Important Upcoming Events - August 28, 2026
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Bonus Communion!
This Sunday, August 30, Geinger Hill will be our guest in worship. She is a videographer who works closely with Nancy McNulty and has graciously agreed to take footage of our worship service for marketing and publicity opportunities, including our website.
Because Geinger will be with us this Sunday, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. We will also celebrate again on September 6. Did you know that some United Methodist congregations celebrate Communion together every Sunday?
Please welcome Geinger to our worship service. If you do not want your image included in the video, we invite you to receive Communion at the same time as the musicians so that Geinger will know not to include you. And please enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Communion together two Sundays in a row!
Music Notes
BethleHymns for 08/30/26
1. No Turning Back
https://youtu.be/P_TGh9-iabM?si=Xbj2rNfpWhLWE0_2
2. Trust and Obey
https://youtu.be/MqfpAnkztO0?si=jhcm4B8o1lP4v83h
3. The Jesus Way
https://youtu.be/2RcgWQCYhmU?si=TwMajj6Nvq5aU9DR
4. Where He Leads Me
https://youtu.be/YrBZbBP-_Ao?si=nk9TqPTdushSzKPV
5. Follow (Live From Passion 2024)
https://youtu.be/vtiVqGX8qGo?si=XCHqWriJVAragWdY
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
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, but registration is required. Locations for the event are: 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204. (Woodmont Hills Church – 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 contact Robin Folks or Alison Bocking.
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.
College Care Packages
Let’s remind our college-age students how much their church family cares about them! Please email Alison at abocking@bethlehemumc.com with your student’s current mailing address. You can help fill the care packages in two ways:
1. Donate items: Individually packaged snacks, microwave popcorn, crackers, cookies, candy, gum, water-flavor packets, Post-it Notes, lip balm, personal care items, encouraging notes or favorite Bible verses. Please place donations in the “College Care Packages” bin in the Narthex.
2. Make a monetary donation: Donations will help purchase additional items and cover mailing expenses. You may donate online or by check. Please include “College Care Packages” in the memo line
Turn a Sweatshirt into Snacks!
Our youth group has 33 new sweatshirts remaining from a previous merch order and we’re turning them into an opportunity to serve! For a $10 donation, you can sponsor a sweatshirt that will be donated to Room in the Inn. Our youth will use the donations to build 50 protein-filled snack packs for Room in the Inn’s day services this winter. One gift, double the warmth. To donate, you may give online or by check. Please include “Sweatshirt” in the memo line.
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.
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 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2.
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).
Flower Info for 2026 Worship Services
If you would like to give 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.
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 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.
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