Mt. Bethel UMC 

January 27, 2013


Randy                    Living Generously
A recent study by the Barna Group found that the number one challenge to helping people grow spiritually is that most people equate spiritual maturity with trying hard to follow the rules of the Bible. No wonder people also said they find themselves unmotivated to pursue spiritual growth. If we think God's aim is to produce rule-followers, spiritual growth will always be an obligation rather than a desire of the heart.
   
But, what if we understand that God's aim is to produce happiness in the lives of His children. Who doesn't desire happiness? Wasn't that what Jesus was referring to when He said, "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
   
Could generous living, or living generously, be the heart of that abundant joy? People live generously because it helps achieve God's purposes in themselves. Now I'm not talking about your finances . . . so relax. Generous living involves your heart, the foundation of your happiness. Generosity is not a spiritual attribute one acquires accidentally. The opposite of generosity is prideful living, gluttony, arrogance. These are not qualities that lead to abundant happiness, joy or even life. Generosity is a tool God uses to draw us closer to Him and aligns us more closely with God's desire for us to be abundantly happy.
   
We will be discussing Generous Living over the next six weeks. We will be using a video depicting the evolving qualities of generosity in the life of one family. It promises to be life-changing, in a good way, for everyone who commits to worshipping with us over the next six weeks. Each week builds upon the last. Some of the services will be filled with surprises (good ones!). Some of the services will tug at your hearts (in an uplifting way!). Each week, we will be invited to practice a new concept of generous living. After six weeks, what will be the result? Hopefully, a new you filled with an abundant happiness never celebrated in your life before! It's going to be good, really good!

                        Randy

Worship Services  

January 27                 

8:15am Sanctuary - "Refreshed by God" - First in the Series "Living Generously" - Proverbs 11:24-25 - Rev. Carey Akin
                                                                           
9:30am God's Garden Worship Service for ages 3 (by 9/1/12) through Pre K - in A35.
                                               
9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "Double It!"  - First in Series: "Living Generously"  - Luke 12:16-21 - Dr. Randy Mickler
 
11:00am Encounter Contemporary - "First Things First"  - First in Series: "Living Generously" - John 15:5-17 - Rev. Glenn Ray
 
11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "Give What You Want to Get" - Matthew 7:12
                                     
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in the Upper Room - "First" - "Living Generously Part 1" - Luke 10:27 & Matthew 7:12
         
St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service - "Out of Your Comfort Zone" - Matthew 13:22-33 - Rev. Jon Ponders

 

  

  

  

 

 

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Our Joys & Concerns

The rosebud on the altar is in honor of the birth of Winston Ray Scruggs, son of Geoff & Kelly Scruggs and grandson of Ken & Flo Leach, on January 7, 2013.

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the 45th wedding anniversary of Al & Charlotte Stark, given by Mike, Whitney, Nate & Kristen.

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the baptism of Brady James Robb, son of Kevin & Ashley Robb.

Recently hospitalized:  Luke Albano, Harriet Cullens, Alan Davidson, John Fraser,  Dan Maples, Blaine Thompson, Luther Walden.

We extend Christian sympathy to Tom, Sally, Luke & Sarah Nicodemus in the loss of Sally's brother, Chris Sullivan; Susan and Jarrett Sappington in the loss of Susan's father, Stuart Woodward Bolen; and to Justin & Leah Smith in the loss of Leah's grandfather, Darrel Eakle.  May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

We wish to congratulate Kati Lawrence & Brett Collier who were married in our Sanctuary on January 19, 2013 by Rev. Wil Parker; and Lauren Syrios & Drew Cleveland who were married in our Chapel on January 18, 2013 by Dr. Randy Mickler.





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.        

 

  

Mt. Bethel's Administrative Council will be consecrated at the 9:30 & 11:00am Sanctuary services on Sunday, January 27. Following the 11:00 service, the Council will meet in the Fellowship Hall. 
 
Opening Our Doors - a very special "thank you" to all the volunteers who fed, hosted and chaperoned our 87 homeless guests on Tuesday.
 
