Mt. Bethel UMC - August 4, 2013

August 4, 2013

SPIRITUAL RENEWAL FOR OUR DAY

This past week I was one of the two preachers (Methodist and Baptist) at the Lumpkin Camp Meeting. I grew up in rural Mississippi where we would have brush arbors constructed in some farmer's pasture, and a revival would go for two weeks at a time. The camp meeting experience is always a lot of fun for me because it brings back a lot of memories from my childhood. This was also the way Methodism was spread in the South. The circuit riding preacher would travel around visiting towns where there were people gathering from all around the area in brush arbors to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even today there are many revivals called "Camp Meeting" across the South like Lumpkin Camp Meeting where people will go and spend a week living in a cabin and attending the services at the Arbor that is located in the middle of a circle of cabins. Camp Meetings and Tent Revivals are a lot of fun and a great social event as well as spiritual experience.

As I looked out over the Campground and remembered the history of camp meetings in the South, I wondered if John Wesley would recognize them today. I went even further in my wondering; I wondered if he would recognize the Methodist Church today. John Wesley was a ministerial member of the Church of England who never wanted to form a new church. Wesley wanted to revive the Church of England, what he referred to as, a dead church. Simply because the Church of England rejected Wesley and his revivalism, the Methodist movement was formed. This movement, not only lit fires of revival in England; but it is part of the reason the South is referred to as the Bible Belt. The Methodist movement was ablaze in the deep South and many souls were saved because of the dedication of the Methodist Circuit Riders.

I have often wondered how John Wesley would see his Methodist movement today. The church, all churches, is in a very needy world today. How would John Wesley see the Methodist Church in particular? He might think we needed to have a fire lit under us like the one he was trying to light under the Church of England. I am sure he would say we should spend more time doing ministry than we do talking about ministry. Wesley would again affirm to us that the world is our parish. Soul winning and making disciples of the souls we have won are our only responsibilities the church has in the world. He would affirm that we need to show justice and mercy rather than talk about them and pass legislation about them.

As I look out on the world in which I live, I am concerned about the people I see everyday who have no clue that Jesus loves them, and He wants the best for their lives. I pray that the church will again have the passion for lost people as did the early disciples and great men of God like John Wesley, Martin Luther, and list can go on and on. Where are they today? Then I am reminded that those men were ordinary men who became extraordinary as they were touched and used by God. So that could be you and me as we allow God to touch and move us.

Let us all pray for our community to come back to God in repentance and faith. May revival take hold of our land and revive us into the people God created us to be. I hope to see you in church on Sunday.

Rev. Glenn Ray

Worship Services

August 4

8:15am Sanctuary - "Along the Way" - John 14:6 & Isaiah 30:21 - Rev. Kim McGarr

9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "The Sinner at Church" - Luke 18:9-14 - Rev. Glenn Ray

11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "Jailhouse Rock" - Matthew 19:26

11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011 -"Extreme Living - Part I - They Trusted Him" - Daniel 3

St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service - "On a Mission . . . Together" - I Corinthians 11:23-29 - Rev. Jon Ponders

Please visit mtbethel.org for more details about our ministries, programs and even

Connect with Us

Our Joys & Concerns

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the life of Bob Tyler, now living in the Father's House. The Paschal Candle also burns in honor of the baptism of Trey Gregory Freeman, son of Greg & Robin Freeman; and Richard Brooks Welling, son of Richard & Stephanie Welling.

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Anna Tolbert & Ted Wood on August 3, 2013 by Fred, Becky & Claire Tolbert.

The rosebuds on the altar are in honor of the births of Joseph Wyatt Gordon, son of Gerritt & Katie Gordon and grandson of Carl & Nancy Jakaitis, on July 11, 2013; and Mary Claire Tincknell, daughter of Matt & Melissa Tincknell and granddaughter of Charlie & Carol Smith, on June 24, 2013.

We express Christian sympathy to Ron & Belinda Tyler in the loss of Ron's father, Bob Tyler. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.
Recently hospitalized: Camille Auci, Dick Stafford.

