Hello Bethlehem, 

It’s VBS Week! There are over 50 kiddos signed up for this year’s VBS! We are so excited to gather this week to learn and grow, with a focus on our theme of RENEW and the parable of the sower. Interested in helping serve dinner? Please use this form to sign up, or contact the office. We pray for a fun, exciting, and meaningful Vacation Bible School 2023! 

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused during the summer. Upcoming BLC dates August 27th, September 24th, from 4-6 at Grace Lutheran Church. 

Simple meals of sandwiches, chips, water will be provided. We can use donations of water, gatorade, individual packages of chips, bars, paper plates, paper bags for take home. Please, contact Dee Bennett 317-679-3277, deebennett@mac.com to coordinate a donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

New Young Adults Small Group! This group is open to all post high school young adults. We will meet once a month at various places and have a chance to socialize and build relationships with one another. All are welcome and friends are welcome too! Fall events include:

Sept. 16th- Meet and Greet @ Jake's Pizza

Oct. 14th- Bonfire, location TBD

Nov. 11th- Cooking Competition @ BLC

Dec. 8th- Hockey Game @ MNSU

Head to ucdir.com to sign up!

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. Unable to make it to these dates? Contact Molly Nelson, mnelson@blcmankato.org for alternate dates and accommodations. 

We need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo check-in process, especially from 1:45-6pm and 5:45-8:30pm on Friday, and 12:45-4pm on Saturday. Please contact the office or reply to this email if you are interested in assisting! 

Bethlehem will host another Blood Drive on August 22. Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood, donation hours are from 1-6pm. And mark your calendar, another Blood Drive has been scheduled for December 21st! 

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!

We had a lot of fun supporting the Cruz family at the MoonDogs fundraiser last Thursday! Thank you to everyone who organized, it was a wonderful time!

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

Our July Monthly Mission is Partners for Housing. P4H works by providing emergency shelters at Theresa House, Union Street Place, and the Welcome Inn. They provide transitional housing, rapid re-housing and long-term housing in collaboration with many other supportive services. Bethlehem’s goal is to raise $1,300 for Partners for Housing. Please consider supporting this important mission!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Scheie Lutheran in Mabel

Dennison Lutheran in Dennison

Grace Lutheran in Nerstrand

Merya Lutheran in Tanzania

Mkalama Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in Sogamoso

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LECTIONARY  July 30, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Hello Bethlehem, 

VBS is just one week away! We are so excited to be partnering with Centenary Church this year, and we are thrilled to share that we have over 50 kids signed up for VBS! July 24-27 we will gather to learn and grow, with a focus on our theme of RENEW and the parable of the sower. 

We are still looking for dinner servers to serve dinner from 4:45-6:15pm in the evenings. Please use this form to sign up, or contact the office. Head to our website to register your child, or to sign up to volunteer as a youth or adult. We pray for a fun, exciting, and meaningful Vacation Bible School 2023!

Also this week: on July 18, from 3-5pm, Connections will host an Ice Cream Social Send Off at their Front Street location. Pastor Collette will be moving on to new adventures and our own Elizabeth Paul will be taking over as Development Director at Connections. 

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!

This week! 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.

Want to be a host family? The Center for English Language Programs (CELP) at MSU is seeking families to host Japanese students in their homes while they are engaged in academic and social life at MSU. Students from Chuo University in Tokyo will be in Mankato from August 19 - September 9th. Apply online to be a host. Contact Ben Robinson with any questions: benr@usahomestays.org 

Bethlehem will host another Blood Drive on August 22. Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood, donation hours are from 1-6pm. And mark your calendar, another Blood Drive has been scheduled for December 21st! 

Head to ucdir.com to sign up!

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.  

We will also need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo process. We are looking for folks interested in helping with check-in, especially from 1:45-6pm and 5:45-8:30pm on Friday, and 9:45am to 1pm or 12:45-4pm on Saturday. Please contact the office if you are interested in assisting! 

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused. We are doing this as there are no other meals being served on Sunday’s at other locations ( Salvation Army, Connections, Centenary United Methodist etc.) during the summer. BLC dates are July 23rd, August 27th, September 24th, from 4-6 at Grace Lutheran Church. Simple meals of sandwiches, chips, water will be provided. We can use donations of water, gator aid, individual packages of chips, bars, paper plates, paper bags for take home. Please, contact Dee Bennett 317-679-3277, deebennett@mac.com to coordinate a donation. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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

Our July Monthly Mission is Partners for Housing. P4H works by providing emergency shelters at Theresa House, Union Street Place, and the Welcome Inn. They provide transitional housing, rapid re-housing and long-term housing in collaboration with many other supportive services. Bethlehem’s goal is to raise $1,300 for Partners for Housing. Please consider supporting this important mission!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Community Lutheran in Geneva

First Lutheran in LeSueur

Little Cedar Lutheran in Adams

Lutheran Campus Center in Winona

Crossroads Campus Ministry in Mankato

Gumanga Lutheran in Tanzania

Maria Mission in Bucaramanga, Colombia

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LECTIONARY  July 23, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Hello Bethlehem, 

Service & Sun kicked off today! This partnership of local ELCA congregations will gather this week for a service learning/project and an element of fun. Service projects will include work with Kiwanis Lights, Global Health Ministries, Crossroads Campus Ministries and Connections Shelter. Youth will enjoy visits to Como Zoo, River Springs Water Park, and the MoonDogs. We hope all involved have a safe, fun and rewarding experience!  

