February 2019

The Epistle

Mt. Bethel UMC Newsletter

9042 NC HWY 127N

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 495-8941 Email address:

umcmtbethel@gmail.com

Website address:

www.mtbethelumc.org

Pastor: Rev Dale Bost Church (828) 495-8941

Home (828) 495-7435 Email: dbost@wnccumc.net

Secretary/Treasurer

Denise Lewis

Financial Secretary

Rhonda Reinhardt

Pianist

Wendy Moretz

Director of Music

Donna Reid

Youth Coordinator:

Candy Millsaps

Children’s Coordinator:

Nancy Johnson

ASC/SDC Director:

Kathy Travis

CDC Director: Summer Eldreth

Administrative Council

Chairman: Max Watson

Service Times:

Sunday

Coffee Social 8:30am

Sunday School 9:00am

Worship Service 10:00am UMYF 5:00pm

Page 1/February 2019 The Epistle

Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time

of calamity. (Proverbs 24:16)

Many people I know make New Year's Resolutions. They vow to exercise more, eat right,

lose weight, quit that bad habit, get out of debt, to put God first, stay pure, and so on. But

what do you do if you fail and falter in your New Year's Resolution and it is only January

31st? What then?

I know what lots of people do. They beat themselves up with guilt and shame. They tell

themselves what a loser they are. They heap condemnation on their heads and walk around in

defeat mode. That is not the thing God wants us to do when we fail.

Proverbs 24:16 is a great verse to help you and me when we falter in our well-intentioned

resolutions or commitments to God. Look at it again - For a righteous man falls seven times,

and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Notice that God says "a righteous man falls seven times." Even the righteous person, even

the one who desires to do right and please God; falls, and fails, and blows it - not once or

twice, but seven times (over and over and over again).

Now the devil will tell you when you fall, "Give up, you bum! Throw in the towel and

quit!! You will never walk in victory over this anger, this worry, this bitterness, this lust, this

greed, this addiction, this whatever. You are a loser and a failure and a major disappointment

to God." Have you ever heard those words play in your head? Well, the good news is this:

"The devil is a liar and the father of lies."

When we fall, God never says, "Give up," God says, "GET UP! RISE AGAIN! Confess

that sin. Get it out of your heart and under My blood. Take my hand and let's walk togeth-

er. Keep looking to me, and we WILL slay this giant in your life."

My friends, you and I do not have the power to change our hearts, but God does. God can

change your sinful desires. God can give you a heart that beats for Him and His righteous-

ness. God can clean you up and set you on a path of joy and peace and victory. The little po-

em says, "I can't. He never said I could. He will. He always said He would."

If you have fallen, will you quit beating yourself up and start looking up? Will you open

your eyes and see a Savior who loves you, who has a nail-scarred hand stretched out to you,

who says to you, "Will you take my hand and walk with me?" What is your answer to Him?

As we roll into February we know that the weather can be uncertain. Yet, we make our

plans knowing they might change. Other than our normally scheduled activities for the

month, we have a few special events and meetings to mark on your calendar. On Tuesday,

February 5 the Staff Parish Committee will meet to do staff evaluations, and then on Monday,

February 18 we will meet briefly with each staff member to discuss their evaluation and re-

ceive their comments. We have a fun event planned for Saturday, February 16 when the Unit-

ed Methodist Men have planned our annual “Sweetheart Banquet.”

As always I want to remind you to continue to pray for those on our collective prayer list,

and also remember to pray for the pastor and staff of your church.

Love in Christ, Pastor Dale

The Epistle Page 2/September 2005

Page 2/February 2019

SWEETHEART

BANQUET SPONSORED BY

THE UMM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 6:00PM

The menu will consist of baked chicken,

baked potato, salad, roll and a drink. The price for the meal is by monetary donations

as God lays upon your heart. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite dessert to share. Also, there will be some special entertain-

ment throughout the evening. A signup sheet is posted on the hallway bulletin board for

planning. Hope to see you there!

***********************

CUB SCOUT SUNDAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10

We will have as our special guests our own Mt Bethel Cub Scout Pack 275 during our 10:00am Worship Service. Several young scouts with their families and friends in

attendance will receive their

“God & Country Awards”. Following the service as our special guest in the fellowship hall, there will be a

Hotdog Luncheon for everyone honoring the scouts and their commitments.

MT BETHEL UMC

CONFIRMATION

CLASS

SUNDAY, MAR 3 2:00PM

Any youth interested in attending

Confirmation Class please let Pastor

Dale know by Sunday, February 17. The

class will begin on Sunday, March 3 at

2:00PM and will run for about 6 weeks.

The first class will be for students, par-

ents and mentors from 2-2:30pm and

then the students from 2:30-4:00pm (and

each following Sunday). The class will

study about our faith in God, the

history of the church, Christian

discipleship and topics about

Christian life.

God’s Kids Club I really like snow; it is so beautiful falling from the sky.

It looks like a big white fluffy blanket when it accumu-

lates on the ground. It is just so quiet and peaceful. Then

here come the snowplows and vehicles.

The God Kid's Club (GKC) was scheduled to meet Janu-

ary 13th, but had to reschedule because of icy conditions

to January 20th. We started with tearing apart clothespins

while our hot dogs cooked. We tore clothespins apart to

reconstruct the pieces into a snowflake. Yes, a beautiful

white snowflake. After we finished one side of the snow-

flakes, we enjoyed hot dogs, chips, juice and brownies.

After lunch we finished the snowflakes and then talked

about how snowflakes are formed. We learned that no

two snowflakes are alike just like people - no two persons

are alike. God made each person different and each snow-

flake different.

I suggested to the kids to hang up their snowflakes at

home in hopes that it will snow again this winter. Let it

snow, let it snow, let it snow!

THANKS to Megan Spainhour for helping with the

January GKC meeting.

The next GKC will be Sunday, February 10th right after

worship in the parlor. I hope to see all of God's Kids there

and bring a friend or two.

Nancy Johnson, Children's Coordinator

The Epistle

Page 3/February 2019

Easter Cantata

Practice

Begins

February 10

UMM’s Sweetheart Banquet

The UMM’s Fellowship will be hosting their

annual Sweetheart Banquet on Saturday evening,

February 16th at 6:00pm in the church fellowship

hall. The menu will consist of baked chicken, baked

potato, salad, roll and a drink. The price for the meal

is by monetary donations as God lays upon your

heart. Everyone is asked to bring their favorite des-

sert to share. Also, there will be some special enter-

tainment throughout the evening. A signup sheet is

posted on the hallway bulletin board to get a possi-

ble headcount for those planning to attend. Hope to

see you there!

Sunday, February 10th will be Cub Scout Sunday

where several of the scouts will be receiving their

“God & Country” awards. Following our Worship

Service, we will be hosting our Cub Scout Pack for

a hotdog luncheon in the fellowship hall.

Our next regular UMM’s Fellowship Gathering is

scheduled for Sunday morning, March 10th at

7:00am in the fellowship hall for breakfast, devo-

tions, fellowship and seeing where God leads us. All

New Life Thrift Store News

Our New Life Thrift Store will open at our new location

on Saturday, February 2nd at 10 am. We are so excited about

this new beginning and all the increased square footage we

will have. The blessings keep pouring into this ministry

through time, talent and donations. So many hands have

come together to get our new store ready. Thank you to eve-

ryone for your faith-filled support. We can now accept furni-

ture donations by appointment. Call the store at 598-0717 to

schedule an appointment or text pictures to 252-422-2900.

We will be hosting a grand re-opening celebration on Satur-

day, March 9th. More details will follow but don’t wait until

then to visit and shop at our beautiful new store. We are open

Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 am - 4 pm and Thursdays,

12 pm – 6 pm. If you can volunteer in the store, please con-

tact Holly Campbell at 598-0707. Each volunteer shift is

only 3 hours and with a larger sales floor more volunteers

would be helpful to better serve our community.

