BLC Weekly, August 31
Hello Bethlehem,
Won’t you be our neighbor? Summer is winding down and we are looking forward to a new season of programming with Wednesday worship, suppers and education. It all begins with Neighbor Days, Sunday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 16. Join us as we reconnect with the Bethlehem community and kick of a new season of faith and fellowship. This year’s theme will explore what it means to be a neighbor to one another, the wider community, and the world. Both days will feature worship, a shared meal, and community art and service projects. Save the date, we’ll see you at Neighbor Days!
Welcome to Bethlehem’s newest member, Emery Adams, who was baptized on Sunday!
Announcements
Thank you to Amy Haigh, our Dinner Coordinator, for another season of Summer Sack Lunches! The final meals of the season went out yesterday evening. Thank you to all who donated to and supported this season of Summer Sack Lunches. Wednesday Night Suppers resume Sept. 16, check out the menu on the BLC website.
Sabbatical Leave Report - Sunday, September 6 Join Pastor Jay for coffee and conversation about his recent sabbatical leave at the adult forum on Sunday at 10:45 am in Grounds for Joy. We welcome everyone!
Fall programming kicks off in just a few weeks! Check out Bethlehem’s small groups, Wednesday Supper schedule, Adult Forums, and more on our website.
We pray for all impacted by the disaster in Nepal. You can support Lutheran Disaster Response by giving online here.
A note from the BLC FInancial Secretary
Financial update: In last week's e-news, the amount paid to WEB Construction for the LSS bathroom remodel was incorrect. The actual amount paid to WEB Construction was $47,238. These funds came from the estate received last year.
Contribution reports for January - August, 2026 will be sent out by email in early September. If you would prefer a paper copy, please call the church office at 507-388-2925.
Monthly Mission Partner
Last call: Our August Monthly Mission Partner is Lutheran World Relief. LWR serves to save and improve the lives of our neighbors living across the globe in the most impoverished areas of East and West Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. LWR seeks to partner with local communities to address hunger, create jobs, and develop productive economies rooted in agriculture, promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, as well as provide assistance in response to natural disasters — such as the recent earthquake in Venezuela. Last year, LWR began responding to our neighbors in crisis here in the U.S. Following multiple catastrophic events taking place in the U.S., LWR began working alongside trusted local faith partners to distribute truckloads of essential emergency supplies. Faithful friends of LWR — including many at Bethlehem — volunteer time and resources to make quilts and assemble school kits. Through all of these efforts, families and children are equipped with essentials needed not only to survive, but also to move forward. Please consider making a financial contribution to help and improve the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors living both close to home as well as abroad.
Giving Goal: $7,000 You can give online, donate via Venmo @BLCMankato, or via check made out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.
Our September Monthly Mission Partner will be the Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC).
This Week in our Prayers
Curt Halvorson
Marian Mallory
Paul Haugesag
Nikolas Perez
Roger Pipes
Pat Nelson
Jan Boyum
Bev Mathison
Doug Dittbenner
Mark Woelfel
First Lutheran in Albert Lea
Good Shepherd Lutheran in Plainview
Grace Lutheran in Waseca
Urughu Lutheran in Tanzania
St. John Mwando Lutheran in Tanzania
Lutheran Institute Kiomboi in Tanzania