Hello Bethlehem, 

We hope you enjoyed the Children’s Christmas Program, “The 12 Stars of Christmas!” We were also happy to hear from Pastor Kristin Engstrom as she shared with us about her work in Zambia. You can view yesterday’s full worship service on our Facebook page and YouTube channel. Join us Christmas Eve for worship services at 9:30am, 4:00pm and 6:00pm. 

This is a last call to get your loved one’s names on the screen on Christmas Eve! Order your God’s Global Barnyard animals by December 19th to have your gift in honor or memory of a loved one celebrated during Christmas Eve worship. Click here to order online!

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This Week

All are welcome to Cocoa & Caroling! Meet us at Bethlehem at 6:30pm this Wednesday, December 20th, for hot cocoa, or join us at Connections Shelter at 7:00pm for caroling! There will be no Wednesday night supper, worship or education this week. Regular Wednesday night activities will return on Wednesday, January 3rd. 

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on Thursday, December 21 from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. There are still slots available! Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

This month

Our December Monthly Mission is God’s Global Barnyard! This program of ELCA World Hunger helps purchase animals for people dealing with food scarcity and poverty. The goal is long-term sustainable solutions for hunger. This makes a particularly meaningful and memorable gift for friends and family at Christmas time! Cards, ornaments and coloring books are available in the narthex for those who give the gift of a barnyard animal. Order your animals here! 

In lieu of a January Star, you will receive a Spring 2024 Catalog. The Bethlehem Star will return in February!

SERVE

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

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

notes

• Photographers welcome! Feel free to share your Children’s Christmas Program photos and take Christmas Eve photos, with the flash off please! You can tag us on Facebook and Instagram, or share photos with us directly at blchurch@blcmankato.org

• Our offices will be closed on Christmas Day and December 26th. We hope you have a blessed and merry Christmas!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld Pat Nelson

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family and friends of Betty Sanger

Vang Lutheran in Dennison Pilot Mound Lutheran in Chatfield

St. John Evangelical Lutheran in Waseca Trinity Lutheran in Ostrander

Dominiki Lutheran in Tanzania Kigaa Lutheran in Tanzania

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Lectionary Readings

9:30am December 24, Luke 1:26-38

4:00pm & 6:00pm December 24, Luke 2:1-20

December 31, Luke 2:22-40

Hello Bethlehem, 

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! We hope you enjoyed the Choir and Ensembles program yesterday, as well as the Christmas Hymn Sing after worship! Bethlehem also hosted Musicorum and the Minnesota Riverbend Brass Choir this weekend for their Christmas concerts. Join us next Sunday for the Children’s Christmas Program with the Praise Band! 

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This Week

Ecumen Pathstone Christmas Bows are up in the narthex! Just find the little tree and tag a tag. Return gifts to the office by December 13th for pickup. Thank you!  

Join us for supper this Wednesday before 6:15pm worship! This week we are serving hamburger goulash at 5:00pm.

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This month

Our December Monthly Mission is God’s Global Barnyard! This program of ELCA World Hunger helps purchase animals for people dealing with food scarcity and poverty. The goal is long-term sustainable solutions for hunger. This makes a particularly meaningful and memorable gift for friends and family at Christmas time! Cards, ornaments and coloring books are available in the narthex for those who give the gift of a barnyard animal. Order your animals here! 

All are welcome to Cocoa and Caroling on Wednesday, December 20th! Join us at Bethlehem at 6:30pm for hot chocolate or meet at Connections Shelter at 7:00pm for caroling.

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on December 21. There are still plenty of slots available! Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

Join us on Christmas Eve for worship services at 9:30am, 4:00pm and 6:00pm. 

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SERVE

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

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

tHANK yOU

“AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL! A huge thank you to all that helped with all processes of making the lefse and packaging it , plus the bake sale! It was so much fun to hear all the chatter and laughter, it could be heard thru out the church!! And that wonderful smell too!! In about 2 1/2 hours we turned out and packaged 480 pieces of lefse. And sold it ALL! It’s so wonderful to see everyone come together , and great to see the tradition of keeping lefse making alive!! We will distribute the money we made to local charities. We thank you all!”

