Bethlehem News - October 4, 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 9:30 a.m. Sunday School will be at 10:30 for all ages.
This week's worship service 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.
One Worship Service October 6
October 6th there will be one service at 9:30 with Sunday School at 10:30. Enjoy Fall Break!
Operation Christmas Child Needs
We are collecting small toys for Operation Christmas Child. Our packing party is November 17. Please bring in new cars, dolls, and other small toys. Our goal is to pack 300 gift boxes that will go to children around the world. (We DO still need standard-size shoe boxes.)
Acolytes Needed for Sunday Worship
Since we have begun 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 October. Let April Jackson know when your Acolyte would like to serve!
Trunk ‘R Treat – October 26
Trunk 'R Treat is coming up October 26 with plenty of free pizza, Bounces, and more from 4:26-6:26 in the Gym and fun starting at 6:30 in the parking lot. Need an idea for a fun, easy-to-decorate trunk? Send April an email; we've got you covered! You won't want to miss this fun night for all ages! Invite friends and family!
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, this Sunday morning from 9:15 a.m. until 11:30.
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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,
We had so much fun on our Mystery Day trip to Kentucky! Caves, dinosaurs and Buc-ee’s, oh my! A big thank you to Jen McQuiston for volunteering to go with us. October is full of special events and we need all hands on deck! Our annual Chili-Cook-Off & Rice & Beans packing is October 20. All youth volunteering at the Chili Cook-Off will receive financial credits to their account to use for future retreats and mission trips. Please sign up here to volunteer to make chili, bring items or volunteer:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA4A728A1F4C61-47607401-souper#/
This Sunday, we will be assembling hygiene kits during our Sunday school hour for UMCOR (United Methodist Commission on Relief). Hygiene Kits are distributed during disasters, whether socio-economic or as the result of a natural occurrence. These kits help provide basic necessities to those who are most vulnerable during times of crisis. Youth group will not meet this week due to Fall Break. We will resume on October 13 with assembling college care packages.
As we move towards a full calendar, we need parents! Youth ministry would not be possible without the support, mentorship, and love that volunteers provide. It’s more than just volunteering, it’s living out the promises we make in the baptismal covenant to nurture our young people in Christ's holy Church and be an example of God’s grace and love. Our prayer is for parents to be woven in to the fabric of our ministry in every way. We hope you will take time to review upcoming needs and help us create safe and God-filled spaces for our young people. Parents who sign up for overnight retreats or mission trips will receive a 50% discount on your child’s fee. All volunteer fees are covered. Parent Volunteer Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA4A728A1F4C61-50846040-adult#/
God, we turn to You, our refuge and strength. We pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene — those who have lost homes, those in fear and uncertainty, and those in need of healing. Bring comfort to the grieving, peace to the anxious, and courage to the weary. Guide the hands of responders, relief workers, and volunteers as they bring aid and hope to those in need. May Your presence bring us comfort. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
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:
• October 6 – Sunday School: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., NO Youth Group (Fall Break)
• October 13 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• October 20 – Chili Cook-Off AND Rice & Beans Packing
• October 27 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Halloween Party at Alison’s, 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.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be October 13, when we will collect pasta and pasta sauce. Please plan to bring your pasta and pasta sauce 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.
Room in the Inn Begins November 2
Once again it’s time to begin signing up to help with Room in the Inn. Bethlehem partners with Room in the Inn (RITI) to host 10 homeless men every Saturday night from November through March, beginning 11-2-24. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Gathering Space or by using this Sign-Up Genius link: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/riti If you have any questions or need more info, please contact Mike Loring (mloring@live.com or 615-596-0985).
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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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 contact Pat Smith (psmith@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721) for more info.
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.