Hello Bethlehem,

Welcome to Holy Week. Bethlehem will worship on Maundy Thursday at 6:15pm, Good Friday at noon and 6:15pm, and Easter Sunday at 9:30am. Services will also be available to view online on our Facebook page.

We hope you enjoyed our Palm Sunday worship service led by the BLC Youth and Children. In case you missed it, you can view the service on our Facebook or YouTube channel. 

---

This Week

There will be no Wednesday night supper or worship this week. We will return next Wednesday with chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, vegetables and a roll, served at 5:00 pm in the lower level, followed by worship at 6:15 pm. 

Cans Needed! Anna and Kaitlin are requesting aluminum cans for a project to celebrate Eid with our children, youth, and families on April 10th. Size doesn't matter, just no lid, and rinsed. We need about 50 total.  Please drop them off in the main office by Monday, April 8th. Thank you!

We are kicking off our Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser. For $30 you can flock a friend or family member’s yard with flamingos. $10 gets you flamingo insurance to keep the flock off your yard. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help send our youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. Head to the form on our website to sign up!

Endowment Fund Scholarship applications are now open. Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students are invited to apply online here by May 1st. 

A closer look at the painting done by NightLIGHT youth using ashes from Ash Wednesday, and the Communion chalices created by our 4th graders for their Communion milestone.

---

KATO SLEEP OUT

Join Team Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem plans to repeat its 2023 Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out victory with another major commitment this spring. Join us to support this essential community outreach fundraising initiative! Make a Difference!  Pastor Jacie Richmond, Amy Haigh, Ben and Danielle Johnson will “sleep out” for Bethlehem in our parking lot on the evening of Friday, April 26. YOU can support them by contributing $$$ and products that support the Connections Shelter and produce another Team Bethlehem championship. Last year, 60 Bethlehem members and friends provided $6,050 to continue the ministry of Connections in our community. Can we meet and surpass these totals? YOU can help answer that challenge!

How Can I Be Involved?

You can contribute $$$ with Cash or Check (Payable to Connections Shelter Ministry). Put these in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at Bethlehem for credit to our team. Or, you can donate online. Email Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your donation information to be credited to our team. 

You can contribute individually wrapped snacks, coffee, powdered drink mix (lemonade, ice tea, Gatorade) toilet paper, and loose change. Bring these to the Sleep-Out at Bethlehem on Friday, April 26 at 5:00-6:00 pm. for credit to our team. See attachment for more Sleep-Out details! Thank you for your support!

ALS WALK

Please join us for the ALS walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and the walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions.

NEXTREX CHALLENGE

We want your plastic bags! Bethlehem has entered the NexTrex Recycling Challenge with a goal to collect 1,000 lbs of plastic bags. Acceptable bags include grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, ziploc and cereal bags, case overwrap you’d find on cases of water bottles or toilet paper, salt bags, plastic wrap and produce bags. If Bethlehem reaches this goal, NexTrex will award us a bench for our Community Garden. A receptacle will be available in the library lounge near the TV.

Look ahead

Blue Earth Taxi is now available for members in need of transportation to and from Sunday worship. Members can call 507-388-2227 on Saturday to arrange their pickup for Sunday. The ride will be billed to Bethlehem. 

We are assembling a team to help plan our second annual Women’s Event! Contact Joy Dykema if interested: dykemajoy@gmail.com

---

Monthly Mission

Bethlehem’s March Mission Partner is a faith-based organization in Minnesota called THEE Alliance Medical Debt. More families declare bankruptcy from accumulated medical debt than any other reason. Americans owe billions of dollars in medical debt, and those with serious debt often don’t seek needed medical care. THEE Alliance is the Minnesota affiliate of RIP Medical Debt, a national faith-based non-profit organization that buys medical debt from medical providers and debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. They have forgiven $10 billion since 2014, including over $49 million in medical debt forgiven for over 50,000 Minnesota families. Read more at ripmedicaldebt.org

You can give online or with a check. The Endowment Fund will provide additional support to enhance the generous contributions of the Bethlehem community designated for this March Mission Partner.

---

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

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel Shirley Ruby

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Trinity Lutheran in Wanamingo Root Prairie Lutheran in Chatfield

Trinity Lutheran in Thompson Iambi Lutheran in Tanzania

Disaster Preparation & Response Ministry in Colombia

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in Cocuy Easces

Lectionary Readings

March 31, Mark 16:1-8

April 7, John 20:19-31

---

Hello Bethlehem,

The youth have been preparing for Palm Sunday! Holy Week will begin with Palm Sunday led by LIGHT, NightLIGHT and TorchLIGHT youth this Sunday. We will begin worship by gathering in the narthex. The 4th graders will also be having their communion milestone during worship. Check out some of their rehearsal photos:

Easter Flower forms are due tomorrow, March 19th! Order online or pick up a form in the narthex. Flowers will be available on Easter after worship on a first-come basis for all who contributed. If you’d like to get a photo with the Easter garden, please plan on doing so before the worship service. After flowers are paid for, any additional funds will go to supporting our music scholars.

