BLC Weekly, October 21

Hello Bethlehem,

Happy Anniversary Pastor Jay! Congratulations to Pastor Jay in celebration of his 15th Anniversary as our lead pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He reached this milestone in his pastoral service on October 13. We appreciate his dedication, tireless effort and spiritual guidance over the past 15 years. We have been blessed as a congregation!

“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. “ Luke 12:34

This Sunday, October 27 is Stewardship Commitment Sunday. If you have felt called to support Bethlehem in this way, please bring your commitment forms to worship or complete the online pledge form by Sunday. If you have any questions about the pledge form or setting up automatic or online giving, please contact our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz at elizruiz@blcmankato.org or by calling the office. Thank you!

This Week

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. The upcoming menu:

October 23: Spaghetti with garlic toast and salad
October 30: Sub sandwich with potato chips and cold pasta salad

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING: The School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The third session will be Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:00 PM, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S 2nd Street. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

It was an honor to host TEC 137 here at Bethlehem over the weekend. We hope all youth and volunteers had a great weekend of fun, faith and fellowship.

Announcements

Our 2nd Annual Women’s Event will be held on November 9th! Join us from 9:00am to 1:00pm for a tour of tables, brunch, speakers and entertainment. More details and tickets are available here or by clicking the link on our homepage.

Bethlehem will host an Election Eve Vigil on November 4th at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. Join us as we pray for our election officials, future leaders and the nation.

October 27 Adult Forum Cancelled: The scheduled adult forum on October 27 "Local & State Legislative Candidate Forum" has been cancelled. So many candidate forums have already been held by other community groups that a BLC forum was viewed as unnecessary by the Adult Education Board. For your information, The League of Women Voters of St. Peter Area has made their candidate forums (MN House, Mankato School Board, North Mankato mayor & City Council) available on The Free Press website. Go to mankato-freepress.com/news/elections/

We want YOU on lefse making crew! We certainly had a great turnout last year making our famous lefse! Can we do it again? We plan on making it Friday morning, November 22nd, 9:00am so it will be fresh for thanksgiving. Sales will be presales only (watch for details on doing this) and any leftovers open for sales on Sunday November 24th. But we will need your help on Friday to make it another success! Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Let’s keep our Nordic traditions alive!

Volunteer

Bethlehem is signed up to serve at Connections! We are looking for members to sign up to provide a main dish, two side dishes, dessert, and/or milk on the following dates reserved for Bethlehem: November 4, 5, 7, and 8 and December 5, 6, 7, 8 Sign up online.

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please call (507) 345-7477.

Monthly Mission

Our October Monthly Mission Partner is Connections Shelter. Connections emergency shelter has 40 beds and they offer an additional daytime drop-in center with resources to acquire housing, employment, medical care, treatment and support. Bethlehem was one of several area churches which helped to launch Connections in 2017 and we have partnered closely with this mission ever since, through volunteers, meals and financial support. Our giving goal is $3,000. Please give generously and prayerfully for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. You can give online or send/drop off a check with the monthly mission in the memo line. Thank you!

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer Rita Gibbs Al Rossow

Bethel Lutheran in Rochester St. Peter’s Lutheran in Northfield

Lunder Lutheran in Albert Lea Matongo Lutheran in Tanzania

CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in San Lucas, Bogota Choma Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 20 & 23, Mark 10:35-45

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

Bethlehem LutheranOctober 21, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, October 14

Hello Bethlehem,

What a fun fall weekend! Thank you to our Fair Trade committee for selling delicious fair trade goodies after worship. The Phillip’s hosted a FLIGHT Family Fall day on the Farm and the kiddos took home free pumpkins from Pumpkin Junction. As a reminder, there will be no supper, worship or education this Wednesday during MEA break. Suppers and education will resume again October 23rd!

“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. “ Luke 12:34

In case you missed our first few Stewardship talks by Molly Nelson and Joe & Missy Wagner, you can now view them on our YouTube channel! Pledge cards have been mailed out and there is an online pledge form available. We hope to have these cards returned by Sunday, October 27. If you have any questions about the pledge form or setting up automatic or online giving, please contact our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz at elizruiz@blcmankato.org or by calling the office. Thank you!

Announcements

Welcome new members! New Member Orientation will be held next Sunday, October 20th after worship.

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING – the 3rd in a series – at Bethlehem Lutheran Church School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The third session will be Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:00 PM, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S 2nd Street. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

Lefse lives on! Thank you to last Wednesday’s volunteers who helped teach the kiddos how to roll, flip and enjoy some lefse!

Volunteer

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please call (507) 345-7477.

Adult forum: Cancelled

The scheduled adult forum on October 27 "Local & State Legislative Candidate Forum" has been cancelled. So many candidate forums have already been held by other community groups that a BLC forum was viewed as unnecessary by the Adult Education Board. For your information, The League of Women Voters of St. Peter Area has made their candidate forums (MN House, Mankato School Board, North Mankato mayor & City Council) available on The Free Press website. Go to mankato-freepress.com/news/elections/

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer Rita Gibbs Judy Lervaag

Zion Lutheran in Ellendale Chatfield Lutheran in Chatfield

Immanuel Lutheran in Wykoff Espiritu de Vida Lutheran in Colombia

Tyeme Lutheran in Tanzania San Marcos Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

October 20 & 23, Mark 10:35-45

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

Bethlehem LutheranOctober 14, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, October 7

Hello Bethlehem,

“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. “ Luke 12:34

We are so grateful for your continued support, for the many ways you give, and for all that we have already accomplished. Together we live in our mission of being an inviting community, growing in Christ, loving our neighbors and serving God’s world. Pledge cards have been mailed out and there is an online pledge form available. We hope to have these cards returned by Sunday, October 27th. If you have any questions about the pledge form or setting up automatic or online giving, please contact our Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz at elizruiz@blcmankato.org or by calling the office. Thank you!

This week

Bibles & Brews will meet at Weggy’s this week! Join Pastor Jacie at 6:00pm this Thursday, October 10 for meaningful conversation on faith and culture.

Wednesday Night suppers

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. This week we are serving macaroni and cheese with salad and a roll. There will be no Wednesday Night Supper next week during MEA.

Learn to make lefse! Children, youth and families are invited to join us this Wednesday in the dining room during dinner, 5:00-6:00pm, to learn about one of our most delicious traditions.

Also on Wednesday, Cub Pharmacy will be in the library again with vaccinations. Stop by from 4:30-6:pm for flu and/or covid shots. Must be six years of age or older to receive vaccinations.

Adult forum

Connections Shelter Ministry As another new season begins at the Connections Shelter, join us to meet the new executive director Jennifer Echevarria and director of development Liz Paul and learn all that is new and exciting. Discover how YOU can get involved as a volunteer and financially support the BLC October monthly mission. Everyone can make a real difference by learning and contributing!

Family faith formation

Join us for a FLIGHT event on October 13th! Once again families will head to Laura and Jim’s for lunch and fall fun before heading to Pumpkin Junction to receive a free pumpkin for each kiddo. Head to our Friends & Family Facebook event for more information about our Fall Family Day!

No education next week during MEA break. We will begin again on October 23!

Trunk or Treat will be held on October 30th! Use this form to sign up for candy donation or to host a trunk. We invite you to bring Blessings Box donations and help us stock up for the season!

Announcements

ECHO Food Shelf needs your help. Volunteers are needed any day, any hours. If you’d like to help ECHO feed local families or are interested in more information, please call (507) 345-7477.

Pastor Jacie and the WELCOME Team submitted a letter to the editor at the Mankato Free Press which was published yesterday. Look for their letter, “Let’s work toward justice for all God’s people.”

Election years can bring tension and division. Bethlehem wants to address these issues head on and ensure members know that all are welcome here. The book Healing The Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker J. Palmer was the topic of our Adult Forum yesterday. Here’s a link to Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy in case you’d like to explore the text for yourself.

VIGILS of PRAYER & LISTENING – the 2nd in a series School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato and North Mankato, together with SSND Associates, welcome you to join them for hour-long gatherings of “Prayer and Listening.” Given the realities of our country and world, enter the quiet, let your mind rest and center in God with people of any faith tradition in the Mankato area. The method is simple: prayer and listening to each other and the Spirit. The second session will be Thursday, October 10, 7:00-8:00 PM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S Broad Street. No registration necessary. Bring a friend and come as you are.

Thank you

A message from our friends at Crossroads Campus Ministry:

“Fall Term is here, and we have been so excited to welcome students back to Crossroads! We feel blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your Men's Group as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, October 1st, faithful servants, Pastor Jay Dahlvang, Gordy Larson, Gary Petersen, Dennis Sandersfeld, Jason Bruns, Jack Halvorson, Bob Ihrig, and Roger Haug, served a delicious lunch of spaghetti with meat sauce or vegetarian sauce, garlic bread, garden salad, pasta salad, layered salad, cookies, and homemade bars to 45 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $122.12 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during Fall Term. We look forward to seeing Bethlehem volunteers again on Tuesday, November 5th. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads!”

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer Rita Gibbs

The family & friends of Floyd Arntz

Gol Lutheran in Kenyon St. Paul Lutheran in Conger

Highland Prairie Lutheran in Peterson Grace Lutheran in Peterson

Mazoezi Mwankoko Lutheran in Tanzania Issuna Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

October 6 & 9, Mark 10:2-16

October 13, Mark 10:17-31

Bethlehem LutheranOctober 7, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, September 30

Hello Bethlehem,

Covid and flu shots from Cub West Pharmacy will be available at Bethlehem. Join us this Sunday October 6th from 10:30-11:30am and 4:30-6pm on Wednesday October 9th.

ANNOuncements

We want YOU on lefse making crew! We certainly had a great turnout last year making our famous lefse! Can we do it again? We plan on making it Friday morning, November 22nd, 9:00am so it will be fresh for thanksgiving. Sales will be presales only (watch for details on doing this) and any leftovers open for sales on Sunday November 24th. But we will need your help on Friday to make it another success! Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Let’s keep our Nordic traditions alive!!

In addition to our usual lefse making day, we are also hosting a Learn to Make Lefse evening for children, youth and families interested in learning about this delicious tradition. Join us Wednesday, October 9th from 5:00-6:00pm in the lower level dining room during dinner to try making and eating this tasty Nordic treat.

Wednesday Night suppers

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. This week we are serving a taco buffet with rice and beans

Cruz Family Update: A group of people went together to purchase an E-bike for Ariac. He is working part time at Christ The King and uses this as transportation to and from work. He continues to practice his behind the wheel in the hopes of taking his test soon. Once he passes that test we will check to see if anyone has a car that they might consider donating to the Cruz family. Rande is back in school which he is excited about. That's all for now.

Lutheran Disaster Response is already on the ground working to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you’d like to support them, use this link.

Adult forum

Concerned about the growing divide in our politics as we approach another U.S. presidential election in November? Encountering tension as you engage in political conversations with family and friends? Seeking some understanding and hope for a calmer environment as we move our democracy forward? Wondering how we, as Christians, should approach controversial issues?

Join us for a discussion of the book Healing The Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker J. Palmer. Come to the adult forum on Sunday, October 6 at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy. Our pastors and members of the Adult Education Board will guide us in reviewing the major ideas and strategies presented by the author. If you’d like to explore the text in advance, you can order a copy of Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy.

Family faith formation

Join us for a FLIGHT event on October 13th! Once again families will head to Laura and Jim’s for lunch and fall fun before heading to Pumpkin Junction to receive a free pumpkin for each kiddo. Head to our Friends & Family Facebook event for more information about our Fall Family Day! Please RSVP to Anna at annwencl@blcmankato.org by October 6th with headcount so we can prepare meals.

Use this form to sign up for candy donation or to host a trunk.

Monthly Mission

Last call! Bethlehem’s September Monthly Mission partner is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. This church-managed boarding school serves 200 students in the Mkalama district, Singida region in Tanzania. Academically, it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the memo line: Monthly Mission, Iambi Secondary Schools. Thank you for giving generously.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Amy Grams Haugesag Royce Elker Joan Stoffel Dennis Sandersfeld

The families & friends of Floyd Arntz & Larry Frowick

East St. Olaf Lutheran in Byron Grace Lutheran in Austin

Faith Lutheran in Winona Mungaa Lutheran in Tanzania

Nzega Lutheran in Tanzania Itigi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

September 29 & October 2, Mark 9:38-50

October 6 & 9, Mark 10:2-16

Bethlehem LutheranSeptember 30, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, September 23

Hello Bethlehem,

Thanks to our amazing Quilters & School Kit Assemblers, over 2,000 school kits were sent to Lutheran World Relief thanks to our amazing volunteers and our quilters sent 50 quilts to area children and families in need last week. If you’re interested in joining in the joy of service in this way, you’re welcome to join them in the lower level on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:00am.

THIS WEEK

Tonight: You’re invited to join Mica Faull, the Director of Engagement and Education at the Border Servants Corps (BSC) for dessert and discussion. BSC has provided hospitality services to migrants in the borderlands as they continue their journey to family and/or sponsors within the United States. Now a Social Ministry Organization of the ELCA, BSC has welcomed more than 135,000 newly-arrived neighbors from across the globe with dignity and respect since 2019. BSC is a leader in both regional (border communities) and national immigration conversations, including meetings with White House and congressional staff. Join Mica Faull Monday, September 23, 7:00-8:30 here at Bethlehem. In addition to providing valuable information on the impact of Border Servant Corps’ ministry, Mica will share immigration updates that ‘go beyond the soundbites’ we hear on the news. All are welcome!

Wednesday Night suppers

Wednesday Night Suppers are back! All are welcome and the meal is free. Join us at 5pm in the lower level. What’s on the menu:

Sept. 25 Hamburger/cheeseburger, chips & cold pasta salad
Oct. 2 Taco buffet with rice & beans
Oct. 9. Macaroni & cheese with salad & roll

Adult forum

Managing Local Elections

Michael Stalberger, Blue Earth County Elections Coordinator, will share the latest news and answer your questions about how elections will be conducted this November. You don't want to miss this important presentation. Come one, come all! Join us this Sunday, September 29 at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy for coffee and conversation.

Family faith formation

Youth and Children’s programming resumes this week! 5th-8th graders can head to the Youth Room on Wednesday after worship, and 9th graders will gather in Grounds for Joy, and NightLIGHT will be held downstairs.

ANNOuncements

We want YOU on lefse making crew! We certainly had a great turnout last year making our famous lefse! Can we do it again? We plan on making it Friday morning, November 22nd, 9:00am so it will be fresh for thanksgiving. Sales will be presales only (watch for details on doing this) and any leftovers open for sales on Sunday November 24th. But we will need your help on Friday to make it another success! Join us for coffee and goodies as we roll out this delicious Nordic treat. Please contact Ginger Erlandson either by texting 507-380-5268 or email rerlandson2@gmail.com. Let’s keep our Nordic traditions alive!!

In addition to our usual lefse making day, we are also hosting a Learn to Make Lefse evening for children, youth and families interested in learning about this delicious tradition. Join us Wednesday, October 9th from 5:00-6:00pm in the lower level dining room during dinner to try making and eating this tasty Nordic treat.

Last call for Time & Talent! Fall worship volunteer schedules are in the mail but it’s not too late to volunteer if you feel so called. Fill out an online Time & Talent form or complete a copy on the Welcome Kiosk and we will get you added to the schedule. This is also your chance to explore and join Bethlehem’s many small groups, educational and leadership opportunities, and to explore upcoming events.

In anticipation of Election day here in the United States, our Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wants to remind us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace around the globe.” You can view her full message on Civic Engagement and Loving Kindness here.

On October 6th our Adult Forum will center on Healing the Heart of Democracy, a conversation led by Bethlehem Adult Education Board members. The hope of this study is to nurture an understanding that we are all in this together, an appreciation of the value of “otherness,” an ability to hold tension in life-giving ways, a sense of personal agency and voice, and a capacity to create community. If you’d like to explore the text in advance, you can order a copy of Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy.

Monthly Mission

For every dollar Bethlehem members contributed to these four missions two dollars will go to the mission project as a result of the Endowment match.

May (House of Hope): Congregation $1,930 + Endowment $1,930 = $3,860

June (Lutheran World Relief): Congregation $5,903 + Endowment $5,903 = $11,806

July (Partners for Housing):Congregation $1404 + Endowment $1404 = $2,808

August (Crossroads Campus Ministry): Congregation $974 + Endowment $974 = $1,948

4-Month Total: Congregation $10,211 + Endowment $10,211 = $20,422

Bethlehem’s September Monthly Mission partner is Iambi Secondary School Scholarships. This church-managed boarding school serves 200 students in the Mkalama district, Singida region in Tanzania. Academically, it is among the top ten schools in regional and national examination results. ISS has a conducive environment for students to learn with a reliable power supply, enough books, and enough teachers for all subjects. They also teach computer studies courses and religion. Gifts from Bethlehem have been transformative for ISS, and our past generosity enabled the school to install electricity, allowing the students and teachers to study and prepare lessons after the sun went down. Test scores soared, and enrollment boomed. Please give prayerfully and financially to our friends at Iambi Secondary School. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the memo line: Monthly Mission, . Thank you for giving generously.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Amy Grams Haugesag Royce Elker Larry Frowick

Joan Stoffel Vee Williams Roger Barnes

The Family & Friends of Floyd Arntz

Faith Lutheran in Wabasha Scheie Lutheran in Mabel

Oakland Lutheran in Albert Lea Jikmir Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Mijuhu Lutheran in Tanzania Kaselya Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

September 29 & October 2, Mark 9:38-50

Bethlehem LutheranSeptember 23, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, September 16

Hello Bethlehem,

The smiles you see above are from the first gathering of Bibles & Brews! All are welcome to join in meaningful conversations on faith and culture. Their next meeting will be held on October 10th. Stay tuned for new location details.

Thanks to our awesome school kit volunteers, 200 boxes containing 2,000 backpacks are packed and ready to head to Lutheran World Relief in the Twin Cities! Volunteers are needed to help bring them upstairs and load them into the truck. If you are interested in helping load school kits, please join us at 5:30pm this Tuesday at Bethlehem. Thank you!

THIS WEEK

Tonight! Bethlehem members are welcomed to join in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association’s (LPNA) bi-monthly meetings, held here at Bethlehem. Meetings begin at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. Upcoming meetings September 16, and November 18th and January 20th.

Mankato Pow Wow: The 52nd annual Mahkato Pow Wow will be held on Friday-Sunday at the Land of Memories Park. This is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the indigenous peoples and culture in our area. Check out the history and schedule of Pow Wow events at the following website: www.mahkatowacipi.org

Wednesday Night suppers

Wednesday Night Suppers are back! All are welcome and the meal is free. Join us at 5pm in the lower level. Here’s this month’s menu:

Sept 18 Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad & roll
Sept. 25 Hamburger/cheeseburger, chips & cold pasta salad

Adult forum

Join us at the adult forum next Sunday to learn about "How Did We Get Here: Christians, Politics and a Divided America?". Dr. Sarah Ruble, Professor of Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College will share her insights and respond to your questions. The forum will be held in Grounds for Joy from 10:45 - 11:45 am. Enjoy your morning coffee and some stimulating conversation with Dr. Ruble and fellow Bethlehem members.

Family faith formation

Youth and children, bring your backpacks this Wednesday for a backpack blessing during worship in the chapel!

TorchLIGHT and Confirmation orientation will be held this Wednesday. TorchLIGHT will meet in the Youth Room, 7th & 8th grade Confirmation will meet in the Heritage Room and 9th grade orientation will meet in Grounds for Joy. Parents, please come and attend with your child. Confirmation youth will receive a blessing during Wednesday night worship in the chapel.

Haven’t had a chance to sign up yet? Family Faith Formation programming registration is still open.

ANNOuncements

On October 6th our Adult Forum will center on Healing the Heart of Democracy, a conversation led by Bethlehem Adult Education Board members.The hope of this study is to nurture an understanding that we are all in this together, an appreciation of the value of “otherness,” an ability to hold tension in life-giving ways, a sense of personal agency and voice, and a capacity to create community. If you’d like to explore the text in advance, you can order a copy of Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy.

The Greater Mankato Diversity Council is hosting a Voter Registration Event on Saturday, September 21st, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the 127 S 2nd St Shared Spaces location. “Our goal is to make voter registration accessible to all eligible community members and ensure they are empowered to participate in the upcoming elections.” Contact GMDC if you are interested in volunteering at this event!

Border Servant Corps (BSC) has provided hospitality services to migrants in the borderlands as they continue their journey to family and/or sponsors within the United States. Now a Social Ministry Organization of the ELCA, BSC has welcomed more than 135,000 newly-arrived neighbors from across the globe with dignity and respect since 2019. BSC is a leader in both regional (border communities) and national immigration conversations, including meetings with White House and congressional staff. Join Mica Faull, Border Servant Corps’ Director of Engagement and Education, Monday, September 23, 7:00-8:30 here at Bethlehem. In addition to providing valuable information on the impact of Border Servant Corps’ ministry, Mica will share immigration updates that ‘go beyond the soundbites’ we hear on the news. All are welcome!

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Amy Grams Haugesag Royce Elker Larry Frowick

Joan Stoffel Marilyn Price Vee Williams

The family & friends of Jane Johnson

The family & friends of Tracy Carter

Lands Lutheran in Zumbrota St. Olaf College Student Congregation in Northfield

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Rochester Kisiriri Lutheran in Tanzania

Mwangeza Lutheran in Tanzania Nabii Elia Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

Bethlehem LutheranSeptember 16, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, September 9

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you everyone who joined us Sunday for a day of fellowship, food and service projects! God’s Work, Our Hands continues this Wednesday. Reunite with your church family with worship, food, service and congregational art projects. We will also complete annual Time & Talent surveys so consider your gifts and the ways you would like to share them with Bethlehem.

After supper, help complete art and service projects, including school kit assembly, baptism blanket assembly and neighborhood clean ups! Garbage bags and gloves will be provided for anyone interested in helping to clean up the neighborhood.

This is also a great time to bring in Blessings Box donations as we restock for a new season! The new and improved Blessings Box is on the way and we are praying for a great season of sharing with our community. Suggested donation items include toothpaste, bar soap, deodorant, hand wipes, pads, pop-top canned goods, noodles, dry cereal, peanut butter, oatmeal packets, sports drink mixes, and snack packs.

Come and join us in faith, fellowship and fun as we kick off a new fall season here at Bethlehem!

THIS WEEK

Connections Shelter invites you to attend their Block Party on Sept. 12 as they kick off a new season with a goal of now serving the community all year round!

The BLC Men’s Group kicks off their first event of the season with Grilling & Monday night football on Monday, September 9th. Contact Pastor Jay Dahlvang with any questions.

Wednesday Night Suppers are back! Join us at 5pm in the lower level. We’ll be serving sloppy joe sandwiches, chips and cold pasta salad with DQ Dilly bars and popsicles for dessert!
NEW! Bibles and Brews is a new group gathering for casual conversations on faith and culture. Join Pastor Jacie at Pub 500 on Thursday, September 12th beginning at 6:00pm for their first gathering! Please let Pr. Jacie know by Tuesday if you’re attending.
Adult Forums return this Sunday. Daniel Zielske with the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association will present on the Mahkato Pow Wow this Sunday at 10:45am in Grounds for Joy.

Family faith formation

Family Faith Formation programming registration is now open and there’s something for everyone! Ages 3 years to 4th grade are invited to join LIGHT or NightLIGHT, grades 5th-6th are welcomed to TorchLIGHT and we have confirmation classes for 7th-9th graders. High school students are invited to attend monthly fellowship events. Join FFF Director, Anna Wencl and Children’s & Family Ministry Associate, Kaitlin Carter, for another great year!

**Thanks for joining us at SCMN Pride on Saturday!**

ANNOuncements

The Greater Mankato Diversity Council is hosting a Voter Registration Event on Saturday, September 21st, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the 127 S 2nd St Shared Spaces location. “Our goal is to make voter registration accessible to all eligible community members and ensure they are empowered to participate in the upcoming elections.” Contact GMDC if you are interested in volunteering at this event!

MinnValley Mutual Insurance Company is teaming up with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for Fire Safety Education Day! Join us on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the museum in Mankato for a day full of fun and learning. This event is completely free and open to everyone. It’s a perfect opportunity for kids and families to explore fire safety in a fun, hands-on way. Attendees will also have a chance to win fire extinguishers or annual family passes to the Children’s Museum along with other fun giveaways for kids.

Small Groups are getting ready for the season. Sign up today. You can join BLC Men, the Women’s Circles, Meet & Eat, Bible studies, and more! Learn more and register on our website.

Bethlehem members are welcomed to join in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association’s (LPNA) bi-monthly meetings, held here at Bethlehem. Meetings begin at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. Upcoming meetings are September 16, November 18th and January 20th.

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Jim Freyberg Barb Girtz

Amy Grams Haugesag Nick Frederick Royce Elker

Larry Frowick Don Grotta

The families & friends of Angeline Twardoski & Kathy Auel

Trondhjem Lutheran in Lonsdale West St. Olaf Lutheran in Byron

Trinity Lutheran in West Concord Peace Lutheran in Eyota

Neema Mpipiti Lutheran in Tanzania Deng Hoth Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Nkonkilangi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

Bethlehem LutheranSeptember 9, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, September 3

Hello Bethlehem,

Another program year is about to begin! You’re invited to God’s Work, Our Hands this Sunday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 11. Reunite with your church family with worship, food, service and congregational art projects.

Join us after worship on Sunday for brunch. We will be serving up breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, muffins, fruit kabobs, mini cinnamon rolls and mini pancakes. On Wednesday night we will be serving sloppy joe sandwiches, chips and cold pasta salad with DQ Dilly bars for dessert!

All this great food will fuel you up for art and service projects, including school kit assembly, baptism blanket assembly and neighborhood clean ups! Garbage bags and gloves will be provided for anyone interested in helping to clean up the neighborhood.

Come and join us in faith, fellowship and fun as we kick off a new fall season here at Bethlehem!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join BLC at South Central Minnesota Pride! Pastor Jacie will be participating in the SCMN Pride Community Worship Service at First Presbyterian, beginning at 9:30am this Saturday, September 7. Then, join BLC’s Welcome & Inclusion Board in marching at the Pride Parade on Riverfront from 11:15 am until noon. All are welcome to come and celebrate our diverse community, Bethlehem’s commitment to being an RIC Congregation, and the spirit of welcome and inclusion here at Bethlehem! Contact Pastor Jacie with any questions.

The BLC Men’s Group kicks off their first event of the season with Grilling & Monday Night Football on Monday, September 9th. Contact Pastor Jay Dahlvang with any questions.

NEW! Bibles and Brews is a new group gathering for casual conversations on faith and culture. Join Pastor Jacie at Pub 500 on Thursday, September 12th beginning at 6:00pm for their first gathering!

Small Groups are getting ready for the season. Sign up today. You can join BLC Men, the Women’s Circles, Meet & Eat, Bible studies, and more! Learn more and register on our website.

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Holy Grounds Needs You

Holy Grounds is an ecumenical, community-based breakfast program located in downtown Mankato at Centenary Methodist Church. We serve approximately 100 meals six days each week (Monday through Saturday), between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Our guests are among the most vulnerable in our community - folks that lack housing, folks without enough funds to make it to the end of the month, folks struggling with addiction, and folks who feel alone and isolated. It was started 15 years ago by a gentleman who wanted to meet the church’s downtown neighbors. However, without enough volunteers it would all grind to a halt. If you have 90 minutes available, once a week (8:45 - 10:15 AM), please consider giving it a try. You can sign-up by going to the Holy Grounds home page (https://www.mankatocentenary.org/holy-grounds), and clicking on the volunteer link. Come and join our small, but mighty group of dedicated servants.

The 2nd Annual Women’s Event is scheduled for November 9th. We want your group to join in the fun at a tour of tables! This year’s theme is Warm your Heart with Plaid! Be creative and advertise your group.

Bring a plaid tablecloth
Decorate the table with a centerpiece celebrating your group
Plates/napkins are provided but optional to bring if your group has something in mind!

Interested? Contact Joy Dykema, dykemajoy@gmail.com

Thank You Kellen Schaefer!

Thank you to Kellen Schaefer who has faithfully served Bethlehem for the past 5 years as one of our weekend janitors. He is responsible for opening the doors, turning on the lights, cleaning the building and creating a welcoming environment for our members and guests on Sunday mornings and for special events. He has been a valuable member of our dedicated staff. We are grateful for his service!

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Les Biesterfeld Anna Moses Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfe Tracy Carter

Amy Grams Haugesag Jane Sletta Nick Frederick

Fran Jurs Royce & Vonnie Elker Danielle Johnson

Rita Gibbs Bob Erlandson Larry Frowick

Don Grotta Steve Richmond

Family and Friends of:

Fran Jurs

Kathy Auel

Angeline Twardoski

Bear Lake Concordia Lutheran, Albert Lea United Lutheran in Walters

Spring Garden Lutheran in Cannon Falls Kinyangiri Lutheran in Tanzania

Venezuelan Ministry in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

September 8 & 11, Mark 7:24-37

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

Bethlehem LutheranSeptember 3, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, August 26

Hello Bethlehem,

Join us in the BLC parking lot tomorrow evening from 5:30-8:00pm for the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association Night to Unite. There will be food, live music, games and fun for all. All BLC members are welcome to attend. Stop by and connect with our wonderful neighborhood!

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

God’s Work, Our Hands will take place Sunday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 11. Reunite with your church family with worship, food, and congregational art projects. Service projects will include assembling school kits, baptism blankets and doing a neighborhood cleanup walk. This is also a great time to bring in your blessings box donations as we restock for the season!

Small Group sign ups are now open. You can join BLC Men, the Women’s Circles, Meet & Eat, Bible studies, and more! Make sure to check out our new group, Bibles & Brews, led by Pastor Jacie. Learn more and register on our website.

The 2nd Annual Women’s Event is scheduled for November 9th. We want your group to join in the fun at a tour of tables! This year’s theme is Warm your Heart with Plaid! Be creative and advertise your group.

Bring a plaid tablecloth
Decorate the table with a centerpiece celebrating your group
Plates/napkins are provided but optional to bring if your group has something in mind!

Interested? Contact Joy Dykema, dykemajoy@gmail.com

Holy Grounds Needs You Holy Grounds is an ecumenical, community-based breakfast program located in downtown Mankato at Centenary Methodist Church. We serve approximately 100 meals six days each week (Monday through Saturday), between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Our guests are among the most vulnerable in our community - folks that lack housing, folks without enough funds to make it to the end of the month, folks struggling with addiction, and folks who feel alone and isolated. It was started 15 years ago by a gentleman who wanted to meet the church’s downtown neighbors. However, without enough volunteers it would all grind to a halt. If you have 90 minutes available, once a week (8:45 - 10:15 AM), please consider giving it a try. You can sign-up by going to the Holy Grounds home page (https://www.mankatocentenary.org/holy-grounds), and clicking on the volunteer link. Come and join our small, but mighty group of dedicated servants.

Council corner

Here are the “highlights” of the Bethlehem Council meeting held on August 20. Meeting minutes with details posted at www.blcmankato.org and also available in the church office notebook. Visit with Council members with questions and concerns! We welcome your conversation & feedback!
Financial Report: Unavailable at this meeting.

Welcome New Vice-President: Kristen Simon-Frank approved & welcomed as new BLC VP.
2024-25 Council Goals: Council reviewed, revised & approved 11 proposed goals to
address during 2024-25.
God’s Work Our Hands: Plans for Rally Week (Sunday, 9/8 & Wednesday, 9/11) were shared. Plan on participating in various service projects and sharing brunch on Sunday morning and dessert on Wednesday evening with other congregation members.
Fall Catalog: Look for the fall catalog of activities, learning opportunities & worship planned
for this fall. Everything you always wanted to know about what will be happening at Bethlehem will be highlighted.
BLC Strategic Plan Update: Progress and the status of Goal #1 Engaging Youth “We will
implement creative and effective ways to better engage post-confirmation youth and their
families, and young adults” was reviewed by highlighting the work on 11 supporting objectives.
Cruz Family Update: Ariac (father) enjoying his part-time custodian work at Christ the King.
Oldest son Randy participated in VBS in July at Bethlehem. Search continues for new law firm to represent asylum application after previous firm ended operations this summer.
Pastoral Performance Reviews: The annual reviews of our 2 pastors were conducted on August 6 by the President, President-Elect and Secretary. Both reviews were very positive and approved.
Community Leader Interviews: Council members identified community leaders they will meet with this fall to discuss significant issues facing Mankato area community and how Bethlehem can collaborate in addressing these issues. Interview results to be shared at fall Council meetings. Pr. Jay met with the Andrew Burk, Executive Director of the YMCA, who highlighted the need to pursue strategies to bring growing diverse community groups together.
Facilities: Security cameras are being installed, parking lot re-striping is planned, trees are being treated and a new Blessing’s Box is on the way.
Building Use: Conversations are being held with LSS for possible use of BLC kitchen for meals on wheels program and with the synod for use of BLC for new Sundanese Nuer worshiping community being organized.
Bibles & Brews: Join Pr. Jacie in intergenerational monthly gatherings at local sites to discuss relevant cultural topics and how our faith speaks to these issues. Stay tuned for more details.
Semi-Annual Meetings: Plan on the following dates for 2024-25 semi-annual meetings:
Sunday, November 17 – Budget Forum; Sunday, November 24 – Fall Semi-Annual Meeting;
Sunday, April 13 – Semi-Annual Meeting Preview; Sunday, April 27 – Spring Semi-Annual
Meeting. We hope you will join us to make important decisions for Bethlehem!
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 17.

Monthly Mission

Bethlehem’s August Monthly Mission partner is Crossroads Campus Ministry. Led by Pastor Jenna Couch, Crossroads is “Welcoming of all people of good will, no exceptions.” Campus Cupboard provides food support to students in need and Lunch-for-a-Buck provides an affordable weekly meal during the school year. Our goal is $1,000. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the memo line: Monthly Mission, Crossroads Campus Ministry. Thank you for giving generously.

Monthly Mission Match! BLC Endowment is currently matching your monthly mission contributions $1 for $1 for the rest of the summer! Designate a special gift to Bethlehem for any or all of these projects and the Endowment Fund will double it!

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Les Biesterfeld Anna Moses Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel Tracy Carter

Amy Grams Haugesag Jane Sletta Nick Frederick

Fran Jurs Royce & Vonnie Elker Danielle Johnson

St. Matthew Lutheran in Harmony Moland Lutheran in Kenyon

Epiphany Lutheran in Eagle Lake Ikhanoda Lutheran in Tanzania

Iglesia San Lucas Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

September 1, Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

September 8, Mark 7:24-37

Bethlehem LutheranAugust 27, 2024Comment

BLC Weekly, August 19

Hello Bethlehem,

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood emergency due to a shortage in donors. Our Red Cross Blood Drive will take place tomorrow and there are still many openings available. We hope you can make it tomorrow for the Blood Drive, 12-6pm August 20 in Grounds for Joy. Donors will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card. Sign up online and save lives!

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association Night to Unite is coming up next week! Join us next Tuesday, August 27, in the BLC parking lot from 5:30-8:00pm as Bethlehem hosts our friends from the community. Food, live music, games and fun for all. Stop by and connect with our wonderful neighborhood!

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Les Biesterfeld Anna Moses Jim Freyberg

Barb Girtz Mark Woelfel Tracy Carter

Amy Grams Haugesag Jane Sletta Nick Frederick Fran Jurs

Connections Shelter Church in Mankato St. Ansgar’s Lutheran in Cannon Falls

St. Paul Lutheran in LeCenter Mazoezi Kitusha Lutheran in Tanzania

Nguony Keel Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

August 25, John 6:56-69

September 1, Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

Bethlehem LutheranAugust 19, 2024Comment

the BLC blog

This Week

Announcements

Volunteer

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

October 20 & 23, Mark 10:35-45

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

Announcements

Volunteer

Adult forum: Cancelled

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

October 20 & 23, Mark 10:35-45

October 27 & 30, John 8:31-36

This week

Wednesday Night suppers

Adult forum

Family faith formation

Announcements

Thank you

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

October 6 & 9, Mark 10:2-16

October 13, Mark 10:17-31

ANNOuncements

Wednesday Night suppers

Adult forum

Family faith formation

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 29 & October 2, Mark 9:38-50

October 6 & 9, Mark 10:2-16

THIS WEEK

Wednesday Night suppers

Adult forum

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

September 29 & October 2, Mark 9:38-50

THIS WEEK

Wednesday Night suppers

Adult forum

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

THIS WEEK

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

September 22 & 25, Mark 9:30-37

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 8 & 11, Mark 7:24-37

September 15 & 18, Mark 8:27-38

Family faith formation

ANNOuncements

Council corner

Monthly Mission

This Week in our Prayers

Lectionary Readings

September 1, Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23