Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
Message from the Minister

"Gifts" of Persecution & Whole-Hearted Love

    In Brussels, over fifty percent of the babies born are Muslim. England today has more practicing Muslims than practicing Anglicans. Islam has become the largest religion, outside of Catholicism, in Europe. Pope John Paul II could fill any stadium in the world, but his papacy couldn't fill one church in Europe. It took several centuries to convert Britain to Christianity, but it has only taken forty years for the country to forsake it.

    Today, in America more children now recognize the golden arches than the cross. In today's culture, the church has become a scary place for the unchurched. The Bible is just a book in a drawer in a hotel room. Hollywood portrays devout Christians as being narrow-minded, mean-spirited, and just plain dumb when it comes to common sense.

    In our lifetime, it's become a holiday season, holiday tree and holiday greetings. It's no longer permitted in most city council meetings, and all government schools, to end a prayer with "in the name of Jesus Christ." How different this is from the America in which many of us were born; a world of blue laws, where stores closed on Good Friday from noon to three p.m., where calendars once marked Lent, and Holy Week has been "cleansed" as spring break. In today's culture, a Jew can be a Jew, a Buddhist can be a Buddhist, a Muslim can be a Muslim, but let a Christian be a Christian and watch the animosity break out!

    Many Christian leaders believe that the American culture has transformed the work of the church from being the caretaker of the Faith, to that of missionary in the Faith. In today's culture the church must understand that it needs to act missionally. This is not necessarily a bad thing.

    Consider that in China the "gift" of persecution has led the Church over the past fifty years to find resources from within that have moved Christianity from two million to eighty million Christians!

    Perhaps, the "gifts" God is allowing in this American cultural hurricane will strengthen, bless and enhance the bonds of love within every willing Christian family?

    Join us for a four-week sermon series entitled "Whole-Hearted Love" beginning Sunday, January 24. 

    I look forward to seeing you!
                        Randy
Worship Services This Week

Chapel Service
8:15am in the Chapel
"New Year's Revolution - Part 3 - The Blind Side": Rev. Carey Akin
Luke 4:8, John 9

Traditional Worship
9:30 & 11:00am in the Sanctuary
"True Parenting" - First in Series: "Whole-Hearted Love": Dr. Randy Mickler
2 Samuel 18:31-33

Encounter: Contemporary Worship
11:00am in the Fellowship Hall
"True Parenting" - First in Series: "Whole-Hearted Love": Rev. Jody Ray
2 Samuel 18:31-33

St. Philip UMC
11:00am at St. Philip UMC
"The Crops are Ready": Rev. Jon Ponders
Matthew 9:35-37

"Surf's Up" Children's Worship (grades K-2)
11:00am in the Basement of the F Building
"Find That Dog!"
Luke 4:14-21

"The P.O.D." Children's Worship (grades 3-5)
11:00am in the Upper Room
"Let the Teaching Begin!"
Luke 4:14-21

Day I One Middle/High Worship
9:15am in the Upper Room
"Wise Choices"
Church News

The faculty and staff of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy cordially invite you to attend an Open House on Sunday, January 24, at 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Following a brief presentation, you can visit classrooms and speak with teachers about curriculum and the impact of a Christ-centered education on children. Applications for the 2010/2011 school year are being accepted now. Questions? Call 770-971-0245 and ask for Rhea Adkins or Mary Clark.

Are you ready to GO? Or maybe the better question would be: is God calling you to go? Come and find out how you can be a part of a life-changing 2010 Short-Term Mission Trip. Join us Tuesday, January 26, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary for an Open House featuring our international and local mission trips. Any questions, contact Heather Wood - 678-560-7527.

Fashionable Friends has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 30, from 10:00-11:30am in F015. Tea &  muffins will be served. Because we have changed locations, we have limited seating. If you have tickets and cannot attend, please turn them into the book store for a refund then we can sell them to someone who can attend.  If you have any questions, please contact Kris Michaelides at 678-560-7427.
 
Meet the chaplain for the Atlanta Falcons, Jim Trapp, plus a Falcon player - Monday,  February 8, at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Jim was a defensive back for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, cornerback with the Clemson Tigers, and a member of the 1992 Olympic Team. The event is for the whole family with a tailgate menu - hamburger, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and soft drinks. $7 per person, $25 per family max.  Sign up online or buy tickets at the Bookstore.
 
If you are a visitor to Mt. Bethel, please join us on Sunday, February 21, for a lunch to learn more about our church and get to know our ministers. Join Dr. Randy Mickler and other members of our staff for a light lunch following the 11:00 service in the small dining room adjacent to the fellowship hall. Please contact Krista Young - 678-560-7226 to RSVP. We hope that you and your family will be able to join us. Nursery will be available.

Marriage Seminar - On Friday night, January 22, from 7:00 to 9:00 and Saturday morning, January 23, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Dr. Shawn Stoever will be at Mt. Bethel to kick off his newly released book, "The Wholehearted Marriage" (co-authored with Dr. Greg Smalley) in the Sanctuary for a two-day seminar. You can register online for only $50 per couple which gives you the two-day seminar and a copy of the new book. Scholarships are available (contact Rev. Diane Parrish).

Young Adult Ministry is a place for 18- to 30-year-olds to grow in a relationship with Christ and with one another through Study, Serving and Socializing. Join us in the CAC at 9:30 Sundays. Questions? Contact Gaylyn Kelly.

Living Water Bible Series - The Living Water Bible Series start dates have been moved back to Wednesday, January 27, at 9:30am and to Sunday, January 31, at 5:00pm. The study is written and presented by Rev. Diane Parrish.  This winter will be a study of the Books of James and 1 & 2 Peter. Registration forms are available online or in the Mt. Bethel Bookstore.

Mt. Bethel's Career Ministry meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month:
Tuesday, January 26 - Mt. Bethel's Career Ministry will discuss "Developing a Personal Brand" which is a key component of a successful job search. In today's job market, companies are looking for candidates who have clearly communicated who they are, what they are,  and the skills and knowledge that they bring to a perspective job. This session will provide a process and tools for job seekers to successfully position themselves and compete in today's challenging labor market. Resume review from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Program from 7:30 to 9:00 pm in F-011.
 
There are many dates available to purchase the altar flowers in honor or in memory of someone. In an effort to save money, on the dates the flowers are not purchased, we will place the silk ferns in the Sanctuary. If you want to reserve a date, please contact Debi Wyatt - 678-560-2437. The arrangements are $60 for one or $120 for both.

The Mt. Bethel Emmaus Community is gathering on Saturday, January 30, at the Community Center (former Older Adult Center) at 7:00pm for a dinner and informational get together. If you would like to learn more about the Walk to Emmaus and how you can bring a new dimension to your personal relationship with our Lord, please join us! We would love to share with you! Please email Barbara Lester or call her at 770-977-7280 so we can add you to our list. Want to be sure to have plenty of good food for all!  If you are already a member of our Emmaus Community, please remember to get your reservation in also!
 
Troop 1011 Annual Pine Straw Sale - The 24th Annual Boy Scout Troop 1011 Pine Straw Sale will be held on Saturday, March 6. The cost is $4.25 per bale with free delivery for orders of 10 bales or more. Orders of less than 10 bales can be picked up at the Church on the day of the sale. Orders must be placed by March 1. The order form can be found online. For additional questions, please contact George Welborn at 770-955-3209 or email questions to troop1011pinestraw@yahoo.com.  Troop 1011 thanks all of those who help the Boy Scouts by supporting this important fund raiser.

Children's Ministries
 
Born to Believe is a Sunday School Class at 11:00 in room F221 for children ages 5K - 5th grade.  We are using a rotation method of teaching which gives the children an opportunity to experience the lesson through cooking, art, storytelling, games, music, science, and movie.  If you have a child who might need a small class environment or you would like to help us teach, please contact Dianne Hylton with any questions or call 770-971-5074.

Divorce Care for Kids - Parents, if your child(ren) need support in helping them get through a divorce, please join us Wednesday nights, January 20- February 24 at 6:30 in Room F023.  We have trained facilitators to walk through the tough times. Call Dianne Hylton for more information 770-971-5074.
 
Student Ministry

DNOW Registration is ongoing. The current price is $85.  Forms are available outside the Upper Room and online, or you can register online.
 
Middle School Spring Breakaway - For the first time ever, we are taking a middle school trip during Spring Break.  April 5-8th we will head to Gatlinburg, TN for an action-packed retreat. While staying in a 13-bedroom mountain house with a heated pool, 3 game rooms, and 4 jacuzzis, we will also enjoy amazing worship, go carts, shopping, and indoor skydiving.  This trip is for MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ONLY. Registration is available online or you can pick up a form outside the Upper Room (Upper B Hall). Full payment is due March 7th. Only 40 spots available.
 
"To Save a Life" ticket info: Tickets are available to purchase from Mt. Bethel Student Ministries now! We'll have them at MS & HS DayOne, Apostle Classes, Disciple Classes, Tues Morning Breakfast and in the office from Shannon from 8:30-12:30 Monday-Friday! Remember they are $10 and if you buy one you get one free to invite a friend! You can choose Friday, January 22 at 7pm or Saturday, January 23 at 7pm. These are the only options right now!
 
High School and Middle School Day|One both meet this week - this month's theme is "Wise Choices."   Life Groups will also meet this week. Middle School from 5-6pm on Sunday Night. High School Life Groups meet throughout the week.
 
Please welcome Cary Farrington and Chad Gilbert to the Student Ministries Staff! They both started this past Sunday and can't wait to get to know everyone!

High School Seniors - Applications are now available for the 2010 Reverend and Mrs. Robert Infinger Scholarship Award. The $2500 scholarship is presented to a graduating male high school senior in recognition of his time, gifts, and service to Mt. Bethel UMC.  Download the letter of instruction and application online.  Deadline for submission to the Director of Men's Ministry is May 1, and it will be awarded at the Baccalaureate Service on May 16, 2010.
 
Recreation Ministry

Spring Sports Registration - Deadline is next Tuesday, January 26. Some leagues will fill up before the deadline so don't wait. Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Soccer, Flag Football or Volleyball. Stop by the CAC and register or go to mtbethel.org/rec to register online. For more information contact the Rec. Department at 770-971-5280.
 
Spring Sports Skills Evaluations - It is imperative for ALL players to attend a skills evaluation session (Pre-K leagues do not attend skills evaluations). Information from these sessions will be used in the team-building process. Evaluation times are posted on the recreation update at mtbethel.org/rec. Click on the sunshine icon.

Girl's High School Volleyball - Deadline Monday, February 1.  Play will be on Monday nights at 7:30 and 8:30. Please register your complete team with Melissa Sneed - 678-560-7438.
 
Women's Basketball - Deadline Monday, February 1. Recreational league play for women ages 19+ on Tuesday nights beginning at 7:30. Cross-court (4 on 4). You may register as a team or as an individual. For more information contact
Melissa Sneed - 678-560-7438.
 
Men's Basketball -  Deadline is Monday, February 8. Register your team with Adam Sheffield - 770-971-4299.
 
Fitness

Winter Fitness Series - Zumba, Boot Camp, Cardio Strength, Body Sculpting, Pilates, and Yoga.  It's never too late to join.  NEW this session Zumba Low - a lower intensity version of the popular Zumba class. Babysitting available for some classes. Go to mtbethel.org/fitness for a complete schedule or contact Caroline Booker at 770-971-5280 for more information.
 
Prayer Ministry

"Voices United" - Join us on Thursday nights at 7:00 in B106 as we pray for every facet of the Church. Also, stop by the desk in the CAC and pick up a laminated card detailing the prayer concerns of a specific ministry in the church. As you walk around the track or the walking path, pray for that ministry and return the card when your walk is complete.

Women's Ministry

To All Ladies Attending the Women's Retreat - Effective immediately, your packet of information for the retreat will be available on line at mtbethel.org/womensretreat. Please take the time to look at and print this important, time-sensitive information.  We will NOT mail packets this year (except to those few that do not have computer access).  In addition, if you would like a nursery reservation for Friday night of the retreat, please contact Debbie Ruth at 770-971-2588. 
       
Our Faithfulness

Offerings Received last week -- $54,308      
Offerings Received this fiscal year -- $4,813,449
Fiscal year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010.
Offerings Needed to Date - $4,208,709
Haiti Relief Offering -- $9,624

Weekend Minister on Call -- 770-354-5433
Our Joys & Concerns

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Wally Rohde, now living in the Father's House. The Paschal Candle also burns in honor of the baptism of Hudson Rebecca Lambert, daughter of Robert & Lisa Lambert; and Graham Cooper Lewis, son of Rob & Cathy Lewis.

Recently hospitalized: Gwen Dennis, Paul Jones, Al Miegel.

We extend Christian sympathy to Ken & Lisa Bass in the loss of Lisa's mother, Nancy Muller, and Ken's sister, Peggy Peplinski; and to Jane, Aaron, Adam & Meghann Sheffield in the loss of Aaron & Adam's grandfather, Herbert Longest.  May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

Congratulations to Steve & Cathy Franks on the birth of their granddaughter, Avery Faye Woods, daughter of Daniel & Christine Woods, on January 13, 2010.
Where the Action Is
 
Sunday, January 24
8:00-10:00am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:15am Worship Service - Chapel
9:30am Sunday School
9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary
9:30am God's Garden - A35
11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Sunday School
11:00am Encounter Contemporary Service - Fellowship Hall
11:00am Surf's Up Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders - F015
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3-5th Graders - Upper Room
12:15pm Triumphant Rehearsal - A18
12:15pm Children's Council - B109
12:15pm Student Ministries Life Group - B211
12:15pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee - B118
1:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
2:00pm Cub Scout Pack 121, Den 7 (Montgomery) - Scout Annex
3:00pm Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Open House - Sanctuary
3:00pm Middle School Bells - A25
4:00pm Crossfire Middle School Choir & Drama - A18
4:00pm Cub Scout Pack 121, Den 5 (Brown) - Scout Lodge
4:00pm Girl Scout Troop 2484 - B118
4:00pm Senior High Handbells - A25
4:00pm Cub Scout Tiger Den (Scout Annex)
4:30pm Disciple I (Parsons) - B116
5:00pm Disciple I (Cook) - F005
5:00pm Disciple IV (Vick) - F226
5:00pm Jesus in the Gospels Bible Study (Hiott) - F001
5:00pm One A-Chord High School Choir & Drama Rehearsal - A18
5:00pm Student Ministry Middle School Life Groups - B Hall & 3rd Floor F Bldg.
6:00pm Day One - Fellowship Hall
6:00pm Stephen Ministry Training - B115
8:00pm Student Ministries - High School Life Group - B Hall
 
Monday, January 25
7:30am Bolivia Men's Group - B112
8:15am MBCA Moms in Touch - F001
8:15am Pilates - Aerobics Room
8:30am Body Sculpting - Olympia Room
9:30am Disciple 4 (Boullain) - B106
9:45am Cardio Strength Class - Olympia Room
9:45am MOPS Bible Study - B112
10:00am Preschool Chapel - Chapel
10:00am Sallie Mae Wilson Circle - B116
10:00am Yoga Basics - Aerobics Room
11:15am Women's Retreat Committee - B118
11:30am Gentle Yoga - Aerobics Room
1:00pm Living Waters Facilitator Training - B112
1:00pm Memorial Service - Sanctuary
3:15pm Daisy Girl Scout Troop (Smith) - C101
5:00-10:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
6:00pm Adult Bowling League at Brunswick Lanes
6:00pm Yoga for Men - Aerobics Room
7:00pm Grief Support Group - B106
7:00pm High School Apostle Class - B207
7:00pm Men's Small Group - B112
7:00pm Power of a Praying Woman (Crane) - B118
7:15pm Twilight Twirlers - Aerobics Room
7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 - Scout Meeting Hall
7:30pm Men for Christ - B116
 
Tuesday, January 26
7:30am Middle School Tuesday Morning Breakfast - CAC & Fellowship Hall
8:15am Yoga All Levels - Aerobics Room
8:30am Academy Chapel - Sanctuary
9:00am Aloha to Aging Program - Community Center West
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:15am MBCA Middle School Chapel - Upper Room
9:30am Disciple I (Allphin) - B116
9:30am Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (McMichael) - B111
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:45am Preschool Chapel - Chapel
9:45am Mini Boot Camp - Aerobics Room
10:00am Knitting Angels - B109
10:00am Mothers of Preschoolers II - B118
11:00-1:30pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room
11:00am Zumba-Low - Aerobics Room
12:00pm Aloha to Aging Program - Community Center East
12:00pm ESL Lessons (Banks) - B111
12:00pm MBCA Teacher Appreciation Luncheon - Fellowship Hall
1:15pm Staff Devotions - Chapel
3:00pm Daisies Girl Scout Troop 2170 (Gaster) - D24/25
3:00pm Children's Dance Classes - D14/15
3:30pm Violin Lessons (Baxter) - A35
4:00pm Cello Lessons - C01
4:30pm Cantare Youth Choir - A18
5:00-10:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
6:15pm McDaniel Ringers - A25
6:30pm Articles of Religion Study (Fraser) - B118
6:30pm Career Ministry Resume Review & Networking - F015
6:30pm Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (McMichael) - B116
6:45pm Cub Scout Pack 121 Leader Meeting - Scout Hall
7:00pm High School Apostle Group - B207
7:00pm Missions Trip Information Meeting - Sanctuary
7:00pm Stephen Ministry Continuing Education - Chapel & B Hall
7:30pm Career Ministry - F011
7:40pm Advanced Ringers - A25
 
