Yesterday was Pr. Kristin’s last day serving as Interim Pastor during Pr. Jay’s sabbatical. During service, Pastor Collette thanked her, blessed her, and shared with us her plans for the future. Pr. Kristin will be heading to Zambia as soon as travel is arranged to serve with the ELCA Service & Justice (formerly Global Mission) as Facilitator for Leadership Development with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.

Thank you, Pr. Kristin, for your excellent sermons, care, and friendship during your months with us. We will pray for your happiness and safety in your new call.

As we approach our program year with fresh plans, ideas, and spaces, we want you to start thinking about how you are ready to return to serving the church and your community. Nearly all of our previous opportunities will once again be available this fall, with some changes to accommodate new schedules, new leadership, and new ministries. We will need volunteers and participants in areas from musical groups to ushers to meal service to teachers and handypersons.

Coming this month will be a new Time and Talent Survey which will reflect the new groups, new schedules, and new plans. Please plan to fill it out and get involved at your comfort level. Sign up to do things that will bring you JOY and a sense of PURPOSE or BELONGING. Each of us have gifts from God to share with others. We hope you’ll share yours with us.

August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry. Described as a "church for people who don't always like church", a place where questions are welcomed and taken seriously. Crossroads Campus Ministry is a Reconciling In Christ fellowship dedicated to welcoming all people. This is a nonprofit ministry in the tradition of the ELCA and has served the campus, in some form, for 100 years. Students from all walks of life attend Minnesota State University-MSU and Crossroads provides them with a place to gather safely, form relationships with one another and take a deeper look into their spiritual needs. Please consider providing monetary gifts to this important ministry for our youth. You can give by clicking here or by writing a check and putting “August Monthly Mission” in the memo line.

July 21, 2021

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Thanks for considering helping with our painting project! As the image above says, just let us know if you can help! We will schedule around YOU. 

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Council voted to make some changes after the results of the survey. Masks will no longer be mandatory, just optional. We will continue to provide them just inside the door for your convenience if you would like to continue to wear one.

Additionally, starting SEPTEMBER 12 (NOT THIS WEEK!), Sunday church service will be at 9:00am, with Coffee & Fellowship at 10am and Education Hour at 10:30am. The Wednesday night schedule is TBD, but it will be similar or the same as last year (there will be dinner, service, choir, educations, etc.). Expect a congregational letter outlining all of the new schedules in mid-August.

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Don't forget to have August 22nd on your calendar to celebrate Pr. Collette's ministry at BLC on her last day. We'll have cake, coffee, and fellowship in the parking lot after worship.

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We still need 100 more! We need ALL NAME TAGS returned. Please return your name tags to the church on Sunday or during office hours by Sunday, August 8th. EVERYONE is getting new ones made. Please do not hang onto them. You can drop them off in the office. See the updated look here.

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Pr. Jay returns from sabbatical on Monday, August 2nd. His welcoming ceremony will be during worship on August 8th.

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We are hiring again! There is a weekend/evening janitor position available. Learn more and apply on the website. 

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The ALS Walk has been scheduled for September 11. It is a statewide walk, but Bethlehem still has a team and encourages fundraising. Find out more, including a link to donate, on the blog. 

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July's Monthly Mission is Girls, Inc. You can read about their mission here, and make a donation here or by sending a check to the church, memo line "July Mission." 

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Our new website and church management system, Breeze, offers so many exciting ways we can streamline our communication with you. Using Breeze to send you weekly updates is one of the ways we can keep our email list consistent and accurate (it also saves time and money!). 

Additionally, our new website features a "News & Updates" blog, which you can follow right from the home page (blcmankato.org). By including all the details there, you can easily reference it at any time. 

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

The website also integrates the Events Calendar from Breeze. You can view the calendar and event descriptions on the website, but you can also check into worship and register for events by using your own Breeze account (don't have one yet? Contact Emily in the office). 

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

blcmankato.org (507) 388-2925
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
720 S. 2nd St. Mankato MN 56001
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

To unsubscribe from BLC Weekly, simply reply to this email with the word, "Unsubscribe." You will still receive other important email from the church.

July 13, 2021

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LAST CHANCE, SURVEYS DUE JULY 15TH: Did you see the survey in your July STAR  We're preparing for fall and we'd like your input. If you receive the STAR via email or if you'd just prefer it, fill out the survey online here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/FallWorshipSurvey

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Please read all the latest news from the Synod, RC Weekly: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RC-Weekly--ELCA-Fellowship-Opportunity.html?soid=1101429783487&aid=QaBh3IDI--c

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Don't forget to have August 22nd on your calendar to celebrate Pr. Collette's ministry at BLC on her last day. We'll have cake, coffee, and fellowship in the parking lot after worship.

***

Letters P-Q were added to the name tags this week. We still need 100 more! We need ALL NAME TAGS returned. EVERYONE is getting new ones made. Please do not hang onto them. You can drop them off in the office. Also, please wear your name tags when you come to church, so Pr. Kristin can learn your names. See the updated look here.

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Are you engaging in the study guide for our summer series? The questions are thought-provoking and the art is beautiful. Learn more at blcmankato.org/summer.

***

We are hiring again! There is a weekend/evening janitor position available. Learn more and apply on the website. 

***

The ALS Walk has been scheduled for September 11. It is a statewide walk, but Bethlehem still has a team and encourages fundraising. Find out more, including a link to donate, on the blog. 

***

July's Monthly Mission is Girls, Inc. You can read about their mission here, and make a donation here or by sending a check to the church, memo line "July Mission." 
***

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Our new website and church management system, Breeze, offers so many exciting ways we can streamline our communication with you. Using Breeze to send you weekly updates is one of the ways we can keep our email list consistent and accurate (it also saves time and money!). 

Additionally, our new website features a "News & Updates" blog, which you can follow right from the home page (blcmankato.org). By including all the details there, you can easily reference it at any time. 

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

The website also integrates the Events Calendar from Breeze. You can view the calendar and event descriptions on the website, but you can also check into worship and register for events by using your own Breeze account (don't have one yet? Contact Emily in the office). 

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

July 6, 2021

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Did you see the survey in your July STAR last week? We're preparing for fall and we'd like your input. If you receive the STAR via email or if you'd just prefer it, fill out the survey online here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/FallWorshipSurvey

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Another spam/scam email is going out to some of our members! Remember, our pastors will never email you with requests asking NOT to call or to solicit donations of any kind via email. Our staff email addresses all end @blcmankato.org. Always double check if you're suspicious.

***

Don't forget to have August 22nd on your calendar to celebrate Pr. Collette's ministry at BLC on her last day. We'll have cake, coffee, and fellowship in the parking lot after worship.

***

Letters P-Q were added to the name tags this week. We still need 100 more! We need ALL NAME TAGS returned. EVERYONE is getting new ones made. Please do not hang onto them. You can drop them off in the office. Also, please wear your name tags when you come to church, so Pr. Kristin can learn your names. See the updated look here.

***

Are you engaging in the study guide for our summer series? The questions are thought-provoking and the art is beautiful. Learn more at blcmankato.org/summer.

***

We are hiring again! There is a weekend/evening janitor position available. Learn more and apply on the website. 

***

The ALS Walk has been scheduled for September 11. It is a statewide walk, but Bethlehem still has a team and encourages fundraising. Find out more, including a link to donate, on the blog. 

***

July's Monthly Mission is Girls, Inc. You can read about their mission here, and make a donation here or by sending a check to the church, memo line "July Mission." 

***

Our new website and church management system, Breeze, offers so many exciting ways we can streamline our communication with you. Using Breeze to send you weekly updates is one of the ways we can keep our email list consistent and accurate (it also saves time and money!). 

Additionally, our new website features a "News & Updates" blog, which you can follow right from the home page (blcmankato.org). By including all the details there, you can easily reference it at any time. 

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

The website also integrates the Events Calendar from Breeze. You can view the calendar and event descriptions on the website, but you can also check into worship and register for events by using your own Breeze account (don't have one yet? Contact Emily in the office). 

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

blcmankato.org (507) 388-2925
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
720 S. 2nd St. Mankato MN 56001
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

To unsubscribe from BLC Weekly, simply reply to this email with the word, "Unsubscribe." You will still receive other important email from the church.

The Community & Global Missions Board welcomes the YWCA’s Girls, Inc. as its July monthly mission. While the YWCA is missioned to “eliminate racism and empower women,” Girls, Inc. is missioned to “inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.” The Girls, Inc. experience focuses on six key elements woven into activities planned for the September-May school year program and/or the week-long summer day camp experience. Through Girls, Inc., participants understand that they have the right to: *be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes; *express themselves with originality and enthusiasm; *take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in their successes; *accept and appreciate their bodies; *have confidence in themselves and be safe in the world; and *prepare for interesting work and economic independence. Bethlehem has chosen to support the summer day camp experience where girls K-3rd grade learn leadership skills and character development, and high school girls explore the broad concepts of physical and mental health, career exploration, and college prep. Monthly mission dollars will support the summer day camp experience at a cost of $150 per girl. (The Board has set a goal of raising $1500.) Full and partial scholarship dollars make it possible for girls from all walks of life to participate, regardless of their family’s economic situation. Bethlehem has the opportunity to provide this experience to girls who, without our support, might never have the chance to build upon their Godgiven personal strengths and dreams. Your donation can, quite literally, change the direction of one young girl. We hope you will consider the magic made possible through your philanthropic support.

Last week we received an email informing us of Mark’s cancer diagnosis (see contents of email below). We are saddened by this news and want to share the Jacobson’s Caring Bridge site as a way for our members to connect. Click on the photo to be taken to the site and read the journal entries for the full story. Or follow this link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daktarijacobson

Email from Jacobsons:

29 June 2021

Dear, dear friends in Christ,

We just returned from our most recent time in Tanzania.  Unfortunately, Mark developed a chronic headache which upon our return to the US was diagnosed as a malignant brain tumor. 

