BLC Weekly, July 6
Hello Bethlehem,
Join us this Sunday for Bethlehem’s second Generous Together gathering. This series of intergenerational gatherings provide a chance to explore, create and share about generosity. All are welcome to join the Stewardship Board in Grounds for Joy at 10:45am this Sunday for donuts, coffee and Generous Together!
Announcements
Last call for VBS Amazon Wishlist! If you want to contribute by buying from our Amazon Wish List, please order by today. Thank you for all the wonderful donations so far!
VBS I Spy: Operation Believe is July 20-23. Dinner is served at 5pm and programming runs from 6-7:30pm. Bethlehem will host this shared VBS experience with Centenary Methodist, First Presbyterian and First Congregational UCC. Learn more and sign up on the Facebook event.
Support the 4th annual Bike.Build.Home 500! This five-day, fully supported cycling event benefits affordable housing organizations. Hosted in Mankato, MN, by Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota, this ride is led by a volunteer steering committee composed of Habitat 500 veterans. Riders can participate in the full 500 km, five-day ride, select single-day options, or ride virtually. The event includes a Build Day, a Century Ride, and opportunities for volunteers to participate. Fundraising is encouraged: Five-day riders: $500 minimum, Single-day riders: $100 per day. Registration includes overnight lodging at Bethany Lutheran College, with dorm and camping options available. Riders are encouraged to arrive July 14 for evening orientation, with daily routes averaging 50–70 miles. Breakfast and dinner are provided each day. In 2025, BBH500 riders raised $175,000 for affordable housing. Join us in 2026 for an unforgettable ride that makes a real impact—in person or virtually. More details and registration available on their Facebook event page.
Summer Sack Lunches: Meals are distributed from 5-6pm Sundays in the parking lot. Limit 1 per-person, must pick up in-person. We are collecting donations in the narthex and financial donations are accepted online. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
Support Bethlehem's artists! We invite you to view "A Retrospective of Works" by Brad Widness and Anne Kronlokken, on display at the Moline Gallery at the Arts Center in St. Peter, June 5 through July 25th.
The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists represents organists, church musicians, and organ music lovers in South Central Minnesota, with activities focused in the cities of Mankato, New Ulm, and Saint Peter. Their Summer Organ Recital series is now underway, featuring FREE concerts open to all Tuesdays at 12:10pm. July 7 - July 21 recitals will take place at the Trinity Chapel of Bethany Lutheran College, and Bethlehem will host the final concerts of the season, July 28 - August 11. We hope you will take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to enjoy the work of talented area musicians, and don’t miss Bethlehem’s own Christine Schulz, performing August 11.
Summer Office Hours: The BLC Office closes at 2:30pm on Tuesdays. Office hours will be 9am - 2:30pm Tuesday, and 9-5pm Wednesday and Thursday. Thank you for understanding!
Monthly Mission Partner
Our July Monthly Mission Partner is Global Health Ministry. GHM has partnered for over a decade in resource-poor countries to support Lutheran churches that manage hospitals and grassroots efforts all focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable. Each year, thousands of volunteers gather at GHM’s Minnesota-based warehouse to help sort and pack medical equipment and supplies to share around the world. Volunteers include Bethlehem youth participating in this year’s Service & Sun mission project. Bethlehem members have also contributed by making quilts and assembling newborn kits. Kits provide basic items to help parents care for their child, while fostering connections with healthcare professionals. You can be a part of helping the hands that heal!
Giving Goal: $2,000. 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
Roger Pipes
Loren Roberts
Pat Nelson
Jan Boyum
Jerry Williams
First Lutheran in LeSueur
Bricelyn Lutheran in Bricelyn
Grace Lutheran in Nerstrand
St. John Lutheran in Owatonna
Kiyangiri Lutheran in Tanzania
Iglesia San Lucas Lutheran in Colombia
Nguony Keel Lutheran Parish in South Sudan