5:00pm at Christ the King. Come celebrate the work of the WELCOME Team, enjoy music, shop silent auction baskets, and savor a delicious south of the border meal created by Bethlehem’s Jim Christensen and celebrity chef, Jordan Mendez, owner and manager of Mazatlan. See you Thursday!
April 6 Adult Forum: WELCOME Team.
The Cruz family has been with us in Mankato since late 2022. They seek to start a new life as legal asylum seekers. Bethlehem, along with 4 other local churches, have sponsored their journey during this time. Join us as we learn the latest of developments both locally and nationally and how we can continue to walk with them. We will gather in Grounds for Joy at 10:45 am on Sunday, April 6 for coffee and conversation with members of the WELCOME Team.
Family Faith Formation
Photos from the BLC Youth Bake Off last Friday!
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!
FREE: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
May 10th, 9am-5pm 127 S 2nd Street. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) equips adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health struggles, provide support, and connect young people with appropriate resources. Having informed, compassionate adults ready to step in can prevent youth mental health crises, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of understanding. Whether you are a parent, educator, coach, or community leader, your role in supporting youth mental health is invaluable. This training empowers you to be that first line of support, ensuring that no young person has to navigate their struggles alone. Don't miss this opportunity to gain lifegiving skills and make a real difference in the lives of young people. Register here.
Announcements
Kato Sleep-Out 2025
Join team Bethlehem for the 2025 Kato Sleep-Out fundraiser to support Connections Shelter. Give your donations to Bob Ihrig for Team Bethlehem! Help us to Three-Peat as the top team for financial donations again. You can make a difference! Volunteer to sleep-out on April 25 as a Bethlehem team member. Contact Bob Ihrig if interested and available to join Pr. Jacie.
Join Us in Serving Students Through Campus Cupboard!
Crossroads Campus Ministry is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with our Campus Cupboard Food Pantry! This vital ministry provides food and essential items to students in need, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.
We need volunteers to assist with:
Stocking and restocking shelves
Helping students find products
Organizing inventory
Giving tours to new registrants
Assisting with checkout
Your time and effort make a real difference! Whether you can help weekly or occasionally, we’d love to have you join us. The Campus Cupboard thrives because of volunteers like YOU!
Location: Crossroads Campus Ministry- 331 Dillon Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
Flexible shifts available
Interested? Contact Pastor Jenna Couch (pastorjenna@gmail.com) or stop by to learn more!
THANK You
Pastor Lisa Kipp with Lutheran World Relief thanked Bethlehem during her Adult Forum on Sunday for our continued partnership and generosity.
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.
Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.
This Week in our Prayers
Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel
Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag
Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Gail Ihrig
Steven Chima Peggy Schulze
The families & friends of Joan Stoffel and Florence Sassenberg
Community Lutheran in Geneva Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea
Christ Lutheran in Preston Whalan Lutheran in Lanesboro
Mwanga Lutheran in Tanzania Kier Wan Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Iambi Hospital in Tanzania