Hello Bethlehem, 

Join us on Lenten Wednesdays as we explore five spiritual practices rooted in Jesus' own walk with his Father. Based on Adam Hamilton's book, The Walk, each week we will explore how we walk with Christ, grow in our love for God, and faithfully serve our neighbor. We welcome area pastors as our guest preachers, and if you want to follow along, the book is available online. 

We’re inviting our high school youth to game night! Join Pastor Jacie for an evening of fun, games and popcorn! Grades 9-12 come hang out on Friday March 10th from 7-9pm in the Youth Room. RSVP to pastor Jacie, pastorjacie@blcmankato.org by March 8th. 

Bethlehem will host a Life Line Screening down in the basement on Thursday, March 30, 2023 offering safe, painless, non-invasive preventive health screenings that are typically not a part of a routine physical. To be more proactive about your health for yourself, your family and your community, please register for these health screenings today. There is no time like the present to take action! Screenings offered: Carotid Artery Screening, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening, Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening, and Atrial Fibrillation Screening. 

Three ways to register:

•       Call toll-free: 1-844-591-7160

•       Online: https://llsa.social/HC

•       Text: the word circle to 216-279-1607

The SE Minnesota Synod Assembly will be held on Saturday, May 6 at the Mayo Clinic Event Center in Mankato. See link for details: 

https://semnsynod.org/pages/synod-assembly

Bethlehem is entitled to 3 adult delegates & 1 youth/young adult delegate to represent us. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work of the synod and to participate in church decisionmaking and worship service. If you are interested in being a delegate, contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com.  The deadline to submit your name is March 20. The Council will act on all delegates at its March 21 meeting.

Bethlehem members interested in serving on the BLC Council or a board/committee during the next 3 years should contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com  Identify your specific interest so we can match you up with the right group. We have open positions and welcome your service to Bethlehem!

The YWCA program Girls on the Run is a life-changing program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. This year Girls on the Run will be using our Heritage Room space to gather on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until mid April. This year’s curriculum is focused on Identity, Connectedness, and Empowerment. You can learn more by visiting their website.

VITA free tax preparation service has returned and is providing free tax preparation, by appointment only, in Grounds for Joy. Tax preparation service for seniors, low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, and those with disabilities, is available Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from February 2 - April 14. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 386-5570 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS: These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

There are still a couple days to give to Bethlehem’s monthly mission partner for February: Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been a part of our Bethlehem fabric for many years. Many of us have sent our children to the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Spicer, MN to experience this important ministry. Green Lake's mission is "To invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation." The ministry celebrates everyone to let you be who you are. Please consider supporting this very important ministry for our youth to develop their spiritual life and learning. Our goal is $1,000.

ECHO Food Shelf is Bethlehem's March Monthly Mission. The need for services for local families continues to rise and ECHO expands and provides their services to meet the growing needs of our community. Please consider supporting this important program via a monetary donation. Our March monetary goal is $3000. We thank Bethlehem members for your continued commitment to our community and to ECHO Food Shelf.

Connections Ministry Adult Forum: Pastor Collette Broady-Grund will join us on Sunday, March 5 for our adult forum. She will share the latest news about the Connections Ministry such as their new office on Front Street, the 2022-23 shelter season and volunteer opportunities, the Kato Sleep-Out fundraiser planned for March and their future plans for a year-round 24/7 shelter in Mankato. Welcome Pr. Collette and learn more about what is being done to meet the challenge of homelessness in Mankato. The full upcoming adult forum schedule is available on our website. 

Save the date! The ALS Walk is coming up on April 29 at Spring Lake Park. Check in begins at 8:30am, walk starts at 10am. 

Despite the storm we had a great turnout during our Fat Tuesday dinner and silent auction, both in-person, with take-out meals, and with our online silent auction. Thank you for supporting our youth!

Providing food for 35 can feel like a daunting task. Is your group up to the challenge? Our next week at Connections Shelter is 3/20. During our last week we were short one meal. The BLC Men’s group rose to the challenge and sponsored a meal from Pub500. With their gift of $180 they provided turkey sandwiches for dinner. Now, they’re challenging your BLC group to skip the cooking and consider sponsoring a meal for our neighbors in need. Contact Derek Brown at 210-863-4202 or sign up online if your group is up to the challenge! 

The Lunch 4-a-Buck program has seen increasing numbers each week of this Spring semester.  We are especially thankful for the support of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who offer their time and culinary talents to provide a hot meal to hungry students and faculty. We look forward to seeing your Lunch 4-a-Buck volunteers this coming Tuesday, February 7 as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep.