---

Holy Week Schedule 

This Week

March 24 - Palm Sunday Worship at 9:30

March 28 - Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:15 

March 29 - Good Friday Worship at noon & 6:15

March 31 - Easter Sunday Worship at 9:30

Wednesday night supper this week is a grilled chicken on a bun with potato salad and baked beans, served at 5 pm in the lower level. Join us afterwards for Lenten worship at 6:15pm. There will be no Wednesday night supper served next week. We hope you will join us for Holy Week worship services.

Our Adult Forum on Sunday, March 24 will be “Master Gardening and How Not to Kill Your Tree” with Shane Bugeja, Extension Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator.

---

This MONth

Director of Music & Worship, Charlie Leftridge, leading choir rehearsal in the chapel.

Pastor Don’s 75th birthday is coming up on March 20th! We are celebrating with a shower of cards. You can send your card directly to Pastor Don’s address, available on Breeze, or drop off/mail to the church office and we will get it sent out! 

Join Connections for a Cookie & Coffee Farewell Open House on Thursday, March 21 from 3-5pm at First Presbyterian Church. Drop by and say farewell and good luck to Pastor Erica.

We invite Bethlehem families to join our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, at 10:00. If you’d like to donate candy for this event, candy can be dropped off in the church office by Sunday, March 17th. Thank you! 

Monthly Mission

Bethlehem’s March Mission Partner is a faith-based organization in Minnesota called THEE Alliance Medical Debt. More families declare bankruptcy from accumulated medical debt than any other reason. Americans owe billions of dollars in medical debt, and those with serious debt often don’t seek needed medical care. THEE Alliance is the Minnesota affiliate of RIP Medical Debt, a national faith-based non-profit organization that buys medical debt from medical providers and debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. They have forgiven $10 billion since 2014, including over $49 million in medical debt forgiven for over 50,000 Minnesota families. Read more at ripmedicaldebt.org

You can give online or with a check. The Endowment Fund will provide additional support to enhance the generous contributions of the Bethlehem community designated for this March Mission Partner.

---

KATO SLEEP OUT

Join Team Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem plans to repeat its 2023 Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out victory with another major commitment this spring. Join us to support this essential community outreach fundraising initiative! Make a Difference!  Pastor Jacie Richmond, Amy Haigh, Ben and Danielle Johnson will “sleep out” for Bethlehem in our parking lot on the evening of Friday, April 26. YOU can support them by contributing $$$ and products that support the Connections Shelter and produce another Team Bethlehem championship. Last year, 60 Bethlehem members and friends provided $6,050 to continue the ministry of Connections in our community. Can we meet and surpass these totals? YOU can help answer that challenge!

How Can I Be Involved?

You can contribute $$$ with Cash or Check (Payable to Connections Shelter Ministry). Put these in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at Bethlehem for credit to our team. Or, you can donate online. Email Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your donation information to be credited to our team. 

You can contribute individually wrapped snacks, coffee, powdered drink mix (lemonade, ice tea, Gatorade) toilet paper, and loose change. Bring these to the Sleep-Out at Bethlehem on Friday, April 26 at 5:00-6:00 pm. for credit to our team. See attachment for more Sleep-Out details! Thank you for your support!

Look ahead

Blue Earth Taxi is now available for members in need of transportation to and from Sunday worship. Members can call 507-388-2227 on Saturday to arrange their pickup for Sunday. The ride will be billed to Bethlehem. 

We want your plastic bags! With the help of Sarah Morgan and the Landscaping Committee, Bethlehem has entered the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. Bethlehem has 365 days to collect 1,000 lbs of plastic bags. Acceptable bags include grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, ziploc and cereal bags, case overwrap you’d find on cases of water bottles or toilet paper, salt bags, plastic wrap and produce bags. If Bethlehem reaches this goal, NexTrex will award us a bench for our Community Garden. A receptacle will be available in the library lounge near the TV. Thank you for your help with this unique recycling challenge! 

We are assembling a team to help plan our second annual Women’s Event! Whether you participated last year or are just passionate about spreading grace and joy, we invite you to join in the planning process. The event will take place in the fall. Contact Joy Dykema if interested: dykemajoy@gmail.com

Please join us for the ALS walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and the walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

---

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

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel Shirley Ruby

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Community Lutheran in Geneva Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea

Christ Lutheran in Preston Whalan Lutheran in Lanesboro

Mwanga Lutheran in Tanzania Kier Wan Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

March 20, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

---

Hello Bethlehem,

We invite Bethlehem families to join our Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, at 10:00. If you’d like to donate candy for this event, candy can be dropped off in the church office by Sunday, March 17th. Thank you! 

Easter Flower order forms are now available! You can order online or pick up a form in the narthex. Please return forms by March 19th. Flowers will be available on Easter after worship on a first-come basis for all who contributed. If you’d like to get a photo with the Easter garden, please plan on doing so before the worship service. After flowers are paid for, any additional funds will go to supporting our music scholars. 

---

This Week

Wednesday night supper this week is a ham or turkey sandwich with potato salad and chips, served at 5 pm in the lower level. Join us afterwards for Lenten worship at 6:15pm.

