Mt. Bethel UMC - August 22, 2010

One of the objectives of the Church is to attract people who do not participate in the life of a church. New research from the Barna Group points out that most of the unchurched in America are proving to be a truly peculiar people.
   The Barna data indicates that 28% of the adult population has not attended any church activities, including worship, in the last six months. That translates to nearly 65 million adults. When their children under the age of 18 are added to the picture, the number swells to more than 100 million people.
   One of the most peculiar realities about the unchurched is that a large majority of them consider themselves to be Christian. In the United States, 83% of all adults label themselves "Christian." Several peculiar insights define the self-identified, unchurched "Christians." A majority of them, 53%, have distanced themselves from being either Protestant (30%) or Catholic (17%), although most all of them had at one time been associated with one of those groups.
   The devout Christians consider themselves to be "born-again," based upon the fact that they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important to them today. Two-thirds of the unchurched hold a Biblical view of God - He is all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe, and He still rules the universe today. Also, 35% of them agree that the Bible is accurate in the principles it teaches. Fifteen percent claim that their religious faith is very important in their life. Among the unchurched, 22% contend that the ultimate purpose of life is to love God with all their heart, mind, strength and soul. Peculiar! Also, 33% of the unchurched support the notions of salvation by grace alone, Jesus Christ living a holy and sinless life on earth, and Satan existing. Peculiar indeed! How can so many people believe in Christ but fail to follow through?!
   Perhaps now is a good time to follow through with your belief in Christ. Are you in a Life Group, a Bible study, choir, Sunday School, short-term mission, coaching a kid's team, etc., etc. Peculiar how many folks aren't.
                   See you Sunday,
                   Randy

Worship Services This Week

Chapel Service
8:15am in the Chapel
"The Calm in the Middle of the Storm": Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe
Psalm 23:2

Sanctuary Service
9:30 & 11:00am in the Sanctuary
"The Shepherd is Near, Relax" - Second in the "Navigating Life" series: Dr. Randy Mickler
Psalm 23:2

Encounter (Contemporary) Service
11:00am in the Fellowship Hall
"Beside Still Waters" - Second in the "Navigating Life" series: Rev. Carey Akin
Psalm 23:2

St. Philip UMC
11:00am at St. Philip UMC
"The Calm in the Middle of the Storm" - Second in the "Navigating Life" series: Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe
Psalm 23:2

Surf's Up (K-2nd Grade)
11:00am in F015
"God Provides"
Psalm 23:2

The P.O.D. (3rd-5th Grade)
11:00am in the Upper Room
"Father Knows Best"
Psalm 23:2

God's Garden Worship (Ages 3 (9/01/09) through Pre K) 9:30am & 11am 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:
Peggy Croft, 2390 East Piedmont Road, Marietta 30062, 770-971-2587;
Matt, Heather, Sophie, Alli & Will Parker, 63 Old Stonemill Road, Marietta 30067,
770-612-8048.

Join us in welcoming Pam Skelton as the Events Manger at Mt. Bethel UMC starting August 30. Pam has served as Director of Recreation for the past three years and has been on the Recreation staff for the past 12 years. We also welcome Rob Mickler as the new Director of Recreation. Rob, his wife Susan, and their two children Drew and Mason, are coming to us from Montgomery, Alabama. During this transitional period, Pam and Rob will be working together as the Recreation staff prepares for the upcoming season which has over 950 children participating. Please support Pam and Rob with your prayers and encouragement as they begin their new ministries at Mt. Bethel.

Mt. Bethel's Cub Scout Pack 121 is having a parent information and registration meeting on Sunday, August 22, at 3:00pm in the Scout Hut. Cub Scouting is open to all boys entering the 1st-4th grade. For more info, parents can visit their website or contact the cub master, Todd Pinniger - 770-579-9065.

Children's Consignment & Baked Goods Sale - Fellowship Hall - Friday, August 27 from 9:30am-7:00pm and Saturday, August 28 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Join us as 400 sellers consign children's clothing, toys, books, furniture & more. All proceeds go to support local and global missions to benefit families and children of all ages. Get the best deals in town on toys, children's, junior's & maternity clothing. Don't forget about the Boutique Section for your "finer" clothes. No strollers allowed on the sales floor Friday until noon. Loving childcare is offered for $3 per hour per child in the nursery on Friday morning. For more information, go to mtbethelCCS.com.

