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

‍ ‍A Way Forward: A Hope in Uncertain Times‍ ‍

A Way Forward is a gathering August 28 - 30 for all who care about justice and community, seeking to reclaim the true message of Jesus as a counter-voice to white Christian nationalism. Through inspiring speakers and meaningful breakout sessions, attendees will leave more hopeful, more deeply connected to community, and more confident in taking meaningful action. Tickets are free for the event, and you can select which days you plan to attend. Locations for the event are: 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204. (Woodmont Hills – Friday night and Saturday) AND 2334 Herman street, Nashville, TN 37208. (Gordon Memorial UMC for Sunday Worship). A Way Forward is sponsored by Congregations United for Racial Equity & Justice (CUREJ), Brentwood UMC Race & Faith Team, Belmont University, and TWK United Methodist Church Conference Anti-Racism Coalition. Register using the QR Code or this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/awayforward For questions, please see Robin Folks or Alison Bocking.

Choir and Handbells Rehearsals

Are you looking for a small group to join and you enjoy music? If so, consider our church choir and our handbell group for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings beginning September 9! Handbells meet in CLC202 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearses from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Reading music is not a requirement but fun and fellowship certainly is. For more information, please see any of our members or contact Joe Smyth at jsmyth@bethlehemumc.com

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! Please RSVP by scanning the QR code or at this link: https://www.bethlehemumc.com/memberclass‍‍ ‍

‍‍Stephen Minister Training‍ ‍

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people. Through Stephen Ministry, congregations are able to equip and empower a team of laypeople — Stephen Ministers — who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, divorce, financial stress, a terminal illness, or other life difficulties. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please contact Marlane Claxton, Cindy Sanford or Pat Smith. Training classes will begin in October.‍‍‍

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Prayer Warriors Next Meeting September 1 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 Conference Room 2. 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, September 1. ‍

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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 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 9 — Handbell and Choir Rehearsals Resume

September 13 — Third Graders Receive Bibles

September 13 — Monthly Mission – Bring Beans and Rice

September 13, 20 & 27 — Membership Class, please RSVP by using QR code or link

Important Upcoming Events - August 21, 2026

Along The Way (August 21 - 27, 2026

Bethlehem News - August 21, 2026