March 21, 2022

It’s time for another New Member Class! Share the news with visitors and friends. 

***

This Wednesday, we welcome Vicar Dave Reedstrom from Calvary in Rapidan! For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent. 

***

Our final shelter week of the season starts April 4. Please sign up early, so we’re not scrambling. If you’d like to donate supplies instead of helping out, contact Emily in the office to learn Connections’ current needs.

***

The deadline for using your Thrivent Choice Dollars is March 31st. If you haven’t designated them yet, please make sure to do so. Contact Janell Spelbrink if you have questions. 

***

The BLC Nominating Committee seeks Bethlehem members who would like to serve on the following boards and committees for new 3-year terms starting June 1:

• Children's

• Community & Global Mission

• Endowment

• Facilities

• Finance

• Nominating

• Personnel

• Stewardship

• Welcome & Inclusion

Contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953 with questions and sign-up. We welcome your willingness to serve the mission & ministry of Bethlehem.

*** 

Please join us for a Palm Sunday Hymn Festival, Sunday, April 10 at 6:30 pm in Christ Chapel on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota.  Organist Nathaniel Gumbs, from Yale University, will lead the hymn festival from both the 55 rank Hillgreen-Lane organ in the loft and the Steinway grand on the chapel floor.  Members of the choral ensembles at Gustavus, the Christ Chapel Brass, and the Sunday Worshiping Community praise band will assist with musical leadership.  As a part of the regular Sunday evening worship service in Christ Chapel, the festival will feature some Palm Sunday liturgy, including a short homily and Holy Communion. 

***

NicBluCares is the national pilot of a successful worldwide movement called ‘Compassionate Communities’. The people of Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties in Minnesota are building a safety net of community support, strengthening our compassion and capacity to care for one another in difficult times.  For more information, see: nicblucares.com

***

The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships is now available. Current college undergraduates and high school seniors should apply here. 

***

New Small Group at Bethlehem! Commit to Growing Your Marriage!

Are you looking for an opportunity to strengthen the role of Christ in your marriage? Are you looking for tools and resources to help nourish your relationship? Are you looking to connect with other couples who are determined to always make their marriage the priority? Join us for a monthly couple's gathering at which we'll enjoy conversation revolving around marriage, along with great fellowship with peers. If you're interested, please email: nataliejcasper@gmail.com; or call the church at 507-388-2925 and ask for Pr. Jay.

***

Pr. Kristin Engstrom has arrived safely in her new call in Zambia. We wish her all the best. Read all about it and follow her journey on her blog:  https://alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com/2022/02/arrived-in-zambia.html

***

The mask requirement has been lifted at church. You can read Pr. Jay’s statement on the blog. 

***

The March Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog.  Donate here.

***

Join us for Palm Sunday led by the youth, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday! Note the time changes from other years. Hope to see you there! 

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."

March 14, 2022

The mask requirement has been lifted at church. You can read Pr. Jay’s statement on the blog. 

***

This Wednesday, we welcome Pr. Trish Reedstrom from Messiah in North Mankato! For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent. 

***

A reminder that the funeral for Pastor Al Girtz will be this Friday, March 18th at 1pm. Light refreshment will be provided by the family after the service. The service will be livestreamed if you are unable to attend in person. 

***

The deadline for using your Thrivent Choice Dollars is March 31st. If you haven’t designated them yet, please make sure to do so. Contact Janell Spelbrink if you have questions. 

***

The BLC Nominating Committee seeks Bethlehem members who would like to serve on the following boards and committees for new 3-year terms starting June 1:

• Children's

• Community & Global Mission

• Endowment

• Facilities

• Finance

• Nominating

• Personnel

• Stewardship

• Welcome & Inclusion

Contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953 with questions and sign-up. We welcome your willingness to serve the mission & ministry of Bethlehem.