Our Wednesday Fellowship Dinners have resumed. Please join us for a great meal & fellowship on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. There are programs for both children, youth & adults on Wednesday nights. You can find more information along with the weekly menu at mtbethel.org/wnd.

The New Member Class is a short, informal gathering designed to help you get connected. This introduction to Mt. Bethel will clearly explain who & what our church is. We have several classes scheduled for the year: Saturdays, August 21, September 25 & November 13 (you don't have to attend all of these, just one). The class is from 9:00-11:00 in the Small Dining Room. Childcare is available. For more information or to register, contact Krista Downing - 678-560-7226.

Our Wednesday Fellowship Dinners have resumed. Please join us for a great meal & fellowship on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. There are programs for both children, youth & adults on Wednesday nights. You can find more information on our website.

Logistic Volunteers: Volunteers are needed on Sunday mornings in Preschool Sunday School (9:30 & 11:00am) to help deliver roll books, monitor the halls and help with supplies for the teachers. Please consider assisting in this area for one hour on Sunday. Email or call Janis Caverlee for more information to serve - 770-971-0668. Thank you!

Library - Volunteers are needed for our new book rooms. Please consider volunteering to serve in this area. Volunteers are needed on Mondays and Wednesdays between 3:00 and 6:00pm each week. Adult fiction and nonfiction are located in rooms B116 & B118 and the Children and Youth section is located in the entrance area to the Children's Education offices. Please contact Kibbie Jones - 678-560-7230 or Camille Auci - 678-398-9696.

Mt. Bethel's Library will be doing an inventory. Please return any books or DVD's you have so that everything can be cataloged.

Ushers are needed in all of our worship services. Prayerfully consider becoming involved in our worship services by serving in this manners. Ushers serve for a month at a time quarterly, and are needed at 9:30 and 11:00. Contact Kibbie Jones - 678-560-7230 to volunteer or if you have any questions.

Each week, Mt. Bethel's Flower Ministry takes the flowers that are donated for our Sunday Service and divides them into 4 or 5 smaller arrangements. These arrangements are then delivered to members of the church who may need a bit of a "pick-me-up." This is a small, quiet ministry that has touched so many families. We are looking for a few more volunteers to join in. Requirements are: time on Mondays once a month and a desire to bring a little joy (and flowers) to others. Please contact Kibbie Jones - 678-560-7230 to volunteer or for more information.
If you would like to purchase the altar flowers, please contact Debi Wyatt - 678-560-2437.

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy has an opening in the After School program. This is a part-time position with the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Responsibilities would include monitoring homework, supervising students on the playground and in the After School classroom. This is an ideal position for a high school or college student. For more information, please contact Suzanne Decker.

Have you printed your back-to-school photos? Saturday is a perfect time to crop them! Visit the Scrapbook Ministry's Saturday All Day Crop in B116 on Saturday, September 11, from 9:00am to 9:00pm. The crop is $25 which is donated to Mt. Bethel's children's ministry. Registration is required. Contact Julie at scrapbookministry@gmail.com. Please visit mtbethel.org/scrapbook for more information.

We are accepting vendor applications at this time for our 19th annual Ribbons & Holly Handcrafted Market Saturday, November 6. Applications and all information may be downloaded at mtbethel.org or vendors may contact Cindie Wertz at 770-973-6471.

Do you want information about the planned Mt. Bethel's Courtyard (Columbarium) and Memorial Walk?For more information, please contact Dan Boswell - 678-560-3259 or Gale Koven - 678-560-7450.

Pictorial Directory - Do you ever see people & wonder what their names are? Have you ever heard an announcement regarding a member & wished you could put a face with a name? Are you a new member & wish you had something to help you put names with faces? We are producing a pictorial family album! There is no cost to have your photographs taken, and you will receive a free 8x10 portrait & directory for participating. You will be able to view your images electronically immediately after photography. At that time, you will have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits to share with family & friends. Photography has started. Visit our website to schedule your appointment, visit the sign-up table on Sunday mornings or call Krista Downing at 678-560-7226. We look forward to seeing you!