Ash Wednesday Services - February 13 at 7:30am, 8:30am (Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Chapel), 12:00pm noon and 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served at all four services. The sign of the cross is placed upon the forehead with ashes as a symbol of repentance during Communion. The sign of the cross is not removed during the day, allowing all who see it to know of the individual's acceptance of, and allegiance to, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
 
Life Groups - If you would like to be part of, or lead a men's, women's or couple's  life group, please contact Ben Hornsby at ben.hornsby@mtbethel.org, or call 678-333-1871. You can also contact Gayle Haden at gayle.haden@mtbethel.org.
 
Mt. Bethel Christian Preschool will hold registration for children of church members for the 2013-2014 school year on Sunday, February 10, from 9:00-9:30 and 10:30-11:00am.  A table will be set up in the Preschool area by the elevator in D hall.  For more information call the Preschool Office at 770 971-6812.
 
Student Ministries needs host homes for DNOW weekend, February 22-24!
* DNOW is Student Ministry's in-house retreat & the biggest thing we do all year.
* Students stay in the homes of church members throughout the weekend.
* If you have space in your home where 8-10 students and 2 college leaders can sleep, we would LOVE to have you as a host home!
* We can provide you with a host home helper to aid with transportation & food.
* Sign up to be a host home online at mtbethel.org/dnow.  Send all questions to students@mtbethel.org.
 
Anne Frank Exhibit |Thursday, January 31|  9:30-3pm | $5 plus lunch
The 600 photograph and more than 8,000 word exhibit tells the story of young Anne This powerful, moving exhibit provides visitors a chance to learn, explore, share and remember the history and lessons of the Holocaust and its continued relevance today. We will leave from the Fairfield parking lot at 9:30am. RSVP to Kim McGarr at 770-579-9224, ext. 25 or kim.mcgarr@mtbethel.org
 
"Celebrating Our Faith" with Catherine Hickem - If you missed her first event, please don't miss this one! If you joined us for Catherine's talk about faith back in November, we want to see you again, and please pass the word! Thursday, February 7, is the second in this four-part series with Catherine Hickem designed specifically for women to hear about and discuss celebrating their faith. Catherine's second topic is "Trust." She will talk about how to live freely and safely with God. Come fellowship with friends over desserts and beverages, and hear a message that will renew your spirit. Tickets are $15 and are available in the bookstore and will be available for online purchase soon. http://mtbethel.org/event/catherine-hickem-again/
Deadline for tickets is Sunday, February 3. Please email BA Montague at ba.montague@mtbethel.org  with questions. For information about nursery, email or call Debbie Ruth at Debbie.ruth@mtbethel.org   or 770-971-2588.
 
Walk to Emmaus Dinner and Information meeting for anyone who might be interested in attending this three-day spiritual retreat, Saturday, February 2, at 6:30pm at the Mt. Bethel Community Center.  For more details contact Millie Atkinson at 770-578-1334 or email at milliecatkinson@gmail.com.
 
Altar flowers are available to reserve by calling Debi Wyatt at 678-560-2437 or emailing debi.wyatt@mtbethel.org. Arrangements are $60 each or $120 for both. Right now, the month of February is wide open.
 
Metal Recycle Day! Saturday, February 9, from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Mt. Bethel parking lot by the Gym. The cost is $10 per load which will benefit the MBCA 8th grade trip to Washington, DC. What they can take: mattresses, box springs, electronics, television sets, kitchen appliances, metal sinks, computer brains, computer monitors, metal desks, file cabinets, bikes, lawn mowers (push mowers or riding mowers), dishwashers, metal bathtubs, washing machines and dryers, grills, the metal parts of trampolines, blowers, refrigerators, stove, microwave, metal tables and chairs, copper pipes, electric wire, etc., "any metal you can find."                                     
Mt. Bethel's Career Ministry meets on the following Tuesdays at 6:30pm for resume review & 7:30pm for the program in the Community Center.
Future Meetings: 
Tuesday, Feb. 12  - LinkedIn
Tuesday, Feb. 26 - Interview Prep
Tuesday, March 12 -  Building your Resume
For more information, please contact kibbie.jones@mtbethel.org.
 
