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

the BLC blog

news & updates

BLC Weekly, May 19

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to our landscaping volunteers for your hard work this weekend! Between the new mulch and the sanctuary cleaning volunteers last week, Bethlehem is looking lovely! Thank you for caring for your church building. 

congratulations blc graduating seniors!

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Contact Kaitlin or Anna to get involved. 

All Flamingo Flocking spots have been filled! Thank you for supporting the youth trip to the Boundary Waters with our annual Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser! 

Sign up for Service & Sun 

Announcements

Endowment Fund Scholarship Recipients received an email last week to announce they received their scholarship. Scholars, please attend worship on June 1 as scholarships will be awarded during 9:30 AM worship. 

The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association meets tonight at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. As part of the community, BLC members are always welcomed to attend these meetings and engage with our neighbors. 

All Boards Night is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Monday, June 2nd. Incoming and outgoing BLC Board members, please RSVP to blchurch@blcmankato.org to let us know if you will be joining us. 

Synod Assembly Volunteers Needed! 12 non-voting members are needed to assist as the Ballot tellers for our election. These tellers must attend the assembly throughout the election and are free to leave once voting is finished. Volunteers will be trained and fed. If interested please let the office know so we can pass your information along to the Synod. Thank you for serving our ELCA Synod!

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

Thank you

Dear Friends,

Your cards and heartfelt messages have been appreciated over these many weeks. The compression fracture in my spine has presented challenges. I will begin to have Evenity injections once a month to stimulate bone growth. We hope that medical treatment will make a real difference! Bob continues to be my support with much TLC. Thank you all!  

-Gail Ihrig

The Blood Drive on May 8th in GFJ was a great success. 35 Units were collected and donors again enjoyed Eunice Sassenberg's delicious cookies after donating. BLC members Carol Malone, Holly Nevills and Mary Bliesmer volunteered their time and several other members donated blood. The next Blood Drive at BLC will be August 19th.

Rae Allan at Pathstone Living would like to Thank everyone who came to help celebrate her 100th Birthday.  Also a big Thank You for the many cards and gifts.  Blessings to you all.

Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. 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 Pat Nelson Norm Knowles

Lois Wintersteen Jerry Johnson

First Lutheran in Red Wing St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran in Lewiston

Aurora Lutheran in Owatonna Ikungi Lutheran in Tanzania

St. John Mwando Lutheran in Tanzania Mang’onyi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

May 25, John 14:23-29

June 1, John 17:20-26

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, May 12

Hello Bethlehem,

We had a wonderful time at the Year-End Picnic last Wednesday. Wednesday evening programming will return in the fall. Thank YOU for making this another great program year of faith and fellowship. We are switching over to the summer worship schedule and looking forward to camp, Service & Sun, VBS, and all the other fun activities that come with this season. Keep an eye out for more details in our Summer Catalog, heading to your mailbox soon. 

This week

Tomorrow: It’s time for Church Cleaning Part Two! Join us Tuesday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help wipe down the pews and hymnals. Please bring a pail and cloth; the Murphy cleaner will be provided. Thank you! 

Come and Celebrate with Rae! Rae Allen will turn 100 on May 13, and you are invited to celebrate with her. The Bethlehem Care Ministry is hosting a 100th party for Rae at 2 p.m. that day at Pathstone. All are welcome! 

Final Adult Forum - North Mankato & Mankato News Join us on Sunday for this spring's final adult forum. We will hear the latest news about issues, decisions and actions in Mankato and North Mankato from city administrators Susan Arntz and Kevin McCann. Share your questions and concerns with them and other members of the Bethlehem congregation. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! All are welcome! Coffee and donuts served! It just doesn't get better than this!

This Sunday we will celebrate our graduating seniors during worship. 

Family faith formation

The Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is underway! Sign up to flock the yards of friends, family or foes with these flamboyant birds. $30 sends the flock, $10 gets your flamingo insurance to make your yard unflockable! Proceeds help send BLC youth to the Boundary Waters this summer. Happy flocking! 

VBS is set for July 21-24. Dinner will be served 5-6 pm; VBS programming is from 6-7:30 pm. Youth and adult volunteers needed! Contact Kaitlin or Anna to get involved. 

Announcements

Synod Assembly Volunteers Needed!

12 non-voting members are needed to assist as the Ballot tellers for our election. These tellers must attend the assembly throughout the election and are free to leave once voting is finished. Volunteers will be trained and fed. If interested please let the office know so we can pass your information along to the Synod. Thank you for serving our ELCA Synod!

Join the BLC Landscaping Crew! Help keep Bethlehem beautiful. Your next volunteer opportunity is coming up on May 17th at 9:00 AM. Join Sarah Morgan and the rest of the Landscaping Committee in a clean up and adding fresh mulch to the grounds.

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

Thank you

The end of Spring Term is here. We have always been thrilled to welcome students, friends, and volunteers to Crossroads, and we feel tremendously 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, May 6th, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, and Sue Larsen prepared and served a delicious Finals Week lunch of beef and meatless lasagna, Italian bread, organic spring mix salad, and cookies to 38 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $21.25 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for subsequent lunches in the fall.

Over the 2024-2025 school year, Lunch For-a-Buck was served on 30 Tuesdays by 54 unique volunteers from eight different congregations. They fed a total of 1,183 individuals and raised $1,172.92 in donations. Bethlehem's 16 volunteers prepared and/or served lunch on seven of those Tuesdays to 294 people while raising $325.97 in donations! God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. Please know that we could not do what we do without your faithful support. We look forward to seeing you in the fall as we continue our work of feeding the bodies and souls of all who enter through our doors. 

Have a blessed summer,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. 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 Gail Ihrig Pat Nelson

Norm Knowles Lois Wintersteen

Dale Lutheran in Kenyon Deer Creek Valley Lutheran in Glenville

Fountain Lutheran in Fountain Mazoezi Singa Lutheran in Tanzania

Ntwike Lutheran in Tanzania Seniors Programming Soacha in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

May 18, John 13:31-35

May 25, John 14:23-29

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, May 5

Hello Bethlehem,

Congratulations to our Confirmation class of 2025! It was wonderful to celebrate with you on Sunday.

This week

Join us this Wednesday for the Year-End Picnic at Spring Lake Park! We’ll gather at Pavilion 1 at 5:00 PM for dinner, followed by worship, games, and ice cream. Come celebrate the end of another great program year! 

Bethlehem is hosting a Blood Drive on May 8th from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up online to save lives! 

What could be better than ROSES and CHOCOLATES for Mom on Mother's Day? How about FAIR TRADE roses and chocolates?  Please visit the Fair Trade table located in the Narthex following the church service on Sunday, May 11th to find these and many more beautiful items to browse and purchase.  All sales support FAIR TRADE artisans and vendors.

May 11 Adult Forum - House of Hope

Join us for morning coffee and a presentation by President/C.E.O. Mark Johnson about the essential services provided by House of Hope in Mankato. Its mission is to provide integrated non-residential treatment services to adults in our community. Its goal is to increase the desire for ongoing recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, May 11 at 10:30 am in Grounds for Joy.

Family faith formation

The Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is underway! Sign up to flock the yards of friends, family or foes with these flamboyant birds. $30 sends the flock, $10 gets your flamingo insurance to make your yard unflockable! Proceeds help send BLC youth to the Boundary Waters this summer. Happy flocking! 

Thank you for supporting the Youth Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser!

Sign up for Service & Sun 

Announcements

Church Cleaning Part Two! Join us Tuesday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help wipe down the pews and hymnals. Please bring a pail and cloth; the Murphy cleaner will be provided. Thank you! 

Join the BLC Landscaping Crew! Help keep Bethlehem beautiful. Your next volunteer opportunity is coming up on May 17th at 9:00 AM. Join Sarah Morgan and the rest of the Landscaping Committee in a clean up and adding fresh mulch to the grounds.

Come and Celebrate with Rae! Rae Allen will turn 100 on May 13, and you are invited to celebrate with her. The Bethlehem Care Ministry is hosting a 100th party for Rae at 2 p.m. that day at Pathstone. All are welcome! 

April 27 Semi-Annual Meeting

We had a very productive and positive semi-annual meeting on Sunday. Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in our spring business. The minutes of the meeting are available at this link.

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Have a fun, safe, blessed summer!

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Gail Ihrig

Trinity Lutheran in Albert Lea St. John Lutheran in Owatonna

St. Paul Lutheran in Red Wing Cross of Glory Lutheran in Hartland

Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran in Tanzania Tulya Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

May 7, John 21:1-19

May 11, John 10:22-30

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, April 28

Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for attending the Semi-Annual Meeting yesterday after worship! A recording of the meeting is available on our BLC Family & Friends Facebook group. There are still open positions on the ballot, including Council Vice-President. If you are interested in serving, please contact Bob Ihrig.

This week

Supper this week is Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers with pickle, chips and pasta salad, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome! This is the last Wednesday night supper at Bethlehem of the year. Thank you to our Dinner Coordinator, Amy Haigh, and to all our Wednesday night servers for a fantastic year! Join us next week for the Year-End Picnic at Spring Lake Park! 

Endowment Fund Scholarship applications are due this week! Students in or entering college must apply online by May 1st. 

This Sunday: BLC youth will hold a Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser on May 4th. All proceeds support BLC kids and youth who are going to camp. Individual rolls can be purchased that day without a pre-order. Thank you for supporting the youth! 

Family faith formation

The Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is underway! Sign up to flock the yards of friends, family or foes with these flamboyant birds. $30 sends the flock, $10 gets your flamingo insurance to make your yard unflockable! Proceeds help send BLC youth to the Boundary Waters this summer. Happy flocking! 

Join us next week for the Year-End Picnic at Spring Lake Park on Wednesday, May 7th. We’ll gather at Pavilion 1 at 5:00 PM for dinner, followed by worship. Come celebrate the end of another great program year! 

Announcements

Bethlehem is hosting another Blood Drive on May 8th from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up online to save lives! 

Church Cleaning Part Two! Join us Tuesday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help wipe down the pews and hymnals. Please bring a pail and cloth; the Murphy cleaner will be provided. Thank you! 

What could be better than ROSES and CHOCOLATES for Mom on Mother's Day?  How about FAIR TRADE roses and chocolates?  Please visit the Fair Trade table located in the Narthex following the church service on Sunday, May 11th to find these and many more beautiful items to browse and purchase.  All sales support FAIR TRADE artisans and vendors.

Join the BLC Landscaping Crew! Help keep Bethlehem beautiful. Your next volunteer opportunity is coming up on May 17th at 9:00 AM. Join Sarah Morgan and the rest of the Landscaping Committee in a clean up and adding fresh mulch to the grounds.

Come and Celebrate with Rae! Rae Allen will turn 100 on May 13, and you are invited to celebrate with her. The Bethlehem Care Ministry is hosting a 100th party for Rae at 2 p.m. that day at Pathstone. All are welcome!

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

Monthly mission partner

Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.

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 Gail Ihrig

Trinity Lutheran in Spring Grove St. John Lutheran in Kasson

United Redeemer Lutheran in Zumbrota Jokow Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Maiwut Lutheran Parish in South Sudan San Pedro Lutheran in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

April 30, John 20:19-31

May 4 & 7, John 21:1-19

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, April 21

Hello Bethlehem,

Alleluia! He is risen! We hope you had a wonderful Easter with Bethlehem. Special thanks to all who ordered Easter flowers and those who shared their gifts during Holy Week. The livestreams of our Easter and Holy Week services are available on our YouTube channel. 

April 27 Semi-Annual Meeting

The BLC semi-annual meeting will be held next Sunday, April 27 after the worship service in the Dining Room. Coffee and donuts will be served. Come one, come all!

Printed meeting materials are available on the kiosk in the narthex and are posted on the BLC website homepage: blcmankato.org. You are encouraged to review these materials prior to the meeting.

We need a quorum of 75 members in attendance to conduct our official business. This will include voting on the ballot of new and continuing Council, board & committee members and reviewing reports of various BLC topics including BLC finances and strategic plan. 

We are still seeking volunteers for the following positions for next year: Council Vice-President, Finance Committee (2) and Nominating Committee (2). Contact Bob Ihrig for more details and if interested in serving. 

Family faith formation

BLC youth will hold a Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser on May 4th. Pre-order a 6-pack of cinnamon rolls for you and your family! Pre-orders are limited to two 6-packs per order. Cost is $15 per six pack of rolls. Please order by Sunday, April 27th. All proceeds support BLC kids and youth who are going to camp. Individual rolls can be purchased that day without a pre-order. Thank you for supporting the youth! 

Join us for the Year-End Picnic at Spring Lake Park on Wednesday, May 7th. We’ll gather at Pavilion 1 at 5:00 PM for dinner, followed by worship. Come celebrate the end of another great program year!

Announcements

Wednesday night supper this week is turkey noodle casserole with salad and rolls, served at 5:00 PM in the lower level. All are welcome! 

Connections Shelter "Sleep Out" Cancelled

We received news last week that the planned April 25 Connections Shelter "Sleep Out" has been cancelled due to lack of interest and sign-up by community teams and individuals. Team Bethlehem was the only team registered for the event. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our team! We remain the defending two-time team champion for the Sleep Out. We will apply our existing and new Bethlehem donations for a new Connections fundraiser "Midsummer Soiree" planned for this summer. Stay tuned for more details! We remain committed to supporting Connections as an essential community asset for those facing homelessness. If you would like to contribute to this event, contact Bob Ihrig. Connections is always looking for volunteers to serve or donate meals. Sign up online. 

Join the BLC Landscaping Crew! Help keep Bethlehem beautiful. Your next volunteer opportunity is coming up on May 17th at 9:00 AM. Join Sarah Morgan and the rest of the Landscaping Committee in a clean up and adding fresh mulch to the grounds.

The Endowment Fund Scholarship application is now open! Students in or entering college must apply online by May 1st. 

Bethlehem is hosting another Blood Drive on May 8th from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up online to save lives! 

Come and Celebrate with Rae! Rae Allen will turn 100 on May 13, and you are invited to celebrate with her. The Bethlehem Care Ministry is hosting a 100th party for Rae at 2 p.m. that day at Pathstone. All are welcome! 

Monthly mission partner

Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.

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 Gail Ihrig

The families & friends of Casie Jo Reiner & Charlene Zimmerman

Peace and justice in all places

Lectionary Readings

April 23, Luke 24:1-12

April 27 & 30, John 20:19-31

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, April 14

Hello Bethlehem,

Join us for Holy Week. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship begin at 6:00 PM. There will be no Wednesday evening programming this week. Easter Sunday worship begins at 9:30 AM.

Easter flower orders are due tomorrow, April 15th. Donate any amount to order flowers in honor or memory of your loved ones. Easter Flower orders are now open online or you can pick up a form from the Welcome Kiosk. Flowers can be picked up after worship on Easter Sunday.

Photos from Palm Sunday

April 27 Semi-Annual Meeting

The BLC semi-annual meeting will be held on Sunday, April 27 after the worship service in the Dining Room. Coffee and donuts will be served. Come one, come all!

Printed meeting materials are available on the kiosk in the narthex and are posted on the BLC website homepage: blcmankato.org. You are encouraged to review these materials prior to the meeting.

We need a quorum of 75 members in attendance to conduct our official business. This will include voting on the ballot of new and continuing Council, board & committee members and reviewing reports of various BLC topics including BLC finances and strategic plan. 

We are still seeking volunteers for the following positions for next year: Council Vice-President, Finance Committee (2) and Nominating Committee (2). Contact Bob Ihrig for more details and if interested in serving. 

Announcements

BLC youth will hold a Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser on May 4th. Pre-order a 6-pack of cinnamon rolls for you and your family! Pre-orders are limited to two 6-packs per order. Cost is $15 per six pack of rolls. Please order by Sunday, April 27th. All proceeds support BLC kids and youth who are going to camp. Individual rolls can be purchased that day without a pre-order. Thank you for supporting the youth!

The Endowment Fund Scholarship application is now open! Students in or entering college must apply online by May 1st. 

Bethlehem is hosting another Blood Drive on May 8th from 1-6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up online to save lives! 

Connections Sleep Out Updates:

  • Team Bethlehem is making great progress toward its fundraising goal for the 2025 Connections Sleep Out. As of today, we have received $2,000 in donations from BLC members and supporters. That puts us at 46% of our goal with 12 days to go. Thank You!!

  • Want to join our team with a donation? Want to make a difference? Check out the flyer below for details of the Sleep Out and how you can add to our total with your contribution. We can accept cash, checks or online donations. If you give online, remember to email Bob Ihrig with this information so we can add you to our team record.

  • We are pleased to report that Lori Ruthenbeck will join Pastor Jacie and Amy Haigh as a Team Bethlehem Sleep Out participant on Friday, April 25. Bethlehem is well represented by this Terrific Trio!

Monthly mission partner

Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.

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 Gail Ihrig

The families & friends of Florence Sassenberg, and Don Grotta

Saetersdal Lutheran in Harmony St. Paul’s of German Lake in Elysian

Little Cedar Lutheran in Adams Ushora Lutheran in Tanzania

Taasisi Kiomboi Lutheran in Tanzania Nkinto Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

April 17, John 13:1-17, 31b-35

April 18, John 18:1-19:42

April 20 & April 23, Luke 24:1-12

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, April 7

Hello Bethlehem,

Join us for Holy Week. Palm Sunday worship, led by the BLC youth and kiddos, begins at 9:30 AM. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship begin at 6:00 PM. There will be no Wednesday evening programming next week.

This week

The Endowment Fund Scholarship application is now open! Students in or entering college must apply online by May 1st. 

The Trio performing special music during Sunday worship.

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving grilled chicken on a bun with potato salad and baked beans. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. The meal is free. All are welcome.

Join us at 6:15 in the sanctuary each Wednesday in Lent for a guest preacher exploring the topic of Hope. Last but certainly not least, worship this Wednesday April 9 will be led by Pastor Roger Haug. 

Bibles & Brews meets this Thursday. Join Pastor Jacie at Weggy’s, 6:00 PM, for meaningful conversation on faith and culture. 

The Musicorum Spring Concert, Enduring, will be held at Bethlehem this Saturday at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $15, students and youth are $5. Learn more at musicorum-mn.org. 

Order flowers in honor or memory of your loved ones. Easter Flower orders are now open online or you can pick up a form from the Welcome Kiosk. Please order by April 15th. Flowers can be picked up after worship on Easter Sunday. 

Family Faith Formation

FREE: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training May 10th, 9am-5pm 127 S 2nd Street. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) equips adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health struggles, provide support, and connect young people with appropriate resources. Having informed, compassionate adults ready to step in can prevent youth mental health crises, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of understanding. Whether you are a parent, educator, coach, or community leader, your role in supporting youth mental health is invaluable. This training empowers you to be that first line of support, ensuring that no young person has to navigate their struggles alone. Don't miss this opportunity to gain lifegiving skills and make a real difference in the lives of young people. Register here.  Please note: additional dates are available if May 10th won’t work for you!

Announcements

Kato Sleep-Out 2025

Join team Bethlehem for the 2025 Kato Sleep-Out fundraiser to support Connections Shelter. Give your donations to Bob Ihrig for Team Bethlehem! Help us to Three-Peat as the top team for financial donations again. You can make a difference! Volunteer to sleep-out on April 25 as a Bethlehem team member. Contact Bob Ihrig if interested and available to join Pr. Jacie.

Connections Shelter Sleep Out Update - Team Bethlehem

Thank you so much for your generous support of the 2025 Sleep Out for the Connections Ministry! As of today, we have received a total of $982.95 from 9 BLC members. Those donations move us closer to meeting and exceeding last year's total BLC contributions of $4,341. We have achieved 23% of that goal.

You can add to this total with a contribution today! Read for details in the Sleep Out flyer.

Thank you also to Pr. Jacie & Amy Haigh for volunteering to represent Team Bethlehem at the Sleep Out on Friday, April 25. If you want to join them, let Bob Ihrig know and we will add you to our "sleepers". The more, the merrier!

Join Us in Serving Students Through Campus Cupboard!

Crossroads Campus Ministry is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with our Campus Cupboard Food Pantry! This vital ministry provides food and essential items to students in need, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.

We need volunteers to assist with:

  • Stocking and restocking shelves

  • Helping students find products

  • Organizing inventory

  • Giving tours to new registrants

  • Assisting with checkout

Your time and effort make a real difference! Whether you can help weekly or occasionally, we’d love to have you join us. The Campus Cupboard thrives because of volunteers like YOU!

Location: Crossroads Campus Ministry- 331 Dillon Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
Flexible shifts available

Interested? Contact Pastor Jenna Couch (pastorjenna@gmail.com) or stop by to learn more!

THANK You

Thank you for your support of the Fiesta of Joy! Last Thursday hundreds gathered at Christ the King for dinner, music, a silent auction and programming. There are just ten centerpieces left for sale. They will be available for purchase before and after worship this Sunday, $25-$35, cash or check only. Thank you for supporting the WELCOME Team! 

“Spring break flew by faster than a supersonic jet, and now we're over half-way through Spring Term! We are always thrilled to welcome students to Crossroads, and we feel tremendously blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed them through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, April 1st, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell and DeAnn Bennett prepared and/or served chicken alfredo, spinach alfredo, Italian bread, salad, and homemade cookies and bars to 39 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $41.40 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during the school year. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We look forward to seeing you again on the final lunch of the school year on May 6th. We couldn't do this without you!”

Grace and peace,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

Monthly mission partner

Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.

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 Gail Ihrig

The families & friends of Joan Stoffel, Florence Sassenberg, and Don Grotta

Trinity Lutheran in Wanamingo Root Prairie Lutheran in Chatfield

Trinity Lutheran in Thompson Iambi Lutheran in Tanzania

Disaster Preparation & Response Ministry in Colombia

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

Lectionary Readings

April 9, Psalm 71:1-14

April 13, Luke 23:1-49

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, March 31

Hello Bethlehem,

Order flowers in honor or memory of your loved ones. Easter Flower orders are now open online or you can pick up a form from the Welcome Kiosk. Please order by April 15th. Flowers can be picked up after worship on Easter Sunday. 

This week

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving sub sandwiches with potato chips and cold pasta salad. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. The meal is free. All are welcome.

Join us at 6:15 in the sanctuary each Wednesday in Lent for a guest preacher exploring the topic of Hope. Preaching Schedule: 

  • April 2 - Pastor Heather Hammond

  • April 9 - Pastor Roger Haug

The Fiesta of Joy is this Thursday 5:00pm at Christ the King. Come celebrate the work of the WELCOME Team, enjoy music, shop silent auction baskets, and savor a delicious south of the border meal created by Bethlehem’s Jim Christensen and celebrity chef, Jordan Mendez, owner and manager of Mazatlan. See you Thursday! 

April 6 Adult Forum: WELCOME Team.

The Cruz family has been with us in Mankato since late 2022. They seek to start a new life as legal asylum seekers. Bethlehem, along with 4 other local churches, have sponsored their journey during this time. Join us as we learn the latest of developments both locally and nationally and how we can continue to walk with them. We will gather in Grounds for Joy at 10:45 am on Sunday, April 6 for coffee and conversation with members of the WELCOME Team.

Family Faith Formation

Photos from the BLC Youth Bake Off last Friday! 

BLC Family Easter Egg Hunt coming up on Saturday, April 12th. Requesting candy donations to fill eggs! Drop off in the main office by April 6th. Thank you!

FREE: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training 

May 10th, 9am-5pm 127 S 2nd Street. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) equips adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health struggles, provide support, and connect young people with appropriate resources. Having informed, compassionate adults ready to step in can prevent youth mental health crises, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of understanding. Whether you are a parent, educator, coach, or community leader, your role in supporting youth mental health is invaluable. This training empowers you to be that first line of support, ensuring that no young person has to navigate their struggles alone. Don't miss this opportunity to gain lifegiving skills and make a real difference in the lives of young people. Register here. 

Announcements

Kato Sleep-Out 2025

Join team Bethlehem for the 2025 Kato Sleep-Out fundraiser to support Connections Shelter. Give your donations to Bob Ihrig for Team Bethlehem! Help us to Three-Peat as the top team for financial donations again. You can make a difference! Volunteer to sleep-out on April 25 as a Bethlehem team member. Contact Bob Ihrig if interested and available to join Pr. Jacie.

Join Us in Serving Students Through Campus Cupboard!

Crossroads Campus Ministry is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with our Campus Cupboard Food Pantry! This vital ministry provides food and essential items to students in need, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.

  • We need volunteers to assist with:

  • Stocking and restocking shelves

  • Helping students find products

  • Organizing inventory

  • Giving tours to new registrants

  • Assisting with checkout

Your time and effort make a real difference! Whether you can help weekly or occasionally, we’d love to have you join us. The Campus Cupboard thrives because of volunteers like YOU!

Location: Crossroads Campus Ministry- 331 Dillon Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
Flexible shifts available

Interested? Contact Pastor Jenna Couch (pastorjenna@gmail.com) or stop by to learn more!

THANK You

Pastor Lisa Kipp with Lutheran World Relief thanked Bethlehem during her Adult Forum on Sunday for our continued partnership and generosity. 

Monthly mission partner

Our March monthly mission partner is THEE Alliance for Forgiving Medical Debt. Their mission is to combine expertise and compassion. $1 forgives $100 of financial hardship family debt. Many people are just one medical emergency away from a financial crisis. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

Our April monthly mission partner is the WELCOME Team, formed with members from five area ELCA churches assisting with an asylum seeking family in our area. They have been working on their education, language skills, obtained driver’s licenses and have gained employment. Support this organization’s mission of welcome.

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Gail Ihrig

Steven Chima Peggy Schulze

The families & friends of Joan Stoffel and Florence Sassenberg

Community Lutheran in Geneva Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea

Christ Lutheran in Preston Whalan Lutheran in Lanesboro

Mwanga Lutheran in Tanzania Kier Wan Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

April 2, Jeremiah 29:10-14

April 6, John 12:1-8

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, March 24

Hello Bethlehem,

You’re invited to a Fiesta of Joy! The WELCOME Committee, made up of five area Lutheran churches, invites you to join them Thursday, April 3rd from 5 to 8 pm at Christ the King.

Event Details: 

  • Celebrity Chef Jordan Mendez, owner/manager of Mazatlan, has partnered with Bethlehem member Jim Christensen to create a truly authentic south of the border meal of chicken breasts smothered in fajita seasoned vegetables, complimented by a simple lettuce salad and the traditional beans and rice.  We trust that this free-will offering meal will be strongly supported through your generosity. 

  • Preceding and continuing throughout the meal is our Silent Auction with nearly 40 baskets displayed and ready for your bids.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase our artist-designed centerpieces which reflect the Nicaraguan heritage of our special family, thanks to the inspiration and leadership of Paulette Bertrand, another Bethlehem member. 

  • At 7 PM, the Silent Auction closes as we transition to the sanctuary to enjoy classical Latin American songs with a mariachi style, courtesy of Luis Orozco.  The evening will conclude with words of gratitude shared by the Cruz family themselves.

It’s now the last call to RSVP online! You can also reserve your spot at no cost by calling Christ the King at 345-5056. 

This week

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving hamburger goulash with salad and roll. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome.

Join us at 6:15 in the sanctuary each Wednesday in Lent for a guest preacher exploring the topic of Hope. Preaching Schedule: 

  • March 26 - Pastor Jacie Richmond 

  • April 2 - Pastor Heather Hammond

  • April 9 - Pastor Roger Haug

Family Faith Formation

BLC Youth Night for 5th-12th Grade Youth. Sign up here by March 26th: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/YouthEvent1

BLC Family Easter Egg Hunt coming up on Saturday, April 12th. Requesting candy donations to fill eggs! Drop off in the main office by April 6th. Thank you!

Announcements

Kato Sleep-Out 2025

Join us for the 2025 Kato Sleep-Out fundraiser to support Connections Shelter. Give your donations to Bob Ihrig for Team Bethlehem! Help us to Three-Peat as the top team for financial donations again. You can make a difference! Volunteer to sleep-out on April 25 as a Bethlehem team member. Contact Bob Ihrig if interested and available to join Pr. Jacie.

Join Us in Serving Students Through Campus Cupboard!

Crossroads Campus Ministry is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with our Campus Cupboard Food Pantry! This vital ministry provides food and essential items to students in need, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.

  • We need volunteers to assist with:

  • Stocking and restocking shelves

  • Helping students find products

  • Organizing inventory

  • Giving tours to new registrants

  • Assisting with checkout

Your time and effort make a real difference! Whether you can help weekly or occasionally, we’d love to have you join us. The Campus Cupboard thrives because of volunteers like YOU!

Location: Crossroads Campus Ministry- 331 Dillon Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
Flexible shifts available

Interested? Contact Pastor Jenna Couch (pastorjenna@gmail.com) or stop by to learn more!

Monthly mission partner

Our March monthly mission partner is THEE Alliance for Forgiving Medical Debt. Their mission is to combine expertise and compassion. $1 forgives $100 of financial hardship family debt. Many people are just one medical emergency away from a financial crisis. 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 Al Rossow Gail Ihrig

Pastor Jay Dahlvang Steven Chima Peggy Schulze

The families & friends of Joan Stoffel and Florence Sassenberg

Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea First Lutheran in Blooming Prairie

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

Mazoezi Kikio Lutheran in Tanzania Yerusalemu Ilunda Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

March 26, Mark 14:1-11

March 30, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Bethlehem LutheranComment
BLC Weekly, March 17

Hello Bethlehem,

This weekend Bethlehem will be hosting Ignite: Via de Cristo, a weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God’s grace. A Via de Cristo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday evening. There is music and singing, food and fellowship, a time for laughter and a time for prayer. Christians of all denominations are welcome. The objective of the movement is to inspire, challenge and equip people for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. Via de Cristo is the adult-version of TEC, or Teens Encounter Christ. Contact the Wagners or Marian Mallory if you are interested in attending or learning more about this event.

This week

The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association will meet tonight at 6:30 PM in Grounds for Joy. Bethlehem members are welcome to attend and learn more about our neighborhood community. 

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving lasagna with salad and rolls. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome.

Join us at 6:15 in the sanctuary each Wednesday in Lent for a guest preacher exploring the topic of Hope. Preaching Schedule: 

  • March 19 - Pastor Becky Sullivan 

  • March 26 - Pastor Shelly Olson

  • April 2 - Pastor Heather Hammond

  • April 9 - Pastor Roger Haug

Prayer Shawl Makers will meet in the library this Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM. Knitters, crocheters and beginners are welcome! 

BLC Men are taking a Schell’s Brewery tour this Saturday! Email Pastor Jay for details. 

Adult forum

March 23 - Caring Circle for Community Connections

NicBluCares is the national pilot of a successful worldwide movement called ‘Compassionate Communities’. The people of Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties in Minnesota are building a safety net of community support, strengthening our compassion and capacity to care for one another in difficult times. 

A Compassionate Community acknowledges that the care for one another during life’s most challenging moments is not solely a task for medical and social services but is everyone’s responsibility. We belong. We take care of each other.

Join Mary Ann Boe this coming Sunday, March 23 at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy to learn about 'Compassionate Communities' and the activities of NicBluCares in the greater Mankato area community. Enjoy coffee and conversation with our speakers and other Bethlehem members. 

Family Faith Formation

Yesterday our 4th graders had their communion retreat here at Bethlehem. They designed chalices, baked communion bread and learned about the practice of communion.

BLC Family Easter Egg Hunt coming up on Saturday, April 12th. Requesting candy donations to fill eggs! Drop off in the main office by April 6th. Thank you!

BLC Youth Night for 5th-12th Grade Youth. Sign up here by March 26th: https://blcmankato.breezechms.com/form/YouthEvent1

Torchlight, Nightlight, and LIGHT kids are preparing to lead us in worship on Palm Sunday!

Announcements

Meet Your Neighbors!

The New Compassionate Community Center at Emy Frentz Art Building - 523 S 2nd Street. "The Compassionate Community Center provides community-driven, non-medical holistic care and comfort support for individuals and their families facing end of life. Rooted in the belief that everyone has a role to play, the Center fosters learning and service, grounded in kindness and shared humanity."

Breakfast with the Bishop:

The SE MN Lutheran Men in Mission Board is sponsoring Breakfast with the Bishop on Saturday, April 26th  at 9:00 AM at Cabela’s Owatonna. Everyone, and especially young men, are invited to attend this special event. Asst. to the Bishop, Matt Larson will be sharing a Devotion. John Sundquist, Executive Director of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), will be the Keynote Speaker.  Cost: $15/person (under 20 yrs. Old $10) Send reservations and check by Friday, April 18 to:
Russell Tesch 906 4th Ave SE Waseca, MN 56093

Fiesta of Joy

Thursday, April 3rd from 5 to 8 pm at Christ the King

RSVP online or by calling Christ the King at 345-5056 by March 23rd. The WELCOME Committee is already floored by the generosity and creativity of our basket donors! If you are donating items or a basket, please drop off your items in the BLC office by March 23rd. 

Event Details:

  • Celebrity Chef Jordan Mendez, owner/manager of Mazatlan, has partnered with Bethlehem member Jim Christensen to create a truly authentic south of the border meal of chicken breasts smothered in fajita seasoned vegetables, complimented by a simple lettuce salad and the traditional beans and rice.  We trust that this free-will offering meal will be strongly supported through your generosity. 

  • Preceding and continuing throughout the meal is our Silent Auction with nearly 40 baskets displayed and ready for your bids.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase our artist-designed centerpieces which reflect the Nicaraguan heritage of our special family, thanks to the inspiration and leadership of Paulette Bertrand, another Bethlehem member. 

  • At 7 PM, the Silent Auction closes as we transition to the sanctuary to enjoy classical Latin American songs with a mariachi style, courtesy of Luis Orozco.  The evening will conclude with words of gratitude shared by the Cruz family themselves.

Pastor Jacie said it best:  The Welcome Team “believes that all people who are fleeing violence, poverty and environmental injustices should be allowed to seek new lives for themselves where they are better able to receive those basic human rights.” We hope to see you there!

-The WELCOME Team

Monthly mission partner

Our March monthly mission partner is THEE Alliance for Forgiving Medical Debt. Their mission is to combine expertise and compassion. $1 forgives $100 of financial hardship family debt. Many people are just one medical emergency away from a financial crisis. 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 Al Rossow Gail Ihrig

Rita Gibbs Pastor Jay Dahlvang

The family & friends of Joan Stoffel

Urland Lutheran in Cannon Falls First of Highland Lutheran in Lanesboro

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

Iguguno Lutheran in Tanzania The True Vine Ministry in Colombia Zion Lutheran in Stewartville

Lectionary Readings

March 19, 1 Peter 3:15b-16a

March 23, Luke 13:1-9

Bethlehem LutheranComment