Bethlehem News - September 5, 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 and YouTube. 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. If you get the following error message on the All Media tab
“403. That’s an error.
We're sorry, but you do not have access to this page. That’s all we know.”
Please scroll down the page to the website info that is actually there for you to see.
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.
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.
Bible Recipients September 7, 2025
1. Jayden Dementry
2. Charlie Harrison
3. Noah Jordan
4. Hudson Strong
5. Jack Williams
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!
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,
Happy September! As we settle into the new month, we're looking forward to a full month of opportunities to grow, connect, and serve together. We’re eager to continue our Sunday School series called Fathom on Sunday mornings. In this series, we’re learning what the Bible is, how to read it, and why it matters. Once we get the basics down, we will move into stories of the Bible.
Youth group resumes on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. We’ll be launching a new series on John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These simple yet powerful ideas invite students to consider what it means to follow Jesus in practical, everyday ways. Along with learning about these rules, we’ll be applying them by serving our neighbors in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Please remember to bring $5 to offset the cost of dinner on Sunday nights. You can pay with cash, check or Venmo to Bethlehem UMC.
Save-the-date!
Harvest Fall Retreat: November 21-23. Harvest Retreat is an opportunity to get away from it all. It is an opportunity to slow down, unplug and experience God away from the busyness of life. Throughout the weekend youth will get to experience a number of activities, including: worship, campfires, high ropes, team building, crafts, and more, plus plenty of free time to hang out with friends. This year we’re continuing our tradition and traveling to YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville. Cost is $125. Registration will open on September 15.
Prayer
Holy God,
Life is short, and I do not have too much time
to gladden the hearts of those who travel this life with me.
Help me to be swift to love, and quick to be kind.
-Anonymous
Blessings,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
·· 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.
· September 21 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· September 28 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Lunch & Serve-11:30 a.m. - 2:00 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.
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.
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Issues of the September/October 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.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.