Important Upcoming Events - June 27, 2025
Pastoral Emergency Contact June 30 – July 5
If you have a pastoral emergency during the week of June 30 - July 5, including the July 4 holiday, please contact Glenn Acree, Lay Leader, (615-739-8946). He will be able to assist you and provide guidance.
Church Office Closed Friday, July 4
The church is closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Normal business hours will resume Monday, July 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Welcome Mary Beth Bernheisel
There is a basket in the Narthex where you can leave a note/card to welcome our new Pastor, Mary Beth Bernheisel. You can use a card that will be provided or bring your own card. If you wish, you may also want to leave a restaurant gift card to your favorite local establishment for the Bernheisel family to enjoy and discover new places in the area.
Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel's first Sunday in the pulpit is July the 13, the Sunday before the Fish Fry. Immediately after the service we will have an informal meet and greet in the Gathering Space. If you have a BUMC nametag, please wear it that Sunday. If you need a nametag, please add your name to the list on the nametag board in the hallway so it can be ordered ASAP.
Feel free to bring a dessert to share if you wish on July 13. Contact Bo Turner (botrnr@yahoo.com) if you need more info.
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. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
https://youtu.be/DXDGE_lRI0E?si=icjNl32DSimM1BbQ
2. He Leadeth Me
https://youtu.be/oU5nO4dLz2o?si=eurV6RsgQPZgw6Es
3. Trust In God
https://youtu.be/sTcQGzpN3PA?si=isM0nk7rdUtqHj4N
4. Always on Time - special music
https://youtu.be/ZvQGun6sFAs?si=cJWVEzW4BKcYt2Eg
5. I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
https://youtu.be/xvdL9iak1MU?si=b-kDpJglFTIPoeP8
Summer Concert Series – “Limitless”
The music department would like to invite any interested adults, youth or children to sing "Love Can Build a Bridge" by the Judds with Sarah Kirkland, Jessie Maher and the praise band on Sunday, August 3 at the 10:15 a.m. service. There will be one rehearsal on Wednesday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Please let Dann Childers know if you are interested. See you there!
July 20
Stella McQuiddy
“Defying Gravity” from the musical "Wicked"
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
August 10
Jack Greer - guest musician from SC
“Take it To the Limit” by The Eagles
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.
Fish Fry Family Fun Zone
One of the favorite games at Fish Fry every year is the "Fishing" booth. We are collecting small toys like McDonald’s happy meal or Sonic toys to use for prizes. New and gently used toys may be dropped off in the Narthex or at April's office. If you'd like to help ensure that the Fish Fry Family Fun Zone can be offered for FREE to all families who attend, please consider making a donation or being a corporate sponsor.
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