Please read the following. I've included some new information:

• If you already know what you are serving, please let me know ASAP so we can post the menu on our Facebook page and Instagram. The most recent meals served since you last visited us include all-beef hotdogs, broccoli & cheese soup, beef & vegetarian chili, roasted chicken & fried rice, and baked chicken with mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese.

• The meal "officially" runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but we are seeing more and more students arriving between 1:15 and 1:30, all of them looking for a hot meal. We know it is a big ask, but if you could have your volunteers stay until 1:30, it would make a lot of students happy.

• You may arrive at 10:30 to set up

• Please try to carpool as parking is limited. We will provide parking passes to park on Dillon Avenue in front of the building. You may also park in spaces #1 and #2 in our parking lot if they are open.

• Plan on serving a minimum of 35-40 people. Today we had 44! 

• Please avoid serving pork products. Students also enjoy having vegetarian options. 

WELCOME, a collaboration of Bethlehem, Grace, Messiah, Calvary and Christ the King churches, invites you to continue using this form to purchase needed items and gift cards for the asylum-seeking family from Nicaragua. If you are donating money through a check write the check to Bethlehem and write "WELCOME- Nicaragua" in the memo line. 

Interested in helping get the family’s apartment ready for move-in? Contact pastor Jacie at pastorjacie@blcmankato.org. Thank you for your prayers, support and flexibility as this situation develops. 

Newborn Kits: Throughout February and March, Community & Global will be collecting new and gently used items to create newborn kits. Each Kit includes 1 Regular 52" bath towel, 1 wash cloth (not microfiber), 1 bath-size-bar white ivory soap (in original packaging), 1 newborn cotton t-shirt or onesie (sizes 0-3 months), 1 newborn stocking hat, 2 cloth diapers, and 2 diaper pins. Contact Amy Haigh (507) 720-2148 with any questions.

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

Hello Bethlehem, 

Fat Tuesday is tomorrow! We hope you will join us for our annual youth fundraiser, with a festive jambalaya dinner and silent auction, taking place from 5:30-7pm. Due to the incoming weather, we welcome you to switch to the take-out option if necessary, just email Anna Wencl at annawencl@blcmankato.org to switch. We also encourage you to come sooner rather than later for dinner. Walk ins are welcome and we will have tickets available at the door. We can’t wait to see you there! 

We hope to gather for Ash Wednesday service this Wednesday at 6:15pm. However we are anticipating quite a snowstorm. Please keep an eye on our social media for updates on cancellations. If area schools are closed, we will be closed. 

Join us on Lenten Wednesdays as we explore five spiritual practices rooted in Jesus' own walk with his Father. Based on Adam Hamilton's book, The Walk, each week we will explore how we walk with Christ, grow in our love for God, and faithfully serve our neighbor. We welcome area pastors as our guest preachers, and if you want to follow along, the book is available online.

Do you enjoy matching your knowledge on the daily Jeopardy quiz show? Do your competitive juices flow in local trivia contests? Like to show off your knowledge of the Bible? If so, we have some fun just for you. This coming Sunday, February 26, the adult forum hour after worship at 10:45 am will feature a Bible Trivia Contest. Find a partner and take on the rest of the congregation in matching wits and wisdom to emerge as our top Biblical scholars. Pr. Jay will emcee this fun and exciting contest for all BLC members. Prizes will be awarded to the Biblical elite. This could be YOU! Direct any questions you have to Cindy Zacharias at jczach@hickorytech.net

The full upcoming adult forum schedule is available on our website. We look forward to learning about Connections Shelter, Health Care Workers, the Refugee/Asylum Seeker Synod Project, and Jeannie Phillips Journey on the Appalachian Trail, all coming up in March. 

Newborn Kits: Throughout February and March, Community & Global will be collecting new and gently used items to create newborn kits. Each Kit includes 1 Regular 52" bath towel, 1 wash cloth (not microfiber), 1 bath-size-bar white ivory soap (in original packaging), 1 newborn cotton t-shirt or onesie (sizes 0-3 months), 1 newborn stocking hat, 2 cloth diapers, and 2 diaper pins. Contact Amy Haigh (507) 720-2148 with any questions.

The YWCA program Girls on the Run is a life-changing program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. This year Girls on the Run will be using our Heritage Room space to gather on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until mid April. This year’s curriculum is focused on Identity, Connectedness, and Empowerment. You can learn more by visiting their website.

VITA free tax preparation service has returned and is providing free tax preparation, by appointment only, in Grounds for Joy. Tax preparation service for seniors, low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, and those with disabilities, is available Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from February 2 - April 14. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 386-5570 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

WELCOME, a collaboration of Bethlehem, Grace, Messiah, Calvary and Christ the King churches, invites you to continue using this form to purchase needed items and gift cards for the asylum-seeking family from Nicaragua. If you are donating money through a check write the check to Bethlehem and write "WELCOME- Nicaragua" in the memo line. Interested in helping get the family’s apartment ready for move-in? Contact pastor Jacie at pastorjacie@blcmankato.org. Thank you for your prayers, support and flexibility as this situation develops. 

