Mt. Bethel UMC 

February 3, 2013


Randy                    By Whose Authority?
What William Keller of the National Council of Catholic Bishops said is very true, "It's hard, in a few minutes on Sunday morning, to offset the values presented through the media in the course of the week."
  
As I consider our Christian Faith, I am reminded of a conversation Jesus had with His disciples. They were troubled over His words, "In a little while you will see Me no more" (John 16:17). To help them better understand, He comforted them by saying, "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy . . . no one will take away your joy" (vs. 20,22).
  
It was Jesus' sacrifice that would constitute both sorrow and joy for them. And it was in the name of the risen Christ - Jesus - that they would find the power and authority to do the work of ministry after Jesus ascended into heaven.
  
It's the same with us. Our authority, our power, our credibility do not come because we are talented, gifted, charming, or articulate . . . but through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  
Mt. Bethel is a most wonderful church. However, it is by the authority of Jesus Christ that Mt. Bethel is Mt. Bethel! Consider the course of our ministries over the past 25 years. No church, within the United Methodist Church east of the Mississippi River, has accomplished more. Today we are 9,254 strong in membership. Our Day Care Ministry, Preschool Ministry and Academy are thriving. Why? It's because of the authority of Jesus Christ who said in John 15:5, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."
  
He is alive and free, let loose upon this earth, to accomplish the will of the Father through the Holy Spirit. He is our authority and because of that the values presented through the media are offset by the Christian values being taught daily, weekly, through Mt. Bethel's educational ministries. True, Mt. Bethel is but one church, but our influences are growing and lives, young and old, are being transformed into Godly living. With Jesus Christ, we can accomplish everything He has called us to do and be all He has ordained us to be! By His authority, we will move forward, boldly, into the future. God bless you Christian educators everywhere, and especially at Mt. Bethel.
                               
Randy Mickler, Senior Pastor


Worship Services  

February 3                   

8:15am Sanctuary - "Barriers to Generosity" - Second in the Series "Living Generously" - Mark 10:17-30 - Rev. Kim McGarr

                                                                           

9:30am God's Garden Worship Service for ages 3 (by 9/1/12) through Pre K - in A35.

                                               

9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "When a Tool Becomes an Idol"  - Second in Series: "Living Generously"  - Luke 18:18-30 - Dr. Randy Mickler

 

 

 

11:00am Encounter Contemporary - "The Rich Poor Man"  - Second in Series: "Living Generously" - Luke 12:13-21 - Rev. Glenn Ray

 

11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "Some Kind of Mud" - Luke 8:4-15

                                     

11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in the Upper Room - "Pay It Forward" - "Living Generously Part 2" - Matthew 25:14-29, II Corinthians 9:6-9

        

St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service - "I Wanna Be Rich" - First in Series "Loving Generously" - John 3:16 - Rev. Jon Ponders

 

  

  

 

 

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Our Joys & Concerns

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Drew Cleveland and Lauren Syrios on January 18, 2013, given by their families; and in celebration of Roger & Marilyn Camp's 50th wedding anniversary on February 2, 2013.

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Wendy Ahrenhold, now living in the Father's House. The Paschal Candle also burns in honor of the baptisms of Jacob Benjamin Armstrong, son of Matt & Eve Armstrong; and Leighton Hope Fischer, daughter of Mark & Allison Fischer.

Recently hospitalized:  Luke Albano, Bill Braun, Alan Davidson, Wayne Hawes, Ken Henry, Karin Howe, Blaine Thompson.

We extend Christian sympathy to Warren, Pat, Brad, Katherine & Allison Abrams and Susan & Jarrett Sappington in the loss of Pat & Susan's father, Stuart Woodward Bolen; to  Henry & Lyn Ahrenhold, Courtney Toney and Christopher Sanchez in the loss of Henry & Lyn's daughter and Courtney & Christopher's mother, Wendy Ahrenhold; and to James, Vivian, Ellen & Merrill Jackson in the loss of Vivian's mother, Ellen Milling.  May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief. 

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 monthly Healing Service and Communion will be in the Chapel this Sunday, February 3, at 12:15pm. All are welcome.

 

"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.

 

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 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. 

 

The Grace Gallery Committee is presenting an "Artist's Forum" on Tuesday February 12, 6:30 to 9:30pm in B118.   Program will include a review of the 2013 Grace Gallery Calendar and exhibition guidelines, Painting with Pastels Demonstration and a walk through the current exhibition. For more information contact Kathryn Hoppe at jnhoppe@aol.com

 

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.