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.  

We will also need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo process. We are looking for folks interested in helping with check-in from 1:45-6pm and 5:45-8:30pm weekdays, and 9:45am to 1pm, 12:45-4pm Saturday. Please contact the office if you are interested in assisting! 

There are big changes happening at Connections! Pastor Collette will be moving on to new adventures and our own Elizabeth Paul will be taking over as Development Director at Connections. Mark your calendar, on July 18 from 3-5 Connections will host an Ice Cream Social Send Off at their Front Street location. 

Bethlehem will host another Blood Drive on August 22. Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood, donation hours are from 1-6pm. 

Head to ucdir.com to sign up!

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.

Register for VBS! There are plenty of spots still open for children interested in participating in Vacation Bible School, coming up from July 24-27. Head to our website to register your child, or to sign up to volunteer as a youth or adult! The meal sponsor sign up is also open. Talk to your board, committee or small group about sponsoring a meal for VBS! 

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!

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

Our July Monthly Mission will be Partners for Housing. P4H works by providing emergency shelters at Theresa House, Union Street Place, and the Welcome Inn. They provide transitional housing, rapid re-housing and long-term housing in collaboration with many other supportive services. Bethlehem’s goal is to raise $1,300 for Partners for Housing. Please consider supporting this important mission!

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Faith Lutheran in Saint Charles Zion Lutheran in Stewartville

West St. Olaf Lutheran in Hayfield Mazoezi Songambele Lutheran in Tanzania

Nkinto Lutheran in Tanzania Lutheran Institute Kiomboi in Tanzania San Jose de Leon in Colombia

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LECTIONARY  July 16 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Hello Bethlehem, 

Welcome back, youth and chaperones, from your Montana Adventure! We can’t wait to hear more about this meaningful experience. 

Register for VBS! There are plenty of spots still open for children interested in participating in Vacation Bible School, coming up from July 24-27. Head to our website to register your child, or to sign up to volunteer as a youth or adult! The meal sponsor sign up is also open. Talk to your board, committee or small group about sponsoring a meal for VBS! 

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.

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.  

We will also need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo process. We are looking for folks interested in helping with check-in from 1:45-6pm and 5:45-8:30pm weekdays, and 9:45am to 1pm, 12:45-4pm Saturday. Please contact the office if you are interested in assisting! 

There are big changes happening at Connections! Pastor Collette will be moving on to new adventures and our own Elizabeth Paul will be taking over as Development Director at Connections. Mark your calendar, on July 18 from 3-5 Connections will host an Ice Cream Social Send Off at their Front Street location. 

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!

Head to ucdir.com to sign up!

Bethlehem will host another Blood Drive on August 22. Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood, donation hours are from 1-6pm. 

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

Our July Monthly Mission will be Partners for Housing. P4H works by providing emergency shelters at Theresa House, Union Street Place, and the Welcome Inn. They provide transitional housing, rapid re-housing and long-term housing in collaboration with many other supportive services. Bethlehem’s goal is to raise $1,300 for Partners for Housing. Please consider supporting this important mission!

We hope you have a safe, fun, and blessed 4th of July! As a reminder, our office will be closed tomorrow, July 4th.

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Duane Ulleland

The family and friends of Darlene Henderson

Trinity Lutheran in Albert Lea

First Lutheran in Red Wing

Mazoezi Maluga Lutheran in Tanzania

Isanzu Lutheran in Tanzania

Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

Palliative Care Program at Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

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LECTIONARY July 9 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Hello Bethlehem, 

The Youth Montana Adventure is underway! Please pray for a fun, safe, and meaningful trip for our youth and chaperones.

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!

Register for VBS! There are plenty of spots still open for children interested in participating in Vacation Bible School, coming up from July 24-27. Head to our website to register your child, or to sign up to volunteer as a youth or adult! The meal sponsor sign up is also open. Talk to your board, committee or small group about sponsoring a meal for VBS! 

There are big changes happening at Connections! Pastor Collette will be moving on to new adventures and our own Elizabeth Paul will be taking over as Development Director at Connections. Mark your calendar, on July 18 from 3-5 Connections will host an Ice Cream Social Send Off at their Front Street location. 

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. We will also need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo process. We are looking for folks interested in helping with check-in from 1:45-6pm and 5:45-8:30pm weekdays, and 9:45am to 1pm, 12:45-4pm Saturday. Please contact the office if you are interested in assisting! 

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.

Our July Monthly Mission will be Partners for Housing. P4H works by providing emergency shelters at Theresa House, Union Street Pleace, and the Welcome Inn. They provide transitional housing, rapid re-housing and long-term housing in collaboration with many other supportive services. Bethlehem’s goal is to raise $1,300 for Partners for Housing. Please consider supporting this important mission!

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This Week In Our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch

Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

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LECTIONARY July 2 Matthew 10:40-42

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