Hello Bethlehem,

Summer is in full swing! BLC’s Bible’s & Brews enjoyed an evening at the MoonDogs last week.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Connections Shelter will hold a Community Listening Session in Grounds for Joy Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30-8:00 PM to discuss rezoning the property on 119 State Street for use as their daytime drop-in center and offices. Questions can be directed to jenn@connectionsshelder.org

Bethlehem will be hosting another Blood Drive on August 19. The Red Cross is offering an August Community Health initiative: during the month of August, the Red Cross will include A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, on successful donations. No fasting is needed! Head to the Red Cross website to reserve your donation time slot. 

Bethlehem’s Welcome & Inclusion Board invites you to participate in the 2025 Pride Parade at 11:15 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025. We also need volunteers to staff a table in Riverfront Park from 1:00-4:00 pm that day as well. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.

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Family faith Formation

VBS 2025 is next week! We’re looking forward to a great week of fun, faith, and fellowship! VBS is geared towards kids 3-years-old thru 6th grade. Whether you're a member of Bethlehem, Centenary, a member of the Mankato-area community, we'd love to have you join us July 21-24. Register online ASAP. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. We can’t wait to see you! 

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ANNOUCEMENTS

Bethlehem T-Shirt orders are open once again! For 10$ you can have your own shirt with Bethlehem's logo on the front and a rainbow heart on the back. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. -Welcome & Inclusion Board

Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. Upcoming performances at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, include Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22). The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12). Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Summer Sack Lunches: Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

Stewardship Board Wants You

The Bethlehem Stewardship Board has a member vacancy which we would like to fill with an interested and dedicated BLC member. We seek someone who would like to participate in the following activities:

•Monthly thank-you notes to BLC members and others for their services to the church

•Planning and facilitating the 2025 fall stewardship campaign

•Promoting future legacy giving by BLC members

•Reading & learning about promoting stewardship & generosity for the congregation

•Getting to know and working with fellow BLC members

Contact Bob Ihrig at 507-388-1953 or robert.ihrig1@gmail.com with questions or if interested in joining this dynamic and active Bethlehem group. YOU can make a difference for Bethlehem!

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Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts. 

Right now, Lutheran World Relief is deploying resources to assist with recovery efforts after devastating flooding in Texas. 

Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. 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 Pat Nelson Susan Brown

Lisa Hagen Ron Orchard

First English Lutheran in Cannon Falls Elstad Lutheran in Peterson

Jackson Lake Lutheran in Amboy Ihanja Lutheran in Tanzania

Mission of San Juan in Bucaramanga, Colombia Shelui Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 20, Luke 10:38-42

July 27, Luke 11:1-13

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Hello Bethlehem,

VBS 2025 is just weeks away! We’re looking forward to a great week of fun and fellowship. VBS is geared towards kids 3-years-old thru 6th grade. Whether you're a member of Bethlehem, Centenary, a member of the Mankato-area community, we'd love to have you join us July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer; we will host a volunteer training session this Sunday, July 13, at noon. We can’t wait to see you at VBS 2025!

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Announcements

Connections Shelter will hold a Community Listening Session in Grounds for Joy Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30-8:00 PM to discuss rezoning the property on 119 State Street for use as their daytime drop-in center and offices. Questions can be directed to jenn@connectionsshelder.org

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online.

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. In July, the series begins the month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, with performances by Nicholas Liese (7/8), Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22).  The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12).   Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer!

---

A Letter from crossroads campus ministry

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 

We need your help now more than ever. 

We don’t say this lightly: due to unexpected circumstances, our ministry is currently in financial trouble. The support we give to students and community members in times of crisis, the spiritual guidance we offer, the community we have built, Lunch-for-a-Buck, and our beloved Campus Cupboard is at risk. 

Every day, we see the difference this ministry makes. Students come to a place they know and love. Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 to feed the hungry, and this is what we strive to do every day. Through Campus Cupboard and Lunch-for-a-Buck, we do what Jesus taught us. We do the work of the Gospel.  Even during the summer, we remain a vibrant place for fellowship, love, and grace. 

