Hello Bethlehem,

The WELCOME Team invites you to Our Grateful Gathering: A Fiesta of Joy, Thursday, April 3rd at Christ the King in Mankato. Join WELCOME for a silent auction, music, programming, and south of the border dinner, with all proceeds supporting  the family’s application for asylum status. 

Auction baskets and items can be dropped off in the BLC office. The event is free; free will offering is gratefully accepted. Space is limited. Call Christ the King at (507) 345-5056 by March 14th to RSVP. Thank you for supporting our mission of welcome! 

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This week

Quilters are not meeting tomorrow morning; join them again the first Tuesday in March! 

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, vegetables and roll. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome.

February 23 Adult Forum Join Chuck Piehl, chairperson of the BLC Endowment Board, as he shares the latest news and activities of the board. Learn about our investment strategy and giving plans to maximize the financial rewards of our endowment fund. We are making a real difference in the lives of individuals and groups in our community.

5th-12th graders and their friends are invited to Wow!Zone Laser Tag on Sunday, February 23rd beginning at 3:00 PM. Sign up online. 

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Family faith formation

Families with kiddos ages 3-years to 6th grade are invited to Ice Skating at All Seasons Arena on Sunday, March 2nd from 2:00 - 3:30pm. 

Fat Tuesday is March 4th and dinner tickets are now on sale! We hope you will join us for our annual silent auction and jambalaya dinner, with in-person and takeout meal options. Get your tickets here! The online portion of the silent auction will open on our Facebook event on February 23rd.

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The BLC Choir

Announcements

Pastor Kristen Engstrom has moved to Madagascar! Learn more about her journey as an ELCA global missionary in her most recent blog post. 

Ash Wednesday is March 5th. Join us for worship services at noon and 6:15pm. 

Our friends at VITA Tax preparation are back in the building and donating their time to help anyone in need of tax preparation assistance. If you know someone who could benefit from their services, their number is (507) 386-5570. 

Breakfast with the Bishop: The SE MN Lutheran Men in Mission Board is sponsoring Breakfast with the Bishop on Saturday, April 26th  at 9:00 AM at Cabela’s Owatonna. Everyone, and especially young men, are invited to attend this special event. Asst. to the Bishop, Matt Larson will be sharing a Devotion. John Sundquist, Executive Director of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), will be the Keynote Speaker.  Cost: $15/person (under 20 yrs. Old $10) Send reservations and check by Friday, April 18 to:
Russell Tesch 906 4th Ave SE Waseca, MN 56093

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Monthly mission partner

Our February monthly mission is ECHO Food Shelf. Serving our area since 1981, ECHO provides regular food orders, a summer feeding program, home deliveries, and much more. There is minimal paperwork to obtain food and no one is turned away. ECHO serves over 600 families a week. Join us in supporting this vital service and mission in our area. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed at ECHO. Visit their website to volunteer. Our goal is $3,500.You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Double your giving! When we give ECHO our donation in March, our dollars will be doubled by matching funds. Donate to this monthly mission and your dollars will go twice as far!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Gail Ihrig

Bob Blom Lynor Blom Charlene Zimmerman

Joan Stoffel Warren Beaty

Messiah Lutheran in North Mankato Our Savior’s Lutheran in Faribault

Solor Lutheran in Webster Justice y Vida Ministry in Colombia

Wembere Lutheran in Tanzania Ilongero Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

February 19, Luke 6 17-26

February 23 & 26, Luke 6:27-38

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Hello Bethlehem,

Fat Tuesday is March 4th and dinner tickets are now on sale! We hope you will join us for our annual silent auction and jambalaya dinner, with in-person and takeout meal options. Get your tickets here! Please drop off baskets in the office by Sunday, February 16th. The online portion of the silent auction will open on our Facebook event on February 23rd.

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This week

Wednesday Night Supper: This week we are serving spaghetti, garlic toast and salad. Join us at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome. 

Bibles & Brews meets this Thursday, February 13, at 6:00 pm at Weggy’s. Join Pastor Jacie for casual conversations on faith and culture. 

BLC Men will watch MSU Men’s Basketball and then enjoy Jake’s Pizza on Saturday, February 15th. Contact Pastor Jay to join.

