May 9, 2022

We are pleased to share the excitement at First Presbyterian and their new organ. We know we have the best organist around in Christine Schulz, so of course they’ve asked her to be a part of their concert. This will be a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 

***

We are sad to report there are four funerals at the church this week, each at 11am: 

Wednesday, May 11: Lowell Carpenter

Thursday, May 12: Betty Warnke

Friday, May 13: Lavon Mutch

Saturday, May 14: Kathy Yale

Our sincerest condolences to all of their families. 

***

REMINDER: Starting this week and for the remainder of the summer, Wednesday night worship will be held in the chapel and will not be livestreamed. The time remains 6:15pm. 

***

Town Hall, Sunday, May 15 in the Heritage Room after worship, hosted by the Call Committee and Pastor Barb Streed, Assistant to the Bishop for Call Process and Congregation Care in the SEMN Synod. This is the congregation's opportunity to affirm the Ministry Site Profile (snapshot of our congregation) compiled by the Call Committee before it is submitted to the Office of the Bishop as part of the call process.

***

The Strategic Planning Team will host a gathering following worship on May 22 in Grounds for Joy so you can find out more about how you can be part of where the holy Spirit is leading us ahead. 

***

Calling all gardeners! There are still plots available in the Bethlehem Community Garden (located at the west end of the building in the REACH garden area). Garden plots are free of charge. Gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, watering, and cleaning up their own plots in the fall. Plots will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Sarah Morgan @ 641-430-9353 or Jack Morgan @ 507-327-9120 if interested.

***

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

***

The May Mission Partner is Open Door Health Center. 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."

May 2, 2022

What a great day we had at church yesterday! Presenting the Confirmation Class of 2022 (alphabetical, not in order of picture): Maxwell Bolstad, Max Goff, Reece Goff, Addison Kuiper, Mika Reiner-Kloos, Azlee Schaefer, Sean Stevensen, Madelyn Wibstad, Edwin Wilkins

***

This Wednesday, May 4th, we will be worshiping outside to celebrate the finale of the program year. Bring a chair and whatever weather-appropriate wardrobe the evening requires. It’s looking like 60 and sunny right now, so fingers crossed! Starting May 11th and continuing until September, Wednesday worship will be held in the chapel at 6:15pm and will not be livestreamed or recorded. (Sunday worship time will not change.)

***

Pray for our delegates and our synod leaders as they join together this Saturday here in Mankato for the annual Synod Assembly. We thank Jason Bruns, Bob Ihrig, Marian Mallory, and Pr. Jay for representing us. 

***

Town Hall, Sunday, May 15 in the Heritage Room after worship, hosted by the Call Committee and Pastor Barb Streed, Assistant to the Bishop for Call Process and Congregation Care in the SEMN Synod. This is the congregation's opportunity to affirm the Ministry Site Profile (snapshot of our congregation) compiled by the Call Committee before it is submitted to the Office of the Bishop as part of the call process.

***

The Strategic Planning Team will host a gathering following worship on May 22 in Grounds for Joy so you can find out more about how you can be part of where the holy Spirit is leading us ahead. 

***

Calling all gardeners! There are still plots available in the Bethlehem Community Garden (located at the west end of the building in the REACH garden area). Garden plots are free of charge. Gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, watering, and cleaning up their own plots in the fall. Plots will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Sarah Morgan @ 641-430-9353 or Jack Morgan @ 507-327-9120 if interested.

***

Who are the Music Scholars? If you were at our Good Friday or Easter Sunday services, you enjoyed the music of a few young people who started singing with our choir several weeks ago. Learn more about the program and the students on the blog. 

***

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

***

The May Mission Partner is Open Door Health Center. 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."

Our May mission is Open Door Health Center. Open Door is a non-profit community health center, providing quality affordable health care to everyone!

The Open Door team has an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life within our community by providing integrated health care services, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Open Door providers offer quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care all in one place.

Please consider monetary donations to support this important organization. Thank you for your generosity.

April 25, 2022

From Pr. Kristin Engstrom (praying at the wedding of Tsepitso and Pamela, pictured next to her is Pastor Kambita who officiated the wedding): Thank you so much to the members of the Endowment Board and the people of Bethlehem for choosing to generously support me and the ministry I've been called to here in Zambia. I wouldn't be able to be a missionary without congregations like Bethlehem. You can stay up-to-date with Pr. Kristin on her blog at https://alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com/

***

Calling all gardeners! There are still plots available in the Bethlehem Community Garden (located at the west end of the building in the REACH garden area). Garden plots are free of charge. Gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, watering, and cleaning up their own plots in the fall. Plots will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Sarah Morgan @ 641-430-9353 or Jack Morgan @ 507-327-9120 if interested.

***

Who are the Music Scholars? If you were at our Good Friday or Easter Sunday services, you enjoyed the music of a few young people who started singing with our choir several weeks ago. Learn more about the program and the students on the blog. 

***

The Adult Forum speaker on May 1 will be Jacy Fry, Director of the Kearney International Center (KIC) at MSU-Mankato. Currently, MSU has over 1,280 international students from 96 countries. The KIC has 11 full-time staff and over 30 student employees working hard to recruit more students and support the ones currently enrolled. Due to the global pandemic, the KIC resorted to all virtual/online recruitment activities since March of 2020.  Applications have increased by over 100%, showing that international students are still very interested in coming to the U.S. for their studies.  “Africa Night” will be one of KIC’s first in-person events at 6 p.m. on April 9.