"Diane and Friends" - Sunday, September 26, at 6:30pm in Mt. Bethel's Sanctuary - the Concert will be a play featuring friends from past concerts, including Lee Herring and Charlie Marus from Mt. Bethel, Thom & Nicole Gray from Due West UMC, and Tom & Mylinda Milley from Marietta FUMC. Come see the Camp Hope story like you've never heard it before! Fun for the whole family. No tickets necessary, a love offering will be taken.

Habitat for Humanity

Construction of Mt. Bethel's 28th & 29th Habitat Homes begins Tuesday, September 7. Volunteers are needed to build the homes - no experience required. Work days are Tuesday, September 7 through Saturday, September 11; Saturday, September 18; Monday, October 4 through Saturday, October 9; Saturday, October 16; Saturday, October 30 (dedication). Volunteers can sign up at the Habitat table on Sunday mornings in September or at mtbethel.org/habitat.

Our Habitat build starts September 7-11, 18 and October 4-9, 16 & 30. Who will feed the Habitat volunteers? Perhaps your business, small group, Bible study or Sunday school class? Each of those days there are from 15-30 volunteers we need to feed well so they can do the work we are called to do. So if you don't think you can't paint or hold a hammer, you can be a part of this incredible mission by serving those who can. Please call Sue Stone at 770-977-3273 to sign up for your date.

Children's Ministry

Life Groups are a great way for our upper elementary students to learn how to live their faith and grow in discipleship. Life groups are forming now for our 4th/5th grade girls God's G.I.R.LS. (Growing Identity in our Righteous Loving Savior) and 4th/5th grade boys - Fishers of Men. Life Groups for our 4th and 5th grade students meet at 6:30 pm in the Education Building on Wednesday nights. Contact Sherri Juliani for more information.

Student Ministry

MS DAYone | August 22 | 9:15-10:45am |Upper Room
Our middle school worship service is packed with crazy games, fun skits, engaging worship and relevant messages. Come join us every Sunday morning as we dig into the book of Matthew and see how God's Word applies to our lives.

HS Sunday School | August 22 | 9:30am | F011
Attention all high school students! Join us on Sunday mornings for fun, fellowship, Bible lessons and the occasional breakfast!

HS Sunday Mission Ops | August 22 | 9:30am
Mission Ops Training begins this week. If you haven't signed up or don't know where to go on Sunday, contact Lauren Eden.

MS Next Big Thing | August 22 | 6-8pm | On the Fields
Once a month we will have an exciting night planned just for our Middle School Students. Join us this Sunday night for Slip n' Slide. Wear your bathing suits (girls, one piece suit, please) and prepare to get wet!! It doesn't cost a thing and all you do is show up.

HS Collision | August 22 | 6-8pm | CAC
This is the second week for our Dodgeball Tournament. If you didn't make it last week, you can still add a team this week and be eligible for the $250 prize.

MS Tuesday Morning Breakfast | August 24 | 7:30am | CAC | Cost: $3
TMB is our Middle School outreach program on Tuesday mornings. Come join us for fun games in the CAC, a devotion, and an amazing breakfast before school. We'll provide breakfast and transportation to school for $3. This week, bring a friend for ice cream sundaes! Also, parents, we are expecting upwards of 300 students this week. Please come and help us serve them and get them to school. Contact Chad to volunteer.

Student Life Groups - Our small group environment, where students are paired with 6-8 other students and two caring adult leaders to do life together! Middle School Life Groups meet on campus on Sunday nights from 5-6pm. High School Life Groups meet on campus either on Sunday nights from 8-9pm or on Wednesday nights from 6-7pm. To sign up for a Life Group, visit mtbethel.org/lifegroups. Groups begin in September. Registration continues through August. High School Students: if your group is continuing this year, we still need you to sign up!

Tailgate Party at Pope High School | August 27 | 5:30-7:30pm
Join us before the game for games and giveaways. This is a great outreach opportunity and a way to share your faith on a school campus. You don't want to miss it.

