about us: november 8, 2015 24th sunday after...
TRANSCRIPT
ABOUT US:
At Bethlehem First UMC, we have a common mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ. We offer a loving, nurturing environment in which to serve and worship Christ, and to grow spiritually. We would love to have you join us each Sunday.
LEARN MORE:
If you would like to learn more about Bethlehem First UMC, please visit our website, www.bethlehemfirstumc.com,
speak with one our pastors, call the church office. 770-867-3727, or email us, [email protected].
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN BETHLEHEM FIRST UMC?
If you have been visiting we hope you will consider joining Bethlehem First United Methodist Church. You may join by: 1. Transferring your membership from another United Methodist Church 2. Transferring your membership from another denomination 3. Confession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
To learn more about church membership please contact one of our pastors listed below and say “I want to join the church.”
Our Staff
After School Ministries Director, Melanie Spilman770-867-3727 ext. 16 [email protected]
Audio/Video, Mark Nichols ................................... 404-606-7671 (cell) [email protected]
Children’s Ministry Director, Ben Wilcox .......... 770.867.3727. ext. 18 [email protected]
Custodian, Jack Chilcote ...................................... 770.712.7336 (cell)
Executive Assistant, Karen Whitehead ............... 770-867-3727 ext. 11 [email protected]
Finance Director, Nikki Shelton .......................... 770-867-3727 ext. 20 [email protected]
Fitness/Rec Director, Anissa Sullivan .................. 770-867-3727 ext. 15 [email protected]
Nursery Supervisor, Jennie Etheredge............... 770-867-3727, ext. 10
Office Assistant, Gretchen Hill ............................ 770-867-3727 ext. 10 [email protected]
Office Assistant, Jenny Pohl ................................ 770-867-3727 ext. 31 [email protected]
Preschool Director, Lizzy Sheffield ................................. 770.867.3724 [email protected]
Security, J.P. Boyd ........................................................... 770.867.9551
Youth Ministry, Dawn Bradberry ........................... 678-227-1970 (cell) [email protected]
Our Clergy
Rev. Frank Bernat, Senior Pastor 770-867-3727, ext 23, 770-362-7998 cell [email protected] Rev. Matt Parker, Associate Pastor 770-867-3727, ext 22, 404-538-2567 cell [email protected] Rev. Michele May Pastor of Discipleship & Families 770-867-3727, ext 25, 706-201-5063 cell [email protected]
Music Minister, Karen Smith 770-867-3727 ext. 12, 830-513-2029 (cell) [email protected]
9:30 Worship Leader, Mitch King 770-722-4759 cell [email protected]
11C Worship Leader, Caleb Kimsey 770-815-8168 cell [email protected]
Organist, NeeCee Delk 706-224-5998 (cell)
Pianist, Katrina Wilson 404-732-7308 (cell)
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │
November 8, 2015
24th Sunday after Pentecost
WORSHIP │ INVITE │ NURTURE │ GROW │ SERVE
Bethlehem First UMC
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Worship Bulletin │ 2
Welcome Thank you for worshipping with us today. Our ushers and greeters are happy to help you find your way. You may also
pick up a map of the church in the Narthex, at the front entrance of the Sanctuary, or in the Stars Café near the church
office, just outside of the Worship Center.
If you are visiting with us for the first time today, we are so glad that you are here. Please complete one of our
Connection Cards and drop it in the offering plate or in the baskets near the doors as you leave.
Our Purpose at Bethlehem First UMC is to "Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." We do this
by making Worship a priority. By offering an intentional Invitation to follow Jesus Christ. By making time to Nurture
Godly friendships. By committing to Grow in our faith. And striving to make a difference in the lives of others through
Service. We want every member of Bethlehem First UMC to earn their WINGS. To follow Christ faithfully and live their
faith boldly as together we transform our community through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We would love for you
to join us on this journey of transformation.
Childcare
Childcare is available for newborns through age 4 during Sunday school and all Sunday morning worship services. Please
use our electronic check-in system before bringing your child to their age appropriate room.
