Come to the Day of Norms! (No, not that Norm!).

How does Bethlehem do what we do? What are the unwritten and unspoken rules, or norms, that we live by?

On Sunday, February 6, from 4-6 p.m., we will gather in the lower level dining room to discuss Bethlehem's norms in our life together as part of our strategic planning process. It will be fun, informational, and helpful in guiding our goals and aspirations for the next four years. There will be treats and child care provided. Come and join us in shaping Bethlehem's future!

January 10, 2022

We hope to see you at Connections next week, as we begin our third week of service on January 17. Like everyone, Connections has felt the effects of loss of volunteers and workers. Please volunteer if you are healthy and feel safe. Sign up to bring and/or serve a meal here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0544aca922aafa7-connections1 Sign up to be a morning greeter here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0544aca922aafa7-connections2

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On December 21, the Church Council reviewed the data collected in the recent worship survey and determined the best action at this time would be to move worship to 9:30am on Sunday mornings. This change will occur on February 6, 2022. 
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At the blood drive on Dec. 23, Bethlehem exceeded its donation goal. Six members of Bethlehem were among the donors, with Carol Malone manning the snacks and Mary Bliesmer coordinating it all. The blood shortage in our country prompted Amazon to donate $250 to every drive that meets its goal, so Mary will be sharing that gift with the church. Thanks to all involved and keep donating when you can!
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The VITA tax prep program which operates out of Grounds for Joy January-April is in need of phone volunteers. No interaction with clients or any tax experience necessary. You simply set the appointments. Shifts are M-F 8:30-12:30 or 12:30-4:30, and you can make your own hours. If you have some time to spare and are comfortable on the phone, please call Ginger Klenk at (507) 387-5707.
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Offering envelopes for 2022 will be available in the narthex starting mid-December.  Numbers will no longer be assigned.  Envelopes are dated as usual, but please put your name on your envelope when you make a contribution.  Our current contribution system is name driven and does not use envelope numbers.  Those who give electronically do not need to take envelopes.  Any questions can be addressed to Elizabeth in the church office or by email at elizruiz@blcmankato.org.   
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The Adult Education Board is happy to announce their new equipment in Grounds for Joy. Read more on the blog.

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The January Mission Partner is House of Hope. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter yet another busy season, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

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Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

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News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

January 3, 2022

We hope to see you immediately following Laurie's Party down in the dining room for a presentation from the Strategic Planning Committee: A Day of Remembering. As we recall God's faithfulness in the past, we are reassured of God's presence today, and of god's promise for out future. Join is at 10:30am to recall in our memories and stories how God has been faithful to Bethlehem. Come and share as we discern where God is leading us.  
***
On December 21, the Church Council reviewed the data collected in the recent worship survey and determined the best action at this time would be to move worship to 9:30am on Sunday mornings. This change will occur on February 6, 2022. 
***

At the blood drive on Dec. 23, Bethlehem exceeded its donation goal. Six members of Bethlehem were among the donors, with Carol Malone manning the snacks and Mary Bliesmer coordinating it all. The blood shortage in our country prompted Amazon to donate $250 to every drive that meets its goal, so Mary will be sharing that gift with the church. Thanks to all involved and keep donating when you can!
***
The VITA tax prep program which operates out of Grounds for Joy January-April is in need of phone volunteers. No interaction with clients or any tax experience necessary. You simply set the appointments. Shifts are M-F 8:30-12:30 or 12:30-4:30, and you can make your own hours. If you have some time to spare and are comfortable on the phone, please call Ginger Klenk at (507) 387-5707.
***
Offering envelopes for 2022 will be available in the narthex starting mid-December.  Numbers will no longer be assigned.  Envelopes are dated as usual, but please put your name on your envelope when you make a contribution.  Our current contribution system is name driven and does not use envelope numbers.  Those who give electronically do not need to take envelopes.  Any questions can be addressed to Elizabeth in the church office or by email at elizruiz@blcmankato.org.   
***

The Adult Education Board is happy to announce their new equipment in Grounds for Joy. Read more on the blog.
***
The January Mission Partner is House of Hope. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
***

Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

Bethlehem's January monthly mission is House of Hope, an integrated residential and nonresidential treatment service facility for adults for ongoing recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. The House of Hope, Inc. serves 26 county regions using a holistic philosophy and habilitative approach to recovery. The House of Hope, Inc. serves men and women programs through individual therapy sessions, trauma-based therapy and medication management. Their goal is to provide client centered treatment, reduce treatment barriers through scholarship funds, and support recovery through peer support specialists in addition to living skills development. We hope that Bethlehem members will support this very important service to our community friends struggling with mental health and substance use issues during the month of January. Thank you for your generosity and prayers.

