Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
Message from the Minister

May is National Foster Care Month

James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress."
    May is National Foster Care Month. Please search out Mt. Bethel Foster Parents, give them a hug and express your sincerest gratitude and thanks for what they are doing and the sacrifices they make for the benefit of Cobb County's foster children. Our foster parents are truly changing lives.   
    The Mt. Bethel Foster Family Ministry was started in 2007 in order to place foster children in loving, nurturing, Christian homes and church communities; and to give them the confidence and faith to thrive with whatever life sends their way. So far, we have had 50 children in 17 Mt. Bethel homes - some for a few weeks, most for a few months, some for longer. They range in age from newborn to 16 years. And as our ministry grows, we have had the joy of seeing two Mt. Bethel families adopt their foster children - and two more families are on the road to adoption!  In addition, well over 200 Mt. Bethel members have helped our foster families as part of our Community of Care.
    We have had a significant impact in these children's lives. But we can do more. We must do more. Please consider taking one of these children into your home and into our church community. Or, if you can't help raise a child in your home, please consider "raising your hand" to help our foster families.  
    Mt. Bethel and its partner, FaithBridge Foster Care, have a unique approach to foster parenting, one that involves the whole church in a Community of Care to help raise these kids and support the families who foster them. There are many ways to be part of the Foster Family Ministry:

·    Welcome a child into your home.
·    Help out a foster family with homework assistance, babysitting, sharing your talent with a child, or other outings or activities.
·    Support our foster kids in regular church activities like Sunday School, camps, sports and music activities.
·    Provide meals for new foster families, or help them with clothes, school
    supplies, or other special needs (a great project for a Sunday School or Circle).
·    Pray for our foster children and their families.

Fostering makes a difference in the Kingdom of God - with the foster children, with their families and with your family. Fostering has enriched the lives of every member of every foster family. The foster children have brought love, joy and laughter into Mt. Bethel homes and taught us all what it means to "carry each other's burden."  
    Come to an orientation on Sunday, May 16, 12:30-2:30pm at the Mt. Bethel Community Center (formerly the Older Adult Center) and learn how fostering can change lives . . . both the foster children and yours. Lunch will be provided, and we have child care. You can register online or just show up. For more information, call Wayne Stolz at 770-565-7521.
                    Wayne Stolz
                    Chair of Mt. Bethel's Foster Care
Worship Services This Week

Chapel Service
8:15am in the Chapel
"What?": Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe
Luke 4:18

Sanctuary Service
9:30 & 11:00am in the Sanctuary
Rev. Jody Ray

Encounter (Contemporary) Service
11:00am in the Fellowship Hall
"Spring Up O Well": Rev. Diane Parrish
I John 10:10b & Philippians 4:7

St. Philip UMC
11:00am at St. Philip UMC
"What?": Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe
Luke 4:18

"Surf's Up" Children's Worship (grades K-2)
11:00am in the Basement of the F Building
"Protector Man!"
Acts 12:1-8

"The P.O.D." Children's Worship (grades 3-5)
11:00am in the Upper Room
"Angels, Angels Everywhere"
Acts 12:1-18

God's Garden Worship (Ages 3 (9/01/09) through Pre K)
11:00am in A35
Church News

Please visit mtbethel.org for more details about our ministries, programs and events. If you are visiting Mt. Bethel for the first time, please stop by the Visitor Information Booth. There you can find information about Children's Worship, Nursery & Sunday School options. If you wish to become a member or would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please contact our Membership Office at 678-560-7226.

Welcome New Members:
Ed Addison & Kay Deming, 19 Peppertree Ct, Marietta 30068, 770-578-0835;
Judy Anderton, 3238 Rangers Gate, Marietta 30062, 770-971-1105;
Nancy Banister, 1705 Roswell Rd #15, Marietta 30062, 678-548-9706;
Trey, Jennifer & Addie Eiland, 3298 Lantern Coach Ln, Roswell 30075, 770-518-6064;
Kris, Kelly & Lexi King, 811 Ashley Ln, Canton 30115, 770-479-1992;
Steve McGuiness & Kristen Weaver, Erin & Megan McGuiness and Isaac & Erica Weaver,             3981 Camrose Pl, Marietta 30062, 770-578-9369;
Laurie, Faith, Lily & Violet Rashidi-Yazd, 1657 Wood Thrush Way, Marietta 30062,
    770-321-7876;
John, Lori, Hunter & Erin Ray, 3633 Longfellow Trl, Marietta 30062, 404-725-0326.
Susan & Merritt Sinclair, 4127 Christacy Way, Marietta 30066, 678-354-7531.

Do you want information about the planned Mt. Bethel's Courtyard (Columbarium) and Memorial Walk ? The Courtyard will be located on the north side of the Sanctuary  with vaults for urns containing cremated ashes. Each niche holds two urns. The Memorial Walk is inside the Courtyard. Memorial bricks may be purchased. Stop by the Chapel on Wednesday night, May 5, between 6:00 & 7:00 to see the plans and begin the process of reserving a niche. For more information, please contact Gale Koven - 678-560-7450.

Writing That Special Letter to Someone You Love - Monday, May 3, May 10 & May 17, at 7:00pm in B118 - Expressing your deep feelings to someone you love is very important, whether it be your spouse or your child. They need to know how you feel. So take this opportunity to learn how to say it. Jody Noland will lead this group. For more information, please call Wil Parker: 678-560-2801.

The Women's Cancer Support Group is celebrating its 1st anniversary on Tuesday, May 4, at 7:00pm at Ritter's Restaurant. We meet on the first Tuesday night of the month at 7pm (normally at the Community Center). For more information, please contact Ruth Young at 770-509-7612.

Please join us for the National Day of Prayer service on Thursday May 6 from 6:30-8:00pm in the Chapel. The theme for this year is "Prayer for Such a Time as This" and is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." We will pray for our Government, Military, Media, Businesses, Education, Churches and Families.

The M&M containers with your quarters are due. Please return ASAP. Thank you for your prayers and support for our youth choirs!
 
Celebrate National Scrapbooking Day with the Scrapbook Ministry's All Day Crop in B118 on Saturday, May 1, from 9:00am to 9:00pm. The crop is $25 which is donated to Mt. Bethel's children's ministry for their programs.  Registration is required. Contact Julie at scrapbookministry@gmail.com.  Please visit the Scrapbook Ministry online to obtain additional information.
 
Volunteers Needed for Vacation Bible School - What a wonderful opportunity for all Mt. Bethel members to participate - from children to senior adults! Our VBS sessions are June 7-11 from 12:30-3:30 and July 19-23 from 9:30-12:30. Sign yourself and your children up online. Teens need to fill out the form and turn it into Children's Ministry Department. We have fun learning how to live and love like Jesus. The Bible stories come to life for all of us as we go from station to station to have a hands on experience. Please call Dianne Hylton - 770-971-5074.

What if...you help a child grasp that God can guide their lives?
What if...tomorrow is today?
What if...this summer is your time to lead?
Don't miss your opportunity! We need you to volunteer twice this summer from May 31 through August 2 to:
     * Teach Preschool Sunday School
     * Teach Elementary Sunday School  
     * God's Garden
     * Camp SPLAT
     * Volunteer at June or July Vacation Bible School -
      June 7-11 12:30-3:30 and/or July 19-23 9:30-12:30
Contact Dianne Hylton - 770-971-5074 to sign up now.

Attention all World War II Veterans (and their Family & friends)- You, the Greatest Generation, will be honored, on the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Patriotic Concert to be held on Sunday, May 23, at 5:00pm. To properly do that, we want to know who you are. Anyone who served in uniform during any part of World War II - Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard - and Merchant Marines - including those who served here in the US and those who served overseas, are encouraged to identify yourself for us. You can stop by the church office and leave your name and branch of service in WWII, and how to contact you (e-mail, phone, or mail) or, you can e-mail Bob Babcock or you can mail him a note at PO Box 682212, Marietta, GA 30068. We encourage all church members to give us names of our living WWII church members (we'd rather get the same name ten times than to miss someone who deserves to be recognized).