 

February 22-24 is DNOW13 weekend! Please plan to carpool and use the shuttles from Terrell Mill and Dickerson on Sunday, February 24, due to the high volume of cars. Student Ministries is SO GRATEFUL for your support and your prayers over DNOW13!

 

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.

 

Save the Date! Mt. Bethel is hosting a traditional four-course Passover meal on Thursday, March 21, in the Fellowship Hall. In addition, Light of Messiah Ministries will present a Jesus in the Passover service which will bring to life the Jewish roots of faith in Jesus as well as the celebration of Communion.  For more information, contact Genia Crane at genia.crane@mtbethel.org

 

The Special Projects Committee meets each Wednesday at 11:30 in B116. Here are their February meetings. Please join us.

Feb. 6 - Project Mail Call

Feb. 13 - DNOW

Feb. 20 - DNOW

Feb. 27 - Quarterly Birthday Party

 

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 @ ben.hornsby@mtbethel.org, or call 678-333-1871. You can also contact Gayle Haden @ gayle.haden@mtbethel.org.

 

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.

 

With so many charitable thrift stores and donation centers in our area, and so many organizations willing to come pick up donations at individuals' houses, our church no longer needs to collect these items and transport them to the MUST donation center on Cobb Parkway. Please understand, we are continuing with all other MUST related support activities including, but not limited to: food donations, financial support, counseling, laundry services, meal preparation and volunteering at their Elizabeth Inn shelter and other locations. In the future, if you have clothes and household goods to donate, please take them to the MUST donation center -- open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm, 1210-B Kennestone Circle (just off Cobb Parkway), Marietta, GA, 678-581-8090, or to one of the local thrift stores/donation centers. Local Goodwill locations include: Powers Ferry Rd near Microcenter, Merchant's Exchange shopping center near LA Fitness (Johnson Ferry & 120), downtown Roswell, and in Sandy Springs.

 

"The Garden" Ministry needs some items. Can you help?

* Washing machines/dryers that work well. With 100 people, we are doing laundry non-stop, and are always in need of new machines. We seem to go through them quickly!

* One more commercial backpack-type leaf blower (We received one already which is an incredible blessing but are still in need of one more!), steel rakes, and other lawn equipment

* Miter saws, skill saws, sawzall, cordless drills, etc.

* Cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, bleach, liquid dish soap, carpet fresh, air fresheners, Lysol wipes, etc. (Whatever you have in your household, multiplied by 100!)

* Cold/Flu medicines for adults and children

* Kitchen needs: Black pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, vegetable oil, evaporated milk, apple cider vinegar, corn meal, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, bay leaves

* Hygiene items: feminine products, deodorant, conditioner, razors, shaving cream/gel, body wash, body splash, lotion, etc

* Baby items: diapers, baby formula, baby shampoo/body wash, diaper rash cream, pacifiers, sippy cups, etc.

* Monetary gifts and gas cards

Donations should be taken directly to The Garden, 2840 Plant Atkinson Road SE, Smyrna, GA or larger items (washers/dryers, tools) can be picked up by 7 Bridges men through coordination with Nick Jones @ 770-882-1165 or Pastor 7 @ 404-644-6976 .

 

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.

 

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

 

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. 

 

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 -- $101,837        Worship - 3,051
Offerings this fiscal year - -  $4,987,642    
Budget Offerings Needed to date - - $5,195,481 
     

 

  

   

                                                 

Sunday, February 3                                               

7:30-9:15am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall

8:15am Worship Service - Sanctuary

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 Healing Service/Communion - Chapel

12:15pm DNOW Host Home Training - Upper Room

12:15pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee - B118

4:00pm Student Choir - A18

                            

Monday, February 4

9:30am Corrigan Care for Special Needs - D08

10:00am Ola Jones Circle - B116

5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym

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

 

Tuesday, February 5

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

5:00pm Mission Team Leader Training - B109, 111

5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym

5:30pm Middle School Bells

6:30pm McDaniel Handbells - A25

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

                            

Wednesday, February 6

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

11:45am Preschool VBS meeting - B115

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center

4:30pm iPraise/weePraise

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

4:30pm Knitting Angels - B109

5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym

6:00pm 4th & 5th Grade Life Groups - 2nd flo

or 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 Preschool & Children's SPLAT Program  - C14/16 and F Basement

6:30pm Pre-Baptism Class - Chapel

7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary

7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

 

Thursday, February 7

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-8

9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001

5:00-10:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym

7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106

7:00pm Women's Ministry Event "Trust" - Fellowship Hall

 

Friday, February 8

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

 

Saturday, February 9

8:00am-8:00pm Winter Recreation - Gym

8:00am MBCA New Student Assessments - F Building

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

 

 

 

    
 
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