· 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 until March 26

· Prayer and Listening — Sundays at 5:00 p.m. led by Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel until March 29

· Lunch & Lectio Divina — Imago Dei, a Bible study on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Wednesdays at Noon led by Alison Bocking until April 1

Blood Drive — March 16 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Bethlehem will host a blood drive on Monday, March 16 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the gym. Sign-up sheets are on a table in the Narthex or by using the QR Code on the table with the sign-up sheets.

Prayer Warriors Next Meeting March 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, March 17.

We Are Getting Ready for Easter!

There are a lot of plastic eggs in the Narthex. Please take some, fill with candy, stickers, Bible verses, etc. Turn them in to the main office or to April Jackson by April 2.

Church Has Left the Building – April 12

Church Has Left the Building is coming soon! This event has taken place on the Sunday after Easter for more than 10 years. This year on April 12 following a brief worship service at 9:00 a.m., we will literally leave the building to become the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

Some may choose to pick up trash along Hillsboro Road, others may visit and sing to some of our homebound members, and some may want to do yard work at a residential home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There are other projects that take place at church but still have an impact on our community. From baking cookies that will be delivered to faculty and staff members of local schools, to packing beans and rice that will be distributed through Feed America First to help the food insecure, to putting together hygiene kits that will be distributed through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to those in need following disasters, there is a project for everyone.

These are only some of the projects you can choose from during Church Has Left the Building. Sign ups will begin this Sunday, March 15 in the Gathering Space and online using this link: https://www.bethlehemumc.com/chlb

The BUMC Missions Team looks forward to joining with you to make a difference in our community. Please contact Robin Folks at rhfolks@comcast.net or 615-202-3417 if you have any questions or need more information.

Love Cooks

Prior to COVID, Bethlehem members cared for one another through LOVE COOKS. We made certain there was always food in the freezer at Bethlehem that staff and members could share with folks who might need a meal and a food “hug” during a difficult time. There is no doubt that Bethlehem is filled with great cooks and generous hearts. We are revitalizing LOVE COOKS and need your help. If you like to cook, please let us know if you might provide a meal, dessert, etc., for the freezer. We are also looking for 2 more Bethlehem members to serve as a captain for one quarter helping to track food or encourage others to cook. If you are interested in helping or knowing more about LOVE COOKS, please contact Debbie Robinson (robinsondebbie555@gmail.com) or Rebecca Little (rebecca8916@gmail.com).

Worship Help Needed

Each week we need several people to help lead our worship services by being Greeters/Ushers or Liturgists. Specifically, we need 2 Greeters/Ushers for March 29. 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.

Flower Info for 2026 Worship Services

Always in Bloom, our florist for many years, is going out of business and is no longer able to provide flowers for our worship services. If you would like to donate an arrangement (or arrangements) for worship services, please let Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com) know the date that you will be providing flowers.

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 3/21/26, we need 1 Saturday night driver. You only have 2 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 or by using this Sign-Up Genius link http://www.bethlehemumc.com/riti

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.

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

March 29 — Palm Sunday

March 29 — Easter Story Walk Begins (Outside)

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

Sunrise Service 7:00 a.m.

Small Groups (Sunday School) 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service 10:15 a.m.

April 5 – Communion Offering – Church Has Left the Building

April 6 — Church Closed for Easter Holiday

April 12 — Church Has Left the Building — worship at 9:00 a.m. — day of service to the community

April 12 — Monthly Mission — Tuna and Canned Meat

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Important Upcoming Events - March 13, 2026

Along The Way (March 13 - 19, 2026)

Bethlehem News - March 13, 2026