We have a plan in place to sustain our ministry long-term. But we cannot do our work throughout the summer without your help. We need to raise $30,000 by August 1st to sustain the ministry through the summer. 

We know this is an ambitious goal. But we also know that God is faithful. Your gifts, whether it’s $5 or $1,000, will help us keep showing up for students who desperately need our help. We know you care about the next generation of leaders, thinkers and faithful witnesses. Now is the time to act. Help us keep this vital ministry alive. 

Click here to support our ministry

Click here to support our Day-in-the-life fundraiser 

---

Monthly mission partner

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts. 

Right now, Lutheran World Relief is deploying resources to assist with recovery efforts after devastating flooding in Texas. 

Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Sheila Stevensen

Susan Brown Lisa Hagen Ron Orchard

The family & friends of Dorothy Knedel

Greenfield Lutheran in Harmony Redeemer Lutheran in Alden

Saint Paul Lutheran in Pine Island San Juan Lutheran in Colombia

Sepuka Lutheran in Tanzania Gumanga Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 13, Luke 10:25-37

July 20, Luke 10:38-42

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Hello Bethlehem,

We had an awesome week of Service & Sun! 20 kids and adults from Bethlehem, First Presbyterian, Centenary and Christ the King teamed up for service projects in the community and fun in the sun. They visited Global Health Ministries, Connections, CADA House, and MY Place for service projects, and made time for mini golf, swimming at Spring Lake, Mom & Pop’s ice cream and an afternoon at the movies. Thank you to the chaperones who kept our youth safe during the week; it was our biggest group yet and such a joy to make an impact in the community!

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Announcements

Sean and Marian Mallory invite you to join them in celebrating their 35th Wedding Anniversary next Sunday! BLC friends are invited to their open house next Sunday, July 6th at 2:00 PM in Grounds for Joy. The happy couple has requested NO GIFTS; your presence is enough. If you feel moved to give something they ask that in lieu of gifts, please donate instead to Metavivor (research for metastatic cancer) or to the church. Come and join the celebration! 

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online by June 30th. 

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. In June, the series begins at Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Franklin Street, Hutchinson with this week’s performance by Charles Luedtke (6/24). In July, the series begins the month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, with performances by David Mertesdorf (7/1),  Nicholas Liese (7/8), Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22).  The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12).   Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

---

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list, or shop our online Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

---

A Letter from crossroads campus ministry

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 

We need your help now more than ever. 

We don’t say this lightly: due to unexpected circumstances, our ministry is currently in financial trouble. The support we give to students and community members in times of crisis, the spiritual guidance we offer, the community we have built, Lunch-for-a-Buck, and our beloved Campus Cupboard is at risk. 

Every day, we see the difference this ministry makes. Students come to a place they know and love. Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 to feed the hungry, and this is what we strive to do every day. Through Campus Cupboard and Lunch-for-a-Buck, we do what Jesus taught us. We do the work of the Gospel.  Even during the summer, we remain a vibrant place for fellowship, love, and grace. 

We have a plan in place to sustain our ministry long-term. But we cannot do our work throughout the summer without your help. We need to raise $30,000 by August 1st to sustain the ministry through the summer. 

We know this is an ambitious goal. But we also know that God is faithful. Your gifts, whether it’s $5 or $1,000, will help us keep showing up for students who desperately need our help. We know you care about the next generation of leaders, thinkers and faithful witnesses. Now is the time to act. Help us keep this vital ministry alive. 

