Important Upcoming Events - December 19, 2025
Church Closed for Christmas Holiday
The church will be closed Thursday & Friday, December 25 & 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Mary Beth Bernheisel at (731) 293-8837. Normal business hours will resume Monday, December 29.
Room in the Inn Needs You
Bethlehem welcomes 10 men experiencing homelessness every Saturday night from November through March. Please sign up to help. For the next date 12/27/25, we need 2 Saturday drivers, 1 Sunday driver and 2 overnight hosts. You only have 15 more opportunities to enjoy this ministry. Please contact Mike Loring (mloring@live.com or 615-596-0985) with any questions. 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
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Music Notes
Donna Gray will provide special music at the Christmas Eve services at 4:30 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m.
BethleHymns for 12/21/25
1. I Pray on Christmas
https://youtu.be/G2upuHmf9OY?si=viys9dW4a2KeIk1O
2. Love Has Come
https://youtu.be/IwZLAsrTruk?si=vO3UsG6ie2wQUK4J
3. From the Manger
https://youtu.be/Uvm0sYo0ULI?si=EcX3-PmnEgD9Goec
4. Noel
https://youtu.be/jGg7KdN19rs?si=KDfW0Hsjjrnv6kRi
The Bethlehem Bells will ring special selections this Sunday.
Fellowship Time on December 28
On Sunday, December 28, doughnuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea will be available in the narthex beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 10:15 we will move into the Sanctuary for a casual, musical worship service. You are welcome to come as you are – Christmas sweaters are encouraged!
Room in the Inn Meal Changes
Football coaches are known for calling big victories a “team effort.” One of the ways Team Bethlehem is battling hunger is by providing dinner for our Room in the Inn guests on Saturday nights. Feeding ten guests and two overnight helpers can be overwhelming, but not when it is a TEAM effort. We have new sign-up sheets in the Gathering Space where you can volunteer to bring a salad, vegetable, desserts or bread and drinks. You can also sign up to serve our guests. This Saturday, December 13 is the first week we’re trying this approach. If you can help, contact Dana Smyth at the church office and be a part of the team!
Room in the Inn Overnight Host Info
This mission opportunity is for men only. It is like a camp out in the gym. You eat dinner, talk, watch TV, play on your phone or computer then go to sleep. We have Wi-Fi available. If this is your first time to sign up, have no worries, we will always pair you with a seasoned veteran. It is easy and safe.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting January 6 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, January 6.
Just a Few Bethlehem Ball Caps Left!
Our Youth Ministry is selling ball caps for $20 and we have just 7 left! Show off your Bethlehem pride in style and help 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!
Join us for Discovery Weekend – January 9-11, 2026
Discovery Weekend is coming in January! Discovery Weekend is a spiritual formation retreat (imagine all the goodness of summer camp crammed into a weekend!) held in the local church for youth in grades 5-12. Our weekend will be held January 9 - 11, 2026. We kickoff on Friday evening and wrap up on Sunday morning after the 10:15 am worship service. Our theme is Rooted in God’s Love from the book of Ephesians. The weekend includes meaningful worship experiences, engaging discussions, and fun-filled activities. It all happens right on our campus at Bethlehem UMC with our entire church wrapping their arms around our youth.
Whether you or your child have been active or not, you are invited to this weekend. Everyone is invited to experience God’s love and find out how much God has to say.
Here are three key ways you can support Discovery Weekend:
The cost is $75. It’s really important to register early so we can plan for meals and other important details. Visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/discovery to register.
Join the Discovery Team: We’ll need to fill 60+ volunteer slots throughout the weekend. The whole church is invited to participate in the weekend through serving on the team, praying, providing meals and snacks, and more. Sign-up here: https://www.bethlehemumc.com/discoveryhelp
Pray: Please begin praying for this weekend and our youth community at Bethlehem UMC and make plans to attend the Church-Wide Prayer Service on January 10, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We also need individuals to sign up for the Prayer Vigil: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/discoverypray
For more info on Discovery Weekend, Contact Alison Bocking at abocking@bethlehemumc.com
Photo Opportunity for Online Directory
We will be phasing out the Instant Church Directory we have been using and transitioning to using Realm for the pictorial and info directory. This Sunday, December 14, 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).
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.
2026 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the 2026 Worship Services. Sign-up sheet is in the Church Office. 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.
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
December 24 — Christmas Eve Services at 4:30, 7:00 & 11:00
December 25 & 26 — Church Closed for Christmas Holiday
December 31 — Last Day to make 2025 Contributions
January 1 — Church Closed for New Year’s Day
January 9 – 11 – Discovery Weekend
January 11 — Monthly Mission — Pasta & Pasta Sauce
January 19 — Church Closed for MLK Day
January 24 — Church Council Retreat
February 8 — Monthly Mission — Beans & Rice
February 16 — Church Closed for President’s Day
February 18 — Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.