Important Upcoming Events - June 20, 2025
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Senior Adult and Guest Parking
Please reserve the Senior Adult Parking Spaces and Guest Parking Spaces near the main Sanctuary entrance for Senior Adults and Guests. We have church members who cannot walk a long distance and need to be able to park close to the door in order for them to attend worship.
Music Notes
Click the links below to hear music we'll sing in the worship service this Sunday, June 22. (Need updated info from Dann)
1. Your Grace Is Enough
https://youtu.be/vpYtYYaTFGQ?feature=shared
2. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
https://youtu.be/jjsDHQUZUMc?si=yXAEEtO5IFjIB9pB
3. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MZgXXUW08Q
4. His Mercy Is More
https://youtu.be/uBZk0bVjCAA?si=5npbOAfBgAGu8Kwv
5. Goodness of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHG6Ak5Jqkc
Summer Concert Series – “Limitless”
This summer Bethlehem will have a song series which will be titled, "Limitless." All the songs have a common theme of going above and beyond. Our new pastor, Mary Beth Bernheisel, will craft a sermon around each song. Below you will find the artists and songs that will be featured on each date of the series. We are looking forward to a meaningful concert series this year.
July 20
Stella McQuiddy
“Defying Gravity” from the musical "Wicked"
Stella McQuiddy is an 11 year old rising sixth grader at Burns Middle School. Stella enjoys all aspects of performing and has been performing since the age of seven. Stella has competed in voice, acting and musical theater, winning multiple awards in all categories at Access Broadway and was the 2024 youth division winner at the Ray of Light vocal competition. She has performed at Main Street Festival and Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin as well as Kids Arts Festival of Tennessee. She was a guest performer at the downtown Franklin 2024 Juneteenth celebration. She performed in the ensemble of Williamson County Parks and Rec productions of The Sound of Music and 13: The Musical. She also played Thomas O’Malley in Aristocats. This summer she will play the role of Bookworm in The Franklin Playhouse’s summer production of Newsies. Stella lives in Dickson TNwith her parents, Matt and Lucy McQuiddy and her beloved baby sister, Emmalyn. In addition to her family and performing arts, Stella loves hanging out with friends and all things Taylor Swift and Harry Potter.
July 27
Celia Whitler
“Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
August 3
Sarah Kirkland and daughter Jessie Maher with the Chancel Choir
“Love Can Build a Bridge” by The Judds
Sarah Kirkland is a long-time singer/songwriter from Knoxville, TN. She has lived in Nashville for the past 20 years. Most recently, Sarah’s original song “Bloom Where I’m Planted” has made a name for itself on Southern Gospel Radio. Sarah grew up loving many types of music, but her favorite is gospel, R&B, and soul. She was fortunate to grow up around such acts as Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions with her Dad as their manager. Sarah is married to Keith Boring and they make their home in Franklin, TN with their daughter Jessie.
Jessie Maher is a 10-year old singer and aspiring guitar player. She is a student at the Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy. Jessie most recently made her singing debut at the Ryman Auditorium singing “True Colors.” A fun fact is that Jessie’s Grampy, Brent Maher, produced “Love Can Build a Bridge,” that Sarah and Jessie are singing. Jessie loves music and science, and aspires to be both a writer and an astronomer. Jessie is the daughter of Sarah Kirkland and Brian Maher.
August 10
Jack Greer - guest musician from SC
“Take it To the Limit” by The Eagles
Jack Greer is a talented musician who has been delighting and inspiring audiences with his unique blend of Americana, Classic Rock and Country Blues for the last fifty years. With his soulful and powerful vocals, he has captivated audiences across the nation. Born in Kodiak, Alaska, but raised in the American south, Jack brings warmth and welcome with his sultry voice and bluesy melodies. Due to his versatility in delivering a variety of styles and lyrics, he has proven his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience of different ages. From upbeat and lively tunes to heartfelt ballads, Jack Greer's music has something for everyone. Working with talented musicians and producers like Andrew Crawford and Brandi Colt in South Carolina, and Warren Ells in Nashville, Jack’s main goal is to bring inspiration and emotion to his audience. Based out of Fountain Inn, SC, Jack Greer is an entertainer and gifted performer you won't want to miss out on.