-Ginger Erlandson

“We can't believe that we're already at the end of Fall Term at MSU-Mankato! We feel blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. We were pleased to welcome your volunteers on Tuesday, December 5, when Jan Blaisdell and DeAnn Bennett provided a hearty Finals Week lunch of chicken tetrazzini, spinach pasta, Italian bread, and homemade cake to 41 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $58.17 in donations that will be used to purchase the lettuce, fixings, beverages, paper plates, dinnerware, and other supplies for lunches during Spring Term. Bethlehem served Lunch For-a-Buck on four separate Tuesdays during Fall Term, feeding a total of 217 people while collecting $300.12 in donations. In all, five area ELCA congregations combined to serve Lunch For-a-Buck on 15 Tuesdays during the term, feeding 828 people and collecting $820.84 in donations. This is a substantial increase over 2022, when 448 individuals were served lunch during Fall Term and $514.81 in donations was collected. 

We look forward to seeing you at your next Lunch For-a-Buck following winter break on February 6, 2024. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads.”

      -Crossroads Campus Ministry

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Faith Lutheran in Saint Charles Central Lutheran in Winona

Wanamingo Lutheran in Wanamingo Kiech Kuon Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Torpuot Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Mading Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

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Lectionary Readings

December 10 & 13, Mark 1:1-8

December 17, John 1:6-8; 19-28 

9:30am December 24, Luke 1:26-38

4:00pm & 6:00pm December 24 Luke 2:1-20

Hello Bethlehem, 

Our December Monthly Mission is God’s Global Barnyard! This program of ELCA World Hunger helps purchase animals for people dealing with food scarcity and poverty. The goal is long-term sustainable solutions for hunger. You can watch last week’s Adult Forum on God’s Global Barnyard with Pastor Amanda White.

This makes a particularly meaningful and memorable gift for friends and family at Christmas time! Cards, ornaments and coloring books are available in the narthex for those who give the gift of a barnyard animal. Order your animals here! 

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This Week

Join us for Wednesday night supper before 6:15pm worship. We will be serving turkey noodle casserole, salad and rolls at 5:00pm. 

Celebrate Christmas with Musicorum, this Saturday at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $5 for students. 

This Sunday, December 10, it’s time to celebrate a successful fall stewardship campaign and another Christmas holiday season! Join us in Grounds for Joy after morning worship. The Stewardship Board invites you to a thank-you reception with food and beverages provided. Our own talented Christine Schulz will lead us at the piano in singing familiar Christmas hymns as we enjoy our time together. What a perfect way to spend your Sunday morning!

On Sunday, December 10 at 7:00pm we will host the Minnesota Riverbend Brass Choir for their Advent and Christmas performance. 

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Check it out: LIGHT kiddos made graham cracker nativity scenes!

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This month

Join us for Christmas Eve worship services at 9:30am, 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on December 21. There are still plenty of openings to donate! Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

November 19 Council Minutes The official minutes of the BLC Council for its November 19 monthly meeting are available on the BLC website. This is a great opportunity to be informed about Council leadership, discussion and actions on behalf of the congregation.

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

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SERVE

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

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, &  his caregivers

Concordia Lutheran of Pickerel Lake in Albert Lea East Chain Lutheran in Blue Earth

People of Hope in Rochester St. Paul Kyengege Lutheran in Tanzania

Palliative Care Program at Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

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Lectionary Readings

December 3 & 6, Mark 13:24-37

December 10 & 13, Mark 1:1-8

December 17, John 1:6-8; 19-28 

Christmas Eve Readings

9:30am Luke 1:26-38

4:00pm & 6:00pm Luke 2:1-20

Hello Bethlehem, 

We hope you enjoyed shopping yesterday at the Fair Trade Bazaar! Thank you to our volunteers who helped make it happen. 

Bethlehem is serving at Connections this week! There are just a couple slots left for December 2. Sign up online to help out! 

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This Week

All are welcome to join us for Wednesday night supper. This week we are serving lasagna!

Instead of class for 5th-8th grade Torchlight & Confirmation youth, they will be invited to join this "brave conversation" with a parent or trusted adult.

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This month

Join us for Christmas Eve worship services at 9:30am, 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

December 10 Happenings Time to celebrate a successful fall stewardship campaign and another Christmas holiday season on Sunday, December 10 in Grounds for Joy after morning worship. The Stewardship Board invites you to a thank-you reception with food and beverages provided. Our own talented Christine Schulz will lead us at the piano in singing familiar Christmas hymns as we enjoy our time together. What a perfect way to spend your Sunday morning!

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on December 21. Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

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Adult Forum

December 3 Pastor Amanda White will highlight the background and activities of God's Global Barnyard and ELCA World Hunger at next Sunday's adult forum. This will be a great opportunity to learn about December's monthly mission and the important work of ELCA in meeting the challenge of global hunger. Join us for coffee and conversation with Pastor White at 10:30 am after worship in Grounds for Joy.

SERVE

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

Monthly Mission Partner

Our November Monthly Mission is The Reach Youth Resource Center. Since The Reach formed in 2011, they have served over 5,300 unhoused or at-risk youth and provided over 30,800 meals! Located on the Liberty Street side of Bethlehem’s campus, The Reach is a valuable resource in providing resources, basic necessities, preparation for employment and independent living, as well as recreational activities. Please give online or mail a check to support this important mission in our community!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family & friends of Carol Peterson

St. John Lutheran in Elkton Bethlehem Lutheran of Myrtle in Glenville

Dennison Lutheran in Dennison St. John’s Lutheran in Northfield

Kisimba Lutheran in Tanzania Msamaria Mwema Getwanasi Lutheran in Tanzania

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Lectionary Readings

November 26 & 29, Matthew 25: 31-46

December 3 & 6, Mark 13:24-37

Hello Bethlehem, 

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for keeping our lefse tradition alive! We had a lot of fun on Friday! If you haven’t yet had a chance to pick up your pre-ordered lefse you can stop by the office tomorrow to do so. 

Bethlehem will serve at Connections next week and there are just a few openings left on our schedule that we would love to get these filled before Thanksgiving! We still need a main dish and two sides for November 29 and December 2. Interested in serving? Sign up online to help out! 

From the Council

November 19 Semi-Annual Meeting The BLC congregation met on Sunday for its fall semi-annual meeting. Reports on the BLC strategic plan and Council/board/committee goals and activities for 2023-24 were presented. It reviewed and approved the proposed 2024 budget as presented by the council. These details and other news are included in the minutes of the meeting provided with this link. Thank you for your support of all that Bethlehem does through its ministry.

2023-24 BLC Goals & Activities The BLC Council and boards/committees have established the following goals and activities to guide their work during 2023-24. These include the new strategic plan goals and objectives. This is a great overview of the work planned for this year by the Bethlehem congregation. We will make a real difference for our members and the community. Read and learn!

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LIGHT kiddos wrote down what they were thankful for in preparation for Thanksgiving!

This Week

There will be no worship, meal or education at Bethlehem this Wednesday. Have a happy Thanksgiving! 

The Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar will be this Sunday, November 26th after worship. There will be goods from Global Mamas, 10,000 Villages and New Ulm’s Own. Get a start on holiday shopping from some wonderful and ethical vendors!

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Thank you

“The Cruz family continues to do very well! The family recently had an opportunity to go out to Wisconsin to visit some other family members who are in the United States. The WELCOME team also heard from the law office that asylum paperwork was officially filed at the beginning of October. At this point it is just a waiting game until we hear about what next steps are. We were also told that work permits can be applied for 150 days after the asylum application is received. This would be sometime in March 2024 at the earliest. If the family is granted asylum they will be eligible for residency/green cards 1 year after asylum is granted. So, in other words, it is a long process and we are very much still in the beginning stages. We continue pressing forward though.

The fiesta for the family was a huge success! Thank you to all who were able to attend! We have been hearing a lot of feedback about how it was nice to get all 5 churches together to celebrate. We had approximately 200 people from all 5 congregations attend the celebration. It was a fantastic evening to celebrate all the ways that God has been among us all in this process!”