***

If you wish to help provide humanitarian aid because of the war in the Ukraine, you can join with other Lutherans by supporting: Lutheran World Relief at LWR.org

or

ELCA Disaster Response at ELCA.org You can also designate an offering to Bethlehem and we will pass it on to LWR or the ELCA.

***

Coming soon! The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships will be available in the coming weeks. Current college undergraduates and high school seniors should start thinking about applying. 

***

New Small Group at Bethlehem! Commit to Growing Your Marriage!

Are you looking for an opportunity to strengthen the role of Christ in your marriage? Are you looking for tools and resources to help nourish your relationship? Are you looking to connect with other couples who are determined to always make their marriage the priority? Join us for a monthly couple's gathering at which we'll enjoy conversation revolving around marriage, along with great fellowship with peers. If you're interested, please email: nataliejcasper@gmail.com; or call the church at 507-388-2925 and ask for Pr. Jay.

***

Pr. Kristin Engstrom has arrived safely in her new call in Zambia. We wish her all the best. Read all about it and follow her journey on her blog:  https://alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com/2022/02/arrived-in-zambia.html

***

The March Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog.  Donate here.

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."

According to the guidelines the council set up in our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, I am pleased to announce that masks are no longer required at Bethlehem. The CDC on Thursday dropped the community transmission level to low, and they no longer recommend mask wearing in public spaces. Of course you can continue to wear as mask if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Thank you for great cooperation as together we continue to make our way through the pandemic.
Pr. Jay

March 7, 2022

Pr. Jay starts us off this week! For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent. 

***

If you wish to help provide humanitarian aid because of the war in the Ukraine, you can join with other Lutherans by supporting: Lutheran World Relief at LWR.org

or

ELCA Disaster Response at ELCA.org You can also designate an offering to Bethlehem and we will pass it on to LWR or the ELCA.

***

Coming soon! The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships will be available in the coming weeks. Current college undergraduates and high school seniors should start thinking about applying. 

***

New Small Group at Bethlehem! Commit to Growing Your Marriage!

Are you looking for an opportunity to strengthen the role of Christ in your marriage? Are you looking for tools and resources to help nourish your relationship? Are you looking to connect with other couples who are determined to always make their marriage the priority? Join us for a monthly couple's gathering at which we'll enjoy conversation revolving around marriage, along with great fellowship with peers. If you're interested, please email: nataliejcasper@gmail.com; or call the church at 507-388-2925 and ask for Pr. Jay.

***

Pr. Kristin Engstrom has arrived safely in her new call in Zambia. We wish her all the best. Read all about it and follow her journey on her blog:  https://alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com/2022/02/arrived-in-zambia.html

***

The March Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog.  Donate here.

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, 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."

February 28, 2022

For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent. 

***

Fat Tuesday is tomorrow! We will still take online ticket orders for the meal, including walk-ins during the Fat Tuesday meal, but we won't take pick-up orders anymore. These youth are eager to serve you! 

***

Our next Connections Shelther Week starts Monday, Feb. 28! THAT’S TODAY! Sign up to provide and/or serve food at this link, or sign up for morning greeter shifts at this link. If you can’t serve in person but would like to help, you can donate supplies. Contact Emily Heinis in the office to find out what is needed. 

***

Gail & Bob Ihrig are currently running a Thrivent Actions Teams project to support the Fat Tuesday event at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and they’ve created an online fundraising page for it! You can donate here: https://thrivent.cotribute.co/events/613843/detail?src=crowd-fundraise-active-charity-mailto-185

***

Volunteers needed for Synod Assembly. Deadline to sign up is March 1. (TOMORROW!) It’s in Mankato this year and they need our help! Read the details on the blog. 

***

Pr. Kristin Engstrom has arrived safely in her new call in Zambia. We wish her all the best. Read all about it and follow her journey on her blog:  https://alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com/2022/02/arrived-in-zambia.html

***

Have you filled out the Call Committee Survey yet? Click here to do so! Or pick up a paper copy from the Welcome desk by this Sunday, March 6th. 

