BLC Weekly, May 8

Hello Bethlehem,

Congratulations to all of our 9th grade Confirmation students! It was a blessing to see you and your families this weekend.

This Wednesday, May 10th is our Wednesday night finale! Join us for dinner at 5:30pm at the Spring Lake Park pavilion near the volleyball courts (on the corner of Webster and Lake Street). We will be serving up hotdogs, veggie-dogs, chips, and Zip Zap ice cream for dessert! There is picnic seating available but you are welcome to bring camp chairs if you’d like. Worship outdoors with us at 6:15pm then there will be plenty of time for games and fun! The forecast looks great but we will post on Facebook if there are any changes.

Home Care for Pr. Don: Bethlehem has been caring for and supporting Pastor Don and Bonnie Roberts since he was diagnosed with ALS in 1995, and now the Roberts need our help. Are you interested in helping with Pastor Don's home care? If you have experience as a caregiver, a good heart, and a willingness to learn, you are needed, as they are looking for more caregivers to round out their team. Let Pr. Don and Bonnie know if you can help! Connect with the Roberts by emailing dbroberts320@hotmail.com

Bethlehem Youth are currently putting on a Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser to raise money for their Montana trip this summer! For $25 you can have a flock of 12 fabulous yard ornament flamingos visit a friend’s yard. For $10, you can buy anti-flamingo insurance, which will keep the birds from flying to your house. You can do it to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just because! Use this form to sign up!

Our May Monthly Mission is Global Health Ministries. Bethlehem continues to be a strong supporter of GHM through projects such as newborn kits, quilting, and other hands-on projects. GHM believes all people should have access to a healthy life and focuses on helping some of the most vulnerable people in the world through strengthening health systems, leadership, medical supplies, and grassroots efforts. Our goal is to raise $6,000 for this important ministry. You can give online or with a check to Bethlehem with GHM in the memo line.

VBS Registration is now open! This year’s theme is RENEW! Together we’ll discover the hope we have in Jesus through the Parable of the Sower.

Mark your calendar:

Because we did not reach a quorum at our Semi-Annual Meeting, we will have a very brief meeting on May 14 in the sanctuary at 10:30am to elect this year’s council, boards and committees.
On May 21st we will hold a celebration of 100,000 School Kits made! Join us in Grounds for Joy after worship for cake and celebration.
Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive on May 25th. Donors will receive a full-size microfiber American Red Cross towel! Register here to give blood!
FLIGHT event: Join us for a School’s Out Party on Friday, June 9, at Wheeler Park. There will be water games, food and fun!

A note from Crossroads Campus Ministry:

Thank you to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for providing Lunch for-a-Buck at Crossroads Campus Ministry on Tuesday, May 2nd. This was our last Lunch For-a-Buck of the 2022-2023 school year. Jan Blaaisdell and Kathryn Sargent prepared and served a delicious meal of chicken jambalaya, cheese & onion enchiladas, corn muffins, Italian bread and homemade cake to 32 hungry lunch goers on this beautiful spring day. They also collected $24.50 in donations that will help us fund the continued purchase of the lettuce salad, beverages and table supplies for future lunches. Students looked forward to these weekly hot lunches all year long to help them get through the day. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We look forward to seeing you during the 2023-2024 school year.

Crossroads Campus Ministry

On Sunday Bethlehem was presented with the inaugural Kato Sleep Out Trophy for being the single largest donor to the Connections Sleep Out fundraiser.

This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Laurie Bentdahl Carol Peterson

Cherryl Eigen Bonnie Torgerson Lorenzo Blaisdell

Sarah Nelson Bev Alley Kelli Woelfel Ron Hawker

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Amos Forseth

The family and friends of Judy Backstrom

LECTIONARY May 10: John 14:1-14 May 14:John 14:15-21

Bethlehem LutheranMay 8, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, May 1

Hello Bethlehem,

Happy May! Check out April in Photos on the BLC Blog to see some of our favorite photos from the month. Have photos of your BLC family, friends and events you’d like to share? Send them to blchurch@blcmankato.org

We had a great turnout at the ALS Walk this weekend! Thank you to the Bethlehem Gait Keepers and all the members who show up and support the Walk to Defeat ALS. We want to thank Teens Encounter Christ for being such great guests during their weekend in our building and for sharing with us during worship on Sunday. Thank you also to the Minnesota Boychoir for sharing their music with us during worship on Sunday. If you missed their 1pm concert don’t worry, you can still check out their recordings on their website.

