Hello Bethlehem, 

It’s a Fiesta de la Familia and YOU are invited! This celebration will recognize the Ariac and Andrea Cruz family on Thursday, November 9th 6 PM to 8PM at Christ the King Church located at 222 Pfau Street in Mankato.

The WELCOME Committee invites you to a Nicaraguan-style supper: scrambled eggs wrapped in warm tortillas, Huevos Duros Y Tomate (eggs cooked in a wild tomato sauce) Chorizo, a simple but flavorful sausage, black beans and fresh fruits including bananas, papayas, mangoes and avocados. A short program will introduce attendees to the many adventures and accomplishments of the family since their arrival last December. Reservations required and limited! Use this form to sign up. Free will offering is gratefully accepted.

Ready for Fall

• Our Small Groups are meeting once more! Get signed up and join in Bethlehem’s many fellowship opportunities.

• Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place this Wednesday, September 20th. If you have not yet registered your child and would like to, please click here for registration. 

• Financial Peace University begins September 25! Sign up using the link and join Pastor Jay Mondays at 6:30pm to get control of your finances. 

• If you haven’t yet, pick up a Fall Catalog to see our upcoming events! The Bethlehem Star returns in October. 

Upcoming Events

• Bethlehem will hold a New Member Orientation on October 8 after worship. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member, please indicate so on a black pew pad during worship, or contact our office! 

• Bethlehem will host a Vaccine Clinic with Cub Foods Pharmacy on Sunday, October 1, from 9am until noon and Wednesday, October 4, from 4pm to 8pm. 

• Bethlehem will host a Women’s Event on October 7th, organized by BLC women. We invite you to come and enjoy light refreshments and Fair Trade shopping, and learn about Bible Journaling and Neuro Art. We will hear from speakers Marcie Flygare, neuroplasticity coach and trauma sensitive yoga instructor in Mankato, Minnesota, and Deb Hadley, author of the Morning God Boost, Founder of the KT Humble Hearts Foundation, and the Bereavement Manager for Knute Nelson Hospice. Event will take place from 9am to 1pm, and tickets are available online. Register here to attend. 

• Trunk or Treat at Bethlehem is set for October 25th! Sign up here to donate candy or to be a trunk. Donated candy must be dropped off at the office by October 22. We are hoping to get even more trunks this year!
  

Sunday’s Blessing of the Backpacks, photo curtesy of Jack Halvorson

On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Welcome Team will host a fundraiser at Applebee’s in Mankato. Just tell your server you are dining as guests of the Welcome Team and a percentage of your check will help our mission of welcoming refugees to our community. Ordering online? Just use code DOINGOOD at checkout.

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused on 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!

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

Last week’s worship service did not make it to the radio or livestream due to a power outage. We still had a wonderful God’s Work, Our Hands service and a copy of Pastor Jay’s message has been uploaded to our YouTube channel.

The Family Friendship Program at MSU was relaunched in the spring of 2023 and has played a significant role at MSU for many years. There are over 1700 international students from 98 countries who call MSU home.This program connects international students to volunteers in the community. Many of these students have never set foot in an American home while studying in the United States, and this program hopes to create space for cultural exchanges and connection. Kristin Odland, Retention Specialist at MSU, will speak about the Family Friendship Program at our Adult Forum on September 24. 

Our September Monthly Mission is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. The school is a boarding school for both girls and boys. School capacity is about 200 students. ISS has a total of 20 staff. Academically, Iambi Secondary School has been doing very well in various exams. In the Mkalama district, it is a leading school, and in the Singida region it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. Our goal is $7,000 You can mail a check or give online throughout the month of September. 

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Sarah Nelson Nikolas Perez Shari Elbert

Jean Thompson Lynette Freyberg

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Lorenzo Blaisdell

Bear Lake Concordia Lutheran in Albert Lea St. Paul Lutheran in Pine Island

Kijota Lutheran in Tanzania St. John Mwando Lutheran in Tanzania

Pulroaa Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

---

Lectionary Readings

September 17 & 20, Matthew 18:21-35

September 24 & 27, Matthew 20:1-16

October 1 & 4, Matthew 21:23-32

Hello Bethlehem, 

We had a fun and interesting start to God’s Work, Our Hands! The power was out for most of the service but the band still led us in worship. The lights came back during “Amazing Grace” and we were able to continue as planned with a wonderful brunch and service projects, including school kits and quilts in the lower level, outdoor games and activities for the kids, and a neighborhood clean up! More pictures of the fun are available on our Facebook along with photos from PrideFest. 

