Mt. Bethel UMC - October 3, 2010

    The Gospel came into an essentially loveless world. Cruelty, vengeance, oppression and slavery were the order of the day. A small band of people expanded out into the world, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ (the Gospel) and offering a better alternative. The core conviction of that good news was love.
    The small band of people explained "love" through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
        "This is how we know what love is:
        Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we
        ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
        If anyone has material possessions and sees his
        brother in need but has no pity on him, how
        can the love of God be in him? Let us not
        love with words or tongue, but with actions
        and in truth." I John 3:16-18
    The Love that established Christianity was a total commitment. It demanded not only one's possessions, one's reputation, but one's life. Anything short of that was not love. Once that is established and one has declared him or herself willing to die for a spouse, for children, for friends, everything else comes easy.
    For what or whom are you willing to die . . . or to live?
    Holy Communion is our re-dedication to Christ and to Christ-like love. This Sunday, October 3, is World Communion Sunday. Christians everywhere will be re-dedicating themselves to Jesus Christ. We will be doing the same at Mt. Bethel. If you are not serious about your re-dedication, this would be a good Sunday to stay home.

Hope to See You Sunday,
Randy

Worship Services This Week

Chapel Service
8:15am in the Chapel
Rev. Jody Ray

Sanctuary Service
9:30 & 11:00am in the Sanctuary
"The Two-Minute Warning" - Dr. Randy Mickler

Encounter (Contemporary) Service
11:00am in the Fellowship Hall
"Brokenhearted-The Person God is Looking For": Rev. Carey Akin
Psalm 51:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 2:5-9

St. Philip UMC
11:00am at St. Philip UMC
"When Jesus Shows Up" - Rev. Jon Ponders
John 1:1-18

Surf's Up (K-2nd Grade)
11:00am in F015
"Just Pray"
1 Kings 2:1-4

The P.O.D. (3rd-5th Grade)
11:00am in the Upper Room
"Now What?"
1 Kings 2:1-4, 3:3-28

Day One Middle School Worship
9:15am in the Upper Room

God's Garden Worship Ages 3 (9/01/10) 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.

Volunteers are needed to help with the Habitat Road Race on Saturday, October 2. The morning won't be same without you. Volunteers are needed from 6:30 to 9:30 am. Help the Mt. Bethel family raise funds to continue being the hands of Christ in this ministry. Contact Kibbie Jones at 678-525-5894.

Habitat for Humanity "Framing the Future" Road Race - Saturday, October 2 - you can run, jog or walk. Fee is $25 per person with a 10% discount for family of 3 or more. Phantom runners can make a donation to Habitat for $25 or more. Register at mtbethel.org or register in person at Big Peach Running or New Balance East Cobb location.

Preschool Fall Festival & Raffle - Saturday, October 2 from 9:30am-1:30pm in the parking lot. Join us for awesome family fun! Face painting, inflatables, train & pony rides, festival food & much, much more. Tell your neighbors & friends!

The Mt. Bethel Day Care is now hiring full-time Assistant Teachers. If interested in applying, please contact Dee Stolz at 678-560-8005 or come by the center at 615 Woodlawn Drive to pick up an application.

The Grief Support Group will begin meeting on Tuesday, October 5, at 7:00pm in B106. This group is for anyone who has lost a loved one and wants to work through their grief in an informal setting. The person need not be a member of Mt Bethel to be a part of this group, so feel free to share this information with any others who have had a death in their family. Call Wil Parker, 678-560-2810 for more information.

Construction of Mt. Bethel's 28th & 29th Habitat Homes has begun. Volunteers are needed to build the homes - no experience required. Work days are 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.

Flu Shots Available at Mt. Bethel - Wednesday, October 6, from 4:00-7:00 in the Connector. Cost is $25. For every flu shot given, the church will receive $2 back. No appointments necessary. For more information call Krista Downing at 678-560-7226.

Mt. Bethel's next Healing Service is Sunday, October 3, at 12:15pm in the Chapel. All are welcome to attend.

Adoptive Parents' Support Group - Our mission is to support the community of adoptive parents in Mt. Bethel and the surrounding community with monthly meetings, resources for parents and children, mentor program, and training opportunities. Meeting place and time: We will meet in B118 from 7-9pm the second Tuesday of each month starting October 12. Contacts: Jane Martin at 404-702-9210 or Betsy Brown at 678-548-2917.

Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may want to consider being screened for your risk of stroke through the services of Life Line Screening.

Life Line Screening uses ultrasound technology to view the plaque build up in your carotid arteries, the main arteries that carry blood to the brain, and offers other, similar tests that check for related vascular disease. Call 1-888-653-6441 or visit

lifelinescreening.com to pre-register. The screenings are at Mt. Bethel in the Choir Room (A18) on Monday, November 15.

You can change a youth's life by mentoring

- Jesus Christ is the Master of all mentors. He has commanded us to go and make disciples. What could be more fulfilling than to lead an at-risk teenager to know God, make good choices, and possibly take up the mentoring baton himself? Are there challenges - yes. Is it possible you might never reach your mentee? Yes, but it is also possible there are discussions that the two of you have that he/she will remember later - that will lead to better choices and a better life through Christ. Join Opportunity Knocks for Youth, a faith-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk teens, and begin your mentoring experience. In addition to mentoring, OK for Youth needs volunteers to help with fundraising and technology. Contact Bill Spell at 404-245-2274 or Dale Champion at 678-641-1968. To learn more about us go to our website www.ok4youth.org. Your mentoring could transition into a lasting friendship that changes two lives, not just one

Student Ministry

Life Groups are off and running.

We are still in need of several Life Group leaders, so please pray about whether or not this is where God may be calling you to serve. For more information, please contact Lauren Eden at 678-569-7882.

Habitat Road Race|Saturday, October 2|CAC Parking Lot

Attention all Middle and High School students!!! Come join the Student Ministries Staff as we run to raise money for missions. Dress in your 1980's workout clothes and get ready to run for a great cause!

MS Day|One|October 3|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|October 3|9:30am|F011

Attention all high school students!!! Join us on Sunday mornings for fun, fellowship, Bible lessons, and the occasional breakfast!

HS Mission Ops|October 3

An opportunity for high school students to share the love of Christ by serving others. We currently have 45 high school students signed up to serve at 9:30 am in numerous ministries within the church. To sign up for Mission Ops, please pick up a form upstairs in the B Building.

7th Day Slumber Concert | October 3 | 6pm to 8pm!

Seventh day slumber is coming to Mt Bethel UMC with kj-52 and The Letter Black. Tickets are only $10 a person at the door! This concert is open to anyone, not just Mt. Bethel students. Here is 7th Day Slumber's myspace page for more on them!

HS Inside Out|October 6|7-8:30pm|Upper Room

A Wednesday night worship experience designed specifically for High School students. You'll connect with God through authentic worship and relevant messages. We hope you'll join us!

Girl's Revolve Tour|January 28-29 |Arena at Gwinnett Center|$99

All middle and high school girls and their moms are invited to join us for the Revolve Tour at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on January 28-29. Moms, this is a great opportunity for you to spend time with your daughter and her friends, so please take advantage of this opportunity! For more information about this weekend, visit mtbethel.org or contact Lauren Eden.

College/Young Adult Ministry

A coed Young Adult Life Group has formed and meets Tuesday from 7-10:00 pm. Please contact Gaylyn Kelly for info.

Women's Ministry

2011 Women's Retreat - February 4-6 at the Marriott Auburn Opelika Hotel & Conference Center in Alabama. Our Event speaker will be Eva Self and our Worship Leader will be Rev. Diane Parrish. Register online at mtbethel.org

Ladies Night Out - Join us Monday, November 8, for our fabulous fall Ladies Night Out

as we welcome Keri Wyatt Kent to our annual "sharing family traditions." Keri Wyatt Kent, author of six books, will specifically speak to Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity, focusing YOU to create space for God in YOUR life. Back, by popular demand, table hostesses will use their creative gifts to decorate their own tables.

Hostess Packet Pickup & Table Assignments/Payments in the Connector on Sunday, October 3 & 10,from 9:00-9:30 and 10:30-11:00 am. Limited number of individual ticket sales at "open" tables (no Table Hostesses assigned) on October 17 in the Mt. Bethel Bookstore. Tickets are $18 per person. Any questions, call Kris Michaelides @ 678/560-7427. Child care available by reservation at 770-971-2588.

Music

The Kingsmen are singing in the Opening Ceremony for the Atlanta 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk Sunday morning at 7:30.

Carols for Christmas rehearsals begin this Sunday, October 3 from 6:00-8:00 in A18. Check our website for the complete schedule. 12 out of 14 rehearsals and performance week are required for non-chancel members. Contact Sandra Chapman

Recreation

Youth Basketball Officials - We are looking for high school/college students who are interested in officiating for our youth recreation basketball leagues. Please call or email Adam Sheffield at 770-971-4299.

Youth Fall Sports Make-Up Pictures will be taken on October 9 anytime between 12:00 and 2:00. If you missed your regularly scheduled team pictures, you may come on this date for individual make-ups. Check-in behind Rogers Field. In case of rain, pictures will be taken in the Olympia Room in the CAC.

Youth Winter Basketball - Deadline for registration has passed. There are still limited spaces available in some leagues. Contact the rec department at 770-971-5280 to check availability.

Youth Winter Basketball Skills Evaluations begin Monday, October 4 and continue through Monday, October 11. Check your schedule for your child's league. Evaluation schedule is also on the recreation update at mtbethel.org/rec - Click on the sunshine icon.

High School Basketball - Registration begins Monday, October 4. Players must be 18 or younger and not on a high school basketball team. Play will be on Wednesday or Thursday nights. Contact Adam Sheffield for more information or to sign up your team: 770-971-4299.

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 for complete schedule and pricing or call Caroline Booker at 770-971-5280 for more information. Baby sitting 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.

Our Faithfulness

Offerings Received last week -- $125,925
Offerings Received this fiscal year -- $1,460,779
Fiscal year July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
Offering Needed to Date - $2,032,250

Our Joys & Concerns

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Alice Tarpey on her birthday, given by Robert, Tami, Allison & Ryan Drukenmiller; and in celebration of the marriage of Julie Meehan & Michael Yelverton on October 2, 2010.

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Ruth Young, now living in the Father's House. The Paschal Candle also burns in honor of the baptism of Gillyann Alice Marie Long, daughter of Nathan & Heather Long.

The rosebuds on the altar are in honor of the births of Ella Kathryn Cofield, daughter of Chet & Courtney Cofield, on August 23, 2010; and Amelia Grace Denton, daughter of Mike & Whitney Denton and granddaughter of Lew & Lynn Griner and Al & Charlotte Stark, on September 27, 2010.

Recently hospitalized: Betty Strickland.

We extend Christian sympathy to Mark, Sean & Collin Young in the loss of their wife and mother, Ruth Young; to Tim & Nick Phillips in the loss of their father, Jim Phillips; to Galen & Donna Decker in the loss of their sister-in-law, Margaret Decker; and to Greg & Donna Marshall in the loss of Donna's father, Don Purcell. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

Congratulations to Marge Schuck on the birth of her grandson, Wyatt Manning Smith, son of Sid & Sally Smith, on September 21, 2010; Geri & Debbie Koslowski on the birth of their granddaughter, Gianna Rose Skroski, daughter of Brian & Brenda Skroski, on September 18, 2010.

Where the Action Is

Sunday, October 3

8:00-10:00am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall

8:15am Chapel Worship Service

9:15am Day One Middle School Worship Service - Upper Room

9:30am Sunday School

9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary

9:30am God's Garden - A35

11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary

11:00am Encounter Worship Service - Fellowship Hall

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

12:15pm Healing Service - Chapel

1:00-5:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

3:00pm Middle School Handbells - A25

4:00pm Crossfire - A23

5:00pm High School Handbells - A25

5:00pm Middle School Life Groups

5:00pm One A-Chord - A23

5:00pm Adult Bible Studies

6:00pm Carols for Christmas Rehearsal - A18

6:00pm Seventh Day Slumber - Take Everything Tour - Fellowship Hall

6:00pm Stephen Ministry Training - H House

8:00pm High School Life Groups

8:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

Monday, October 4

9:30am Adult Bible Studies

10:00am Ola Jones Circle - B116

10:00am Zingers - A18

5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm Aloha to Aging Working Family Caregiver Class - Community Center

7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 - Scout Meeting Hall

Tuesday, October 5

7:30am Tuesday Morning Middle School Breakfast - Gym

9:00am Membership Committee - B112

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-D9

9:30am Adult Bible Studies

9:30am Preschool Parents Club - B106

10:30am Knitting Angels - B109

11:00am-1:30pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room

11:15am Women's Retreat Committee - B116

5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

6:15pm McDaniel Ringers - A25

6:30pm Adult Bible Studies

7:00pm Stephen Ministry - B Hall

7:00pm Grief Support Group - B106

7:00pm Apostle High School Bible Study - B211

7:00pm Women's Cancer Support Group - Community Center

7:30pm Carillon Ringers - A25

Wednesday, October 6

9:00am Adult Bible Studies

10:00am Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18

10:00am Righteous Ringers - A25

11:30am Bulletin Committee - B116

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center East

4:00-7:00pm Flu Shots - Connector

4:30pm iPraise & weePraise - Sanctuary & A18

4:30pm Knitting Angels - B109

4:30-6:45pm Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall

5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm High School Life Groups

6:00pm SPLAT U - Children's Program - Lower F Building

6:30pm Adult Bible Studies

6:30pm Divorce Recovery Support Group - H House

6:30pm Financial Peace University (Malsky) - F309

6:30pm Jump Start Life Group (Brumbeloe & Ray) - Olympia Room

7:00pm Frontline Apologetics - Community Center

7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18

7:00pm Inside Out High School Worship Service - Upper Room

7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Thursday, October 7

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D Hall

9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001

9:45am Parables Bible Study (Banks) - B109

3:30pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee - B106

5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

5:30pm OK for Youth - F015

6:30pm Adult Bible Studies

7:00pm Confirmation Retreat Luggage Loading - Portico

7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106

7:00pm Disciple Middle School Bible Study - B211

Friday, October 8

7:00am Charlie Oates Men's Bible Study - Community Center

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-D9

9:30am Mothers of Elementary Students - B118

5:00-10:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm Confirmation Retreat Gathering - A18

7:00pm "Lower the Mat" Benefit Concert - Fellowship Hall

Saturday, October 9

8:00am-8:00pm Fall Sports - "Fields of Dreams"

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

10:00am FOCUS Extra-Special Saturday Respite - Day Care Center

2:00pm Wellspring Living Event - Community Center

In This Issue

Minister's Message

Worship Services

News

Joys & Concerns

Where the Action Is