Important Upcoming Events - August 29, 2025
Church Office Closed Monday
The church is closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Bernheisel at (731) 293-8837. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, September 2.
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Want to Keep Informed?
If you would like to receive communications from Bethlehem UMC, please send an email to Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com) asking her to add your name to the email list.
Music Notes
Click the links below to hear music we'll sing in the worship service this Sunday, August 31.
1. House of the Lord - key of G
https://youtu.be/IqfV0zeEvT8?feature=shared
2. Praise To the Lord the Almighty
https://youtu.be/mAEf4hLjTFo?feature=shared
3. Great Are You Lord
https://youtu.be/hpb02shcAis?feature=shared
4. Honey in the Rock
https://youtu.be/wDGDrLU1XcM?feature=shared
5. Waymaker
https://youtu.be/S69RtFf-NhU?feature=shared&t=283
6. On Eagle's Wings
https://youtu.be/kzVL_Z2YL9g?feature=shared
7. Manna From Heaven
https://youtu.be/6XPpFAOeM9U?feature=shared
Fish Fry Report
2025 Income
Ticket Sales $41,674
Silent Auction $15,813
Baked Goods $2,617
T-Shirt Sales $1,597
Children's Activities $686
Books $563
Donations $424
Total Income $63,374
Total Expenses $40,743
Net Income $22,631
Choir and Handbells Resume in September
Are you looking for a small group to join and you enjoy music? If so, consider our church choir and our handbell group when they resume rehearsals on September 3! Reading music is not a requirement but fun and fellowship certainly is. For more information, please see any of our members or contact Joe Smyth at jsmyth@bethlehemumc.com
New Bethlehem Ball Caps Available!
Show off your Bethlehem pride in style! Our Youth Ministry is selling ball caps for $20, and all proceeds go toward youth missions and outreach — helping our young people make a difference near and far. Whether you're running errands or grabbing coffee, wear your cap with pride and represent Bethlehem out in the community. Get yours from Alison or drop by the church office during the week to snag yours while supplies last!
College Care Packages
Let's show our college students how much we care! Fall care packages, assembled by our youth group, will be put together at the end of September and then mailed to college-age students whether away at school or in the neighborhood. Please email Alison (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) to share mailing addresses for your college-age student.
Help us fill the care packages by donating needed items:
1. You can contribute snack or personal care items to put in the box. We are hoping to include a variety of things such as microwave popcorn, individually packaged crackers, cookies, and candy, Post-It notes, lip balm, flavor packets for water, gum and your notes or favorite Bible verses. A bin labeled "College Care Packages" will be in the Narthex for donations.
2. You can contribute money for mailing expenses or items for the boxes. Please put “College Care Packages” in the memo line.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting September 2 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, September 2.
Post Fish Fry Meeting
There will be a post Fish Fry meeting September 7 in room CLC-208 (Fenton Warren SS Classroom) right after the service. Everyone is invited!
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: www.bethlehemumc.com/worshiphelp 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
September 1 — Church Closed for Labor Day
September 7 — 3rd Grade Bible Adventure and Acolyte Training
September 8 — Monday Night Men’s Group Begins Fall Session
September 14 — Monthly Mission — Beans and Rice
October 12 — Monthly Mission — Pasta and Pasta Sauce
October 13 — Church Closed for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 25 — Trunk ‘R Treat
November 2 – All Saints’ Day