Click here to support our ministry

Click here to support our Day-in-the-life fundraiser 

---

Monthly mission partner

LAST CALL! Our June Monthly Mission is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. The GMDC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through education and engagement. They provide diversity education in K-12 schools, corporate and organizational training, and community events that foster understanding and respect. They promote meaningful conversations and lifelong learning. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

Our July Monthly Mission partner is Lutheran World Relief. For 80 years LWR has been working to improve the lives of the poor, provide disaster relief and recovery, and create jobs and agricultural economies, with special interest in production and fair marketing of cocoa and coffee around the world. Their mission is to “end poverty, injustice, and human suffering in the world, until your love reaches every neighbor.” Bethlehem’s long relationship with LWR includes the production of school kits and quilts. Our giving goal is $7,000. Thank you for supporting this important work. 

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This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Pat Nelson Betty Groth Sheila Stevensen   

The Family & Friends of Dorothy Knedel 

Grace Lutheran in Waseca First Lutheran in Albert Lea

Central Freeborn Lutheran in Albert Lea Our Savior’ s Lutheran in Austin

Mansfield Lutheran in Alden Ngimu Lutheran in Tanzania

Igengu Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

July 6, Luke 10:1-11; 6-20

July 13, Luke 10:25-37

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Hello Bethlehem,

Service & Sun began this morning at Global Health Ministries! Pray for our youth and guides as they set out for a week of service projects and fun in the community.

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Announcements

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online by June 30th. 

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato. In June, the series begins at Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Franklin Street, Hutchinson with this week’s performance by Charles Luedtke (6/24). In July, the series begins the month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, with performances by David Mertesdorf (7/1),  Nicholas Liese (7/8), Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22).  The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12).   Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer! 

---

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list, or shop our online Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

---

A Letter from crossroads campus ministry

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 

We need your help now more than ever. 

We don’t say this lightly: due to unexpected circumstances, our ministry is currently in financial trouble. The support we give to students and community members in times of crisis, the spiritual guidance we offer, the community we have built, Lunch-for-a-Buck, and our beloved Campus Cupboard is at risk. 

Every day, we see the difference this ministry makes. Students come to a place they know and love. Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 to feed the hungry, and this is what we strive to do every day. Through Campus Cupboard and Lunch-for-a-Buck, we do what Jesus taught us. We do the work of the Gospel.  Even during the summer, we remain a vibrant place for fellowship, love, and grace. 

We have a plan in place to sustain our ministry long-term. But we cannot do our work throughout the summer without your help. We need to raise $30,000 by August 1st to sustain the ministry through the summer. 

We know this is an ambitious goal. But we also know that God is faithful. Your gifts, whether it’s $5 or $1,000, will help us keep showing up for students who desperately need our help. We know you care about the next generation of leaders, thinkers and faithful witnesses. Now is the time to act. Help us keep this vital ministry alive. 

Click here to support our ministry

Click here to support our Day-in-the-life fundraiser 

---

Thank you

Thank you for sponsoring the Entertainment at A Midsummer Soiree for Connections Shelter! We were thrilled to see so many Bethlehem faces at the event last Friday. Thank you for your steadfast support of our friends and neighbors at Connections.

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Monthly mission partner

Our June Monthly Mission is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. The GMDC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through education and engagement. They provide diversity education in K-12 schools, corporate and organizational training, and community events that foster understanding and respect. They promote meaningful conversations and lifelong learning. 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 Pat Nelson Dorothy Knedel Susan Brown

Faith Lutheran in Janesville Sudanese Dinka Community at Grace Lutheran in Austin

Union Prairie Lutheran in Lanesboro Kinampanda Lutheran in Tanzania

Mgori Lutheran in Tanzania Sayuni Mipilo Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

June 29, Luke 9:51-62

July 6, Luke 10:1-11; 6-20

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Hello Bethlehem,

Juneteenth, or Freedom day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. Our June monthly mission partner, the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, invites you to celebrate at MSU, Mankato from 3-6PM. This year’s theme is “Honor the Past, Fight for the Future.” Bethlehem offices will be closed on June 19th as we recognize this holiday.

