Important Upcoming Events - November 8, 2024
Church Closed Monday, November 11
The church is closed Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Pastor Craig Goff at 615-337-4281. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, November 12.
Worship and Sunday School Time Opinionaire
This Sunday (November 10), everyone will have an opportunity to vote on the time we will have Worship and Sunday School in the future. The Church Council voted on Tuesday, October 29, to begin having one worship service starting in December and church attendees will help determine what time to begin. Everyone is encouraged to vote ONE time. If you will not be in worship this Sunday, you may come by the church office during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday or 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday) and vote OR you can complete the online survey at this link: https://forms.gle/D9sAVnxQBTKX3Abe6 If you have questions or need more info, please contact Rev. Terry Carty, tcarty@bethlehemumc.com
Artists Among Us
We will celebrate the artists among us featuring Bethlehem’s many talented artists THIS Sunday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Old Sanctuary. Some art will be for sale with 10% of the proceeds to benefit Love on Wheels. Some art may be for display only. Everyone is invited to visit the artists on Sunday. As you go to the Old Sanctuary, be sure to see the beautiful Bible stories painted by our children in the Connector!
Lost and Found Items
In the Gathering Space are a lot of items that have been left in various places around the church. These items will be on display until the end of the month, then they will be donated to Goodwill. If you are missing something, please check and take items that are yours. There are several pairs of glasses and sunglasses among the items left.
Supplies Needed for Operation Christmas Child
We are collecting toys and clean, empty (regular size) shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) if you have questions or need more info.
Share the Feast – November 16
Once again it’s time to plan for Share the Feast – Bethlehem’s annual day to share food with those less fortunate. This year, the goal is to provide 500 turkeys for food boxes that will be packed. Cost per turkey is $15.00. Last year, Bethlehem collected over $8,000.00, so the goal of $7,500.00 for this year is definitely achievable. The other big need is for volunteers to join in the packing event. The packing will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16 in the gym. Canned goods for the boxes will be provided by area schools and other sources. If you have questions or need more info, please contact Dave Speer at djspeer@comcast.net
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing — November 17
Everyone is invited to join in the fun on Sunday, November 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Old Sanctuary. We will pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Remember to save your empty shoeboxes (regular size only). We still need a lot of shoeboxes and the earlier we get them, the sooner we can wrap them to make it easier to fill them on November 17. If you have questions or need more info, please contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com).
Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner — November 17
The annual Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner will be November 17 in the gym at 6:00 p.m. This event requires a lot of congregation participation to be a success. Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board outside Pastor Craig’s office. Contact Pat Smith psmith@bethlehemumc.com for more info. The church provides the turkey, dressing and drinks (tea, lemonade and water). Everyone is invited to bring a salad, vegetable or dessert to share. .
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting November 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Bethlehem has a group of Prayer Warriors that meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. If you have a prayer request you would like this group to lift in prayer, please contact either Betty Swilley (swilleyb@bellsouth.net) or Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com). Everyone is invited on Tuesday, November 5.
Flowers Needed & 2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the December 8, 15 & 29 Worship Services. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:45 worship service. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more into. 2025 flower sign-ups now available.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers sign-up sheets for 2025 Worship Services are now available. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:45 worship service. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more into.
Worship Help Needed
Each week we need several people to help lead our worship services by being Greeters/Ushers or Liturgists. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) if you have questions or need more info.
Safety & Security Measures
In an effort to provide safety for the church staff, preschool and Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation, all exterior doors will be locked during the week. If you arrive at church and the door by the Sanctuary is locked, please ring the doorbell or call the church (615-794-6721) for assistance.
Save the Date for These Important Events
November 10 – Celebrate the Artists Among Us
November 10 – Monthly Mission – Canned Goods for Share the Feast
November 11 — Church Closed for Veteran’s Day
November 16 — Share the Feast (Packing Food Boxes) at 8:00 a.m.
November 17 — Pack Operation Christmas Child Boxes at 4:30 p.m.
November 17 — Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
November 28 & 29 — Church Closed for Thanksgiving Day Holiday
December 1 — Hanging of Greens Service – ONE Worship Service