There will be a work day on Saturday, July 11 beginning at 8:00 a.m. to prepare for Fish Fry. Work will be done inside and outside. Everyone is invited to help.‍‍

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Fish Fry T-Shirt Day ‍

To show your support of Fish Fry, wear your T-Shirt to church on Sunday, July 12.

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Kathy’s Backpacks‍ ‍

It’s almost backpack time at Bethlehem! For more than 30 years, Bethlehem members have given backpacks and school supplies to every school in Williamson County. This project was named after church member Kathy Harris shortly before her death. Kathy was passionate about the backpack ministry and designated funds from her estate to the ministry. On Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 p.m., we will gather in the gym to unpack, sort and set out the supplies. On Sunday, August 2 immediately following worship, we will gather in the gym to fill the backpacks with supplies. The backpacks will then be personally delivered to schools throughout the county. Besides sorting, packing and delivering backpacks, you can also support Kathy’s Backpacks by contributing financially to cover the cost of the backpacks and supplies —it costs about $30.00 to fill one backpack. July’s communion offering will be designated to Kathy’s Backpacks. You may bring your offering to the altar rail during communion or donate online and designate for Kathy’s Backpacks. We hope you will support this important ministry as we help students have a great start to the school year.‍‍

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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. Donations are needed for our Silent Auction. While we work with local businesses and corporate donors, the auction is not possible without the support of individuals like you. Donations can be brought, shipped or mailed to the church during regular office hours, or brought to the Gathering Space before and after church each Sunday. Donations can also be delivered 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. each night during the week of Fish Fry in the Youth Hallway. We request that all donations be provided no later than Thursday, July 16. Send any questions to (auction@bethlehemumc.com)! ‍‍ ‍

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 ‍

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 ‍

There is 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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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 ‍

July 5 — Communion Offering for Kathy’s Backpacks‍ ‍

July 12 — Summer Concert Series Begins‍ ‍

July 12 — Wear Fish Fry T-Shirt to Church‍ ‍

July 12 — Monthly Mission — Bring Pasta and Pasta Sauce‍ ‍

July 17 — Fish Fry‍ ‍

July 30 — Kathy’s Backpack Set Up (gym at 1:00 p.m.)‍ ‍

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

August 2 — Communion Offering for UMCOR ‍ ‍

August 6 — Dreams Concert Choir Rehearsal at 6:30 p.m.‍ ‍

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 - July 5, 2026

Along The Way (July 3 - 9, 2026)

Bethlehem News - July 3, 2026