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS: These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

Bethlehem members interested in serving on the BLC Council or a board/committee during the next 3 years should contact Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com  Identify your specific interest so we can match you up with the right group. We have open positions and welcome your service to Bethlehem!

Providing food for 35 can feel like a daunting task. Is your group up to the challenge? Our next weeks at Connections Shelter are 3/20 and 5/22. During our last week we were short one meal. The BLC Men’s group rose to the challenge and sponsored a meal from Pub500. With their gift of $180 they provided turkey sandwiches for dinner. Now, they’re challenging your BLC group to skip the cooking and consider sponsoring a meal for our neighbors in need. Contact Derek Brown at 210-863-4202 or sign up online if your group is up to the challenge! 

The Lunch 4-a-Buck program has seen increasing numbers each week of this Spring semester.  We are especially thankful for the support of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who offer their time and culinary talents to provide a hot meal to hungry students and faculty. We look forward to seeing your Lunch 4-a-Buck volunteers this coming Tuesday, February 7 as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep.

Please read the following. I've included some new information:

• If you already know what you are serving, please let me know ASAP so we can post the menu on our Facebook page and Instagram. The most recent meals served since you last visited us include all-beef hotdogs, broccoli & cheese soup, beef & vegetarian chili, roasted chicken & fried rice, and baked chicken with mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese.

• The meal "officially" runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but we are seeing more and more students arriving between 1:15 and 1:30, all of them looking for a hot meal. We know it is a big ask, but if you could have your volunteers stay until 1:30, it would make a lot of students happy.

• You may arrive at 10:30 to set up

• Please try to carpool as parking is limited. We will provide parking passes to park on Dillon Avenue in front of the building. You may also park in spaces #1 and #2 in our parking lot if they are open.

• Plan on serving a minimum of 35-40 people. Today we had 44! 

• Please avoid serving pork products. Students also enjoy having vegetarian options. 

Bethlehem’s monthly mission partner for February is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been a part of our Bethlehem fabric for many years. Many of us have sent our children to the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Spicer, MN to experience this important ministry. Green Lake's mission is "To invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation." The ministry celebrates everyone to let you be who you are:

Who is this YOU?

We welcome you – your race, ethnicity, and cultural background.

We welcome you – your unique physical and mental abilities.

We welcome you – your sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We welcome you – your religion, your faith, and wherever you are in your believing and unbelief.

We welcome you – your generation, political affiliation, and socio-economic status.

Please consider supporting this very important ministry for our youth to develop their spiritual life and learning. Our goal is $1,000.

Hello Bethlehem, 

We hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather!

The online portion of the Fat Tuesday Silent Auction is now live! Head to the Facebook event page and comment to bid. You can also view Sneak Peeks at items available only for in-person bidding on Fat Tuesday. Happy bidding! 

VITA free tax preparation service has returned and is providing free tax preparation, by appointment only, in Grounds for Joy. Tax preparation service for seniors, low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, and those with disabilities, is available Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from February 2 - April 14. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 386-5570 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Thank you for welcoming these guests into our building! 

Bethlehem youth will head to Green Lake this summer from July 30-August 3. Bethlehem’s own Evalyn Altmann created this great video about Why YOU should go to camp! Check it out on our YouTube channel and if you haven’t yet, head to the Green Lake website to get signed up. 

For years Betty Groth has blessed Bethlehem with her flare, vision and artistry by decorating the church entryways for each season and occasion. It’s one of those seemingly small things that makes a huge difference. Betty has helped make so many people feel welcome here at Bethlehem. We cannot thank her (and Brad!) enough for their time and talent. This year Betty is retiring from this duty and we want to thank her for all the warmth and welcome she has brought to our building. Thank you, Betty! 

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS

These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

A note from Crossroads Campus Ministry: 

Thank you to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for providing Lunch for-a-Buck at Crossroads Campus Ministry on Tuesday, February 7. Jan Blaisdell and Kathryn Sargent served a delicious feast of turkey & gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable primavera, rolls and cake to 37 hungry lunch goers during this fifth Tuesday of the new semester. They also collected $40.01 in donations that will help us fund the continued purchase of the lettuce salad, beverages and table supplies for future lunches. Students look forward to these weekly hot lunches to help them get through the day.  Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the students and our ministry at Crossroads.

