Bethlehem Lutheran
Growing in Christ, Loving our Neighbors, Serving God's world.

the BLC blog

news & updates

BLC Weekly, January 26

Hello Bethlehem,

In 2020 Bethlehem voted to become an RIC congregation. Now it’s time to get ready for RIC Sunday, celebrating 5 years of RIC this Sunday, February 1! We’ll be joined by guest preacher, Seth Anderson-Matz, who will preach during 9:30am worship and lead the 10:45am Adult Forum.

Members are invited to wear their BLC t-shirts to worship. Members are also invited to bring water from their home or a special place and add it to the baptismal font during the Thanksgiving for Baptism during the worship service. Did you know Bethlehem has an RIC Book section? Check it out in the library and take home a book to read before this special worship service!

A message from pastor Jay & Pastor jacie

We join you in shock, anger, and deep sorrow following the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis this past Saturday. This act of violence has shaken our communities and weighs heavily on our hearts. In the midst of grief, fear, and righteous outrage, we write to encourage you to remain faithful and grounded in the challenging and traumatic days we are living through.

The Benedictine tradition gives us a simple but demanding way forward: ora et labora — pray and work. This has always been the response of people of faith to suffering and injustice. We pray, and we serve. We lament what has been lost, and we commit ourselves anew to love made visible through action.

In that spirit, we gathered on Friday at Grace Lutheran Church for a community service of prayer. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., the community of St. Peter is hosting an interfaith vigil at the Pavilion at Minnesota Square Park off Highway 169. These gatherings are moments to grieve together, to pray, and to remind one another that we are not alone.

Concrete acts of care also matter deeply right now. COPAL is collecting food and resources for Latino and immigrant families who are experiencing fear and hardship at this moment. You can support their work here. There are many other ways to help, and we are grateful for all of you who are actively standing with and supporting our immigrant neighbors.

Scripture urges us not to grow weary or lose heart. That strength does not come from our own resolve alone, but from trusting in God’s enduring desire for justice, and God’s redemptive and healing love. Even when the path forward feels unclear, we hold fast to the promise that love is stronger than fear, and justice is worth our faithful labor.

May you find courage, hope, and peace in these difficult days, as you pray for and serve our neighbors in need.

Pr. Jay and Pr. Jacie

This Week

All are invited to a Community Vigil tonight at 7:30pm at the Pavilion at Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter, organized by the St. Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council.

Wednesday Night Suppers: served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. Upcoming meals:

  • January 28 — Ham, mashed potatoes, corn, roll & salad

  • February 4 — Hamburger & rice hotdish, salad & roll

The Mankato Community Queer Choir will host Community Singing this Thursday at 7:00pm at Bethlehem. All are welcome.

Announcements

Save the Date: the Mortgage Payoff Celebration is February 15th!

Pastor Kristen Engstrom’s January newsletter is now available online.

2025 Contribution Reports have been sent out electronically. If you need a paper, please reach out to the church office.

Give the gift of time! Whether it is over the holidays or into the new year, Connections Shelter warmly welcomes the volunteer time that you, your family, or small group are able to provide for the guests at Connections.  To sign up to be a Meal Server, please follow this link. Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

Monthly Mission Partner

Amazing news! Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is once again doubling your donations! Give to MY Place this month and your donation will go twice as far!

Our January Monthly Mission Partner is MY Place Mankato. Mankato Youth Place Inc is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential. Learn more by visiting myplacemankato.org. You can give online or via check made out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson

Marian Mallory

Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag

Nikolas Perez

Gerry Morris

Barb Girtz

Peace Lutheran in Eyota

West Freeborn Lutheran in Hartland

Arendahl Lutheran in Peterson

Yerusalemu Ilunda Lutheran in Tanzania

Ntwike Lutheran in Tanzania

El Salvador Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

January 28, Matthew 4:12-23

February 1, Matthew 5:1-12

February 4, Matthew 4: 12-23

February 8 & 11, Matthew 5:13-20

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, January 19

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us at House of Bread: Crowded Table! It was great to gather for an evening of fun.

This Week

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We remember and celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights movement, and the work of justice that continues today.