Holy Week Schedule 

March 24 - Palm Sunday Worship at 9:30

March 28 - Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:15 

March 29 - Good Friday Worship at noon & 6:15

March 31 - Easter Sunday Worship at 9:30

Check out some photos from the 4th Grade Communion Retreat over the weekend: 

---

Monthly Mission

Bethlehem’s March Mission Partner is a faith-based organization in Minnesota called THEE Alliance Medical Debt. More families declare bankruptcy from accumulated medical debt than any other reason. Americans owe billions of dollars in medical debt, and those with serious debt often don’t seek needed medical care. THEE Alliance is the Minnesota affiliate of RIP Medical Debt, a national faith-based non-profit organization that buys medical debt from medical providers and debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. They have forgiven $10 billion since 2014, including over $49 million in medical debt forgiven for over 50,000 Minnesota families. Read more at ripmedicaldebt.org

You can give online or with a check. The Endowment Fund will provide additional support to enhance the generous contributions of the Bethlehem community designated for this March Mission Partner.

---

Adult Forum

March 17 Adult Forum: Pancake Breakfast & Open House with The REACH

---

Look ahead

We are assembling a team to help plan our second annual Women’s Event! Whether you participated last year or are just passionate about spreading grace and joy, we invite you to join in the planning process. The event will take place in the fall. Contact Joy Dykema if interested: dykemajoy@gmail.com

Please join us for the ALS walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and the walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

Have you been looking for a way to finally get on top of your money? This. Is. Your. Time. Text or call Danielle Johnson at 507-327-5921 for more information about joining our Financial Peace University class starting on Monday, March 18 at 7pm at Bethlehem. We’ll gather each Monday through May 13. Make today the day you decide to own your money—not the other way around. You've got this!

Join Team Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem plans to repeat its 2023 Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out victory with another major commitment this spring. Join us to support this essential community outreach fundraising initiative! Make a Difference!  Pastor Jacie Richmond, Amy Haigh, Ben and Danielle Johnson will “sleep out” for Bethlehem in our parking lot on the evening of Friday, April 26. YOU can support them by contributing $$$ and products that support the Connections Shelter and produce another Team Bethlehem championship. Last year, 60 Bethlehem members and friends provided $6,050 to continue the ministry of Connections in our community. Can we meet and surpass these totals? YOU can help answer that challenge!

How Can I Be Involved?

You can contribute $$$ with Cash or Check (Payable to Connections Shelter Ministry). Put these in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at Bethlehem for credit to our team. Or, you can donate online. Email Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your donation information to be credited to our team. 

You can contribute individually wrapped snacks, coffee, powdered drink mix (lemonade, ice tea, Gatorade) toilet paper, and loose change. Bring these to the Sleep-Out at Bethlehem on Friday, April 26 at 5:00-6:00 pm. for credit to our team. See attachment for more Sleep-Out details! Thank you for your support!

---

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

THANK YOU

“Very big thank you to Jim and Gail Christensen for taking me to church every Sunday this past year after Roger passed away in January of 2023. I appreciate them so much and they deserve a break! I am wondering if anyone would be willing to pick me up for church during the month of March. Please give me a call if you are interested in driving. (507) 388-6756 And if you see the Christensens, please say, “Thank you!”

-Dee Saman

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel Shirley Ruby Gatchang Duach

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea First Lutheran in Blooming Prairie

Christ the King Lutheran in Mankato Solo Por Fe Lutheran in Colombia

Mazoezi Kikio Lutheran in Tanzania Yerusalemu Ilunda Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

March 13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

March 17, John 12:20-33

---

Hello Bethlehem,

We want your plastic bags! With the help of Sarah Morgan and the Landscaping Committee, Bethlehem has entered the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. Bethlehem has 365 days to collect 1,000 lbs of plastic bags. Acceptable bags include grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, ziploc and cereal bags, case overwrap you’d find on cases of water bottles or toilet paper, salt bags, plastic wrap and produce bags. If Bethlehem reaches this goal, NexTrex will award us a bench for our Community Garden. A receptacle will be available in the library lounge near the TV. Thank you for your help with this unique recycling challenge! 

---

This Week

Wednesday night supper this week is a ham or turkey sandwich with potato salad and chips, served at 5 pm in the lower level. Join us afterwards for Lenten worship with Pastor John Odegard of Grace Lutheran in Mankato, in the sanctuary at 6:15pm.

---

Monthly Mission

Bethlehem’s March Mission Partner is a faith-based organization in Minnesota called THEE Alliance Medical Debt. More families declare bankruptcy from accumulated medical debt than any other reason. Americans owe billions of dollars in medical debt, and those with serious debt often don’t seek needed medical care. THEE Alliance is the Minnesota affiliate of RIP Medical Debt, a national faith-based non-profit organization that buys medical debt from medical providers and debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. They have forgiven $10 billion since 2014, including over $49 million in medical debt forgiven for over 50,000 Minnesota families. Read more at ripmedicaldebt.org

You can give online or with a check. The Endowment Fund will provide additional support to enhance the generous contributions of the Bethlehem community designated for this March Mission Partner.

Adult Forum

March 9 Adult Forum: Traveling the Lutheran World with Becky Sullivan

Join our own Becky Sullivan as she shares her journey this past fall to meet with Lutheran pastors and members in South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and other destinations. The forum will be held in Grounds for Joy at 10:45 am after morning worship. Enjoy coffee and conversation with Becky.

---

Thank you to the BLC Choir for sharing your beautiful voices on Sunday!

Look ahead

Easter Flower order forms are now available! You can order online or pick up a form in the narthex. Please return forms by March 19th. Flowers will be available on Easter after worship on a first-come basis for all who contributed. If you’d like to get a photo with the Easter garden, please plan on doing so before the worship service. After flowers are paid for, any additional funds will go to supporting our music scholars.

We are assembling a team to help plan our second annual Women’s Event! Whether you participated last year or are just passionate about spreading grace and joy, we invite you to join in the planning process. The event will take place in the fall. Contact Joy Dykema if interested: dykemajoy@gmail.com

Please join us for the ALS walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and the walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

Have you been looking for a way to finally get on top of your money? This. Is. Your. Time. Text or call Danielle Johnson at 507-327-5921 for more information about joining our Financial Peace University class starting on Monday, March 18 at 7pm at Bethlehem. We’ll gather each Monday through May 13. Make today the day you decide to own your money—not the other way around. You've got this!

Join Team Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem plans to repeat its 2023 Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out victory with another major commitment this spring. Join us to support this essential community outreach fundraising initiative! Make a Difference!  Pastor Jacie Richmond, Amy Haigh, Ben and Danielle Johnson will “sleep out” for Bethlehem in our parking lot on the evening of Friday, April 26. YOU can support them by contributing $$$ and products that support the Connections Shelter and produce another Team Bethlehem championship. Last year, 60 Bethlehem members and friends provided $6,050 to continue the ministry of Connections in our community. Can we meet and surpass these totals? YOU can help answer that challenge!

How Can I Be Involved?

You can contribute $$$ with Cash or Check (Payable to Connections Shelter Ministry). Put these in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at Bethlehem for credit to our team. Or, you can donate online. Email Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your donation information to be credited to our team. 

You can contribute individually wrapped snacks, coffee, powdered drink mix (lemonade, ice tea, Gatorade) toilet paper, and loose change. Bring these to the Sleep-Out at Bethlehem on Friday, April 26 at 5:00-6:00 pm. for credit to our team. See attachment for more Sleep-Out details! Thank you for your support!

---

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

THANK YOU

“Very big thank you to Jim and Gail Christensen for taking me to church every Sunday this past year after Roger passed away in January of 2023. I appreciate them so much and they deserve a break! I am wondering if anyone would be willing to pick me up for church during the month of March. Please give me a call if you are interested in driving. (507) 388-6756 And if you see the Christensens, please say, “Thank you!”

-Dee Saman

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Trinity Fellowship ELCA in Rushford Stordahl Lutheran in Zumbrota

Sudanese Nuer Community at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Owatonna Mukulu Lutheran in Tanzania

Preventative Mental Health Ministry in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

March 6, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

March 10, John 3:14-21

March 13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

---

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for helping us welcome Bethlehem’s new members on Sunday morning. We’re glad you’re here!

Easter Flower order forms are now available! You can order online or pick up a form in the narthex. Please return forms by March 19th. Flowers will be available on Easter after worship on a first-come basis for all who contributed. If you’d like to get a photo with the Easter garden, please plan on doing so before the worship service. After flowers are paid for, any additional funds will go to supporting our music scholars. 

---

This Week

Wednesday night supper this week is chicken and mashed potatoes, served at 5 pm in the lower level. Join us afterwards for Lenten worship with Pastor Sarah Deutsch of Epiphany Lutheran in Eagle Lake, in the sanctuary at 6:15pm.

---

Monthly Mission

Our February Monthly Mission is the ECHO Food Shelf. ECHO has been committed to addressing food insecurity in our community since 1981. Our February donations will be presented in March, which is Minnesota Food Share Month, doubling what you give! Our goal is to raise $3,500. This program depends on volunteers, and we encourage you to consider giving a gift of your time.

Adult Forum

“Helping Forgive Medical Debt for Pennies on the Dollar”

Can Bethlehem help address the serious issue of medical debt? More families declare bankruptcy from accumulated medical debt than any other reason. Americans owe billions of dollars in medical debt, and those with serious debt often don’t seek needed medical care. Bethlehem’s March Mission Partner is a faith-based organization in Minnesota called THEE Alliance Medical Debt.

Pastor Peter Geisendorfer-Lindgren, an advisor to THEE Alliance, will be the Adult Forum speaker on March 3. He will help us understand how to forgive medical debt for pennies on the dollar. Read more at theealliance.org THEE Alliance is the Minnesota affiliate of RIP Medical Debt, a national faith-based non-profit organization that buys medical debt from medical providers and debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. They forgive the debt—$10 billion since 2014— instead of pursuing collection. This includes over $49 million in medical debt forgiven for over 50,000 Minnesota families. Read more at ripmedicaldebt.org

Please come to the Adult Forum on at 10:45 AM on Sunday, March 3 in Grounds for Joy to hear Pastor Geisendorfer-Lindgren from the THEE Alliance explain the medical debt forgiveness effort of Minnesota faith communities. The Endowment Fund will provide additional support to enhance the generous contributions of the Bethlehem community designated for this March Mission Partner.