This week

We invite you to help pack school kits tomorrow morning, May 2nd, at 9am in the basement.
This Wednesday, May 3rd will be our last Wednesday night supper at Bethlehem until we start up again in the fall. We hope you will join us for hamburger rice hotdish, salad and rolls at 5pm, followed by worship at 6:15pm. The youth will hold an Ask the Pastors session after worship, and then you are invited to check out the Kingdom Arcade the youth created!
This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday. Help us celebrate the youth as they affirm their baptism! It is also the last day of Light. We will plan to meet outdoors if weather permits, otherwise we will gather in the dining room.
This Sunday is also our Cinnamon Roll Camp fundraiser, taking place before and after worship. There is a suggested donation of $3 per roll or $10 for 4. Rolls are available to-go!
Our Adult Forum this Sunday will be Teachers: Challenges and Changes Panel, with Todd Hanselman & Educators. Meet in Grounds for Joy after worship.

Last call: The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships is now open! Current college undergraduates and high school seniors can apply online or pick up an application in the office. Scholarship applications are due TODAY, May 1st.

Coming up

VBS registration opens on May 7th! This year’s theme is RENEW! Together we’ll discover the hope we have in Jesus through the Parable of the Sower.
May 10th is the last day of NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation. We will meet at Spring Lake Park on the corner of Webster and Lake St. for food, worship, and games! Bring the whole family!
Because we did not reach a quorum at our Semi-Annual Meeting, we will have a very brief meeting on May 14 in the sanctuary at 10:30am to elect this year’s council, boards and committees.
On May 21st we will hold a celebration of 100,000 School Kits made!
Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive on May 25th. Donors will receive a full-size microfiber American Red Cross towel! Register here to give blood!
FLIGHT event: Join us for a School’s Out Party on Friday, June 9, at Wheeler Park. There will be water games, food and fun!

Bethlehem Youth are putting on a Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser to raise money for their Montana trip this summer! For $25 you can have a flock of 12 fabulous yard ornament flamingos visit a friend’s yard. For $10, you can buy anti-flamingo insurance, which will keep the birds from flying to your house. You can do it to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just because! The flamingo migration will begin in May, fill out this form to sign up!

A message from Pastor Kristin Engstrom:

Happy Easter dear siblings in Christ,

Here in Zambia, I gathered with five congregations in the Lusaka city area for Easter weekend celebrations. There were workshops, shared meals, worship, singing, and on Easter morning, we even marched on the side of the highway in front of the church to share the good news that Jesus is risen! Yesu, a uka!

Read Pastor Engstrom’s April 2023 Newsletter here.

This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Laurie Bentdahl Carol Peterson Cherryl Eigen Bonnie Torgerson

Lorenzo Blaisdell Sarah Nelson Bev Alley Kelli Woelfel

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Amos Forseth

The family and friends of Judy Backstrom

LECTIONARY May 3 | John 10:1-10 May 7 | John 14:1-14

Bethlehem LutheranMay 1, 2023Comment

April in Photos

Check out some of our favorite photos from April!

Youth were able to enjoy Wednesday nights outside again.

A new sign was hung on the Bethlehem Community Garden!

Landscaping volunteers helped with spring cleaning!

The Seed Exchange and Book Exchange kicked off in Grounds for Joy!

The BLC Youth are preparing for their Flocking Flamingo Fundraiser!

The Annual Walk to Defeat ALS with the BLC Gait Keepers!

TEC Youth shared a song during worship on April 30

The Minnesota Boychoir sang during worship on April 30

Have photos of your BLC family and friends you’d like to share? Email them to blchurch@blcmankato.org

Bethlehem LutheranMay 1, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, April 24

Hello Bethlehem,

Semi-Annual Meeting Follow Up: Thanks to everyone attending yesterday's semi-annual meeting! Because we did not reach a quorum, we are scheduling a short meeting following worship on May 14, in the sanctuary at 10:30, to elect this year's council, boards, and committees. We hope to be done and on our way home in just a few minutes. Please join us!

We’ve got a lot happening this Sunday, April 30th! TEC will be taking place at Bethlehem this weekend. The TEC youth will join us briefly at worship on Sunday. We will also be joined by the Minnesota Boychoir, who will share some music during worship. Following worship, Jeannie Phillips will lead our Adult Forum with part two of her Appalachian Journey and New Member Orientation will take place in the library. At 1pm the Minnesota Boy Choir will hold a concert in the sanctuary.