From the ELCA: Join us online or in-person at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Naperville, Ill. on Jan. 20, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. Central time for a night of centering multiracial voices from across the ELCA as we observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). Presented by the ELCA in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, this free program will feature intentional storytelling through words and music and provide opportunities for deep listening, reflection and drawing closer together as fellow children of God.

  • Online attendees: No registration is required. A link to join virtually will be available on the NDORH webpage.

  • In-person attendees: Space is limited, and registration is requested. Register here.

  • For more information, visit elca.org/NDORH.

Wednesday Night Suppers: served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. Upcoming meals:

  • January 21 — Turkey noodle casserole, vegetable, salad & roll

  • January 28 — Ham, mashed potatoes, corn, roll & salad

  • February 4 — Hamburger & rice hotdish, salad & roll

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, January 25 we will hear from ECHO Food Shelf.

Family Faith formation

Fat Tuesday Tickets are now available! We’re also looking for donations for our Silent Auction due to the office by February 1st. Our goal is to raise $4500 this year! We welcome your contributions to help support our youth to attend summer trips.

Announcements

Get ready for RIC Sunday, February 1! Members are invited to wear their BLC t-shirts that Sunday. Members are also invited to bring water from their home or a special place and add it to the baptismal font during the Thanksgiving for Baptism during the worship service. Did you know Bethlehem has an RIC Book section? Check it out in the library and take home a book to read before this special worship service!

Pastor Kristen Engstrom’s January newsletter is now available online.

2025 Contribution Reports have been sent out electronically. If you need a paper, please reach out to the church office.

Give the gift of time! Whether it is over the holidays or into the new year, Connections Shelter warmly welcomes the volunteer time that you, your family, or small group are able to provide for the guests at Connections.  To sign up to be a Meal Server, please follow this link. Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

Monthly Mission Partner

Amazing news! Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is once again doubling your donations! Give to MY Place this month and your donation will go twice as far!

Our January Monthly Mission Partner is MY Place Mankato. Mankato Youth Place Inc is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential. Learn more by visiting myplacemankato.org. You can give online or via check made out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson

Marian Mallory

Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag

Nikolas Perez

Gerry Morris

The family & friends of Dorothy Norland

St. Paul Lutheran in LeCenter

West St. Olaf Lutheran in Byron

St. Olaf College Student Congregation in Northfield

Disaster Preparation & Response Ministry in Colombia

St. Augustine Ngamu Lutheran in Tanzania

Ihanja Technical School in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 18 & 21, John 1:29-42

January 25 & 28, Matthew 4:12-23

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, January 12

Hello Bethlehem,

House of Bread: Crowded Table Join us this Friday, January 16 at 6:00pm for Bethlehem’s annual variety show! We’ll gather in the lower level for performances, talents and fun with light refreshments. A display area will be available for visual art as well. Please submit a form online to tell us about your act in advance. Friends are welcome to join in the fun!

This Week

High school students: the Youth Bible Study gathers 2-3:30pm on early release days, January 14 and February 11 at the Fillin’ Station! Pick up from East and West is available. Text Anna to RSVP or to request a ride. (507) 213-9276

Wednesday Night Suppers: served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. Upcoming meals:

  • January 14 — Beef stew, biscuit & roll

  • January 21 — Turkey noodle casserole, vegetable, salad & roll

  • January 28 — Ham, mashed potatoes, corn, roll & salad

  • February 4 — Hamburger & rice hotdish, salad & roll

Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Join us at the adult forum next Sunday, January 18 at 10:45 am for the following presentation "The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." by Jameel Haque - Associate Professor & Director of Kessel Peace Studies, MSU-Mankato. This is an opportunity to learn more about the impact of this historic figure and to celebrate the national holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday.

Prayer Shawl Makers gather this Thursday, 2-4pm in the library.

Deborah Circle will gather early at 9 a.m. on Saturday January 17th. Baby Care Kits will start assembly at 10:15 a.m. on January 17th. 

The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life.  We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Announcements

Lutheran Advocacy MN We had a very informative presentation by Tammy Walhof, director of Lutheran Advocacy MN, at Sunday's adult forum. We learned what this ELCA  and Minnesota synod ministry is doing on behalf of Lutherans to work for justice in the areas of hunger, poverty, and care of God's creation in our state.

MSU Mankato is looking for families to partner in the Friendship Family Program. Interested? Fill out this form to apply.

Cooking for Connections - Are you interested in making a meal or side dish for the guests at Connections, but not quite sure what to make?  Visit the Connections website to check out meal ideas and recommended quantities.  Cooking for 50 people can feel daunting and expensive.  Consider sharing the load and the fellowship with a group you are a part of. Please follow the link to sign up.

Monthly Mission Partner

Our January Monthly Mission Partner is MY Place Mankato. Mankato Youth Place Inc is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential. Learn more by visiting myplacemankato.org. You can give online or via check made out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson

Marian Mallory

Anna Moses

Barb Girtz

Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag

Nikolas Perez

Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul

Becky Sullivan

Rae Allan

Laurie Rossow

Gerry Morris

Dee Singelstad

Anne Ferris

The families & friends of Pete Wachtel, Michele (Heaberlin) Nydegger,

& Dorothy Norland

LeRoy Lutheran in LeRoy

Vista Lutheran in New Richland

Bethel Lutheran in Northfield

Moland Lutheran in Kenyon

Mwanga Lutheran in Tanzania

Mazoezi Kitusha Lutheran in Tanzania & Ikungi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 14, Matthew 3:13-17

January 18 & 21, John 1:29-42

January 25 & 28, Matthew 4:12-23

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, January 5

Hello Bethlehem,

Join us this Wednesday for the instant Epiphany Program at 6:15pm in the sanctuary!

This Week

Wednesday Night Suppers: served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. This week we’re serving sloppy joes, chips & cold pasta salad.

Bibles & Brews meets this Thursday, 6-8pm at Weggy’s!

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, January 11, we will hear from Lutheran Advocacy MN.

Women of Bethlehem — The early bird registration deadline is TODAY. Join us at the 2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering Des Moines Iowa July 16-19, 2026

The Triennial Gathering brings together 1500 or more WELCA leaders and participants to worship, hear inspiring speakers, sing, pray, engage in service projects and meet Lutheran women from across the country. Quilters of all abilities are invited to create a quilt interpreting the Gathering theme of I Am Worthy, based on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

  • Early Bird Registration until January 5, 2026:  $475 full event or $250 one day

  • Registration after January 6, 2026:  $525 full event or $275 one day

  • BLC Women do have some funds that could help with registration fees. The SE MN Synod WELCA has also offered scholarships to previous Triennials, especially for younger women and first-time attendees.

Visit the website below to learn more about the speakers, leaders and workshops, how to register and make hotel reservations. womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page

I have attended two previous Triennial Gatherings and would be happy to share my experiences with anyone who would like to know more. Kristen Simon-Frank kdsimon-frank@hotmail.com (507) 383-1952

Announcements

Adult Forum with MY Place Mankato

House of Bread: Crowded Table Join us Friday, January 16 at 6:00pm for Bethlehem’s annual variety show! We’ll gather in the lower level for performances, talents and fun. A display area will be available for visual art as well. Please submit a form online to tell us about your act in advance. Friends are welcome to join in the fun. 

High school students: the Youth Bible Study gathers 2-3:30pm on early release days, January 14 and February 11 at the Fillin’ Station! Pick up from East and West is available.

Give the gift of time! Connections Shelter warmly welcomes the volunteer time that you, your family, or small group are able to provide for the guests at Connections. Please follow the link to sign up for providing or serving a meal. 

Deborah Circle will gather early at 9 a.m. on Saturday January 17th. Baby Care Kits will start assembly at 10:15 a.m. on January 17th. 

The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life.  We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Monthly Mission Partner

Our January Monthly Mission Partner is MY Place Mankato. Mankato Youth Place Inc is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential. Learn more by visiting myplacemankato.org. You can give online or via check made out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson

Marian Mallory

Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses

Barb Girtz

Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag

Nikolas Perez

Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul

Becky Sullivan

Rae Allan

Laurie Rossow

Gerry Morris

Dee Singelstad

Anne Ferris

The family & friends of Laurie Lee & Dorothy Norland

United Redeemer Lutheran in Zumbrota

Christ the King Lutheran in Mankato

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Owatonna

Nabii Elia Lutheran in Tanzania

Kigaa Lutheran in Tanzania

Kimpungua Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 11 & 14, Matthew 3:13-17

January 18 & 21, John 1:29-42

January 25 & 28, Matthew 4:12-23

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, December 29

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us for Christmas Eve worship. There will be no Wednesday night education, supper or worship this week. We hope you have a blessed new year. Bethlehem’s office will be closed on Thursday. 

Join us next Wednesday for the Epiphany Program!

Announcements

Adults Forums Join us Sundays at 10:45AM in Grounds for Joy for coffee and speakers selected by your Adult Education Board. This Sunday, January 4, we will hear from MY Place, Mankato. The Adult Forum schedule is available on our website. 

A message from your Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: please turn in or postmark all 2025 contributions by December 31st. Thank you! 

House of Bread: Crowded Table Join us Friday, January 16 at 6:00pm for Bethlehem’s annual variety show! We’ll gather in the lower level for performances, talents and fun. A display area will be available for visual art as well. Please submit a form online to tell us about your act in advance. Friends are welcome to join in the fun. 

Give the gift of time! Whether it is over the holidays or into the new year, Connections Shelter warmly welcomes the volunteer time that you, your family, or small group are able to provide for the guests at Connections.  To sign up to be a Meal Server, please follow this link. Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

Women of Bethlehem — Join us at the 2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering Des Moines Iowa July 16-19, 2026

The Triennial Gathering brings together 1500 or more WELCA leaders and participants to worship, hear inspiring speakers, sing, pray, engage in service projects and meet Lutheran women from across the country.

Quilters of all abilities are invited to create a quilt interpreting the Gathering theme of I Am Worthy, based on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

  • Early Bird Registration until January 5, 2026:  $475 full event or $250 one day

  • Registration after January 6, 2026:  $525 full event or $275 one day

  • BLC Women do have some funds that could help with registration fees. The SE MN Synod WELCA has also offered scholarships to previous Triennials, especially for younger women and first-time attendees.

Visit the website below to learn more about the speakers, leaders and workshops, how to register and make hotel reservations.

womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page

I have attended two previous Triennial Gatherings and would be happy to share my experiences with anyone who would like to know more. Kristen Simon-Frank kdsimon-frank@hotmail.com (507) 383-1952

Monthly Mission Partner

Our December Monthly Mission Partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This sustainable-development program of the ELCA provides animals for people in developing countries who are dealing with food scarcity and poverty. These make particularly meaningful gifts this holiday season. You can give online throughout the month. 

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul Becky Sullivan Rae Allan

Laurie Rossow Gerry Morris Dee Singelstad Anne Ferris

The family & friends of Laurie Lee 

The family & friends of Dorothy Norland

We pray for peace and justice in all places.

Lectionary Readings

January 4, John 1:1-18

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, December 22

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to all who helped with the Christmas program! It was a delight to experience The Not-So-Silent Night together at Bethlehem. Christmas Eve worship services will be held at 4:00pm and 6:00pm this Wednesday, December 24th. There will be no supper served December 24 or 31. Have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year!

Announcements

BLC Council Meeting Minutes: The Bethlehem Council held its monthly meeting on December 16. Check out the minutes for a summary of all that was discussed and decided. Learn what is happening at Bethlehem!

House of Bread: Crowded Table Join us Friday, January 16 at 6:00pm for Bethlehem’s annual variety show! We’ll gather in the lower level for performances, talents and fun. A display area will be available for visual art as well. Please submit a form online to tell us about your act in advance. Friends are welcome to join in the fun.

A message from your Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: please turn in or postmark all 2025 contributions by December 31st. Thank you! 

 Give the gift of time! Whether it is over the holidays or into the new year, Connections Shelter warmly welcomes the volunteer time that you, your family, or small group are able to provide for the guests at Connections.  To sign up to be a Meal Server, please follow this link. Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

Women of Bethlehem — Join us at the 2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering Des Moines Iowa July 16-19, 2026

The Triennial Gathering brings together 1500 or more WELCA leaders and participants to worship, hear inspiring speakers, sing, pray, engage in service projects and meet Lutheran women from across the country.

Quilters of all abilities are invited to create a quilt interpreting the Gathering theme of I Am Worthy, based on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

  • Early Bird Registration until January 5, 2026:  $475 full event or $250 one day

  • Registration after January 6, 2026:  $525 full event or $275 one day

  • BLC Women do have some funds that could help with registration fees. The SE MN Synod WELCA has also offered scholarships to previous Triennials, especially for younger women and first-time attendees.

Visit the website below to learn more about the speakers, leaders and workshops, how to register and make hotel reservations.

womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page

I have attended two previous Triennial Gatherings and would be happy to share my experiences with anyone who would like to know more. Kristen Simon-Frank kdsimon-frank@hotmail.com (507) 383-1952

Monthly Mission Partner

Our December Monthly Mission Partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This sustainable-development program of the ELCA provides animals for people in developing countries who are dealing with food scarcity and poverty. These make particularly meaningful gifts this holiday season. You can give online throughout the month. 

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul Becky Sullivan Rae Allan

Laurie Rossow Gerry Morris Dee Singelstad Anne Ferris

The family & friends of Laurie Lee 

The family & friends of Dorothy Norland

Cedar Valley Lutheran in Winona

United Lutheran in Walters

Redeemer Lutheran in Good Thunder

Itigi Lutheran in Tanzania

Solo Por Fe Lutheran in Colombia

Deng Hoth Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

December 24, Luke 2:1-10

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, December 15

Hello Bethlehem,

The Children’s Christmas program is this Sunday! Come and see The Not-So-Silent Night Shift at 9:30am worship on December 21st, performed by BLC kids and youth, with music from the BLC Praise Band.

Christmas Eve worship services will be held at 4:00pm and 6:00pm on December 24th. If you’d like to purchase God’s Global Barnyard animals in honor or memory of loved ones and have your names displayed on Christmas Eve, turn in a form or complete an online form!

This week

Hot Cocoa & Caroling is this Wednesday, December 17th! We’ll gather at 7:00pm in the library, then head to CADA for caroling and be heading home around 8:00pm. 

Join us for Wednesday night supper, served at 5pm in the lower level! Upcoming menu: 

  • December 17 - Lasagna, garlic toast & salad

  • There will be no supper served December 24 or 31. Have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year! 

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive this Thursday, December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Prayer Shawl Makers will meet in the library from 6-8pm this Thursday. Please RSVP to Marcia Nagel if you plan to attend! 

RSVP to Anna if you plan to be at the Youth Christmas Party this Friday! Friends are welcome. Text Anna at (507) 213-9276

Join us for Fair Trade Bazaar part two! There are still Fair Trade goodies available, including chocolates, coffee and olive oil, which will be available for purchase next Sunday in the narthex after worship. Grab those last-minute gifts that do good! 

Announcements

A message from your Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Ruiz: please turn in or postmark all 2025 contributions by December 31st. Thank you! 

Connections Shelter Volunteers: Are you looking forward to your annual holiday cookie exchange?  Consider making an extra plate of your holiday favorites to share as a dessert for the guests at Connections Shelter.  Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

Newborn Baby Kits for Global Health Ministries: First, thanks to Marilyn Larson and Amy Haigh for delivering the last group of kits to the Global Health Ministries warehouse in Minneapolis. GHM then sends the kits to partners in Liberia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life. Bethlehem members assembled 23 newborn baby kits on November 15th. We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Monthly Mission Partner

God’s Global Barnyard is Bethlehem’s December monthly mission partner. This sustainable-development program of the ELCA provides animals for people in developing countries who are dealing with food scarcity and poverty. 

These make particularly meaningful gifts this holiday season. Donate animals in honor of friends and family using our online form and have your names shared on the screens during Christmas Eve! Please complete a form online or pick one up from the welcome kiosk and return it by December 16 to have your names displayed on the screens. You can give online throughout the month.  

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul Brad Widness Becky Sullivan

Rae Allan Laurie Rossow Gerry Morris Dee Singelstad

The family & friends of Laurie Lee

The family & friends of Dorothy Norland

Chatfield Lutheran in Chatfield St. Paul Lutheran of German Lake in Elysian

First Lutheran in Red Wing Shiloh Lutheran in Elmore

Muhintiri Lutheran in Tanzania Maiwut Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Ilongero Lutheran in Tanzania


Lectionary Readings

December 17, Isaiah 12:2-6, Isaiah 11:1-9

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, December 8

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to our Bethlehem members who helped prepare and decorate the sanctuary for this Christmas season!

This week

The Musicorum Christmas concert will be at Bethlehem this Saturday! Enjoy Christmas music by talented area musicians on December 13th at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. 

The Ensembles Program is this Sunday! Join us for 9:30am worship.

Ecumen Pathstone Christmas bows are on the tree at the Welcome Kiosk. Pick up a card and return the listed gift by December 12 to spread a little extra Christmas cheer at Ecumen this year! Gifts can be dropped off in the office, open 9-5 Tuesday-Thursday this week. 

Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Preparedness Training: Bethlehem members who did not attend the training session at Bethlehem and wish to get this safety training are invited to attend Mankato Public Safety’s presentation coming up on December 8. The training will provide a foundational overview of threat recognition, response options, and emergency planning considerations and will serve as the starting point for additional trainings and resources available in the house of worship safety program ahead.
Date: Monday, December 8
Location: Mayo Clinic Event Center – Banquet Room
Session Options: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. or 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Both sessions cover the same content. 

Join us for Wednesday night supper, served at 5pm in the lower level! Upcoming menu: 

  • December 10 - Hot beef on a bun with potato salad & roll

  • December 17 - Lasagna, garlic toast & salad

  • There will be no supper served December 24 or 31. 

Family faith formation

Join us for Hot Cocoa & Caroling on Wednesday, December 17th! We’ll gather at 7:00pm in the library, then head to CADA for caroling and be heading home around 8:00pm. 

Save the date! The Youth Christmas Party is scheduled for December 19th and the Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 21st.

Announcements

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Connections Shelter Volunteers: Are you looking forward to your annual holiday cookie exchange?  Consider making an extra plate of your holiday favorites to share as a dessert for the guests at Connections Shelter.  Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.

2026 Stewardship Pledge Update The latest report is in and we are pleased to report the following numbers for 2026 stewardship pledges as of December 6:

TOTAL PLEDGES: 168

Pledges $$ Increases from this year:  56

Pledge $$ Decreases from this year: 11

Same $$ pledged as this year: 101

TOTAL $$ Pledged: $423,186  WOW!

$$ Increase from this year: +$42,316  WOW!

% Increase from this year:  +11.11% WOW!

The BLC Stewardship Board thanks everyone for their generosity and support of all that Bethlehem does for its members and the community. This exceeds our campaign goal of a 10% increase in giving. We are grateful!

We are still accepting 2026 pledges. We would like to include YOU in our pledge numbers. Use the online pledge form found on the BLC website or contact Elizabeth Ruiz in the church office. We welcome your pledge!

Newborn Baby Kits for Global Health Ministries

Global Health Ministries sends these kits to partners in Liberia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life. 

Bethlehem members assembled 23 newborn baby kits on November 15th. We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Thank you

Happy Holidays! We are quickly closing in on Winter Break, and we couldn't be happier with how Fall Term progressed. Students are joining us in increasing numbers for Lunch For-a-Buck every Tuesday, and they are always so polite and go out of their way to thank volunteers for the delicious, hot meals. We are thankful and blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, December 2nd, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Dee Bennett, and Sue Larsen prepared and served a comfort food favorite of tater tot hotdish, mac-n-cheese, Italian bread, organic spring mix salad, and brownies to 45 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $27.05 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during the school year. 

Also, if your congregation is interested in monthly food collections for the Campus Cupboard food shelf, we could always use the following: dish soap - laundry detergent pods - toilet paper - shampoo - conditioner - bar soap - paper towels - cornmeal - black eyed peas - flour - sugar - pasta - carrots - peanut butter - jelly - green tea - oatmeal - cereal - tuna - red beans - cooking oil - Menstrual products are always desperately needed - Ramen noodles are always a favorite!

God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, February 3. We couldn't do what we do without you!! 

Gratefully,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

Monthly Mission Partner

God’s Global Barnyard is Bethlehem’s December monthly mission partner. This sustainable-development program of the ELCA provides animals for people in developing countries who are dealing with food scarcity and poverty. 

These make particularly meaningful gifts this holiday season. Donate animals in honor of friends and family using our online form and have your names shared on the screens during Christmas Eve! Please complete a form online or pick one up from the welcome kiosk and return it by December 16 to have your names displayed on the screens. You can give online throughout the month.  

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul Brad Widness Becky Sullivan

Rae Allan Ramona Olsen Laurie Rossow

The families & friends of Ron Poole & Ted Glaser

St. Ansgar’s Lutheran in Cannon Falls Garness Trinity Lutheran in Mabel

Cross of Glory Lutheran in Hartland Merya Lutheran Church & Dispensary in Tanzania

Jokow Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Principe de Paz Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

December 10, Luke 1:68-79, Isaiah 35:3-7

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, December 1

Hello Bethlehem,

God’s Global Barnyard is Bethlehem’s December monthly mission partner. This sustainable-development program of the ELCA provides animals for people in developing countries who are dealing with food scarcity and poverty. 

These make particularly meaningful gifts this holiday season. Donate animals in honor of friends and family using our online form and have your names shared on the screens during Christmas Eve! Please complete a form online or pick one up from the welcome kiosk and return it by December 16 to have your names displayed on the screens. You can give online throughout the month.  

This week

Join us for Wednesday night supper, served at 5pm in the lower level! Upcoming menu: 

  • December 3 - Scalloped potatoes & ham, salad & roll

  • December 10 - Hot beef on a bun with potato salad & roll

  • December 17 - Lasagna, garlic toast & salad

The 6th annual BLC Men’s Bowling Championship is this Thursday! Contact Pr. Jay with any questions. 

Family faith formation

Save the date! The Youth Christmas Party is scheduled for December 19th and the Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 21st.

Announcements

The Musicorum Christmas concert will be at Bethlehem on December 13th at 6:30pm. 

Ecumen Pathstone Christmas bows are on the tree at the Welcome Kiosk! Pick up a card and return the listed gift by December 12 to spread a little extra Christmas cheer at Ecumen this year!

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Preparedness Training: Bethlehem members who did not attend the training session at Bethlehem and wish to get this safety training are invited to attend Mankato Public Safety’s presentation coming up on December 8. The training will provide a foundational overview of threat recognition, response options, and emergency planning considerations and will serve as the starting point for additional trainings and resources available in the house of worship safety program ahead.
Date: Monday, December 8
Location: Mayo Clinic Event Center – Banquet Room
Session Options:
• 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
• 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Both sessions cover the same content. 

Newborn Baby Kits for Global Health Ministries

First, thanks to Marilyn Larson and Amy Haigh for delivering the last group of kits to the Global Health Ministries warehouse in Minneapolis. GHM then sends the kits to partners in Liberia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life. 

Bethlehem members assembled 23 newborn baby kits on November 15th. We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Thank you to our Landscaping and Facilities Boards for designing and hanging the new Community Garden sign! Check it out on Liberty Street.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff

Garrett Paul Ron Poole Brad Widness

Becky Sullivan Ted Glaser Rae Allan

First English Lutheran in Cannon Falls Little Cedar Lutheran in Adams

Trondhjem Lutheran in Lonsdale Jikmir Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Vida Nueva Lutheran in Colombia Mukulu Lutheran Church & Dispensary in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

December 3, Psalm 25:1-10, Isaiah 1:24-31

December 7, Matthew 3:1-12

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, November 24

Hello Bethlehem,

We hope to see you for 6:15pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship with stories of Thanksgiving this Wednesday. Pie will be served in Grounds for Joy after worship. Reminder: there will be no Wednesday Night Supper served on Wednesday and the office will be closed on Thursday. Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Join us next Sunday, November 30, for the Fair Trade Bazaar before and after worship. Shop vendors including Global Mamas Ten Thousand Villages, New Ulm's Own and BLC's coffee, tea, olive oil, chocolate and soups. This is a great opportunity to stock up on ethically sourced holiday gifts!

Family faith formation

Save the date! The Youth Christmas Party is scheduled for December 19th and the Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 21st.

Announcements

Fall Semi-Annual Meeting The Bethlehem congregation had a successful semi-annual meeting on Sunday morning. Thank you for attending & participating in the decisionmaking. The following major decisions were made:

  • Jason Bruns was approved as our Vice-President. 

  • The 2024 BLC Internal Financial Review was approved.

  • The LSS bathroom renovation proposal was approved. 

  • The 2026 BLC budget was approved as well. 

Check this link for the formal minutes of the meeting.

Do your Thanksgiving guests rave about your green bean casserole?  Have you ever considered preparing this tasty side dish for guests at Connections Shelter? To share the gift of a home cooked (or catered) main dish, side, or dessert any time during the holiday season, please follow the link to sign up for the date that works for you. Please use this link to sign up. 

As always, it was a joy to gather for our annual Lefse making day. Check out the photos on Facebook.

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on December 18 from 12-6pm. Schedule your donation appointment online. 

Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Preparedness Training: Bethlehem members who did not attend the training session at Bethlehem and wish to get this safety training are invited to attend Mankato Public Safety’s presentation coming up on December 8. The training will provide a foundational overview of threat recognition, response options, and emergency planning considerations and will serve as the starting point for additional trainings and resources available in the house of worship safety program ahead.
Date: Monday, December 8
Location: Mayo Clinic Event Center – Banquet Room
Session Options:
• 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
• 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Both sessions cover the same content. 

Newborn Baby Kits for Global Health Ministries

First, thanks to Marilyn Larson and Amy Haigh for delivering the last group of kits to the Global Health Ministries warehouse in Minneapolis. GHM then sends the kits to partners in Liberia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The gift of a newborn kit provides basic items to help a mother care for her child and celebrate a new life. 

Bethlehem members assembled 23 newborn baby kits on November 15th. We will meet again on Saturday, January 17, 2026 to assemble more kits. Everyone is invited to join us in this project and donations for the kits are welcome! Here is a list of what each newborn baby kit needs. 

  • 1 bath towel, lightweight, approximately 50”x26”

  • 1 washcloth- No microfiber

  • 1 bath size bar of Ivory soap

  • 1 cotton t-shirt or onesie, size 0-3 months or newborn

  • 1 newborn stocking hat- a newborn’s head is approximately 14” in circumference

  • 1 receiving blanket- flannel or soft cotton- Not knit or crocheted, between 30”x30” and 48”x48” in size

  • 2 cloth prefolded diapers with absorbent center panel, minimum size 12”x16”

  • 2 diaper pins

Note: we are using Thrivent Action Team dollars to order the diapers, and we have plenty of diaper pins on hand, so focus on the other items on the list. Questions? Contact Kristen Simon-Frank   507-383-1952

Monthly mission partner

Bethlehem’s Endowment Board is doubling November monthly mission donations!

Our November Monthly Mission Partner is the LSS Youth Resource Center (formerly The REACH). Located on our campus and operating for 14 years, this vital organization serves youth ages 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. They have served 5,600 youth, provided 38,000 meals, and distributed 76,000 health, hygiene and clothing items. The center provides basic necessities, housing and employment assistance, teaches independent living skills, provides recreational activities, support and education. They provide access to legal advocacy and community sex trafficking prevention education. This month is matching donations, so your contribution will go twice as far to make a difference to area youth. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Nikolas Perez Tyler Ratcliff Garrett Paul

Our Savior’s Lutheran in Kiester Faith Lutheran in Delavan

Sudanese Anyuak Community at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Austin Pulroaa Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Mazoezi Songambele Lutheran in Tanzania Kisonga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

November 26, John 6:25-35

November 30, Matthew 24:36-44

Bethlehem LutheranComment