We’ve been surrounded by a cloud of witnesses of love and caring for us with family, medical colleagues, and myriad friends coming in to support us and pray for us.  We dearly covet your prayers for healing, wisdom, and hope. 

Our long legacy of medical missions in Tanzania has brought to us a whole support team around the globe which has allowed us to receive advice and wisdom from some of the very best brain cancer teams in the world.

We’ve adopted a plan to do a laser technique to reduce the burden of cancer cells followed by radiation and chemo in the near future.  Mark goes in for the laser ablation therapy on Thursday morning and we are eager to have you join us in prayer. Our three daughters are all here with us in St. Paul. 

We live in faith and in hope of a remission and extended survival with a good quality of life.

You can follow us on Caring Bridge as we travel through this next journey together.  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daktarijacobson

Blessings,

Mark and Linda

June 29, 2021

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We'll worship outdoors again on July 4th! Bring your chairs (and an umbrella for shade if you'd like) and stay for a popsicle after!

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Remember, Pr. Collette is on vacation until July 8th. Please call Pr. Kristin with any pastoral needs.

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Did you see the survey in your July STAR last week? We're preparing for fall and we'd like your input. If you receive the STAR via email or if you'd just prefer it, fill out the survey online here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/FallWorshipSurvey

***

Don't forget to have August 22nd on your calendar to celebrate Pr. Collette's ministry at BLC on her last day. We'll have cake, coffee, and fellowship in the parking lot after worship.

***

Letters P-Q were added to the name tags this week. We still need 100 more! We need ALL NAME TAGS returned. EVERYONE is getting new ones made. Please do not hang onto them. You can drop them off in the office. Also, please wear your name tags when you come to church, so Pr. Kristin can learn your names. See the updated look here.

***

Are you engaging in the study guide for our summer series? The questions are thought-provoking and the art is beautiful. Learn more at blcmankato.org/summer.

***

We are hiring again! There is a weekend/evening janitor position available. Learn more and apply on the website. 

***

The ALS Walk has been scheduled for September 11. It is a statewide walk, but Bethlehem still has a team and encourages fundraising. Find out more, including a link to donate, on the blog. 

***

June's Monthly Mission is Lutheran World Relief. You can read about their mission here, and make a donation here or by sending a check to the church, memo line "June Mission." 

***

Our new website and church management system, Breeze, offers so many exciting ways we can streamline our communication with you. Using Breeze to send you weekly updates is one of the ways we can keep our email list consistent and accurate (it also saves time and money!). 

Additionally, our new website features a "News & Updates" blog, which you can follow right from the home page (blcmankato.org). By including all the details there, you can easily reference it at any time. 

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

The website also integrates the Events Calendar from Breeze. You can view the calendar and event descriptions on the website, but you can also check into worship and register for events by using your own Breeze account (don't have one yet? Contact Emily in the office). 

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

blcmankato.org (507) 388-2925
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
720 S. 2nd St. Mankato MN 56001
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

June 22, 2021

We've got only two months remaining under Pastor Collette's strong leadership. Please plan to join us to celebrate her many contributions to BLC over the years. Sunday, August 22nd. Details to come.

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Watch for a survey in your July STAR this week. We're preparing for fall and we'd like your input. If you receive the STAR via email or if you'd just prefer it, fill out the survey online here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/FallWorshipSurvey

***

We'll worship outdoors again on July 4th! Bring your chairs and stay for a popsicle after!
***

Letters P-Q were added to the name tags this week. We still need 100 more! We need ALL NAME TAGS returned. EVERYONE is getting new ones made. Please do not hang onto them. You can drop them off in the office. Also, please wear your name tags when you come to church, so Pr. Kristin can learn your names. See the updated look here.

***

We are hiring again! There is a weekend/evening janitor position available. Learn more and apply on the website.

***

The ALS Walk has been scheduled for September 11. It is a statewide walk, but Bethlehem still has a team and encourages fundraising. Find out more, including a link to donate, on the blog. 

***

June's Monthly Mission is Lutheran World Relief. You can read about their mission here, and make a donation here or by sending a check to the church, memo line "June Mission." 

***

Our new website and church management system, Breeze, offers so many exciting ways we can streamline our communication with you. Using Breeze to send you weekly updates is one of the ways we can keep our email list consistent and accurate (it also saves time and money!). 

Additionally, our new website features a "News & Updates" blog, which you can follow right from the home page (blcmankato.org). By including all the details there, you can easily reference it at any time. 

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

The website also integrates the Events Calendar from Breeze. You can view the calendar and event descriptions on the website, but you can also check into worship and register for events by using your own Breeze account (don't have one yet? Contact Emily in the office). 

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

blcmankato.org (507) 388-2925
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
720 S. 2nd St. Mankato MN 56001
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation