Important Upcoming Events - October 3, 2025
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Join The Path Sunday School Class — October 5
Path to Abundance Sunday School Class is relaunching with a new name — THE PATH. With the new name, we are shifting our direction. We will be exploring different spiritual themes and looking at faith from different perspectives. Together we will open ourselves to renewed awe, humility and love in our Christian walk. We are committed to finding ways to stay focused in our busy lives. The new class starts October 5 at 9:00 a.m. in CLC 205, and will lead us into the season of Advent. If you are curious — or seeking a Sunday School class that offers something different each week, please come join us! Coffee and refreshments will be provided.
Music Notes
Click the links below to hear music we'll sing in the worship service this Sunday, October 5. The Chancel Choir will also sing special music during the service.
1. Build Your Kingdom Here
https://youtu.be/8NAim0dYlh4?si=q7zTpCEwlPpORjfH
2. The Church's One Foundation
https://youtu.be/FQvljI04aTA?si=8cauwUIWTLM-oFsS
3. Holy Forever
https://youtu.be/IkHgxKemCRk?si=kKr4PGq6bqpgI1ka
4. They'll Know We Are Christians
https://youtu.be/3EBShVUTH0U?si=zy570c0cbWv9lCBA
5. What a Beautiful Name
https://youtu.be/8GV9pQo4wZo?si=SxYnBdgd0vWfgZCG
Photo Opportunity for Online Directory
We are phasing out the Instant Church Directory and transitioning to Realm for the pictorial and info directory. THIS Sunday, October 5, you can have your photo taken in the Gathering Space. Have someone take your photo in front of the blue screen and email it to Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com).
Room in the Inn Begins November 1
As the cold winter months begin to approach, it’s important that we remember those who are less fortunate than us and help with Room in the Inn. Bethlehem partners with Room in the Inn (RITI) to host 10 homeless men every Saturday night until the end of March. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Gathering Space or by using this Sign-Up Genius link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/riti If you have any questions or need more info, please contact Mike Loring (mloring@live.com or 615-596-0985).
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting October 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Bethlehem has a group of Prayer Warriors that meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. If you have a prayer request you would like this group to lift in prayer, please contact either Betty Swilley (swilleyb@bellsouth.net) or Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com). Everyone is invited on Tuesday, October 7.
Want to Keep Informed?
If you would like to receive communications from Bethlehem UMC, please send an email to Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com) asking her to add your name to the email list.
Choir and Handbells Rehearsals
Are you looking for a small group to join and you enjoy music? If so, consider our church choir and our handbell group for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings! Handbells meet in CLC202 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearses from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reading music is not a requirement but fun and fellowship certainly is. For more information, please see any of our members or contact Joe Smyth at jsmyth@bethlehemumc.com
New Bethlehem Ball Caps Available!
Show off your Bethlehem pride in style! Our Youth Ministry is selling ball caps for $20, and all proceeds go toward youth missions and outreach — helping our young people make a difference near and far. Whether you're running errands or grabbing coffee, wear your cap with pride and represent Bethlehem out in the community. Get yours from Alison or drop by the church office during the week to snag yours while supplies last!
Additional Handicap Parking Spaces
Please reserve the Handicapped Parking Spaces near the main Sanctuary entrance for those with Handicapped placards. We have church members who can not walk a long distance and need to be able to park close to the door in order for them to attend worship.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the 2025 Worship Services. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the worship service. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more info or by using this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/flowers.
Worship Help Needed
Each week we need several people to help lead our worship services by being Greeters/Ushers or Liturgists. Each month, we also need 4 communion servers. Please use this Sign-Up Genius link: www.bethlehemumc.com/worshiphelp or contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) if you can help, have questions or need more info.
Safety & Security Measures
In an effort to provide safety for the church staff, preschool and Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation, all exterior doors will be locked during the week. If you arrive at church and the door by the Sanctuary is locked, please ring the doorbell or call the church (615-794-6721) for assistance.
Save the Date for These Important Events
October 11 – Blessing of the Animals at Hillsboro UMC (Leipers’ Fork)
October 12 — Monthly Mission — Pasta and Pasta Sauce
October 13 — Church Closed for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 25 — Trunk ‘R Treat
October 26 — Chili Cook-Off
November 1 – Room in the Inn Begins
November 2 — All Saints’ Day
November 9 — Monthly Mission — Canned Goods for “Share the Feast”
November 9 — Celebrate the Artists — Old Sanctuary
November 11 — Church Closed for Veteran’s Day
November 15 — Share the Feast
November 16 — Pack Operation Christmas Child Boxes
November 16 — Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner
November 18 — Charge Conference
November 27 & 28 — Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30 — Advent Begins — Hanging of the Greens
December 6 — Breakfast with St. Nick