On Mother's Day (THIS SUNDAY) May 10, we are inviting children and families to come to the Old Sanctuary and stay together for 9:00 a.m. Sunday School! We will have a special Brunch, photo op, activities, and guided faith discussions. Children are invited to come, even if other family members are unable to attend. Please RSVP to April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) so that we can provide enough food.

Prayer Warriors Next Meeting May 19 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, May 19.

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: www.bethlehemumc.com/amazonpt 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

May 10 — Brunch for Children and Families — 9:00 a.m. Old Sanctuary

May 10 — Monthly Mission — Bring Peanut Butter and Jelly

May 17 — Senior Recognition Sunday

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 - May 8, 2026

Along The Way (May 8 - 14, 2026)

Bethlehem News - May 8, 2026