***

Lent starts this week, and we are excited to return to our model of sharing messages from other pastors. Here is the Wednesday night preaching schedule: 

March 2  Ash Wednesday  Embracing Sabbath—Pr. Jay

March 9  Sabbath Connects Us to Community—Pr. Jay

March 16  Sabbath Offers Us a Whole-Hearted Life--Pr. Trish Reedstrom, Messiah, North Mankato

March 23  Sabbath Releases Us from Our Anxieties--Vicar Dave Reedstrom, Calvary, Rapidan

March 30  Sabbath Connects Us to Our Created Selves--Pr. Janet Adams, Trinity, Madelia

April 6  Sabbath Offers Us the Holiness of Time--Pr. John Odegard, Grace, Mankato

***

The March Mission Partner is Connections Ministry. You can learn more on the blog.  Donate here.

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, 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."

Help us support our individuals and families experiencing homelessness by donating to Bethlehem’s March monthly mission - Connections. Connections extends a welcome that provides dignity, shelter, and community to those with a need. Connections shelter is a low barrier emergency shelter. We house men, women, and families. We have a 35 bed capacity.
​
The shelter is open from 6pm-8am daily. Intake is from 6pm-6:30pm. A meal is served nightly. Many volunteer opportunities are also offered so consider offering your time as well as monetarily. Our goal is $3000.
​

February 21, 2022

After today, we will still take online ticket orders for the meal, including walk-ins during the Fat Tuesday meal, but we won't take pick-up orders anymore. The online event and auction is LIVE now and you better get your bids in! https://fb.me/e/4hYJIpBnV

 ***

Our next Connections Shelther Week starts Monday, Feb. 28! Sign up to provide and/or serve food at this link, or sign up for morning greeter shifts at this link. If you can’t serve in person but would like to help, you can donate supplies. Contact Emily Heinis in the office to find out what is needed. 

***

Gail & Bob Ihrig are currently running a Thrivent Actions Teams project to support the Fat Tuesday event at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and they’ve created an online fundraising page for it! You can donate here: https://thrivent.cotribute.co/events/613843/detail?src=crowd-fundraise-active-charity-mailto-185

***

CONGRATULATIONS! Bethlehem was honored with the 2021 Servant of Christ Award from LSS. You can read the details and watch the video on the blog.

***

The Mankato YMCA has a new program for seniors (55+) and they want you to try it...FREE! ForeverWell is a wellness program for active older adults promoting activities, education, healthy lifestyles, social well-being, and volunteerism. Find out if it's for you by grabbing one of the free passes off the bulletin board in the narthex (ten available, first-come, first-served).

***

Volunteers needed for Synod Assembly. Deadline to sign up is March 1. It’s in Mankato this year and they need our help! Read the details on the blog. 

***

Lent starts next week, and we are excited to return to our model of sharing messages from other pastors. Here is the Wednesday night preaching schedule: 

March 2  Ash Wednesday  Embracing Sabbath—Pr. Jay

March 9  Sabbath Connects Us to Community—Pr. Jay

March 16  Sabbath Offers Us a Whole-Hearted Life--Pr. Trish Reedstrom, Messiah, North Mankato

March 23  Sabbath Releases Us from Our Anxieties--Vicar Dave Reedstrom, Calvary, Rapidan

March 30  Sabbath Connects Us to Our Created Selves--Pr. Janet Adams, Trinity, Madelia

April 6  Sabbath Offers Us the Holiness of Time--Pr. John Odegard, Grace, Mankato

***

The February Mission Partner is Partners for Housing. You can learn more on the blog.  Donate here.

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, 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."

