3608 Midland Road Guyton, GA 31312 Phone: (912) 728-3332 Fax: (912) 728-5801 Email: Bethesdaumc@planters.net Pastor: Rev. Matt Waldron

Bethesda Beacon A publication of Bethesda United Methodist Church

www.Bethesdaum.com

October 2015

Bethesda United

Methodist Church

Brother Matt Page 1

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, October means cooler weather, football games, and the joys of autumn. At Bethesda it also means pumpkins, gatherings in the Pumpkin Patch, and our 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat. This time provides great ways to volunteer and to get out and meet the community. Pumpkin Patch and Trunk-or-Treat show us that as we celebrated 100 years of ministry newer traditions carry on the banner of Bethesda ministry into the future. I encourage everyone to sign up for a pumpkin patch shift, or submit an entry in the chili cook off, or donate candy, or setup to give out candy, or to participate in some way. Doing so supports the Youth Ministry, gets you plugged into the church community, and helps to meet neighbors in the surrounding community. As we continue to be mindful of our heritage this calendar year, below I have provided some quotes from John Wesley the founder of Methodism. Reading these can be a great way to reconnect with our 'Wesleyan' heritage as we continue to celebrate 100 years of being a Methodist congregation here in south Effingham. Each quote is followed by a short reflection what is being said. "Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment." It is not only "the first and great" command, but all the commandments in one. "Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise," they are all comprised in this one word, love." ~ in the work A Plain Account Of Christian Perfection (Edition of 1777) One can sum up the theology and spirituality of John Wesley with these words: Only Holy Love. The focus of one's heart upon God, the Biblical call to love one's neighbor, is what the Christian is called to do. Love reflects the Biblical truth of God so loving the world that he sent down his one and only Son. Love is the defining characteristic of the cross. John Wesley and the early Methodists realized how important this was and so they made Holy Love the center of their theological reflection and spiritual practice. It was John's brother Charles who wrote the line: Amazing love how can it be that thou my King shoudst die for me? Words from a classic Wesleyan hymn, and now featured in the popular contemporary Christian song Amazing Love. "I look on all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation." ~ June 1739 A parish is a place where a pastor does ministry. Traditionally local Anglican churches were charged to serve a designated community adjacent to the church. This meant a designated area where pastors could serve. Wesley, in following the teachings of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), believed that ordained and lay ministers should not be constrained to only serve a particular area but should go forth to witness every-where. The fact that various Methodist/Wesleyan denominations are prominent on every continent of the world (except for Antarctica) shows just what an impact Wesley's ministry has had over the last few centuries. "When Poetry thus keeps its place as the handmaiden of piety, it shall attain not a poor perishable wreath, but a crown that fadeth not away." ~ From the Preface to A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People called Methodists, (c 1779) Though our society does not cherish poetry as much as 18th century England did, John and Charles Wesley new that way into people's hearts was with words. Poems, which were later set to music to become hymns, were a powerful tool to teach and encourage people in the faith. Charles Wesley was one of the most prolific hymn writers in all of Christian history, and early Methodism grew and in England and in North America through the learning and singing of hymns. "In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church." ~ 1779 Wesley described himself as 'a man of one book' (though he certainly had more than one book in his personal library). He of course meant the primary role of the Bible in his life and in the life of the Church. This foundational truth is important for Methodists to remember. May God's Holy Spirit guide us in Biblical truth so that our church, and churches in the Wesleyan tradition, can be Bible focused churches. "The best of it all is, God is with us." ~ A statement among his final words John Wesley said these words while lying on his deathbed. It reveals the heart of a man who lived out a lifelong commitment to his Lord Jesus Christ. It also shows us how Wesley believed in the active presence of God in the world, a belief that fueled his ministry. We continue into 2015, our 100 year anniversary, going back to history and letting history be a blessed foundation, for a great future in ministering in Jesus name. Always remember God's amazing love for you,

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Called by Name Candle Burning

Recognize a special person in your life by burning a candle in the worship service of your choice. This is a way to

supplement mission giving through the Bethesda UMW. The cost of candle is by donation of $5 or whatever amount you want to donate.

