Happy Juneteenth Bethlehem, 

Bethlehem members attended the Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, hosted by the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. 

You’re invited to a fun night of fellowship and baseball and meet the Cruz family! Join us at the MoonDogs game on Thursday, July 20th for a fundraiser to help support our mission of welcoming refugees to our Mankato community. For $16 you’ll get a hot dog, chips, a beverage, and premier VIP seating behind home plate in section 202 with your ticket. Half of the ticket price goes to the fundraiser. We would love it if you can wear the colors of Nicaragua which are white and royal blue. Join the Facebook event for updates. Gates open at 5:35pm and first pitch is at 6:35pm. Tickets available online, use Promo Code: WELCOME.

Deborah Circle would like to invite all interested persons to join us for a summer bible study. We will meet on the 3rd Saturday in June, July, and August in Grounds for Joy from 10:00-11:00 am. We will use the summer study found in Gather Magazine. Copies of the study will be available for those who don't have a subscription. Hope to see you there!

It’s time for a new directory! Directory photos will be taken Aug 8-12 at Bethlehem. Head to the UCDIR website enter our church code, mn379 and password: photos to schedule your appointment.  

The VBS Registration and Volunteer forms are live! Head to our website to register children ages 3 years to 6th grade or to volunteer as a youth or adult. Check out the donation tree in the narthex to help provide supplies for Vacation Bible School! 

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’s radio broadcast will be moved due to the Twins Game broadcasts. On June 25, July 2, and August 13, the service will air at 5pm instead of 11am. Remember you can always view the livestream on our facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view our stream! 

Lutheran World Relief is our June mission. We have much to celebrate this month with Werner Fick's milestone for 100,000+ school kits. Werner has been the sole driving force behind the collection of school kit items and assembly; we are grateful and blessed for his commitment to this cause and for God's work being done through his selfless giving. We also support this important mission through quilting and collection of medical supply items and monetary donations. Please consider donating to this important mission that touches those in need across the world. For more information go to lwr.org. Bethlehem's has set a goal of $7,000.

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Lorenzo Blaisdell Don Grotta

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY June 25, Matthew 10:24-39

Hello Bethlehem, 

It was wonderful to see everyone who stopped by our School’s Out FLIGHT Event on Friday at the park! We hope you are ready to have a wonderful summer! 

Deborah Circle would like to invite all interested persons to join us for a summer bible study. We will meet on the 3rd Saturday in June, July, and August in Grounds for Joy from 10:00-11:00 am. We will use the summer study found in Gather Magazine. Copies of the study will be available for those who don't have a subscription. Hope to see you there!

Bethlehem’s radio broadcast will be moved due to the Twins Game broadcasts. On June 25, July 2, and August 13, the service will air at 5pm instead of 11am. Remember you can always view the livestream on our facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view our stream! 

It’s time for a new directory! Directory photos will be taken Aug 8-12 at Bethlehem. Head to the UCDIR website enter our church code, mn379 and password: photos to schedule your appointment.  

The VBS Registration and Volunteer forms are live! Head to our website to register children ages 3 years to 6th grade or to volunteer as a youth or adult. Check out the donation tree in the narthex to help provide supplies for Vacation Bible School! 

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

Lutheran World Relief is our June mission. We have much to celebrate this month with Werner Fick's milestone for 100,000+ school kits. Werner has been the sole driving force behind the collection of school kit items and assembly; we are grateful and blessed for his commitment to this cause and for God's work being done through his selfless giving. We also support this important mission through quilting and collection of medical supply items and monetary donations. Please consider donating to this important mission that touches those in need across the world. For more information go to lwr.org. Bethlehem's has set a goal of $7,000.

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Lorenzo Blaisdell Don Grotta

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY June 18, Matthew 9:35-10:8

Hello Bethlehem, 

FLIGHT event: we hope you can join us for a School's Out Party on Friday at Wheeler Park starting at 6pm. There will be water games, food and fun!

It’s time for a new directory! Directory photos will be taken Aug 8-12 at Bethlehem. Head to the UCDIR website enter our church code, mn379 and password: photos to schedule your appointment.  

Bethlehem’s radio broadcast will moved due to the Twins Game broadcasts. On June 11, June 25, July 2, and August 13, the service will air at 5pm instead of 11am. Remember you can always view the livestream on our Facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view our stream!

The VBS Registration and Volunteer forms are live! Head to our website to register children ages 3 years to 6th grade or to volunteer as a youth or adult. Check out the donation tree in the narthex to help provide supplies for Vacation Bible School! 

