Bethlehem News - May 10, 2024
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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We are worshipping in person together this Sunday at 8:15 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. 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 (www.Bethlehemumc.com/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.
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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:
Summer Camp Scholarships Available
Scholarships may be available to cover your child or youth going to CHURCH CAMP this summer! Contact Ron Whitler (rwhitler@bethlehemumc.com) for more info.
Summer Fun Days
Let April know if your children would participate in Summer Fun Days this coming summer. We have had open gym, painting, bowling, skating, swimming, sno cones & science, etc. in the past. Let us know of your interest!
Vacation Bible School
Summer will be here before we know it! There are just a few weeks left to register for VBS . . . invite friends and register today! This is a FREE camp, but we ask that ALL children be registered by May 22, the deadline using this link: (http://www.bethlehemumc.com/vbs). You won't want to miss this week of Faith and Fun, June 10-14, 9 to noon each day. We're going to have a splash at Scuba VBS 2024! For more info, please contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com). Also, we'd love to borrow any scuba equipment, fish tanks, lobster traps, etc. that you may have, to use as decoration. Youth (entering 7th grade and older) and adults are encouraged to register as volunteers. Let's make sure that all kids are able to attend by having a great turnout of volunteers!
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.
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.
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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 and Youth,
This Sunday, May 12, at 9:30 am, Bethlehem adults and youth are invited to the Banquet Hall for an update on General Conference. We will also have time for a conversation about where we see God at work at BUMC. Jim Allen (Lay Delegate to General Conference) will share his experience. Neill Little (Lay Leader), Bo Turner (SPRC Chair), Steve Brugman (Council of Stewards Chair) and Rebecca Little (TWK Conference Representative) will help facilitate the sharing of ideas. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Any youth who aren’t interested in the General Conference conversation are invited to join April Jackson in the Old Sanctuary.
No youth group this week in honor of Mother’s Day. We will wrap up the semester on May 19 before we kick off our summer schedule in June.
Registration is open (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3ntG8XtX3VPtB9W6hiiSUjH4ORf79LcXMjHqXteMgBM2Q-g/viewform) for our July mission trip. We will be heading to Wilmore, Kentucky to serve with AdventureServe Ministries, July 14-18. AdventureServe Ministries is a non-profit, inter-denominational missions organization. They serve communities in the heart of Appalachia by equipping groups nationwide with programs that combine adventure and service. We will serve in the surrounding community and meeting any needs in the community. Every trip includes an adventure activity such as climbing, caving, canoeing, white water rafting, or challenge course. Each evening we will debrief our day and spend time in worship and reflection. The trip will be led by Gabby Dannemiller, Hannah Levering and Alison Bocking. Families (youth and parents) are encouraged to serve together, individuals are welcome too. Cost is $275. Youth are welcome to use funds in their accounts to help cover the costs. If your family or child is planning to join us, please register ASAP.
We’re still buttoning up the details on our June (June 23-26) mission offering. Hang tight. You are welcome to join us for both trips if your schedule allows.
May we remember those impacted by yesterday’s storms.
Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted; through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever. Amen.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
• May 12 – General Conference Conversation: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., No Youth Group, Mother’s Day
• May 19 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• May 26 – NO Sunday School, NO Youth Group: Memorial Day Weekend
• June 2 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Summer Kickoff, 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
GroupMe
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on the GroupMe app.
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 May 12 when we will collect peanut butter and jelly. Please plan to bring your peanut butter and jelly to the altar during the singing of the first hymn/song to share with those less fortunate. All items collected will be given to Feed America First.
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.
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Issues of the May/June 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 Pat Smith or call her 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.