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November 27, 2011
The Characters in the Cast
One of the most popular plays on Broadway, ever, is the musical, "Chorus Line." It features some great choreography, excellent dancing and singing, and all that it seems to lack is a strong plot. The setting is a bare stage in an empty theater, where a group of aspiring young dancers and singers are trying out for parts in a new musical revue. The director never appears on stage. You do not see him, but you are very much aware of him because his voice is heard as he puts the young people through their routines. In the process, he interrogates each one. He wants to know where they're from, what experience they've had, something about themselves. Each one of the young people has a story to tell. Some of them are humorous; some are deeply moving. In the process, you become aware of the fact that what seemed at first to be a very mechanical chorus line is, in fact, a group of individuals. They begin to take on identities of their own, and you find yourself involved as persons. As the play develops, the director has to make some difficult choices. He cannot hire everyone who is trying out. You begin to second guess him. Who will be hired, who will not? At the end, there are a lot of surprises. Those that you expected to be chosen are not; those that you have overlooked, get the job. In a way, "Chorus Line" reminds me of the Advent-Christmas story. Why did some characters get chosen for the Holy Drama? Why the particular setting? What does it say to the future? To you, and me?
As we approach the Advent Season, let's look at the drama and the cast of characters chosen 2100 years ago for Bethlehem. God authored, produced, directed and chose the cast. How differently would you have done things?
Join us for the sermon series "Character: Timeless Stories/Eternal Perspective" each Sunday before Christmas and after New Year's at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 - all services.
The Characters in the Cast: Before the Birth
December 4 - The Carpenter and the Virgin
December 11 - The Innkeeper
December 18 - The Angels
December 25 - 11:00 in the Sanctuary - "Christ: The Gift Child"
January 1 - 11:00 in the Sanctuary - College Student in charge
The Characters in the Cast: After the Birth
January 8 - The Shepherds
January 15- The Wise Men
January 22 - Herod
See you Sunday,
` Randy
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Worship Services
November 27
10:00am Sanctuary - "Hanging of the Greens"
St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service - "Heavy Lifting" - Matthew 11:29-30 - Rev. Stuart Lance
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Connect with Us
 
Our Joys & Concerns
The altar flowers
are given to the Glory of God.
The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Bobbie Woelper, now living in the Father's House.
We extend Christian sympathy to Jim, Anne & James Jackson and Seth, Meredith & Jackson Ramaley in the loss of Jim's mother, Betty Jackson; and to Frederick, Jared & Mimi Woelper in the loss of their mother, Bobbie Woelper. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.
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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.
Poinsettias will be used to decorate the Sanctuary during Advent. If you would like to order one in honor or in memory of someone, please complete the form in the bulletin & place in the offering plate or return to the Church Office with your check payable to Mt. Bethel marked "Poinsettias" on the for line. You may also order at www.mtbethel.org. The poinsettias may be taken home on Sunday, December 11 or 18. Please print clearly. Deadline to order is Monday, December 12.
Welcome New Members: Justin, Kempten & Braelyn Taylor, 687 Shagbark Ct, Marietta 30067, 678-492-8826;
Kirsten Wittich, 5270 W Bank Dr, Marietta 30068, 770-640-0848.
Ready to join Mt. Bethel? Do you have a few questions you would like answered before taking this important step? Our next New Member Class series is Sunday, December 4 & Sunday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. in Room B116. We have designed these classes to help you figure out how to "navigate" Mt. Bethel & how to get you plugged into the life of the church. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Krista Downing at 678-560-7226 or krista.downing@mtbethel.org.
The Women's Retreat is January 27-29 in Chattanooga & time is almost up to register. Please contact Kris Michaelides at 678-560-7427 for details.
"Christmas Challenge" - The team going to West Virginia on December 8 wants to pull the donation trailer filled with your unneeded household items - things like linens, dishes, glasses, utensils, small working appliances, etc. as well as decorative knickknacks--figurines, picture frames, seasonal decorations--all will be distributed to the poor living in southern Appalachia. Clothing is always appreciated, but this time of year we want to collect as many household items as we can. As always--"thank you" Mt. Bethel for your generous support of the West Virginia ministry.
The Mike Sappington Helping Hand Fund gives to our fellow church members and community in need without the awkward part. It's making a difference without making a big deal about it. Cards can be purchased in the Bookstore for any amount and presented as gifts this season. Why not give to those right at home this year?
Mt. Bethel's Annual Thanksgiving Communion Service is Wednesday, November 23, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. Join us for one of the traditional, yet unique, worship services of the year. This special time of sharing thanks (if one desires) is an excellent opportunity to experience the warmth of God's love. Invite your visiting family & friends.
Hanging of the Greens on Sunday, November 27 with one service in the Sanctuary at 10:00am. No Sunday School, Children's Worship or God's Garden. Nursery will be provided for infants- two-year-olds. Shuttles will run from 9am-1pm. Wear comfortable clothes & bring a bell with you to the Hanging of the Greens - you'll find out why!
Hello Mt. Bethel - Several members have asked recently where they can serve food on Thanksgiving with M25 (Homeless Ministries) here at Mt. Bethel. We are not sponsoring any specific opportunities this year; however our partners at MUST, The SafeHouse, and 7Bridges/The Garden do have a few activities where you may wish to get involved.
-- MUST is looking for volunteers to help cook on the Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving (volunteer by contacting: Brandy Moon @ bmoon@mustministries.org), as well as for volunteers to help with their Gobble-Jog fun run activities on Thanksgiving Day (volunteer by contacting: www.gobblejog.org).
-- The SafeHouse is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will host their Thanksgiving Chili Outreach on Saturday, November 26. To volunteer to serve or participate, contact: Joe McCutchen @ 404-523-2221 or joe@safehousehoutreach.org .
-- 7Bridges/The Garden will celebrate Thanksgiving by going "under the bridges" at 10:00am (meet at the Kmart on Cleveland Avenue -- see 7 Bridges web-site for directions: www.7bridgestorecovery.org/the_garden), and with a picnic in the parking lot at The Garden on Plant Atkinson Road. Those wishing to celebrate with them for dinner, plan to arrive at The Garden by 2:00pm Thanksgiving Day. The folks at The Garden ask that you bring enough food for yourselves, along with a little extra to share. You can ask further questions from Melissa Ehrhardt @ 678-910-6584 or melissaehrhardt@gmail.com . Please let her know if you plan to join them for either activity.
The Christmas Tree order deadline is Thursday, November 24, at 11:59pm. Please order your trees online (http://mtbethel.org/treesale/) or pick up a order form in the connector if you wish to support Student Ministries. Thank you!
Want to get involved and put your Compassion into Action? Check out the new Mt. Bethel Volunteer Opportunities - www.mtbethel.org/volunteer. You will find specific needs listed for many of our local ministries including serving, specific donations, one -time opportunities and regular commitments. It is amazing how many lives Mt. Bethel touches through our local ministries. Come be a part of it. It will change your life!
To All Nursery Parents: Although the Christmas Season is busy, please remember to contact the nursery office to make reservations. Please call for events such as Carols for Christmas and the Bell and Orchestra Concerts. Your reservations will help us staff better and provide the best care possible for your child. Call Debbie Ruth at 770-971-2588 or Evelyn Bosher at 678-560-7285 for more information.
