Bethlehem News - May 31, 2024
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
-
We are worshipping in person together this Sunday at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m.
This week's worship services will be live streamed and recorded on our church website and on Facebook. Currently the worship bulletin is available on the website then by clicking on News tab, then Bulletin and Announcements tab.
The 2024 flower sign-up sheets are in the Church Office. Arrangements are $50.00 each and can be taken home after the end of the 10:45 worship service. Flowers can also be reserved using this Sign-Up Genius link (www.Bethlehemumc.com/flowers) and select the Sunday/Sundays you want or you may contact Dana Smyth 615-794-6721.
You may give online by going to the church website. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Ron Whitler.
-
Please contact April Jackson, Director of Children's Ministries (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these children's activities:
Vacation Bible School Orientation
VBS Volunteers, please plan to attend the Orientation session either on Sunday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Sanctuary. You are welcome to bring your children with you. We will have snacks, fun, and get ready to make a splash! Youth Orientation will be on Sunday, June 2 at 5:00 p.m. in the youth rooms.
Summer Camp Scholarships Available
Scholarships may be available to cover your child or youth going to CHURCH CAMP this summer! Contact Ron Whitler (rwhitler@bethlehemumc.com) for more info.
Fish Fry Toys Needed
It's time to bring in Fish Fry prizes (Happy Meal toys, etc.) Prizes may be dropped in the container in the Narthex or by April's office. Contact April Jackson for more information.
Vacation Bible School
It's almost time to dive into the deep love of Jesus and explore what it means to dive into friendship with God!
What a fin-tastic chance to help kids discover that God is a friend who is real. He loves us and we can trust Him to be our friend forever! We're suiting up for a week full of Bible-learning experiences, team building games, sciency fun experiences, creative play, and songs that will speak truth to us long after this week is over! Plus, we'll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life!
Let's all get together and make sure that we are ready to go! Please plan to attend ONE of these fun orientation meetings:
• Sunday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Sanctuary (your kids can come too!)
• Sunday, June 2 at 5:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall (for Youth)
Registration is CLOSED. If you need to register a child who is coming with you - let April Jackson know!
This is such a fun and important theme. I pray that we all have an awesome time and come away closer to God and closer to one another.
Children’s Church
Please make sure that you use the Sign Up sheets in the Narthex to register your children. If possible, please sign them in before the service begins. Children's church is offered during each service.
Worship Bags
Worship bags are on the hooks in the hallway across from Pastor Craig’s office. Keep us in mind if you get tired of your Rubik's cubes or other quiet gadgets and want to donate new or lightly used items.
Nursery Available
Nursery is available for children 3 and under, on Sunday mornings from 8:10 a.m. through the end of the 10:45 service.
-
Please contact Alison Bocking (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these youth activities:
Friends and guests between 6th and 12th grade are always welcome at all of our youth events!
Dear Parents and Youth,
Happy Friday! We hope everyone is enjoying their summer break so far! This Sunday, youth are invited to join us for VBS orientation and decorating plus dinner from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Even if you aren’t signed up to work VBS, you are invited to come and join us. We will have lots of fun! VBS is June 10 - 14.
We’re switching up our Sunday school curriculum for the summer. For the next 12 weeks, we will be studying The Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. This study explores Jesus’ timeless teaching through art, reflection, and discussion. This passage is full of wisdom that will enrich young people and adults by exploring Jesus’ vision of God’s inclusive kingdom, observing how Jesus turned expectations and traditional beliefs about being blessed upside down, and imagining ways to live into the promises of Jesus’ Beatitudes.
Parent volunteer needed. We’re still planning to head east to Chattanooga, Tennessee and Atlanta from June 23 - 26. This trip will be a mix of service, learning, and fun! We are looking for a parent who might be willing to commit to join us so we can continue with our plans. Cost is $275. Youth are welcome to use funds in their accounts to help cover the costs. Registration is open (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9xESOb2rHye3dihhm8NNAJup4IaaQIiPrJ4X3onS3v_ri0Q/viewform).
Please know we will have other short term local service opportunities scheduled throughout summer. Our summer schedule will be released next week.
“Long warm days…
The pace of life slows…
A time for picnics and rest in the shade…
Lord,
help me to rest a while
in the cooling shade of your presence.
Slow down my restless heart
and fill me with gentle compassion
for all your people.
Amen.”
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
June 2 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., VBS Orientation, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• June 9 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Summer Kickoff, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• June 16 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• June 23 – Sunday School: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Super Important Links:
Youth Calendar
Click here to view and subscribe to our new and improved Google Youth Calendar!
iPhone Users: Click here to subscribe to our Youth Calendar
GroupMe
Click here to join the Youth Parent's group chat on the GroupMe app.
Click here to pick a Calendly date
Do you have a soccer game, orchestra performance, community play you'd like Alison to attend? Or maybe a family game night? Dinner outing? Parent chat over coffee? Please sign up for a date and time. If the time exceeds one hour, please select an additional block of time.
-
June Communion Offering
The June communion offering on June 2 will be directed to Kathy’s Backpacks. Funds will be used to help purchase backpacks and supplies to provide for children in the Williamson County School system. Backpacks will be filled on July 28 beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the gym.
Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be June 9 when we will collect beans and rice. Please plan to bring your beans and rice to the altar during the singing of the first hymn/song to share with those less fortunate. All items collected will be given to Feed America First.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels has experienced an increased demand for persons needing meals. If you can spare a couple of hours once a month to help deliver meals, please contact Brenda Wilhoite (615-473-5217) for more info.
-
If you’re moving through a particularly difficult place in life perhaps a Stephen Minister could help. We currently have Stephen Ministers available to help you through a difficult journey. Please email Pat Smith or call her at 615-794-6721.
If you have surgery planned or are ever in the hospital unexpectedly, please let the church know. You can email Dana Smyth or call the church office (615-794-6721). She will forward the information to the staff.