Fantasy meets philanthropy! Support Connections Shelter at A Midsummer Soiree, 7-9PM on June 20th in the Gustavus Arboretum. Enjoy musical entertainment and gourmet treats in a fairytale atmosphere inspired by the mystical forests of Shakespeare’s play. Bethlehem is sponsoring the Entertainment. Tickets are now available. Tickets are sold individually, or grab your friends, family, coworkers or BLC friends and form a table! 

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online by June 30th. 

SUMMER ORGAN RECITALS The Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents its annual Summer Noontime Organ Recitals at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays in Hutchinson and Mankato.  In June, the series begins at Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Franklin Street, Hutchinson with performances by Tom Andrews (6/10), Chad Winterfeldt (6/17) and Charles Luedtke (6/24). In July, the series begins the month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau St., Mankato, with performances by David Mertesdorf (7/1),  Nicholas Liese (7/8), Mark DeGarmeaux (7/15), and John Baumann (7/22).  The series then moves to Bethlehem for performances by Kraig Windschitl (7/29), Elisabeth Urtel (8/5) and Christine Schulz (8/12).   Each recital is free. Visit www.agosiouxtrails.org for more information.

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies runs out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer!

---

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list, or shop our online Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

Sign up for Service & Sun ASAP! Service & Sun begins on Monday!

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A Letter from crossroads campus ministry

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 

We need your help now more than ever. 

We don’t say this lightly: due to unexpected circumstances, our ministry is currently in financial trouble. The support we give to students and community members in times of crisis, the spiritual guidance we offer, the community we have built, Lunch-for-a-Buck, and our beloved Campus Cupboard is at risk. 

Every day, we see the difference this ministry makes. Students come to a place they know and love. Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 to feed the hungry, and this is what we strive to do every day. Through Campus Cupboard and Lunch-for-a-Buck, we do what Jesus taught us. We do the work of the Gospel.  Even during the summer, we remain a vibrant place for fellowship, love, and grace. 

We have a plan in place to sustain our ministry long-term. But we cannot do our work throughout the summer without your help. We need to raise $30,000 by August 1st to sustain the ministry through the summer. 

We know this is an ambitious goal. But we also know that God is faithful. Your gifts, whether it’s $5 or $1,000, will help us keep showing up for students who desperately need our help. We know you care about the next generation of leaders, thinkers and faithful witnesses. Now is the time to act. Help us keep this vital ministry alive. 

Click here to support our ministry

Click here to support our Day-in-the-life fundraiser 

---

Monthly mission partner

Our June Monthly Mission is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. The GMDC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through education and engagement. They provide diversity education in K-12 schools, corporate and organizational training, and community events that foster understanding and respect. They promote meaningful conversations and lifelong learning. 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 Pat Nelson Dorothy Knedel

LeSueur River Lutheran in New Richland First Evangelical Lutheran in Kenyon

St. Michael Lutheran in Waltham Kijota Lutheran in Tanzania

Mazoezi Mughamo Lutheran in Tanzania Mazoezi Nkhoiree Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

June 22, Luke 8:26-39

June 29, Luke 9:51-62

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you for joining us for Pentecost worship. Due to an internet outage, we were unable to livestream the service yesterday. However, we are happy to share a recording of yesterday’s worship service, now available on our YouTube channel. 

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Announcements

We’re hiring! Bethlehem is seeking another Weekend/Evening Janitor to join our team. Read more about the job description and apply online by June 30th. 

Bibles & Brews meets 6PM at Weggy’s this Thursday, June 12th. Join Pastor Jacie for casual conversations on faith and culture. 

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We’ve already had a great deal of success with this program, serving meals until supplies run out. We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for continuing to fill the donation bin in the narthex, collecting bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups. You can also financially support this new mission with online giving. Thank you for helping us to feed our neighborhood this summer!

Pastor Kristen Engstrom’s June Newsletter is now available. Click to read updates from Madagascar. 

