Bethlehem News - December 8th, 2023
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
-
We are worshipping in person together this Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
This week's worship services will be live streamed and recorded on our church website and on Facebook. Currently the worship bulletin is available on the website then by clicking on News tab, then Bulletin and Announcements tab.
The 2024 flower sign-up sheets are in the Church Office and in the Narthex. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:45 worship service. Flowers can also be reserved using this Sign-Up Genius link (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4CA4A72CA3FB6-45723586-flowers#/) and select the Sunday/Sundays you want or you may contact Dana Smyth 615-794-6721.
You may give online by going to the church website. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Ron Whitler.
-
Please contact April Jackson, Director of Children's Ministries (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these children's activities:
Christmas Eve Readers
All kids and youth are invited to come to the Old Sanctuary at 4:15 on December 24 and choose their costume. Parents can settle into their place in the sanctuary. Kids will parade into the sanctuary once the service has started. The service will include special music, Advent wreath lighting, favorite carols, and the Christmas story told by our kids - no practice needed! We'll join in candlelight and Silent Night to celebrate the coming of Christmas. It's a sweet service that lasts about 45 minutes - perfect for young and old! If your child or youth would like a reading part, please let April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) know by December 15. (We can make a short reading for any early readers.)
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 during each service.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the hallway across from Pastor Craig’s office. Keep us in mind if you get tired of your Rubik's cubes or other quiet gadgets and want to donate new or lightly used items.
Children’s Sunday School
We learn through Bible reading activities, games, discussion, a 2 - 3 minute video, theme-related snacks and more — 9:30 a. m. each Sunday in the Old Sanctuary and Children’s Classrooms.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, on Sunday mornings from 8:10 a.m. through the end of the 10:45 service.
-
by Jen McQuiston
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!
THIS WEEK:
December 10
Sunday School – Movie Time. This month we’ll watch and discuss the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Sunday Night Youth - We’ll continue our Advent(ure) study with a dive into Peace.
Calendar Reminder:
• December 10 (Sunday) 5:00 - 7:30 Advent Study 4: Peace
• December 16 (Saturday) Time TBD Service Saturday poinsettias, carols, RITI
• December 17 (Sunday) 5:00 - 7:30 Christmas Party
• December 24 (Sunday) - No Youth - Enjoy your family and Christmas
• December 31 (Sunday)- No Youth - Enjoy your family and New Year
December 16 (Saturday) - Saturday Service - Timing to Come
Saturday, December 16, we’ll honor Advent with service and fellowship with each other and our community. We’ll begin by decorating the sanctuary with poinsettias, followed (maybe) by caroling for our homebound and ending with Room in the Inn where we’ll make, serve and eat dinner with our guests, and prepare breakfast and lunch for our guests for the next day. Parent help will be welcome at all activities and needed in the evening with RITI.
December 17 - Christmas Party
This year’s Christmas Party will be a family affair and a chance for everyone to get to know Alison a bit better.
• Families are welcome.
• As our normal, we’ll have our Dirty Santa game. Everyone is welcome to participate - anyone who wants to join the fun need only bring a gift - with max value $20 / gift.
• We’ll also have a potluck for dinner - please bring a side and a dessert.
January - Date and Time TBA - Parents Meeting with Alison
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
GroupMe
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on the GroupMe app.
-
Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be on Sunday, December 10 when we will collect peanut butter and jelly for those less fortunate than us. Please bring your gifts of peanut butter and jelly to the altar during the singing of the opening hymn/song.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels has experienced an increased demand for persons needing meals. If you can spare a couple of hours once a month to help deliver meals, please contact Brenda Wilhoite (615-473-5217) for more info.
-
Issues of the November/December Upper Room are now available in the Narthex and the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors. 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 email Pastor Craig Goff or Pat Smith or call them at 615-794-6721.
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.
email Dana Smyth or call the church office (615-794-6721). She will forward the information to the staff.