Food distribution opportunity with North Minneapolis ELCA congregation!

Who? People with a heart for service who can physically load/unload boxes of donated food (Not appropriate for young children)

When?  Friday, October 16, beginning at 10 a.m.

What? Unload/load boxes of donated food (to be distributed at seven North Mpls neighborhood food shelves)

Where? Gethsemane Lutheran Church parking lot (4656 Colfax Avenue North)

How? Masks are required (available on-site, if needed); Hand sanitizer on-site

*** Donations of diapers (all sizes) and personal care products are greatly appreciated!***

BONUS: Volunteers are invited to enjoy a socially distanced lunch of St. Louis BBQ ribs with North Minneapolis community members

For more information, contact Kathy Chatelaine, Assistant to the Bishop at chatelaine@semsynod.org. If you’d like to participate, please contact Pastor Jay.

Oct. 14- Tanzania Ministry Update 

Speakers: Kathy Chatelaine (SE Minnesota ELCA Synod) & Pastor Jay Dahlvang

Oct. 28- Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Voting and the November 3 Election

Speakers: Michael Stallberger (Blue Earth County Elections Director) & Lynn Solo (President, St. Peter League of Women Voters)

**ALL FORUMS HELD VIA ZOOM. See blcmankato.org/adult-education

On our first Sunday back indoors, we had the pleasure of celebrating with eight BLC youth as they received communion. Please include the following families in your prayers:

Gabriella Bock

Elise Carter

Gabriella Hager

Luke Keenan

Owen Neubert

Carter Rebelein

Liam Slotemaker

Nick Stevensen

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.