High School Camping Trip | Sept 19-23
Registration is now open. Forms are online or outside the Upper Room. Contact Justin for more info.

College/Young Adult Ministry

This week: Acts 28! Our 6-month reading and studying of Acts comes to an incredible end, for now, this Sunday! Every Sunday morning 9:30, we meet in the CAC Aerobics Room. Bring your Bible, a friend and come discuss the Scriptures.

Life Group - now meeting Tuesday nights, 7:00-10:00pm. A Life group is a committed group to "do life together." The Tuesday night group includes 20 to 30 year-olds.This life group consists of college students and post college young adults. We are looking to see if there is interest in a young professional group to begin. Interested in joining or if you have any questions please contact Gaylyn Kelly.

Serving together - October 9, we will join the Habitat for Humanity build.

Women's Ministry

Beth Moore Live Simulcast/ Saturday, September 19 from 9am-5pm in the Sanctuary. Tickets available in the Mt. Bethel Bookstore or by registering on line at mtbethel.org/bethmoore.

Recreation Ministry

Youth Fall Sports Coaches Meetings - Tuesday, August 24. For all head and assistant coaches in the Olympia Room of the CAC.
5:30 - Volleyball & Flag Football
6:30 - Soccer
7:30 - Baseball, Softball, T-Ball

Team Coordinator Meeting - Wednesday, August 25 in the Olympia Room of the CAC.

Youth Fall Sports - Practices begin August 26 - August 28. Players will be notified by their coaches beginning Tuesday, August 24.

Coaches Clinics- Head coaches and assistant coaches, please come to one of the following free clinics and learn to teach your players the proper techniques and skills needed for a successful season.
Volleyball: Tuesday, August 24 from 6:15-7:15 (after the coaches meeting) at Mt. Bethel in the CAC.
Baseball/Softball/T-Ball: Saturday, August 28 from 8:15am - 10:00am at Sports-A-Rama presented by Sports-A-Rama.

Soccer: Saturday, August 28 - Leagues A, B, C, D, R, S (Pre-K - 3rd grade) from 8:30am - 9:30am; Leagues E & F (4th - 6th grade) from 9:30am - 10:30am at Mt. Bethel Fields of Dreams presented by the Atlanta Silverbacks organization. (If rain, it will be in the Gym).
For more information contact Pam Skelton - 678-560-7429.

Youth Winter Basketball - Registration begins Tuesday, August 31 for boys and girls kindergarten through 8th grades. Register in the CAC or online at mtbethel.org/rec. Deadline for registration is Monday, September 27. For more information contact the rec department at 770-971-5280.

Fitness

Boot Camp, Zumba, Body Sculpting, Yoga and Pilates classes - Fall fitness series - It's never too late to join one of our many classes. Go to mtbethel.org/fitness for complete schedule and pricing or call Caroline Booker at 770-971-5280 for more information. Babysitting available for some classes.

Prayer Ministry

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

Missions Ministry

Samaritan House - We are collecting men and women's dress clothes, i.e. suits, dresses, sport coats, slacks, dress shirts, blouses (please use hangers), ties, shoes and belts to wear on job interviews. Casual clothes, men's leather dress shoes and new underwear & socks are also needed. Winter jackets, gloves and hats are needed. Drop items off at the Missions trailer to the left of the CAC. Tax receipts are available in the front desk of the CAC. For more information, please contact Sam Smith at 770-565-8233.

Our Faithfulness

Offerings Received last week -- $118,937
Offerings Received this fiscal year -- $737,971
Fiscal year July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
Offering Needed to Date - $1,094,288

Our Joys & Concerns

We extend Christian sympathy to Scott, Christie, Chanan & Beau Slay in the loss of Christie's father, Buck Buchanan; and to Gloria Hutcheson, Debbie Koslowski and Tim & Nick Phillips in the loss of Gloria's son, Donald Hutcheson. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

We wish to congratulate Whitney Seay & David Haas who were married in our Sanctuary on August 14, 2010 by Dr. Randy Mickler.

Congratulations to Anne Kagey who recently graduated with her Master's Degree from Emory University School of Medicine.

