Bethlehem News - October 18, 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.
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.
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.)
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!
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!
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, every Sunday morning from 8:00 a.m. until the end of the 10:45 worship 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,
Our annual Chili-Cook-Off is THIS Sunday, October 20. We need several volunteers to bring brownies and cookies! Please sign up below to bring something and volunteer. We need youth and adults to volunteer:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA4A728A1F4C61-47607401-souper#/
All youth volunteering at the Chili Cook-Off will receive financial credits to their account to use for future retreats and mission trips. Bonus credits if a parent signs up to help.
We still 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.
Here are two upcoming immediate needs we have:
-Two males (dads, we are looking at you!) to be an overnight chaperone for Harvest at Camp Widji on November 23
-Host homes for our Christmas Progressive Dinner on December 15
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#/
Autumn Prayer
O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
As we embrace these autumn months,
May the earlier setting of the sun
Remind us to take time to rest.
May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet
Remind us of the brevity of this earthly life.
May the steam of our breath in the cool air
Remind us that it is you who gives us your breath of life.
May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds
Remind us that you call us to follow your will.
We praise you for your goodness forever and ever.
Amen
– Author Unknown
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 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.
• November 3 – Sunday School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Youth Group, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• November 10 – 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.
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Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be November 10, when we will collect canned goods for Share the Feast. Please plan to bring your canned goods 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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Issues of the November/December Upper Room are in the black mailbox just outside the Sanctuary doors and on the tables in the Narthex. 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 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.