Growing in Christ, Loving our Neighbors, Serving God's world.

the BLC blog

news & updates

Endowment Board Seeks Giving Opportunities

The Endowment Fund is unlike the general fund, capital appeals or designated giving which fund, respectively, day-to-day operations of Bethlehem Lutheran, brick and mortar, or specific ministries. The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to ensure that Bethlehem Lutheran Church has means for existence and purposeful ministry many, many years into the future.

Bethlehem members may request a gift from the annual earnings of the Endowment Fund or a specific designated fund to be distributed to a person or group inside or outside the congregation. Gift are distributed quarterly. Learn more at blcmankato.org/endowment.

The Endowment Board needs your help!.png
Bethlehem LutheranComment
October Monthly Mission

It’s a new month, so we have a new monthly mission! Community and Global works hard to organize each month a different local or global fundraiser for us to contribute to. This month is scholarships for the Iambi Secondary School.

October Monthly Mission.png
Family Faith Formation in full-swing!

All our education groups have now met at least once, and we have our Family Faith Formation Director, Anna Wencl, to thank for her hard work in reimagining these new experiences. The schedule for the next month is below, but also check out all the fun pictures from the first weeks!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SvoNGdJr3hJvxoTG7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/N3DEXe9rNa4JvSH16

FFF Oct Update.png
Bethlehem LutheranComment
Confirmation this Sunday!

Our last outdoor Sunday service will feature the affirmation of baptism of ten Bethlehem youth! Originally scheduled in May, these kids have waited patiently through a pandemic for their big day. The weather looks great and the custom masks are ready! (Big shout-out to Amy Haigh, our official church mask-maker, for these beauties!) See you in the lot on Sunday, September 27th at 9:45am. Livestream on Facebook. Replay on YouTube.

masks.jpg
Bethlehem LutheranComment
Bethlehem Updates Logo & Website
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Logo FULL FINAL-2.png

On September 12th, Bethlehem unveiled a new logo and website. The changes reflect changing needs for our members and visitors, as we all navigate life online more than ever before. The new website includes a link to our new online member database, which allows members to connect with each other and the church in ways never possible before. Available as both a website and a mobile app, members can now login to access a directory, a calendar, their giving statements, and more. (link to join)

The new logo will look great on the new clothing the Evangelism Board plans to organize in time for the Christmas gift-giving season! Stay tuned for details.

Bethlehem Lutheran Comment
Bethlehem Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Organ Dedication
Organ Anniversary.png

Many months ago, we had a goal to celebrate with special music and a reception with cake and punch. But like so many plans this year, we had to cancel our 40th Anniversary celebration of the Holtkamp organ our church enjoys. Organist Christine Schulz is celebrating her 30th year dazzling us on the gorgeous instrument as well. Our congregation is eager to enjoy them both in person again soon. We will add this event to the ever-growing long list of things we will honor at one huge party when the pandemic is over.

Bethlehem Lutheran Comment
Updated Worship Times
September Worship 2020-2.png

Due to the nature of the global pandemic, we plan to stay flexible and safe with our worship times throughout the year. We will share our plans each month as county health situations change, and we adapt (if necessary) to suit those needs. September worship will be our last month outdoors, and we’ve had a great time! Weather cancellations will result in a livestream from the chapel, with just staff in attendance, as we’ve stopped pre-recording services. 

We look forward to welcoming you safely back into the building in October. Stay tuned for all the details regarding our policies and procedures.