Mt. Bethel Spring/Summer Consignment and Baked Goods Sale - March 7-9 -Consignor and Volunteer Registration Is NOW OPEN! Join us as more than 400 sellers consign spring and summer children's clothing, toys, books, furniture and more. All proceeds go to support local and global missions to benefit families and children of all ages. Get the best deals around on toys, swimsuits, sporting goods, gear and supplies, spring and summer baby, kids, juniors and maternity clothing and shoes - everything you need for your kids (and as always, we'll have the bake sale featuring yummy homemade treats). Don't forget about the Boutique Section for upscale brands, custom-made and smocked clothing. Register and Get Details at http://www.MtBethelCCS.com/
Upcoming Sale Dates and Times:
Thursday, March 7: Volunteer and New Mom Preview - Go to www.MtBethelCCS.com for details on how you can shop first!
Friday, March 8: 9:00 am-7:00 pm*
Saturday, March 9: 9:00 am-12:00 pm (all items 30% off)
NEW THIS SALE - We'll be accepting credit cards for your consignment sale purchases, for a fee. *No children allowed on the sales floor until 12pm on Friday (except babies in Slings or front/back Packs). We provide a loving nursery from 8:30am to 12pm for $4 per hour, per child, with an $8 per hour family maximum.
 
The HOPE Center is interested in interviewing candidates for part-time sonography positions that will open up within the next few months. Please contact Cindy O'Leary at 770-924-0864 for details and/or the job description. Qualifications include faith in and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and current licensure in the provision of limited obstetrical ultrasound (RDMS or Nurse Sonographer) and CPR certification.
 
College/Young Adult Ministry
On Tuesday nights we have Bible Study from 7 p.m. at Gaylyn Kelly's house. We are currently studying the Book of Daniel. We meet  Sunday mornings for intergenerational Bible Study at 9:30 in the CAC to open up the Lord's Word and join in discussion.
 
Nursery, Preschool & Children's Ministries
Mt. Bethel Day Care Center is now enrolling:
Children for the Pre-K class. For prices and tour information, please call Dee Stolz at 678-560-8005.
 
Recreation Ministry
2013 Spring Sports:  The registration deadline has passed, but we have some space available in these leagues. Contact the Recreation Office at 770-971-5280 or stop by the CAC to register.
*        Boys baseball, grades K - 3
*        Boys and girls soccer, grades Pre-K thru 6 (Pre-K must be 4 by March 1, 2013)
*        Boys flag football, grades 1 - 7
*        Girls Volleyball, grades 4 - 8
*        Co-ed T-Ball, Pre-K (must be 4 years old by March 1, 2013)
*        Girls softball, grades K - 5
 
2012-13 Youth Basketball: Pizza parties/Awards celebrations are scheduled for the week of January 28. Check your schedules for your teams final game.  Parties will be upstairs in the CAC after your final game.
 
2013 High School Co-Ed Volleyball: Registration is underway. Games begin February 11. Get your team together and register or contact Melissa at melissa.sneed@mtbethel.org or 678-560-7438 for more information.  Registration forms available to print online.
 
Chair Massage:  Wednesdays from 8:30-12:00 in the CAC - Will Graham of "Unseen Touch" is giving relaxing chair massages for $1 per minute - No limit.  Stop by or call 770-971-5280 to schedule your time.
 
We are looking for a full time staff person.  Must be a college graduate and have a strong work ethic. Recreation experience preferred.  Must have references. Send resumes to rob.mickler@mtbethel.org. Salary based on experience.
 
Recreation Facebook: Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MtBethelRec. We have posted basketball pictures.
 
Sports Camps will be available for sign up beginning February 5th!
 
Fitness: Join us for one of our many fitness classes. Now offering Barre Class ($6/class). New session is underway. Go to www.mtbethel.org/fitness for complete schedule and pricing.
 
Aloha to Aging
Alzheimer's/Caregiver Support Group Meeting: Monday, 2/4 at 10:30 a.m. 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 to 678-439-1177.
  
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Tuesday, 2/5 at 10:30 a.m. This month's program will focus on physical therapies designed specifically for P.D. Our guest speakers will include to specially trained therapists from PT Solution Physical Therapy.  You and your caregiver are welcome as we share coping strategies and helpful tips and resources. 
  
