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 Sunday. 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.

Backpack Blessing

Every student, teacher, school worker and/or administrator is encouraged to bring their backpack to church on Sunday to be blessed in the worship service.

Prayer Warriors Next Meeting August 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Bethlehem has a group of Prayer Warriors that meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. If you have a prayer request you would like this group to lift in prayer, please contact either Betty Swilley (swilleyb@bellsouth.net) or Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com). Everyone is invited on Tuesday, August 5.

Backpacks Thank You

Many thanks to everyone who helped make providing backpacks to students possible. Special thanks goes to Dana Smyth for organizing the entire process. Dave Speer spent many hours shopping for the best deals and getting the supplies to the church. Kim Acree was a tremendous help in contacting all of the schools for their needs. Everyone who helped prepare for the packing on Thursday, all the people who stayed after church on Sunday to pack the backpacks and to everyone who delivered backpacks to the schools also deserves a big thank you.

The backpacks and supplies cost more this year even though we were able to keep the cost at about $30.00 per backpack. Please consider making a donation for backpacks to help cover the cost of them!

Additional Handicap Parking Spaces

Please reserve the NEW Additional Handicapped Parking Spaces near the main Sanctuary entrance for those with Handicapped placards. We have church members who can not walk a long distance and need to be able to park close to the door in order for them to attend worship.

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. Each month, we also need 4 communion servers. Please use this Sign-Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4CA4A72CA3FB6-57585151-worship#/ or contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) if you can help, 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

August 3 — Bless Backpacks

August 3 — Stay and Play

August 10 — Monthly Mission — Peanut Butter and Jelly

August 22 — Parent’s Night Out

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Important Upcoming Events - August 1, 2025

Along The Way (August 1 - 7, 2025)

Bethlehem News - August 1, 2025