Important Upcoming Events - September 5, 2025
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Post Fish Fry Meeting
There will be a post Fish Fry meeting September 7 (THIS SUNDAY) in room CLC-208 (Fenton Warren SS Classroom) right after the service. Everyone is invited!
Please consider the following:
1. Do we want to continue having a Fish Fry?
2. What did you like or what would have changed about this year's Fish Fry?
3. We need someone to lead the Silent Auction next year.
If you have questions or need more info prior to the meeting, please contact Mike Loring at mloring@live.com or 615-596-0985.
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, September 7.
1. Who You Say I Am
https://youtu.be/IcC1Bp13n_4?feature=shared
2. God So Loved
https://youtu.be/iq5URsXbKXs?feature=shared
3. Just As I Am
https://youtu.be/SJhwPr2kKAg?feature=shared
4. At the Table of the Lord
https://youtu.be/FAyw4FRFSBs?feature=shared
5. Come To the Water
https://youtu.be/uJJVrZKqKNE?feature=shared
Choir and Handbells Rehearsals
Are you looking for a small group to join and you enjoy music? If so, consider our church choir and our handbell group for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings! Handbells meet in CLC202 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearses from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 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 16 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 16.
Rice and Beans “Aganza”
Join in on the fun — be a part of the BUMC "Rice & Beans Aganza." Make plans to help re-pack TWO TONS of rice and beans after worship service on Sunday September 28 in the gym. Together we can help Feed America First get food to our hungry neighbors, having fun while sharing some of our time and treasure. Everyone is welcome to help.
Missions Bulletin Board
Have you seen the new Missions bulletin board located in the hallway by the workroom? Be sure to check it out for the latest missions news, including how to become involved in our church Cookie Ministry. Special thanks to Kim Acree for reviving the bulletin board and keeping it updated.
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 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
November 9 — Monthly Mission — Canned Goods for “Share the Feast”
November 11 — Church Closed for Veteran’s Day
November 15 — Share the Feast
November 16 — Pack Operation Christmas Child Boxes
November 16 — Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner
November 18 — Charge Conference
November 27 & 28 — Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday