Bethlehem Lutheran
Growing in Christ, Loving our Neighbors, Serving God's world.

Small Groups

 

Small Groups

  • BLC Men: The mission of our BLC Men’s Group is to grow closer to God as we grow closer to one another. Fill out our registration form to join. Spring 2024 events include: January 26, Hops and Hoops. February 17, A Winter Walk. March 16, Breakfast at BLC. April, ALS Walk. May, Night at the Moondogs.

  • Book of Faith: this group meets each Wednesday morning at 10:30am in Grounds for Joy to open Scripture and join in conversation, looking at texts from four distinct perspectives: historical, literary, Lutheran, and devotional. We begin our study this fall with 8 sessions on the Gospel of Mark. Cost of the 8-session book is $12. There is no need to sign up in advance, but feel free to register online. 

  • Life in the Spirit: this long-standing Bethlehem group meets at 6:30pm on the second Thursday of each month to study and share spiritual practices that have sustained God’s people for a millennia. We do that with shared reading, conversation and contemplative prayer. All are welcome, there is no need to sign up in advance. 

  • Meet and Eat! Meet new friends and enjoy wonderful food! 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. Have these three “eats and meets” before Jan. 1 and we will pair you up with a new group after the holidays! Sign up here!

  • Quilters & School Kit Assemblers: Gathering at 9am on the first and third Tuesday of the month. School kits are donated to Lutheran World Relief (over 100,000 so far!) All are welcome to join us!

  • Tuesday Morning Lectionary Study: Each week a group of Bethlehem members and friends gathers online at 7am to study and discuss the coming week’s preaching text. If you are interested in participating, use this Zoom link to join in.

  • Young Adults Small Group: Bethlehem’s newest group! Open to all post-high school young adults, this group will gather at 6:30pm select Saturdays. Sign up here!

Interested in joining A Small Group? Use the linked registration forms, or contact the office. (507) 388-2925 blcmankato.org

 

BETHLEHEM WOMEN OF THE ELCA

The Bethlehem Women of the ELCA (BWELCA) is a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They are committed to growing in faith, affirm their gifts, supporting one another in our callings, engaging in ministry, and promoting healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. Their mission is:

  • Growth (Education) - to provide a variety of learning experiences which strengthen each woman as a whole person, develop her potential, and equip her for ministry.

  • Community - to enable each woman to value herself and others as created in God’s image and redeemed through Christ; and to build up and celebrate relationships which are global, diverse and interdependent.

  • Action (Stewardship) - to enable women to articulate and act upon their faith as disciples of Christ in all areas of life.

The Circles

BWELCA is made up of four circles that meet once a month except for July and August. A Coordinating Committee, made up of representatives from each circle, oversees activities involving all the circles. The contact person is Ginger Erlandson, (507) 278-3007.

Deborah Circle 3rd Saturday - 10:00am Grounds for Joy

Eve Circle 3rd Thursday - 6:30 pm (location varies)

Rachel Circle 2nd Tuesday - 9:00 am in the Library

Sarah Circle 4th Wednesday - 9:00 am

 

History

THE NORDIC BAZAAR

The Bethlehem WELCA ran a Nordic Bazaar with shopping, food, and fellowship the first week of November for 100 years. The final bazaar, in 2019, raised over $20,000 for local missions and ministries.