Aloha Day Club:  Mondays & Wednesdays  10:30am - 2:00pm. Our dedicated staff (professional & volunteer) provide a stimulating, social and therapeutic program for seniors 55+. Program includes snack, lunch, music, exercise and interactive activities. Program, Music and Art volunteers for Aloha Day Club. Call Nancy at 678-439-1177.
 
Grant Writing/Research Volunteers: It is time for us to raise some funds to keep us moving forward. WE NEED YOU to make this happen. If you have grant writing experience, willingness to assist coordinate fundraising efforts, secure donations or needing to share your creative spirit then contact Dawn Reed at 678-439-1177 or dawn@alohatoaging.org.
 
Growing Through Grief:  Monday, February 11 at 2:30 p.m.  Come experience an uplifting and interactive approach game show style. Join Sandra Karem of Crossroads Hospice as she shares an engaging program focused on strategies for growing through the grief of losing a spouse or elder loved one. Whether your grief is new or experienced, this program is for you. Please RSVP to 678-439-1177. Meeting held at Aloha To Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.
 
Healthy Brain Game Day:  Thursday, February 21 from 11:00-1:30.  If you are 55+, come learn ways to revitalize your brain while having fun!  There will be a healthy lunch served and multiple brain building games and prizes. Limited seating!  RSVP by Tuesday 2/19 to 678-439-1177. Cost is $15. Call for location.
 
Communicating in Difficult Situations:  Thursday, February 28, at 10:30.  Learn strategies for being assertive versus aggressive and diffusing emotional situations. This will include dealing with those with dementia as well as family members and caregivers. Class interactive in nature. Presented by Nancy Ptashnik, Master Trainer for Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  Please RSVP to 678-439-1177 or info@alohatoaging.org. Call for location.
  

Our Faithfulness
Offerings Received last week -- $106,023     

Offerings this fiscal year - -  $4,885,805    
Budget Offerings Needed to date - - $5,027,885 
 

 


    
  
 

 

Sunday, January 27                                              
7:30-9:15am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:15am Worship Service - Sanctuary
9:29am Student Ministries Nine29 - Fellowship Hall
9:30am Sunday School
9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary                                 
9:30am God's Garden - A35
11:00am Spring Confirmation Class - 3rd Floor of F Building
11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Encounter Worship in the Fellowship Hall
11:00am God's Garden - A35
11:00am Kid Quest Worship for Children K-2nd Grade - F015
11:00am The POD Worship for Children 3rd-5th Grade - Upper Room
11:00am Sunday School
12:15pm Administrative Council - Fellowship Hall
12:30pm Medical Mission Meeting - Upper Room
4:00pm Student Choir - A18
5:00pm Middle School Life Groups
5:30pm Stephen Ministry Training - H House
6:00pm High School Life Groups 
                            
Monday, January 28
9:30am Corrigan Care for Special Needs - D08
10:00am Sallie Mae Wilson Circle - B116
5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 - Scout Meeting Hall
 
Tuesday, January 29
7:15am Tuesday Morning Breakfast - Gym
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:30am Bible Studies
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
11:30am Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room
5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
5:30pm Middle School Bells
6:30pm McDaniel Handbells - A25
                            
Wednesday, January 30
9:30am-12:30pm Corrigan Care Mom's Morning Out for Special Needs Kids - D8
9:30am Adult Bible Studies
10:00am Righteous Bells - A25
11:30am Special Projects Committee - B116
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center
4:30pm iPraise/weePraise
4:30-6:45pm Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
6:00pm 4th & 5th Grade Life Groups - 2nd floor F Building
6:00pm Student Bible Studies - B Hall
6:15pm High School Bells - A25
6:30pm Celebration Choir Rehearsal - A23
6:30pm Divorce Support Group - H House
6:30pm Grief Support Group - H House
6:30pm Preschool & Children's SPLAT Program  - C14/16 and F Basement
7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary
7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
 
Thursday, January 31
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8
5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
 
Friday, February 1
6:30am Friday's Faithful - B112
7:00am Charlie Oates Men's Bible Study - Community Center
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8
5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
6:00pm Special Needs Respite - F001/02
 
Saturday, February 2
8:00am-8:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
6:30pm Walk to Emmaus Dinner and Information Meeting - Community Center
  

  

 

 

 

    
 
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