We are all just single drops, but together we are a full vessel. With Faith, Hope and Love as our mission, The Mt. Bethel UMW and New Life Thrift Store Volunteers

INCLIMATE WEATHER

CLOSING NOTICE

In case of bad weather this win-ter we just wanted to remind

everyone to watch WSOC-TV for church closing or delays.

The Epistle Page 4/February 2019

UMYF

The UMYF enjoyed a fun trip to

Gatlinburg, TN for Xtreme Winter.

Talk about an awesome weekend of worship with over

3,000 brothers and sisters in Christ. I think the kids had a

good time. They enjoyed our late night trip to The Waffle

House and a mid-night dip in the pool too.

Our devotions during the month of January were fo-

cused around friendships and giving our best self to oth-

ers. We had a lot of great discussion and enjoyed some

tasty snacks as well.

Here’s what’s coming up in February

Feb. 3rd: We will feed the homeless after church and

then enjoy bowling and lunch.

Feb. 10, 17, 24 regular meeting and devotions

Our regular meetings are held every Sunday at 5pm in

the fellowship hall. All middle school and high students

are welcome.

Peace of Christ, Candy

JOY (Just Older Youth)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4

10:30AM

JOY will meet in the fellowship hall

Bring a Covered dish and a friend !

PACK 275 NEWS

February is an important month for Cub Scout-

ing. We will show our dedication and duty to God

during our yearly Scout Sunday event. This year

Scout Sunday we be on February 10th. Also, the Cub

Scout program was originally developed during the

month of February. We will celebrate the beginning

of Cub Scouts by having our yearly Blue and Gold

Banquet at the end of the month.

A Valentine Prayer I said a Valentine prayer for you

and asked the Lord above to fill your heart and bless your soul

With the precious gift of love.

I asked Him for sincere love The kind that's meant to stay

Just like the generous love You give to those you touch each day.

I prayed for love from family

And from every cherished friend Then I asked the Lord to give you

His love that knows no end.

UMW NEWS The United Methodist

Women met in the parlor of the church on January 14, 2019 at 6:30 with 21 members present. Judy Sipe, President called the meeting to order. She open the meeting with prayer from the prayer cal-endar and also for requests. Barbara Hefner had the devotions “Be Kind When Possible and Be Nicer in 2019”. Our program, presented by Nancy Johnson was Prayer and Self Denial. Building a Thriving genera-tion of children and youth worldwide. She used the 1988 and 2019 program book. A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is an opportunity for women to reflect on the gospel of Christ and make an offering that helps sustain ministry around the country and the world. Every year, United Methodist Women mem-bers participate. In response to God’s love and grace, offerings collected support worthy initiatives that relate to each year’s mission focus. The mission focus for 2019 is "Building a Thriv-ing Generation of Children and Youth Worldwide," which provides an opportunity for United Methodist Women members to learn more about the difficult circumstances children and youth face at home and abroad. All offerings received from A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial observance this year will go to programs that promote well-being and equal opportunities for children and youth in need. For 150 years, United Methodist Women members and their foremothers have advocated for children and youth around the world. Holly Campbell asked everyone to sign up for the training for the Thrift store. Some new projects were discussed for fund raisers. One was a new cookbook. A new directory for the UMW is planned. UMW Sunday was planned. Roberta Walker, Mission Coordinator, Mission Education and Interpretation will be the speaker. Jennifer our resident from J Iverson Riddle Developmental Cen-ter passed away last month. We have requested a new resident. Pat Watson and Elvena Whitener provid re-freshments. Respectfully submitted by: Carolyn Speagle

Page 5/February 2019

The Epistle

SAVE THE DATE — UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR … MARCH Sunday, March 3 UMYF feeding the homeless Confirmation Class begins 2:00-4:00PM

Monday, March 4 JOY Meeting 10:30AM

Tuesday, March 5 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper sponsored by UMYF 6:00PM

Wednesday, March 6 Ash Wednesday Service 7:00PM

Sunday, March 10 1st Sunday in Lent/Daylight Saving Time Begins UMM 7:00AM GKC 11:30AM

Confirmation Class 2:30-4:00PM Adult Choir Practice 4:30PM Lenten Renewal Service 6:00PM

Monday, March 11 UMM sponsored American Red Cross Bloodmobile 3:00-7:30PM

Tuesday, March 12 Worship Committee 7:00PM Thursday, March 14 Childcare Ministry Comm Mtg 6:30PM

Sunday, March 17 2nd Sunday in Lent Confirmation Class 2:30-4:00PM Adult Choir Practice 4:30PM

Lenten Renewal Service 6:00PM

Tuesday, March 19 VOW Committee Meeting 7:00PM

Sunday, March 24 3rd Sunday in Lent Confirmation Class 2:30-4:00PM Adult Choir Practice 4:30PM

Lenten Renewal Service 6:00PM Administrative Council Meeting 7:00PM

Monday, March 25 Missional Network Meeting at Liberty UMC 6:30PM

Sunday, March 31 4th Sunday in Lent Confirmation Class 2:30-4:00PM Adult Choir Practice 4:30PM

Lenten Renewal Service 6:00PM

APRIL

Monday, April 1 10:30AM JOY Meeting ??? Sunday, April 7 1 5th Sunday in Lent UMYF feeding the homeless Confirmation Class 2:30-4:00PM

Adult Choir Practice 4:30PM Lenten Renewal Service 6:00PM

Tuesday, April 9 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00PM Thursday, April 11 Childcare Ministry Comm Mtg 6:30PM

Sunday-Saturday April 14-20 Holy Week

Sunday, April 14 Passion/Palm/Confirmation Sunday, Procession of Palms 10:00AM Worship

Children’s Community Easter Egg Hunt/Activities 3-5PM Easter Cantata (subject to change) 6:00PM

Tuesday, April 16 VOW Meeting 7:00PM

Thursday, April 18 Holy Thursday Worship 7:00PM Friday, April 19 CDC Closed, Good Friday Service 7:00PM

Sunday, April 21 Sunrise Service @ Bethlehem Church of God-speaker Rev. Dale Bost 6:30AM

Easter Service/Flower Cross @ Mt Bethel 10AM

Monday, April 22 CDC Closed

Sunday, April 28 Children’s Sunday SS/Worship @ Mt. Bethel Cook-Out/Recreation at Bethlehem Park after worship

PRAYER LIST “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God” IIl Health—Cort Hollar, Phyllis Miller, Michele Rodriquez, Gary Woods, Carolyn Sell, Angela Wise’s father, Zoe Ferguson, Wes

Starnes, Bob & Helen Steele, Steve & Carolyn Bolick, Barry & Holly Whitesides, Shannon Bolick, Diane Fox, Michele Kish, Rosa-

lie Johnson (Mel Cofer’s mother), Sarah Moretz, Brittany Fox, Adalynn Mitzel, Doris Carrigan, Jill Teague, Diane Rogers, Jamie

Teeters, Macie Greene, Hazel Hubbard, Savanna Sigmon, Michael McKinney, Susan McLaughlin, Brenden Flowers, Betty Cline,

Taylor Baker, Jennifer Bass, Lala Seagle, Wayne Martin, Jane Pope, James Greer, Mabel Gabor, Nancy Smith

Home Members—Emily Armstrong, Mae Teague, Helen Sigmon, Allene Starnes, Susan Sigmon

Cancer—Christin Gates, Marshall Rudisill, Barbara Faulk, Jillian Woodring, Beth Wheeling, Abi Mecimore, Doug Stone, David

Shugart, Kevin Fox, Clay Wells, Bill Hefner, Eddie Warren, Roger Johnson, Tonya Teague, Farrah Hefner, Tayne Lackey, Linda

Phelps, Hallie Hefner, Doris Kohnle, Zona Dirks, Rev Dale Faulkenbury, Lisa Anderson, Cindy Shepherd, Mark Bolick, Richard

Puett, Tracy Lambert, Gail Sprouse, Adelle Karen Cofer, George Bowman, Jan Minyard

General Concern—Becky, Lexie & Jackson Ward, Lori Love, Steve Joyce, Rachel, Chris Starnes, Danny Bordner, Lindsey & Ann

Kirby, Neil Curtis Barnett, Kevin & Angie Barber, Greta Bowman, Eric Speagle, Mary Ruth Lit-

tle, Krista Holcombe, Stephine Baker, Kathy Brady, Antoionette Wilson, Thrift Store Move &

Mission, Marty, Christy & Faith Burch

Military—Ernest Jones, Logan Miller, Blaze Carswell, Colonel Neil Khatod, Jordan Hill, Amber

Keenan

Surgery & Recovery—Larry Bolick, Ricky Baker, Reba Reinhardt, Debbie Powell

Deaths—Families of Janet Walker, Gerald Williamson

4 Jeff & Megan Spainhour

9 Ray & Beth Prewitt

Allen & Jennifer Boliek

26 Jimmy & Sylvia Evans

27 Timothy & Amelia Swenby

Todd & Rita McAuley

29 Ben & Lisa Bullard

Page 6/February 2019 The Epistle

AMERICAN RED CROSS

BLOOD DRIVE Sponsored by the UMM

January 14, 2019

32 UNITS WERE COLLECTED

Thanks for the gift of life!!!

Next Blood Drive will be

March 11, 2019 3:00-7:30PM

FEBRUARY

BIRTHDAYS

1 Sarah Watson

3 Taylor Baker

4 Chasity Stamey

5 Denise Harrill, Jonah Bostian,

Jackie Starnes, Logan Miller 6 Erica Fox, Emily Wallace

8 Allie Little, Lynne Martin

9 Jennifer Boliek, Melinda Coleman

10 Elvena Whitener

12 Katherine Crawley

13 Gary Bowman, Ricky Baker

14 Joyce Clark, Bill Jones

15 Candy Millsaps

16 Pat Benson, Nancy Flowers

17 Katelyn Banks

18 Rev Steve Johnson

19 Marie Starnes

20 David Moretz, James Moretz

21 Alexis Bowman, Hope Bolick

22 Alton Bowman, Ryan Spencer

23 Kyle Icard

25 Frank Holder

26 Mark Atwood, Carol Teague,

Marilyn Rand 27 Steve Starnes, Mae Teague, Michael Warren

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

**“Christmas Star” donations totaled

$510 going to the Mt Bethel UMC

Maintenance Fund!

**Proceeds of $1858.75 have been

received from the 7TH ANNUAL

BETHLEHEM, ALEXANDER COUNTY CROP

WALK held on OCTOBER 14, 2018 and

will be distributed as follows: Good Samaritan Food Pantry $762 BMA Food Voucher Program $520.75

CCM of Taylorsville $279

Rotary Club Backpack Program $297

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR

BOTH OF THESE FUNDRAISERS!!!

NEXT….. BETHLEHEM

COMMUNITY

SING

Where: MT BETHEL UMC

When: SUNDAY, MAY 19

Time: 6:00PM

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Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church 9042 NC HWY 127 Hickory, North Carolina 28601

Return Service Requested

Western North Carolina Conference

Title: The Epistle

Date: FEBRUARY 2019

Issue: Volume 24 Issue 2 Published: Monthly with Exceptions

By: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church

9042 NC HWY 127 Hickory, NC 28601

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church

“Our Mission Statement”

“The mission of Mt Bethel United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor. We

believe that the heart of Christian ministry is Christ’s ministry of outreaching love. Together, we seek to be the expression of the mind and mission of Christ by living our daily lives in light of our

relationship with God.”