Scott got his start in music at 13, playing an unplugged electric guitar in the catholic church worship band and singing backup without a microphone. In high school, he finally got the nerve to perform, taking on lead roles in

plays and musicals. Scott attended the University of Tulsa where he sang in various choirs and theater productions, even performing a solo musical rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech for Coretta Scott King at the city’s Juneteenth celebration. In 2005, Scott was instrumental in starting the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church (Texas) as worship leader with friend and Pastor Nancy Marroquin. He has served as worship leader for various Nashville churches including Bellevue Presbyterian Church, East Brentwood Presbyterian, and BUMC. During their early marriage, Scott and his wife Gabby served as missionaries in Guatemala for the Presbyterian Church (USA), returning to the states for an 18-month concert tour to perform music from his “What Would You Do” album and raise money for numerous charities. Scott is also the author of The Year without a Purchase - the story of his family’s quest to get back in touch with what’s important by trying to go an entire year without buying any “stuff”. You can read about their successes (and failures) in the book, or better yet, search the web for one of their random appearances on Good Morning America, MSNBC, or Tyra Banks’ now cancelled daytime talk show, FABLife. He can neither confirm or deny his contribution to said cancellation. Scott currently makes his living as a leadership consultant through his company, LifeWork Associates. In his spare time, Scott is a writer, worship leader, and amateur chef, still looking to perfect his sourdough bread recipe. He resides in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Gabby and two teenage kids who sometimes want to talk with him using actual spoken words, but prefer text. Scott will sing "A River of Dreams" by Billy Joel along with the Dreams Concert Series Choir.

Kathy’s Backpacks Thank You

Many thanks to everyone who made Kathy’s Backpacks a great success. We appreciate those who helped set up and sort supplies, fill and deliver backpacks and contribute financially to help cover the costs of the project. Your generosity and support is helping nearly 300 students in our community have a great start to the school year. We also want to give a special shout-out to the Target in Cool Springs for giving us generous discounts on the school supplies and delivering them directly to the church. Please pray for administrators, teachers, staff, students and their families as the new school year begins on Monday, August 10.

Peace of Mind Planning

Join us for a pizza lunch after church on August 23 for Peace of Mind Planning with Dennis Covington. Dennis will guide us step-by-step through creating a legacy binder and organizing important financial and personal information as an act of loving preparation for the future, giving peace of mind to both ourselves and those we love. Please RSVP by scanning the QR code or at https://www.bethlehemumc.com/peaceofmind

The Bridge — Bridging Generations. Building Community

Looking for a place to connect? The Bridge is a new twice-monthly gathering designed for young and midlife adults, children and youth to build relationships, share a meal and grow in faith. Whether you're single, married, raising kids or simply looking for community, there's a place for you. The Bridge will launch on Sunday, August 30 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP by scanning the QR code or at this link: https://www.bethlehemumc.com/thebridge

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Thinking About Membership?‍ ‍

Join us September 13, 20, and 27 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 201 to learn more about United Methodism, Bethlehem UMC, and how to become involved in our ministries. We'll see you there!‍‍ ‍

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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 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 and preschool, 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 ‍

August 9 — Bless Backpacks, Students and Educators

August 9 — Monthly Mission — Bring Tuna and Canned Meat

August 9 — Stay and Play Lunch for Families

August 22 — Parents’ Night Out — RSVP by August 11

August 23 — Peace of Mind Planning, please RSVP by using QR code or link

August 30 — The Bridge Launches, please RSVP by using QR code or link

September 1 — Prayer Warriors Meeting Resumes

September 6 — Communion Offering for Miriam’s Promise

September 13 — Third Graders Receive Bibles

September 13 — Monthly Mission – Bring Beans and Rice

September 13, 20 & 27 — Membership Class, please RSVP

Important Upcoming Events - August 7, 2026

Along The Way (August 7 - 13, 2026

Bethlehem News - August 7, 2026