Bethlehem News - September 20, 2024
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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We are worshipping in person together this Sunday at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School will be at 9:30 for all ages. During the Sunday School hour, please join Rev. Terry Carty in the Banquet Hall at 9:30 for a study on United Methodist beliefs, Rediscovering Our Roots.
This week's worship services will be live streamed and recorded on our church website and on Facebook. Currently the worship bulletin is available on the website then by clicking on the All Media tab, then the Media tab and then the Bulletin and Announcements tab.
The 2024 flower sign-up sheets are in the Church Office. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:45 worship service. Flowers can also be reserved using this Sign-Up Genius link (www.Bethlehemumc.com/flowers) and select the Sunday/Sundays you want or you may contact Dana Smyth 615-794-6721.
You may give online by going to the church website. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Ron Whitler.
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Please contact April Jackson, Director of Children's Ministries (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these children's activities.
Children’s Church Sunday
Yes! We're going to paint this Sunday during Children's Church! Please dress your kids in clothes that can get more colorful. We won't finish our paintings this week, but will have additional time to paint before the Art Show on November 11. April's hope is that your kids will choose a Bible story to paint. Once finished, the paintings will go in the hallway between Sanctuaries and be on display for the Art Show.
New Bible Recipients
Please continue to pray for our 6 kids who received Bibles last Sunday. Receiving your own Bible is an important milestone in your faith journey and can help you grow strong "roots" for your life.
One Worship Service October 6
October 6th there will be one service at 9:30 with Sunday School at 10:30. Enjoy Fall Break!
Operation Christmas Child Needs
We are collecting small toys for Operation Christmas Child. Our packing party is November 17. Please bring in new cars, dolls, and other small toys. Our goal is to pack 300 gift boxes that will go to children around the world. (We DO still need standard-size shoe boxes.)
Acolytes Needed for Sunday Worship
Since we have begun a new school year, we are also looking at the calendar for the new church year. Last year, we had a nearly full calendar with at least one of our Acolytes serving every Sunday! That is amazing! Let's continue strong and fill up the month of September. Let April Jackson know when your Acolyte would like to serve!
Trunk ‘R Treat – October 26
Trunk'R Treat is coming up October 26 with plenty of free pizza, Bounces, and more from 4:26-6:26 in the Gym and fun starting at 6:30 in the parking lot. Need an idea for a fun, easy-to-decorate trunk? Send April an email; we've got you covered! You won't want to miss this fun night for all ages! Invite friends and family!
Children’s Church
Please make sure that you use the Sign Up sheets in the Narthex to register your children. If possible, please sign them in before the service begins. Children's church is offered during each service.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the hallway across from Pastor Craig’s office. Keep us in mind if you get tired of your Rubik's cubes or other quiet gadgets and want to donate new or lightly used items.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, on Sunday mornings from 8:10 a.m. through the end of the 10:45 service.
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Please contact Alison Bocking (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these youth activities:
Friends and guests between 6th and 12th grade are always welcome at all of our youth events!
Dear Parents and Youth,
As we move towards a full calendar, we need YOU! Youth ministry would not be possible without the support, mentorship, and love that volunteers provide. It’s more than just volunteering, it’s living out the promises we make in the baptismal covenant to nurture our young people in Christ's holy Church and be an example of God’s grace and love. Our prayer is for parents to be woven in the fabric of our ministry in every way. We hope you will take time to review upcoming needs and help us create safe and God-filled spaces for our young people. Use this link to sign up as a Parent Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA4A728A1F4C61-50846040-adult#/
Who’s ready for our Mystery Day Trip on September 29? We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at BUMC and return at 5:00 p.m. Click this link to register (parents can email Alison for top secret information): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj7zExmuRRxsNgeCmSYpck0PRBcD6xejXDHAYfs5i4dZ0BLg/viewform
Sunday school continues on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. We start in the Banquet Hall kitchen with conversation and cinnamon rolls. After our start-up, we move into our lesson and discussion time. We will be continuing our study on The Beatitudes.
Youth group will meet on Sunday night from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come join us on Sunday evenings as learn about God, build community and have fun! Please bring $5 for dinner.
Have you registered your child for youth programs at BUMC? Please complete the form so we have up to date information for our directory, birthdays as well as medical information should we need it. Click here to register your child: https://form.jotform.com/abocks/youth-ministry-registration--medica
Please register one child per form.
Give us, o Lord, an eye for injustice. For it is only when are able to recognize injustice and feel its awful sting that we will be moved to make things right. Give us, o Lord, a tender heart. Amen.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
• September 22 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• September 29 – Mystery Day Trip: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• October 6 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., NO Youth Group (Fall Break)
• October 13 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Super Important Links:
Youth Calendar
Click here to view and subscribe to our new and improved Google Youth Calendar!
iPhone Users: Click here to subscribe to our Youth Calendar
GroupMe
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on the GroupMe app.
Click here to pick a Calendly date
Do you have a soccer game, orchestra performance, community play you'd like Alison to attend? Or maybe a family game night? Dinner outing? Parent chat over coffee? Please sign up for a date and time. If the time exceeds one hour, please select an additional block of time.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be October 13, when we will collect pasta and pasta sauce. Please plan to bring your pasta and pasta sauce to the altar during the singing of the first hymn/song to share with those less fortunate. All items collected will be given to Feed America First.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels has experienced an increased demand for persons needing meals. If you can spare a couple of hours once a month to help deliver meals, please contact Brenda Wilhoite (615-473-5217) for more info.
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A limited number of issues of the September/October Upper Room have been received. Currently what we have are in the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors. Contact Dana Smyth if you have questions or need more info.
If you’re moving through a particularly difficult place in life perhaps a Stephen Minister could help. We currently have Stephen Ministers available to help you through a difficult journey. Please contact Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more info.
If you have surgery planned or are ever in the hospital unexpectedly, please let the church know. You can email Dana Smyth or call the church office (615-794-6721). She will forward the information to the staff.