We wish to congratulate Alexa DeRosa & Matthew Sparkman who were married in our Sanctuary by Rev. Wil Parker on July 27, 2013.

Congratulations to Bob & Gwen Moore on the birth of their grandson, Jackson Macgregor Jeffcoat, son of Mike & Erica Jeffcoat, on July 23, 2013.

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, and 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.

Our normal Sunday morning schedule returns on August 4. Join us in the Fellowship Hall from 7:30-9:15am for breakfast. Our 8:15 Sanctuary worship service resumes.

Back to School and Back to Breakfast at Mt. Bethel on Sunday morning. We are currently in need of volunteers to serve as cashiers on Sunday morning from 8:00-9:30. You serve once every 3 to 4 weeks and not to mention that you get all the cheese grits you want. Please contact Kibbie Jones at 678-560-7230 or Kibbie.jones@mtbethel.org to volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity - Road Race Sponsors Needed. Construction of Mt. Bethel's 33rd Habitat Home will begin in September. The October 5th Habitat Road Race provides much of the funding for the Habitat homes we build. Please consider becoming a race sponsor (business, personal, small group, etc.). Depending on level of sponsorship each sponsor's name or logo will appear on the race t-shirt, all signage and race materials reaching thousands of Cobb County and metro Atlanta residents. Your support will help another deserving family escape poverty housing and realize their dream of home ownership. For more information please contact Ashley O'Neil at 770-314-0130 aoneil@outlook.com.

Mt. Bethel will host a Gathering for the North Georgia Walk to Emmaus community on Friday, August 9. This is for the Mt. Bethel Emmaus Community and those who are interested in finding out more about the Walk to Emmaus. Fellowship will begin at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall, Worship will start at 7:15. Child care will be provided. Please contact Millie Atkinson at milliecatkinson@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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 www.mtbethelschoolofthearts.org. Registration is now open. For more information, please email brittany.leazer@mtbethel.org.

Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, August 17, at 6:30pm in the Mt. Bethel Fellowship Hall. Wear your favorite sports team attire & come ready to dance and eat ballpark food. Our DJ will play your favorite tunes as you munch and dance the night away! And remember to be ready to "strike" a pose for our photographer. Tickets are $45 for one father & one daughter ($5 for each additional daughter). Register online. Scholarships are available for this event. Contact Ben Hornsby for scholarship information - ben.hornsby@mtbethel.org or 678-569-7886.

Knowing firsthand the devastating effects of separation and divorce on people's lives, it's good to know that there is excellent support available. Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Series provides practical guidelines and time-tested methods for addressing and dealing with the trauma of divorce. Separation and divorce bring hurt and pain-as though our heart is breaking. For a while it seems that we can never put back the pieces. With help and time we begin to see things start to come together-a patch here, a new piece there. This series is designed to provide hope and new direction for your life.

September 11- December 4; 6-7:30pm, location H building (Missions House); for further information, please contact Rev. Glenn Ray (glenn.ray@mtbethel.org; 678-560-2801) or Susan Folger, RN (folgersusan@gmail.com; 770-312-9169). *The Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Workbook can be purchased through the Mt Bethel Bookstore or a local/online book seller.

Mt. Bethel UMC has a lot for sale located between Panama City and Rosemary Beach. It is located in a subdivision called Turtle Cove - the address is 110 Turtle Cove, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. If you are interested in the purchase of this lot, please call Gale Koven at 678-560-7450 or email gale.koven@mtbethel.org.

The Special Projects Committee meet Wednesdays at 11:30am in B116. Everyone is welcome to join them. Their upcoming meetings are:

August 7 - Project Mail Call

August 14 - Student Ministry/Mailing

August 21 - Senior Ministry / Mailing

August 28 - Quarterly Birthday Party

Rise Up! - Calling all families of K-5 students! Join us for fun, music and Gutsy the Flying Fox at the first annual Rise Up! Rally on Saturday, August 24, from 2-4pm. Rise Up! is a new non-profit ministry that is a Biblically-based, high energy, character building club for local public schools. Area schools that will have Rise Up! chapters this fall are Timber Ridge, Tritt, Garrison Mill, Mt. Bethel, and Mountain Park. To learn more, visit www.riseup4Christ.com.