-Pastor Jacie Richmond

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Join us for Christmas Eve worship services at 9:30am, 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on December 21. Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

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SERVE

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

Monthly Mission Partner

Our November Monthly Mission is The Reach Youth Resource Center. Since The Reach formed in 2011, they have served over 5,300 unhoused or at-risk youth and provided over 30,800 meals! Located on the Liberty Street side of Bethlehem’s campus, The Reach is a valuable resource in providing resources, basic necessities, preparation for employment and independent living, as well as recreational activities. Please give online or mail a check to support this important mission in our community!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Betty Sanger Joan Stoffel

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The families & friends of Victoria Reedstrom, Ruth Reichwald & Carol Peterson

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Spring Valley Evanger Lutheran in Sargeant

Minneola Lutheran in Goodhue North Waseca Lutheran in Waseca

Urughu Lutheran in Tanzania Msingi Lutheran in Tanzania

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Lectionary Readings

November 26 & 29, Matthew 25: 31-46

December 3 & 6, Mark 13:24-37

Hello Bethlehem, 

Semi-Annual Meeting: Join us at the fall semi-annual meeting this coming Sunday. We will gather after worship at 10:45 in the lower-level dining room. We will discuss and vote on the 2024 budget. We will also review the 2023-24 planned goals and activities of the Council and boards/committees as well as hearing an update on our strategic plan. This information is all available on the BLC website. Please review this prior to the meeting so you are informed!

We need a quorum of 75 members in attendance to approve the budget. We want each and every BLC member present for our conversation and decisions. Coffee and donuts will be available. Thank you in advance for your time and interest!

2023-24 BLC Goals & Activities The BLC Council and boards/committees have established the following goals and activities to guide their work during 2023-24. These include the new strategic plan goals and objectives. This is a great overview of the work planned for this year by the Bethlehem congregation. We will make a real difference for our members and the community. Read and learn!

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Photo from last Thursday’s Fiesta de la Familia with the Cruz family and the WELCOME team!

This Week

Pre-orders now open! Pre-orders close November 15 and we will be making lefse this Friday, November 17. Whether you’re an experienced roller, flipper and taste tester or you’ve never made lefse before, all are welcome to join in the fun! Lefse will be available for pickup this Friday, November 17 from noon until 1pm and at the bake sale after worship on Sunday, November 19. Unsold lefse will be available at the bake sale for anyone who missed the pre-order!

This Month

• There will be no Family Faith Formation Education Thanksgiving week. We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! 

• The Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar is November 26th after worship. There will be goods from Global Mamas, 10,000 Villages and New Ulm’s Own. Get a start on holiday shopping from some wonderful and ethical vendors! 

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Thank you

"We can't believe that we're already four weeks away from the end of Fall Term at MSU-Mankato! We feel blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. We were pleased to welcome your volunteers on Tuesday, November 7, when Jan Blaisdell and Jeri Clement combined forces to provide a mouth-watering lunch of chicken & sour cream enchiladas, cheese & onion enchiladas, rice, bread, and homemade cake to 63 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $47.01 in donations that will be used to purchase the lettuce, fixings, beverages, paper plates, dinnerware, and other supplies for future lunches. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads.

      Crossroads Campus Ministry

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Danielle Johnson with the cookie made at this weekend’s Young Adults cooking competition! Post high school young adults can contact Pastor Jacie to join the group.. They will gather again in December for an MSU Hockey Game!

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on December 21. Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

If you’d like to help provide support for victims of the war in the Holy Land you can contribute to Lutheran World Relief or to the ELCA Disaster Response. 

Bethlehem is scheduled to serve at Connections Tuesday 11/28- Sunday 12/3 and the weeks of 1/15 and 2/26. Sign up online to help out! 

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

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Monthly Mission Partner

Our November Monthly Mission is The Reach Youth Resource Center. Since The Reach formed in 2011, they have served over 5,300 unhoused or at-risk youth and provided over 30,800 meals! Located on the Liberty Street side of Bethlehem’s campus, The Reach is a valuable resource in providing resources, basic necessities, preparation for employment and independent living, as well as recreational activities. Please give online or mail a check to support this important mission in our community!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Nikolas Perez

Betty Sanger Joan Stoffel Lisa Hagen

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family & friends of Ruth Reichwald

The family & friends of Vicki Reedstrom

Christ Lutheran in Byron St. Luke’s Lutheran in Goodhue

Grace Lutheran in Waseca St. Paul Lutheran in Conger

Pulguori Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Cannon River Lutheran in Welch Mungaa Lutheran in Tanzania