We hope you will join us for part two this Wednesday, September 13. Wednesday Night Suppers will return this week. We will be having cheeseburgers at 5pm and you can check out the full menu on our website. After 6:15pm worship we will continue with service projects, including another neighborhood cleanup walk and redoing the Byron Street sign! 

If you missed out on Sunday and won’t be here Wednesday, feel free to fill out the Time & Talent Form attached to this email or stop by the office to pick up a copy. Pick up a Fall Catalog while you’re in! There you will find our upcoming events as well as youth and children’s programming, small groups, music opportunities and more!

Bethlehem will host a Women’s Event on October 7th, organized by BLC women. We invite you to come and enjoy light refreshments and Fair Trade shopping, and learn about Bible Journaling and Neuro Art. We will hear from speakers Marcie Flygare, neuroplasticity coach and trauma sensitive yoga instructor in Mankato, Minnesota, and Deb Hadley, author of the Morning God Boost, Founder of the KT Humble Hearts Foundation, and the Bereavement Manager for Knute Nelson Hospice. Event will take place from 9am to 1pm, and tickets are available online. Register here to attend. 

The Family Friendship Program at MSU was relaunched in the spring of 2023 and has played a significant role at MSU for many years. There are over 1700 international students from 98 countries who call MSU home.This program connects international students to volunteers in the community. Many of these students have never set foot in an American home while studying in the United States, and this program hopes to create space for cultural exchanges and connection. Kristin Odland, Retention Specialist at MSU, will speak about the Family Friendship Program at our Adult Forum on September 24. 

Senior Fraud Awareness Seminar: Join South Point Financial Credit Union at 2pm on September 12 at Old Main Village for an informative seminar aimed at protecting older adults from common scams. Enjoy refreshments and treats and hear from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Senior Financial Fraud Ombudsman, Martin Fleischhacker. Note: you do not have to be a senior to attend this useful seminar. 

Registration forms for LIGHT & NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation are now available on our website! Click here for registration. Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place next Wednesday, September 20th. 

On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Welcome Team will host a fundraiser at Applebee’s in Mankato. Just tell your server you are dining as guests of the Welcome Team and a percentage of your check will help our mission of welcoming refugees to our community. Ordering online? Just use code DOINGOOD at checkout. 

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused during the summer on 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!

You can help the families devastated by the earthquake in Morocco. Head to Lutheran World Relief to support those in urgent need. 

You’re invited to the Connections Block Party and Shelter Shower on Thursday, Sept. 14. There will be music, food trucks, activities, shelter tours and more! You can help spruce up the shelter for the new season by purchasing items from their wish list. 

In case you missed it, we had a pastor in the paper! Check out Pastor Jacie in the Free Press article about church leadership at Mankato Pride. 

Fall term at MSU-Mankato is in full swing! We are blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry MSU students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. Faithful servants, Jan Blaisdell and Kathryn Sargent, served a delicious lunch of chicken alfredo pasta, spinach alfredo pasta, Italian bread, salad, and homemade cake to 43 hungry individuals during Lunch For-a-Buck on Tuesday, September 5. The students gobbled up every single bite of food that was provided! Jan and Kathryn also collected $51.94 in donations that will be used to purchase the salads, fixings, beverages, paper plates, dinnerware, and other supplies for future lunches. God bless you for your generosity and supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads.

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 September Monthly Mission is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. The school is a boarding school for both girls and boys. School capacity is about 200 students. ISS has a total of 20 staff. Academically, Iambi Secondary School has been doing very well in various exams. In the Mkalama district, it is a leading school, and in the Singida region it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. Our goal is $7,000 You can mail a check or give online throughout the month of September. 

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Sarah Nelson Nikolas Perez Shari Elbert

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Garness Trinity Lutheran in Mabel Central Lutheran in Winona

Redeemer Lutheran in Good Thunder Neema Mpipiti Lutheran in Tanzania

Mwanga Lutheran in Tanzania Gach Jal Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

---

Lectionary Readings

September 10 & 13, Matthew 18:15-20

September 17 & 20, Matthew 18:21-35

September 24 & 27, Matthew 20:1-16

Happy Labor Day, Bethlehem!

