Bethlehem News - August 7, 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 – If you would like to have flowers for worship services, please let Dana Smyth (615-794-6721 or dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com) know the date/dates that you would like or use this Sign-Up Genius link (www.Bethlehemumc.com/flowers) and select the Sunday/Sundays you want. Arrangements are $60.00 each and can be taken home following the 10:15 worship service.
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.
Children and Family Updates
August 9, kids, youth, and even adults are invited to bring their backpacks for a blessing. We will continue the celebration with a Stay and Play Lunch, in the Banquet Hall, immediately after service. Waldo's chicken, rolls, salad, and cookies will be provided, along with tables of building toys and simple build your own bears. All families with children are encouraged to attend.
Updated Date: Parents' Night Out will be Saturday, August 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bethlehem children ages 6 weeks through 5th grade are invited to this free event. Please RSVP to ajackson@bethlehemumc.com by August 11 - We want to have staffing in place for a fun and safe evening!
Would you like to share life, grow in faith, and get to know other young Bethlehem families better? Mark your calendar for August 30 and plan to bring the whole family for dinner at 5:00 p.m.; faith and community formation from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Nursery and children's classes will be provided from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Watch for more details soon. Let me know if you're interested in learning more!
We will miss our rising 6th graders: McKendree Casey, Georgie Everhart, Jessie Maher, Luke Powers and Ford Williams; as they move up to Youth. Please continue to keep these, and all of our kids and youth in your prayers.
Savor these last few days before school and make time to soak up the Son!
All 3rd Graders are invited to receive Bibles and learn how to be an Acolyte on Sunday, September 13.
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!
Children’s Church
Children’s Church is for children 3rd grade and younger. Help us ensure the safety of your children by registering them for Children’s Church each week using the sheet next to the Sanctuary center doors.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the main hallway. They contain quiet, hands-on items like wikki sticks, coloring pages, books, and other fidgets to keep hands busy while still allowing users to listen and learn.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, every Sunday morning from 8:45 a.m. until the end of the 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,
Can you believe how fast this summer went by? Whew! It feels like we were just counting down the days to Hinton. We know many of you are soaking up these last few days before school starts back next week, while a few of you are soaking it up a little longer. We hope you’re making the most of the final stretch whether that’s one last adventure, sleeping in or enjoying some family time.
As we prepare for a new school year, we’d love for your family to join us on Sunday for Blessing of the Backpacks. Students are encouraged to bring their backpacks, school devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) or simply come as they are. We will take time during the worship service to pray over our students, teachers, administrators and everyone beginning a new school year.
Sunday school will continue at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday as we continue our series on the Minor Prophets. This week, we’ll dive into the chapter titled "Sounds Like the Future.” As always, we’ll start in the Banquet kitchen for conversation and cinnamon rolls.
This week we will take a one-week pause from youth group to give everyone a little breathing room between summer activities and the start of school. We’ll be back together for our Back to School Kick-Off on Sunday, August 16 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For recent updates, check our Google calendar link below.
We’re excited for what’s ahead this fall in youth ministry and can’t wait to see everyone on Sunday! Keep an eye out for our fall calendar as we kick off a new year!
Back to School Prayer for Students
Heavenly Father, we lift up our students to You as they begin a new school year. Grant them curious minds and critical thinking skills. May they learn deep truths about the world and people, becoming good citizens for the greater good. For those who struggle with learning, give them patience, confidence, and grace. Help them to see the gifts You’ve placed within them, even if certain subjects are challenging. For those who excel, may they have humility and continue to face challenges that keep them sharp and grateful. Breathe Your peace into students who feel lonely, anxious, or unwell. Surround them with support and love. Amen.
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Looking ahead:
· August 9 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., NO Youth Group
· August 16 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Back to School Kick-Off, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· August 23 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· August 30 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Super Important Links:
Youth Calendar
Click here to view and subscribe 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 THIS Sunday, August 9 when we will collect tuna and other canned meats. Please plan to bring your tuna and canned meats to the altar during the designated time during the worship service.
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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.