Bethlehem News - October 10, 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.
October 2nd Sunday Story Time
We had a great time together in September and are looking forward to having another 2nd Sunday Storytime on October 12! We would love to see you and your little one! Invite a friend and meet me in the old sanctuary for a relaxed time of interactive stories, activities, crafts, songs, and snacks. We'll start at 9:30 and finish by 10:15a.m.
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 hope this note finds you and your family doing well as fall break season is in full swing! Some of our young people are already enjoying a much-needed pause from school, and we’re praying it’s a time for your family to slow down, enjoy one another, and reconnect. For those still counting down the days, you’re getting closer!
Here’s what’s happening this week and beyond:
Youth Lunch Outing – Sunday, October 12. Join us for after Sunday school and worship to go to lunch together. Bring $5.
Youth Halloween Party – Sunday, October 19. We will host a Night of Mystery with Totally Rad 80’s Prom Gone Bad. Come join us for a night of mullets and mayhem! Click here to RSVP (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGBkk7Vz-MoHEj1rea3bUB9SArUhaTC1MGh_iawTwefXRF-A/viewform) by October 12, so we can assign the cast.
Chili Cook-Off – Sunday, October 26. We need all hands on deck (parents and youth) to make this event a success. This is a church-wide event to support youth outreach and missions. Click here to sign-up (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA4A728A1F4C61-59181943-chili#/)
Harvest at Camp Widji – November 21–23.
Our annual Fall Retreat, Harvest is coming up next month and we couldn’t be more excited! This weekend is one of the highlights of our year. It’s a chance for our young people to unplug from their routines, encounter God in a new way, build lasting friendships, and make memories that stick. We’re looking for one male overnight chaperone to help us make this retreat possible. Whether you’re a dad or someone who just cares deeply about young people, we’d love to talk with you. Even if you can’t be there for the full weekend, covering just the overnight portions would be a huge help. We know that time is precious. We also know that your presence could have a lasting impact, just by being there, listening, encouraging, and helping to keep things running smoothly.
Register for Harvest Fall Retreat at Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville, November 21-23. Cost is $125. Register here: https://forms.gle/PhtMqvL7V8dz1KBeA
Download our fall/winter calendar here (https://mcusercontent.com/616f5a0b85d4305540051b1b2/files/2f3e075a-ad29-6fc8-3e1c-0f2409611dab/Fall_Winter_Calendar_25_26.pdf). If your child has an upcoming game, concert, performance, or anything else, please let us know! We’d love the chance to come and cheer them on. Drop us an email with their upcoming game or schedule.
A Reflection
In the fading of the summer sun,
the shortening of days, cooling breeze,
swallows' flight and moonlight rays
We see the Creator's hand.
In the browning of leaves once green,
morning mists, autumn chill,
fruit that falls, frost's first kiss
We see the Creator's hand.
- Unknown
Blessings,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
· October 12 – October 12-Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Lunch Outing-11:30 a.m.
· October 19 – Sunday School: 9:00 a.m., Youth Group 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
· October 26 – Chili Cook-Off, No Youth Group
· November 2 – 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
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, October 12, 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.
Room in the Inn Needs YOU
As the cold winter months approach, it’s important that we remember those who are less fortunate than us and help with Room in the Inn. Bethlehem partners with Room in the Inn (RITI) to host 10 homeless men every Saturday night until the end of March. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Gathering Space or by using this Sign-Up Genius link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/riti If you have any questions or need more info, please contact Mike Loring (mloring@live.com or 615-596-0985).
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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.