Bethlehem News - January 12th, 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 and 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.
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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:
Vacation Bible School
This summer, we're diving deep below the surface to build a strong faith! VBS Kids' Camp is June 10 - 14 from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Join us for an amazing undersea adventure where we’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word as they make new friends, sing & dance, play games, explore, and play! For more info or if you have questions, please contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com).
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 9:30 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!
THIS WEEK:
Happy Epiphany! The liturgical season after Christmas is called the season of Epiphany. It starts on the 6th of January and ends on Ash Wednesday. Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." As we journey towards the season of Lent, may we recognize God’s goodness and presence revealed to us in our everyday lives.
On Sunday night (January 14), we’re heading out for dinner (Mellow Mushroom) and fellowship in downtown Franklin for youth group. Please bring $10 (cash or check payable to BUMC) to chip in for dinner. We will meet at BUMC at 5:00 p.m. and return at 8:00 p.m.
We will continue our new Sunday school curriculum, Connecting Faith and Justice on Sunday morning We’ll kick off the morning with cinnamon rolls and conversation, come find us in the Banquet Hall kitchen. This United Methodist curriculum is designed to help young people actively engage the intersection of faith and justice and explore why our faith compels us toward justice. Each lesson will follow the lectionary and encourage young people to search deeper within themselves, their relationship with God and their role within their community and the world.
Parents, have you filled out our anonymous survey? The purpose of this survey is to gather thoughts and ideas about how we can help our youth program grow. Whether your child has been active or not, I would love your input. https://forms.gle/cc9Fh3d85EoxUGCN9. I’m also eager to know any dates that would be ideal for a summer mission trip, winter retreat, etc. Please feel free to email with any information that would be beneficial to long range planning.
May we all experience personal epiphanies during this holy season as we seek the appearing, revealing, and manifestation of the light of Christ among us. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Love and light,
Alison+
Calendar Reminder:
•January 14 – Sunday school: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group Outing: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
•January 21 – Sunday school: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
•January 28 – Sunday school: 9:30 - 10:30 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
GroupMe
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on the GroupMe app.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be THIS Sunday, January 14 when we will collect pasta and pasta sauce for those less fortunate than us. Please bring your gifts of pasta and pasta sauce 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.
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Issues of the January/February 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.