November 22, 2021

The kids' Christmas program is back LIVE! We're currently looking for a piano accompanist for the program. I you're comfortable playing a few classic hymns or you know someone who is, please contact Kaitlin Carter, Anna Wencl, or Emily Heinis in the office. The dates needed are 12/5, 12/12, 12/18, and 12/19.  

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Wednesday, Nov. 24th, we WILL have worship, but no meal or education. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday! 
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Our next week for volunteering at Connections shelter starts December 6! Please sign up for meals, serving, or mornings, click on the yellow buttons to sign up: https://www.connectionsshelter.org/support-us
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It's the return of LEFSE! Can you help make it? Read the details on the blog. Do you want to order some? Click here!

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Volunteers are needed for two important jobs: food pick-up for Crossroads and helping with tax prep at Bethlehem this coming season. More information on both on the blog.
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GOOD NEWS: This year BLC raised $880 for the ALS Walk (even though it was cancelled!), bringing your lifetime total to $33,168!!! WOW!
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The November Mission Partner is Holy Grounds. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

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Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

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Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

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

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

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

Request for Volunteers for Food Pick-up

Campus Cupboard (part of Crossroads Campus Ministry) needs people to pick up donated food from the Kiwanis Festival of Lights. The dates are November 29 and December 7. Food can be picked up the next morning before noon. Contact Pastor Heather at 612-834-0211 for details.

Request for Volunteers for the VITA tax program

Volunteers are needed for the VITA tax program. The program provides free tax preparation for lower-to-middle-income  taxpayers, older individuals, and those with disabilities, to help them get the tax refunds to which they are entitled. We need Tax preparers, Greeters, and Phone volunteers.

Tax preparers need only computer competence and an interest in financial/tax issues. Some tax prep experience is welcome but not required; tax preparation training and training materials are provided. Greeters will do intake and initial screening, and Phone volunteers are needed to take tax appointments. Training for both will be provided, and no experience is necessary.

This is a very rewarding activity. Taxpayers are fun to work with and are always very grateful. For more information, call Ginger Klenk at 387-5707; leave a message if no one is home.

November 15, 2021

We had an excellent Semi-Annual Meeting yesterday! Did you miss it? You can read the minutes here. 
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It's the return of LEFSE! Can you help make it? Read the details on the blog. 

Information regarding ordering and eating the lefse will come later. Patience, please. 

***
Wednesday, Nov. 24th, we WILL have worship, but no meal or education. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday! 
***
The November Mission Partner is Holy Grounds. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***
Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

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Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

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

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

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

November 8, 2021

It's the return of LEFSE! Can you help make it? Read the details on the blog. 

Information regarding ordering and eating the lefse will come later. Patience, please. 

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The Fall Semi-Annual Meeting is on Sunday, November 14 immediately after the worship service. Please plan to attend. 
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On Sunday, we celebrated All Saints' Day. You can see the slides on the blog.
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A Note from the Stewardship Board: Relationships are what stewardship is all about. There are times of scarcity and abundance in all our lives, and stewardship calls us to creatively use God's gifts to follow Jesus' command to love God and our neighbor. Stewardship is a commitment of time and talents--and if necessary, money. 
***
The November Mission Partner is Holy Grounds. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

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

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

"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"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

On Friday, December 17th at 8:30am, the lefse-makers are coming out of retirement! For one day only, they will make as much lefse as they can handle. The more helpers, the more lefse! Please let Ginger Erlandson know if you can help by Nov. 30th. Information about ordering and purchasing the lefse made that day is forthcoming.

On Sunday we honored those who have gone to heaven before us. You can light a candle and say a prayer at home if you missed it. For the saints of Bethlehem shown in the slides below and for your own loved ones. Peace.

November 1, 2021

Today is All Saints Day. Who do you remember today? We give thanks for all the saints who have influenced our lives, faith and vocational decisions. We pray for all grieving the loss of someone significant in their lives, that they will be comforted by God and know that they are not alone in their grief.

Join us on Sunday for a reading of the names of the saints of Bethlehem who have joined their Lord in heaven this past year. 