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Family faith formation

5th-12th graders and their friends are invited to Wow!Zone Laser Tag on Sunday, February 23rd beginning at 3:00 PM. Sign up online. 

Families with kiddos ages 3-years to 6th grade are invited to Ice Skating at All Seasons Arena on Sunday, March 2nd from 2:00 - 3:30pm. 

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Announcements

Ash Wednesday is March 5th. Join us for worship services at noon and 6:15pm. 

Our friends at VITA Tax preparation are back in the building and donating their time to help anyone in need of tax preparation assistance. If you know someone who could benefit from their services, their number is (507) 386-5570. 

The WELCOME Team invites you to Our Grateful Gathering: A Fiesta of Joy, Thursday, April 3rd at Christ the King in Mankato. Join WELCOME for a silent auction, music, programming, and south of the border dinner, with all proceeds supporting  the family’s application for asylum status. At this time the WELCOME Team is looking for silent auction items. There are four ways to give: create your own basket, team up with friends to create a basket together, connect with your favorite local businesses to see if they are willing to donate items, or donate new, individual items and the WELCOME Team will incorporate those items into a basket. There will be a basket in the narthex through the month of February to collect auction items, or you can connect with Carrol Meyers-Dobler to give her items directly. Thank you for supporting our mission of welcome!

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THank you

Thank you to Bishop Regina Hassanally for joining us on Sunday! The Bishop preached the sermon during worship and then led a Q&A session at the Adult Forum. We appreciate her leadership and wisdom. Thank you, Bishop Hassanally! Learn more about Bishop Hassanally here.

“Winter break flew by faster than the speed of light! We were thrilled to welcome students back to Crossroads on January 13, and we feel tremendously blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed hungry students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, February 4th, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, and Sue Larsen, prepared and/or served a delicious meal of chicken fajitas, beans & rice, bean & cheese burritos, salad, and brownies & lemon bars to 51 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $31.00 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for lunches during the school year. God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, March 4th as we continue feeding the Lord's sheep. We couldn't do this without you!” -Crossroads Campus Ministry

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Monthly mission partner

Our February monthly mission is ECHO Food Shelf. Serving our area since 1981, ECHO provides regular food orders, a summer feeding program, home deliveries, and much more. There is minimal paperwork to obtain food and no one is turned away. ECHO serves over 600 families a week. Join us in supporting this vital service and mission in our area. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed at ECHO. Visit their website to volunteer. Our goal is $3,500.You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Double your giving! When we give ECHO our donation in March, our dollars will be doubled by matching funds. Donate to this monthly mission and your dollars will go twice as far!

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Gail Ihrig

Bob Blom Lynor Blom Charlene Zimmerman

Dorothy Knedel Joan Stoffel

Pontoppidan Lutheran in Ellendale Vista Lutheran in New Richland

Calvary Lutheran in Mankato Disabilities Learning & Education Ministry in Colombia

Mazoezi Igurubi Lutheran in Tanzania Lutheran Institute Kiomboi in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

February 12, Luke 5:1-11

February 16 & 19, Luke 6 17-26

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Hello Bethlehem,

Bishop Regina Hassanally will be joining us for worship and will lead our Adult Forum this Sunday, February 9th. She has served as Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA since 2019. Learn more about Bishop Hassanally here. We hope you will join us in welcoming Bishop Hassanally to Bethlehem! 

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This week

Wednesday Night Supper: this week we are serving chicken, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. All are welcome. 

Prayer Shawl Makers: Knitters, crocheters and learners are invited to join us in the Bethlehem library from 6-8pm again this Thursday to learn to make prayer shawls. You can RSVP to Marcia Nagel at (507) 420-9692. Please bring a #10 ½ or #11 30-36 inch circular knitting needle OR size K, L or M (7.0, 8.0, 9.0 mm) crochet hook. All skill levels and beginners are welcome!

Our friends at VITA Tax preparation are back in the building and donating their time to help anyone in need of tax preparation assistance. If you know someone who could benefit from their services, their number is (507) 386-5570. 

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Family faith formation

Camp Youth sharing a song during worship on Sunday.