Wednesday, January 27
7:30am Life Group (Bain) - B112
7:30am Life Group (Maxwell) - B111
8:30am Body Sculpting - Aerobics Room
9:30am Breaking Free Bible Study - Upper Room
9:30am Disciple I (Stebbins) - H House
9:30am Bible Study (Combs) - B211
9:30am Living Waters Bible Study - Sanctuary
9:45am Pilates - Aerobics Room
10:00am Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
11:00am Beginner Ringers - A24
11:00am Bulletin Committee - B116
11:30am Gentle Yoga - Aerobics Room
1:30pm Bridge Club - Community Center East Room
3:52pm iPraise 352 Club Children's Choirs - Sanctuary
4:00pm Cello Lessons - C1
4:00pm weePraise - F011
4:45pm Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
5:00-10:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
6:00pm Camp Splat for Children - F Building basement
6:00pm Kingsmen Rehearsal - A24
6:00pm Small Group (Allphin) - B106
6:00pm Student  Ministries Apostle Classes - B207, B211
6:30pm Cultural Apologetics Class - Community Center
6:30pm Disciple 2 (Montgomery/Hutchings) - B111
6:30pm Disciple I (Quindsland) - F226
6:30pm Disciple IV (Boltin) - B112
6:30pm Divorce Care for Kids - F023
6:30pm Divorce Recovery Support Group - H House
6:30pm Executive Committee - Sr. Pastor's Office
6:30pm Financial Peace University (Malsky) - B116
6:30pm Invitation to Genesis Bible Study - B118
6:30pm Revelation Bible Study (Thomas) - B115
6:30pm VBS Bible Study - F001
6:45pm Disciple IV (Vick) - B109
7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary
 
Thursday, January 28
6:15am Men's Small Group (Smith) - B112
8:15am Yoga All Levels - Aerobics Room
9:30am Disciple II (Banks) - B111
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am Painting Classes - Community Center
9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001
9:45am Absolute Beginner Yoga - Aerobics Room
9:45am Mini-Boot Camp - Olympia Room
3:30pm Gentle Yoga - Aerobics Room
4:00pm Cello Lessons (Kenney) - C01
5:00pm Yoga All Levels - Aerobics Room
5:00-10:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
6:30pm Christian Believer (Miller) - B116
6:30pm Life Group - B211
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal for 9:30 Service - A23
7:00pm East Cobb Quilt Guild - F001
7:00pm High School Apostle Class - B207
7:00pm Men's Small Group (Vick) - B112
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
7:00pm Student Worship Band Rehearsal - Upper Room
 
Friday, January 29
6:15am Friday Faithful Men's Small Group - B112
7:00am Charlie Oates Men's Bible Study - Community Center
7:00am Men's Small Group at Ritter's
7:30am Men's Small Group - B106
8:30am Body Sculpting - Aerobics Room
8:45am Dutch Preschool - D10 & D11
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am VBS Bible Study - B119
9:45am Zumba Fitness Class - Aerobics Room
12:00pm ESL Lessons (Banks) - B111
3:30pm Violin Lessons (Baxter) - A24
5:00pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
5:00-10:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
6:30pm Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Middle School Dance - Fellowship Hall
 
Saturday, January 30
8:00am-9:00pm Winter Hoops League - Gym
9:00am New Member Class - B118
9:00am-9:00pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
9:30am Happy Tails Volunteer Training - F011
10:00am Fashionable Friends Program - F015
10:00am LTA Ladies Luncheon - Dining Room
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
7:00pm Walk to Emmaus Informational Dinner & Program - Community Center
Marietta, GA
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Where the Action Is
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