Juneteenth, or Freedom day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. Our June monthly mission partner, the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, invites you to celebrate at MSU, Mankato from 3-6PM. This year’s theme is “Honor the Past, Fight for the Future.” Bethlehem offices will be closed on June 19th as we recognize this holiday. 

Fantasy meets philanthropy! Support Connections Shelter at A Midsummer Soiree, 7-9PM on June 20th in the Gustavus Arboretum. Enjoy musical entertainment and gourmet treats in a fairytale atmosphere inspired by the mystical forests of Shakespeare’s play. Bethlehem is sponsoring the Entertainment. Tickets are now available. Tickets are sold individually, or grab your friends, family, coworkers or BLC friends and form a table! 

---

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list, or shop our online Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

Sign up for Service & Sun 

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Thank you

Thank you to Pastor Emily Carson with the Office of the Bishop, who led our All Boards Meeting last Monday, exploring power and leadership.

What a difference a good wash makes! Thank you to our anonymous donor who paid to have the building power washed this spring. Check out those before and after photos of the courtyard!

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Monthly mission partner

Our June Monthly Mission is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. The GMDC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through education and engagement. They provide diversity education in K-12 schools, corporate and organizational training, and community events that foster understanding and respect. They promote meaningful conversations and lifelong learning. You can give online or drop off a check written out to Bethlehem with the monthly mission in the memo line. 

---

This Week in our Prayers

Curt Halvorson Marian Mallory Pete Wachtel

Anna Moses Barb Girtz Paul Haugesag

Amy Grams Haugesag Gail Ihrig Pat Nelson

Lois Wintersteen Dorothy Knedel Gatchang Duach

The family & friends of Jerry Johnson, Norm Knowles & Marilyn Price

Arendahl Lutheran in Peterson Christ Lutheran in Faribault

St. Olaf Lutheran in Austin Light & Life Ministry in Colombia

Mission la Victoria in Colombia CELCO (Colegio de la Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) in Sogamoso

Lectionary Readings

June 15, John 16:12-15

June 22, Luke 8:26-39

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Hello Bethlehem,

Congratulations, BLC scholars! Endowment Fund Scholarships were distributed during worship yesterday. 15 Bethlehem members were awarded scholarships this year. We wish you well on your academic journeys!

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The Community Garden continues to grow! Stop by the Liberty Street side of the BLC campus to see what’s sprouting.

Announcements

All Boards Night is this evening. Incoming and outgoing board members, join us in Grounds for Joy tonight at 5:30pm as we plan for the year ahead and hear from special guest, Pastor Emily Carson from the Office of the Bishop. 

Bethlehem has launched a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot. We need your help! There is a donation bin in the narthex for bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups, or you can financially support this new mission with online giving. Help us feed our neighbors throughout the summer. 

Bibles & Brews meets 6PM at Weggy’s on Thursday, June 12th. Join Pastor Jacie for casual conversations on faith and culture. 

Fantasy meets philanthropy! Support Connections Shelter at A Midsummer Soiree, 7-9PM on June 20th in the Gustavus Arboretum. Enjoy musical entertainment and gourmet treats in a fairytale atmosphere inspired by the mystical forests of Shakespeare’s play. Bethlehem is sponsoring the Entertainment. Tickets are now available. Tickets are sold individually, or grab your friends, family, coworkers or BLC friends and form a table! 

---

Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list. Stay tuned for updates: our Amazon Wishlist will be available this week. Thank you! 

Sign up for Service & Sun 

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Thank you

Crossroads Campus Ministry offers its deepest appreciation and thanks to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the volunteers who prepared, delivered, and served delicious hot meals to hungry college students through our Lunch-for-a-Buck program during the 2024-2025 school year. We extend a special thank you to faithful servants, Jan Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, Sue Larsen, Susan Brown, Zoe Blaisdell, Alex Blaisdell, DeAnn Bennett, Gordy Larson, Gary Petersen, Dennis Sandersfeld, Jason Bruns, Jack Halvorson, Bob Ihrig, Roger Haug and Pastor Jay Dahlvang for taking time out of their busy schedules to ensure that no student left Crossroads hungry. Lunch-for-a-Buck proved to be very popular this year. Your congregation was responsible for serving on seven Tuesdays throughout the year. Your volunteers fed 294 individuals and collected $327.97 in donations that went right back into purchasing the salads, beverages and table supplies for subsequent lunches. 