---

Look ahead

We are assembling a team to help plan our second annual Women’s Event! Whether you participated last year or are just passionate about spreading grace and joy, we invite you to join in the planning process. The event will take place in the fall. Contact Joy Dykema if interested: dykemajoy@gmail.com

Please join us for the ALS walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and the walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

Have you been looking for a way to finally get on top of your money? This. Is. Your. Time. Text or call Danielle Johnson at 507-327-5921 for more information about joining our Financial Peace University class starting on Monday, March 18 at 7pm at Bethlehem. We’ll gather each Monday through May 13. Make today the day you decide to own your money—not the other way around. You've got this!

Join Team Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem plans to repeat its 2023 Connections Shelter Kato Sleep Out victory with another major commitment this spring. Join us to support this essential community outreach fundraising initiative! Make a Difference!  Pastor Jacie Richmond, Amy Haigh, Ben and Danielle Johnson will “sleep out” for Bethlehem in our parking lot on the evening of Friday, April 26. YOU can support them by contributing $$$ and products that support the Connections Shelter and produce another Team Bethlehem championship. Last year, 60 Bethlehem members and friends provided $6,050 to continue the ministry of Connections in our community. Can we meet and surpass these totals? YOU can help answer that challenge!

How Can I Be Involved?

You can contribute $$$ with Cash or Check (Payable to Connections Shelter Ministry). Put these in an envelope with your name and give to Bob Ihrig at Bethlehem for credit to our team. Or, you can donate online. Email Bob Ihrig at robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with your donation information to be credited to our team. 

You can contribute individually wrapped snacks, coffee, powdered drink mix (lemonade, ice tea, Gatorade) toilet paper, and loose change. Bring these to the Sleep-Out at Bethlehem on Friday, April 26 at 5:00-6:00 pm. for credit to our team. See attachment for more Sleep-Out details! Thank you for your support!

---

SErVE

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter this week! There are just a few more slots in need of dishes and meal servers this week. Sign up online to provide part of a meal or to 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

THANK YOU

“Very big thank you to Jim and Gail Christensen for taking me to church every Sunday this past year after Roger passed away in January of 2023. I appreciate them so much and they deserve a break! I am wondering if anyone would be willing to pick me up for church during the month of March. Please give me a call if you are interested in driving. (507) 388-6756 And if you see the Christensens, please say, “Thank you!”

-Dee Saman

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family & friends of Jerry Carpenter

Urland Lutheran in Cannon Falls First of Highland Lutheran in Lanesboro

North Prairie Lutheran in Lanesboro Lutheran School of Theology (IELCO) in Bogota

Iguguno Lutheran in Tanzania The True Vine Ministry in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

February 28, 1 Corinthians 10:23-31

March 3, John 2:13-22

March 6, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

---

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for supporting our youth and joining us at Fat Tuesday! We hope you enjoyed the dinner and silent auction. Together we raised over $3,000 to help send our youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer.

Easter Flower order forms are now available! You can order online or pick up a form in the narthex. Please return forms by March 19th. Flowers will be available on Easter after worship on a first-come basis for all who contributed. If you’d like to get a photo with the Easter garden, please plan on doing so before the worship service. After flowers are paid for, any additional funds will go to supporting our music scholars. 

---

This Week

Wednesday night supper this week is beef stew and biscuits, served at 5 pm in the lower level. Join us afterwards for Lenten worship with Pastor Dave Reedstrom of Calvary Lutheran in Rapidan, in the sanctuary at 6:15pm.

BLC children and youth are welcome to take home a pack of 40 beans to plant during the season of Lent. The beans serve as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, as well as a sign of life.

---

Lenten Worship Schedule

February 14 — Ash Wednesday Worship at noon and 6:15

February 21 at 6:15 —Guest Preacher, Rev. Dave Reedstrom, Calvary Lutheran, Rapidan  

February 28 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. Sarah Deutsch, Epiphany Lutheran, Eagle Lake 

March 6 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. John Odegard, Grace Lutheran, Mankato 

March 13 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pr. Jay 

March 20 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pastor Jacie 

March 28 — Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:15 

March 29 — Good Friday Worship at noon and 6:15 

---

Monthly Mission

Our February Monthly Mission is the ECHO Food Shelf. ECHO has been committed to addressing food insecurity in our community since 1981. Our February donations will be presented in March, which is Minnesota Food Share Month, doubling what you give! Our goal is to raise $3,500. This program depends on volunteers, and we encourage you to consider giving a gift of your time.

Adult Forum

February 25 Adult Forum: Representatives of the Mankato Public Safety Department will update us on the current challenges facing the safety of our community and how the city is addressing these. Join us at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy to learn and process these developments. Coffee, donuts and conversation are free! We welcome you!

---

Look ahead

Please join us for the ALS Walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

The second annual Kato Sleep Out with Connections Shelter will take place on April 26th in the Bethlehem parking lot! Join a team and raise funds for this important work in our community. The online sign up is now open. 

