Lutheran World Relief is our June mission. Our focus this June is on Ukraine. Since conflict began in late February, millions of people have fled and there remains more people in dire need within Ukraine. LWR is committing $7 million to respond to this crisis and we can help with our generous giving to this humanitarian crisis. Donations are used to support and provide medical supplies and equipment, and support Ukraine network partnerships to provide shelter, food and essential supplies - just the basic living needs of the Ukrainian people.
Bethlehem has long supported this organization donating quilts and assembling school kits; this June 2022 we would like to focus our support to these efforts. Our goal for June is $7,000. For more information on supporting the Ukraine crisis and other ways to help, go to lwr.org.
May 23, 2022
Congratulations to the 15 undergraduate college students who applied for a scholarship from Bethlehem's Endowment Fund this year! Scholarships will be presented on Sunday, June 5 at the beginning of the 9:30 worship service. Students and parents will be invited to the front of the sanctuary.
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BROTHER/SISTER MENTORING PROGRAM
The Brother/Sister program creates a unique bridge connecting caring adult mentors to youth. Mentors help youth increase their self-confidence, social and communication skills, positive behaviors and help improve relationships at home, school and within the community.
Making a positive difference in the life of a kid who needs it. That’s the role – and reward – of the Brother/Sister volunteer.
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
We’re looking for people 18 or older who have a clean driving record, valid car insurance and no criminal record.
We also ask for:
A nine-month minimum commitment to the program
Keeping regular meetings with the youth (about once a week for two to three hours)
Demonstrating values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
Sharing skills, time and interests with youth
Communicating with the program staff monthly
Sharing relationship accomplishments and concerns with parent(s)
Sharing in costs of weekly outings with the youth
Help choose fun activities
More information can be found at: https://mankatoymca.org/mentoring-programs/ or contact: Allison Braswell at abraswell@mankatoymca.org or 507-386-2705
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Green Lake needs staff! If you know someone, please refer them for a $1,000 bonus for you or the church! Flyers with more details can be found on the Welcome Desk or visit bit.ly/GLLMrefer.
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From the ELCA: What is important to you when you think about government? What about how the church and the state relate to each other?
A task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith, and it wants to hear from you.(Click to learn more.) This social statement was requested by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. A key piece of this process is hearing from ELCA members about their priorities and perspectives.
Social statements establish the basis for the ELCA’s public voice and policy decisions. They also serve as a teaching tool to help people discern and discuss their views on an issue.
This month you can connect directly with the task force to let them know what’s important to you!
Join members of the ELCA social statement task force for an ELCA-wide virtual listening event. The event will introduce what social statements are and how they’re developed. Then, participants will have a chance to share with task force members directly in breakout groups. The main questions will be:
What themes, ideas or topics do you think the task force needs to talk about or consider for the social statement?
What is important for the task force to consider in creating an effective social statement?
There are two opportunities to participate: Tuesday, May 24, 7-8:15 p.m. or Wednesday, May 25, 7-8:15 p.m. Click here to register.
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REMINDERS:
For the remainder of the summer, Wednesday night worship will not be held. We will resume in the fall. If you can’t make it on Sundays, please consider watching the recording on Facebook or YouTube.
Four dates this season our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start. On these days, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am.
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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 16, 2022
From the ELCA: What is important to you when you think about government? What about how the church and the state relate to each other?
A task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith, and it wants to hear from you.(Click to learn more.) This social statement was requested by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. A key piece of this process is hearing from ELCA members about their priorities and perspectives.
Social statements establish the basis for the ELCA’s public voice and policy decisions. They also serve as a teaching tool to help people discern and discuss their views on an issue.
This month you can connect directly with the task force to let them know what’s important to you!
Join members of the ELCA social statement task force for an ELCA-wide virtual listening event. The event will introduce what social statements are and how they’re developed. Then, participants will have a chance to share with task force members directly in breakout groups. The main questions will be:
What themes, ideas or topics do you think the task force needs to talk about or consider for the social statement?
What is important for the task force to consider in creating an effective social statement?
There are two opportunities to participate: Tuesday, May 24, 7-8:15 p.m. or Wednesday, May 25, 7-8:15 p.m. Click here to register.
***
Allan Asleson is turning 90! You’re invited to an Open House on Saturday, May 21st at 1pm at his home on Lake Ballantyne. Or send a card if you can’t make it to: 61656 Nutmeg Rd, Madison Lake, 56063.
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Green Lake needs staff! If you know someone, please refer them for a $1,000 bonus for you or the church! Flyers with more details can be found on the Welcome Desk or visit bit.ly/GLLMrefer.
***
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 on May 22nd at 1:30pm.
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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.
***
REMINDERS:
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.
Four dates this season our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start. On these days, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am.
***
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 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.
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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
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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.)
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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/
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."