We saw a wonderful turnout at last week’s Night to Unite event in our parking lot, organized by the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. There was face painting, balloon animals, live music and more. Bethlehem’s table handed out treats. It’s always good to see the neighborhood!

This Week:

• On Friday, September 8, our high school youth are invited to an ice cream sundae and pride swag making party!

• The Welcome and Inclusion Committee is inviting everyone to participate in this year's Mankato Pride Parade on September 9, 2023! We will begin the day with a 9:30am worship service at First Presbyterian Church. More details on the flyer attached and on the Facebook event. The parade is at 11:15. We also are looking for volunteers to staff the Bethlehem booth at Riverfront Park for an hour or two between Noon and 4:00.Volunteers who sign up and be one of the first to order a Bethlehem T-shirt for $10.00 Sign Up sheets are at the Welcome Kiosk. 

• Finally, we hope you will join us Sunday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 13, for the 10th annual God’s Work, Our Hands. There will be food, fellowship and service projects. On Sunday after worship we will have brunch, school kit assembly, and a neighborhood cleanup. On Wednesday after supper and worship we will be working on service projects and painting the Bethlehem sign on Byron Street. Join us as we celebrate the ways God works through Bethlehem and the kick off of fall programming!

Registration forms for LIGHT & NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation are now available on our website! Click here for registration. Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place September 20th.

Interested in participating in a SEMN Synod Border Immersion Visit. There will be an information meeting on upcoming 2024 visit via Zoom on Thursday, September 7 at 6:30 pm. Here is the Zoom Link for the Border Immersion Visit Information Session. Plan on attending one of these meetings to receive an overview of a border immersion experience as well as get your questions answered.

Senior Fraud Awareness Seminar: Join South Point Financial Credit Union at 2pm on September 12 at Old Main Village for an informative seminar aimed at protecting older adults from common scams. Enjoy refreshments and treats and hear from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Senior Financial Fraud Ombudsman, Martin Fleischhacker. Note: you do not have to be a senior to attend this useful seminar. 

You’re invited to the Connections Block Party and Shelter Shower on Thursday, Sept. 14. There will be music, food trucks, activities, shelter tours and more! You can help spruce up the shelter for the new season by purchasing items from their wish list. 

On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Welcome Team will host a fundraiser at Applebee’s in Mankato. Just tell your server you are dining as guests of the Welcome Team and a percentage of your check will help our mission of welcoming refugees to our community. Ordering online? Just use code DOINGOOD at checkout. 

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused during the summer on 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!

The Family Friendship Program at MSU was relaunched in the spring of 2023 and has played a significant role at MSU for many years. There are over 1700 international students from 98 countries who call MSU home.This program connects international students to volunteers in the community. Many of these students have never set foot in an American home while studying in the United States, and this program hopes to create space for cultural exchanges and connection. Kristin Odland, Retention Specialist at MSU, will speak about the Family Friendship Program at our Adult Forum on September 24. 

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

September Monthly Mission is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. The school is a boarding school for both girls and boys. School capacity is about 200 students. ISS has a total of 20 staff. Academically, Iambi Secondary School has been doing very well in various exams. In the Mkalama district, it is a leading school, and in the Singida region it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. Our goal is $7,000 You can mail a check or give online throughout the month of September. 

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Shari Elbert Sarah Nelson Nikolas Perez

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & and his caregivers

The family & friends of Ruth Roberts

Red Oak Grove Lutheran in Austin Whalan Lutheran in Lanesboro

Epiphany Lutheran in Eagle Lake Nuru Itaja Lutheran in Tanzania

Banytic Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Mission of San Juan in Bucaramanga, Colombia

---

LECTIONARY September 10, Matthew 18:15-20

Hello Bethlehem, 

We hope you will join us Sunday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 13, for the 10th annual God’s Work, Our Hands. There will be food, fellowship and service projects. Join us as we celebrate the ways God works through Bethlehem and the kick off of fall programming!

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused during the summer on 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!

Registration forms for LIGHT & NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation are now available on our website! Click here for registration. Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place September 20th. 

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

Family Outdoor Movie Night August 18, 2023

You’re Invited

• The Lincoln Park Neighborhood will host their Night to Unite Block Party in our parking lot tomorrow, August 29, beginning at 5:30pm. There will be music by the Spoon Cherries, kids games and face painting, and a drawing for a Free Night Stay at the Moulin Rouge B&B. Stop by and say hello to our neighborhood!

• Interested in participating in a SEMN Synod Border Immersion Visit. There will be an information meeting on upcoming 2024 visits via Zoom on Tuesday, August 29 at 6:30 pm or Thursday, September 7 at 6:30 pm. Here is the Zoom Link for the Border Immersion Visit Information Session. Plan on attending one of these meetings to receive an overview of a border immersion experience as well as get your questions answered.

• The Welcome and Inclusion Committee is inviting everyone to participate in this year's Mankato Pride Parade on September 9, 2023! The parade is at 11:15. We also are looking for volunteers to staff the Bethlehem booth at Riverfront Park for an hour or two between Noon and 4:00.Volunteers who sign up and be one of the first to order a Bethlehem T-shirt for $10.00 Sign Up sheets are at the Welcome Kiosk. 

• You’re invited to the Connections Block Party and Shelter Shower on Thursday, Sept. 14. There will be music, food trucks, activities, shelter tours and more! You can help spruce up the shelter for the new season by purchasing items from their wish list. 

Good news!

• The BLC Blood Drive was a success. The goal was 34 Units and 40 Units were donated on Tuesday. Several BLC members donated and assisted with the donation process. GFJ is an excellent setting for this community service. The next Drive will be December 21.

• The Cruz family Moondogs game fundraiser was a success.Together we raised $1,152 for the family. We hope you will join us for our next fundraising opportunity. On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Welcome Team will host a fundraiser at Applebee’s in Mankato. Just tell your server you are dining as guests of the Welcome Team and a percentage of your check will help our mission of welcoming refugees to our community. Ordering online? Just use code DOINGOOD at checkout. 

Last call! Our August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State-Mankato. Bethlehem’s ties to this ministry go back over several years, volunteering regularly with their Lunch-for-a-Buck program, and Pastor Jacie Richmond is currently on the Board. Crossroads has been without a pastor for the past year and is focusing on rebuilding their programming after Covid and finding a new pastor. You can send a check to Bethlehem with Monthly Mission Crossroads in the memo line, or give online throughout the month of August. Thank you for supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our area students!

Reminder: In lieu of the September issue of the Bethlehem Star, members can look forward to receiving a Fall Catalog of Bethlehem events! The Bethlehem Star will return in October.

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland Shari Elbert

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

United Lutheran in Walters Vang Lutheran in Dennison

Cross of Christ Lutheran in Houston Sayuni Mipilo Lutheran in Tanzania

Iguguno Lutheran in Tanzania Jikmir Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

---

LECTIONARY  September 3, Matthew 16:21-28

Hello Bethlehem, 

This year the ELCA celebrates the 10th anniversary of “God’s Work, Our Hands.” This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate and continue our mission of growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God’s world.  We hope you will join us Sunday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 13 for food, fellowship, service projects and the kick off of fall programming!

The Welcome and Inclusion Committee is inviting everyone to participate in this year's Mankato Pride Parade on September 9, 2023! The parade is at 11:15. We also are looking for volunteers to staff the Bethlehem booth at Riverfront Park for an hour or two between Noon and 4:00.Volunteers who sign up and be one of the first to order a Bethlehem T-shirt for $10.00 Sign Up sheets are at the Welcome Center. 

Registration forms for LIGHT & NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation are now available on our website! Click here for registration. Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place September 20th. 

Our Blood Drive will take place tomorrow from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy! Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood and save lives. Donation hours are from 1-6pm and donors can receive a $10 e-gift card to the movies! We are looking for a volunteer from 3-6pm tomorrow to sit with folks who have donated, hand out snacks and make sure they are feeling well before they leave. Interested? Contact Mary Bliesmer at mary.bliesmer@mnsu.edu 

The Community and Global Mission Board has signed up to help with Sunday Suppers for the unhoused during the summer. Upcoming BLC dates are August 27th and 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!

Fall Volunteer Needs

Sunday Morning Coffee Servers: Reply to this email if interested!