Would you like to volunteer with the Georgia Special Olympics summer games at Emory University May 23? Rev. Kim McGarr is coordinating the volunteer list. Please contact her at kim.mcgarr@mtbethel.org.

Children's Ministry

Promotion Sunday is May 30! Every child currently in a 2-year-old - 5th Grade Sunday School Class will be promoted up to the next age level class. Postcards with room numbers will be mailed out by mid-May.  The new 2-year-old class (2 by 9/01/10) will not begin until August 8. Look for a registration letter in June.
 
Summer Sundays for Children - May 30 through August 1
3- (by 9/01/10) & 4-year-olds  - 9:30 & 11:00
Sunday School - 3's Lower C Hall & 4's Upper C Hall
God's Garden Worship Service - A 35 (under Sanctuary)
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
9:30 - Sunday School - 1st & 2nd Floor of F Building
11:00 - Camp Splat Worship Service - Basement of F Building

Preschool/Nursery

Does your preschooler like bugs, princesses, tumbling, art, music, science or Curious George? Check out our fun summer camps! All information and registration forms now available on the web or call the Preschool Office at 770-971-6812. All preschool age children welcome.

Music Ministry

July 12-16 Disney Junior - Jungle Book, Kids for rising 1st through rising 6th graders - 9:00am-1:00pm - For information, contact Sandra Chapman - 770-971-2730.

Student Ministry
 
Sunday, May 2 - Middle School Day|One meets from 9:15-10:40am in the Upper Room. Middle School Life groups meet from 5-6pm.  High School Day|One meets at 6pm in the fellowship hall for dinner and continues in the Upper room until 8pm. MS Rec Night is from 6-8pm. Join us for KWAR and Hopscotch.
 
Life Group Leader Appreciation Dinner - All Life Group leaders are invited Sunday, May 2, from 6:15-7:45 to a free dinner to celebrate YOU! Please RSVP to Shannon.
 
Infusion | June 20-25 |Open to all rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. This is a good old-fashioned camp with zip lines, lake, praise and worship, canoes, blob, devotions, slip n' slides, etc. Register onlineor pick up a form outside the Upper Room.
 
Sixers Retreat | June 1-3 |Open to all rising 6th Grade students. We'll be undertaking an "ATL remix" adventure by staying in Atlanta yet doing everything with a twist! Forms are outside the Upper Room or on the website.
 
Middle School Girl's Night In | June 29-30 |Open to all Middle School girls rising 6th thru 8th grade. Forms are outside the Upper Room.

Road Rules Registration is HERE! | July 13-16- Forms are in the Upper B Hall and on the website. Sign up now. There are only limited spots available for High School Students (rising 9th thru 12th).

Middle School Summer Mission Trip | July 10-17 | Tampa, FL
Open to all rising 7th thru rising 9th grade students. We'll be working with Team Effort in Tampa Florida doing light construction and working with children. Forms are outside the Upper Room or online. Registration is due June 1.

High School Student Life Beach Retreat | July 5-9 - Open to all rising 9th through rising 12th grade students. Sign up Now! There are limited spots available. Forms are available in the Upper B Hall or online.

College/Young Adult Ministry
 
Join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 am in the CAC for Bible study and discussion.

Recreation Ministry

Youth Spring Sports season-ending pizza parties and awards celebration begin Monday, May 10 and go through Saturday, May 15.
 
Youth Fall Sports registration begins Monday, May 10 for Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Soccer, Flag Football and Volleyball.

Registration continues for the following Summer Camps. Registration forms are available in the CAC.
SOCCER CAMP
June 1- 4, 9:00 - 12:30 (Tuesday - Friday), Co-ed Boys and Girls, Ages 4-12.
Mt. Bethel UMC, along with the Atlanta Silverbacks, will present our summer soccer camp. This camp focuses on teaching the correct execution of skills to prepare players for the next level. The fun competitions and individual attention will improve any player's skills.
 
