Bethlehem News - August 22, 2025
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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We are worshipping together this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. – in the Sanctuary. Sunday School will be at 9:00 a.m. for all ages.
This week's worship service will be live streamed and recorded on our church website and on Facebook. Currently the worship bulletin is available on the website by clicking on the All Media tab, then the Media tab and then the Bulletin and Announcements tab.
The 2025 flower sign-up sheets are in the Church Office. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:15 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.
Acolytes and Liturgists Needed
Would your Acolyte like to serve as a Liturgist and read the scripture passage on a Sunday?
Also, please look at your calendars and see what Sundays in September or October your Acolyte can serve by reminding us of the Light of Christ in our presence.
Third Grade Bibles
Third graders are invited to receive a Bible on September 7. Bible day is a special milestone in a child's life! Students will be called up front during worship service to get their new Bible.
Please let April Jackson know:
• If your child/grandchild is able to attend on September 7
• If there is a change to the below list of how your child would like their name written in their Bible, let her know by September 1.
• If your child is able to stay for Bible Lunch and Learn from noon to 2:00. This will include lunch, getting comfortable using your Bible, and Acolyte training.
Bible Recipients September 7, 2025
1. Jayden Dementry
2. Charlie Harrison
3. Noah Jordan
4. Hudson Strong
5. Jack Williams
If one of our 3rd grade friends has been left off of this list, don't hesitate to let April know! Looking forward to this special day!
Children’s Church
During Children’s church time in August, we’ve been talking about what it means to have “enough.” We’ve talked about what it means to have enough food, enough clean water & even enough education. This Sunday, we’ll think about what it means to have enough safety; especially as it relates to our homes.
2nd Sunday Storytime
Join us on Sunday, September 14 from 9:30 – 10:15, for 2nd Sunday Storytime in the Children’s Area. This is especially for Preschoolers and we will have engaging stories, interactive learning activities, music and fun!
Acolytes Needed for Sunday Worship
We are looking at the calendar for the 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 months of September and October. Let April Jackson know when your Acolyte would like to serve!
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 each week.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the hallway across from Pastor Mary Beth’s office. You are always welcome to donate new or gently used quiet gadgets.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, every Sunday morning from 8:50 a.m. until the end of the 10:15 worship 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,
We’re just a few weeks into the school year, and we hope your young people are finding their rhythm and settling in well! Whether it’s been exciting, stressful, or somewhere in between, we’re praying for each of them as they walk the halls, build friendships, and live out their faith.
We’re excited to continue our new Sunday School series called Fathom on Sunday mornings as we learn about the Bible and how to read it. Youth group will meet on Sunday night from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. This is a time for our young people to build community, have fun, and grow in faith together. This week we are continuing our devo on living with your dreams and pursuing goals with purpose. Please bring $5/per child to help offset the cost of dinner.
Prayer for Strength
Gracious God,
As we step into another week, we ask for your strength. For the young person who is already feeling worn out, for the parent who is balancing more than they can carry, and for every soul that just needs rest — remind us that our hope is in you.
Renew our strength, Lord. Teach us to wait on you and lean into your promises. When we feel like we’re running on empty, lift us up to rise above the stress, the noise, and the pressure.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Our full fall calendar is dropping soon, so keep an eye on your inbox. You won’t want to miss what’s coming!
Blessings,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
· August 24 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· August 31 -- Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., NO Youth Group (Labor Day Weekend)
· September 7 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· September 14 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Super Important Links:
Youth Calendar
Click here to view andsubscribe 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 GroupMe
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 Sunday, September 14, when we will collect beans and rice. Please plan to bring your beans and rice 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.
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Issues of the July/August Upper Room are in the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors and on the tables in the Narthex. 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.comor 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.