BLC Weekly /// March 23, 2020
" No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. " --1 John 4:12
This past week changed the way we do church. We are alone in our homes, connecting through phone or video only, not feeling confident in our decisions, wondering and questioning how long this will continue. We miss being together in person, but our worship has not been canceled.

Worship via the internet seems distant, but as Pastor Collette said in her sermon on Sunday, this time of closure is actually a time for us to renew the personal and intimate worship we might be missing with God. Previously we may have felt "comfortable" coming to church each week, saying hello, sitting in the pew, having coffee. We attended church. We could check it off of our list. Not being able to be present in person means you must make an even greater effort to be present with God on your own. We continue to offer live worship via Facebook streaming as long as we're able.

May you find God's peace at home with whomever you are isolated with. If you are alone, feel God's presence in every small detail of God's creation. Reach out to a friend or one of us at church to share in God's greatest commandment to love one another.

Please connect with us in the following ways during the closure:
Our web page: blcmankato.org
Facebook Group for All: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blcfam
Facebook Group for Families with children at home: www.facebook.com/groups/blcfff/
Zoom: Tuesday bible study- https://zoom.us/j/444342269 Wednesday bible study- https://zoom.us/j/403548618
52 Stories: Your Story HERE!
We'd love to continue offering new stories during the closure. Please consider sending your 2-3 minute video to Emily Heinis at blchurch@blcmankato.org. Watch the video for details.
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Closure Giving

Thank you for your generosity! We have some wonderful, dedicated servants on our staff, committed to bringing the gospel to you, the community, and the world. Your financial support enables them to continue to serve you and the community, and to take care of their families.

We continue our stewardship of BLC's mission by 1) sending a check in the mail, 2) using the online giving link at the bottom of our web page, 3) texting "Give" to (507) 260-0611.

Your gifts above and beyond your regular weekly giving are appreciated, but not expected. We thank God for you.
New to Zoom? Watch this video from Emily Heinis to learn WHY we Zoom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suxkmz7G_ms&t=25s

Watch this tutorial from Zoom on HOW to Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

We hope that you will join us for bible study (links above) and other meetings as we schedule them. If you are a leader of a group and would like to use Zoom, please contact Emily Heinis at blchurch@blcmankato.org to schedule.
ALS Walk Now Virtual Fundraiser!
Even though we won't be together in person, we can still do our part to help with this important fundraiser. Donations are very important at this time.

Donation forms will be available at church when it opens again, please make checks payable to ALS Foundation, not BLC. You will receive a tax statement from ALS directly. You can also give online at alsa.org.

Thank you for your gifts. Be safe.
Stay Connected
Bethlehem is an inviting community that is growing in Christ, loving our neighbors, and serving God's world.
Click to email:
Family Ministry Director Anna Wencl
Congregational Services Coordinator Emily Heinis

blcmankato.org (507) 388-2925