***

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. DUE MAY 1: NO EXCEPTIONS. Current college undergraduates and high school seniors should apply here. 

***

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

***

The April Mission Partner is Global Health Ministries. 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

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

April 18, 2022

We had a joyous Easter yesterday! Alleluia! Continue your Easter season on this Easter Monday by reflecting on the amazing gift our lord has given us through Jesus Christ. Do you truly understand the resurrection? How can we live our lives in a curious and thoughtful way, always considering how Jesus asked us to live? 

***

Who are the Music Scholars? If you were at our Good Friday or Easter Sunday services, you enjoyed the music of a few young people who started singing with our choir several weeks ago. Learn more about the program and the students on the blog. 

*** 

On Saturday, April 23, Musicorum will present its Spring Concert at Bethlehem, featuring our own Charlie Leftridge, who has composed a work for the group to perform. Tickets are $15 General Admission ($10 for students). Doors open at 7pm, concert at 7:30. 

***

The Adult Forum speaker on May 1 will be Jacy Fry, Director of the Kearney International Center (KIC) at MSU-Mankato. Currently, MSU has over 1,280 international students from 96 countries. The KIC has 11 full-time staff and over 30 student employees working hard to recruit more students and support the ones currently enrolled. Due to the global pandemic, the KIC resorted to all virtual/online recruitment activities since March of 2020.  Applications have increased by over 100%, showing that international students are still very interested in coming to the U.S. for their studies.  “Africa Night” will be one of KIC’s first in-person events at 6 p.m. on April 9.

***

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. 

***

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

***

The April Mission Partner is Global Health Ministries. 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."

Click on a photo to read about the program and each person.

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April 11, 2022

We had a joyous Palm Sunday yesterday! Hosanna! Join us for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday! Note the time changes from other years. Hope to see you there! 

***

Yesterday at the Semi-Annual Meeting, the Capital Campaign proposal passed unanimously. We are excited as always at the generosity of this church. With the help of GSB Fundraising (who assisted with our last capital campaign in 2016), we seek to raise $1.1 million over the next three years. Please find all the details here. 

*** 
During worship yesterday, we blessed our Family Faith Formation Director, Anna Wencl, as she leaves on her 6-week sabbatical. She will be spending her time walking the Camino de Santiago from Southern France to Northern Spain. She will return May 26th. Please call the church office if you need something Anna would normally have helped you with.
***

On Saturday, April 23, Musicorum will present its Spring Concert at Bethlehem, featuring our own Charlie Leftridge, who has composed a work for the group to perform. Tickets are $15 General Admission ($10 for students). Doors open at 7pm, concert at 7:30. 

***

The Adult Forum speaker on May 1 will be Jacy Fry, Director of the Kearney International Center (KIC) at MSU-Mankato. Currently, MSU has over 1,280 international students from 96 countries. The KIC has 11 full-time staff and over 30 student employees working hard to recruit more students and support the ones currently enrolled. Due to the global pandemic, the KIC resorted to all virtual/online recruitment activities since March of 2020.  Applications have increased by over 100%, showing that international students are still very interested in coming to the U.S. for their studies.  “Africa Night” will be one of KIC’s first in-person events at 6 p.m. on April 9.

***

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.

***

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

***

The April 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."

April 4, 2022

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! 

***

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10th! Not only is Palm Sunday being led by our youth, but we also have the Semi-Annual meeting after church down in the dining room. We will be approving the new members of boards and committees, and there are still slots open to be filled! 

***

This Wednesday, we welcome Pr. John Odegard from Grace for our final Lenten Wednesday! For the full Lenten worship schedule, visit https://www.blcmankato.org/lent. 

***

Our final shelter week of the season starts TODAY. Please check the schedule to fill in the holes where necessary. Thanks for another great season with Connections! 

*** 

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.

***

The Adult Forum speaker on May 1 will be Jacy Fry, Director of the Kearney International Center (KIC) at MSU-Mankato. Currently, MSU has over 1,280 international students from 96 countries. The KIC has 11 full-time staff and over 30 student employees working hard to recruit more students and support the ones currently enrolled. Due to the global pandemic, the KIC resorted to all virtual/online recruitment activities since March of 2020.  Applications have increased by over 100%, showing that international students are still very interested in coming to the U.S. for their studies.  “Africa Night” will be one of KIC’s first in-person events at 6 p.m. on April 9.

***

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.

***

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

***

The April 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."

Bethlehem's April mission is Global Health Ministries. GHM focuses on strengthening health systems on a global scale with donations of newborn kits, hospice kits, medical equipment, quilts and monetary donations. Bethlehem has been a great supporter of this mission for years and many opportunities for involvement exist. Visit www.ghm.org for more information on how to assemble kits and how to get involved. We raised $5,459 in 2021 so set our goal for 2022 at $6,000.

March 28, 2022

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10th! Not only is Palm Sunday being led by our youth, but we also have the Semi-Annual meeting after church down in the dining room (Annual Report available here.) We will be approving the new members of boards and committees, and there are still slots open to be filled! Please see details below if you are interested. 

 ***

This Wednesday, we welcome Pr. Janet Adams from Trinity in Madelia! 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. 

***

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!!! 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.

***

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."