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
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 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