Bethlehem News - November 1, 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.)
Children’s Choir to Sing in December
We are forming a Children’s Choir that will sing on Sunday, December 15 as part of the Take Me Back to Bethlehem Music Sunday. Practices will begin Sunday, November 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Sanctuary. Let April Jackson know if your child is interested in being a part of the choir.
Acolytes Needed for Sunday Worship
We are 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 November. 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,
It’s hard to believe it’s November! We have an exciting month at Bethlehem as we serve together and celebrate the season of Thanksgiving! We have Share the Feast, Operation Christmas Child, Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner and our retreat at Camp Widji all coming up!
Registration is OPEN for Harvest at Camp Widji, November 23-24. This is a one day retreat to get away from our daily schedules. It’s an opportunity to slow down, unplug and experience God away from the busyness of life. We will have worship, campfires, high ropes, team building, crafts and free time. To register, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9xESOb2rHye3dihhm8NNAJup4IaaQIiPrJ4X3onS3v_ri0Q/viewform
We still need two dads to be overnight chaperones for Harvest. Overnight chaperones arrive at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 and depart around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 24. 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
We are back this week to our regular schedule of Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and Youth group at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. We will be talking about Ezekiel’s Vision for Better Days at Sunday school. Join us!
A Prayer for Election Season
Almighty God, the source of all wisdom,
give grace to all those who will vote in the General Election,
and bless with your spirit of humility and charity
all who will be elected to public office.
Make your kingdom of love visible among us,
and make all things subject to your just and gentle rule,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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:
• 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.
• November 17 – Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes (4:30 p.m.) and Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner (6:00 p.m.) (No Youth Group)
• November 23 - 24 – Harvest at Camp Widji
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 Needs YOU
It’s time to sign-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. 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.