Bethlehem News - September 12, 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.
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 Wednesday! Summer might be sneaking in with a few hot and sunny days, but who’s ready for fall? There’s something special about crisp air, colorful leaves, and new beginnings. Speaking of fall, our Fall/Winter Calendar is officially here! It’s packed with awesome gatherings, retreats and plenty of opportunities to get involved and make new memories. Download it here: https://mcusercontent.com/616f5a0b85d4305540051b1b2/files/2f3e075a-ad29-6fc8-3e1c-0f2409611dab/Fall_Winter_Calendar_25_26.pdf
Our Sunday School series Fathom continues on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. In this series, we’re exploring what the Bible is, how to read it, and why it still matters today. This week, we’ll dive into the big storylines of Scripture and discover how all the pieces fit together to point us toward God’s bigger picture.
Youth group continues on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., too. We’re continuing our series on John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These timeless principles challenge us to live out our faith in real, everyday ways. Each week, we’re not just talking about these ideas — we’re putting them into action 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.
For Strength
O Creator and mighty God, you have promised: strength for the weak, rest for the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. O Creator and mighty God, help us to continue in your promise. Amen. (The United Methodist Book of Worship #524)
Blessings,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
· 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.
· October 5 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., No Youth Group (Fall Break)
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
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 THIS 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.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.