Crossroads Campus Ministry was privileged to host 30 lunches throughout the school year, and due to the generosity of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and other area congregations, a total of 1,183 people were fed and $1,172.92 in donations was collected to ensure that we can keep feeding students into the future. We look forward to continuing Lunch-for-a-Buck after Fall Term begins in August and hope that Bethlehem will partner with us again to feed Minnesota State-Mankato students. God bless you for your faithfulness and support of this important and impactful ministry. We couldn’t do it without you!

Grace and Peace, 

Pastor Jenna Couch, Campus Pastor

Teri Herder-Blahnik, Crossroads Office Manager

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Monthly mission partner

Our June Monthly Mission is the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. The GMDC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through education and engagement. They provide diversity education in K-12 schools, corporate and organizational training, and community events that foster understanding and respect. They promote meaningful conversations and lifelong learning. 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 Gail Ihrig Pat Nelson

Lois Wintersteen Dorothy Knedel Gatchang Duach Nikolas Perez

The family & friends of Jerry Johnson, Norm Knowles & Marilyn Price

Sudanese Dinka Community at Zumbro Lutheran in Rochester Trinity Lutheran in Blue Earth

Bear Creek Lutheran in Grand Meadow Holden Lutheran in Kenyon

Asivida Ministry in Colombia Projecting My Future Ministry in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

June 8, Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17

June 15, John 16:12-15

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Hello Bethlehem,

Bethlehem is launching a new Summer Sack Lunch program. Community members can pick up a free sack lunch Sundays from 5-6 PM in the parking lot beginning June 1. We need your help! There is a donation bin in the narthex for bottled water, sandwich bags, lunch packs of chips, cookies and fruit cups, or you can financially support this new mission with online giving. Help us feed our neighbors throughout the summer. 

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Announcements

Synod Assembly Volunteers Needed!

12 non-voting members are needed to assist as the Ballot tellers for our election this weekend. These tellers must attend the assembly throughout the election and are free to leave once voting is finished. Volunteers will be trained and fed. If interested please let the office know so we can pass your information along to the Synod. The Synod Assembly will take place this weekend, Friday the 30th and Saturday the 31st. Thank you for serving our ELCA Synod!

Endowment Fund Scholarships will be awarded next Sunday, June 1 during worship. 

All Boards Night is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Monday, June 2nd. Incoming and outgoing BLC Board members, please RSVP to blchurch@blcmankato.org to let us know if you will be joining us. 

Fantasy meets philanthropy! Support Connections Shelter at A Midsummer Soiree, 7-9PM on June 20th in the Gustavus Arboretum. Enjoy musical entertainment and gourmet treats in a fairytale atmosphere inspired by the mystical forests of Shakespeare’s play. Bethlehem is sponsoring the Entertainment.  Tickets are now available. Tickets are sold individually, or grab your friends, family, coworkers or BLC friends and form a table!

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Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Register online today. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Sign up online to volunteer. The VBS Giving Tree is in the narthex with items needed for VBS this summer. Please feel free to take a leaf and donate an item on the list. Thank you! 

Sign up for Service & Sun 

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Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. 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 Gail Ihrig Pat Nelson

Norm Knowles Lois Wintersteen

The family & friends of Jerry Johnson

Grace Lutheran in Mankato Christ Lutheran in Byron

West Freeborn Lutheran in Hartland Nkuhi Lutheran in Tanzania

Vida Nueva Lutheran in Colombia Mkalama Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

June 1, John 17:20-26

June 8, Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17

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Hello Bethlehem,

Thank you to our landscaping volunteers for your hard work this weekend! Between the new mulch and the sanctuary cleaning volunteers last week, Bethlehem is looking lovely! Thank you for caring for your church building. 

