News / Announcements / Upcoming Events:

Please note:    – Make sure to check the calendar for weekly activities, meetings and Bible study times.
                        – Youth and Sunday School announcements are located under the “Get Involved” tab.
                        – For descriptions of Bible studies currently being offered, look under the “Get Involved” tab.
Join the VBS Decorations Crew:  (May 13, 20 & 27)
Help make decorations for VBS on Wednesdays, May 13, 20 & 27 from 6:30-8pm at the church. 
Don’t worry if you can’t stay the whole time, there are big and small projects.  Anyone is welcome to help.  Materials and snacks will be provided!
VBS 2026:      (Register by May 17 to be guaranteed a t-shirt)
We’ll be trekking into the ultimate adventure this summer during VBS 2026 thru Bible stories, songs, crafts, games and more! Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms. 
VBS will be held June 7-11 from 6-8pm and is for kids age 4 thru 6th grade.  There will be a meal available starting at 5:15pm each night.  
Click here for the Registration Form or pick one up in the narthex.  You must sign up by May 17th in order to be guaranteed to receive a t-shirt.
VBS Donations Needed:   (Now thru May 18)
We have an Amazon Wish List for our Vacation Bible School.  Click here to view the items on our wish list.  Make sure to order before May 18.  After that date, we will purchasing the remainder of the necessary items to make sure we have everything we need in time for VBS.  Thank you for your donation!
High School Senior Pictures and Graduation Plans Needed: 
Do you have a youth who will graduate from high school in May or June?  We would like to know their future plans.  Please give an update and a picture to the church office as soon as possible.  A display with our seniors’ future plans will be on the bulletin board in the narthex.  There will also be a short article on our seniors in our June newsletter.
Volunteers are Needed for VBS:  (Sign up to help Today!)
Volunteers are needed for VBS 2026.  We need many hands to make VBS a success!  Visit with Stacy or sign up in the narthex if you are willing to help.
Quilting and Fellowship:  (May 14)
Next quilting date is Thursday, May 14 from 10:30am to 2pm (you do not have to stay the whole time).  This is open to all women of the church.  Bring a friend or two if you want!  Being a quilter is NOT a requirement as much conversation and fellowship is involved.  Come help cut squares or tie the quilts.  We donate quilts to local organizations and sell them to members.  If there is a silent auction we can donate a quilt for, we are happy to do so.  If you have any questions, please contact Donna at 232-2464.
Ladies – Come check out LWML:    (May 14)
LWML typically meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 pm from September thru May.  All women regardless of age are invited to join.  Even if you can’t attend every meeting, you are still welcome to come as it fits your schedule.  There are lots of activities coming up – so even if you can’t attend the monthly meetings, consider teaming up on a committee to help make things happen.  Your participation in LWML is a great way to make new friends within the church.  And, at the same time, you will be Serving the Lord! 
BSLC Safety Team Meeting:  (May 18)
Beautiful Savior is planning to form a dedicated Safety Team.  The goal is to strengthen the church by being better prepared.  Those who join will receive training in areas such as recognizing suspicious behavior, de-escalation, CPR and basic first aid.  We will meet on Monday, May 18 at 6:30pm for anyone interested in learning more or getting involved.  Contact Seth Murray or Travis Olson if you are interested in becoming a part of the team.
BSLC offers Grace Lutheran School Tuition Assistance:  (Deadline: May 31)
With classes from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, Grace Lutheran School is a wonderful option for Christ-centered education.  As part of its mission, Beautiful Savior offers tuition remission for GLS.
If you would like to apply for GLS tuition assistance for the 2026-2027 school year, please fill out an application form (click here for the form) and return it to the church by May 31.  If you have any questions about the application form or about our policy, please call Pastor Chris at (701) 893-6995, Pastor Dan at (612) 242-1743 or the church office at 293-1047.
We expect that BSLC scholarships would cover between 50-60 percent of tuition, but it depends on how many families apply. We will let the families know how much tuition assistance they will be receiving from the church in early summer.
Join the Mowing Team:  (Going on now)
If you are interested in volunteering to trim or mow the church grounds this summer, contact Matt Gustafson or the church office to get added to the schedule.  Sign up as you are able throughout the summer.
