Hello Bethlehem!

Remember to save the date! Sunday, July 31 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Pastor Jay Dahlvang’s Pastoral Ordination! Gather for Worship at 9:30am and then head to the Dining Room at 10:30am for a reception! Congratulations Pastor Jay and thank you for serving Bethlehem! 

Then stick around, there’s more to celebrate! Head to the Heritage Room at noon on July 31st for a birthday party! Dorothy Knedel turns 100! Stop by and celebrate this amazing milestone! 

Do you live near Bethlehem? Did you know we are hosting our neighborhood's annual "Night to Unite" event? That's right! The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association invites you to “Night to Unite” coming up on Tuesday, August 2, from 5:30-8pm in the Bethlehem parking lot! Open to anyone living in or near the Lincoln Park neighborhood! There will be free food, local, live music, and family festivities. Interested in learning more or volunteering at this event? Call or text Drew Campbell at (507) 382-1374 or Del at (619) 990-7940. 

Deborah Circle extends an invitation to all present and past members of women’s circles to join us for the August Gather Bible Study. We will meet at 10 am on August 20 in Grounds for Joy. The lessons follow a quilting theme and show how the pieces of our lives and communities are bound together in Christ.

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Recitals take place at noon in the Sanctuary. Catch Kraig Windschitl on August 2nd and don’t miss our very own Christine Schulz, performing on August 9th!

On Tuesday, August 23, Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive for the American Cross from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. Give Blood and you’ll automatically be entered to Win FREE Gas for a Year!  Plus, all donors will receive a $10 e-giftcard to the merchant of their choice! Don’t miss this chance to save lives! 

Finally… after 3 cancellations… the ALS WALK is going to happen! Please join the Bethlehem Gaitkeepers on Saturday, September 17th at Spring Lake Park

Shelter #1. Check in begins at 8:30am and the walk begins at 10am. The walk is 2.5 miles and a great way to honor Pastor Don and walk in memory of Jon Nelson. Can’t make it to the walk? A donation form is available in the church office or can be filled out at Spring Lake on the day of the walk. Don’t miss this chance to be the cheering squad and hop in that group photo! We are hoping for a great turnout for ALS. Questions? Contact Ginger Erlandson, Rerlandson2@gmail.com. 

Bethlehem is back on Instagram! You can follow us at @blcmankato 

REMINDERS: 

• Wednesday night worship will resume in the fall. Until then, join us for Sunday worship at 9:30am or check out our Facebook, YouTube, radio broadcast, and website to stay connected! 

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 2. During these dates, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am. 

Our July Mission Partner is YWCA Mankato. Check out their video, Shout out Loud, to learn more about their mission. Learn more on the blog or support them by Donating Directly! 

Hello Bethlehem!

Christ the King will host a presentation and discussion on assisting refugees to settle, happening on July 24th at 10:30am. This conversation will be led by Lynn Mullin of Lutheran Social Services. Learn about the refugee experience, resettling new arrivals, and what congregations can do to help. The unique character of the Ukrainian Refugee crises will be addressed. Attend live or virtually via Facebook and YouTube.

Remember to save the date! Next Sunday, July 31 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Pastor Jay Dahlvang’s Pastoral Ordination! Gather for Worship at 9:30am and then head to the Dining Room at 10:30am for a reception! Congratulations Pastor Jay and thank you for serving Bethlehem! 

Do you live near Bethlehem? Did you know we are hosting our neighborhood's annual "Night to Unite" event? That's right! The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association invites you to “Night to Unite” coming up on Tuesday, August 2, from 5:30-8pm in the Bethlehem parking lot! Open to anyone living in or near the Lincoln Park neighborhood! There will be free food, local, live music, and family festivities. Interesting in learning more or volunteering at this event? Call or text Drew Campbell at (507) 382-1374 or Del at (619) 990-7940. 

Deborah Circle extends an invitation to all present and past members of women’s circles to join us for the August Gather Bible Study. We will meet at 10 am on August 20 in Grounds for Joy. The lessons follow a quilting theme and show how the pieces of our lives and communities are bound together in Christ.

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, and don’t miss our own Christine Schulz, performing on August 9th!

Bethlehem is back on Instagram! You can follow us at @blcmankato 

REMINDERS: 

• Wednesday night worship will resume in the fall. Until then, join us for Sunday worship at 9:30am or check out our Facebook, YouTube, radio broadcast, and website to stay connected! 

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on the following dates: July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2. During these dates, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am. 

Our July Mission Partner is YWCA Mankato. Check out their video, Shout out Loud, to learn more about their mission. Learn more on the blog or support them by Donating Directly! 

Hello Bethlehem!

This Sunday, July 17, will be Pastor Kristen’s last Sunday at Bethlehem. We are thankful to Dr. Kristen Venne for serving as our Transitional Pastor and hope you will join us in giving thanks for her gifts and wishing her farewell. Thank you, Pastor Kristen!

Save the Date! On Sunday, July 31 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Pastor Jay Dahlvang’s Pastoral Ordination! Gather for Worship at 9:30am and then head to the Dining Room at 10:30am for a reception! Congratulations Pastor Jay!

Deborah Circle extends an invitation to all present and past members of women’s circles to join us for the July and August Gather Bible Study. We will meet at 10 am on July 16 and August 20 in Grounds for Joy. The lessons follow a quilting theme and show how the pieces of our lives and communities are bound together in Christ.

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, and don’t miss our own Christine Schulz, performing on August 9th!

Thank you for your patience as we sought a replacement for our former Congregational Services Coordinator. We wish Emily Heinis the best of luck in her new job and we welcome Molly Nelson (whom you may know by her maiden name, Molly Butler) who has taken over the position and will be serving as Bethlehem’s Congregational Services Coordinator! Learn more about Molly and her role on her Staff Page. 

REMINDERS: 

• Wednesday night worship will resume in the fall. Until then, join us for Sunday worship at 9:30am or check out our Facebook, YouTube, radio broadcast, and website to stay connected! 

• Our radio broadcast will be preempted by the Twins early start on the following dates: July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2. During these dates, our radio playback will be at 5pm instead of 11am. 

Our July Mission Partner is YWCA Mankato. Check out their video, Shout out Loud, to learn more about their mission. Learn more on the blog or support them by Donating Directly!

 We are in the final week of Pride month, but we remember to include and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings all year. As Jesus taught us, “Love one another like I have loved you.” 

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Dee & Bob Singelstad extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who sent cards, flowers, and well wishes for their 67th Anniversary on June 11th. Your kindness means the world to them. 

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The Library Board is reinventing the library space and would like your help in reducing the amount of books. Read the blog for more information. 

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The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, but know that our own Christine Schulz will be performing on August 9th.

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Our weekly email is written and sent by the Congregational Services Coordinator. This position is in transition currently. As next week is the 4th of July, we will not have a BLC Weekly. An email on July 11th is possible, depending on the hiring of a new CSC. Call the church office if you have questions about the week’s goings on. 

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. June 5, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2

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The June Mission Partner is Lutheran World Relief. You can learn more on the blog.  Or donate directly here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/give/online

The July Mission Partner is YWCA Mankato. You can learn more on the blog.  Or donate directly here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/give/online

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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."

July's monthly mission supports the YWCA Mankato. This mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This resonates with our church as the YWCA mission aligns with our core values of integrity, respect, trust, compassion and inclusion. Your monetary donate will support many youth programs, family programs for our immigrant families to eliminate barriers that can negative impact health and well-being, workshops that focus on racial justice and ways to get involved and so much more. "Give a little today, to make a big impact tomorrow." Our goal is set to raise $800 during the month of July.

June 20, 2022

The first night of VBS was a huge success! We thank Eve Circle for providing and serving the meal. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are sponsored by Stewardship, Community and Global, and Council! Family Faith Formation couldn’t do it without all our amazing volunteers. 

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We’re hiring! The position of Congregational Services Coordinator is open and accepting applications until June 24th. Read the full job description and apply on our website. 

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The Library Board is reinventing the library space and would like your help in reducing the amount of books. Read the blog for more information. 

***

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, but know that our own Christine Schulz will be performing on August 9th.

***

Although Mankato celebrates PRIDE the second weekend in September, we should celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings all year-round. If you have questions about what it means to be an open and affirming church (all questions are valid!), please contact the Welcome and Inclusion Board. Contact info can be obtained from the church office. 

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Our weekly email was a day late due to our office’s and staff’s observance of Juneteenth. Please join us in this prayer of the day from the ELCA Juneteenth Worship. 

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. June 5, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2

***

The June Mission Partner is Lutheran World Relief. You can learn more on the blog.  Or donate directly here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/give/online

***

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."

June 13, 2022

We’re hiring! The position of Congregational Services Coordinator is open and accepting applications until June 24th. Read the full job description and apply on our website. 

***

The Library Board is reinventing the library space and would like your help in reducing the amount of books. Read the blog for more information. 

***

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, but know that our own Christine Schulz will be performing on August 9th.

***

Although Mankato celebrates PRIDE the second weekend in September, we should celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings all year-round. If you have questions about what it means to be an open and affirming church (all questions are valid!), please contact the Welcome and Inclusion Board. Contact info can be obtained from the church office. 

***

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. June 5, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2

***

The June Mission Partner is Lutheran World Relief. You can learn more on the blog.  Or donate directly here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/give/online

***

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."

The library is changing!

During the month of June we welcome all to check out the shelves in the library.
Please feel free to take some books -to keep! There will a jar for free will donations.

All the monies received will be used to purchase new youth books.

Stay tuned for the new area to come!!

WEEK OF JUNE 6

Although Mankato celebrates PRIDE the second weekend in September, we should celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings all year-round. If you have questions about what it means to be an open and affirming church (all questions are valid!), please contact the Welcome and Inclusion Board. Contact info can be obtained from the church office. 

***

The Summer Organ Recital Series is back at BLC this summer. Get the full schedule on our blog, but know that our own Christine Schulz will be performing on August 9th.

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THANK YOU to all the families that completed the capital campaign survey. The data has been collected and will be presented to the council on Thursday night. 

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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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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. June 5, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 2

***

The June Mission Partner is Lutheran World Relief. You can learn more on the blog.  Or donate directly here: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/give/online

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2022 Summer Recital Series – Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals

Tuesdays, June 7 – August 19, 2022

12:10 pm in Mankato

Admission is free; a free-will donation will be accepted.  Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org  for information about specific locations and performers. 

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

1103 N Broad Street, Mankato

June 7 - Tom Andrews Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm

June 14 - David Mertesdorf  Church of the Ascension, Minneapolis

June 21 - Paul Otte Emeritus, Peace Lutheran, Hutchinson

Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church

105 N. 5th Street, Mankato

June 28 - Chad Winterfeldt Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter

July 5 - David Fienen Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter

July 12 - Grace Kunkel  Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato

July 19 - Elisabeth Urtel Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

720 S. 2nd Street, Mankato  

July 26 -  Craig Hirschmann Martin Luther College, New Ulm

August 2 - Kraig Windschitl Saint Philip the Deacon, Plymouth 

August 9 - Christine Schulz Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato