Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

July 15, 2012 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

709 Christmas Ave., Bethlehem, GA 30620 770-867-3727 office@bigwhitechurch.com www.bigwhitechurch.com

11:00 a.m.

7th Sunday after Pentecost

Welcome

Prelude When I Look Into Your Holiness Ms. Jana Adams

Bringing in the Light Acolytes

Psalter Reading Psalm 24:1-6 (UMH 755) Mr. Matthew Christenberry

Invocation Mrs. Cator Hartley

*Opening Hymn Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken UMH 731 *Affirmation of Faith UMH 881

*Gloria Patri UMH 70

Children’s Moment Mrs. Karen Smith, Mrs. Karen Whitehead

All children PreK through 4th Grade are now dismissed for Children’s Church through the door on the right side of the Chancel. Please greet your child in the Activities Room #111

after worship. A nursery is also provided for infants and toddlers.

Greeting/Registration of Worshippers Mrs. Karen Smith

Prayer Concerns/Pastoral Prayer Mrs. Hartley

Our Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Offertory Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory UMH 577

*Prayer of Thanksgiving Mrs. Smith

Offertory Special Here I Am, Lord Ms. Jana Adams

Doxology UMH 95

My Great Redeemer’s Praise My Tribute ~ To God Be the Glory UMH 99 & 98

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee UMH 89 Fairest Lord Jesus UMH 189 O How I Love Jesus UMH 170

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Vv. 1-4) UMH 57

*Closing Hymn A Charge to Keep I Have UMH 413

*Benediction Mrs. Smith

*Choral Benediction God Be with You ‘till We Meet Again (vs. 1) UMH 672

Postlude Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Mrs. Fleeman

*You are invited to stand, as able

July 15, 2012

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church Weekly Bulletin and BFUMC Happenings

New Technology now allows you to access our weekly bulletin and BFUMC Happenings on your ‘smart phone.’

If you have a 'smart phone' you may access the current week's bulletin and happenings by using your QR reader utilizing one of the signs located throughout the church. Help BFUMC decrease our paper usage and costs.

If you do not have a ‘smart phone,’ weekly bulletins and the BFUMC Happenings will, as always, be available.

Thanks & God Bless!

“The High-Priestly Prayer”

John 17:1-26

Sacrament of Holy Communion

In consideration of all worshippers, if you need to leave your seat during the worship service, please exit the rear of the sanctuary. Restrooms are located in the Narthex (lobby). Thank you.

Prelude Mrs. Sue Moore Greeting Mrs. Debbie Huckaby Invocation Mrs. Huckaby *Hymn UMH 140

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Praise and Thanksgiving Mrs. Huckaby Pastoral Prayer Mrs. Huckaby Offering Mrs. Moore Morning Message Mrs. Huckaby

“A Life Worthy of the Lord” Colossians 1:9-14

Sacrament of Holy Communion Rev. Adam Mathes Benediction Mrs. Huckaby Please stand

Ushers/Greeters: Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward

We Sing 9:30 Band A Workin’ Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today

Welcome Mrs. Wanda Doster We Pray Rev. Adam Mathes

We Greet Rev. Mathes

We Worship 9:30 Band Let It Rise

Your Grace Is Enough I Love To Tell the Story

We Give 9:30 Band Send A Blessing We Hear Rev. Mathes

We Respond 9:30 Band

Trust & Obey

Go! 9:30 Band

Are You Washed

Come, Now Is the Time to Worship

What If His People Prayed

God’s Not Dead

Strong Tower

Give Me Jesus

Forever

“Invitation to a Beheading” Mark 6:14-19 Rev. Adam Mathes

Worship Response: Earth, Fire, Water, Air

July 15, 2012

Media Team Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed in the world of technology. There are many

opportunities with Audio, Video, Website, Facebook, etc.

What experience do you have and are you willing to learn and/or

share that knowledge with BFUMC? Volunteer today.

Please contact Karen Whitehead, 770-867-3727, karen.whitehead@bigwhitechurch.com.

BFUMC Total Wellness Challenge

Weekly Weight Loss

Week 1 ............ 57.6 Week 2 ............ 23.0 Week 3 ............... 9.8 Week 4 ............ +6.6

PILL BOTTLE COLLECTION

Bring your empty pill bottles (over the counter and prescription). Remove label and secure lid. Place empty

pill bottles in the designated container outside the Chapel.

