Important Upcoming Events - November 29, 2024
Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
The church office will be closed TODAY, Friday, November 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 this Monday morning (December 2), 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.
Take Me Back to Bethlehem — December 15 at 10:15 a.m.
On Sunday, December 15 at 10:15 a.m., the music department at Bethlehem UMC will present Take Me Back to Bethlehem - A Music Celebration. The program will feature seasonal worship music by the Chancel Choir, Bluegrass Band, Bethlehem Bells, the Praise Band and the Children's Choir. Please come, and invite your friends.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flower 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 10:15 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.
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 29 — Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 — ONE Worship Service & Hanging of the Greens (10:15)
December 8 — Monthly Mission — bring peanut butter and jelly
December 14 — Breakfast with St. Nick 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
December 15 — Meet Me at Bethlehem — Music Sunday
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