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congratulations blc graduating seniors!

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Family faith formation

VBS is set for July 21-24. Dinner will be served from 5-6PM and VBS programming will run from 6-7:30pm. Youth and adult volunteers are needed! Contact Kaitlin or Anna to get involved. 

All Flamingo Flocking spots have been filled! Thank you for supporting the youth trip to the Boundary Waters with our annual Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser! 

Sign up for Service & Sun 

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Announcements

Endowment Fund Scholarship Recipients received an email last week to announce they received their scholarship. Scholars, please attend worship on June 1 as scholarships will be awarded during 9:30 AM worship. 

The Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association meets tonight at 6:30pm in Grounds for Joy. As part of the community, BLC members are always welcomed to attend these meetings and engage with our neighbors. 

All Boards Night is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Monday, June 2nd. Incoming and outgoing BLC Board members, please RSVP to blchurch@blcmankato.org to let us know if you will be joining us. 

Synod Assembly Volunteers Needed! 12 non-voting members are needed to assist as the Ballot tellers for our election. These tellers must attend the assembly throughout the election and are free to leave once voting is finished. Volunteers will be trained and fed. If interested please let the office know so we can pass your information along to the Synod. Thank you for serving our ELCA Synod!

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

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Thank you

Dear Friends,

Your cards and heartfelt messages have been appreciated over these many weeks. The compression fracture in my spine has presented challenges. I will begin to have Evenity injections once a month to stimulate bone growth. We hope that medical treatment will make a real difference! Bob continues to be my support with much TLC. Thank you all!  

-Gail Ihrig

The Blood Drive on May 8th in GFJ was a great success. 35 Units were collected and donors again enjoyed Eunice Sassenberg's delicious cookies after donating. BLC members Carol Malone, Holly Nevills and Mary Bliesmer volunteered their time and several other members donated blood. The next Blood Drive at BLC will be August 19th.

Rae Allan at Pathstone Living would like to Thank everyone who came to help celebrate her 100th Birthday.  Also a big Thank You for the many cards and gifts.  Blessings to you all.

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Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. 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 Pat Nelson Norm Knowles

Lois Wintersteen Jerry Johnson

First Lutheran in Red Wing St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran in Lewiston

Aurora Lutheran in Owatonna Ikungi Lutheran in Tanzania

St. John Mwando Lutheran in Tanzania Mang’onyi Lutheran in Tanzania

Lectionary Readings

May 25, John 14:23-29

June 1, John 17:20-26

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Hello Bethlehem,

We had a wonderful time at the Year-End Picnic last Wednesday. Wednesday evening programming will return in the fall. Thank YOU for making this another great program year of faith and fellowship. We are switching over to the summer worship schedule and looking forward to camp, Service & Sun, VBS, and all the other fun activities that come with this season. Keep an eye out for more details in our Summer Catalog, heading to your mailbox soon. 

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This week

Tomorrow: It’s time for Church Cleaning Part Two! Join us Tuesday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help wipe down the pews and hymnals. Please bring a pail and cloth; the Murphy cleaner will be provided. Thank you! 

Come and Celebrate with Rae! Rae Allen will turn 100 on May 13, and you are invited to celebrate with her. The Bethlehem Care Ministry is hosting a 100th party for Rae at 2 p.m. that day at Pathstone. All are welcome! 

Final Adult Forum - North Mankato & Mankato News Join us on Sunday for this spring's final adult forum. We will hear the latest news about issues, decisions and actions in Mankato and North Mankato from city administrators Susan Arntz and Kevin McCann. Share your questions and concerns with them and other members of the Bethlehem congregation. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! All are welcome! Coffee and donuts served! It just doesn't get better than this!

