Important Upcoming Events - March 14, 2025

Fish Fry 50th Anniversary

Can you believe that this year will be Bethlehem’s 50th Fish Fry?  Amazing!  We’re thinking about some ways to make this one special.  If you have some ideas – or you just want to be part of the fun, join us on March 23 after worship for a brief meeting in Conference Room 2 (Omni SS classroom, above Banquet Hall).  Rebecca will bring snacks.  If you want to help, but can’t come that day, contact Rebecca Little at rebecca8916@gmail.com

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 16, in worship.

1. Stand in Your Love 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHLEZzyAZrI

2. O God Our Help In Ages Past  UMH 117

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP_P3c-71Pk

3. God Claims You - FWS 2249

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k118XrR0mhw

4. Firm Foundation (He Won't)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCi6V-SWFYE

5. Come As You Are

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjgioXrnEME

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 began 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

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