Newborn to Walking, Room 121 | Walking to Age 3, Room 110 | Age 3 & 4, Room 109
For Your Convenience
Restrooms are located in the narthex (front lobby), the Commons Area, near Room #114, and next to the Stars Cafe.
Greeters with yellow lanyards are available to answer questions and help you find your way around.
Index Worship
8:30 Worship Service ...................................................................... 3
9:30 Contemporary Worship Service .......................................................... 4
11:00 Contemporary Worship Service ........................................................ 4
Sermon Notes ................................................................................. 5
11:00 Traditional Worship Service .................................................. 6
BFUMC Happenings
Bethlehem Happenings .................................................................. 8
Our Faithfulness .............................................................................. 9
Prayer Concerns ............................................................................ 10
Week at a Glance .......................................................................... 11
Contact Information ........................................................ Back Cover
BFUMC Happenings │ 11
Week at a Glance
Childcare Info on Page 2
For a detailed schedule of events, Login on our website at “The INN”
and click calendar, or contact the church office
770-867-3727.
8:15 AM │ Community Group │Sept. 13 - Nov. 22 │ Room 127
Every Sunday Worship 8:30, Chapel │ 9:30, Worship Center │10:45 Hispanic, 123 │11C, Worship Center │11:00 Traditional, Sanctuary
Sunday @ 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School @ 9:30 AM Friendship, 123 │ JOY (Ladies), 127 │ Just Say Jesus, 125 │ Open Door, 124 │ Shared Journey, 128 │ Wesley, 101 Children ~ Large Group/Small Group Format PreK-K DiscoveryLand │ 1st-4th AdventureLand, Fellowhip Hall Youth 5th/6th Bridge, 129 │ Middle School, 131 │High School, 130 Sunday @ 11:00 AM Adult Sunday School @ 11:00 AM Children ~ Large Group/Small Group Format PreK-K DiscoveryLand │ 1st-4th AdventureLand, Fellowship Hall Hispanic Youth Ministry @ 11:30, 124
This Week
Sunday, November 8 12:30 p.m. Hand & Foot Card Playing, 128 4:00 p.m. Youth and Kids Handbells, Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Disciple 1 & 2, 128, 123 5:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment, 125 5:00 p.m. Parenting Group, Room 124 5:00 p.m. 5th/6th Bridge, 129 5:00 p.m. 7th-12th Grade Youth, Gym 5:00 p.m. Kids Handbells, Sanctuary Monday, November 9 6:00 p.m. United Methodist Men, Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m. College & Career Class, 126 Tuesday, November 10
9:15 a.m. L.I.G.H.T. Ladies Bible Study, Room 114 6:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. Finance Team Mtg., 114 7:00 p.m. Instrumental Rehearsal, 119
Wednesday, November 11 9:00 a.m. Crochet, Room 128 5:30 p.m. WNL Fellowship Meal
Thursday, November 12 12:00 p.m. Food of the Bible Study Class, 114
Saturday, November 14 10:00 a.m. Holiday Bazaar (3:00 p.m.), Gym
Sunday, November 5 12:30 p.m. Grow 1, 2, 3 Team Mtgs., 128, 130, 129 4:00 p.m. Youth and Kids Handbells, Sanctuary 4:45 p.m. 5th-12th Rising Star Choir, 119 5:00 p.m. Disciple 1 & 2, 128, 123 5:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment, 125 5:00 p.m. Parenting Group, Room 124 5:00 p.m. 7th-12th Grade Youth, Gym 5:00 p.m. Kids Handbells, Sanctuary
Wednesday Night Schedule
Meal for November 11 Pulled Pork | Baked Beans
Cole Slaw | Salad Bar | Dessert
5:30 p.m. Fellowship Meal
6:30 p.m. PreK-1st Grade Choir, 108 2nd-4th Grade Choir, Chapel 5th Grade Pre-Confirmation Confirmation Class 7-12 Grade Youth, 130 Change the World, 123
7:00 p.m. Childcare 7-12 Grade Boys, 126 Women’s Bible Study (GRITS), 101 Major United Methodist Beliefs, 128 MS & HS Boys Yoga, Worship Center