WELCOME, a collaboration of Bethlehem, Grace, Messiah, Calvary and Christ the King churches, invites you to continue using this form to purchase needed items and gift cards for the asylum-seeking family from Nicaragua. If you are donating money through a check write the check to Bethlehem and write "WELCOME- Nicaragua" in the memo line. Thank you for your prayers, support and flexibility as this situation develops. 

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: 

Contribution reports for 2022 were emailed last week. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive it.  Members who do not have an email in the Breeze system will receive their report by "snail mail."  Please let the office know if you have not received your report by the end of the month.

Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

Providing food for 35 can feel like a daunting task. Is your group up to the challenge? Our next weeks at Connections Shelter are 3/20 and 5/22. During our last week we were short one meal. The BLC Men’s group rose to the challenge and sponsored a meal from Pub500. With their gift of $180 they provided turkey sandwiches for dinner. Now, they’re challenging your BLC group to skip the cooking and consider sponsoring a meal for our neighbors in need. Contact Derek Brown at 210-863-4202 or sign up online if your group is up to the challenge! 

The Lunch 4-a-Buck program has seen increasing numbers each week of this Spring semester.  We are especially thankful for the support of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who offer their time and culinary talents to provide a hot meal to hungry students and faculty. We look forward to seeing your Lunch 4-a-Buck volunteers this coming Tuesday, February 7 as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep.

Please read the following. I've included some new information:

• If you already know what you are serving, please let me know ASAP so we can post the menu on our Facebook page and Instagram. The most recent meals served since you last visited us include all-beef hotdogs, broccoli & cheese soup, beef & vegetarian chili, roasted chicken & fried rice, and baked chicken with mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese.

• The meal "officially" runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but we are seeing more and more students arriving between 1:15 and 1:30, all of them looking for a hot meal. We know it is a big ask, but if you could have your volunteers stay until 1:30, it would make a lot of students happy.

• You may arrive at 10:30 to set up

• Please try to carpool as parking is limited. We will provide parking passes to park on Dillon Avenue in front of the building. You may also park in spaces #1 and #2 in our parking lot if they are open.

• Plan on serving a minimum of 35-40 people. Today we had 44! 

• Please avoid serving pork products. Students also enjoy having vegetarian options. 

Bethlehem’s monthly mission partner for February is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been a part of our Bethlehem fabric for many years. Many of us have sent our children to the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Spicer, MN to experience this important ministry. Green Lake's mission is "To invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation." The ministry celebrates everyone to let you be who you are:

Who is this YOU?

We welcome you – your race, ethnicity, and cultural background.

We welcome you – your unique physical and mental abilities.

We welcome you – your sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We welcome you – your religion, your faith, and wherever you are in your believing and unbelief.

We welcome you – your generation, political affiliation, and socio-economic status.

Please consider supporting this very important ministry for our youth to develop their spiritual life and learning. Our goal is $1,000.

Hello Bethlehem, 

Bethlehem’s monthly mission partner for February is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been a part of our Bethlehem fabric for many years. Many of us have sent our children to the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Spicer, MN to experience this important ministry. Green Lake's mission is "To invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation." The ministry celebrates everyone to let you be who you are:

Who is this YOU?

We welcome you – your race, ethnicity, and cultural background.

We welcome you – your unique physical and mental abilities.

We welcome you – your sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We welcome you – your religion, your faith, and wherever you are in your believing and unbelief.

We welcome you – your generation, political affiliation, and socio-economic status.

Please consider supporting this very important ministry for our youth to develop their spiritual life and learning. Our goal is $1,000.

Besides being our monthly mission partner, Green Lake is also where our youth will head this summer for adventure and faith building! Thank you for your support of our S’more Fundraiser to help send our youth to camp. Bethlehem youth will head to Green Lake this summer from July 30-August 3. Bethlehem’s own Evalyn Altmann created this great video about Why YOU should go to camp! Check it out on our YouTube channel and if you haven’t yet, head to the Green Lake website to get signed up. 

The Lunch 4-a-Buck program has seen increasing numbers each week of this Spring semester.  We are especially thankful for the support of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who offer their time and culinary talents to provide a hot meal to hungry students and faculty. We look forward to seeing your Lunch 4-a-Buck volunteers this coming Tuesday, February 7 as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep.

Please read the following. I've included some new information:

• If you already know what you are serving, please let me know ASAP so we can post the menu on our Facebook page and Instagram. The most recent meals served since you last visited us include all-beef hotdogs, broccoli & cheese soup, beef & vegetarian chili, roasted chicken & fried rice, and baked chicken with mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese.

• The meal "officially" runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but we are seeing more and more students arriving between 1:15 and 1:30, all of them looking for a hot meal. We know it is a big ask, but if you could have your volunteers stay until 1:30, it would make a lot of students happy.

