Important Upcoming Events - March 7, 2025
Spring Forward
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday evening. All activities at the church will be at regular times on Sunday.
Sunday Schedule
Bethlehem’s current Sunday schedule is Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. and Worship at 10:15 a.m.
Music Invitation
Are you looking for a small group to join and you enjoy music? If so, consider our church choir and our handbell group! Reading music is not a requirement but fun and fellowship certainly is. For more information, please see any of our members or contact Joe Smyth at jsmyth@bethlehemumc.com
Music Notes
Click the links below to hear music we'll sing this Sunday, March 2, in worship.
1. King of Glory
https://youtu.be/E1KkFw1Oupg?feature=shared
2. Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
https://youtu.be/KV7KFP6LUwE?feature=shared
3. Be Careful LIttle Eyes What You See
https://youtu.be/s25F3ygHENM?feature=shared
4. Lord I Need You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA
5. Breathe / Fill My Cup Lord (chorus only)
https://youtu.be/GGFeo08LkcY?feature=shared AND
https://youtu.be/IL4fzgpyPPk?feature=shared
Confirmation Class Info
Confirmation Classes have begun! 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! Contact Alison Bocking (abocking@bethlehemumc.com) for more info.
Prayer Warriors Next Meeting March 18 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, March 18.
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.” The six week study will begin March 13 and 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. For more information or to sign-up, contact Alison Bocking at abocking@bethlehemumc.com
Soul Food
Looking for a new devotion for the season of Lent? Lent this year began on Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025) and ends on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025). Our Lent Sermon Series is titled Lent 2025 – Soul Food. If you are interested in receiving daily emails that will go along with the sermon each week, you may subscribe by clicking on this link: www.methodist.org.uk
We Do Not Live by Bread Alone
In the wilderness, Jesus reminded us that people don’t live by bread alone. Each week during Lent, we’ll reflect on what sustains us, based on the lectionary Gospel passage for each Sunday. Here's what you can expect each day throughout the series of reflections:
• Monday: A recipe video using ingredients available from food banks. We encourage you to cook and share this with your community — perhaps as a Sunday meal after church!
• Tuesday: A Bible study video, with discussion on questions from the week’s Gospel passage.
• Wednesday: A craft video, perfect for doing at home or in a group setting.
• Thursday: An inspiring story about how the Methodist Church and our partners work to ensure nourishment and care for all.
• Friday: A reflection on a classic soul song, revealing the good news within its lyrics.
• Saturday: Soul Food Saturday, our magazine-style video show, featuring a panel sharing weekly highlights and showcasing photos from across the church. We’d love to see what you’re up to during Lent!
• Sunday: No email, but we invite you to gather in worship, reflecting on the theme as you praise God together.
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.
2025 Flower Sign-Ups
Flowers are needed for the 2025 Worship Services. Specifically flowers are needed for March 30 and April 6. 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
March 22 — VBS Fun Shop 9:00 a.m. to Noon
April 17 — Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 p.m.
April 18 — Good Friday Service 7:00 p.m.
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
May 4 — Bethlehem Trivia Night
May 26 — Church Closed for Memorial Day Holiday
June 9 - 13 — VBS 9:00 a.m. to Noon Each Day
June 19 — Church Closed for Juneteenth
July 4 — Church Closed for Independence Day
July 18 — Fish Fry