We’ll celebrate Camp Week again during worship this Wednesday.

5th-12th graders and their friends are invited to Wow!Zone Laser Tag on Sunday, February 23rd beginning at 3:00 PM. Sign up online. 

Families with kiddos ages 3-years to 6th grade are invited to Ice Skating at All Seasons Arena on Sunday, March 2nd from 2:00 - 3:30pm. 

Fat Tuesday is March 4th! We hope you will join us for our annual silent auction and jambalaya dinner. Tickets are available here. The online portion of the silent auction will open on our Facebook event on February 23rd! 

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Announcements

Prayer for Black History Month, from the ELCA

The WELCOME Team invites you to Our Grateful Gathering: A Fiesta of Joy, Thursday, April 3rd at Christ the King in Mankato. Join WELCOME for a silent auction, music, programming, and south of the border dinner, with all proceeds will support the family’s application for asylum status. At this time the WELCOME Team is looking for silent auction items. There are four ways to give: create your own basket, team up with friends to create a basket together, connect with your favorite local businesses to see if they are willing to donate items, or check your home for great condition items you no longer use, and the WELCOME Team will incorporate those items into a basket. There will be a basket in the narthex through the month of February to collect auction items, or you can connect with Carrol Meyers-Dobler to give her items directly. Thank you for supporting our mission of welcome!

Upcoming events: Bibles & Brews meets February 13 and BLC Men will watch MSU Men’s Basketball and enjoy Jake’s Pizza on February 15th. 

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THank you

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who gave their Saturday morning to clean the church kitchens. Special thanks to Cindy Zacharias for organizing. The church was left absolutely sparkling. We are so grateful for these wonderful stewards of our lovely building. 

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Monthly mission partner

Our February monthly mission is ECHO Food Shelf. Serving our area since 1981, ECHO provides regular food orders, a summer feeding program, home deliveries, and much more. There is minimal paperwork to obtain food and no one is turned away. ECHO serves over 600 families a week. Join us in supporting this vital service and mission in our area. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed at ECHO. Visit their website to volunteer. Our goal is $3,500.You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow

Garness Trinity Lutheran in Mabel Cannon River Lutheran in Welch

St. John Lutheran in Montgomery Bricelyn Lutheran in Bricelyn

Ruruma Lutheran in Tanzania Pulguori Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

February 5, Luke 4:21-30

February 9 & 12, Luke 5:1-11

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Hello Bethlehem,

Support BLC Youth! This Sunday we will have a S’more Fundraiser to help send the kids to camp. Find us in the narthex after worship. All who donate get to enjoy a tasty s’more treat! 

Mark your calendar, because Fat Tuesday is March 4th! We hope you will join us for our annual silent auction and jambalaya dinner. Tickets will be available next week and the online portion of the silent auction will open on Facebook on February 23rd! 

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This week

Join us for Wednesday night supper. This week we are serving ham, macaroni and cheese, salad and rolls, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. 

Youth are putting together college care packages on January 29th to send to BLC college kids! Send the address of a college student to Anna Wencl and we will make sure to send them a care package. Email Anna at annawencl@blcmankato.org 

Prayer Shawl Makers: Knitters, crocheters and learners are invited to join us in the Bethlehem library from 6-8pm on Thursday the 30th to learn to make prayer shawls. You can RSVP to Marcia Nagel at (507) 420-9692. Please bring a #10 ½ or #11 30-36 inch circular knitting needle OR size K, L or M (7.0, 8.0, 9.0 mm) crochet hook. All skill levels and beginners are welcome! 

At 9:00 AM Saturday, February 1,  there will be an opportunity to join with others to spend a morning cleaning our beautiful church. You could volunteer in these places: basement kitchen, Grounds for Joy kitchen, Heritage Room kitchen, communion prep room, wiping pew ledges and cleaning the hymnals. If you can’t be there perhaps you’d like to leave snacks for the workers. Please bring your own pails and wash rags. Other needs will be supplied.

Join us for the February 2nd Adult Forum where we will hear from ECHO Food shelf. 

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Announcements

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

Bishop Regina Hassanally will be joining us for worship and lead our Adult Forum on Sunday, February 9th. She has served as Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA since 2019. Learn more about Bishop Hassanally here.

Year-end 2024 contribution reports have been sent out by email.  Please review it carefully. Report any questions or errors to Elizabeth in the church office.  If you need a paper copy mailed to you, please let us know.

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Monthly mission partner: Green lake lutheran ministries

Our January monthly mission is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow

Joan Stoffel Gail Ihrig

The family & friends of Marge Orness & Dean Phillips

Cross of Christ Lutheran in Welch

First Lutheran in LeSueur

First Lutheran in Glenville

Mitume Ghata Lutheran in Tanzania

Muhintiri Lutheran in Tanzania

Kinambeu Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 19 & 22, John 2:1-11

January 26 & 29, Luke 4:14-21

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Hello Bethlehem,

Join us this Sunday, January 26th for RIC Sunday! This year’s RIC Sunday theme is Resilient Community, celebrating how far we all have come in difficult times and reminding us to renew our goal of true inclusion. Bethlehem has been a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 2020. Review Bethlehem’s Welcome Statement on our website or you can learn more about what it means to be RIC here. We will celebrate RIC Sunday in our worship service. All are welcome!

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This week

BLC members are invited to join the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association meeting this evening at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy.

Join us for Wednesday night supper. This week we are serving hot beef on a bun with potato salad and rolls, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. 

The Adult Forum for RIC Sunday on January 26 is "Clunky Questions: Answers and discussion about some of the questions you may have had about LGBTQ+ but were afraid to ask.

All are welcome to attend the MLK Jr. Day Celebration at Ostrander Hall from 6:00 - 8:00 PM this evening with the premiere of the extended film MLK 11.12.61.

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Family Faith formation

We are putting together college care packages on January 29th to send to BLC college kids! Send the address of a college student to Anna Wencl and we will make sure to send them a care package. Email Anna at annawencl@blcmankato.org

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Announcements

At 9:00 AM Saturday, February 1,  there will be an opportunity to join with others to spend a morning cleaning our beautiful church. You could volunteer in these places: basement kitchen, Grounds for Joy kitchen, Heritage Room kitchen, communion prep room, wiping pew ledges and cleaning the hymnals. If you can’t be there perhaps you’d like to leave snacks for the workers. Please bring your own pails and wash rags. Other needs will be supplied.

Prayer Shawl Makers: Knitters, crocheters and learners are invited to join us in the Bethlehem library from 6-8pm on Thursday, January 23rd and 30th to learn to make prayer shawls. You can RSVP to Marcia Nagel at (507) 420-9692. Please bring a #10 ½ or #11 30-36 inch circular knitting needle OR size K, L or M (7.0, 8.0, 9.0 mm) crochet hook. All skill levels and beginners are welcome! 

Year-end 2024 contribution reports have been sent out by email.  Please review it carefully. Report any questions or errors to Elizabeth in the church office.  If you need a paper copy mailed to you, please let us know.

Offering envelopes are now available in the narthex for those who would like them.

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Thank you

Many thanks to Bethlehem and Community members who provided food and helped to serve meals at Connections Shelter in January!  February 3 and 4 are upcoming days of Bethlehem's commitment to help provide a warm meal and servers for Connections' guests. Please consider volunteering to provide food or serving along with a group you may be a part of, with friends, or with another family.  To sign up, please follow this link.  Many thanks!

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Monthly mission partner: Green lake lutheran ministries

Our January monthly mission is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Dean Phillips

Shirley Ruby Roger Pipes Norm Knowles

Kurt Burdick Joan Stoffel Gail Ihrig

The family & friends of Howard Wood and Marge Orness

LeRoy Lutheran in LeRoy Trondhjem Lutheran in Hayward

Redeemer Lutheran in Good Thunder Kule Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Mazoezi Tumuli Lutheran in Tanzania Gambella Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Lectionary Readings

January 19 & 22, John 2:1-11

January 26 & 29, Luke 4:14-21

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Hello Bethlehem,

We hope you enjoyed our Epiphany Program and House of Bread! Last Wednesday the youth led us in Twinkle, Twinkle, Great Big Star, an Instant Epiphany Program, and members were invited to receive their own star words to guide them in the year ahead. 