• You may arrive at 10:30 to set up

• Please try to carpool as parking is limited. We will provide parking passes to park on Dillon Avenue in front of the building. You may also park in spaces #1 and #2 in our parking lot if they are open.

• Plan on serving a minimum of 35-40 people. Today we had 44! 

• Please avoid serving pork products. Students also enjoy having vegetarian options. 

Updates from WELCOME, a collaboration of Bethlehem, Grace, Messiah, Calvary and Christ the King churches: 

1. Thank you to all who are helping to donate household items for the family! Contact Pastor Jacie for information on dropping off donations. You can use this form to purchase needed items and gift cards for the family. 

2. An update on donating money: The finance committee for WELCOME is asking that donations be taken by each individual church. This is so that we can keep track in order to thank people who are donating. If you are donating money through a check write the check to Bethlehem and write "WELCOME- Nicaragua" in the memo line.

3. A note about information on the family- as needs for the family are being made known to us we are doing our best to communicate them with you. Things are happening and changing really fast, so there are some times where by the time communications have gone out something may have already changed. Apologies in advance for this, and thank you for your flexibility! 

BLC Men will gather again February 11th at 4:45pm for snowshoeing! Come out to Minneopa State Park to enjoy a full moon walk along a candle-lit trail. The luminary trail will start at the Group Campground on the park's campground side. Gather with friends and neighbors to enjoy the natural wonders and beauty of the winter season. On February 11 (Saturday), Minneopa State Park is holding its annual Winter Fest from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Group Campground off of Highway 68. Enjoy candle-lit trails marked for snowshoers and hikers cutting through a floodplain forest. The candle-lit trail will lead along a bluff line with a beautiful view of the Minneopa Creek and its gorge. A crackling bonfire will be part of this festive, family friendly event. RSVP to Pastor Jay, pastorjay@blcmankato.org. 

The Fat Tuesday form is now live! Order your Fat Tuesday Dinner tickets by Feb. 12th to help us plan. Tickets will also be available at the door. This year we are offering two dining options: an in-person dinner in the dining room and a drive-through takeout meal. Order your choice of jambalaya or mac and cheese, both served with sides of salad, roll, and traditional king’s cake. Our Silent Auction opens online on Facebook on February 12th and will close February 19th. NOTE: some baskets will only be available for in-person bidding, so come join us in-person to see! Baskets can be picked up during the celebration on February 21st.

Providing food for 35 can feel like a daunting task. Is your group up to the challenge? Our next weeks at Connections Shelter are 3/20 and 5/22. During our last week we were short one meal. The BLC Men’s group rose to the challenge and sponsored a meal from Pub500. With their gift of $180 they provided turkey sandwiches for dinner. Now, they’re challenging your BLC group to skip the cooking and consider sponsoring a meal for our neighbors in need. Contact Derek Brown at 210-863-4202 or sign up online if your group is up to the challenge! 

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: 

Contribution reports for 2022 were emailed last week. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive it.  Members who do not have an email in the Breeze system will receive their report by "snail mail."  Please let the office know if you have not received your report by the end of the month. Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS: These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

Check out January in Photos, our new monthly series where we share photos of some of the great things happening here at Bethlehem! Have photos of Bethlehem to share? Send them to blchurch@blcmankato.org

Due to a technical error, last week’s weekly email failed to send. We apologize for any inconvenience. The BLC Weekly is always also available to view here, on the BLC Blog

Check out some of our favorite photos from January!

Welcoming our new members.

Epiphany Program

Finnlay’s block tower version of the church.

NightLIGHT

Our wonderful Wednesday night supper volunteers

Wednesday night worship in the basement

Pastor Jacie and Joe and Melissa Wagner lead us in Wednesday night worship

The youth practicing being good fishermen

Forest all set for Camp Sunday

Youth adventure

The youth created these origami doves! Find them in the basement.

All set for Camp Sunday!

BLC Youth LEGO Masters!

R.I.C. Sunday

Welcome & Inclusion displayed our pride flag during their forum on R.I.C. Sunday.

Do you have photos from Bethlehem you’d like to share? You can always email them to blchurch@blcmankato.org

Hello Bethlehem, 

Thank you for tuning in and joining us for Camp Sunday and R.I.C. Sunday. Special thank you to the members of our Welcome & Inclusion committee for hosting Reconciling in Christ: More Understanding after worship. Thank you for the great discussion! 

We also want to thank everyone who picked up a s’more on Sunday. The S’more Fundraiser to help send our youth to camp will continue this Wednesday, Feb. 1. Grab a tasty camp treat for a good cause! Bethlehem will be at Green Lake this summer from July 30th-August 3rd. Youth must register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website. 