Congratulations Team Bethlehem for winning the inaugural Sleep Out Trophy for your generous contributions to the Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out! The Bethlehem team contributed over $6,000!

Our April Monthly Mission is the Cruz Family. Sponsored by the newly formed WELCOME Team, a partnership of five area churches, this Nicaraguan family arrived in Minnesota in December and has since been working to learn the English language, earn their GED’s, adapt to Minnesota climate and culture, seek and obtain viable employment and settle into a community. You can support this family with a one-time gift, or stop by and fill out a form to commit to a monthly gift of $10, $25, or $50 for a period of one year. If you would like to support the family with a gift of time or other resources, contact Pastor Jacie. Thank you for your prayers and support of this monthly mission!

An update from Pastor Jacie: The Cruz family has settled into their new home and Ariac and Andrea are busy attending English classes, with Kamil in daycare while they are in class. Randy is enjoying second grade, and they are all looking forward to warmer weather to be outside, riding bikes, etc. Volunteers continue to provide transportation to and from schools and other activities, and help the family access other services as needed. The core WELCOME team is now looking at legal needs for the family, and hoping to resolve the issue of employment soon, but there’s lots of bureaucracy in that area. Thank you to all Bethlehem members who have donated funds to help the family and those who have volunteered to help in other ways. Your generosity in both your time and treasure is VERY much appreciated!

Save the date:

Join the Bethlehem Gait Keepers for the ALS Walk, coming up on Saturday, April 29 at Spring Lake Park. The walk begins at 10am.
On Wednesday, May 3rd, Confirmation and Torchlight youth will hold an Ask the Pastors right after worship, then the youth show off their cardboard arcade creations!
Our last Wednesday night of the year is coming up! On May 10th we will have dinner, worship and activities outdoors at the Spring Lake Park pavilion.
Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive on May 25th. Register here to give blood!
FLIGHT event: Join us for a School’s Out Party on Friday, June 9, at Wheeler Park. There will be water games, food and fun!

Bethlehem Evening-Weekend Janitor Opening

Part-time evening-weekend janitor position is open for application by BLC members. Visit our website to see accompanying job description & checklist of duties for details of position responsibilities, and to download an application.

Sunday morning responsibilities (1-2 times per month) = 3.5 hours
Special event responsibilities (events vary each month) = Hours vary
Hourly salary to be determined based on qualifications & experience.
Position to start August 1, 2023.
Questions should be directed to Bob Ihrig at (507) 388-1953.

Complete application and return to Bethlehem office Personnel mailbox or email robert.ihrig1@gmail.com for Bob Ihrig by Friday, April 28.

The annual application for Endowment Fund Scholarships is now open! Current college undergraduates and high school seniors can apply online or pick up an application in the office. Scholarship applications are due May 1.

Bethlehem LutheranApril 24, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, April 17

Hello Bethlehem,

The Kato Sleep Out was a success! At last count, Connections Shelter had raised $23,000, far exceeding their $12,000 goal. The Bethlehem team contributed over $6,000! We are still awaiting an update to hear if Bethlehem won the inaugural Sleep Out Trophy. Thank you for your support and special thank you to Jeannie Phillips, who volunteered to represent our team and set up camp for the evening.

Earth day is next Saturday! We invite you to participate in our Seed Exchange and Book Exchange, taking place in Grounds for Joy! Bring in your seed packets and gently read books to exchange for new finds. Bethlehem’s Community Garden plots are available for the season and going fast! Contact the office at blchurch@blcmankato.com or call (507) 388-2925 to reserve yours.

Bethlehem Evening-Weekend Janitor Opening

Sunday morning responsibilities (1-2 times per month) = 3.5 hours
Special event responsibilities (events vary each month) = Hours vary
Hourly salary to be determined based on qualifications & experience.

Position to start August 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to Bob Ihrig at (507) 388-1953. Complete application and return to Bethlehem office Personnel mailbox or email robert.ihrig1@gmail.com for Bob Ihrig by Friday, April 28.

The Semi-Annual Meeting will take place next Sunday, April 23rd. A quorum is needed so we hope you will join us after worship. Copies of the 2022 Annual Report are available on our website.