Then, on Friday evening, our all-ages talent show returned with song, dance, comedy, storytelling and even some magic tricks! We also viewed quilts, photography and puppets created by members. Huge thank you to everyone who shared their gifts. We are so impressed! Didn’t make it this year? Don’t worry! We plan on bringing back House of Bread again next year. 

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This week

January 19 Adult Forum "Celebrating Diversity in Greater Mankato" will be the featured topic of the adult forum. Mohamed Alsadig, Executive Director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, will share his insights on Council efforts to promote and support diversity in our community. This forum supports Bethlehem's 5th strategic goal of Embracing Diversity: We will embrace diversity by demonstrating welcome and respect for all identities, listening to develop growing relationships with diverse communities and working for the good of all in the community. 

The NicBluCares Caring Circle meets today at 4pm in Grounds for Joy. 

Join us for Wednesday night supper. This week we are serving hamburger and rice hotdish with salad and rolls at 5:00pm in the lower level. 

Wednesday night worship returns to the chapel this week! We will hold services in the chapel until lent. 

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serve

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

We pray for all affected by the wildfires in California and want to share this message from Lutheran Disaster Response:  As Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said in her statement about the wildfires, "The prophet Isaiah writes that even when fires rage, the final word is faith, not fear. God redeems us and calls us by name to be agents of healing and hope, even amid staggering loss. In faith, we respond through prayer, accompaniment and action." Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod and Pacifica Synod to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to address immediate needs amid the destruction and assist with recovery efforts for months and years to come. You can give here to support Lutheran Disaster Response in their efforts.

Announcements

Offering envelopes are now available in the narthex for those who would like them.

The Adult Forum for RIC Sunday on January 26 is "Clunky Questions: Answers and discussion about some of the questions you may have had about LGBTQ+ but were afraid to ask.

We are working on the winter/spring worship volunteer schedule. If you want to make changes to your volunteer preferences, please contact the office. 

Meet & Eat: new groups are forming! Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group.  Sign up here if you are interested. 

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Thank you

Thank you to my Bethlehem family for the cards, notes, and especially prayers during my knee surgery and recuperation.  All were greatly appreciated. -Donna and Lance Quick

Thank you to John Wingert, who volunteered his time and talent and audio equipment to make House of Bread possible. Thank you also to Amy Haigh for managing the refreshments. We appreciate you!

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Monthly mission partner: Green lake lutheran ministries

Our January monthly mission is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Dean Phillips

Shirley Ruby Roger Pipes

Bethel Lutheran in Northfield Hegre Lutheran in Kenyon

Marshall Lutheran in Adams Sayuni Kinyambuli Lutheran in Tanzania

Kijota Hull High School in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 12 & 15, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

January 19 & 22, John 2:1-11

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Hello Bethlehem,

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, this Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. Song, dance, poetry, stand-up comedy, whatever your skills may be, all (church appropriate) talents are welcome! We are also introducing a visual arts component, so sign up to display your crafts. If you don’t want to participate, you are still invited to come and enjoy this casual event. We can’t wait to see your skills!

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This week

Wednesday night suppers return this week. Join us for scalloped potatoes and ham, with salad and roll, served at 5:00 pm in the lower level. Stick around for the Epiphany Program at 6:15pm in the sanctuary! 

Wednesday night education resumes this week. NightLIGHT will have a Happy Birthday Jesus party after the Epiphany Program. 9th graders are off this week but 5th-8th graders are invited to join Anna for a game night after worship.

Putting Artificial Intelligence To Work - January 12 Adult Forum Curious about artificial intelligence in the news? Wondering what it means for you? How can we put it to work for us? Should we fear or embrace AI? Join us for the January 12 adult forum at 10:45 am to hear from our own Jason Bruns as he explores the potential and actual use of artificial intelligence based upon his real-world professional experience. You don't want to miss this!

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Announcements

We are working on the winter/spring worship volunteer schedule. If you want to make changes to your volunteer preferences, please contact the office. 

Meet & Eat: new groups are forming! Three BLC couples/individuals will be matched up and set up three different get togethers over a meal, each hosted by a member of the group.  Sign up here if you are interested. 