This Sunday we will celebrate our graduating seniors during worship. 

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Family faith formation

The Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser is underway! Sign up to flock the yards of friends, family or foes with these flamboyant birds. $30 sends the flock, $10 gets your flamingo insurance to make your yard unflockable! Proceeds help send BLC youth to the Boundary Waters this summer. Happy flocking! 

VBS is set for July 21-24. Dinner will be served 5-6 pm; VBS programming is from 6-7:30 pm. Youth and adult volunteers needed! Contact Kaitlin or Anna to get involved. 

Sign up for Service & Sun 

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Announcements

Synod Assembly Volunteers Needed!

12 non-voting members are needed to assist as the Ballot tellers for our election. These tellers must attend the assembly throughout the election and are free to leave once voting is finished. Volunteers will be trained and fed. If interested please let the office know so we can pass your information along to the Synod. Thank you for serving our ELCA Synod!

Join the BLC Landscaping Crew! Help keep Bethlehem beautiful. Your next volunteer opportunity is coming up on May 17th at 9:00 AM. Join Sarah Morgan and the rest of the Landscaping Committee in a clean up and adding fresh mulch to the grounds.

Connections Shelter Fundraiser Update

The 2025 Connections Shelter was cancelled due to a lack of community team support. This was disappointing news to Team Bethlehem since we had already raised almost $2,500 for this major fundraiser.

However, there is still good news for Connections Shelter. They are planning a new fundraiser - A Midsummer Soiree - on June 20 at the Arboratem at Gustavus Adolphus College. See attached flyer for details. We have arranged with Connections to serve as the Entertainment Sponsor by providing $3,000. See attached sponsor flyer. We will be recognized with the musician group scheduled for the evening. What great PR for Bethlehem and our partnership with Connections!

We only need $557.48 to reach our $3,000 goal. Cash or check donations can be given to Bob Ihrig. Make checks payable to Connections Shelter. Contact Bob with questions about this new opportunity to support Connections!

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Thank you

The end of Spring Term is here. We have always been thrilled to welcome students, friends, and volunteers to Crossroads, and we feel tremendously blessed to have Bethlehem Lutheran Church and your volunteers as partners in our ministry to feed students through our Lunch For-a-Buck program. On Tuesday, May 6th, faithful servants Jan Blaisdell, Kathy Piehl, and Sue Larsen prepared and served a delicious Finals Week lunch of beef and meatless lasagna, Italian bread, organic spring mix salad, and cookies to 38 hungry lunch-goers. They also collected $21.25 in donations that will be used to purchase the salad supplies, beverages, dinnerware, and other items for subsequent lunches in the fall.

Over the 2024-2025 school year, Lunch For-a-Buck was served on 30 Tuesdays by 54 unique volunteers from eight different congregations. They fed a total of 1,183 individuals and raised $1,172.92 in donations. Bethlehem's 16 volunteers prepared and/or served lunch on seven of those Tuesdays to 294 people while raising $325.97 in donations! God bless you for your generosity and for supporting the students and our ministry at Crossroads. Please know that we could not do what we do without your faithful support. We look forward to seeing you in the fall as we continue our work of feeding the bodies and souls of all who enter through our doors. 

Have a blessed summer,

Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry

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Monthly mission partner

Our May monthly mission partner is House of Hope. For over 50 years they have provided services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. They contract with the Blue Earth County Drug Court and have added mental health services to their programming so as to better serve clients with co-occurring disorders. Thank you for supporting this important mission in our community. 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 Gail Ihrig Pat Nelson

Norm Knowles Lois Wintersteen

Dale Lutheran in Kenyon Deer Creek Valley Lutheran in Glenville

Fountain Lutheran in Fountain Mazoezi Singa Lutheran in Tanzania

Ntwike Lutheran in Tanzania Seniors Programming Soacha in Colombia

Lectionary Readings

May 18, John 13:31-35

May 25, John 14:23-29

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