Important Upcoming Events - January 9, 2026
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Music Notes
BethleHymns for 01/11/26
1. Baptized in Water
https://youtu.be/6arW9XKmRHk?si=iX0t7-xhX7CLuP_z
2. Holy Water
https://youtu.be/l0xhhG1Hyos?si=zRIvXfPC60RIs_fa
3. When Jesus Came To Jordan
https://youtu.be/SQ4GjdTL8q8?si=Sk_HbegJTglHv3kM
4. I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)
https://youtu.be/0-z1OK54Ae0?si=jXqGCWOoGdf0cEEN
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 1/17/26, we need 2 Saturday drivers and 1 overnight host. You only have 10 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
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.
Preschool Registration for 2026-27 School Year
Bethlehem Preschool will begin Fall 2026 registration on Tuesday, January 20 for current students, siblings and Bethlehem United Methodist church members. For other community members, registration will begin on Thursday, January 29. Please contact Kim Wixted at kwixted@bethlehemumc.com for more information or to schedule a tour.
Inclement Weather Info
The Church’s inclement weather policy is to cancel ALL activities EXCEPT worship services when Williamson County schools are closed due to weather. That means if you have a meeting, Bible Study group or other event at the church and Williamson County Schools are closed, the event will be cancelled. Worship services will be held regardless of weather.
Youth Souper Bowl Cook-Off — February 8
Get your slow cookers fired up for a little friendly competition and join us for our annual Souper Bowl Cook-Off on Sunday, February 8. We’ll need soup makers, soup tasters and soup eaters to make this event a success. All proceeds will benefit Youth Missions & Outreach. Donations will be accepted at the door. For questions, contact Alison Bocking, Director of Youth Ministries at abocking@bethlehemumc.com
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting January 20 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 20.
Celebrate the Artists
Bethlehem will host our second Celebrate the Artists event on February 22, 2026. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the talent of our members and get to know one another better, so ALL are invited to share their creative endeavors. If you draw, paint, quilt, work in textiles, sculpture, or clay, we would love to see what you do! Your work may be for display only, or for sale. Watch for details posted in the church or contact Barbara Bullard (bbbullard@bellsout.net) or Jan Speer (jtoli1@comcast.net) for more information.
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!
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
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 8 — Youth Souper Bowl Cook-Off
February 15 — Lenten Lunch & Learn
February 16 — Church Closed for President’s Day
February 18 — Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.
February 22 — Celebrate the Artists
March 8 — Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 8 — Monthly Mission — Peanut Butter and Jelly