Important Upcoming Events - September 11, 2026
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
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 16 (NOTE: Date Change)! 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
The Bridge — Bridging Generations. Building Community
The Bridge will meet again on September 13 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall. September 13 will be "Share Your Best Life Hacks" night. Come ready to share your best hack for making your life easier, more interesting, or more fun! Come join us even if you don't have a hack to share — you might leave with one! The Bridge is a 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! Please RSVP at bethlehemumc.com/thebridge or using the QR code.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting September 15 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 15 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2.
Small Group Leader Training
“From Wandering to Journeying”
Are you currently leading a small group, including teaching Sunday School? Or would you like to start or lead a new group? Rev. Terry Carty invites you to a special training session on Sunday, September 20, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Small groups of all kinds — not just study groups — are places where people find belonging and grow spiritually. We’ll explore practical knowledge and skills for helping groups become intentional communities of discipleship. Please register using this link: http://bethlehemumc.com/smallgroup or the QR code, so we can prepare enough resources. No meal will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring a snack to share!
Help Support The Bridge!
The Bridge is a gathering of young and midlife adults building community together at Bethlehem UMC. They meet twice a month at the church and their gathering begins with a shared meal, along with youth and children. If God is calling you to support The Bridge by providing a meal, you can sign up using this link (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4CA4A72CA3FB6-65571438-thebridge#/) or the attached QR code.
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
Please make all donations by September 25.
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.
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
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
September 13 — The Bridge Meets, please RSVP by using QR code or link
September 16 — Handbell and Choir Rehearsals Resume
September 20 — Small Group Leader Training
September 13 — The Bridge, please RSVP by using QR code or link
October 4 — Communion Offering for Share the Feast
October 11 — Monthly Mission — Bring Pasta and Pasta Sauce
October 24 — Trunk ‘R Treat
November 1 — All Saints Sunday
November 1 — Youth Chili Cookoff
November 1 — Charge Conference