Bethlehem Bluegrass Band
Bethlehem’s Bluegrass Band will be leading the music in worship on Sunday, July 6. We will also celebrate Holy Communion that Sunday. Communion offering will be directed to Kathy’s Backpacks.
VBS Thanks
We had a week full of fun, faith, friendship & exciting experiences at True North VBS. We ended up with 21 youth helpers, 22 adult helpers & 67 campers. With the help of Dana Smyth, Robin Folks & Vicki Wolczyk our offering of over $1300 was used to purchase & have the kids put together 20 cleaning kits that will go to families who have been affected by disasters. We learned that we can trust Jesus when we have questions and wonders, when we feel alone, when we feel powerless, when we need hope & when we need help. Jesus may not change the wild world around us, but He walks with us through the highs of the mountains and the lows of the valleys. When we’re walking with Jesus, we can always trust that we are on the right path. Thank you for your donations of money, decorations, time, and for your prayers!
Dishes No Longer Needed for Fish Fry Mosaic
Thank you to everyone who brought dishes for the Fish Fry Mosaic. We currently have all we need.
We Need Your Donations for the Silent Auction
It’s now the final month before our 50th Fish Fry. This means time is tight for auction donations. With a big, 50th anniversary Fish Fry, we are hoping for a big auction. To make that possible, we need everyone’s help — including yours! Donations are easy — our guests love vacation rentals, sporting event and entertainment tickets, golf foursomes, gift baskets, artwork, jewelry, business services, and gift cards. Donations are welcome from individuals, companies and Small Groups. Contact the team at auction@bethlehemumc.com to let us know about your donation plans or with questions. Donations can be dropped off at the church's office during regular office hours, Monday - Friday.
Fish Fry — July 18, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
We need everyone's help to make it a success. We need you to do 4 things:
1. Buy a T-shirt. Wearing this year's shirt shows you are a member of the Bethlehem family. Shirts are $20.00 and are available on Sunday mornings in the Gathering Space and during the week in the church office.
2. Buy tickets. We are asking every family to buy at least 10 tickets to give or sell to your family and friends. Adult tickets are $18.00 in advance ($20.00 on July 18). Children’s tickets (ages 5 – 12) are $12.00 in advance ($14.00 on July 18). Tickets are available on Sunday mornings in the Gathering Space and during the week in the church office. Online ticket sales are now available.
3. Sign up to work at least 2 hours. The congregation has thinned since COVID so your help will be greatly appreciated. If you don't know what to sign up for, the serving lines are a great option — it's fun talking to the guests, it's inside where it's cool, and any age can do it. Use this link to sign-up online: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/ffsignup
4. Donate to the silent auction.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Youth Choir Reunion for Fish Fry
This year to celebrate the 50th Fish Fry, we are going to have as many youth as possible sing a song from youth choir tour days. If you are a former youth choir member or are the parent of one, please contact Harry Robinson (unvarnished3@gmail.com) to help him reach as many youth as possible. The group will gather at 3:00 p.m. on July 18 (Fish Fry Day) in the Sanctuary and work up “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and then sing at 6:00 p.m.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the 2025 Worship Services. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the worship service. Flowers are specifically needed for June 29. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more info or by using this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/flowers.
Worship Help Needed
Each week we need several people to help lead our worship services by being Greeters/Ushers or Liturgists. Also, the first Sunday of the month we need Communion Servers. If you would like to sign up for any of these slots for the month of July, please contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) if you have questions or need more info.
Safety & Security Measures
In an effort to provide safety for the church staff, preschool and Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation, all exterior doors will be locked during the week. If you arrive at church and the door by the Sanctuary is locked, please ring the doorbell or call the church (615-794-6721) for assistance.
Save the Date for These Important Events
July 4 — Church Closed for Independence Day
July 13 — First Sunday for Mary Beth Bernheisel
July 13 — Monthly Mission — Pasta and Pasta Sauce
July 18 — Fish Fry
July 21 — Church Closed for Fish Fry Recovery
July 27 — Fill Backpacks