Please complete the form and place it in the envelope with cash or checks made out to

Bethesda UMW.

The envelope can either be left on Linda’s desk or in the UMW mailbox.

We thank you for your support of the local UMW.

Prayer Thoughts for October: The Colors of Autumn

‘The green leaves are turning to yellow, red and brown And when the wind comes whistling by, they'll all come sail down!” What a relief when cooler weather arrives. We dig out those jackets and sweaters as we say goodbye to heat and humidity. We look forward to football, pumpkins and the brilliant fall colors. When you see orange, take a moment to say a prayer for the Pumpkin Patch. Ask God’s blessings and protection on our adults and youth who build, work and support this effort. Ask God to bring in those who do not know Jesus and those looking for a church home. When you see green, thank God for the past summer and all its joys. Also thank Him for the renovation that is taking place in the sanctuary. Please pray for His blessings on this endeavor. When you see yellow remember to pray for our nation and all the many crisis we face. Pray that we as a nation will yield to the will of God, not the temptations of the world. As you see and rake brown leaves remember those who face sorrows and trials in their lives. Pray specifically for the lost who will not know eternal life without Christ in their lives. And finally, as you see the brilliant reds- leaves, berries, autumn flowers – say a special prayer of gratitude for the blood of Christ. Without Him we would be like leaves blowing in the wind. With Him, we can do everything He wants us to do. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-7 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

*Child’s play song. Please continue to pray for our two needs: a musician and someone to lead the children’s ministry. Pray that God will give those committees who are searching for these persons wisdom, discernment and patience. Please ask Him to touch the hearts of the right persons that they will come forward to accept these positions. Diane Wilhelm, Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Monday, October 19th

Newsletter Deadline for November 2015 Bethesda Beacon

The Manna House is starting a new way to reach out to churches and to bring awareness to the volunteers of each church’s ministries. This month the focus will be on Bethesda UMC. Each month they will focus on a church partner, their pastor, any programs or special events along with church location & times of worship. If you have flyers, pamphlets, tracts or any information you would like to pass on during the month please pass it on to Manna House or through our church representatives.

Young Adult Class

Oct. 4th - Meet at

Dunkin Donuts in

Port Wentworth at 9:45am and

have Sunday School there.

Oct. 18th - Pumpkin carving

together. A text will be sent

out with the details.

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October Birthday Wishes 1st Clay Morgan

2nd Mitchell Donaldson

5th Bryanna Hodges

6th Ashley Dasher

7th Phillip Dickerson

7th Dencie Edgy

15th Tyler Schoonover

20th Trish Bohl

20th Macy Schoonover

21st Frances Ambrose

21st Brian Bazemore

21st Miranda Tufts

22nd Erin LeNeave

23rd Ruben Shearouse

25th Alma Zettler

25th Paulus Zittrauer

26th Leslie Glick

26th Corey Gordon

26th Roman Guzman

28th Kason Edwards

29th Thressa Morgan

31st Dennis Heinen

31st Ashton Saxon

Administrative Council Meeting October 26th @ 7:00pm

Prayer list:

Pastor Matt

All Ministries at

Bethesda UMC

Military

Leaders of America

Woody Brewster

Nancy Dixon

Patrick Donaldson

Harry Edwards

Emmory Ely

Megan Evans

Vickie Farmer

Ethan Ferguson

Sharon Floyd

Channon Fraser

Leslie Graddick

Justin Gulley

Debbie Hickman

Tony Hickman

Becky Jenny

Warren Kruen

Jackson Lindauer

Mary Little

Claudia Mannan

Thad Miller

Kay Moody

Scott Morgan

Caroline Morton

Janice Nease

Royce Nease

Bernie Pierce

Carol Pointer

LaDonna Purvis

Rick Redding & family

Evelyn Rose

Jessie & Robert Rought

Ashton Saxon

Tommy Sexton

Connie Shuman

Lamar Stregles

Helen Stokes

Joyce Wadsworth

Dwight Zipperer

If you have someone you want to add or remove from

the prayer list please send me an email, call the office or leave a note on my desk.

Thank you,

Linda

Happy October Anniversary Wishes to: Bruce & Tina Keener 2nd Married: 22 years

Jerry & Jan Landing 3rd Married: 32 years

Bobby & Joyce Wadsworth 6th Married: 42 years

David & Wendy Zittrauer 9th Married: 5 years

Len & Kathy Morgan 16th Married: 22 years

Mike & Erin LeNeave 20th Married: 3 years

Odell & Eileen Olsen 28th Married: 52 years

Kem & Linda Dugger 31st Married: 41 years

Bethesda Women’s Association will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 7:00pm

Hostess: Laurie Stregles

Pumpkin Patch Build Day will be on Sunday, October 4th ~ Star ting at 4:00pm

(moved from Saturday because of numerous conflicts)

Pumpkin Patch Build Day, Un-Load Day, Patch Volunteer books will be in the

Narthex on October 4th

Sign Up Sheets for “Trunk or Treat” cars,

candy donations and chili contest will be in the

church office.

Prizes will be awarded!

Manna House Ministries

When we think of the fall and winter holidays, we usually think of food – or more appropriately

the abundance of food. At Thanksgiving and Christmas our tables groan under the weight of

the food on the table (and we usually groan later from its enjoyment!).

But do not forget that there are those in our county who do not have this abundance. You do have a

part in helping 800 families have a happier Thanksgiving because Bethesda is a member of Manna House Ministries. The Manna House,

the First Baptist Church of Rincon and all other partner churches will provide 800 Thanksgiving

meals to families in need this year.

Lisa Bush, Manna House Director, has invited churches to donate boxed macaroni/ cheese dishes or brownie mixes for these meals. There will be a

box in the office and a box in the social hall for these items.

Thank you for your donations and for

being a part of this ministry.

Diane Wilhelm, Manna House Volunteer

The UMW Landry Hope Circle Group

will meet on

Thursday, October 1st at 7:00pm

In the Social Hall

Pumpkins Arrive @ 8:00am on Saturday October 17th

Pumpkin Patch opens at 10:00am

Bethesda United Methodist

Church Non-Profit Organization

Permit #12 U.S. Postage Paid

Rincon, Georgia 31326 3608 Midland Rd.

Guyton, GA 31312

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Bethesda UMC Youth October 2015

We invite all youth (grades 6 - 12) to join us for the following

Sunday, October 4 Pumpkin Patch Build Day 4pm-until

Wednesday, October 7 Bible study 6:45-7:45pm

Sunday, October 11 No UMYF-Fall Break

Wednesday, October 14 Dinner/Bible study in the “Patch” 6pm-8pm

Saturday, October 17 Pumpkins Arrive 8am!!!

Pumpkin Patch opens 10am

Sunday, October 18 UMYF- Youth costume contest/Snacks in Patch 4-6pm

Wednesday, October 21 Dinner/Bible study in the “Patch” 6pm-8pm

Saturday, October 24 Fun Day in the “Patch” 10am-4pm (youth arrive 9am)

Sunday, October 25 Fun Day in the “Patch” 12pm-4pm (youth arrive 10am)

UMYF-Youth Pumpkin carving in the “Patch” 4pm-6pm

Wednesday, October 28 “Trunk or Treat”/Chili Contest 6pm-8pm

Youth are asked to work at least 3 shifts in the “Patch” and work Build day,

Unload Day, Both Fun Days, “Trunk or Treat” and Unbuild Day.

Youth drivers are also encouraged to participate in “Trunk or Treat”.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you!”

8:30AM OCTOBER NURSERY SCHEDULE 11:00AM

4TH Lyna Morgan Beverly & Gary Donaldson

11TH Martha Jean Heinen Peggy Kessler & Joyce Wadsworth

18TH Peggy Kessler Martha Jean Heinen & Jennifer Granat

25TH Wanda Evans Laura & Buddy Grayson