Livestream/Slideshow Volunteers: These volunteers operate the worship slideshow, assist with the soundboard, and run the Sunday livestreams. This is a great opportunity for youth and families! Contact Molly Nelson mnelson@blcmankato.org to find out more. 

Wednesday Night Supper Servers: We are excited to begin these suppers again in September! Volunteers are placed on rotating teams and serve approximately once a month. If interested in joining, contact Amy Haigh at haigh29@yahoo.com 

Looking for a night out? Here are some great upcoming events: 

• The Lincoln Park Neighborhood will host their Nite to Unite Block Party in our parking lot next Tuesday, August 29, beginning at 5:30pm. There will be music by the Spoon Cherries, kids games and face painting, and a drawing for a Free Night Stay at the Moulin Rouge B&B. Stop by and say hello to our neighborhood! 

• You’re invited to the Connections Block Party and Shelter Shower on Thursday, Sept. 14. There will be music, food trucks, activities, shelter tours and more! You can help spruce up the shelter for the new season by purchasing items from their wish list. 

• On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Welcome Team will host a fundraiser at Applebee’s in Mankato. Just tell your server you are dining as guests of the Welcome Team and a percentage of your check will help our mission of welcoming refugees to our community. Ordering online? Just use code DOINGOOD at checkout. 

The YWCA is seeking volunteers for their upcoming STEM Camp.

In lieu of the September issue of the Bethlehem Star, members can look forward to receiving a Fall Catalog of Bethlehem events! The Bethlehem Star will return in October. 

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 August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State-Mankato. Bethlehem’s ties to this ministry go back over several years, volunteering regularly with their Lunch-for-a-Buck program, and Pastor Jacie Richmond is currently on the Board. Crossroads has been without a pastor for the past year and is focusing on rebuilding their programming after Covid and finding a new pastor. You can send a check to Bethlehem with Monthly Mission Crossroads in the memo line, or give online throughout the month of August. Thank you for supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our area students!

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Shari Elbert Nancy Bartell

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Dale Lutheran in Kenyon

Jackson Lake Lutheran in Amboy

Aurora Lutheran in Owatonna

Trondhjem Lutheran in Hayward

Mitume Ghata Lutheran in Tanzania

Kinyangiri Lutheran in Tanzania

---

LECTIONARY  August 27, Matthew 16:13-20

Hello Bethlehem, 

Bethlehem youth had a fun trip to Valleyfair last week! When the rides shut down temporarily due to the weather, the youth chose to dance in the rain! 

Registration forms for LIGHT & NightLIGHT, Torchlight and Confirmation are now available on our website! Visit the Children and Youth pages to register! Torchlight & Confirmation Orientation will take place September 20th. 

We have some great volunteer opportunities this fall! We are in particular need of: 

• Sunday Morning Coffee Servers

• Livestream/Slideshow Volunteers: These volunteers operate the worship slideshow, assist with the soundboard, and run the Sunday livestreams. This is a great opportunity for youth and families! Contact Molly Nelson mnelson@blcmankato.org to find out more. 

• Wednesday Night Supper Servers: We are excited to begin these suppers again in September! Volunteers are placed on rotating teams and serve approximately once a month. If interested in joining, contact Amy Haigh at haigh29@yahoo.com 

Bethlehem will host a Blood Drive on August 22. Sign up with the Red Cross to give blood, donation hours are from 1-6pm. Donors can receive a $10 e-giftcard to the movies! And mark your calendar, another Blood Drive has been scheduled for December 21st! 

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

Deborah Circle would like to invite all interested persons to join us for a summer bible study. We will meet this Saturday 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 August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State-Mankato. Bethlehem’s ties to this ministry go back over several years, volunteering regularly with their Lunch-for-a-Buck program, and Pastor Jacie Richmond is currently on the Board. Crossroads has been without a pastor for the past year and is focusing on rebuilding their programming after Covid and finding a new pastor. You can send a check to Bethlehem with Monthly Mission Crossroads in the memo line, or give online throughout the month of August. Thank you for supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our area students!

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Shari Elbert Nancy Bartell

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

The family and friends of Verona Roberts

Fountain Lutheran in Fountain

Calvary Lutheran in Mankato

Trinity Lutheran in West Concord

Mruma Lutheran in Tanzania

Dominiki Lutheran in Tanzania

Jokow Wareda Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

---

LECTIONARY August 20, Matthew 15: 21-28

Hello Bethlehem, 

Directory photos begin tomorrow here 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 accommodations. 