BASEBALL CAMP
June 1 - 4, 1:30 - 5:00 (Tuesday - Friday) Boys Rising Kindergarten - 5th Grades.
Mt. Bethel UMC, along with Sports-A-Rama, will present our summer baseball camp. Camp instructors are comprised of former major and minor league players, current and former collegiate players and high school coaches. This camp will focus on players' mechanical and fundamental skills.
 
SPORTS CAMP I - Wait List Only
June 14 - 18, 9:00 - 4:30, (Monday - Friday) Rising 2nd - 5th Grades
SPORTS CAMP II - Wait List Only
June 21 - 25, 9:00 - 4:30, (Monday - Friday) Rising 2nd - 5th Grades.
Campers will be participating in the following: soccer, basketball, baseball, kickball, dodgeball, indoor rock climbing, etc. Some off-site activities include swimming, bowling, miniature golf, Stone Mountain and Red Top Mountain.
 
HOOPS CAMPS (Monday - Thursday)
I June 28 - July 1, 9:00-12:00, Co-ed rising 1st/2nd Grades
II June 28 - July 1, 1:30-4:30, Boys rising 3rd/4th Grades
III July 12 - 15, 9:00-12:00, Boys rising 5th - 8th Grades
IV July 12 - 15, 1:30-4:30, Girls rising 3rd - 8th Grades
Four-day camp focusing on fundamentals of the game - shooting, passing, dribbling and defense lead by our own Roger Kaiser (2-time All American for Ga. Tech, won three national championships as coach) and Mt. Bethel Christian Academy coaches Greg Hall, Melissa Sneed, Adam Sheffield and Brian Bergius.
 
VOLLEYBALL CAMPS
I July 26 - 28, 9:00 - 12:00 (Monday - Wednesday)Girls rising 4th - 5th
II July 26 - 28, 1:00 - 4:00 (Monday - Wednesday)Girls rising 6th - 8th
This 3-day camp lead by Mt. Bethel Christian Academy volleyball coaches Melissa Sneed and Brian Bergius will focus on the rules and fundamentals of volleyball while incorporating game play situations.

Missions Ministry

Thank You, Mt. Bethel! There has been a wonderful response to our West Virginia mission trips this year--so much so that we have added two more for a total of six teams which will be serving the needs of the severely poor in this Appalachia region of our own country. If you have a small group that would like to consider participating, contact Larry Armstrong for more details. Also, your generosity has resulted in our collection trailer being filled several times with clothing and household items. The need continues. Please pack your items in travel-ready boxes with the contents marked outside the box. And please be sure to put them inside the trailer and not outside the trailer on the parking lot. Do you know someone moving or having a garage sale? Ask them to consider donating items they no longer use which might be useful to, or brighten up the day of someone much less fortunate than we are.

Opportunities to Serve in Your Community:
The Garden - provide dinner
MUST Evening Laundry Duty
 
Prayer Ministry

"Voices United"- Join us on Thursday nights at 7:00 in B106 as we pray for every facet of the Church.

Aloha to Aging
 
Aloha To Senior Solutions: Family Care Support Service - Whether you are new to eldercare or dealing with care issues either locally or from a distance and are struggling with what direction to take, we are here to help. Care coaching is provided one on one or we can assist you facilitate care discussion with your family. Navigating aging services such as in home care, assisted living placement, medical and legal referral are areas that we can guide you. For more information please call Dawn at Aloha To Senior Solutions at 678-777-7241.
     
Our Faithfulness

Offerings Received last week -- $155,624
Offerings Received this fiscal year -- $6,963,692
Fiscal year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010.
Offerings Needed to Date - $6,240,499

Stewardship Campaign Pledge Update - We have received 1,175 pledge cards totalling $6,979,541.  Our current operating budget is $8.3 million.

Easy Ways of Giving to Mt. Bethel: We have the ability to receive your donations in several different ways: ACH Debits through your checking or savings account; we accept all credit cards; Online Giving - go to mtbethel.org, click Online Giving, and follow the instructions; and Electronic Stock Transfers. If you need further assistance, please call Gale Koven at 678-560-7450.