Save the date:

The Musicorum Spring Concert will take place in our sanctuary at 3:00pm on Sunday, April 23.
Join the Bethlehem Gait Keepers at the ALS Walk, coming up on Saturday, April 29 at Spring Lake Park. The walk begins at 10am.
On Wednesday, May 3rd, Confirmation and Torchlight youth will have an Ask the Pastors, followed by a display of their cardboard arcade creations!
Our last Wednesday night of the year is coming up! On May 10th we will have dinner, worship and activities outdoors at the Spring Lake Park pavilion.
Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive on May 25th. Register here to give blood!
FLIGHT event: Join us for a School’s Out Party on Friday, June 9, at Wheeler Park. There will be water games, food and fun!

Bethlehem LutheranApril 17, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, April 10

Hello Bethlehem,

We hope you had a blessed Easter. Thank you to all of our wonderful musicians and volunteers who made our Easter service bright and wonderful.

Spring is in the air! As you begin spring cleaning and garden planning, we invite you to participate in our Seed Exchange and Book Exchange, taking place in Grounds for Joy! Bring in your seed packets and gently read books and exchange them for new finds.

Bethlehem’s Community Garden plots are available for the season and going fast! Contact the office at blchurch@blcmankato.com or call (507) 388-2925 to reserve yours.

NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation will resume this Wednesday, following a 5pm beef sandwich supper and 6:15pm worship. LIGHT will resume on Sunday.

Bethlehem Evening-Weekend Janitor Opening

Sunday morning responsibilities (1-2 times per month) = 3.5 hours

Special event responsibilities (events vary each month) = Hours vary

Hourly salary to be determined based on qualifications & experience.

Position to start August 1, 2023.

Questions should be directed to Bob Ihrig at (507) 388-1953.

Complete application and return to Bethlehem office Personnel mailbox or email robert.ihrig1@gmail.com for Bob Ihrig by Friday, April 28.

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.

The postponed Kato Sleep Out will take place this Friday, April 14. We have met our $3,500 goal but still have two more goals to accomplish:

•Win the Top Team Trophy for most Sleep-Out dollar donations. We can make history by winning the first-ever Sleep-Out trophy. Bragging rights are at stake. Go Team Bethlehem!

•Raise even more money to keep the Connections Ministry active and working in our community. The word is that every dollar is needed to offset rising costs resulting from more clients using shelter resources this year and to cover the costs of staff who are on the front-line making a real difference in the lives of many. Every dollar counts! Talk to your friends and encourage their donations! Bob Ihrig will happily accept such donations on behalf of Connections. The more we can deliver on April 14, the better. We will announce our final total that day. Stay tuned for more good news!

How to give to the Kato Sleep-Out:

•CASH

•CHECKS (Payable to Connections Ministry)

(Put your cash or check in an envelope with your name and give it to Bob Ihrig at church during the next two weeks. We want to add your name and donation to our team.)

•ONLINE https://www.connectionsshelter.org/kato-sleep-out-2023

(Designate Kato Sleep-Out with your donation. Email Bob Ihrig at

robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your name & donation total so we can add it to our team record)

Thank you for your support!

A note from Crossroads Campus Ministry: Thank you to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for providing Lunch for-a-Buck at Crossroads Campus Ministry on Tuesday, April 4. Jan Blaisdell and Kathryn Sargent prepared and served a delicious lunch of chicken tetrazzini, pasta with creamed spinach sauce, Italian bread and homemade cake to 33 hungry lunch goers on this chilly spring day. They also collected $30.16 in donations that will help us fund the continued purchase of the lettuce salad, beverages and table supplies for future lunches. Students really look forward to these weekly hot lunches to help them get through the day. For some, it's their only meal of the day. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the students and our ministry at Crossroads.
Crossroads Campus Ministry

Bethlehem LutheranApril 10, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, April 3

Hello Bethlehem,

Holy Week is here! Thank you to all the youth, families, and volunteers who helped with our Palm Sunday service. We hope you will join us for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter! Our full Holy Week schedule is available here. Please note: Easter flower orders are due tomorrow, April 4th. If you would like to get photos with the Easter flower garden, please plan on doing so Sunday morning BEFORE the Easter service. Thank you!

Bethlehem Youth will put on a Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser to raise money for their Montana trip this summer! For $25 you can have a flock of 12 fabulous yard ornament flamingos visit a friend’s yard. For $10, you can buy anti-flamingo insurance, which will keep the birds from flying to your house. You can do it to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just because! The flamingo migration will begin soon, so fill out this form to sign up!

