Weekly Greeting - August 30, 2024
Greetings friends,
On Sunday, September 8, we begin a new worship series called “Roots.” In this series, the weekly emphasis will be on one of the deep roots of the Methodist movement and how it can help us look forward as individuals and as the church. As with a healthy plant, spiritual roots can give us stability and nourishment to grow as disciples.
Along with the worship series, Rev. Terry Carty will lead a supplementary study on the last four Sundays in September from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Banquet Hall. He will be teaching the Methodist roots along with the current United Methodist practices. The history lesson will be very brief so we have time to get to a discussion of “so what!?” We will try to answer your questions about why these root emphases could matter to each growing disciple.
Just like worship, the studies are open to anyone who wants to attend. And they are stand-alone sessions. If you are not a member of a Sunday School class, feel free to drop in for a week or two. If your class would like to come, you are welcome for that too. We do not want to interrupt Sunday School classes.
Here is the schedule of worships and supplementary classes:
Week 1: September 8 — Craig Goff preaching during worship. Scripture: Mark 1:4-12
Theme: Roots: Baptism United Methodist Study: Sacraments
Week 2: September 15 — Craig Goff preaching during worship. Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10
Theme: Roots: Grace United Methodist Study: Grace
Week 3: September 22 – Terry Carty preaching during worship. Scripture: Micah 6:6-8
Theme: Roots: Personal and Social Holiness United Methodist Study: Holiness
Week 4: September 29 — Craig Goff preaching during worship. Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17
Theme: Roots: Holy Conferencing United Methodist Study: Holy Conferencing
Week 5: October 6 — Craig Goff preaching during worship. World Communion Sunday
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Theme: Roots: Communion NO supplementary study
Jesus’ strategy for launching his movement was simple. He invested his teaching and example in the lives of twelve people. Those who came to be known as the “twelve disciples” formed the first important small group in the New Testament. The life they lived together established a pattern of learning and support fundamental to the church following the resurrection.
In Acts 2, Luke tells us that in addition to worshipping in the temple, the early followers of Jesus gathered in homes for prayer, for teaching, for fellowship, and for the breaking of bread.
John Wesley followed the same pattern in the early days of the Methodist movement. In addition to encouraging Methodists to attend worship at the local Church of England church, he organized small groups called “classes” for those serious about growing in their faith.
It is still helpful for us to meet in small groups. We grow in faith when others encourage us and challenge us to grow. If you are not yet a part of a Sunday School class or other small group here at Bethlehem, I encourage you consider finding one to attend.
Rev. Terry Carty will be leading a temporary Sunday School class in conjunction with our upcoming “Roots” worship series beginning September 8 in the Banquet Hall. We will explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus and especially what it means to be a member of the United Methodist Church. We would love to have you join us.
Blessings,
Craig & Terry
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This Sunday we conclude our “Created for Connection” worship series. Our text is Romans 6:1-11. We were created for a relationship with God, one another, ourselves and with creation itself. Roman’s 6 reveals the mysterious way we experience the life God has for us as we turn away from sin and toward the life God has for us. We really do need God. We really do need each other. Hope to see you this Sunday for worship!