Mt. Bethel UMC 


June 23, 2013
 
I Was Just Thinking

I was just thinking "What if God really didn't care about us?" Would it change my life at all? As I began to ponder that question, there were a few thoughts that came to my mind. The first, I would not have a job as a pastor --- if God didn't care because there would be no gospel to preach. The second, I would have no future -- if God didn't care because there would be no future. The third, I would be filled with fear because the world would have no absolute truth to guide human behavior and the world would be in chaos.

I am glad that I know a God who loved the world and me enough that He sent His Son to die for our sin so that the required sacrifice for the sin of the world would be made and paid in full. Therefore I have a gospel to preach, a future to look forward to, and a security that keeps away the fear that is per- petuated by a world that is lost to true purpose and meaningful life. I want that world to know what I know and I want to spend the rest of my life telling them about it. The journey of faith is such an awesome trip. I hope you are on that journey.

I was just thinking. And it brought about a little private worship service in my heart because I felt renewed, regenerated, and wanted to rededicate my- self as Isaiah did when he saw the Lord (Isaiah 6) in the temple. My words are as his: "Here am I. Send me!"

This Sunday we are going to be using David as our example of daring faith. He didn't always get things right, but he was always willing to ask for for- giveness and start all over again. 1 Samuel 13:14 says: "The Lord has sought out a man for Himself a man after His own heart." David was only a man, but what a man he became because he sought God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. I dare you to follow his example and be a man or woman after God's own heart!

It is of the utmost importance that we seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength because our church has the potential to change the course of this community and we must have His presence in us. Our Lord has commissioned us to carry the gospel to a lost and dying world. Along with that commission He has given us the Power to do ministry. God is calling us to be a church on fire for His program. "I dare you" to give yourselves to Him without reservation. I hope to see you in church on
Sunday.

Glenn Ray

Worship Services  

June 23                     

8:15am Sanctuary Service: "Be Courageous" - 2nd in "I Dare You" Series - Joshua 1:6-9 - Rev. Kim McGarr
                  
9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary: "David: God's Man" I Samuel 13:13-14 - Rev. Glenn Ray
 
11:00am Contemporary worship service in the Fellowship Hall: "Dare to Know" - Acts 2:36 - Rev. Steven Brumbeloe
 
11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015: "Extreme Life" - Psalm 37:4
                                     
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011: "The Book, Part 4 - I AM" - Exodus 34:4-8
 
St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service:  "The Windshield and the Rearview Mirror" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Rev. Jon Ponders
                            
Go online for more details about our ministries, programs and events. 


Meet the Jewish Jesus You've Been Missing.
He celebrated the Jewish holidays, understood the Jewish traditions, taught the Jewish scriptures, and loved the Jewish people.  Murray Tilles of Light of Messiah Ministries in Atlanta will reveal to us the Jewish Jesus we've been missing.  Murray will explain how the Jewish traditions and festivals point to Jesus and reveal His ultimate mission. Through an inspiring and educational message, you can begin to understand a part of Jesus most of the church has missed. Come and join with us as we meet the Jewish Jesus we've been missing.

Grab a cup of coffee and come join us Sunday, June 23 and Sunday, June 30 at 9:30am in A18 (under the Sanctuary).  Come both Sundays or just one. Each week will be different information based on the same topic.  Questions, contact Gayle Haden.

Reception for Ray Fountain
We want to extend a special invitation to all of you to attend a reception in honor of our beloved Ray Fountain who is retiring, on Sunday, June 30, immediately following the 11am service in the music suite. Ray has been an extraordinary member of our music staff, serving as Director of Handbells as well as Administrative Assistant in our music ministry and at St. Philip. Let's ALL plan to attend and express our appreciation for a job well done, good and faithful servant!  Music Ministry Staff 

                            

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Our Joys & Concerns

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Scott Smith & Shannon O'Donnell on June 8, 2013 at Chateau Elan.

We extend Christian sympathy
to Alan, Helen & Brett Flury in the loss of Helen's mother, Jessica Cone; and to Ed, Lyn, Melissa & Kathryn Lynn in the loss of Lyn's mother, Dora Garrett. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

Congratulations
to Bob & Andrea Giuliano on the birth of their granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Adams, daughter of Matt & Amy Adams, on June 15, 2013.

OUR FAITHFULNESS
Offerings Received last 2 weeks - $219,578 Offerings this fiscal year - - $7,891,377 Budget Offerings Needed to date - - $8,547,403
Worship Attendance - 1,632

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Mt. Bethel has 2,412 families (giving units) and thus far, 1,175 have returned their commitment cards for a total of $7,728,563. Our current operating budget for 2012/13 is $9,500,000.
 
Weekend Minister on Call:  770-354-5433 
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.       

