Join us this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we gather near the playground to pray for our mission team before they depart for Hinton Rural Life Center in North Carolina.‍‍ ‍

During the week, our youth and adult leaders will serve alongside local communities, grow in their faith, and learn through hands-on ministry and relationship building. We invite our church family to surround them with prayer as they begin this journey.‍‍ ‍

Please keep these team members in your prayers:‍‍ ‍

Alison Bocking‍ ‍

Emily Castaño‍ ‍

Oliver Castaño‍ ‍

Cora Ells‍ ‍

Evie Ells‍ ‍

Stacey Ells‍ ‍

Ari Horne‍ ‍

Tessa Horne‍ ‍

Violet Horne‍ ‍

Ashleigh Porter‍ ‍

Cole Taylor‍ ‍

Lila Taylor‍ ‍

Wyatt Taylor‍ ‍

Corkey Wolczyk‍‍ ‍

We hope you'll join us for this special time of encouragement and blessing as we send our team out in service.‍‍

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Baby Wipes Needed for Love on Wheels‍ ‍

Love on Wheels is in need of baby wipes. Currently they have depleted their supply. A container will be in the Narthex on Sunday for the wipes.‍‍

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51st Annual Fish Fry is July 17 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.‍ ‍

Please help us make it GREAT by doing 4 things:‍ ‍

1. Sign up to work at least 2 hours using this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/ffhelp or on the sheets in the Gathering Space. If you’re unsure where to sign-up, the Serving Line always needs help, it’s easy, anyone can do it and it’s inside in air-conditioning.‍ ‍

2. Buy tickets http://www.bethlehemumc.com/fishfry We are asking each family to purchase at least 10 tickets to use, give to someone, or sell. Tickets are the same price as last year — Adults $18.00 until July 16, $20.00 ALL day on July 17. Children (age 5—12) $12.00 until July 16, $14.00 ALL day on July 17. Under age 5 are FREE.‍ ‍

3. Buy a T-shirt. It supports the Fish Fry and shows you are a member of the Bethlehem team. ‍ ‍

4. Donate to the silent auction. Gift cards to local restaurants, shops, or places you frequent i.e., hair care, dentist, coffee shop, etc. are good options.‍‍ ‍

Thanks in advance for your support.‍‍ ‍

One of the favorite games at Fish Fry every year is the "Fishing" booth. We are collecting small toys like McDonalds Happy Meal or Sonic toys to use for prizes. New and gently used toys may be dropped off in the Narthex or at April's office.‍‍ ‍

If you'd like to help ensure that the Fish Fry Family Fun Zone can be offered for FREE to all families who attend, please consider making a donation or being a corporate sponsor. Contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info.‍‍

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Dreams Concert Choir Needed‍ ‍

Do you sing along with the radio in the car? Would you like to sing along with a Billy Joel song? If so, consider singing backup on "A River of Dreams" for our Dreams Concert Series finale, Sunday, August 9. We will have a rehearsal for this song with Scott Dannemiller, Dann Childers, and the backup choir and Praise Band on Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. If you have questions or need more info, please contact Dann Childers (dchilders@bethlehemumc.com). Here is a link to hear the song: https://youtu.be/hSq4B_zHqPM?si=3lv1DdvcY9_oDQC7

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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). ‍‍ ‍

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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.‍‍ ‍

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Flower Info for 2026 Worship Services‍ ‍

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 use the link from the church’s website: www.bethlehemumc.com/flowers Arrangements are $60.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:15 worship service.‍‍ ‍

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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!‍‍

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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.‍‍ ‍

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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.‍‍

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Save the Date for These Important Events‍ ‍

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

July 5 — Communion Offering for Kathy’s Backpacks‍ ‍

July 12 — Summer Concert Series Begins‍ ‍

July 12 — Monthly Mission — Bring Pasta and Pasta Sauce‍ ‍

July 17 — Fish Fry‍ ‍

August 2 — Kathy’s Backpacks (after worship in gym)‍ ‍

August 2 — Communion Offering for UMCOR ‍ ‍

August 9 — Bless Backpacks, Students and all Educators‍ ‍

August 9 — Monthly Mission — Bring Tuna and Canned Meat‍ ‍

September 1 — Prayer Warriors Meeting Resumes‍ ‍

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Important Upcoming Events - June 19, 2026

Along The Way (June 19 - 25, 2026)

Bethlehem News - June 19, 2026