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, April 21.

Safe Spaces Training – April 26

This is a required training for all who lead ministries that include children, youth and vulnerable adults. They will meet on Sunday, April 26 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall. Lunch provided at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com) by Thursday, April 23 at noon to have a lunch and/or childcare. Please see sign-up sheet and QR code in Narthex.

Safety First

Safety First – “Safe Spaces” required training after church Sunday, April 26, 2026

We like to think that Bethlehem is a safe place for us to worship, study, learn, and play together. We like to think that no one would desecrate our sacred buildings and grounds by taking unfair advantage of our hospitality, generosity and trust. We like to think that children, youth, and adults are all safe when they come and go.

We feel secure in the knowledge that we at Bethlehem UMC put safety first. One of the most powerful ways that we put safety first is by having a strong policy and by practicing best procedures for the physical and psychological safety of our youngest and of our most vulnerable members. We call this “Safe Sanctuaries”, but it really means that we are actively committed to making all of our spaces safe.

Bethlehem UMC’s “Safe Spaces” policy calls for us to set clear boundaries by adopting reasonable safety measures. These are:

◦ Careful selection and recruitment of staff and volunteer workers

◦ Prudent operating procedures

◦ Education of all workers and congregation members in the use of policies and methods

◦ Procedure for reporting suspected abuse

◦ Appropriate response to allegations

To support this commitment, all individuals serving in leadership roles with children, youth, or vulnerable adults are required to complete screening (background and reference checks) and attend periodic training. In general, every adult who works directly with a child, youth, or vulnerable adult is seen by them to be an authority figure. These should have the training to know appropriate boundaries.

Who does this apply to? If you are wondering, then you should probably attend.

When is it? April 26 following worship service. It will include light lunch and will last 2 hours.

Where will it be held? In the Banquet Hall at Bethlehem UMC.

Childcare? Yes, contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) by noon on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

How much does it cost? No cost, just come with a great attitude.

Registration? Yes, please. We want to have enough food and resource materials for everyone. Ways to sign-up:

· Sign-up sheets in the Narthex or by using the QR Code on sign-up sheet

· Online via website (www.bethlehemumc.com and click Safe Spaces Training)

· Call the church office (615-794-6721)

· Please make your reservation by noon on Thursday, April 23, 2026

May Communion Offering

The communion offering on May 3 will be directed to Project Transformation. You may bring your offering to the altar rail during communion or donate online and designate for Project Transformation.

Bethlehem Trivia Night — May 3, 2026

Calling the smartest trivia buffs! Join us for our second annual Bethlehem Trivia Night benefiting youth missions and outreach. This event will take place on Sunday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall. Suggested donation is $15 per person or $120 per team. We'll have live trivia, pizza, popcorn, beverages and prizes. Register with your friends as a table host for a team of eight, or you can also buy individual tickets at the door. If you can't attend, you can even make a donation by purchasing a ghost ticket or sponsoring a table. Questions? Email Alison at abocking@bethlehemumc.com

Project Transformation

Bethlehem is once again serving children outside our community through Project Transformation. PT helps children improve their literacy by being better readers, their social and emotional health and their nutrition during summer months when those things might be difficult for working families. They also hire college-aged young adults to engage in purposeful leadership and connect churches with their communities. How can you be a part of this? Here are some ways:

1. Sign up to be a reading volunteer. We’ll go to Antioch UMC June 15 – 18 to work with children on their reading skills. Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2. Cook dinner for 15 interns twice in June. A team of Bethlehem volunteers will provide a taco bar or fried chicken or another tasty meal for this group at Scarritt Bennett center.

3. Provide books, snacks and supplies for the summer program. You can click this link: https://a.co/0802NaI9 to go directly to their Amazon wish list.

4. Pray for the program. Prayer guides are available in the church office.

Please see sign-up sheet and QR code in Narthex.

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. 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

We will now be using Freeman Florist for our Sunday arrangements. Beginning in May arrangements will be $60.00 each. If you would like to have flowers for worship services, please let Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com) know the date that you would like or sign-up from the church’s website: bethlehemumc.com/flowers

Just a Few Bethlehem Ball Caps Left!

Our Youth Ministry is selling ball caps for $20 each! 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

April 26 — Safe Spaces Training Class

May 3 — Communion Offering Project Transformation

May 3 — Trivia Night

May 10 — Monthly Mission — Bring Peanut Butter and Jelly

June 8 - 12 — VBS

June 14 — Monthly Mission — Bring Beans and Rice

June 15 - 18 — Project Transformation

June 21 - 26 — Youth Mission Trip to Hinton, NC

July 12 — Monthly Mission — Bring Pasta and Pasta Sauce

July 17 — Fish Fry

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Important Upcoming Events - April 17, 2026

Along The Way (April 17 - 23, 2026)

Bethlehem News - April 17, 2026