Have you been looking for a way to finally get on top of your money? This. Is. Your. Time. Text or call Danielle Johnson at 507-327-5921 for more information about joining our Financial Peace University class starting on Monday, March 18 at 7pm at Bethlehem. We’ll gather each Monday through May 13. Make today the day you decide to own your money—not the other way around. You've got this!

---

SErVE

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter the week of Feb. 26th! Sign up online to provide part of a meal or to 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

THANK YOU

Thank you to our Tuesday morning school kit volunteers! On the first Tuesday of February, we loaded up a U-Haul and sent off 2,046 school kits to Lutheran World Relief to help students around the world. Thank you for your hard work!

Thanks to a generous donor, we have been able to upgrade our pew pads and pencils! Check them out next time you’re in the sanctuary.

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Ollie Anderson

Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family & friends of Ardis Grotta

Moscow Lutheran in Austin Trinity Lutheran in Owatonna

Cedar Valley Lutheran in Winona Zumbro Lutheran in Rochester

Gach Jal Lutheran Parish in South Sudan St. Augustine Ngamu Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

February 21, 1 Corinthians 13

February 25, Mark 8:31-38

February 28, 1 Corinthians 10:23-31

---

Hello Bethlehem,

We’re ready for Fat Tuesday! Online ticket sales close tomorrow at noon, so order your tickets now, or you can pay cash, check or online with the QR code tomorrow night at the door. There are still plenty of last-minute tickets available, so come on down for jambalaya or macaroni and cheese, our in-person silent auction and tons of fun! Funds raised will help support our 8 youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. We’ll see you tomorrow night, 5:30-7:00 pm! 

Get your Fat Tuesday tickets here. 

---

Lenten Worship Schedule

February 14 — Ash Wednesday Worship at noon and 6:15

February 21 at 6:15 —Guest Preacher, Rev. Dave Reedstrom, Calvary Lutheran, Rapidan  

February 28 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. Sarah Deutsch, Epiphany Lutheran, Eagle Lake 

March 6 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. John Odegard, Grace Lutheran, Mankato 

March 13 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pr. Jay 

March 20 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pastor Jacie 

March 28 — Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:15 

March 29 — Good Friday Worship at noon and 6:15 

---

Monthly Mission

Our February Monthly Mission is the ECHO Food Shelf. ECHO has been committed to addressing food insecurity in our community since 1981. Our February donations will be presented in March, which is Minnesota Food Share Month, doubling what you give! Our goal is to raise $3,500. This program depends on volunteers, and we encourage you to consider giving a gift of your time.

Adult Forum

February 18 Adult Forum - The Lutheran Liturgy Join our spiritual leaders Pastor Jay and Pastor Jacie in learning more about the Lutheran liturgy and its role in our faith as we worship. They will share background information and respond to the questions you have always wanted to ask. This should bring you back to your confirmation days.

---

---

Look ahead

Please join us for the ALS Walk, Saturday April 27th in Spring Lake Park. Check in is 8:30 and walk starts at 10:00. Let’s honor Pastor Don and in memory of Jon Nelson! Let’s hope for a sunny April day! The walk around the lake is very easy and comfortable. If you can’t join us.. and would like to donate, please go on line at ALS.org or stop in the office and pick up a form and mail-free envelope. Please contact Ginger Erlandson with any questions. 

The second annual Kato Sleep Out with Connections Shelter will take place on April 26th in the Bethlehem parking lot! Join a team and raise funds for this important work in our community. The online sign up is now open. 

Have you been looking for a way to finally get on top of your money? This. Is. Your. Time. Text or call Danielle Johnson at 507-327-5921 for more information about joining our Financial Peace University class starting on Monday, March 18 at 7pm at Bethlehem. We’ll gather each Monday through May 13. Make today the day you decide to own your money—not the other way around. You've got this!

---

SErVE

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter the week of Feb. 26th! Sign up online to provide part of a meal or to 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

THANK YOU

“Time sure flies. We can't believe that we're already well into Spring 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. On Tuesday, February 6, faithful volunteers, Kathy Piehl, Jan Blaisdell, and Roberta Ganske prepared and/or served a delicious lunch of chicken and bean burritos, tortilla chips & cheese, and homemade cake to 66 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $57.92 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, paper plates, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during Spring Term. We look forward to seeing you at your next Lunch For-a-Buck on April 2, 2024. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads.”

      Crossroads Campus Ministry

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Anna Moses John Engles Ollie Anderson

Ardis Grotta Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Plainview First English Lutheran in Faribault

Grace Lutheran in Fairmont Nuru Itaja Lutheran in Tanzania

Yiiw Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Mazoezi Muungano Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

February 14, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

February 18, Mark 1:9-15

February 21, 1 Corinthians 13

---

Hello Bethlehem,

Mmmm we can almost taste the jambalaya…Fat Tuesday tickets are on sale now! Funds raised will help support our 8 youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer.

The online portion of the silent auction is underway and will close on the 11th, so get those bids in! We hope to see you in person for our Fat Tuesday dinner, 5:30-7pm, on February 13th! 

