Mission Activities

Sunday Dinner at the Salvation Army

Bethlehem has four teams who work on a rotating basis along with teams from other congregations in this important mission project. Each week, members of a designated team provide and serve a tasty and nutritious Sunday Noon Meal at the Salvation Army here in Mankato to 75 to 100 individuals.

Quilt Ministry

Bethlehem Quilters meet year-round the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. to assemble and tie quilts. Last year over 150 quilts were made by this handful of women who met to do the service work of making quilts for distribution to the Salvation Army, the Marie Sandvik Center in Minneapolis and through Lutheran World Relief. Additionally, receiving-blanket size quilts were given last year to the Bethlehem Child Care Center. Word is, "If you can tie your shoe you can help tie quilts". Bring a bag lunch and drop in some Tuesday morning for productive work and a good time of fellowship.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry has been active for several years with knitted and crocheted shawls given to people who can be helped by the prayful warmth and support a prayer shawl provides. Additionally, baby shawls are made and given to each child who is baptized at Bethlehem.

In truth, this is a total mission project benefiting those who knit and crochet the shawls, those who pray over them, the folks who deliver the shawls, those who contribute financially and, most certainly, the recipients of the shawls. Each prayer shawl is blessed during a worship service. Can you help?

Bethlehem Women of the ELCA mission contributions

BWELCA sponsors a Nordic Bazaar occurring generally on the first Wednesday in November. This event involves the entire Bethlehem congregation and includes a luncheon as well as the sale of lefse and other baked goods, books, antiques, white elephants, jewelry, crafts, quilts, and much more. All proceeds are donated to mission outreach projects supported by BWELCA. Funds raised are supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Birthing Layettes

This is an ongoing project. Materials are gathered throughout the year and assembled into birthing kits/layettes which are taken to Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis. Included in each kit is an infant cap and shirt and a receiving blanket; a towel, washcloth and bar of soap; examining gloves, a razor blade and umbilical ties. Both material and financial contributions are appreciated. Supplies can be placed in the dark blue bin in the church coatroom.