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

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Emmett Sellars, now living in the Father's House.
We extend Christian sympathy to Randy, Cindy, Rachel, Cody & Kyle Hudon in the loss of Cindy's mother, Sue Corey; to Louise Sellars in the loss of her husband, Emmett Sellars; and to Jane Miller in the loss of her mother, Martha Johnson. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.
Where the Action Is

Sunday, May 2
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 Worship - 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
11:00am God's Garden - A35
12:15pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
12:15pm Charge Retreat Training - F011
12:15pm Healing Service - Chapel
3:00pm Middle School Bells - A25
4:00pm Crossfire Choir & Drama - A18
4:00pm Senior High Handbells - A25
4:30pm Adult Bible Studies
5:00pm One A-Chord Choir & Drama - A18
5:00pm Student Ministries Middle School Life Groups
6:00pm Day One - Fellowship Hall
6:00pm Patriotic Concert Rehearsal - A18
8:00pm High School Life Groups - Upper B Hall
 
Monday, May 3
9:30am Bible Studies
10:00am Zingers Choir - A18
5:00-10:00pm Spring Sports League - "Fields of Dreams"
6:00pm Adult Bowling League at Brunswick Lanes
6:00pm Aloha to Aging Support Group for Caregivers - Community Center
6:30pm MBCA Awards Banquet - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm "Writing Special Letters to the Ones You Love" - B106
7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 - Scout Meeting Hall
 
Tuesday, May 4
7:30am Middle School Tuesday Morning Breakfast - CAC & Fellowship Hall
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:30am Bible Studies
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am AARP Driver Safety Training - B118
10:00am Knitting Angels - B109
11:00-1:30pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room
5:00-10:00pm Spring Sports League - "Fields of Dreams"
6:15pm McDaniel Ringers - A25
6:30pm Bible Studies
7:00pm Women's Cancer Support Group - Ritter's Restaurant
 
Wednesday, May 5
9:30am Bible Studies
10:00am Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
10:00am MOPS Crafter's Corner - F001
11:00am Beginner Ringers - A25
11:30am Bulletin Committee - B116
3:52pm iPraise 352 Club Children's Choirs - Sanctuary
4:00pm weePraise - F011
4:30pm Knitting Angels - B109
4:45pm Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
5:00-10:00pm Spring Sports League - "Fields of Dreams"
5:15pm iPraise Music Week Auditions - A23
6:00-7:00pm Courtyard & Memorial Walk Information - Chapel
6:00pm Choir Practice for 9:30 service
6:00PM Camp SPLAT - F011, F005
6:00pm Student  Ministries Apostle Classes - Upper B Hall
6:30pm Bible Studies
6:30pm Divorce Recovery Support Group - H House
6:30pm Eight Core Values of Christian Leadership - F026
7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
7:00pm Orchestra - Sanctuary
 
Thursday, May 6 - National Day of Prayer
Chapel Open for Prayer
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am AARP Driver Safety Training - B118
9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001
5:00-10:00pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
5:30pm 0K for Youth Mentor Meeting - F015
6:30pm National Day of Prayer Service - Chapel  
 
Friday, May 7
6:15am Friday's Faithful - B112
7:00am Charlie Oates Men's Bible Study - Community Center
7:30am Rock Eagle Men's Group - B106
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
5:00-10:00pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
6:00pm Cyphers/Phelps Rehearsal - Chapel
7:00pm MBCA Middle School Performance of "Annie" - Fellowship Hall
8:00pm "Holy Ground" Student Worship Service - Upper Room
 
Saturday, May 8
9:00am-9:00pm Spring Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
9:00am-6:00pm Thompson/Sheffield Softball Tournament - "Fields of Dreams"
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
10:00am Creative Movement Dance Recital - F011, F015
10:00am Extra Special Saturday Respite - Day Care Center
10:00am Memorial Service for Wallace Graves - Chapel
10:30am Flower Ministry - B118/119
3:00pm MBCA Middle School Performance of "Annie" - Fellowship Hall
5:00pm Cyphers/Phelps Wedding - Chapel
Marietta, GA
In This Issue
Minister's Message
Worship Services
News
Joys & Concerns
Where the Action Is
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