RSVP on the Facebook event! https://www.facebook.com/events/760523751463804
A cornerstone ministry of Centenary UMC, Holy Grounds was started by the passion of a congregation member who wanted the church to get to know its neighbors in the immediate neighborhood. What began as a small gathering of individuals over coffee has grown into a full breakfast ministry, serving 45-90 people 6-7 days a week. Holy Grounds has become an important resource in the community for relationship building, food security, and a place where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Holy Grounds provides a tangible way for us to live out the gospel call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Holy Grounds provides free Wi-Fi, assistance with community resources, showers and basic needs related to winter gear, toiletries, and some clothing. Current needs include donations towards providing daily meals, mens/womens underwear, sleeping bags, tents/tarps, rain gear and socks. There will be a box available to drop off these items in the Narthex or you may add a monetary donation in the offering specified for Holy Grounds. If you are interested in getting involved with Holy Grounds, please contact Rev. Erica @ 507-225-6370.
It is that time of year where we are gearing up for the 2020-2021 Energy Assistance season. Many local families and individuals find it difficult to pay their monthly energy bills. The Energy Assistance Program provides a grant for income-eligible households which can help defray some of these costs. This leaves more of the family resources available for other expenses. We can also assist households in crisis situations with disconnect notices or when they are almost out of heating fuel.
Grants are paid directly to the vendor on their behalf. Households can request an application by calling MVAC at (507) 345-6822 or (800) 767-7139 or by downloading it from our website at mnvac.org. The deadline to apply is May 31 st , 2021.
To maintain social distancing and to include our congregation members watching at home, this year the candles will be pre-lit before service begins. If you'd like us to light a candle for your friends and family who have passed, please fill out this form by noon on October 29: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/AllSaintsForm
Their names will be included in the pre-service slide show online and in the sanctuary.
On November 1st, Bethlehem will be offering a flu shot clinic in Grounds for Joy from 9am to 11am (or until all are served). Please bring your insurance card, though not having insurance won't disallow you from getting a vaccine. Injectable vaccines for ages 3+, high-dosage injectable vaccine for 65+, and vaccines for those with egg allergies all available.
Please line up outside door 3 for flu shots. If you come before service, you can exit into the narthex and proceed to the sanctuary. If you choose to receive your flu shot after service, please exit the door indicated by your seat in the sanctuary, then re-enter the building at door 3, maintaining proper social distancing. Thank you!
We believe God has blessed each of us with varied talents, precious time, and abundant treasures. We challenge our members, friends, and community to share in God’s grace through giving. We enjoy deep, satisfying relationships with God’s people and community, enabled by the gifts received from our members. By the end of October, you’ll receive a letter and a pledge card in the mail. We ask you to prayerfully consider contributing to the church. Give joyfully and purposefully. Your pledge card helps us plan the budget for the upcoming year. Please complete it by November 8th.
If you’d like to mark it off your to-do list now, you can fill out the Pledge Card online at blcmankato.org/online-pledge-form
The ideal method in terms of fees and planning would be a donation given through bank account transfer on a recurring basis. This is our strong preference as it helps us wisely and accurately forecast budgets. We ask you to consider making your donations automatic. Learn more about that here: blcmankato.org/giving.
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
