Important Upcoming Events - July 11, 2025
Welcome Mary Beth Bernheisel
Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel's first Sunday in the pulpit is THIS SUNDAY, July 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.
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.
Wear Your Fish Fry T-Shirt July 13
As we will be in the “final stretch” for the Fish Fry on July 13, please plan to wear your Fish Fry T-Shirt to show your support of Bethlehem’s 50th annual event. Don’t have a Fish Fry T-Shirt, you can purchase one on Sunday mornings in the Gathering Space or during the week in the church office.
Music Notes
Click the links below to hear music we'll sing in the worship service this Sunday, July 13.
1. Limitless - This will be our theme song for the Limitless Concert Series.
https://youtu.be/ankj7LXT5ng?si=-kl_VZttvIUsVt6Q
2. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
https://youtu.be/gZ257JUPhyI?si=45xK3hwOCsGntibq
3. Famous For (I Believe) - Special Music for the Offertory
https://youtu.be/PQdZt-77KT8?si=CNSuzVmEa18oGVuB
4. Way Maker
https://youtu.be/S69RtFf-NhU?si=HrISKOSRieHnU61H
5. Lord, Be Glorified
https://youtu.be/E97ubxOe_LY?si=vB5ctegBBjh7FBVR
Backpacks
Please consider making a donation for backpacks! The schools have told us what the children will need and we are purchasing our backpacks and supplies. You can donate by check or through the church’s website (bethlehemumc.com). We expect to provide about 350 backpacks this year. Our super shoppers can purchase a backpack and fill it with supplies for about $30! Thank you for your help to make sure that each child has what they need when school starts in August.
We will be packing after the 10:15 service on July 27 in the gym. If you can help on Thursday, July 24 we will meet at 1:00 p.m. in the gym to do all of the pre-set up of the supplies. There is a lot of opening packages, sorting, counting, bundling and moving things around to make the Sunday packing run so smoothly.
If you would like to check backpacks on Sunday to be sure everything has been included, please let Dana know.
Finally, we will need help getting these delivered to the schools before they start back. The sign-up genius is up and ready for you at www.bethlehemumc.com/bpdelivery
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.
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
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.
The Time to Donate Is NOW!
With only a few short days until the fish fry, the time has come for silent auction donations. There’s no need to wait — we need your gifts now to make the event possible. Donation suggestions include gift cards, artwork, gift baskets, jewelry, plants, services, golf outings, event tickets and vacation rentals. Creativity is welcome. 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 office during regular office hours, Monday - Friday. We’ll also be available for drop offs in the Youth Hallway, Monday - Thursday evenings till 7:00 p.m. this week.
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.
Ms. Cheap’s T-Shirt Drive for Room in the Inn
The youth are collecting t-shirts for Ms. Cheap’s T-Shirt Drive for Room in the Inn. Here is what is wanted: clean men’s and women’s t-shirts. The shirts can be from schools, vacation destinations, charity events, brands, concerts, races etc. Please make sure they are clean with no holes or stains. Please drop them off in the bin by the Receptionist Desk outside of Dana's office by Wednesday, July 16.
Thank You
I would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, gifts, and best wishes that were extended to me on my 90th birthday. Everyone has been so kind to me, and I appreciate all your thoughtfulness. Thank you again.
Shirley Homler
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. 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. We specifically need 2 ushers for Sunday, July 27.
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 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