 

Back Pack Blessings This coming Monday, June 24, food trucks from various vendors will be lining up in Paper Mill Village to take your order. The vendors will be open from 5pm to 8pm. During this time, we will be collecting donations for Backpack Blessings, a program that provides food to needy children in Cobb County. Donations we are looking for include: Motts Applesauce 3.9 oz, Snack Pack Chocolate Pudding 3.5 oz, Snack Pack Vanilla Pudding 3.5 oz, and Slim Jims.

 

Vendors who will be participating during this evening are: Hail Caesar, Buen Provecho, Viet-Nomie, Fry Guy, Happy Belly, Sugar Benders, Snap Franks, and King of Pops. Please go online if you want to know more about Back Pack Blessings or contact Kimberlee Ackerman

 

Career Ministry Meeting | Tuesday, June 25 | Mt. Bethel Community Center 

 Mt. Bethel's Career Ministry will meet on Tuesday, June 25, from 6:30pm until 8:00pm at Mt. Bethel's Community Center (4608 Lower Roswell Road near the corner of Woodlawn Drive).
New meeting format: Career Counseling & Resume Review - Experienced Human Resources professionals give 1 on 1 attention to each job seeker and will cover any topic which relates to job search strategy.  Depending on each person's individual needs we will discuss Employment Branding/Resume, Using Technology (Job Boards), LinkedIn, Interviewing Tips and any other relevant topics.  Registration is recommended but not required. For more information & registration please visit the website or contact Kibbie Jones - 678-560-7230.

    

Do you want to change the spiritual life of your family? 
Join us for Kingdom Rock - Where Families Stand Strong for God!  July 7-10 (Sunday-Wednesday) from 6-8:30pm for a new family experience. We will worship, learn, play, serve and grow together in this new Mt. Bethel adventure. If you have children ages 4-12, this is for you. Take time to grow your family and stand strong for God! Jody Ray will be teaching the Bible lesson each night. Experience missions in new big ways by teaching your children the value of serving others. Join the fun and fellowship.  Register online for $25 per family.


Need Service Hours?  Want to serve with families?  We have an opportunity for you if you are rising 9th-12th grade.  Join us for Kingdom Rock - Where Families Stand Strong for God July 7-10 from 6-8:30pm (Sunday-Wednesday). You have several choice to serve. Sign up online. Questions, please call Dianne Hylton at 770-971-5074.
 
Immediate Need for Items for Mission Project during Kingdom Rock
Mt. Bethel families will pack 200 lunches for children living on the streets and being exploited. Please consider donating bottled water, individual "salty" snacks (pretzels, chips, cheese crackers or peanut butter crackers) and individual fruit snacks or roll ups. Donations can be dropped off with Becky Tolbert in the Children's Ministry.  Items are needed before Friday, June 28. Contact Becky Tolbert 678-560-7447 or Tracey Reed at 404-786-7280 with any questions. 
 
Grouper Trivia Night | Tuesday, June 25 | Rose and Crown Tavern

Join us for another great night of Trivia! Come at 6:30 for dinner, then Trivia will start at 7:30pm. Let's put our heads together and see just how much we know!

Rose and Crown trivia nights are very popular, so please RSVP. We want to make sure we have a seat for you! RSVP to Ellen Sutley or Kim McGarr.


MB School of the Arts Classes begin August 13!  

Mt. Bethel School of the Arts offers a professional, safe, and Christ-centered environment, which promotes creativity and excellence within the arts. MBSA provides students with an enrichment program that is intellectually stimulating, emotionally compelling, aesthetically elevating, and personally relevant, with an emphasis on biblically-sound artistic expression. Classes include dance, voice, art, acting, guitar & piano. Please visit our website at mtbethelschoolofthearts.org. Registration is now open. For more information, please email brittany.leazer@mtbethel.org.
 
Mt. Bethel Fall/Winter Consignment and Baked Goods Sale - August 23 & 24

Join us as more than 500 sellers will consign Fall/Winter clothes, toys, books, furniture, etc. for infants to teens.  All proceeds go to support local and global missions to benefit families and children of all ages.  Digital Packet Registration opens Monday, June 24 at 8am! Visit mtbethelccs.com for more information!    

 

No Special Projects Committee This Summer 

During June and July the Special Projects Committee will not be meeting or partying on Wednesdays. All projects and festivities will resume in August.
 
Camp Hope Needs Help!
Camp Hope 2013 is still in need of college-age and adult week-long counselors to serve in the cabins with our campers. These volunteers are needed from Sunday, July 13-Friday, July 19. Interested individuals can contact Christina Graff for more information at 770-977-7751 or email christina.graff@kidz2leaders.org. Applications are available at kidz2leaders.org.
 
Christmas in July! 