Kato Sleep-Out Update: We did it!! We reached the magic $3,500 team donation level to allow our Jeannie Phillips to end her planned Connections Kato Sleep-Out at midnight. Wow!! How amazing! Jeannie thanks you for your support! In just two weeks, 33 individuals & families stepped forward and generously contributed to Team Bethlehem and the Connections Ministry. Thank you!!

However, Mother Nature interceded with yet another winter storm last Friday and Saturday. As a result, Connections decided, for the safety of sleepers, to postpone the Sleep-Out to Friday, April 14. We have no doubt that Jeannie would have met the challenge if we had proceeded on Friday. Anyone who can hike the Appalachian Trail can handle a little snow.

Believe it or not, this postponement is all good news for our team. We have met our goal to release Jeannie early from the Sleep-Out but still have two more goals to accomplish. Read on!

•Win the Top Team Trophy for most Sleep-Out dollar donations. We can make history by winning the first-ever Sleep-Out trophy. Bragging rights are at stake. Go Team Bethlehem!

•Raise even more money to keep the Connections Ministry active and working in our community. The word is that every dollar is needed to offset rising costs resulting from more clients using shelter resources this year and to cover the costs of staff who are on the front-line making a real difference in the lives of many. Every dollar counts! Talk to your friends and encourage their donations! Bob Ihrig will happily accept such donations on behalf of Connections. The more $$ that we can deliver on April 14, the better. We will announce our final total that day. Stay tuned for more good news.

Here is how you can still give to the Kato Sleep-Out:

•CASH

•CHECKS (Payable to Connections Ministry)

(Put your cash or check in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at church during the next two weeks. We want to add your name and donation to our team.)

•ONLINE https://www.connectionsshelter.org/kato-sleep-out-2023

(Designate Kato Sleep-Out with your donation. Email Bob Ihrig at

robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your name & donation total so we can add it to our team record)

Thank you for your support!

Bethlehem Boards & Committees

Bethlehem members interested in serving on a board/committee during the next 3 years should contact Bob Ihrig at: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com 507-388-1953

We have vacancies on the following boards & committees:

Community & Global Mission, Facilities, Finance, Music & Worship, Stewardship, Youth

We welcome your service to Bethlehem!

We want to thank you for your continued patience as we work to improve our livestream system. Live streams of our worship services are currently available on our Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to view them. Our worship service is also broadcast on 1420 AM and 102.7 FM each Sunday at 11:00am.

If you are interested in volunteering as a slideshow and/or livestream operator during worship, please contact our office or email blchurch@blcmankato.org.Thank you!

Bethlehem Evening-Weekend Janitor Opening

Sunday morning responsibilities (1-2 times per month) = 3.5 hours

Special event responsibilities (events vary each month) = Hours vary

Hourly salary to be determined based on qualifications & experience.

Position to start August 1, 2023.

Questions should be directed to Bob Ihrig at (507) 388-1953.

Complete application and return to Bethlehem office Personnel mailbox or email robert.ihrig1@gmail.com for Bob Ihrig by Friday, April 28.

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.

A note from Crossroads Campus Ministry: We feel privileged to be able to offer Lunch-For-a-Buck every Tuesday of the regular school year, and we couldn't do it without congregations like yours.

The Lunch 4-a-Buck program continues to be something that students look forward to every week. 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, April 4 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 bbq chicken sandwiches, broccoli cheese soup, hot beef & hot turkey sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, roasted chicken quarters, and sweet potato hot dish.
The meal "officially" runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but we are seeing more and more students arriving between 1:10 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 1:15 or 1:30, it would make a lot of students happy.
Try to arrive by 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.
It is really difficult to predict how many students will stop by for lunch as the numbers have not been consistent recently. I am suggesting that you plan on serving a minimum of 45-50 people. The last five weeks we served 44, 31, 30, 46, and 45 people.
Please avoid serving pork products. Students also enjoy having vegetarian options.

Let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to call or text my mobile phone at 507-829-3161. Thank you for participating in the Lunch 4-a-Buck program and for your continued support of Crossroads Campus Ministry.

Shalom,

Teri Herder-Blahnik

Bethlehem LutheranApril 3, 2023Comment

March in Photos

Check out some of our favorite photos from March!

Our church for all! The BLC children created these images of themselves in the church. Check them out in the hall outside Grounds for Joy

One of the office plants bloomed just in time to celebrate the Lenten season!

