Important Upcoming Events - February 20, 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 02/22/26
1. Graves Into Gardens
https://youtu.be/HDeVfP7vErE?si=zak7YRPG78fKuzjD
2. Amazing Grace
https://youtu.be/7PPPWMDXMrw?si=zQRrihd4VFkExCZR
3. Something Beautiful
https://youtu.be/DMQqSarDf8Y?si=nfEq69G56Bi3LlXw
4. Sanctuary
https://youtu.be/lCIwvd8cTQ0?si=f6uYmNK77LZsuOqV
The Choir will sing this Sunday, and there will be special music with the theme song for the new worship series, Tell Me Something Good. The title of the song is Something Good, written by Dann Childers.
Upcoming Lenten Small Groups
All studies will be held in Conference Room 2 (above the Banquet Hall). Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex or by using this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/lent2026
· Exploring the United Methodist Social Principles, Living Faith in Community — Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. led by Rev. Terry Carty February 19 — March 26
· Prayer and Listening — Sundays at 5:00 p.m. led by Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel begins tonight, February 22 — March 29
· Lunch & Lectio Divina — Imago Dei, a Bible study on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Wednesdays at Noon led by Alison Bocking February 25 — April 1
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.
The Path Sunday School Class
This Sunday, The Path Sunday School class will be viewing a short video of Rabbi Sacks and his analysis of Leonard Cohen and the song “You Want It Darker.”
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the late former Chief Rabbi of the UK, provided a profound and widely cited analysis of Leonard Cohen’s final masterpiece, "You Want It Darker." Sacks viewed the song not just as a piece of music, but as a modern Midrash (a rabbinic commentary) on the Biblical story of the Binding of Isaac (Akedah). He argued that Cohen was "never more Jewish" than in this final message.
The Power of "Hineni"
The centerpiece of both the song and Sacks’ analysis is the Hebrew word Hineni ("Here I Am"). If this peaks your interest please join The Path Sunday School class in CLC 205 this week.
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 2/28/26, we need 2 Saturday night drivers and 1 Saturday night host. You only have 4 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.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting March 3 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, March 3.
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 22 — Celebrate the Artists
February 22 — Prayer and Listening — led by Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel at 5:00 p.m. thru March 29
February 25 — Imago Dei, a Bible study on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Wednesdays at Noon led by Alison Bocking thru April 1 (lunch included)
February 26 — Exploring the United Methodist Social Principles, Living Faith in Community — Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. led by Rev. Terry Carty thru March 26
March 1 – Communion Offering – Church Has Left the Building
March 8 — Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 8 — Monthly Mission — Peanut Butter and Jelly
March 29 — Palm Sunday
March 29 — Easter Walk
April 2 — Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 p.m.
April 3 — Good Friday Service at 7:00 p.m.
April 4 — Easter Egg Hunt and Activities at 10:00 a.m.
April 5 — Easter Sunday
April 6 — Church Closed for Easter Holiday
April 12 — Church Has Left the Building
April 12 — Monthly Mission — Tuna and Canned Meat