Bethlehem News - September 11, 2026
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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Worship News
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 give flowers for worship services, please let Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) know the date (or dates) 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.
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.
Third Graders Receive Bibles
Third Graders will receive a Bible during the worship service on September 13.
Acolyte Training
There will be an acolyte training after worship in the Sanctuary on September 13. Contact April Jackson for more info.
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,
We hope everyone had a fantastic Labor Day weekend! We’re back to our regular rhythm this Sunday and excited to be together again!
Sunday School will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Hall. This week, we’ll continue our journey through Israel’s broken kingdom with a story from 2 Chronicles about a tense encounter between a prophet and a king. We’ll pair that story with a wise proverb as we consider how we can learn to both give and receive correction with wisdom and grace. As always, we’ll start with cinnamon rolls and conversation.
This week is a GROW night at youth group, and we’ll be talking about gratitude through Colossians 3:1–3 and 12–15. We’ll talk about how intentionally practicing gratitude can shape the way we see God, ourselves and one another. We’ll also have a fun art project and, of course, games! And good news – dinner will be provided this week, compliments of The Bridge, so no need to bring $5.
One quick note: I’ll be out this Sunday for a wedding, but Jen McQuiston and our fabulous team will be holding things down while I’m away. I’m grateful for them and know everyone will be in great hands!
Have a great week, and I’ll see everyone next Sunday!
God of Seed and Harvest
We bless you,
God of Seed and Harvest
And we bless each other
That the beauty of this world
And the love that created it
Might be expressed though our lives
And be a blessing to others
Now and always. Amen.
- Author Unknown
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Looking ahead:
· September 13 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· September 20 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· September 27 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· October 4 – 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, September 13 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 September/October The Upper Room (daily devotional booklet) 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.com or 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.