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