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Lectionary Readings

November 12 & 15, Matthew 25:1-13

November 19, Matthew 25:14-30

November 26 & 29, Matthew 25: 31-46

Hello Bethlehem, 

Pre-orders now open! Pre-orders close November 15 and we will be making lefse on Friday, November 17… but we can’t do it alone! More volunteers mean more lefse. Confirm with Ginger Erlandson ASAP if you are planning to help. (507)380-5268 rerlandson2@gmail.com Lefse will be available for pickup on Friday, November 17 from noon until 1pm and Sunday, November 19 after worship.

This Month

• The Semi-Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 19 after worship. Join us November 12 for a Budget forum. Budgets will be available on the Welcome Kiosk next Sunday, November 5.

• There will be no Family Faith Formation Education Thanksgiving week. We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! 

• The Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar is November 26th after worship. There will be goods from Global Mamas, 10,000 Villages and New Ulm’s Own. Get a start on holiday shopping from some wonderful and ethical vendors! 

THIS WEEK

• The Fiesta de la Familia in celebration of the Ariac and Andrea Cruz family is this Thursday, November 9th at 6:00pm. Join the WELCOME Committee at  Christ the King Church located at 222 Pfau Street in Mankato for a Nicaraguan-style supper. 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.

• Sparks is a new, bi-monthly gathering to connect Bethlehem’s youngest members and their adults. Littles aged 0-2 and their adults are welcome to join for coffee, donuts, and connection. Sparks will meet this Sunday, November 12 at 10:30am in the nursery located in the lower level.

• Rake the Town is this Saturday! BLC Men and the Youth will be helping to clean up the community. 

• The Young Adults Group will be meeting this Saturday, November 11th, for a cooking competition in the lower level kitchen. Post high school young adults and their friends are welcome to join, contact Pastor Jacie to RSVP. 

• Youth and friends in 7th-12th grade are invited to Laser Tag this Sunday, November 12 from 2-4pm at the Wow!Zone. Cost is $15, RSVP to Anna Wencl. 

Monthly Mission

Our November Monthly Mission is The Reach Youth Resource Center. Since The Reach formed in 2011, they have served over 5,300 unhoused or at-risk youth and provided over 30,800 meals! Located on the Liberty Street side of Bethlehem’s campus, The Reach is a valuable resource in providing resources, basic necessities, preparation for employment and independent living, as well as recreational activities. Please give online or mail a check to support this important mission in our community!

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Bethlehem is scheduled to serve at Connections Tuesday 11/28- Sunday 12/3 and the weeks of 1/15 and 2/26. Sign up online to help out! 

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 will host a blood drive on December 21. Sign up online to give blood and save lives!

Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

If you’d like to help provide support for victims of the war in the Holy Land you can contribute to Lutheran World Relief or to the ELCA Disaster Response. 

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Adult forum - Sunday, November 12

Budget Forum The adult forum will focus on the Council proposed 2024 BLC budget. This is your opportunity to hear an overview of the proposal and to share your questions with Council members and financial secretary Elizabeth Ruiz. Copies of the budget proposal are available now on the kiosk in the church narthex. We look forward to seeing you at the forum in Grounds for Joy at 10:45 am.

The budget will be voted on at the November 19 fall semi-annual meeting. This will be held after worship at 10:45 am in the Dining Room. We need a quorum of 75 members to approve the budget. Please plan on participating in this important church meeting. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Nikolas Perez Betty Sanger

The families & friends of Jim Norland, Rich Bouquet, and Steve Twardoski

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

East Freeborn Lutheran in Albert Lea St. Peter’s Lutheran in Northfield

Grand Meadow Lutheran in Grand Meadow Central Freeborn Lutheran in Albert Lea

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Kiester Our Savior’s Lutheran in Cleveland

Emanuel Cathedral Lutheran in Tanzania Kiech Kuon Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

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Lectionary Readings

November 5 & 8, Matthew 5:1-12

November 12 & 15, Matthew 25:1-13

November 19, Matthew 25:14-30

Hello Bethlehem, 

The Semi-Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 19 after worship. Join us November 12 after worship for a Budget forum. Budgets will be available on the Welcome Kiosk next Sunday, November 5.