February 14, 2022

Lent is fast-approaching! Our youth’s annual fundraiser, the Fat Tuesday Silent Auction (online starting Feb. 20th!) and Dinner, returns again this year. Please reserve your ticket by Feb. 20th at this link: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/FatTuesday2022

***

Our next Connections Shelther Week starts Monday, Feb. 28! Sign up to provide and/or serve food at this link, or sign up for morning greeter shifts at this link. If you can’t serve in person but would like to help, you can donate supplies. Contact Emily Heinis in the office to find out what is needed. 

***

CONGRATULATIONS! Bethlehem was honored with the 2021 Servant of Christ Award from LSS. You can read the details and watch the video on the blog.

***

The Mankato YMCA has a new program for seniors (55+) and they want you to try it...FREE! ForeverWell is a wellness program for active older adults promoting activities, education, healthy lifestyles, social well-being, and volunteerism. Find out if it's for you by grabbing one of the free passes off the bulletin board in the narthex (ten available, first-come, first-served).

***

Friend to Bethlehem and the entire community, Dave Brave Heart was recently diagnosed with ALS. Please consider attending the benefit on Feb. 19 or making a donation to the silent auction or a monetary donation. Full details on the blog.

***

Volunteers needed for Synod Assembly. It’s in Mankato this year and they need our help! Read the details on the blog. 

***

The February Mission Partner is Partners for Housing. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, 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."

February 7, 2022

Lent is fast-approaching! Our youth’s annual fundraiser, the Fat Tuesday Silent Auction and Dinner, returns again this year. Please have all donations for the silent auction turned in to the office by February 13. 

***

CONGRATULATIONS! Bethlehem was honored with the 2021 Servant of Christ Award from LSS. You can read the details and watch the video on the blog.

***

With grateful hearts from Crossroads Campus Ministry: We wish to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who prepared and served the delicious chicken chili meal to hungry students at Crossroads Campus Ministry's Lunch 4 a Buck last Tuesday, February 1. Thank you, Roberta and Gene Ganske, Sandy Abild and Shelli Allen for your "service with a smile!"  You fed 25 students & staff while bringing in $22.95 in donations that will help us to continue serving students at MSU! Bless you all!!

***

The Mankato YMCA has a new program for seniors (55+) and they want you to try it...FREE! ForeverWell is a wellness program for active older adults promoting activities, education, healthy lifestyles, social well-being, and volunteerism. Find out if it's for you by grabbing one of the free passes off the bulletin board in the narthex (ten available, first-come, first-served).

***

Friend to Bethlehem and the entire community, Dave Brave Heart was recently diagnosed with ALS. Please consider attending the benefit on Feb. 19 or making a donation to the silent auction or a monetary donation. Full details on the blog.

***

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to provide and serve food to our students at Minnesota State University-Mankato through Campus Ministries Lunch for a Buck program. We are committed to providing a meal and serving on the 1st Tuesday of every month from February through May 2022. If you are interested in providing a hot meal, side dish and dessert, please contact Sandra Abild at 507-382-6867.

***

Volunteers needed for Synod Assembly. It’s in Mankato this year and they need our help! Read the details on the blog. 

***

The February Mission Partner is Partners for Housing. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, 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."

Servant of Christ Awards

Each year, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota recognizes partnering congregations that are leaders in social ministry and social justice in their community, have a connection to LSS services in their area, and faithfully provide financial support for the service ministry of LSS.

Congregations in each of the six ELCA Synods in Minnesota may be nominated by pastors, staff, congregation members, individuals in the community or LSS employees. Servant of Christ congregations are recognized at their respective Synod assemblies each spring as well as in a presentation directly to the congregation.

Selection criteria includes:

• The strength, longevity, or richness of the relationship between the congregation and LSS.

• A powerful connection to a service offered by LSS.

• Providing extraordinary social ministry leadership in their community, whether or not as part of an LSS service.

• Financial stewardship to LSS, both through congregational pledging and gifts from individual donors.

You can enjoy this video, which highlights each congregation and what they’ve done to win the award: https://www.lssmn.org/get-involved/church-partnerships/servant-of-christ/winners