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

Congratulations scholarship recipients of 2023: Tyler Adams, Brandon Bakke, Alexa Bolstad, Nate Dahlvang, Danielle Haigh. Abby Kalina, Parker Keenan, Olivia Lanz, Alex Maclean, Angela Matter, Sophia Nevills, Kellen Schaefer, Kaylee Sivertsen , Matthew Smith, and Lexi Stapleman

In 1983, Bethlehem Church established an Endowment Fund with generous gifts of $17,000. Since 1990 the Endowment Fund has provided scholarships to high school graduates and college students who are part of our family here at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. This year each scholarship is $600. As these students pursue their education into the future, we want them to know that we will pray for them and that they’re always welcome here at Bethlehem. Best wishes in the year ahead.

Lutheran World Relief is our June mission. We have much to celebrate this month with Werner Fick's milestone for 100,000+ school kits. Werner has been the sole driving force behind the collection of school kit items and assembly; we are grateful and blessed for his commitment to this cause and for God's work being done through his selfless giving. We also support this important mission through quilting and collection of medical supply items and monetary donations. Please consider donating to this important mission that touches those in need across the world. For more information go to lwr.org. Bethlehem's has set a goal of $7,000.

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Lorenzo Blaisdell

Don Grotta Ron Hawker

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Cindy Ringgenberg

The family and friends of Tom Baldwin

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LECTIONARY June 11, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

See some of our favorite Bethlehem photos from the month of May!

Spring blooms at Bethlehem

The Kingdom Arcade created by BLC Youth

Our last Wednesday night of the season! We celebrated outside at Spring Lake park with music, worship, games and food. Wednesday night suppers and worship will return in the fall!

Sunflowers planted on the last day of Light

Donation tree for VBS!

Confirmation Sunday

Blessing our graduates.

Sarah Morgan beautifying the grounds with fresh plants.

Bethlehem received the inaugural Sleep Out Trophy for being the highest donor at the Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out. Great work!

On May 21 we celebrated Werner Fick and his incredible ministry milestone: creating 100,000 school kits for Lutheran World Relief!

Werner couldn’t pass up an opportunity to make more school kits! During the celebration, all were invited to help assemble kits for Lutheran World Relief.

The BLC Choir performing during worship.

The Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is underway! Funds raised support our youth’s Montana trip coming up at the end of June.

Pentecost

Pastor Jacie Richmond in her Pentecost crown

BLC Men at the Moondogs Game!

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

Happy Memorial Day Bethlehem,

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our Blood Drive last Thursday! Together, we helped the Red Cross collect 32 units! 

Update on the Cruz Family: The WELCOME team along with the Cruz family met with a lawyer from a law firm in the Cities. After speaking with the family the lawyer agreed to take their case and represent them. The lawyer will help to file the paperwork to begin the asylum process and is also willing to represent the family in court if needed. We are grateful to be able to formally begin this part of the process of supporting the Cruz family as they continue to seek a new life here in the United States.

The family has been busy! They are planting a vegetable garden and can be seen cruising around on bikes when the weather is nice. All the family members also continue to go to school on a full time basis. 

There will hopefully be some fundraising opportunities to help support them in the near future. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.

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!

Our Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is all full! Thank you for your amazing support of our youth trip to Montana this summer. The flock will continue to fly until mid-June so keep an eye on your yard!

The VBS Registration and Volunteer forms are live! Head to our website to register children ages 3 years to 6th grade or to volunteer as a youth or adult. Check out the donation tree in the narthex to help provide supplies for Vacation Bible School! 

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

If you are on the worship volunteer schedule, you should have received a copy in the mail. The schedule is also available online. Please contact the office if you notice any changes need to be made, or if you are interested in volunteering. We are in particular need of Sunday morning coffee servers, and we are beginning to train volunteers to help the slideshow/livestream going forward. Training is available, contact the office if interested. (507) 388-2925.

"Pentecost is the celebration of the gift that is God's holy spirit." -Pastor Jacie Richmond

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. 

Lutheran World Relief is our June mission. We have much to celebrate this month with Werner Fink's milestone for 100,000+ school kits. Werner has been the sole driving force behind the collection of school kit items and assembly; we are grateful and blessed for his commitment to this cause and for God's work being done through his selfless giving. We also support this important mission through quilting and collection of medical supply items and monetary donations. Please consider donating to this important mission that touches those in need across the world. For more information go to lwr.org. Bethlehem's has set a goal of $7,000.

This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Cherryl Eigen

Lorenzo Blaisdell Bev Alley Ron Hawker

Don Grotta Alice Haugen

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY June 4, Matthew 28:16-20

Hello Bethlehem,
Yesterday we were blessed to celebrate Werner Fick and the over 100,000 school kits he has helped to create for Lutheran World Relief. Rev. Lisa Kipp presented Werner with a certificate for this impressive ministry milestone. Congratulations, Werner! 