Council Members Needed:  (Going on Now)
We have 2 Council Member positions still open:  the Properties Director and an Elder.
If you are interested in finding out more information on either of these positions, please visit with Mike S, Adam T, Amanda J, one of the pastors or leave your name in the office.  
Please prayerfully consider how you can use your God-given talents within your church (your church family.)
Make a New Years Resolution to Get Involved with the Church:
Do you want to be more involved in the church and don’t know how to get started?  Pick up a “Volunteer Opportunity” form in the narthex.  Or click here and print it at home.  Turn the completed form in to the church office and someone will contact you.  If you have any questions, call the church office, visit with a pastor or a member of the church council.  Thank you for your time and for sharing of your talents.
BSLC Safety Team to be Formed:    (Going on Now) Pastor Chris, Pastor Dan and Seth Murray attended the Securing Sacred Places seminar in Fargo last November.  One of the clear takeaways was the value of having a dedicated Safety Team—something many churches are putting in place as a practical step toward caring for their people.  
From that, we are moving forward with forming a team whose mission is simple: to create a safe and secure environment where all can worship and serve.  This team will take a thoughtful look at safety across the church like general awareness, emergency response and reducing risk. The goal is not to change the welcoming feel of our church, but to strengthen it by being better prepared.
Those who join will receive training in areas such as recognizing suspicious behavior, de-escalation, CPR and basic first aid.  We will be holding an initial meeting on Monday, May 18 at 6:30pm for anyone interested in learning more or getting involved. If you feel this is something you’d like to be part of, please contact Seth Murray or Travis Olson.
Scam Alert:  (Posted Apr 10)
We have received information that there is a scam occurring that sounds as if it is coming from Pastor Chris asking for you to do a favor for him.  We would never send out texts or emails that would ask you for a favor or to purchase gift cards, send cash, or as you for information.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
Read our Newsletters Online:  (April newsletter is now available)
The newsletters are available on our website under the “Resources” tab.  Click here to read this month’s newsletter, or any of our past newsletters.
Portals of Prayer April – June:  (Pick one up today)
The April – June 2026 Portals of Prayer are available in the narthex.  Feel free to take one the next time you’re at the church.  If you are stopping by during the week, please call ahead to make sure someone is at the church.
Thrivent Choice Dollars:  (Deadline: Mar 31)
Did you know that the Thrivent Choice program allows eligible Thrivent members to recommend making charitable contributions to Beautiful Savior?  In 2025, BSLC received $1,968 through the Thrivent Choice Program.  Thank You!   Visit www.Thrivent.com/Thriventchoice or contact your Thrivent representative.  You must renew your designation every year.  The deadline is March 31.
Hearing Aid Research for Sanctuary:  (March 8 & 15)
For our members who have hearing aid devices:  We are discussing the possibility of delivering the audio for our worship services directly to those devices in our sanctuary.  Before making the necessary investments to provide this solution, we’d like to make sure it will work with the hardware our members are using.  After all services on March 8 and 15, Matt Gustafson will be available in the narthex to conduct very brief, informal interviews with anyone who is currently using hearing aid devices.  The questions will be brief… no preparation needed.  If you have questions about how this might be made available, contact Matt G.
Enroll your Child(ren) at Grace Lutheran School:  (Registrations taken year round)
With over 500 young people in our association churches, many of them can benefit greatly from an education based here at Grace Lutheran School.  Let us take you for a tour of the school to get an idea of what Grace Lutheran is like.  We have needs based financial aid with over $100,000 available for your students to attend Grace!   Give us a call and set up a Care Visit today!   Their website is:  www.glsfargo.org
Please Save Your Used Stamps:

The LWML invites you to save your used postage stamps (yes, the stamps that come on your incoming mail every day).  Just tear off the corner of the envelope, keeping the whole stamp in tack with at least a 1/4 inch border around it.  Place these used stamps in the appropriate drawer of the plastic drawer cabinet that is located next to the LWML kiosk.  These stamps are actually sold at auctions to collectors and bring in cash for the LWML Mites program. 

