Important Upcoming Events - November 22, 2024
Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 & 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, December 2. If you have a pastoral emergency, contact Pastor Craig Goff at (615) 337-4281.
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree is up in the Gathering Space! Our angels come from various community organizations. Please sign the book when you select your angel. Gifts are due by December 15. Backpacks are provided for the Room in The Inn gifts. For more information, please contact Lisa McIntyre at 615-210-0662.
New Sunday Schedule
Beginning December 1, 2024, Bethlehem’s new Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
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.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting December 3 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, December 3.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers sign-up sheets for 2025 Worship Services are now available in the Narthex at the Welcome and Information Desk. 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.
Letter From Rev. Dr. David Weatherly
On Sunday November 10, I had the pleasure of spending the morning with the good people of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN. I was graciously invited to preach during their season of emphasis on stewardship. It’s that time of the year!
It was a joy to be a part of their two morning worship services, which were both well attended. The order of worship included uplifting music, thoughtful prayers and liturgy, and centering words from both Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Craig Goff and Associate Pastor, Rev. Terry Carty. Each reminded those gathered in person and online that personal politics are checked at the door and the focus of the hour was on celebrating God’s goodness and creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
During the hour between services, I met with members of their finance committee along with others who held positions in lay leadership. We all reflected on events from the recent past as well as the current state of things in this transitional season of life in our Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. As the conversation moved to matters more specific to the mission and ministry of Bethlehem UMC, those who had been involved in managing the financial life of the church expressed gratitude for the mutually beneficial relationship they have with both our Foundation and Development Fund.
One of the leaders told me about various ministries and community organizations that Bethlehem UMC has supported over the years, including through financial gifts. Then he asked me a unique question. He wanted to know the names of other missional entities and ministries that are supported by churches and individuals who have their funds invested in the TWKC Foundation and Development Fund. At first, I wasn’t completely sure of the context of his question, and I asked him to tell me a little more so I could hopefully provide a more complete answer.
He stated that it is a practice for them to set aside a good portion of the interest earnings from their investments and seek out a community ministry or resource that could use some extra support. They make the effort to learn more about what types of services are offered and what specific community needs they are trying to address. Then Bethlehem will share some of their bounty with them. In conclusion, he said that as their funds grow, so does their desire to reach out and bless as many community partners as possible. Many churches and individuals who have their funds deposited or invested with our Foundation and Development Fund target specific charitable and missional programs, and he wanted Bethlehem UMC to see if there were any such efforts taking place that they were not aware of, and thus might be able to offer a blessing.
The nature of this question, and the matter-of-fact-manner in which it was presented, contained no arrogance or pride. It was just Bethlehem’s leadership wanting to be as thorough as possible in gleaning how many ways could they possibly help others. The platform for the question was the intentionality that as their internal growth increased, they wanted their external growth in outreach to also increase. Maybe it shouldn’t have impressed me so much, but I found it incredibly refreshing to be asked to provide such information.
As I returned to the sanctuary for the second service, I noticed two banners on either side of the rear exit doors. One said, “Growing as Christians…” and the other said, “Reaching out to others”. If you visit their website bethlehemumc.org those words are the most prominent on their homepage.
Since then, I have been trying to calculate if the times I am aware that my personal, spiritual or financial growth has increased, have my outreach efforts in time, service, relationships, and yes – money proportionally increased? I must confess the results are not something I’m proud of. But the idea is not about feeling ashamed or guilty for falling short, but of being inspired by a group of brothers and sisters in Christ who are sharing God’s love as part of a church community, but also knowing that it must be equally extended beyond its walls.
I share one final observation, and it is about church windows. Now for the record, I love stained glass windows, but I even took note that the windows in Bethlehem’s beautiful sanctuary were all clear glass. They could see outside as they sat in worship and pondered what God might be calling them to do next. We often come to church to escape the trials and tribulations of the outside world. But we can never shut out of our worship the reality that the feelings of inspiration we feel as we honor God should also fuel our efforts when we depart to love and serve our neighbor. And that is perhaps the true fruit of our worship.
May grace abound!
Rev. Dr. David O. Weatherly
Discovery Weekend is coming to Bethlehem, January 10-12
In a few short months, Bethlehem UMC will embark on a new journey in ministry. Mark your calendars and save-the-date for January 10-12, 2025. Bethlehem will host its first Discovery Weekend. Here’s a glimpse of Discovery Weekend. Discovery is a powerful weekend of renewal and spiritual formation for middle school and high school students, held in the local church. That’s right, Discovery Weekend will be held at Bethlehem UMC! The model of Discovery Weekend is similar to Emmaus, but instead of being a community event, it’s for the youth and friends of our very church. The high school students are trained to serve in leadership alongside adult leaders. They are trained to share their faith, lead disciple groups, games and worship. Discovery isn’t just a weekend for youth; it’s a weekend for the entire church to support our youth. The whole church is invited to participate in the weekend through serving on the team, praying, providing meals, snacks and gifts.
Throughout the weekend a series of talks are presented by youth on the basics of God’s love, the joy and forgiveness of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The entire series of talks is given in a sequence that is intended to guide participants by opening an avenue of discussions to help them verbalize their faith questions in a safe environment and hopefully lead to a renewed or new relationship with Christ. Through large and small group discussions, meaningful experiences of worship and prayer, new friendships, and laughter participants learn about the rich connection between faith and the challenges of daily life. There's also plenty of music, games, fun and great food!
On Saturday evening of Discovery Weekend, all are invited to attend a youth Prayer Service. The Prayer Service on Saturday night is for all the youth families, friends, community and church members to gather in a holy time of prayer and praise. Our Prayer Service will take place on Saturday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Discovery invites the entire Bethlehem community to live out its Baptismal Covenant by surrounding our youth with a community of love and forgiveness. Our Discovery Weekend will require more than 50 adult volunteers for the weekend. Watch the weekly This Week at Bethlehem to Discover Ways to Serve and find out how you can be a part of this powerful youth experience. If you would like to learn more about the weekend, contact Alison Bocking abocking@bethlehemumc.com
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 22 - 24 — Youth Harvest Weekend
November 28 & 29 — Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 — ONE Worship Service & Hanging of the Greens (10:15)
December 14 — Breakfast with St. Nick 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
December 15 — Music Sunday at Bethlehem
December 24 — Christmas Eve Services
4:30 — Family Friendly Service, Children Tell the Story
7:00 — Candlelight and Communion
11:00 — Candlelight and Communion
December 25, 26 & 27 — Church Closed for Christmas Holiday
January 1 — Church Closed for New Year’s Holiday