The Fat Tuesday form is now live! Order your Fat Tuesday Dinner tickets by Feb. 12th to help us plan. Tickets will also be available at the door. This year we are offering two dining options: an in-person dinner in the dining room and a drive-through takeout meal. Order your choice of jambalaya or mac and cheese, both served with sides of salad, roll, and traditional king’s cake. Our Silent Auction opens online on Facebook on February 12th and will close February 19th. NOTE: some baskets will only be available for in-person bidding. Baskets can be picked up during the celebration on February 21st. Sunday, February 5th is the deadline to drop off baskets for the annual Fat Tuesday Silent Auction. Please drop off in the office. All proceeds go to supporting future youth programming. Thank you! 

BLC Men will gather again February 11th at 4:45pm for snowshoeing! RSVP to Pastor Jay, pastorjay@blcmankato.org. 

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS: These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: 

Contribution reports for 2022 were emailed last week. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive it.  Members who do not have an email in the Breeze system will receive their report by "snail mail."  Please let the office know if you have not received your report by the end of the month.

Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

Updates from WELCOME, a collaboration of Bethlehem, Grace, Messiah, Calvary and Christ the King churches: 

1. Thank you to all who are helping to donate household items for the family! Contact Pastor Jacie for information on dropping off donations. You can use this form to purchase needed items and gift cards for the family. 

2. An update on donating money: The finance committee for WELCOME is asking that donations be taken by each individual church. This is so that we can keep track in order to thank people who are donating. If you are donating money through a check write the check to Bethlehem and write "WELCOME- Nicaragua" in the memo line.

3. A note about information on the family- as needs for the family are being made known to us we are doing our best to communicate them with you. Things are happening and changing really fast, so there are some times where by the time communications have gone out something may have already changed. Apologies in advance for this, and thank you for your flexibility! 

There are still a few days to support Bethlehem's monthly mission for January: the REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.

Bethlehem’s monthly mission partner for February will be Green Lake Lutheran Ministries.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been a part of our Bethlehem fabric for many years. Many of us have sent our children to the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Spicer, MN to experience this important ministry. Green Lake's mission is "To invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation." The ministry celebrates everyone to let you be who you are:

Who is this YOU?

We welcome you – your race, ethnicity, and cultural background.

We welcome you – your unique physical and mental abilities.

We welcome you – your sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We welcome you – your religion, your faith, and wherever you are in your believing and unbelief.

We welcome you – your generation, political affiliation, and socio-economic status.

Please consider supporting this very important ministry for our youth to develop their spiritual life and learning. Our goal is $1,000.

Hello Bethlehem, 

Next Sunday, January 29th, is both Camp Sunday and R.I.C. Sunday. Help send our youth to Green Lake with a tasty s’more fundraiser! Then, join Welcome & Inclusion after worship for Reconciling in Christ: More Understanding in Grounds for Joy. 

The WELCOME team, a collaborative effort of Bethlehem, Messiah, Grace, Calvary and Christ the King churches, has created the following list of household items needed to help the family seeking asylum move into their new home. Please use this form to sign up. Know someone who would like to give but doesn’t have a computer? Call the office and we can help! Thank you for helping us welcome the family! 

A note from our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: Contribution reports for 2022 were emailed last week. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive it.  Members who do not have an email in the Breeze system will receive their report by "snail mail."  Please let the office know if you have not received your report by the end of the month.

Offering envelopes for 2023 are available in the narthex.  If you would like a packet of envelopes, please feel free to take one.  Envelopes do not have an assigned number on them, so please be sure to write your name on the envelope when contributing.  If you would like a packet of envelopes but are unable to pick it up, please let the office know and a packet can be mailed to you.

We have updated our Strategic Plan! View the updates, including Objectives & Practices, on our website. 

A message from Pastor Kristin Engstrom:  “I have been here in Zambia, working with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa), for almost a year now.  During that time, I have been welcomed and invited into ministry by our siblings in the ELCZa.  The church here has been a blessing, even as the work I am called to has challenged me to develop new skills and ways of ministry that are appropriate for the Zambian context. In order to share with you about the ministry I am now called to with the ELCZa, I have made a short video.” 

Bethlehem's monthly mission for January is The REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.

Our week at Connections begins today and we still have a few needs to meet! We are expecting to serve 35 people and need some volunteers to bring some dishes this week. Please use this link to sign up. Thank you!

Important upcoming dates: 

• This Friday, January 27th we will host LEGO Masters from 6-8pm in Grounds for Joy. Youth can sign up here. 

• BLC Men will meet this Saturday, January 28th in Grounds for Joy for a potluck breakfast! Bring a breakfast food to share and meet the group at 8:30am for a short devotion and prayer before breakfast. This is an opportunity to discuss future events and visit with Allison Braswell from the YMCA to discuss the mentoring program. RSVP to Pastor Jay, pastorjay@blcmankato.org. 