BFUMC Happenings │ 10
Baby Bella & the Scott Andrews family
Barber, Elizabeth
Beaird, Dianne
Bretz, Sandy & Dale
Christians in the Middle East
Collins, Charlene “Sally”
Elam, Phil
Firman, Michelle
Godina, Megan
Gorsuch Family
Harris, Harriet
Helton, Ron
Lawrence, Michael
Lieske, Elaine
Lee, Heather
Moore, Shirley
Partee, Mary Nell
Pitts, Louise
Powell, David
Pruett, Frances & Leeon
Ritch, Doug
Simmons, Sgt. Simmons
Smith, Hazel
Stephens, Joyce
Stokes, Stanley & Virginia
Swanner, Judy
Ridgeway, Julia
Thompson, Rachel
Thompson, Mary Willie
United States; Leaders & Troops
Wilson, Gary Jr. (Bubba)
Bowker family Brooks, Rev. Millie Cagle family Canup, Donna Carter, Jace Chamblee, Kristina Chandler, Phil Church & school building in Kokowah Dacula High School students & community Davis family Davison, June Family of Charles Harrison Family of Jerod & Jaison Brown Flahn, Alma Graham, Ernie Johnston, Dave & Yvonne Jones, Cindy & Ricky Law enforcement Lummus family Mixon, Mary Pollack family Queen, Johnny Reed, Bonnie Schools, students, faculty, & staff Smith, Tom & Brenda Spratlin, June &Tom Thompson, Lance & Tara Whitehead, Karen Wilson, Thomas Williams, Cecil Zahm, Kimberly
Zahm, Sarah
On-Going
Abbett, Ann, Suda, Supi
Adams, Katie
To receive a detailed prayer list, sign up today for e-prayers through The Inn, www.bethlehemfirstumc.com.
For assistance, contact Gretchen Hill, 770-867-3727, ext. 10.
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │ 3
Prelude Susan Wages
Greeting Rev. Matt Parker
Call to Worship:
Leader: The word has come from God:
People: Who promises to shelter us under the wings of hope and grace.
Leader: The word has come to us from Jesus:
People Who encourages us to remember the good news we have received.
Leader: The word flows to us from the Spirit:
People: Who reminds us to place our hope and trust in God.
*Hymn Be Thou My VIsion UMH 451
Praise and Thanksgiving Rev. Parker
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Parker
Offering/Offertory Susan Wages
Message Ken Chapman
Gideon Presentation
Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 12 Rev. Parker
We practice "open communion," welcoming all who love Christ, repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another. You do not need to be United Methodist or a member of
Bethlehem First United Methodist Church to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. All are invited to come to the Lord’s Table.
*Benediction Rev. Parker
Usher/Greeter: Shirley Alcorn
8:30 Holy Communion Service
A 30-45 minute worship service meets every
Sunday morning in the Chapel. This intimate
service offers hymns, prayer, a message, and
Holy Communion.
Worship Bulletin │ 4
Welcome Music 9:30 Band
Jesus is the Rock
He Rolls My Blues Away
Welcome Wanda Doster
We Pray Wanda Doster
We Worship 9:30 Band
Marvelous Light
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Standing on the Promises
We Give Rev. Frank Bernat
Turn Your Radio On
We Hear Ken Chapman
Gideon Presentation
We Respond & Go 9:30 Band
Standing on the Promises
Ushers/Greeters: Rich & Patty Boyd
Audio/Visual: Becky Adcock, Susan Smith
9:30 Worship Service
This blended service is a good way to begin your Sun-
day morning! Our Praise Band plays a variety of good
music including folk, country, rock, and gospel. Our
service is spirit-filled and energetic, yet relaxed and
welcoming. Dress is casual and the STARS Café is
open before and after. Make yourself at home.
“__________________________” | ____________________ For more information about Bethlehem First UMC and additional opportunities for spiritual growth, visit our website at
www.bethlehemfirstumc.com.
WELCOME | We are glad you chose to worship with us at 11contemporary today! Please complete a Connection Card and drop it in the giving basket so we can stay connected with you.
NEW MESSAGE SERIES: “The Heart of Worship” | Worship is at the core of all that we do in our lives, and it is the most important aspect of our faith journey as Christians. But it is also one of the most misunderstood and mishandled practices of faith. In this series, we will discuss our understanding of what worship is and what worship is not. We will also learn how we worship God and why God wants us to be in worship. We will get to the heart of worship as we seek to make worship a priority in our lives.
UPCOMING ADVENT SERIES | Beginning November 29, all of our worship services will come together (figuratively, not literally) for an Advent series called, “The Journey.” During this six week series leading up to Christmas, there will be worship journals available for you and your family to follow along. Additionally, all of the Sunday School classes on Sunday morning will have a small group study to coincide with the messages. To order a copy of the journal and learn more about the group options, contact Michele May at [email protected]
#SUNDAYSONGS | Music for today’s gathering: “Furious,” “Always,” “Close,” “Forever Reign,” and “Heart of Worship.”
11contemporary Matt Parker @revmattparker
“Audience of One” | Colossians 1:15-23
BFUMC Happenings │ 9
Financial Rec’d November 1 ........... $23,854.76 Needed Weekly ............... $21,266.11 Rec’d YTD....................... $853,327.60 Need to Date ................. $935,708.84 Faith Promise ................... $59,905.00 Faith Promise Rec’d YTD .. $19,282.64
OUR FAITHFULNESS | November 1, 2015 Attendance Sunday School ............................. 98 9:30 Orange ................................. 46 On-Line Worship.......................... 38 Nursery ........................................ 31 8:30 Worship ............................... 24 9:30 Worship ............................. 100 11:00 Orange ............................... 50 11:00 Contemporary Worship ..... 87 11:00 Traditional ...................... 177 Total Sunday Worship ............. 507
Scripture readings and prayers. Each daily devotional is designed to draw you in to a closer fellowship with God as you reflect and respond to this Christmas season. The cost of each devotional book is $7.
Place your order at the designated tables/areas in the narthex, Commons area, and in the Stars Café area
today, Sunday November 8, and 15 from 9:15-9:30 or 10:30-10:55. The $7 payment must be received upon
ordering the book. Books will be distributed on Sunday, November 29.
Michele May | [email protected].
STEPHEN MINISTRY
A GREAT WAY TO HELP A HURTING FRIEND
Do you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who has suffered a loss or is going through a difficult time? Here's a great way you can help them - tell them about our Stephen Ministry! Stephen Ministers are members of BFUMC who have received special training to provide high-quality, confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to hurting people. Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receivers to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the person needs care. It's free, and it's a powerful way you can help a hurting friend.
BFUMC Stephen Ministry Leaders │ Jenny Smith, 770-826-0266 │ Kathy Brown, 770-601-7047
LIVE NATIVITY ON THE SQUARE
December 1963 saw the first Christmas Pageant. Rev. Wayne Fears, the pastor at that time at Bethlehem Methodist Church, originated the idea and the first production was a huge success. 52 years later this traditional continues. Each year on December 22 and 23, with showings at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. If you would like to participate you may sign up on-line at www.bethlehemfirstumc.com/nativity. People are needed for: greeters, characters, singers, set-up and clean-up volunteers.
SYMPATHY
Heartfelt Christian sympathy is extended to: Joe Grodzicki and family in the loss of his father on Tuesday, October 27, 2015.
Cathy Narey and family in the loss of her sister who passed away on Friday, October 30 , 2015.
Beth Whitehead and family in the loss of Neil A. Monroe, Jr. who passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2015.
BFUMC Happenings │ 8
November 8, 2015
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Shoeboxes are due today. Please leave your filled shoebox at the reception desk in the
Stars Café. Last year the United Methodist Women delivered 357 boxes to Operation
Christmas Child. Let’s not only meet that number—but reach our goal of 500 this year.
ATTENTION VETERANS
We invite you to a FREE meal on Wednesday, November 11th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The menu will be:
Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Salad Bar, and Dessert. We will also have a Photo Table showing you
then (in uniform) and now. Please bring a photo of yourself in uniform (then), and a current photo of
yourself (now). Please have them in frames, if possible. Today, we will recognize our Veterans during all
services. We hope you will be able to attend these two special events. We honor you and all that you
have done for our country. Please RSVP by noon on Tuesday if you will be attending dinner.
Gretchen Hill │770-867-3727 │ [email protected]
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN | NOVEMBER 16 | 7:00 PM
Attention all women! Mark your calendars and plan to bring a friend for the United Methodist Women
meeting on Monday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. UMW conference president, Sue
Raymond, will be performing a biblical interpretation of Mary—Mother of Jesus. You won’t want to miss
this.
Amanda Brannon │770-363-7400 │ [email protected]
MURPHY-HARPST TRIP | NOVEMBER 21
Murphy-Harpst is a nonprofit residential treatment center for Georgia’s most viciously abused children.
Their program provides round-the-clock therapeutic care that enables children to heal and recover so that
they can re-engage with society and lead productive lives. On November 21, BFUMC will be taking a group
to spend time with these youth celebrating their birthdays. Join us and be blessed.
Gretchen Hill │770-867-3727 │ [email protected]
ADVENT DEVOTION: THE JOURNEY: A SEASON OF REFLECTIONS
In conjunction with our upcoming sermon series during Advent this year, five of our adult Sunday School classes at 9:30 a.m. will be using the DVD study, The Journey by Adam Hamilton. (If you aren’t already part of a Sunday School class, this would be a great time to visit). As an additional resource, we are offering The Journey: A Season of Reflections for use during Advent (the period of time before Christmas including the four Sundays before Christmas). In this devotional, you’ll find 28 short, reflective devotions combined with
Worship Bulletin │ 5
Worship Bulletin │ 6
WELCOME
PRELUDE Nee Cee Delk
BRINGING IN THE LIGHT Acolytes
CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Frank Bernat
Leader: The word has come from God: People: Who promises to shelter us under the wings of hope and grace. Leader: The word has come to us from Jesus: People Who encourages us to remember the good news we have received. Leader: The word flows to us from the Spirit: People: Who reminds us to place our hope and trust in God.
INVOCATION Rev. Bernat
Blessed Lord, you have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant us so to hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope
of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN Come, Thou Almighty King UMH 61
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed UMH 881
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI UMH 70 Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
GREETING Rev. Bernat
PRAYER CONCERNS/LORD’S PRAYER Rev. Bernat
The altar is open for those who would like to kneel to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
11:00 a.m.
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │ 7
*OFFERTORY HYMN America the Beautiful UMH 696
*OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Bernat
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Salute to the Armed Forces Chancel Choir
*DOXOLOGY UMH 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly hosts; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 119: 101-111 pg. 439 Rev. Bernat
HOMILY Gideon Presentation Gary Jones
*HYMN OF INVITATION & DEDICATION UMH 600, Vv. 1,3
Wonderful Words of Life
*BENEDICTION Rev. Bernat
*CHORAL BENEDICTION Shalom to You UMH 666
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
Hearing Assistance is available for the 11:00 o’clock service in the sanctuary. Please ask one of the greeters or ushers for a receiver and they will be happy to assist you.
Acolytes Jordan Kennedy, Abby Rose
Greeters Lenell Carr, Nadine Goodman, Larry Laske, Malcolm Mercer, Susan Mercer, Pam Shaw, Terry Shaw
Ushers David Austin, Charles Bell, David Brown, Coach Connerley, Marvin Keech, Dick Morris, Jarratt Pryor, Rick Weiman
ALTAR PRAYER
The altar is open for prayer before, during and after the service. One of our pastors will be available near the altar should you want someone to pray with you.
PRAYER SHAWL FOR GINA SCHULZ
You are invited to come to the altar this morning, before or after the worship service, and as you touch the shawl please say a prayer that Gina will have peace and comfort through Jesus Christ. The prayer shawl was given by the Crochet Group at BFUMC.
11:00 Traditional Worship Service
Our traditional worship experience honors the traditions and practices of historical Christianity in one of the most
beautiful sanctuaries in North Georgia. Our sanctuary is a holy space where the Holy Spirit can be felt as one enters the
room. Please enter in reverence but worship with all your heart as we enjoy the great hymns, creeds, and traditions of
our Christian faith.