What a simple way to support the LWML !
Shepherd’s Hill Camps:  (Register now for Summer 2026)
This summer, campers will learn about forgiveness and its significance in their faith and life in the Church.  Campers will explore this topic daily with the pastor of the week through chapel, Bible studies and campfire devotions.  Our theme verse for the summer is Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” 
For more information on the camps and to register, go to: www.shretreat.org
Lutheran Island Camps:  (Register today for summer 2026)
Lutheran Island Camp (Henning, MN) offers camps for all ages each summer.  If you are interested in their Horse program, be sure to register early as these weeks are sure to fill up.  For a full list and description of all of their summer camp programs, pricing and registration, visit their website: www.islandcamp.org.  There are great programs for all ages. 
BSLC Choir Needs Your Voice:  (Wednesdays 7:30pm) 
Are you interested in sharing your voice and singing in the Beautiful Savior Choir?  Ladies choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 pm.  Men interested in singing in the choir are encouraged to contact Mary Seiffert at (701) 212-3712.  We are looking for additional tenor and bass voices to complete our SATB choir.
Sign Up to bring Treats on Sunday Morning:   (Sign Up Today)
There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex to sign up to bring two dozen treats, serve and/or cleanup on Sunday mornings.  You can choose which Sunday works best for you.  If you have questions, please contact the church office.
FM Young Adult Lutheran Group:  (Sundays at 6pm)
The FM Young Adult Lutheran Group is a Bible study group for individuals in their 20’s to 30’s.  We  meet weekly on Sundays at 6pm, rotating among the local LCMS churches.  Please join us for a Bible study, prayer and fellowship.   Come as your schedule allows.
Coffee Club meets on Friday Mornings:   (Fridays 9:00am)  
BSLC members, men and women of any age, are invited to gather on Friday mornings at 9:00 am at the Fryin’ Pan, 310 Main, downtown Fargo.  Please join us!  Everyone is welcome!  Feel free to bring a friend.
Follow us on Facebook:
Did you know Beautiful Savior has a Facebook page?  In addition to our website, it’s a great place to see what’s going on at our church.  It gives you a direct link to our worship service live streams and also reminds you when events are coming up.  Go to our Facebook page and click “Follow” so our posts come thru on your Facebook feed:  Click here to go to our Facebook page.
2026 Altar Flower Sign Up Chart:
Consider signing up for a bouquet on the chancel in memory or honor of a loved one.  The flower chart is located outside the office on the bulletin board.  The cost is $30, and you can take your bouquet home after the second service on Sunday.  You can designate the money for altar flowers and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office.  Please return the vase to the church after you are done enjoying the bouquet.
Going South for the Winter?
Please let the church office know when you plan to leave for the winter so that you will still receive any correspondence from the church.  You can also let the church know if you would like the e-mail version of the newsletter while you are out of town.  Newsletters are not forwarded by the USPS and the church is charged 63 cents for each newsletter returned as undeliverable.  Thank you for keeping the church updated while you are out of town for extended timeframes.
Lost & Found:     (posted Sept 16)
Keys & a Women’s Coat –
  • A set of keys were found on the church grounds last week.
  • A women’s dress coat has been hanging in the coat closet for approx. a month.
If you think either item might be yours, please email the church at office@bslcfargo.org.
Confirmation Classes:  (Wednesdays Sept-Apr) 
As a part of our education ministry, BSLC offers confirmation classes for students in seventh through ninth grades.  If you have a child in those classes, please have them join us in-person Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30 pm.  If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Chris.
Sunday School Volunteers Needed:  (Going on Now)
Sunday School wouldn’t be a success without our volunteers!  We are looking for people to help with specific projects (helping with activities, being that extra set of hands in a classroom, helping with memory work, taking attendance, etc), please contact Stacy Knudson, Pastor Chris, or the church office – or stop in the office on Sunday morning to sign up.  We can always use a spare pair of hands!
Sunday School:  (Sept thru May)   Begins Sept 7 ~ Register your kids Today!  