• Bethlehem will be at Green Lake this summer from July 30th-August 3rd. Youth must register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website. 

• Sunday, February 5th is the deadline to drop off baskets for the annual Fat Tuesday Silent Auction. Please drop off in the office. All proceeds go to supporting future youth programming. Thank you! 

KNITTERS and CROCHETERS — PRAYER SHAWL MAKERS: These still winter months are a great time for quiet knitting and crocheting to replenish the supply of BLC prayer shawls.  Bundles of soft, new yarn (not Homespun) with  patterns/instructions for prayer shawls are available in the office. BE A PRAYER SHAWL MAKER. See Marcia Nagel or Kathy Croswell for more information. Knitting lessons available. Crochet teachers wanted.   

Hello Bethlehem, 

As we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we invite you to reflect on King’s message and to read the latest post on Living Lutheran: King’s theological legacy. “King’s revolutionary message struck a chord with people all over the world. His illustration of the Beloved Community provided a much-needed alternative to the hatred that was perpetrated against people on the margins of society.” - Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb

Our week at Connections begins next Monday, January 23rd. We are expecting to serve 35 people and need some volunteers to assist with supplying meals, sides, and/or serving meals. Please use this link to sign up. 

A message from Pastor Kristin Engstrom: “I have been here in Zambia, working with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa), for almost a year now.  During that time, I have been welcomed and invited into ministry by our siblings in the ELCZa.  The church here has been a blessing, even as the work I am called to has challenged me to develop new skills and ways of ministry that are appropriate for the Zambian context. In order to share with you about the ministry I am now called to with the ELCZa, I have made a short video.” 

In late December, five area churches helped to welcome a family of four from Nicaragua to Mankato. In the few weeks that they have been here the family has started ELL classes, have found an apartment they are preparing to move into, and the children are getting enrolled in school and daycare. 

Ways to help:

1. Transportation: for the family to and from school, appointments, etc. You do NOT need to speak Spanish to help be a driver. Provide Pastor Jacie with your contact information as well as the days of the week and times you would be available. 

2. Apartment renovations: They are doing work with painting, some minor plumbing work, and replacing some things like countertops in the kitchen. Send your contact information to Pastor Jacie if you are interested in helping. 

3. Donations of cash, gift cards, or checks written out to Christ the King Lutheran Church with “WELCOME” in the memo line. NOTE: We are not asking for items to be donated at this time because we do not have a place to store things right now.

Important upcoming dates: 

• Sunday, January 22nd. We will hold a New Member Orientation in the Heritage room after worship. All new members and curious visitors are invited to attend. 

• Friday, January 27th. BLC Youth Lego Masters will take place from 6-8pm. 3rd-6th graders are invited to come for pizza and some friendly competition. Adults are also welcome to coach/judge during the event. 

• R.I.C. Sunday is coming up on January 29th. Join us after worship for Reconciling in Christ: More Understanding, an Adult Forum led by our Welcome and Inclusion Board. 

• Bethlehem will be at Green Lake this summer from July 30th-August 3rd. Youth must register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website. 

• Sunday, February 5th is the deadline to drop off baskets for the annual Fat Tuesday Silent Auction. Please drop off in the office. All proceeds go to supporting future youth programming. Thank you! 

 BLC mugs are in! You can pick up your mug in the office during office hours. Mugs are $8. 

Bethlehem's monthly mission for January is The REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Click here to donate online. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to join us for our Epiphany Program last Wednesday! You made a snowy night glow bright. 

Meals taste better when eaten together! Sign up here for Meet & Eat, a chance to share a meal with fellow Bethlehem members. We match up three couples/individuals and you set up three different get-togethers over a meal, hosted by each member of the group. Sign up by January 15th to join a group.

Bethlehem will hold another New Member Orientation session on Sunday, January 22nd. We welcome and invite all new members or those considering membership to attend.

Youth: It’s not too early to start thinking about summer! Bethlehem will be at Green Lake July 30th through August 3rd. Register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website. Bethlehem will support at least 25% of camp costs, and additional financial support is available. Use code LAUNCH23 for an extra $10 off. 

Our annual Fat Tuesday Dinner and Silent Auction is coming up on February 21st. More details to come for a fun evening supporting the youth. 

The January-May worship volunteer schedule is now available on our website. View it on our Worship & Usher Teams page to see when you’re scheduled. 