Get your Fat Tuesday tickets here. 

---

This Week

Join us for supper this Wednesday. We will be serving spaghetti and meatballs with salad and rolls at 5pm, followed by worship at 6:15pm and education at 7pm.

Pastor Jacie and our Family Faith Formation Director, Anna Wencl, will be leading another Brave Conversation with the youth. This session’s topic: Phones, Technology and Boundaries.

This month

BLC Young Adults will meet on the 10th for Pub Theology. Have questions about faith you don’t know where or how to ask? Bring them to Pub 500, 6-7:30pm, where we will meet to talk about faith, religion and life in a casual setting. RSVP to Pastor Jacie by February 8th. 

Snow or shine, the BLC Men will meet for a Winter Walk on Feb. 17th. 

Lenten Worship Schedule

February 14 — Ash Wednesday Worship at noon and 6:15

February 21 at 6:15 —Guest Preacher, Rev. Dave Reedstrom, Calvary Lutheran, Rapidan  

February 28 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. Sarah Deutsch, Epiphany Lutheran, Eagle Lake 

March 6 at 6:15 — Guest Preacher, Rev. John Odegard, Grace Lutheran, Mankato 

March 13 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pr. Jay 

March 20 at 6:15 — Preacher, Pastor Jacie 

March 28 — Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:15 

March 29 — Good Friday Worship at noon and 6:15 

---

Additional announcements

Read Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s February newsletter. 

The second annual Kato Sleep Out with Connections Shelter will take place on April 26th in the Bethlehem parking lot! Join a team and raise funds for this important work in our community. The online sign up is now open. 

Monthly Mission

Our February Monthly Mission is the ECHO Food Shelf. ECHO has been committed to addressing food insecurity in our community since 1981. Our February donations will be presented in March, which is Minnesota Food Share Month, doubling what you give! Our goal is to raise $3,500. This program depends on volunteers, and we encourage you to consider giving a gift of your time.

SErVE

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter the week of Feb. 26th! Sign up online to provide part of a meal or to 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

Adult Forum

Sunday. Feb. 11th 10:45am in Grounds for Joy: BLC Landscaping Update with Sarah Morgan

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Pat Nelson Anna Moses John Engles

Jeremy Kolars Ollie Anderson Ardis Grotta Jim Freyberg

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

The family & friends of Vera Olson

Messiah Lutheran in North Mankato Our Savior’s Lutheran in Faribault

Solor Lutheran in Webster Justice y Vida Ministry in Colombia

Wembere Lutheran in Tanzania Ilongero Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

February 4 & 7, Mark 1:29-39

February 11, Mark 9:2-9

---

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us for RIC Sunday, celebrating 50 years of Reconciling Works! Bethlehem has been an RIC Congregation since 2020. Learn more about our history and what that means on our website. 

Fat Tuesday tickets are on sale now! We would like to get a ticket count by Sunday, February 4th, to help us plan ahead, so please order your tickets using the link below.  Funds raised will help support our 8 youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. The online portion of the silent auction will take place from February 4th-11th and we hope to see you in person for our Fat Tuesday dinner on February 13th!  Get your Fat Tuesday tickets here. 

---

This Week

Join us for supper this Wednesday. We will be serving ham and mashed potatoes at 5pm, followed by worship at 6:15pm and education at 7pm.

Our S’more Camp Fundraiser will take place this Sunday the 4th. There is a $3 suggested donation, and we will be able to accept cash, check or use our QR code. Hear more about Camp during worship! Kids will be headed to Green Lake Lutheran Ministries July 28 through August 1.

---

This month

Meet & Eat: New groups are forming! We’ll pair up three couples/individuals to set up 3 get togethers, each hosted by a member of the group. Enjoy fellowship and food! Sign up by February 1 to be paired up.  

Hope for Homeownership: Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership invites you to our Hope for Homeownership gala on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Our event will feature a captivating and meaningful program, games, delicious food, and entertainment. Proceeds from the evening will support SWMHP's Partnership Community Land Trust program, promoting homeownership to people experiencing barriers to housing in Mankato. More information and tickets can be found here. 

“Hosana Lutheran Church will hold a Night of Worship coming up on Friday, February 23rd. A free-will offering meal of tacos will be served from 5pm-6pm and worship will start at 6:30pm. The night will feature praise, worship, and the word (along with a couple songs from our Youth Band!).”

---

A note from your Financial Secretary: Year-end contribution reports have been emailed.  If you need a printed report, please let the office know.  Review your report carefully and report any errors or questions to the office. Thanks! -Elizabeth Ruiz

The second annual Kato Sleep Out with Connections Shelter will take place on April 26th in the Bethlehem parking lot! Join a team and raise funds for this important work in our community. The online sign up is now open. 

---

Monthly Mission

Our January Monthly Mission is Green Lake Bible Camp. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation.  Our goal is $1000. You can give online or send a check made out to Bethlehem. Thank you!

Our February Monthly Mission will be the ECHO Food Shelf. ECHO has been committed to addressing food insecurity in our community since 1981. Our February donations will be presented in March, which is Minnesota Food Share Month, doubling what you give! Our goal is to raise $3,500. This program depends on volunteers, and we encourage you to consider giving a gift of your time.