BSLC offers a Sunday School program for children ages 3 and up during the school year (Sept – May). Sunday School meets from 9:30-10:30 am on Sunday mornings (conveniently scheduled between our two Worship Services).  If you have a child age 3 and up, sign them up for Sunday School.  (Click here to print the Registration form) or you can pick one up in the Narthex at the church.  Drop off or mail the completed form to the church office or bring it with you on a Sunday morning.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
Lutheran Youth Fellowship (Grades 6-12):  (Wednesdays Sept-Apr)
“Destination Unknown”:  Every Wednesday after confirmation class, youth in grades 6-12 can participate in a youth group adventure from 7:30-9 pm.  Each week, we will travel to a different surprise destination where we will have an activity and short devotion.  We will return to church for games, snacks and faith sharing.  For more information, please see Pastor Chris.  Hope to see you all there!
Thrivent Choice Dollars:  
If you are a Thrivent member and are eligible for Thrivent Choice dollars, please go to www.thrivent.com/choice or contact your representative to have your Thrivent Choice dollars designated to Beautiful Savior.  These extra donations add up and are of great assistance to our General Fund.
You can setup your designation anytime during the year.  
College Student’s Address:
Do you have a child in college?  Please leave your child’s new college address with the church office.  This will allow us to keep in contact with them as well as to notify the campus ministry so they can make contact with your child.
Listen to our Sermons on our website or iTunes:
Want to listen to the most current sermon – or one from the past few years?  Just go under the “Worship” tab and choose “Past Sermons (Listen)”.  Scroll down to the sermon you’d like to listen to, make sure your volume is on, and enjoy! 
Beautiful Savior sermons are also available as a podcast on iTunes.  You can listen to one of our posted sermons while at the lake, on a road trip or even while you’re on your exercise machine.  Go to the iTunes app, and search for “Beautiful Savior Fargo” and click on “Subscribe”. 
Note:  Look for the podcast with the picture of our stain glass window at the front of our church.
BSLC Food Pantry Needs:  (posted June 22)
The food pantry at Beautiful Savior could use a few items. Our greatest needs are: peanut butter, tuna and cereal.  Please no pasta items at this time.  You may leave the items in the office.  Thank you so much for helping to restock our shelves.
Are You on our Email List?
In addition to various correspondence, we email our bulletin and announcements each week to all our members.  If you are not receiving them, please let us know and we will get you on our email list. 
Call (701) 293-1047 or email office@bslcfargo.org to be added to our email list.
Memorial Committee Members Wanted:  (Going on Now)
The church has received and continues to receive memorial donations.  Some of these donations have recommendations on how they should be used while others are to be used at the church’s discretion.  These donations are not included in our general funds.  We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping us select items with the memorial donations.  Please prayerfully consider if you can help with this task.  If you are interested, please contact Pastor Chris, Mike Schlichtmann or the church office. 
Concordia Seminary “Adopt a Student” Update:  (posted Nov 2023)
Beautiful Savior has committed to sponsor Andrew Freriches in his last year in the seminary.  
Please pray for him and feel free to send notes, cards or gifts to encourage him as he prepares to serve in the Office of the Holy Ministry.  Make sure to let him know you are from Beautiful Savior!  If you would like to send a message to Andrew, call the church office or see the bulletin board for his mailing address.
GLS “Growing Together in Grace” Pledge Cards: (posted Summer 2023)
The members of BSLC were mailed a “Growing Together in Grace” pledge sheet.  At a special Voters’ meeting in May, BSLC members agreed to launch a three-year capital campaign to raise pledges and donations of $50,000 from BSLC members, to be matched by an anonymous donor, for a total support of $100,000.  Please  prayerfully consider how you can support this three-year capital campaign.  Please fill out the pledge sheet and return it to the church office by placing it in the offering plate or mailing it back to the church.  If you have any questions, contact the church.
Please Check out the Lost and Found Box located in the Narthex:  (Going on Now)
Have you misplaced a clothing item, coat, gloves, sunglasses or other items?  Check out the lost and found bin and claim your lost item.  Jewelry or smaller items can be found on the window ledge of the church office.   Any unclaimed items will be donated to the Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store.