Bottles will be sent to Africa for the medical teams to dispense medications for their patients.

11 O’clock Sunday School Class Room 127 On Sunday, July 22nd, we will begin a new Adam Hamilton book/DVD program titled 24 Hours That Changed the World.

This study will give us an in-depth look at the last 24 Hours of Jesus’ life. Please join us.

Facilitators: Jarred & Laci Clark 678-963-9864

hyspeed1320@hotmail.com, or laciautrey@yahoo.com

Welcome our new Associate Pastor Adam, his wife Sarah and their son Allen. The picnic will be outside by the children’s playground immediately following the 11:00 o’clock services. Please bring a chair and food to share. We hope to see you there!

BETHLEHEM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Saturday, November 17, 2012

10:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Reserve Your Space Today! Wanda Doster, 770-867-5950

wjdoster@windstream.net

709 Christmas Ave., Bethlehem, GA 30620 770-867-3727

www.bigwhitechurch.com

770-867-3727

Job sharing

is possible ~

ask for details.

Please bring enough food

for your family to share

The Family Ministries Team is looking for additional volunteers to serve in Sunday School classes start-ing in August.

We need individuals who desire to serve God and share God’s love with children during Sunday School.

There are opportunities to serve:

PreK/Kindergarten Teacher

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

5th/6th Grade Teacher

Sundays @ 9:30 am Please contact michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com

PRAYER CONCERNS MEMBERS

June 24 ~ Lynda Chisholm, Virginia Gilbert

July 1 ~ Pam Beder, Billy Carey, Carolyn Howard

July 8 ~ Amanda Wilson

July 15 ~ Lu Connerley

On-Going~ Dianne Beaird, Helen Bell, Bob Gwozdz, Harriet Harris, Harriet McCaulsan, Lora Novak, Doris Owens, Frances & Leeon Pruett, Hazel Smith, Judy Swanner, Rachel Thompson, Gladys Wages

NON-MEMBERS June 24 ~ Tom Alcorn, Mary Nell Benson, Naomi Herring, Adam Kilburg, Elaine Sullivan

July 1 ~ Allen Black, Kamora Dutton, Rustin Moss, Family of Jake & Griffin Prince, Betty Pryor

July 8 ~ Jack Chilcote

July 15 ~ Leonard Guy, Babs Smith

On-Going ~ Garrett Andrews, Kendra Ferguson, William Freedman, Sr., Ashley Freidenberger, Sue & Frank Jones, Abe Smith, Richard Roden, Our Country, Soldiers in our Military

NOTE: Prayer concerns will be posted for three weeks before rotating off. To add or remove names, please contact the church office, 770-867-3727, office@bigwhitechurch.com. Thank you.

OUR FAITHFULNESS ATTENDANCE JULY 8, 2012 Sunday School ..................................... 135 Nursery .................................................. 51 Children’s Church .................................. 22 8:30 Service ........................................... 15 9:30 Service ......................................... 100 Ft. Yargo .................................................. 7 11:00 The Edge ..................................... 92 11:00 Traditional Service ..................... 153 Total Worship Last Week .................. 440

2012 Weekly Budget ....................... $21,171.64 Received July 8, 2012 ..................... $19,628.61 Budget Year-to-Date ..................... $592,805.92 Received Year-to-Date ................. $495,918.64

Bethlehem First UMC www.bigwhitechurch.com

Click Donations

Click Online Donating

MINISTRY ASSISTANTS GREETERS

8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak 9:30 Terry Newton, Pam Newton 11:00 Bud Allen, Letty Black, Pete Black, David Brown, Trish Johnson,

Jarratt Pryor

ACOLYTES Today Abigail Lawrence, Rebecca Lawrence July 22 Seth Craig, Logan Laske

USHERS 8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward 9:30 Tony Teale 11:00 Clara Allen, Lynne Bell, Beth Blanford, Fran Bower, Patsy Cullifer,

Wanda Doster, Brenda Partee, Sandi Roberson, Lynn Smith, Susan Wages

July 22 Dwight Austin, Charles Autry, Allen Bower, John Fleeman, Jonathan Long, Lamar Pugh, Don Wages

CHILDREN’S CHURCH Today Susannah Helton, Shannon Kennedy, Trish & Joe Johnson,

Vasek Slamka July 22 Gabby Luk, Andrea Tyler, Amber Wigley, Darian Wilson

Creation Care Weekly Scripture

“He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate bringing forth food from the earth.”

                                              Psalm 104:10‐14 (NIV) 

Join the JOY Sunday School Class (Jesus, Others, and Yourself)

9:30 AM each Sunday in the Chapel Current Discussion: Creation Care

The Quilting Group will not meet during the month of July. We will resume on August 9th with some fun holiday sewing projects. See you then.

Kathy Brown kk2358@aol.com

9:15 a.m. Fit Stretch (123) 10:30 a.m. Senior Fitness (G) 12:00 p.m. STARS Luncheon & Program (FH) 3:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Camp (5pm) 6:30 p.m. Core & More (G) 7:00 p.m. 9:30 Band Practice (WC) 7:00 p.m. Zumba (G)

FRIDAY~ July 20 6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm) 7:00 a.m. Summer Camp (6:30pm) 9:00 a.m. Family Ministries Art & Drama Camp (12pm) 9:00 a.m. Insane Cardio (G) 10:00 a.m. Muscle Madness (G) 10:00 a.m. Yoga (123) 3:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Camp (5pm) 6:00 p.m. Parents Night Out (9:30 pm) 7:45 p.m. Bible & Basketballs (G)

SATURDAY~ July 21 8:00 a.m. Fitness Center (6pm) 8:00 a.m. Kenpo Kickboxing (G) 9:00 a.m. Family Friendly Zumba (G) 9:30 a.m. Yoga (WC)

SUNDAY~ July 22 8:00 a.m. Blood Drive (8am-1pm) 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C) 9:30 a.m. 9:30 Service (WC) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 a.m. Ft. Yargo Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Light Breakfast (FH) 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (111) 11:00 a.m. The Edge (WC) 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S) 12:30 p.m. Card Playing (128) 12:30 p.m. YMAC Youth Ministry Advisory Council 5:00 p.m. Youth Rec Time 6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (FH) 6:30 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE SUNDAY~ July 15 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C) 9:30 a.m. 9:30 Service (WC) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 a.m. Ft. Yargo Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Light Breakfast (FH) 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (111) 11:00 a.m. The Edge (WC) 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S) 12:30 p.m. Family Ministry Team Mtg. (129) 12:30 p.m. Health & Wellness (128) 5:00 p.m. Youth Rec Time 6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (FH) 6:30 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)

MONDAY~ July 16 6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm) 7:00 a.m. Summer Camp (6:30pm) 9:00 a.m. Family Ministries Art & Drama Camp (12pm) 9:00 a.m. Kenpo Kickboxing (G) 10:00 a.m. Yoga (123) 3:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Camp (5pm) 6:30 p.m. Core & More (G) 7:00 p.m. Zumba (G) 7:00 p.m. UMW (128)

TUESDAY~ July 17 6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm) 7:00 a.m. Summer Camp (6:30pm) 9:00 a.m. Redeemed Bible Study (128) 9:00 a.m. Family Ministries Art & Drama Camp (12pm) 9:15 a.m. Ladies Bible Study (123) 10:00 a.m. Spin Class (UG) 10:15 a.m. Grief Ministry (128) 10:30 a.m. Senior Fitness (G) 3:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Camp (5pm) 5:30 p.m. Insane Strength (G) 6:00 p.m. Edge Design Team (WC) 6:00 p.m. GO Team Mtg. (128) 7:00 p.m. Single Adults (123) 7:00 p.m. Trustees Mtg. (114) 7:00 p.m. Volleyball Open Play (G) 7:30 p.m. Edge Band Practice (WC)

WEDNESDAY~ July 18 6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm) 7:00 a.m. Summer Camp (6:30pm) 9:00 a.m. Fun with Crocheting (125) 9:00 a.m. Family Ministries Art & Drama Camp (12pm) 3:00 p.m. Upward Basketball Camp (5pm) 6:00 p.m. Soul Spin (UG) 6:30 p.m. Bridge/ & Youth Groups 6:30 p.m. Yoga (123) 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice (119)

THURSDAY~ July 19 Youth ~ Tubing in Helen 6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm) 7:00 a.m. Summer Camp (6:30pm) 8:00 a.m. Youth Group to Tn. Aquarium 9:00 a.m. Family Ministries Art & Drama Camp (12pm)

C ~ Chapel FH ~ Fellowship Hall G ~ Gym S ~ Sanctuary UG ~ Upper Gym WC ~ Worship Center

Families are invited and encouraged to worship to-gether at the service of their choice. There will be no Children’s Church.

WELCOME, VISITORS!

We are delighted you have chosen to worship with us today. Please fill out the black attendance register on the end of your pew as it is passed.

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 us on the web at www.bigwhitechurch.com, speak with a pastor following the service, call the church office at 770-867-3727 or email us at office@bigwhitechurch.com.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: Childcare is available for newborns through age three during Sunday school and all Sunday morning worship services. Please check in and register your child in Room #110 (silent pagers are available for parents).

Flex Time: 10:30 AM in the Activities Room (#111) Flex Time is an opportunity for children to participate in various activities before Children’s Church and is designed for those families involved in The Edge Pre-Game & Worship.

Children’s Church: ~ All children ages 4 – 4th grade are invited to join us at 11:00 AM (after the Children’s Moments at the 11 AM Traditional Worship Service) in the Activities Room (#111) as we continue in a fun and engaging worship experience designed for children. Children will worship through music and movement, Bible stories, prayer, offering their gifts, and through small group activities.

Worship Activity Bags are available in the narthex (front lobby) and common area outside the sanctuary.

Hearing assistance is available for the 11:00 o’clock service. Please ask one of the greeters or ushers for a transmitter and they will be happy to assist you.

Restrooms are located in the narthex (front lobby), the Commons Area, near Room #114, and next to the Stars Cafe.

Our Staff

Rev. Parker Benson, Senior Pastor 770.715.5743 cell parker.benson@bigwhitechurch.com

9:30 Worship Service This lite contemporary service has a mix of praise music with a country flavor, mixed with blues, folk, and traditional hymns with a twist and original composed music. The 9:30 Praise Band makes every effort to create a mood in which the individual can hear, feel and experience God in a safe, comfortable, and relaxed environment. Join us on Sunday mornings in the Worship Center for a casual and comfortable time with God.

11:00 Traditional Worship Service We have one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in all of North Georgia. Come and experience the time-honored traditions and customs that have been a part of Christianity for centuries. Experience the peace that can be felt through the order and holiness of God’s word.

Rev. Adam Mathes, Associate Pastor 404-909-2959 cell adam.mathes@bigwhitechurch.com

11:00 The Edge Expect the unexpected. Experience the familiar and unfamiliar in a surrounding of unconventional, non-traditional and connect with God. Head for The Edge (Worship Center) and find God waiting for you.

Rev. Michele May, Director of Family Ministries 706-206-6888 cell michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com Family Ministries: Partnering with Families in Providing a Spiritual Foundation through Jesus Christ in the Lives of our Children and Young People

Through our Family Ministries, we provide age appropriate opportunities for children and young people to grow as followers of Jesus Christ. Sunday School, worship, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening groups, and special events and retreats provide opportunities to learn the Bible, pray, give, serve, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

God is doing amazing things here, and I am privileged to serve with you here. I look forward to continuing to move forward as we strengthen existing ministries as well as look for new and creative ways to minister to families in our church and community!

Mrs. Debbie Huckaby Congregation Care Minister 706-296-0665 cell debbie.huckaby@bigwhitechurch.com 8:30 Holy Communion Service A 30-minute worship service meets every Sunday morning in the Chapel. This intimate service offers a message and Holy Communion every Sunday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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 above and say “I want to join the church.”

Our Clergy

Email Addresses: first name. last name@bigwhitechurch.com unless otherwise notated

Adult Discipleship Director Mary Lee Howard marylee.howard@bigwhitechurch.com

Bookkeeper, Leigh Anne Russell leighanne.russell@bigwhitechurch.com

Communications Assistant Lynn Smith

Custodian, Jack Chilcote 770.712.7336 office@bigwhitechurch.com

Executive Assistant, Karen Whitehead

Music Minister, Karen Smith

Nursery Supervisor, Renae Elenbaas 678.630.2966

Office Assistant, Christy Preston

Organist, Brenda Fleeman

Parish Nurse, Kathy Brown

Pianist, Katrina Wilson Preschool/Program Director Lizzy Sheffield, 770.867.3724

Recreation, Angela Moss

Security, J.P. Boyd 770.867.9551, papaande@gmail.com

Youth Ministry H.S. ~ Dawn Bradberry, 678-227-1970 dawnleigh21@yahoo.com M.S. ~ Amy Watts, 404-213-7856 amywilmothwatts@yahoo.com