BLC Weekly, September 28
Hello Bethlehem,
Your voice matters! Bethlehem’s Strategic Planning Committee is beginning their process of discernment and they want to hear from YOU! Strategic Planning Committee members are hosting Home Meetings to hear diverse voices from across the congregation to evaluate where Bethlehem's ministry is today and where God is leading us next. If you are not attending a closed group and would like to have your voice heard in the Strategic Planning Process, please sign up to attend a Strategic Planning Home Meeting. Available open meetings are coming up on October 3, 12, 15 and 21, so sign up today!
Announcements
The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in Minneapolis next summer! Join Anna in Grounds for Joy this Wednesday at 5:30pm for an interest meeting to learn more about the Gathering.
All are welcome to Wednesday Night Suppers. Meals are served at 5:00pm in the lower level dining hall. Donations are accepted; the meal is free and open to all. The full upcoming menu on our website. Upcoming menu:
Sept. 30 Spaghetti & Meat Sauce & Salad
Oct. 7 Scalloped Potatoes & Ham & Vegetables
Oct. 14 MEA Break — NO MEAL
Oct. 21 Hamburger Rice Hotdish & Salad
October 4 Adult Forum November 3 Election Day is on the horizon. Wondering what to expect when you vote? Concerned about election integrity? Need your other election questions answered? Join Michael Stalberger (Blue Earth County Elections Coordinator) on Sunday, October 4 at the adult forum. Get a cup of coffee and some donut holes and join the conversation!
Play date for Littles (3 and Under) This Sunday, October 4th at 10:30 am in the Library!
Join us next Wednesday for our Pet Blessing worship service, 6:15pm in the parking lot! Friendly, leashed pets are welcome to join us in worship. We are also happy to bless collars and photos of any shy pets who may not wish to attend. There will be a space to honor beloved pets who have passed. Say cheese: Jack Kehoe will be around to take photos of you and your pets, and we will also have the St. Francis photo board up for you and your family to enjoy! Join us for this alternative outdoor worship service.
You’re invited to Trunk-or-Treat! Check out the Facebook event and sign up to host a trunk or donate candy.
Fall programming is underway! If you have not yet, please complete a Time & Talent form to get connected to volunteer, community, and fellowship opportunities. A pdf is available online if you would like to print your own form and return it, or you can stop by and complete at form at the Welcome Kiosk.
We’re hiring! Bethlehem is looking for a Weekend/Evening janitor to join the rotation. Learn more and apply here by Oct. 14.
Connections Shelter is looking for shelter volunteers, servers, and meal providers for the new season. Learn more and sign up online.
Contribution reports for January - August, 2026 were sent out by email on Thursday, September 10th. Please review your report for accuracy. If you would like a printed copy, please contact the church office.
Thank you
We are celebrating Anna's 10th anniversary of service to Bethlehem as our Family Faith Formation Director. Kaitlin has now completed 5 years of service as our Children & Family Associate. Thank you both for your invaluable contributions to Bethlehem! You have made a real difference for our families. We are blessed!
Thank you for joining us yesterday for Generous Together session 4 where we explored where we explored how to create centers of generosity. Join us after worship on Sunday, October 11 for Session 5! All ages are welcome and you do not need to have attended any previous sessions to join in!
Monthly Mission Partner
Our September Monthly Mission Partner is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC). The Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC) is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and connected community through diversity education and action. Through Promoting Respect Workshops, Business and Organizational Diversity Training, and community events, we provide tools to understand diversity, promote inclusion, and celebrate differences. GMDC focuses on respect and full participation for everyone.
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
Nikolas Perez
Roger Pipes
Jan Boyum
Doug Dittbenner
Alice Haugen
Lucy Knowles
Gene Ganske
Highland Prairie Lutheran in Peterson
Moscow Lutheran in Austin
Trondhjem Lutheran in Hayward
Disabilities Learning & Education Ministry in Colombia
Mazoezi Mughamo Lutheran in Tanzania
Tulya Lutheran Church & Dispensary in Tanzania