Thank you to all BLC members who have made financial commitments during the next 3 years to the capital campaign to pay off the mortgage and to support the 2023 annual budget. Every dollar commitment allows Bethlehem to pursue its ministry and mission. Thank you to Amy Haigh who planned and coordinated the "Thank-You" reception on Sunday for Bethlehem members. The charcuterie boards of treats were a big hit as folks celebrated the success of the capital campaign. Over $850,000 has been committed thus far to paying off the $1 million mortgage. Thanks also to Carol Meyers-Dobler & Sally Burdick who assisted Amy in keeping the food table replenished. Lori Henricksen also deserves our thanks for working with Bob Ihrig to secure a $250 Thrivent Action Grant to pay for the reception expenses. It is still not too late to make your pledges for the mortgage & annual fund! You can do this using the Commitment Form the BLC website or submit your written commitments to the BLC office. We welcome your support for these financial projects!

Former member, Jodi Dickey, has published a book and will be holding a reading at VINE Adult Community Center on January 14th from 2-3pm. Stop by to hear an excerpt from Mutt and Jack’s Extraordinary Adventure, participate in the Q&A session, and to get a copy signed.

Bethlehem is signed up to meet the needs at Connections Shelter for weeks of Jan. 23, Mar 20, and May 22. There will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 40 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

BLC mugs are in! You can pick up your mug in the office during office hours. Mugs are $8. 

Bethlehem's monthly mission for January is The REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.

Happy New Year Bethlehem!

Join us this Wednesday, January 4th, for our Instant Epiphany Program! This playful, interactive worship tells the story of the Wise One and welcomes in the new season! 

Meals taste better when eaten together! Sign up here for Meet & Eat, a chance to share a meal with fellow Bethlehem members. We match up three couples/individuals and you set up three different get-togethers over a meal, hosted by each member of the group. Sign up by January 15th to join a group.

The January-May worship volunteer schedule is now available on our website. View it on our Worship & Usher Teams page to see when you’re scheduled. 

Thank you to all BLC members who have made financial commitments during the next 3 years to the capital campaign to pay off the mortgage and to support the 2023 annual budget. Every dollar commitment allows Bethlehem to pursue its ministry and mission.

Thank you to Amy Haigh who planned and coordinated the "Thank-You" reception on Sunday for Bethlehem members. The charcuterie boards of treats were a big hit as folks celebrated the success of the capital campaign. Over $850,000 has been committed thus far to paying off the $1 million mortgage. Thanks also to Carrol Meyers-Dobler & Sally Burdick who assisted Amy in keeping the food table replenished. Lori Henricksen also deserves our thanks for working with Bob Ihrig to secure a $250 Thrivent Action Grant to pay for the reception expenses. It is still not too late to make your pledges for the mortgage & annual fund! You can do this using the Commitment Form the BLC website or submit your written commitments to the BLC office. We welcome your support for these financial projects!

Former member, Jodi Dickey, has published a book and will be holding a reading at VINE Adult Community Center on January 14th from 2-3pm. Stop by to hear an excerpt from Mutt and Jack’s Extraordinary Adventure, participate in the Q&A session, and to get a copy signed.

BLC mugs are in! You can pick up your mug in the office during office hours. Mugs are $8.  

Bethlehem is signed up to meet the needs at Connections Shelter for weeks of Jan. 23, Mar 20, and May 22. There will be no morning shifts and only meal providers and servers are needed. Meals will be served daily from 5:45-7:30pm. Grocery donations will be needed for our weeks and a wish list will be sent out the weekend before the week starts. There is also an afternoon cleaning session once a week. Call or text Derek at 210-863-4202 for more info. 

You can sign up to prepare food and bring it to the shelter, sign up just to serve the meal, or do both. We serve up to 40 guests every evening. If that number changes, we will notify you beforehand. Sign up here for a meal shift. 

Youth: It’s not too early to start thinking about summer! Bethlehem will be at Green Lake July 30th through August 3rd. Register by February 1st to guarantee a spot with your BLC friends. Registration is now open on their website. Bethlehem will support at least 25% of camp costs, and additional financial support is available. Use code LAUNCH23 for an extra $10 off. 

Thank you for your incredible support of God’s Global Barnyard and ELCA Good Gifts! Our December monthly mission goal was to raise $8,000 and together, you raised over $9,500! Thank you, Bethlehem!

Bethlehem's monthly mission for January is The REACH Resource Center. This important organization reaches out to youth who are experiencing homelessness or other life trauma and provides them with a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive a variety of services centered on their individual needs. Youth ages 16-24 gain knowledge from caring staff to be healthy, independent and successful - looking beyond their past and planning for hopeful futures. You can support The REACH through the "wish list" on Amazon, through volunteering and donations, and financially to help provide basic necessities, shelter, education and preparation for employment and healthy, independent living. Your generosity is welcomed and appreciated. Our goal for The REACH is $6,000.