Pastor Collette returned for an adult forum discussing Connections Ministry

This month we installed new shades in the Heritage Room

The BLC Men showing off their winnings after an evening at the WOW! Zone

The BLC Choir! Contact Charlie Leftridge if you are interested in joining!

WELCOME, a collaborative effort of five local churches, met with us during an adult forum to discuss the asylum seeking family from Nicaragua and their efforts to settle here in Mankato.

High school game night up in the youth room!

Keep an eye on this library wall for creative prompts!

Jeannie Phillips joined us for an adult forum “My Journey on the Appalachian Trail.” She’ll be back on April 30th to share more of the story!

Torchlight Youth preparing to lead the Palm Sunday service.

BLC 4th graders created their own unique communion chaliced to commemorate their Communion Milestone happening April 2

One last snow storm to wrap up the month!

Have photos of your BLC family and friends you’d like to share? Email them to blchurch@blcmankato.org

Bethlehem LutheranApril 1, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, March 27

Hello Bethlehem,

Join us this Wednesday as we wrap up our Lenten worship series exploring the 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. This Wednesday we will serve a cheeseburger dinner followed by 6:15pm worship. This week Pastor Jacie will preach on Share: Going Fishing, Reflecting Light.

Then, we hope you will join us next week for Holy Week! The worship schedule is available online.

More of The Appalachian Trail

Thank you, Jeannie Phillips, for sharing with us at our adult forum on Sunday! Jeannie will continue her Appalachian Trail journey on Sunday, April 30 at the adult forum starting at 10:45 am after morning worship. She will share more pictures and stories of her 2022 experience. Pick up your morning coffee and take a seat in Grounds for Joy! Come and enjoy! It is quite a saga!

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.

Bethlehem Boards & Committees

Bethlehem members interested in serving on a board/committee during the next 3 years should contact Bob Ihrig at: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com 507-388-1953

We have vacancies on the following boards & committees:

Community & Global Mission

Facilities

Finance

Music & Worship

Stewardship

Youth

We welcome your service to Bethlehem!

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.

Last week we introduced the Cruz family to our congregation as we,additionally, provided an opportunity for our members to support Ariac, Andrea and their two sons in their journey to American citizenship by committing to a monthly gift of $10, $25 or $50 for a period of one year. It’s such an easy way to help this refugee family working hard to learn the English language, earn their GED’s, adapt to Minnesota climate and culture, seek and obtain viable employment and settle into a community where snow is abundant, the summers are beastly and the people can’t be nicer!

This month we are giving you yet another option for supporting the Cruz family. Our Community and Global Missions Board has named them the “Monthly Mission” for April. If you prefer a one-time gift over a monthly gift for a period of a year, we hope you will choose to support the Monthly Mission. Regardless, please pray for this family and the WELCOME volunteers who work tirelessly on their behalf. Thank you.

Last call! Community & Global will be collecting new and gently used items to create newborn kits though the end of March. Each Kit includes 1 Regular 52" bath towel, 1 washcloth (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. You can drop off donations in the collection bin in the narthex. Contact Amy Haigh (507) 720-2148 with any questions. Thank you!

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars

Are you currently a Thrivent member? Do you own one or more Thrivent financial products? If so, you may be eligible to financially benefit Bethlehem with a Thrivent Action Plan or with Thrivent Choice Dollars.

This is your opportunity to serve Bethlehem with a financial gift at no cost to you. Please give these options your serious consideration! Thank you. Contact Bob Ihrig with your questions: 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com

Kato Sleep Out: The Bethlehem Tuesday morning Bible Study group has enthusiastically accepted the challenge from the Connections Ministry Overnight Shelter to sponsor a fundraising team in the Kato Sleep Out on Friday, March 31. Check out the details on the Connections website: www.connectionsshelter.org/kato-sleep-out-2023

Jeannie Phillips has offered, on behalf of our team, to sleep out that evening to raise awareness of homelessness in our community and to raise financial pledges to support the vital work of Connections. Thank you Jeannie for your commitment to Bethlehem and Connections!

Our goal is to raise $3,500 from our team and other members of Bethlehem. We welcome your contributions and support of this vital community project. Help us to make a difference! If you are interested in financially supporting Bethlehem's team for Kato Sleep Out, contact team coordinator Bob Ihrig at: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com 507-388-1953

You have 3 donation options for helping us meet our $3,500 goal:

•Cash

•Check (Make payable to Connections Shelter)

•Online (See option on site. Be sure to designate Sleep Out)

Cash and checks (in envelope) should be given directly to Bob Ihrig. You can do this at church on Wednesday evening. Make sure you identify your name on the envelope so we can properly credit you on our team record. I will present all of these on the evening of March 31 with our team record & donations.

