Bethlehem News - May 22, 2026
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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We are worshipping together this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary Sunday School classes will meet at 9:00 a.m.
Flower Info for 2026 Worship Services – we are now be using Freeman Florist for our Sunday arrangements. Arrangements are $60.00 each. If you would like to have flowers for worship services, please let Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com) know the date that you would like.
This week's worship service will be live streamed and recorded on our church website and on Facebook and YouTube. Currently the worship bulletin is available on the website by clicking on the All Media tab, then the Media tab and then the Bulletin and Announcements tab.
If you get the following error message on the All Media tab
“403. That’s an error.
We're sorry, but you do not have access to this page. That’s all we know.”
Please scroll down the page to the website info that is actually there for you to see.
You may give online by going to the church website. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Ron Whitler.
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Please contact April Jackson, Director of Children's Ministries (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these children's activities.
Happy Birthday Gift
May this week find you with warm hearts! If your child has an upcoming birthday, please remind them that April has a little Birthday gift for them that they can get when they come to Sunday School or Church! Birthday gifts have been kid suggested and kid approved. I'm so excited to help your child celebrate their special day in 2026 with a "Happy, Happy day" gift!
Register today to Volunteer for Rainforest Falls VBS!
VBS is June 8-12; if you haven't registered as a Volunteer, be sure to use this link: www.bethlehemumc.com/vbs and do so today! Volunteer training is May 28 at 10:00 a.m. and also May 31 at 9:00 a.m. (both trainings are in the Old Sanctuary). All adult volunteers are asked to attend one training session and complete a Background Check.
If you have rainforest decor like fake or live tropical plants, monkeys, toucans, butterflies, etc. that you would like to donate or let us borrow, we would be grateful!
Children’s Church
Please make sure that you use the Sign Up sheets in the Narthex to register your children. If possible, please sign them in before the service begins. Children's church is offered each week.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the hallway across from Pastor Mary Beth’s office. You are always welcome to donate new or gently used quiet gadgets.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, every Sunday morning from 8:50 a.m. until the end of the 10:15 worship service.
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Please contact Alison Bocking (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these youth activities:
Friends and guests between 6th and 12th grade are always welcome at all of our youth events!
Dear Parents,
We’ve officially made it to the end of the school year – here’s to sweet summertime! As we head into this exciting season, just a reminder that Sunday is Pentecost, and we invite everyone to wear RED as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit together in worship.
Sunday school will pause our study on the Israelites this week and learn more about Pentecost. Youth Group will not meet this Sunday due to the holiday weekend, but will resume on May 31.
VBS will be here soon! Have you signed up to volunteer? Click this link (https://vbspro.events/p/events/summer/sessions/101075/volunteers/new) to sign-up or reach out to April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more information. All volunteers should make plans to attend one of the VBS Orientation Meetings in the Old Sanctuary scheduled for May 28 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. OR May 31 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Prayer for Unity
Loving God,
On this day of Pentecost,
Bring us together in Your love and peace.
Help us to be one in spirit and purpose.
Amen.
Grace and peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Looking ahead:
May 24 – Sunday School 9:00 a.m., NO Youth Group (Memorial Day Weekend)
·May 31 – Sunday School 9:00 a.m., Youth Group 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
·June 7 – Sunday School 9:00 a.m., Youth Group 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
June 14 – Sunday School 9:00 a.m., Youth Group 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
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Super Important Links:
Youth Calendar
Click here to view andsubscribe to our new and improved Google Youth Calendar!
iPhone Users: Click here to subscribe to our Youth Calendar
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on GroupMe
Click here to pick a Calendly date
Do you have a soccer game, orchestra performance, community play you'd like Alison to attend? Or maybe a family game night? Dinner outing? Parent chat over coffee? Please sign up for a date and time. If the time exceeds one hour, please select an additional block of time.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be Sunday, June 14, when we will collect beans and rice. Please plan to bring your beans and rice to the altar during the designated time during the worship service.
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Issues of the May/June Upper Room are in the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors and on the tables in the Narthex. Contact Dana Smyth if you have questions or need more info.
If you’re moving through a particularly difficult place in life perhaps a Stephen Minister could help. We currently have Stephen Ministers available to help you through a difficult journey. Please contact Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.comor 615-794-6721) for more info.
If you have surgery planned or are ever in the hospital unexpectedly, please let the church know. You can email Dana Smyth or call the church office (615-794-6721). She will forward the information to the staff.