December 20, 2021

We hope to see you on Christmas Eve at 4pm or 6pm, either in-person or online! We have decided to livestream both Christmas Eve services, so you can appreciate the different musicians at each.
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Offering envelopes for 2022 will be available in the narthex starting mid-December.  Numbers will no longer be assigned.  Envelopes are dated as usual, but please put your name on your envelope when you make a contribution.  Our current contribution system is name driven and does not use envelope numbers.  Those who give electronically do not need to take envelopes.  Any questions can be addressed to Elizabeth in the church office or by email at elizruiz@blcmankato.org.   
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Save the date to celebrate Laurie!!! 
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The Adult Education Board is happy to announce their new equipment in Grounds for Joy. Read more on the blog.
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Your congregation is invited to join us at the Minnesota State men’s and women’s basketball games on Sunday, Jan. 2nd  as they battle Concordia St. Paul in the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University!  To purchase your discounted tickets ($5 for adults, $2.50 for youth (18-under)) and  for more information, please go to www.msumavericks.com/sundayhoops
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The December Mission Partner is ELCA Good Gifts. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
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Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

We hope you will join us on the 9th to celebrate Laurie’s immense contributions to Bethlehem.

December 13, 2021

The Forcier Family led us in JOY yesterday for week three of Advent.  

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Working hard or hardly working! These kids are preparing materials for the Wednesday night Instant Christmas Program! We hope you'll join us for both kids' programs (they're different!) this Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 19. 

It's the return of LEFSE! Pick up Friday, Dec. 17 at 12pm or Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10am. Still a few orders left! Do you want to order some? Click here!

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The Adult Education Board is happy to announce their new equipment in Grounds for Joy. Read more on the blog.
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We are hiring! The Music Director position is open and applications are being accepted until Dec. 17. Learn more at blcmankato.org/job
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The next Red Cross Blood Drive at Bethlehem is Dec. 23. Please sign up to give at redcross.org.
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The December Mission Partner is ELCA Good Gifts. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.

***
Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

In the new year the Adult Education Board will begin offering more Sunday Adult Forums in Grounds for Joy. We will be able to make use of a new cart with audio-visual equipment and wall-mounted screen to provide an updated setting for both Bethlehem participants and presenters. We encourage you to come for coffee after the Sunday service, chat with friends, and stay for forums at 10:15 AM. Watch for the schedule of upcoming forums in the Star, in the Monday online weekly newsletter, Facebook, or the screens in the narthex and library. The new equipment was made possible by a generous special grant from the Bethlehem Endowment Board.

December 6, 2021

Many of our Christmas programming will also be livestreamed! Make sure you follow us and are in our Facebook Group! 
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The Fair Trade Committee will be hosting another holiday shopping event this Sunday after church in the narthex! Get your shopping done ethically and easily.

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Watch your email later this week for a survey about our new worship schedule! 
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It's the return of LEFSE! Pick up Friday, Dec. 17 at 12pm or Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10am. Do you want to order some? Click here!

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Volunteers are needed for two important jobs: food pick-up for Crossroads and helping with tax prep at Bethlehem this coming season. More information on both on the blog.
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We are hiring! The Music Director position is open and applications are being accepted until Dec. 17. Learn more at blcmankato.org/job
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The next Red Cross Blood Drive at Bethlehem is Dec. 23. Please sign up to give at redcross.org.
***
The December Mission Partner is ELCA Good Gifts. You can learn more on the blog. Donate here.
***

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Please remember our current mask policy: As we enter the busyness of fall, a reminder that in accordance with current CDC COVID-19 guidelines, Bethlehem requires masks for all public gatherings inside the building, including worship and Wednesday night events, during times of substantial or high levels of community transmission. Private gatherings of small groups, where all participants are fully vaccinated, may continue to remove their masks.

***

Are you a member of our Facebook group? We post needs, news, and other fun things there, and you're encouraged to share as well. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam

***

News & Updates: https://www.blcmankato.org/news-updates

Church Calendar: https://www.blcmankato.org/calendar
"Every person supports a cause. It may not be our cause, but that's OK. See what's going on in your church and in your community and get involved with something that touches your heart. Think about it, pray about it and then just do it. Live beyond yourself." --Living Lutheran, Sept. 2021

"Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world."

What do you want for Christmas this year? To send a child to school in a developing nation? To buy a goat for a family so they have an ongoing source of protein-packed milk and dairy products? To purchase a well or water filter to provide safe and clean water? Your gifts are needed to help our church respond to hunger and poverty in more than 88 countries around the world, including the United States. In 2020, Bethlehem once again ranked in the top 150 of the 8,972 congregations in the ELCA in hunger giving. ELCA World Hunger works hard to ensure that more than 85% of your gift goes directly to support programmatic work.

Consider giving a gift "in honor of" or "in memory of" to support our church's causes. There are forms available at the display table in the narthex or online(click here) so you can gift someone in need, support a sustainable development program of the ELCA and Lutheran Disaster Response, and honor a loved one.