Get your slow cookers fired up for a little friendly competition and join us for our annual Souper Bowl Cook-Off THIS 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 Stations Until February 15

You are invited to a guided prayer experience exploring race, justice, reconciliation, and faith, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community, a world where all people are valued, dignity is upheld, and love overcomes division. Through Scripture, guided reflection, and interactive prayer stations, we will listen for God’s voice, lament brokenness, confess where we fall short, and seek healing and unity in Christ. The prayer stations are open until February 15 – date extended due to inclement weather last week – in the Banquet Hall. You are invited to journey through the Sacred Space on your own, with a friend, or alongside your Sunday School class or small group.

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. If you have a meeting, Bible Study group or other event at the church and Williamson County Schools are closed due to weather, the event will be cancelled. Check the church website for info regarding in-person or streaming worship.

Prayer Warriors Next Meeting February 17 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, February 17.

Celebrate the Artists

Bethlehem will host our second Celebrate the Artists event on February 22, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall. 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@bellsouth.net) or Jan Speer (jtoli1@comcast.net) for more information.

Upcoming Lenten Studies

All studies will be held in Conference Room 2 (above the Banquet Hall)

Beginning February 22 at 5:00 p.m. — Prayer and Listening — led by Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel

Beginning February 25 at Noon — Lunch & Lectio Divina — led by Alison Bocking

Beginning February 26 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. — Discussion of United Methodist Social Principles — led by Rev. Terry Carty

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 2/14/26, we need 2 Saturday night drivers. You only have 6 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.

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

February 8 — Monthly Mission — Beans & Rice

February 8 — Youth Souper Bowl Cook-Off

February 15 — Lenten Lunch & Learn – RSVP by February 12

February 16 — Church Closed for President’s Day

February 18 — Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.

February 22 — Celebrate the Artists

February 22 — Prayer and Listening — led by Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel at 5:00 p.m.

February 25 — Lunch & Lectio Divina — led by Alison Bocking at Noon

February 26 — Discussion of United Methodist Social Principles — led by Rev. Terry Carty at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

March 1 – Communion Offering – Church Has Left the Building

March 8 — Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 8 — Monthly Mission — Peanut Butter and Jelly

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Important Upcoming Events - February 6, 2026

Along The Way (February 6 - 12, 2026)

Bethlehem News - February 6, 2026