Bethlehem News - September 6, 2024
Click below to read updates from various ministries at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
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We are worshipping in person together this Sunday at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School will be at 9:30 for all ages. During the Sunday School hour, please join Rev. Terry Carty in the Banquet Hall at 9:30 for a study on United Methodist beliefs, Rediscovering Our Roots.
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 the All Media tab, then the Media tab and then the 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.
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Please contact April Jackson, Director of Children's Ministries (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) for more info on any of these children's activities.
Between now and mid-November, we are collecting school supplies for Operation Christmas Child gift boxes. Bethlehem kids will be helping to assemble the supplies into school kits. Please bring any supplies except liquid glue.
Acolytes Needed for Sunday Worship
As we get ready for a new school year, we are also looking at the calendar for the new church year. Last year, we had a nearly full calendar with at least one of our Acolytes serving every Sunday! That is amazing! Let's continue strong and fill up the month of September. Let April Jackson know when your Acolyte would like to serve!
Third Graders Bible – September 15
Sunday, September 15 - Bible Lunch and Learn for 3rd Graders - RSVP to April Jackson by September 8. Third graders are invited to receive a Bible on September 15. Bible day is one of April’s absolute favorite days of the year; it is a special milestone in a child's life! Students will be called up front during worship service to get their new Bible.
Please let April know:
• If your child/grandchild is able to attend on September 15.
• If there is a change to the below list of how your child would like their name written in their Bible, let April know by September 8.
• If your child is able to stay for Bible Lunch and Learn from noon to 2:00 p.m. This will include lunch and getting comfortable using your Bible.
Bible Recipients 2024
1. Ada Burch (10:45)
2. Frank Carty (10:45)
3. Reagan Crawford (10:45)
4. Carter Blaine Groll (10:45)
5. Abigail Hayes (10:45)
6. Jackson Leake (10:45
If one of our 3rd grade friends has been left off of this list, don't hesitate to let April know! Looking forward to this special day!
Trunk ‘R Treat – October 26
Mark your calendars and invite friends for Trunk 'R Treat, Saturday, October 26! - Come enjoy food, crafts, games, time with friends, and Bounces in the Gym from 4:26-6:26. Trunks open at 6:30.
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.
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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 September! We are back to our regular schedule through Fall Break.
Sunday school continues on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. We start in the Banquet Hall kitchen with conversation and cinnamon rolls. After our start-up, we move into our lesson and discussion time. We will be continuing our study on The Beatitudes.
Youth group will meet on Sunday night from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come join us on Sunday evenings as learn about God, build community and have fun! Please bring $5 for dinner.
Have you registered your child for youth programs at BUMC? Please complete the form so we have up to date information for our directory, birthdays as well as medical information should we need it. Click this link to register your child: https://form.jotform.com/abocks/youth-ministry-registration--medica Please register one child per form.
Click this link to download and preview our upcoming dates and special events: https://mcusercontent.com/616f5a0b85d4305540051b1b2/files/d792e5c6-070c-1e7a-1b0f-c0cf0821a301/Fall_Youth_Calendar.pdf Watch your mailbox for your own copy.
As we learn of another school shooting, we lament, How long, O Lord, How long? We ask, O Lord, that you comfort those families wounded by events at Apalachee High School and the community of Winder, GA. Care for the souls who grieve and make us instruments of your healing and advocates for ending gun violence today and tomorrow.
PRAYER SONG God, Our Nation Feels the Loss
God, our nation feels the loss as our children pay the cost
for the violence we accept, for the silence we have kept.
We weep for children gone; God of love, this can’t go on!
Jesus, Lord, we hear you say, “No more of this!” “No more of this!”
We too shout and say, “Enough!” May we build a world of love –
till the sounds of weapons cease, till our young can grow in peace.
Adapted from the original text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Peace,
Alison Bocking+
Director of Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events:
Looking ahead:
• September 8 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• September 15 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• September 22 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• September 29 – Mystery Day Trip: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 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.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be September 8 (THIS SUNDAY), when we will collect rice and beans. Please plan to bring your rice and beans 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.
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When the issues of the September/October Upper Room are received, we will let you know and they will be available in the Narthex and the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors. Contact Dana Smyth if you have questions or need 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.