Mom's Morning Out for children with Special Needs and their siblings, a service of Corrigan Care, Inc., Wednesday, December 7 & 14 from 9:30am-12:30pm. 2012 dates to come! Cost: $25 per child. If a child requires a nursing level of care during their morning with us, we will ensure that a nurse is present at no additional cost to you. Who: Children with special needs and their siblings (ages 6 months - 3 years). Children can attend up to 2 times each week. Space is limited so register your child soon! Room D8 - Mt Bethel UMC Nursery - Corrigan Care will provide a nurturing, loving environment that focuses on the developmental needs of each special needs child enrolled in the program while providing regular opportunities for art, music and play therapies. Parents and caregivers will work closely with the child's current Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to maintain each child's daily routine while upholding their developmental goals. The child's IEP/IFSP goals will be used to craft a personalized care plan to enable each child to thrive. The time that children spend with Corrigan Care will be a fun-filled, learning environment that encompasses therapeutic play while stimulating their desire to learn. To register email Amy Corrigan at amy@corrigancare.org or call 404-434-7893.
The Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency (formerly the Samaritan House) needs your donations. They always have a need for 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. 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.
Student Ministry
DNOW registration is open online at mtbethel.org/dnow. Registration is $75 through the end of November, so hurry and get the best rate available!
Register for Spring 2012 Confirmation online now at mtbethelstudents.org; parent information meeting will be on Sunday, January 8.
Student Ministry Weekly Update
In addition to receiving news through the Church-wide weekly e-blast, you can also subscribe to the Student Ministry Weekly Update. To be added to this email list please send your email address to elise.bernhardt@mtbethel.org.
College Ministry
Weekly happenings:
Sundays - we are studying the book of Ephesians, 9:30am in the CAC
Tuesdays - we meet at Gaylyn Kelly's home (1480 Brookcliff Drive, Marietta) from 7-10pm and are completing our reading and discussion of Isaiah.
Special events:
The 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at THE GARDEN at 6:30 pm, join us to serve, worship and participate in Bible study that we lead.
The 2nd Thursday of the month- SAFEHOUSE- downtown Atlanta, day shelter;
serve over 300 meals, share worship and a message.
UPCOMING:
January 1 is College and Young Adult Ministry SUNDAY!! New Year's Day we get to serve for the one service that day. There will be a coming together of all services at 10am in the Sanctuary. We get to be the ushers, speakers, worship leaders, prayer warriors... all of it. Let me know your interest and availability.
Passion 2012 conference - January 2-5
DNow2012, Feb 10, 11 & 12 - your opportunity to lead students grades 6-12, all weekend long and help them define who Jesus is to them personally.
Questions, or if you are ready to sign up to serve at one of our many
Active Senior Adults
250 Nativities Trip | Thursday, December 1| 9am-2pm | Church of the Epiphany, Atlanta, GA - One Savior, 2 stories, 250 nativities-a tour through the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Join us as we enjoy the beauty of the Christmas story as seen through 250 creches from different lands. We will leave at 9am from the Fairfield lot, and be back by 2pm. RSVP by Tuesday, November 29 to Kim McGarr - 770-652-9913. Cost: $10 plus lunch
Pep Club Christmas Dinner | Tuesday, December 13 | 5:30-7:30pm | Fellowship Hall | $15 per person - Dinner catered by Chef Alex Reethoff, Entertainment by Atlanta Theatre To Go, Mission Emphasis - donate hats, gloves, & scarves. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 6 to Kim McGarr@ mtbethel.org or 770-579-9224, ext 25.
Career Ministry
Mt. Bethel's Career Ministry's will meet on Tuesday, December 13 to discuss "Branding." No meeting on December 27.
Recreation Ministry
CAC Thanksgiving Hours: Closed beginning at noon Wednesday thru Sunday November 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!
Youth Winter Basketball - NO Practices over Thanksgiving. We will return the week of November 28. Games begin the weekend of December 2. A master schedule is also posted on the website at www.mtbethel.org/sportsregistration.
Boys High School Basketball - Games begin Tuesday, November 29 & Wednesday, November 30.
Youth Spring Sports - Registration begins December 5. Go online or register in the CAC.
Fitness: Join us for one of our many fitness classes. New - Zumba. Go to www.mtbethel.org/fitness for complete schedule and pricing.