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

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Thank you

Thank you to Travis Aufderheide from Green Lake Lutheran Ministries for meeting with us at the adult forum on Sunday. It was a pleasure to hear from you! 

Our goal for our December monthly mission, God’s Global Barnyard, was to raise $10,000. We are pleased to share that Bethlehem raised $10,013! This valuable resource provides sustainable solutions to world hunger. 

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Monthly mission partner: Green lake lutheran ministries

Our January monthly mission is Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Their mission is to invite all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line.

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Al Rossow Dean Phillips

Shirley Ruby Roger Pipes

Vang Lutheran in Dennison Pilot Mound Lutheran in Chatfield

St. John Evangelical Lutheran in Waseca Trinity Lutheran in Ostrander

Dominiki Lutheran in Tanzania Kigaa Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 5 & 8, John 1:1-18

January 12 & 15, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

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Hello Bethlehem,

What an amazing year here at Bethlehem. 2024 was full of service, growth and fellowship. Your faith, friendship and support are the fuel that keep Bethlehem thriving. Together we continue fulfilling our mission of being an inviting community, growing in Christ, loving our neighbors and serving God’s world. Thank you. 

As we look ahead to another wonderful year together, please enjoy some of our favorite moments of 2024 in our new video, 2024 at BLC!

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Announcements

There will be no Wednesday night programming, worship or supper this week. We hope you will join us next week for scalloped potatoes and ham, with salad and roll, served at 5:00 pm on January 8th in the lower level, followed by the Epiphany Program!

Servers and meal items needed! Please sign up today to help serve at Connections Shelter. Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter on January 3, 4, 5 and on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. Song, dance, poetry, all (church appropriate) talents are welcome! We are also introducing a visual arts component, so sign up to display your crafts. We can’t wait to see your skills!

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Monthly mission partner: God’s global barnyard

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. You can purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form. Last call to make names appear on the screens at Christmas Eve! Make your donation by December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag Wally Boyer

Al Rossow Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad

Dean Phillips Izzie Asleson Jodi Orchard

Faith Lutheran in Saint Charles Central Lutheran in Winona

Wanamingo Lutheran in Wanamingo Kiech Kuon Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Torpuot Lutheran Parish in South Sudan Mading Lutheran Parish in South Sudan

Iambi Secondary School in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

January 5 & 8, John 1:10-18

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Hello Bethlehem,

Join us for Christmas Eve! Services will take place at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. The 4:00pm service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page. Bethlehem offices will be open tomorrow from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and will be closed for the remainder of the week, with no Wednesday evening programming. Have a very blessed, safe and merry Christmas season!

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family faith formation

The Children’s Christmas Program is now available on YouTube!

It’s been a wonderful holiday season here at Bethlehem. Here are some moments of the kids and youth preparing for Christmas!

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Announcements

Bethlehem will be serving at Connections Shelter on January 3, 4, 5 and on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. Song, dance, poetry, puppetry, hula-hooping, all (church appropriate) talents are welcome! We are also introducing a visual arts component, so share your crafts. We can’t wait to see your skills! 

HIRING: BLC Weekend Janitor One of the 3 BLC weekend janitor positions is now open for application by interested BLC members. Our 3 janitors rotate duties on Sunday mornings and at special weekend events with this position starting in January. The job responsibilities and electronic application are available on our website. The starting hourly wage is $10.55. Questions can be addressed to Bob Ihrig: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953

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Thank you

Thank you, Bethlehem, for another successful blood drive! Despite the snowy day, donors turned out last Thursday. 33 Units were collected and Eunice Sassenberg's fresh baked cookies were enjoyed by the donors. We want to thank our donors, volunteers and the Red Cross for making Bethlehem blood drives a consistent success! 

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Monthly mission partner: God’s global barnyard

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. You can purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form. Last call to make names appear on the screens at Christmas Eve! Make your donation by December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Donna Quick

Deloris Singelstad Dean Phillips Izzie Asleson

The family & friends of Delores Raveling

Peace and justice in all places

Lectionary Readings

December 24, Luke 2:1-20

December 29, Luke 2:41-52

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Hello Bethlehem,

You are invited to Bethlehem’s annual Children’s Christmas Program. “We Were There, Too!” will tell the birth of Jesus through the perspective of the nearby animals. The program will take place during Sunday morning worship, so join us at 9:30am this Sunday, December 22!

