Important Upcoming Events - December 15th
Christmas Eve Readers
All kids and youth are invited to come to the Old Sanctuary at 4:15 on December 24 and choose their costume. Parents can settle into their place in the sanctuary. Kids will parade into the sanctuary once the service has started. The service will include special music, Advent wreath lighting, favorite carols, and the Christmas story told by our kids - no practice needed! We'll join in candlelight and Silent Night to celebrate the coming of Christmas. It's a sweet service that lasts about 45 minutes - perfect for young and old! If your child or youth would like a reading part, please let April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com) know by December 15 (tomorrow). (We can make a short reading for any early readers.)
Year End Contributions
For contributions to be counted in the 2023 year, all gifts (checks or cash) must be in the church office on or before Sunday, December 31. Online gifts must be completed before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29 to count as a 2023 contribution. Checks that are placed in the offering plate the first Sunday of 2024 will NOT be counted toward 2023 giving even if the check is dated 2023 or was actually written in 2023. Checks that are postmarked by December 31 that are actually received in the church office in 2024 will be considered a 2023 contribution. If you wish to give stock to the church, please allow time for the transaction to clear in order for it to be considered a 2023 contribution. Please contact Ron Whitler, rwhitler@bethlehemumc.com or 615-794-6721, if you wish to donate stock or have questions about making sure your contribution is considered a 2023 gift
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree gifts are due back to the church this Sunday, December 17. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Lisa McIntyre at 615-210-0662.
Prayer Warriors
Bethlehem has a group that meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 4:30 in the Sanctuary to pray for all those on the church’s prayer list and other requests. 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 to join the group to pray.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2024
This summer, we're diving deep below the surface to build a strong faith! VBS Kids' Camp is June 10 - 14 from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Join us for an amazing undersea adventure where we’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word as they make new friends, sing & dance, play games, explore, and play! For more info or if you have questions, contact April Jackson (ajackson@bethlehemumc.com).
Monthly Mission
The next monthly mission will be on Sunday, January 14 when we will collect pasta and pasta sauce for those less fortunate than us. Please bring your gifts of pasta and pasta sauce to the altar during the singing of the opening hymn/song.
Room in the Inn
Once again 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. We pick up the men Saturday night and return them to our campus. They sleep on cots in the gym. We provide them dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch to take with them. Then, on Sunday morning, we return them to Nashville. 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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4CA4A72CA3FB6-room5#/
If you have any questions or need more info, please contact Mike Loring or 615-596-0985. Thank you.
Updated 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.
Financial Information Update
For 2023 financial info, please use the following link on the church’s website: http://www.bethlehemumc.com/finance
Save the Date for These Important Events
December 24 — One Morning Worship Service at 9:30 a.m.
December 24 — Family Friendly Candlelight Service at 4:30 p.m.
December 24 — Candlelight and Communion at 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.
December 25 & 26 — Church Closed for Christmas Holiday
December 31 — One Morning Worship Service at 9:30 a.m.
January 1 — Church Closed for New Year’s Holiday