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Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
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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
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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"
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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.
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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
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