Prayer Ministry
"Voices United"- Join us on Thursday nights at 7:00 in B106 as we pray for every facet of the Church. Contact Bette Cardell at bettecardell@gmail.com for information or ministry prayer requests.
Aloha to Aging - Programs located in the Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA.
Alzheimer's/Caregiver Support Group Meeting: Monday, December 5, at 10:30am. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, both inside and outside of the home. Free respite care is provided for your loved one while we meet, but must call in advance. For more information call 678-439-1177.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Tuesday, December 6, at 10:30-11:30am. Have you been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's? You are not alone. Learn how to cope and live with the diagnosis. Helpful tips and resources provide comfort and encouragement. This program is specifically geared for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's and their caregiver. RSVP by December 5 at 678-439-1177 or info@alohatoaging.org.
Bereavement Support Group: Tuesday, December 6 at 10:00-11:00am. Specifically for those that have lost an aging loved one. If you are dealing with the grief of losing an aging loved one, please contact us at 678-439-1177 or by email dawn@alohatoaging.org.
Making the Most of the Holidays: For Family Caregivers with Aging Loved Ones: Tuesday, December 13 at 10:30am-12:00pm. With the changing needs of your loved one, it's time to alter your holiday tasks and traditions. Join us as we review the Holiday Checklist and share planning strategies and techniques for a "Meaningful and Happy Holiday" season. RSVP 678-439-1177.
Our Faithfulness
Offerings Received last week -- $99,995
Offerings Received this fiscal year -- $2,696,588
Offering Needed to Date - $3,324,867
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Sunday, November 27
10:00am Hanging of the Greens Service - Sanctuary
11:00-1:00pm Brunch in the Fellowship Hall
3:15pm Middle High Bells - A25
5:00pm Adult Bible Studies
5:00pm Middle School Life Groups
5:00pm One A-Chord Rehearsal - A18
6:00pm High School Life Groups
Monday, November 28
9:30am Adult Bible Studies
10:00am Sallie Mae Wilson Circle - Dining Room
5:15-9:30pm - Basketball - Gym
7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 - Scout Meeting Hall
Tuesday, November 29
7:30am Middle School Tuesday Breakfast - Gym
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:30am Adult Bible Studies
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
11:00-1:15pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room
5:15-9:30pm - Basketball - Gym
6:30pm MBCA Lower School Parents' Meeting - F011
6:30pm McDaniel Ringers
Wednesday, November 30
9:30am Adult Bible Studies
11:30am Special Projects Committee - B116
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center East
4:00pm iPraise A18 & A23
4:30-6:45pm Wednesday Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
5:15-9:30pm Basketball Hoops League - Gym
6:00pm 4th & 5th Grade Life Groups - F Building
6:00pm SPLAT U Children's Program - F Basement
6:30pm Adult Bible Studies
6:30pm Divorce Recovery Support Group - H House
6:30pm Preschool SPLAT U - C14/16
6:30pm Student Ministry Bible Studies - Upper B Hall
7:00pm Carols for Christmas Rehearsal - Sanctuary
Thursday, December 1
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8
9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001
9:30am Women's Retreat Committee - B116
5:15-9:30pm - Basketball - Gym
6:00pm Arthur Wilson SS Class Christmas Dinner - Dining Room
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
Friday, December 2
6:30am Friday's Faithful - B112
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8
12:45pm MBCA Parent Council Board Meeting - F011
5:15-9:30pm Basketball Hoops League - Gym
7:00pm High School Man Lock-In - Upper Room
Saturday, December 3
8:00-11:00am Christmas Tree Pickup - Parking Lot
8:00-10:00am Pancake Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:00am-9:00pm Basketball Hoops League - Gym
9:00am Carols for Christmas Rehearsal - Sanctuary
10:00am-12:30pm Pictures With Santa - Fellowship Hall
10:00am FOCUS Extra Special Respite - Day Care Center
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
10:00am-12:30pm Pictures with Santa - Fellowship Hall
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