THIS month

• Union Presbyterian Church, located at 730 South Third Street in St. Peter, will be hosting a festival of hymns and readings entitled O Vision Fair:  Reflections on Grief Turned to Glory at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. Christine Schulz will be leading the music portion of the festival.  All are welcome to attend!

• 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.

• Pre-orders now open! We’re making lefse on Friday, November 17… but we can’t do it alone! More volunteers mean more lefse. Confirm with Ginger Erlandson ASAP if you are planning to help. (507)380-5268 rerlandson2@gmail.com Lefse will be available for pickup on Friday, November 17 from noon until 1pm and Sunday, November 19 after worship.

We had a wonderful Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween Youth Lock-In! Check out some of the photos on our Facebook. 

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Thrivent Action Grants & Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Would you like to help Bethlehem financially? Check out the flyer that describes what you can do with Thrivent Action Grants and Choice Dollars. You can really make a difference for our church.

If you’d like to help provide support for victims of the war in the Holy Land you can contribute to Lutheran World Relief or to the ELCA Disaster Response. 

We invite anyone interested to sign the name or bring a photo of loved ones who have passed on at the All Saints altar, now up in the narthex. 

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

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Adult forum - Sunday, October 29

Rural Mental Health - Sunday, November 5

Dr. Megan Mahowald of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University-Mankato will present Sunday's adult forum. Her focus will be on the challenges of rural mental health and the work of the Center. 

Join us at 10:30 am in Grounds for Joy for coffee and conversation. We look forward to seeing you. Check out the following links for background on this topic.

MSU Mankato rural mental health center expands to tackle access, shortage issues
Identifying bottlenecks and roadblocks in the rural mental health pipeline

Monthly Missions

Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Ministry. Connections is a low-barrier emergency shelter as well as outreach services. The shelter is seasonal and will open on October 2nd. There are 40 beds for unhoused men, women and children, and last year Connections served 115 shelter guests as well as 700 individuals in their outreach office. We can serve Connections through both monetary support and volunteering. The Connections vision statement says it all: “Walking with individuals and families experiencing homelessness by extending a radical welcome that provides dignity, shelter and community.” Our goal is $3,000.

Bethlehem is scheduled to serve at Connections Shelter Tuesday 11/28- Sunday 12/3 and the weeks of 1/15 and 2/26.

Our November Monthly Mission is The Reach Youth Resource Center. Since The Reach formed in 2011, they have served over 5,300 unhoused or at-risk youth and provided over 30,800 meals! Located on the Liberty Street side of Bethlehem’s campus, The Reach is a valuable resource in providing resources, basic necessities, preparation for employment and independent living, as well as recreational activities. Please give online or mail a check to support this important mission in our community!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch

Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Carol Peterson Nikolas Perez Betty Sanger

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The families & friends of Jim Norland, Rich Bouquet and Steve Twardosk

Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea

First English Lutheran in Cannon Falls

Peace Lutheran in Eyota

Mazoezi Muungano Lutheran in Tanzania

Deng Hoth Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

October 29, November 1, John 8:31-36

November 5 & 8, Matthew 5:1-12

November 12 & 15, Matthew 25:1-13

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Hello Bethlehem, 

Trunk-or-Treat is this week! Grab your costumes and join us Wednesday at 6:45pm in the parking lot for candy collecting in the trunk alley, face-painting, ring toss, hot cider, campfire and more! We will also be collecting donations for the Blessings Box. Bring your non-perishable food and personal care items to help us stock up for the fall and winter months. Let Anna know if you would like to host a trunk. See you Wednesday!

THIS WEEK

• All are welcome to join us for Wednesday night supper. This week we’re serving ham, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls. Stick around for Trunk-or-Treat!

• The Youth Halloween Lock-In is this Friday! Register here by Wednesday if your 5th-9th grader would like to attend.

Pastor Jacie here to remind you to wear your Reformation red this Reformation Sunday!