Please let Bob Ihrig know via email of any Sleep Out online donation you made. We need your name, email address and donation amount to count for our team donation record.

Donation Update: We have raised $2,470 donations as of Sunday toward our Sleep-Out goal of $3,500. Wow! Thank you! Everyone at Bethlehem can help Jeannie Phillips end her March 31 sleep-out early by adding to this total. Help Bethlehem be the #1 team for Sleep-Out donations. We only need $1,030 more! Let's make it happen for Jeannie and Connections Shelter! Feel free to share this with your friends! We welcome all Connections supporters & donations!

Bethlehem LutheranMarch 27, 2023Comment

BLC Weekly, March 20

Hello Bethlehem,

Happy first day of spring! Our week at Connections Shelter begins today. There are still meals available to sign up for on Friday and Saturday. Sign up here. Thank you!

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. This Wednesday we will serve a Swedish meatball dinner at 5pm and then worship at 6:15pm, exploring the topic Here I Am Lord, Send Me: Serve, led by Pastor Jay.

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars

Check out the attached document for more details on how you can make this happen. This is your opportunity to serve Bethlehem with a financial gift at no cost to you. Please give these options your serious consideration! Thank you. Contact Bob Ihrig with your questions: 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com

Connections Shelter Sleep Out Fundraiser:

The BLC Tuesday morning Bible Study group has enthusiastically accepted the challenge from the Connections Ministry Overnight Shelter to sponsor a fundraising team in the Kato Sleep Out on Friday, March 31. Check out details on the Connections website: www.connectionsshelter.org/kato-sleep-out-2023 Jeannie Phillips has offered, on behalf of our team, to sleep out that evening to raise awareness of homelessness in our community and to raise financial pledges to support the vital work of Connections.

Our goal is to raise $3,500 from our team and other members of Bethlehem. We welcome your contributions and support of this vital community project. Help us to make a difference! If you are interested in financially supporting Bethlehem's team for Kato Sleep Out, contact team coordinator Bob Ihrig at: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com 507-388-1953.

You have 3 donation options for helping us meet our $3,500 goal:

•Cash

•Check (Make payable to Connections Shelter)

•Online (See option on site. Be sure to designate Sleep Out)

Cash and checks (in envelope) should be given directly to Bob Ihrig. Make sure you identify your name on the envelope so we can properly credit you on our team record. I will present all of these on March 31 with our team record.

Donation Update:

We have raised $825 thus far toward our Sleep-Out goal of $3,500. Wow! Thank you! Everyone at Bethlehem can help Jeannie Phillips end her March 31 sleep-out early by adding to this total. Help Bethlehem be the #1 team for Sleep-Out donations. We only need $2,675 more! Let's make it happen for Jeannie and Connections Shelter! Please let Bob Ihrig know via email of any online donation you made. We need your name and donation amount for our team donation record.

Sunday Adult Forum: Ready for a walk? How about 2,200 miles this summer? Enjoy visiting other U.S. states? How about 14 states from Georgia to Maine? Want to meet other people? How about 3 million other hiking enthusiasts? This coming Sunday, March 26, you have the opportunity to hear from our own Jeannie Phillips share her summer 2022 walk on the renowned Appalachian Trail. Join us at 10:45 am for the adult forum in Grounds for Joy and learn all that is involved with this “stroll” out east. It’s story-time at Bethlehem!

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.

While the search contintues for treatments and a cure, the ALS Association advocates for the support of caregivers and family members. Did you know that $35 can provide one hour of respite for a caregiver? Learn more and donate on the ALS Association website.

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!

Community & Global will be collecting new and gently used items to create newborn kits though the end of March. Each Kit includes 1 Regular 52" bath towel, 1 washcloth (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. You can drop off donations in the collection bin in the narthex. Contact Amy Haigh (507) 720-2148 with any questions. Thank you!

We apologize for any technical difficulties you may notice during our worship livestream. We are experimenting with new livestream equipment to improve quality. Thank you for your patience and feedback as we continue to make improvements!

Bethlehem LutheranMarch 20, 2023Comment

the BLC blog