Important Upcoming Events - January 24, 2025
“Love Notes”
Please write a short “Love Note” to be included in a Love on Wheels suitcase that is given to children entering foster care. All supplies are in the Gathering Space with a basket to leave your note.
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s current Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Discovery Weekend
As Alison Bocking looks for a new date for Discovery Weekend, she’s asking ALL of our families to look at your calendar and complete this quick form so that we can begin making plans. Your feedback and participation is crucial to our success: https://forms.gle/oEcGPLZDpmwpj2ZH7
Confirmation Class Info
Confirmation Classes will begin next month! Confirmation is a time set aside to teach and nurture young people in the basics of the Christian faith and understanding of that faith as United Methodists. Confirmation at Bethlehem is geared towards middle school students, but anyone in 6th grade and up who has not been confirmed is encouraged to participate. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. with an additional weekend opportunity. All are welcome! Stay tuned for registration information or contact Alison Bocking (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) for more info.
Lenten Book Study
Our Lenten book study will feature Jemar Tisby's acclaimed book The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism. It offers “a timely narrative of how people of faith have worked against racial justice (and) a call for urgent action by all Christians today in response.” Our six week study will delve into the continuing legacy and impact of racism in society but also in the Christian church, and how we can respond. The Color of Compromise is both enlightening and compelling, telling history we either ignore or just don't know. We will be guided in thinking through concrete solutions for improved race relations and a racially inclusive church. Date and time TBD. For more information or to sign-up, contact Alison Bocking at abocking@bethlehemumc.com
Inclement Weather Policy
The Church’s inclement weather policy is to cancel ALL activities EXCEPT worship services when Williamson County schools are closed due to weather. That means if you have a meeting, Bible Study group or other event at the church and Williamson County Schools are closed, the event will be cancelled. Worship services will be held regardless of weather.
Preschool Registration for 2025-26 School Year
Bethlehem Preschool will have Fall 2025 registration on Thursday, January 30 for community members. Please contact Kim Wixted at kwixted@bethlehemumc.com for more information or to schedule a tour.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting February 4 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, February 4.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the 2025 Worship Services. Specifically flowers are needed for February 2, 9 & 23. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the worship service. Contact Dana Smyth (dsmyth@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more info or by using this link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/flowers.
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
February 4 — Prayer Warriors meet at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
February 17 — Church Closed for President’s Day
March 2 — Lenten Lunch for 3rd - 5th Graders (11:30 - 1:30) Bake & Burn Ashes
March 5 — Ash Wednesday
March 22 — VBS Fun Shop 9:00 a.m. to Noon
April 17 — Maundy Thursday
April 18 — Good Friday
April 19 — Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. & Activities
April 20 — Easter Sunday
April 21 — Church Closed for Easter Holiday
April 27 — Church Has Left the Building