Congratulations to Forrest & Doris Dunagan on the birth of their great-grandson, Tristan David Todd, on August 14, 2010.

Where the Action Is

Sunday, August 22
8:00-10:00am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:15am Chapel Worship Service
9:30am Sunday School
9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary
9:30am God's Garden - A35
11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Surf's Up Children's Worship Service for K-2nd Grade - F011/15
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship Service for 3rd-5th Grade - Upper Room
11:00am Sunday School
11:00am God's Garden - A35
1:00-5:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
3:00pm Interns4tomorrow Program & Reception - Chapel & Dining Room
3:00pm Cub Scout Pack 121 Parent Info & Registration - Scout Meeting Hall
4:00pm Crossfire Choir - A18
4:30pm Disciple 2 - Parsons - F011
4:00pm Disciple 1 - Cook - F002
5:00pm Disciple 1 - Noel - F023
5:00pm Disciple 2 - Pearsall - F001
5pm Disciple 4 - F024
5pm Jesus in the Gospels - Holt & Almy - F025
5:00pm Student Ministries Life Groups
5:00pm Living Waters Bible Study - F015
5:00pm One A-Chord Choir - A18
6:00pm High School & Middle School Collision - Gym
6pm Student Ministries Life Group Training - Fellowship Hall
8:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

Monday, August 23
10:00am Sallie Mae Wilson Circle - B116
10:00am Women's Costa Rica Mission Team - B106
5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
6:30pm MBCA Lower School Scoop Night - F Building
7:00pm Boy Scout Court of Honor - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm Twilight Twirlers - D14/15

Tuesday, August 24
7:30am Middle School Breakfast - Gym
8:30am MBCA Lower School Chapel - Sanctuary
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:15am MBCA Middle School Chapel
9:30am Beth Moore Bible Study - H House
9:30am Preschool Room Moms - Olympia Room
9:45am Disciple 1 - B118
9:45am Disciple 2 - Allphin - F025
9:45am Revelation Study - Smith - B111
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
11:15am Women's Retreat Committee - B116
5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
6:30pm Career Ministry Resume Review & Networking - Community Center
6:30pm Disciple 1 - Quindsland - B116
6:30pm MBCA Lower School Scoop Night - F Building
6:30pm Celebration of Discipline Bible Study - McMichael - F025
7:00pm Stephen Ministry - Chapel & B Hall
7:30pm Career Ministry Program - Community Center

Wednesday, August 25
8:30am MBCA Prayer Parents Orientation - F015
9:00am Bible Study - Combs - H House
9:30am "Discerning the Voice of God" - Kelly - Upper Room
9:30am Bible Study - Goolsby - B106
9:30am Living Waters - Sanctuary
9:30am Preschool Room Moms - Olympia Room
10:00am Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
11:30am Bulletin Committee - B116
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center East
1:00pm Worship Committee - B118
4:30-6:45pm Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
4:30pm iPraise & weePraise - A18, F011
5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
5:30pm iPraise Handbells & Chimes - A24
6:00pm Optional Student Life Group Training - B109
6:00pm SPLAT U Children's Program - F Basement
6:30pm Christian Believer - Thomas - F024
6:30pm Disciple 1 - Franks - B118
6:30pm Disciple 2 - Montgomery - F025
6:30pm Disciple 3 - Christian F023
6:30pm Divorce Recovery Support Group - H House
6:30pm Jesus in the Gospels - Vick - F026
7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
7:00pm Frontline Apologetics - Community Center
7:00pm Inside Out Student Ministries - Upper B Hall
7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary
8:00pm Begin set up for Consignment Sale - Fellowship Hall

Thursday, August 26
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D Hall
9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001
5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
6:00pm Special Needs Workshop - Community Center
7:00pm East Cobb Quilter's Guild - F001
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106

Friday, August 27
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-7:00pm Consignment & Bake Sale - Fellowship Hall
5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

Saturday, August 28
8:00am-8:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"
9:00am-12:00pm Consignment Sale & Bake Sale - Fellowship Hall
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
6:00pm Costa Rica Mission Team Party - Community Center

In This Issue

Minister's Message

Worship Services

News

Joys & Concerns

Where the Action Is

Email Marketing by