There are still several donation times open for our Blood Drive happening this Thursday, May 25 in Grounds for Joy. Donors will receive a full-size microfiber American Red Cross towel! Register here to give blood and save lives!

If you are on the worship volunteer schedule, you should have received a copy in the mail. The schedule is also available online. Please contact the office if you notice any changes need to be made, or if you are interested in volunteering. We are in particular need of Sunday morning coffee servers, and we are beginning to train volunteers to help the slideshow/livestream going forward. Training is available, contact the office if interested. (507) 388-2925.

Our Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is all full! Thank you for your amazing support of our youth trip to Montana this summer. The flock will continue to fly until mid-June so keep an eye on your yard!

The VBS Registration and Volunteer forms are live! Head to our website to register children ages 3 years to 6th grade or to volunteer as a youth or adult. Check out the donation tree in the narthex to help provide supplies for Vacation Bible School! 

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

Congratulations to our graduating seniors! It was a blessing to celebrate with you on Sunday.

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!

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. 

This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Cherryl Eigen

Lorenzo Blaisdell Bev Alley Ron Hawker Don Grotta

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY May 28, Acts 2:1-21

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us for our Wednesday Night Finale! The weather cooperated and we had a wonderful evening of outdoor fun. Thank you also for sticking around after worship on Sunday for our Special Meeting to elect our council, boards and committees. Meeting minutes are available on our website.

Our Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is all full up! Thank you for your amazing support of our youth trip to Montana this summer. The flock will continue to fly until mid-June so keep an eye on your yard!

VBS Registration is now open! Head to our website to sign up.

 
Next Sunday, May 21, we will host a celebration of over 100,000 School Kits made! This achievement is due to the dedication and passion of Werner Fick. Join us in Grounds for Joy after worship for cake and celebration of this incredible ministry milestone. 

Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive next week on May 25. 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!

When we pray, GOD hears more than we say and answers more than we ask.  Thank you BLC for all the prayers offered for me during my surgery and hospital stay and while recovering at home!  I've especially appreciated the cards I've received from many of you too!   I thank God for the incredible gift of healing and friendship and I can't imagine going thru something like this without the support of so many. As in the words of a good friend (Lance Quick & "DQ") ~ "See you at church!" 

Witnessing the power of prayer, 

Kelli Woelfel

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

ALS Walk Update: A huge thank you to all that participated in the ALS Walk, in person or by donation! It was a sunny day and a great location at Spring Lake Park. We collected approximately $1500.00!
Thank you again!!

A message from Crossroads Campus Ministry:

It is with joy and thanksgiving that Crossroads Campus Ministry offers its gratitude to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who prepared, delivered, and served delicious hot meals to hungry college students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program during the 2022-2023 school year. We extend a special thank you to faithful servants, Jan Blaisdell, Kathryn Sargent, Jeri Clement, Sally Burdick, Kathy Piehl, Karen Sandersfeld, Dee Bennett, Bob Ihrig, Dennis Sandersfeld, Gordy Larson, Troy Sherwood, Roger Haug, Frank Larson, and Pastor Jay Dahlvang for taking time out of their busy schedules to ensure that no student left Crossroads hungry. Your congregation was responsible for serving Lunch For-a-Buck on seven Tuesdays throughout the year. Your volunteers fed 236 individuals and collected $297.30 in donations that went right back into purchasing the salads, beverages and table supplies for subsequent lunches.

Crossroads Campus Ministry was privileged to host 30 lunches throughout the school year, and due to the generosity of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and other area congregations, a total of 1,050 people were fed and $1,059.74 in donations was collected to ensure that we can keep feeding students into the future. We look forward to continuing Lunch For-a-Buck when Fall Term begins in August and hope that Bethlehem will partner with us again to feed Minnesota State – Mankato students. God bless you for your faithfulness and support of this important and impactful ministry. We couldn’t do it without you!

Crossroads Campus Ministry

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. 

This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Cherryl Eigen

Lorenzo Blaisdell Bev Alley Ron Hawker Don Grotta

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY May 21, John 17:1-11

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

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

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. 

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. 

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!

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 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

Check out some of our favorite photos from April!

Palm Sunday led by the BLC Youth

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

BLC Brass performing on Good Friday

Easter morning sunrise devotion

Easter Sunday

The Easter Garden

Alleluia Archway photo op!

Easter Flowers

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!

Blooms in the courtyard

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

Minnesota Boychoir concert April 30th

Bethlehem is blooming!

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