We need hosts to help facilitate the directory photo check-in process throughout the week, but especially from 5:45-8:30pm on Thursday. Please contact the office or reply to this email if you are interested in assisting! 

Just for participating you will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and directory. You will review your images right away and will have the opportunity to purchase family portraits if you wish. Our directory wouldn’t be complete without you, so schedule your appointment or call the office to discuss alternative accommodations!

Christine Schulz will be performing tomorrow, August 8th, at noon in the sanctuary. Admission is free, donations are accepted. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information. 

We had a beautiful time at Shores of St. Andrew with our 11 BLC campers last week. Together we learned that our faith is strong like a tree when we nurture ourselves by growing roots of faith and finding a strong foundation in God. The kids were reminded that Jesus is the vine, and he calls us to grow and thrive. And lastly, we practiced gratitude and gave thanks for all that God has done for us. Beyond growing in faith, we all enjoyed tons of beach time, carpetball and nine-square competitions, and many beautiful sunsets, too. Thank you for all the ways you've supported these faith-building experiences for our kids and youth!

It’s not too early to start thinking about fall! We are excited to begin Wednesday Night Suppers again in September. Interested in getting on the Wednesday Night Supper server schedule? Contact Amy Haigh at haigh29@yahoo.com 

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

Bethlehem will host a 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 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 August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State-Mankato. Bethlehem’s ties to this ministry go back over several years, volunteering regularly with their Lunch-for-a-Buck program, and Pastor Jacie Richmond is currently on the Board. Crossroads has been without a pastor for the past year and is focusing on rebuilding their programming after Covid and finding a new pastor. You can send a check to Bethlehem with Monthly Mission Crossroads in the memo line, or give online throughout the month of August. Thank you for supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our area students!

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland Shari Elbert

The family and friends of Verona Roberts

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Trinity Lutheran in Thompson

Hegre Lutheran in Kenyon

St. John’s Lutheran in Northfield

St. Augustine Ngamu Lutheran in Tanzania

Sayuni Kinyambuli Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in

San Lucas, Bogota

---

LECTIONARY August 13, Matthew 14:22-33

Hello Bethlehem, 

And they’re off! 11 Bethlehem kids and youth left yesterday for camp at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries! We wish them and their leaders a wonderful week of adventure and praise! 

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 throughout the week, but especially from 12:45-4pm on Saturday. Please contact the office or reply to this email if you are interested in assisting! 

The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is presenting it’s annual summer organ recitals on Tuesdays at noon here at Bethlehem, and our own Christine Schulz will be performing on August 8th! Admission is free, donations are accepted. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information. 

Over 50 kids from Bethlehem, Centenary and the surrounding community joined us for VBS last week. With a theme of RENEW, the kids made natural art, planted seeds, created compost, and so much more! Thank you to Kaitlin Carter, our Children’s and Family Ministry Associate, for all your hard work in planning, and thank you to the rest of our staff and volunteers who helped give the kids a great week! Check out some of the photos from the week:

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

Bethlehem will host a 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! 

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

It’s not too early to start thinking about fall! We are excited to begin Wednesday Night Suppers again in September. Interested in getting on the Wednesday Night Supper server schedule? Contact Amy Haigh at haigh29@yahoo.com 

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!

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!

Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s July Newsletter is now available!

Last call! 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!

Our August Monthly Mission is Crossroads Campus Ministry at Minnesota State-Mankato. Bethlehem’s ties to this ministry go back over several years, volunteering regularly with their Lunch-for-a-Buck program, and Pastor Jacie Richmond is currently on the Board. Crossroads has been without a pastor for the past year and is focusing on rebuilding their programming after Covid and finding a new pastor. You can send a check to Bethlehem with Monthly Mission Crossroads in the memo line, or give online throughout the month of August. Thank you for supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our area students!

---

This Week in our Prayers

First Lutheran in Blooming Prairie

Solor Lutheran in Webster

Redeemer Lutheran in Alden

Ngimu Lutheran in Tanzania

Igengu Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in Paz de Ariporo

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland

Shari Elbert Verona Roberts

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

---

LECTIONARY  August 6, Matthew 14:13-21

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!

---

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

---

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!

---

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

---

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