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This week

Ecumen Pathstone Christmas bow gifts must be dropped off at Pathstone today! If you have not already brought your gift to the church office, please bring it directly to Ecumen Pathstone. On behalf of the residents of Pathstone, thank you for making this Christmas season a very merry one!

Join us for Wednesday night suppers, served at 5:00pm in the lower level. Offering is accepted but the meal is free. All are welcome. This week we’re serving lasagna, garlic toast and salad. 

Advent Wednesday services continue this Wednesday, 6:15pm in the sanctuary. We hope you will join us for this quiet and reflective series. This week’s focus is Ponder.  

Bethlehem will host a blood drive with the Red Cross on Thursday, December 19th from noon to 6pm in Grounds for Joy. Sign up today to save lives! 

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family faith formation

Due to sickness at Connections Shelter, we are looking for an alternative place to go Christmas Caroling on Wednesday evening. Keep an eye on the BLC Facebook page, we will update with a caroling plan by Wednesday morning! 

Youth interested in attending our BLC Youth Christmas Party this Sunday can sign up now using this form! We will have an "Elf" viewing party, decorate gingerbread houses, and more. Friends are welcome. Join us!

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Announcements

Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in the sanctuary. All are welcome! Interested in serving as a communion assistance on Christmas Eve? Contact the office or Gordy Larson, and let us know if you would prefer the 4:00pm or 6:00pm worship service. 

It’s the return of Bethlehem’s all-ages talent show! Join us for House of Bread, Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in the lower level here at Bethlehem. We invite you to sign up to share your talents. We are also introducing a visual arts component, so share your crafts. We can’t wait to see your skills! 

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Thank you

Thank you all our musicians and our Director of Music and Worship, Charlie Leftridge, for leading us in a beautiful ensemble program yesterday. Thanks also to our very talented Christine Schulz for helping to lead us in a Christmas Hymn Sing after worship in Grounds for Joy. 

Thank you to Kellen Schaefer for 5 years of service at BLC! Yesterday was Kellen’s last Sunday working as one of Bethlehem’s weekend janitors. We are so thankful for all his hard work and wish him the best! 

Huge thanks to all who provided food or made donations to ensure that all of the guests at Connections had a delicious and warm meal in December! We have more upcoming dates to serve on January 3, 4, 5 and on February 3 and 4. Sign up using this link.  

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hiring

BLC Weekend Janitor

One of the 3 BLC weekend janitor positions is now open for application by interested BLC members. Our 3 janitors rotate duties on Sunday mornings and at special weekend events with this position starting in January. The job responsibilities and electronic application are available on our website. 

The starting hourly wage is $10.55. The application deadline is today, Monday, December 16. Interviews will be conducted after this date. Questions can be addressed to Bob Ihrig: robert.ihrig1@gmail.com or 507-388-1953

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Monthly mission partner: God’s global barnyard

Our December monthly mission partner is God’s Global Barnyard. This ministry works to find sustainable solutions to hunger through the purchase of livestock for those in developing countries facing food scarcity. You can purchase farm animals in honor or memory of your loved ones. These make a particularly meaningful gift during the holiday season. Cards, ornaments and other gifts symbolizing your animal will also be available in the narthex. Look for the form available in the welcome kiosk, or utilize the online order form. Last call to make names appear on the screens at Christmas Eve! Make your donation by December 17th to have your names listed on the worship screens. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Royce Elker

Joan Stoffel Paul Haugesag Amy Grams Haugesag

Wally Boyer Al Rossow Delores Raveling

Donna Quick Deloris Singelstad Dean Phillips

Izzie Asleson Jane Sletta

The family & friends of Nancy Bartell

Concordia Lutheran of Pickerel Lake in Albert Lea East Chain Lutheran in Blue Earth

People of Hope in Rochester St. Paul Kyengege Lutheran in Tanzania

Palliative Care Program at Iambi Hospital in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

December 18, Luke 1:26-38

December 22, Luke 1:39-45

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