Read our Newsletters Online: 
Do you currently receive the newsletter in the mail and would prefer to read it in a digital format?  If so, just let the office know and we can add you to our newsletter email group.  Instead of receiving the newsletter in the mail, we would send you an email with the newsletter attached.
The newsletters are also available on our website under the “Resources” tab.  Click here to read this month’s newsletter, or any of our past newsletters.
Portals of Prayer Available on an App:
“Portals of Prayer” is now available on your digital device!  In addition to relevant and easy-to-read meditations, you can listen to recordings of each day’s Bible readings, devotion, and prayer.  You can also search past devotions by keyword, save your favorites, share prayers, and access seven years of “Portals of Prayer” devotions.  Available on the App Store or Google Play.  The cost is $9.99 for a 1 year subscription.
Please Update Your Contact Information:
Do we have your current phone number, email and mailing address?  If you have moved, got rid of your landline/old phone number or have a new email address, please let us know. 
If you go south for the winter or move to the lake for the summer, please let the church office know.  Newsletters are not forwarded, and the church is charged $.62 each time one comes back.  By letting the office know, a newsletter can be emailed to you each month until you return home.  Thanks!
BSLC Worship Services Available on YouTube:
We hope you will join us in-person for worship to hear the Word and receive the Sacraments.  However, if you are unable to attend in-person, our services are available online on our YouTube channel.  If you have a Smart TV or casting device, you can also watch them on your TV.
Note: For those needing closed captioning… YouTube’s closed captioning [cc] feature is not available to turn on until approx. 24 hours after the live stream has ended.
Our bulletins are available at:  www.beautifulsaviorfargo.com/bulletins
Congregational Memory Verse Challenge:
The church confesses to Christ, “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).  The church is encouraged to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16).  Psalm 1 teaches us to meditate on God’s Word day and night.  It is our great opportunity and joy to read and study God’s Word.  One beneficial practice is to memorize the Scriptures and, in so doing, to meditate on it.
The LCMS invites everyone to join together memorizing a verse each week.  Click here for this month’s verses.
Harlan and Esther Wallum Scholarship Fund: 
Are you thinking about where you or your  children may go for college?  Consider one of our LCMS universities.  Grants are available to assist youth and adults who wish to begin or continue their education from an LCMS university or seminary.  Applications are available in the church office.
Properties Committee Members Needed:  (Volunteer Now)
We are in need of individuals to help serve on a properties committee.  If you would be interested in serving on this committee, please contact Scott Persoon, Mike Schlichtmann, Pastor Chris, or any member of the Church Council.
Mentors Needed for New Members:
The evangelism committee is looking for families or individuals to mentor new members.  If you think you would be interested in helping, please email tim.deitemeyer@hotmail.com.  Thanks.
Main Street Living North: 
Main Street Living North is a Lutheran Television Program that is endorsed by the LCMS.  MSLN broadcasts each Sunday at 9:00 am, followed by “This Is Your Life” program at 9:30 am on TV station KVRR.  MSLN is also broadcast on WDAY Xtra with “This Is Your Life” program at 10:00 am followed by the “Main Street Living” worship service at 10:30am. 
The program is financially supported through donations given by the viewers and congregations of the viewing area.  The sermons and songs are video’d in advance and are then used in a future broadcast of the program.  The choir is composed of members of the local churches – you do not have to be part of our choir in order to participate.  If you would like more information about MSLN or want to watch this week’s broadcast, go to: mainstreetliving.com/north.  Once there, you can watch the current week’s broadcast or you can access previous broadcasts from prior months by clicking “Watch Past Episodes” at the top of the screen.  Or use this link:  mainstreetliving.com/north/blog/category/schedule.
To donate:  Financial Support checks may be sent to “Main Street Living North”, 821  5th Ave. S., Fargo, ND  58103.  You can also donate by credit card or a Paypal account at: www.mainstreetliving.com/north.  Thank you and God’s blessing in Christ!
Military Addresses Needed:
Do you have a family member in the military?  The LWML would like their address so that they can send cards of encouragement to them.  Please leave their address on the church office desk or email them to the church.  Thank you.