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

Adult Forum

In the summer of 1994, a small group of people sat around a kitchen table and discussed how to create a safe and effective way for people to help their neighbors. VINE was the first Faith in Action program developed in Minnesota and is now the largest Faith in Action program in the United States. 

• VINE’s professional staff coordinates volunteers and services that are vital to the well-being of people with long-term health needs and difficult life circumstances. 

• Trained VINE volunteers freely share their time providing rides, assisting with home chores, delivering hot meals on wheels and helping in many other ways. 

• VINE’s goal is to keep people healthy and comfortable and living in their own home for as long as it’s safe and reasonable to do so.

Learn even more about VINE from Melinda Wedzina, chief executive officer, on Sunday, February 4. We will gather in Grounds for Joy after morning worship to highlight this significant force in our community. We welcome you to learn, serve and be served!

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Pat Nelson Anna Moses John Engles

Jeremy Kolars Ollie Anderson Ardis Grotta Jim Freyberg

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Pontoppidan Lutheran in Ellendale Vista Lutheran in New Richland

Calvary Lutheran in Mankato Disabilities Learning & Education Ministry in Colombia

Mazoezi Igurubi Lutheran in Tanzania Lutheran Institute Kiomboi in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 28 & 31, Amos 5:21-24

February 4 & 7, Mark 1:29-39

February 11, Mark 9:2-9

---

Hello Bethlehem,

Fat Tuesday tickets are now available! If you’d like to donate a basket for the silent auction, please bring it to the office by January 28th. Funds raised will help support our 8 youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this summer. The online portion of the silent auction will take place from February 4th-11th and we hope to see you in person for our Fat Tuesday dinner on February 13th! Get your Fat Tuesday tickets here.

---

This Week

Join us for Dinner Church, this Wednesday at 6pm. Those interested in attending dinner and not the service can join us as usual at 5pm in the lower level for hot beef on a bun with potato salad and rolls. Those participating in the Dinner Church service should plan on eating at the service. 

This Sunday, January 28, is RIC Sunday. Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ReconcilingWorks and don’t forget to wear your RIC shirts! Bethlehem became an RIC Congregation in 2020. Learn more about our history and what that means on our website. 

As we celebrate RIC Sunday, we hope you will join in our RIC interactive art project in the entryway. We invite you to add your prayers and hopes for reconciliation and inclusion in our church and community to the provided strips of cloth. Tie them to the waterfall and watch the rainbow form! 

---

This month

Addresses needed! We will be packaging care packages for BLC college students on January 31st. Whether they’re a young adult or an adult enrolled in college or graduate school, we’d love to send a package! Please send addresses to annawencl@blcmankato.org

Join us January 26th for BLC Men Hops & Hoops. Contact Pastor Jay for details. Then, we’ll see you on January 28th for our FLIGHT Winter Event! 

Meet & Eat: New groups are forming! We’ll pair up three couples/individuals to set up 3 get togethers, each hosted by a member of the group. Enjoy fellowship and food! Sign up by February 1 to be paired up.

---

A note from your Financial Secretary: Year-end contribution reports have been emailed.  If you need a printed report, please let the office know.  Review your report carefully and report any errors or questions to the office. Thanks! -Elizabeth Ruiz

Hope for Homeownership: Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership invites you to our Hope for Homeownership gala on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Our event will feature a captivating and meaningful program, games, delicious food, and entertainment. Proceeds from the evening will support SWMHP's Partnership Community Land Trust program, promoting homeownership to people experiencing barriers to housing in Mankato. More information and tickets can be found here. 

The second annual Kato Sleep Out with Connections Shelter will take place on April 26th in the Bethlehem parking lot! Join a team and raise funds for this important work in our community. The online sign up is now open. 

---

Monthly Mission

Our January Monthly Mission is Green Lake Bible Camp. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation.  Our goal is $1000. You can give online or send a check made out to Bethlehem. Thank you!

SErVE

Thank you for serving at Connections Shelter last week! All of Bethlehem’s volunteer spots were filled. We look forward to serving again the week of February 26th.

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

Adult Forum

Thank you to Mary Bliesmer and Mary Ann Boe for speaking about NicBluCares and Compassionate Communities on Sunday!

RIC Sunday: Join us for the adult forum on Sunday, January 28 to celebrate Reconciling in Christ Sunday.  This is our opportunity as a church to recommit to our partnership as a RIC faith community, discern ways to live into our RIC partner commitments, and set new milestones for 2024. Join the BLC Welcome & Inclusion Board for coffee and conversation at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy.

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Brenda Goetsch Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel Nikolas Perez Les Biesterfeld

Pat Nelson Anna Moses John Engles Jeremy Kollars

Pastor Don Roberts, Bonnie, & his caregivers

Garness Trinity Lutheran in Mabel Cannon River Lutheran in Welch

St. John Lutheran in Montgomery Bricelyn Lutheran in Bricelyn

Ruruma Lutheran in Tanzania Pulguori Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

January 21 & 24, Mark 1:14-20

January 28 & 31, Amos 5:21-24

---