June 23-July 10 - Camp Hope is celebrating Christmas early this year and collecting items for Camp Hope 2013!  Please help Camp Hope by donating snacks, packs of water, $15 or $20 Wal-Mart gift cards or scholarships for campers to attend Camp Hope.  Donations can be dropped-off in the collection boxes placed in the Mt. Bethel Main Office from June 23-July 10. Be sure to visit our table in the Narthex on Sundays June 23, July 30, and July 7 to take a tag off our Christmas tree. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Camp Hope sunglasses for a donation of $5!       

  

MUST Summer Sack Lunch program is looking for groups who would like to make lunches for children living in poverty in Cobb County.  Mt. Bethel UMC provides the supplies and the facility set up--you provide the volunteers to make the lunches and deliver them to a nearby MUST drop off location!  Contact Patti Turner,  for details.
 
Young Adult/College Ministry
Bible study and dinner at Gaylyn Kelly's house every Tuesday night. We are currently going through the book of Acts. If you have any questions about the College and Young Adult ministry please contact Gaylyn Kelly.    

 

Recreation Ministry
There are still a few spaces available in the following summer camps:
Register online or in the CAC
Hoops Camp III: July 15 - 18 (Mon. - Thur.) 9am - 12pm. Boys Rising 5th-8th Grades. Member $95, Non-member $115.
Hoops Camp IV: July 15 - 18 (Mon. - Thur.) 1:30 - 4:30. Girls Rising 3rd-8th Grades. Member $95, Non-member $115.
Volleyball Camp I: July 22 - 24 (Mon.-Wed.) 9am-12pm. Girls Rising 4th/5th Grades. Member $75, Non-member $95.
Volleyball Camp II: July 22 - 24 (Mon.-Wed.) 1:30 - 4:30. Girls Rising 6th - 8th Grades. Member $75, Non-member $95.

Join us on Facebook.
 
Fitness

We offer classes in boot camp, barre, Zumba, body sculpting, weights, cardio, yoga, pilates and more. We have great instructors and lots of fun. Go to online for class schedule and prices.  We also have available by appointment a personal trainer who can get you started or keep you moving in the right direction.  For more information call the recreation department at 770-971-5280.
 
Chair Massage

Wednesday's from 8:30am-12:00pm in the CAC Will Graham of "The Unseen Touch" is giving relaxing chair massages for $1 per minute-No limit.  Stop by or call 770-971-5280 to schedule your time.
 
Aloha to Aging Monthly Support Group Opportunities
Alzheimer's/Caregiver Support Group Meeting: Monday, 7/8 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, 7/9 at 10:30 a.m. You and your caregiver are welcome as we share coping strategies and helpful tips and resources.  Program held at Aloha To Aging, Inc, 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.
 
2nd Annual Aloha Live Art & Silent Auction: Join us Saturday August 17, at 6:30pm for an ALOHA style evening with art, food, drinks and fun! Tickets $25 each, $35 day of event  (Includes 2 drink tickets). For information about corporate or individual patron sponsorship, please contact us.
 
Aloha to Aging Monthly Education
Growing through Grief:  Monday, July 8, at 2:30. 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, July 18, from 11:30-1:30. 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 7/16 to 678-439-1177 or info@alohatoaging.org. Cost is $15. Please call for location.
 
Kidney Disease Education:  Thursday, July 25, at 11:00. A registered dietician and social worker will cover important information about diabetes, high blood pressure on kidneys and lifestyle choices. RSVP by Tuesday 7/23 to 678-439-1177 or info@alohatoaging.org. Please call for location.  

 
Sunday, June 23
7:30-9:15am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:15am Worship Service - Sanctuary
9:30am Sunday School
9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Contemporary Worship Service - 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 - F011
11:00am Sunday School
6:00 KWAR Student Ministry Event - "Fields of Dreams"
                            
Monday, June 24
9:00am-5:00pm Sports Camp
9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D008
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005
10:00am Preschool Summer Camp
7:00pm Consignment Sale Meeting - B116
 
Tuesday, June 25
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:00am-5:00pm Sports Camp
9:30am Preschool Summer Camp
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
6:30pm Career Ministry Counseling - Community Center
 
Wednesday, June 26
9:00am-5:00pm Sports Camp
9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D008
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005
10:00am Preschool Summer Camp
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center
6:30pm Celebration Singers - A23
 
Thursday, June 27
9:00am-5:00pm Sports Camp
9:00am MUST Lunch Project - Dining Room
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005
10:00am Preschool Summer Camp
12:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
7:00pm PURSUIT College Ministry - Upper Room
 
Friday, June 28
6:30am Friday's Faithful - B112
7:00am Charlie Oates Men's Bible Study - Community Center
9:00am-5:00pm Sports Camp
9:30am Mother's Morning Out
10:00am Preschool Summer Camp
6:00pm Baggett/Titelman Wedding Rehearsal - Chapel
 
Saturday, June 29
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
6:00pm Baggett/Titelman Wedding - Chapel


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