Prayer Chain and Announcements:
If you have a concern or joy and would like our prayer warriors to pray for you or others, please e-mail the office, and your prayer will be sent out on the e-mail chain.  Also please e-mail updates to the office or the pastors so it can be shared with our prayer warriors.  Please let the church office know by Wednesday if you have joys or concerns to put in our weekly announcements.  The petitions will run weekly until you ask to have them removed from the list.  Our church members appreciate the chance to pray for our special needs and joys.  Prayer is powerful. 
Opportunities to Get Involved at BSLC:
Have you thought you might enjoy singing with the choir? Do you have a gift for prayer, sewing, gardening, working with children or teens, or planning activities? These are just some of the ways you can contribute your gifts and talents at Beautiful Savior.  For a more complete list of opportunities, take a look under the “Get Involved” tab of this website.  Or if you would like to learn more about any of these or want to know how you can serve our congregation, please visit with Claudia Schroeder or any member of the Church Council. 
1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Do you have Pictures from Church Events?
If you have pictures from church events and are willing to share them, please let the office know.
You just never know where we might use them…  Thanks!
Gold Club:   (May 20)
Join us Wednesday, May 20 at noon for a potluck luncheon.  Bring your specialty dish to share with others.  Gold Club is a time to get together and enjoy food, faith and fellowship.  Invite a friend, Gold Club is for anyone!  
Newsletter Articles Due:   (May articles are due May 20)
Newsletter articles are due on the 20th of each month for the upcoming newsletter.  Please make sure to get your articles, announcements and/or photos in to the church office by the 20th.  Thank you!
LWML Serves at Ronald McDonald House:  (May 21)
More information will be shared closer to the event.  Prepare meal from 3:30-5:30pm.
Loose Change Sundays:  (May 31)
Mites Sunday occurs during the months that have 5 Sundays and is called “Loose Change Sunday”!  Please bring your loose change or dollars on those Sundays and place it in the Mites Box.  On a weekly basis, the Mites Box is located across the hall from the church office and you are welcome to drop off loose change into the box at any time – it does not have to be on Loose Change Sunday.  Thank you to all who have dropped their loose change into the Mites Box.  Combined Mite Box donations amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants.  To see a list of the current recipients of the Mite Box donations, go to the “Get Involved / LWML” page of this website.
Men’s Bible Breakfast:  (June 6)
The men’s Bible Breakfast will meet on Saturday, June 6 from 8-9:30am in the fellowship hall. Breakfast will be served for a free will offering to help defray the costs of future breakfasts.  We will be using the book “Thirty Virtues that Build a Man” by Vince Miller.  It is not necessary to purchase the book.  This is for all men (ages 18+).  
Note: Starting in May 2026, we will meet monthly (usually on the first Saturday of the month.)
Evangelism and Stewardship Meeting:  (June 18)
There will be a joint Evangelism and Stewardship meeting on Thursday, June 18 at 5:30pm in Room 113.  If you are interested in being involved in either the Stewardship or Evangelism committees, please feel free to join us!
LWML Eastern Zone Fall Rally:  (Oct 3)
Save the date and plan to attend:  All women are invited to attend the Eastern Zone Fall Rally on Saturday, October 3 at Beautiful Savior.   Watch for more details to be announced.
LWML Sunday:  (Oct 4)
Wear purple in support of the LWML.  Mites buckets will be out.
 
LWML National Convention:  (July 8-11, 2027)
Save the Date & Plan to Attend:    Oklahoma City, OK    Watch for more details as the event gets closer.
Sing-Along & Flag Day Celebration:  (June 14)
Save the Date & Plan to Attend:   Sunday, June 14 at 1:30pm at Serenity Living Center, Dilworth, MN
 
OCC Meeting:  (Not meeting in May)
The Shoebox G.O. Crew will meet on Monday, April 27 from 6-7:30pm.  Join us for fun and fellowship as we serve together!
 – Please consider purchasing items for our shoeboxes all year long!  We can always use school supplies, small toys, stuffed animals, socks, underwear, shirts, etc.  And, best yet – watch for clearance items at the end of each holiday season to get the best bang for your buck!