Lefse making is less than a month away, but it can’t happen without you! We’re making lefse on Friday, November 17… but we can’t do it alone! More volunteers mean more lefse. Confirm with Ginger Erlandson ASAP if you are planning to help. (507)380-5268 rerlandson2@gmail.com Once we have enough volunteers we will open pre-orders! Lefse will be available for pickup on Friday, November 17 from noon until 1pm and Sunday, November 19 after worship.

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.

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

We invite anyone interested to sign the name or bring a photo of loved ones who have passed on at the All Saints altar, now up in the narthex. 

If you’d like to help provide support for victims of the war in the Holy Land you can contribute to Lutheran World Relief or to the ELCA Disaster Response. 

Adult forum - Sunday, October 29

Join us for coffee and conversation with our city managers Susan Arntz of Mankato and Kevin McCann of North Mankato. Learn from these members of our congregation what is involved in providing quality life in our communities. Ask that question you have had about issues and practices affecting our residents. Join your fellow BLC members for a stimulating morning in Grounds for Joy at 10:30 am. We look forward to seeing you!

Monthly Mission

Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Ministry. Connections is a low-barrier emergency shelter as well as outreach services. The shelter is seasonal and will open on October 2nd. There are 40 beds for unhoused men, women and children, and last year Connections served 115 shelter guests as well as 700 individuals in their outreach office. We can serve Connections through both monetary support and volunteering. The Connections vision statement says it all: “Walking with individuals and families experiencing homelessness by extending a radical welcome that provides dignity, shelter and community.” Our goal is $3,000.

Bethlehem is scheduled to serve at Connections Shelter Tuesday 11/28- Sunday 12/3 and the weeks of 1/15 and 2/26.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Carol Peterson Jim Norland Nikolas Perez

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, and his caregivers

Elstad Lutheran in Peterson Saetersdal Lutheran in Harmony

Grace Lutheran in Peterson Nabii Elia Lutheran in Tanzania

Mading Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Casa La Paz in Medellin, Colombia

Lectionary Readings

October 22 & 25, Matthew 22:15-22

October 29, November 1, John 8:31-36

November 5 & 8, Matthew 5:1-12

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Hello Bethlehem, 

It’s fall y’all! FLIGHT met at Pumpkin Junction on Saturday for all kinds of festive fun. Trunk-or-Treat is coming up next week on October 25th! Sign up here to trunk or donate candy (please drop off by the 22nd). We are hoping to get even more trunks this year! 

Lefse can’t happen without you! We’re making lefse Friday, November 17… but we can’t do it alone! More volunteers mean more lefse. Confirm with Ginger Erlandson ASAP if you are planning to help. (507)380-5368 rerlandson2@gmail.com Once we have enough volunteers we will open pre-orders! Lefse will be available for pickup on Friday, November 17 from noon until 1pm and Sunday, November 19 after worship.

THIS WEEK

• Take it easy! There will be no supper or worship this Wednesday, and no education Wednesday or Sunday. There will also be no Adult Forum this Sunday. Enjoy MEA Break!

• Missed Sunday’s Adult Forum? The United Way Mental Health Task Force presented “Mental Health and Youth.” Watch it here!

“The kiddos were playing musical chairs and practicing their listening skills. We talked about the story of God Calling Samuel and listening closely to God's call.” -Kaitlin Carter

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.

Check out the Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2024 campaign video that highlights the challenge of mental health to the youth in our community.

We invite anyone interested to sign the name or bring a photo of loved ones who have passed on at the All Saints altar, now up in the narthex. 

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

Monthly Mission

Our October Monthly Mission is Connections Ministry. Connections is a low-barrier emergency shelter as well as outreach services. The shelter is seasonal and will open on October 2nd. There are 40 beds for unhoused men, women and children, and last year Connections served 115 shelter guests as well as 700 individuals in their outreach office. We can serve Connections through both monetary support and volunteering. The Connections vision statement says it all: “Walking with individuals and families experiencing homelessness by extending a radical welcome that provides dignity, shelter and community.” Our goal is $3,000.

Bethlehem is scheduled to serve at Connections Shelter Tuesday 11/28- Sunday 12/3 and the weeks of 1/15 and 2/26.

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Lectionary Readings

October 22 & 25, Matthew 22:15-22

October 29, November 1, John 8:31-36

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, & his caregivers

The families & friends of Rich Bouquet

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