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The November Mission Partner is Holy Grounds. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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The Fair Trade Committee is excited to celebrate with the City of Mankato for being a Fair Trade City for 10 years. Please join the community with events all month, including a bazaar here at Bethlehem on Nov. 7th. See the blog for more details.
***
A Note from the Stewardship Board: Relationships are what stewardship is all about. There are times of scarcity and abundance in all our lives, and stewardship calls us to creatively use God's gifts to follow Jesus' command to love God and our neighbor. Stewardship is a commitment of time and talents--and if necessary, money. 
***
Save the Date for the Fall Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14 immediately after the worship service. The council forum to answer questions about the budget is the Sunday before, Nov. 7, so please come to both if you have questions. 

***

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

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

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

"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"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

Our November monthly mission is Holy Grounds located at Centenary UMC. This is 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 clothing. Current needs include mens/womens underwear, sleeping bags, tents/tarps, rain gear and socks as well as your monetary donations.

Please consider donating to this important community resource; your donations supporting this mission can change lives. The Board has set a goal of $1,500 for the November mission. Thank you for your prayers and generosity for this mission partner. You can donate by clicking here or by putting “Nov. Monthly Mission” in the memo line of your check. Thank you!

October 25, 2021

A note from Anna about Trunk or Treat: We’re planning a fun night of Trunk or Treat starting Wednesday at 6:45 pm. Stay tuned to our Facebook groups for any weather updates as scattered showers are predicted. Never fear: we will have two campfires & cider to keep everyone warm. If you have any last-minute candy donations, they can be dropped off during office hours on Tuesday. More details on the blog.

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The Fair Trade Committee is excited to celebrate with the City of Mankato for being a Fair Trade City for 10 years. Please join the community with events all month, including a bazaar here at Bethlehem on Nov. 7th. See the blog for more details.
***
A Note from the Stewardship Board: Relationships are what stewardship is all about. There are times of scarcity and abundance in all our lives, and stewardship calls us to creatively use God's gifts to follow Jesus' command to love God and our neighbor. Stewardship is a commitment of time and talents--and if necessary, money. 
***
Save the Date for the Fall Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14 immediately after the worship service. The council forum to answer questions about the budget is the Sunday before, Nov. 7, so please come to both if you have questions. 
***
The October Mission Partner is ECHO Food Shelf. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***
Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

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

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"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

October 18, 2021

One of my favorite words is liminal.  It is one of those words that is fun to say (one of my other favorite words is llama) but it is also a word that helps us to understand the times we are living in now.  Liminal time is a time of between, when you end one reality and aren’t quite sure what is ahead or if you really know where you are going.  Living in a liminal time is one of discovering what the next reality is going to be.  I’m excited about joining Bethlehem as your Transitional Pastor, working alongside you as you work through this liminal time.

I currently live in Geneva MN where I serve Community Lutheran as their pastor.  It is a part time call allowing me the time to serve Bethlehem part time as well.  My husband John and I have 5 children, the two oldest are at college.  The other three attend NRHEG in New Richland, a senior, an 8th grader and a 6th grader.  Life is busy at our house and we enjoy every minute of it.

I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and working alongside you. --Pr. Kristen

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More details on the blog.

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Our first week for serving at Connections Shelter starts Oct. 25th! Please sign up here to provide and/or serve meals, and here to work as a morning greeter. We will also be having a supply drive. Stay tuned for details. Thank you!
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The Fair Trade Committee is excited to celebrate with the City of Mankato for being a Fair Trade City for 10 years. Please join the community with events all month, including a bazaar here at Bethlehem on Nov. 7th. See the blog for more details.
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Don't forget to wear RED on Oct. 31 for Reformation Sunday!
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A Note from the Stewardship Board: Stewardship is about so much more than money. Stewadrship, at its core, is about love. It is one of the primary ways that we live out Jesus' commandment to love God and our neighbor with our whole beings. Changing the stewardship culture of the congregation takes time and hard work, but a few small, intentional steps in the right direction can go a long way. 
***
Save the Date for the Fall Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14 immediately after the worship service. The council forum to answer questions about the budget is the Sunday before, Nov. 7, so please come to both if you have questions. 
***
The October Mission Partner is ECHO Food Shelf. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***
Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

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

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"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