BLC Weekly, April 20
Hello Bethlehem,
This Sunday, we recognize our Bethlehem graduates from the Class of 2026!
Bethlehem 2026 Graduates: Louisa Andresen, Kjera (KJ) Arntz, Isabelle Asleson, Devon Bakke, Gwyneth Blickem, Mckenzie Bock, Cecelia Casper, Aubrey Haynes, Bailey Pipes, Jada Sivertsen and Aubrey Swenson.
This week
Quilters and School Kit Assemblers meet this Tuesday at 9:00am in the Dining Hall.
Wednesday Night Suppers: served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. All are welcome. Donations accepted; this meal is FREE! Upcoming meals:
April 22 — Hamburger/Cheeseburger, cold pasta salad & chips
April 29 — Ham/turkey sandwich, potato salad & pickles
May 6 — End of the year picnic at Spring Lake Park, Shelter 1
Adult Forum: Join us Sundays at 10:45 in Grounds for Joy with coffee and donuts for Adult Forums. This Sunday we will hear from Bethlehem’s Congregational Services Coordinator, Molly Nelson, who began studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary last fall. Learn about her seminary experience and Civil Rights Pilgrimage.
family Faith formation
Listening Sessions for Bethlehem's Family Faith Formation Ministry: Our Children's & Youth Boards are hosting listening session this week to hear from our parents about what you enjoy about our ministry with children, youth, and families and what you'd like to see more of in the future. Your input will help us form our next strategic plan. Please join us!
Parents of Youth: Wednesday at 7 pm in the Library Lounge
Parents of Kids: Sunday at 10:45 am in the Lower Level Lounge (near the Gathering Room)
Upcoming Events:
Registration is now open for Service & Sun!
Our annual Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser is Sunday, May 3rd. Pre-order a tray of 6 rolls online or purchase individual rolls that day!
Save the date: our School’s Out Celebration is Friday, May 22nd! More details are available in the Facebook event.
Announcements
Photo from the Semi-Annual Meeting Preview and Get to Know the BLC Small Groups last Sunday!
Celebrate Mom with her favorite things - Fair Trade CHOCOLATE and ROSES! The Fair Trade Committee will be on hand before and after church service on Mother's Day - Sunday, May 10th - selling beautiful roses from Ecuador along with Fair Trade chocolate and assorted coffee and teas. All proceeds from the sale of these items go to support and empower farmers and workers with better wages, safe working conditions, and ethical practices. What better way to honor Mom than with gifts that delight AND support a meaningful mission!
Thank you for attending the Semi-Annual Meeting yesterday! We had a quorum and were able to elect all new additions on the ballot. A recording of the meeting is available on Bethlehem’s private BLC Family & Friends Facebook group.
The Bethlehem Endowment Fund Scholarship application form is now live! College students, please apply by May 1 for 2026-2027 scholarships. Scholarship recipients will attend worship on June 7th to receive their scholarship.
Save the Date: May 3 is Pastor Jay’s Sabbatical Send Off!
May 6 is our final Wednesday Night Worship of the season. We will gather for worship, food and fellowship at Spring Lake Park, Shelter 1.
Even as our days are getting longer and warmer, Connections Shelter continues to serve guests through the month of May. Please consider signing up to serve a meal or provide food. Please follow the link to sign up for providing dessert or any other meal option.
COPAL extends thanks to the members of Bethlehem for providing food and support during this time of need. At this time they are shifting from pantry donations to a focus on financial support. To learn more and donate online, visit their website.
Monthly Mission Partner
Our April Monthly Mission Partner is the WELCOME Team. This team is a partnership between 5 local ELCA Lutheran churches who have been sponsoring a family seeking legal asylum in the United States for the past 3 years. The team is continuing to help the family navigate ever challenging times as they continue forward in their immigration process. The family continues to live each day with hope that God will continue to provide for them through the love and support of this community. Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated by the family! You can give online, donate via Venmo @BLCMankato, 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
Susan Brown
Roger Pipes
Loren Roberts
Pat Nelson
Marilyn Biedscheid
Sharon Finucane
People of Hope in Rochester
Grand Meadow Lutheran in Grand Meadow
Urland Lutheran in Cannon Falls
Epiphany Lutheran in Eagle Lake
Mazoezi Maluga Lutheran in Tanzania
Banytic Lutheran Parish in South Sudan
Sepuka Lutheran Church & Dispensary in Tanzania