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. More information and digital packet registration is online.

Mt. Bethel Nursery has an opening in the Fall (beginning the first week of August) for a paid staff member. We are looking for responsible adults who love children and can work on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to approximately 12:30 pm. If you are interested, please contact Debbie Ruth at 770-971-2588 for additional information.

The Mt. Bethel Nursery will be closed on Wednesday evening, August 7. The Nursery will still be open during the day on the 7th. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Ruth at 770-971-2588, or Evelyn Bosher at 678-560-7285.

Mt. Bethel Day Care Center is now enrolling children for full time childcare in our Toddler 1 & 2 classrooms. For enrollment information, please contact Dee Stolz at 678-560-8005 or mtbetheldaycare@aol.com.

Mt. Bethel Day Care is now hiring Assistant Teachers to work in the afternoon. If you are interested in a part-time position working with young children, please contact Dee Stolz at mtbetheldaycare@aol.com.

Children's Ministries

Children's Ministry is a wonderful place to see Jesus each day through the eyes of a child. Each Sunday it takes 150 volunteers to make sure the children are safe, loved & cared for. If you have been touched by someone who took the time to teach Sunday school, Catechesis or lead worship, now may be your time to give of yourself to teach and touch the life of a child. We have 65 openings for volunteers in Sunday School and Children's Worship at 9:30 and 11:00 for children ages 2 years through 5th grade. I promise it will change your life too! JUMP into Children's Ministry as you listen to your calling "Jesus Use Me Please". To volunteer call or email a Children's Staff person or Dianne Hylton at 770-971-5074 or dianne.hylton@mtbethel.org.dianne.hylton@mtbethel.org

Life Groups for 4th and 5th grade children and a parent/mentor are now forming for the 2013-2014 school year. A meeting and training will be on Wednesday, August 21, at 6:30pm in F011. You may register online or contact sherri.juliani@mtbethel.org for more information.

Student Ministries

Life Group Leaders Needed! Are you feeling called to serve or invest in the lives of others? Mt. Bethel Student Ministries is looking for volunteers who will commit to investing in the lives of students through Life Groups. Life Groups are our small group discipleship ministry. They're the way a large church and student ministry become smaller and more intimate for our students. Student Life Groups meet on Sunday nights (from 5-6pm for middle schoolers and from 6-7:30pm for high schoolers). We place 8-10 students with 2 adult leaders who help guide and facilitate discussion, along with helping students apply God's Word to their lives. We focus on DOING LIFE TOGETHER through fellowship, Scripture, prayer, and service. For more information or to sign up, please contact lauren.eden@mtbethel.org.

Voice of Truth student choir is kicking off another great year of praising God with our voices and we are looking to expand our group. The group is open to 6th-12th graders of ALL singing (or lack of) abilities! We meet every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 (before Life Groups) in the choir room (A18.) We are kicking off the year with a parent/student meeting in A-18 (under Sanctuary) on Sunday, August 11, at 4:00. We will be discussing this upcoming year and the ways that we can better serve Him. Also, like us on Facebook to get continued updates of what is coming up. See you on the 11th! Chris Whittington, Voice of Truth Student Choir Director - chris.whittington@mtbethel.org.

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/Young Adult ministry, please contact Gaylyn Kelly.

Recreation Ministry

ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL: Now Registering. Register as a team. Forms are in the CAC. Play begins Wednesday, August 21. Contact Brian Bergius at brian.bergius@mtbethel.org or 770-971-4299 for more information.

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 mtbethel.org/fitness 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 | Wednesdays | 8:30am-12:00pm | 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.

Recreation Facebook: Join us on Facebook!

Aloha to Aging

Growing Through Grief: Monday, 8/12 at 2:30 pm. Come experience an uplifting time with 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 or email info@alohatoaging.org. Meeting held at Aloha To Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.

Aloha Silent and Live Art Auction Fundraiser: Saturday, August 17, at 6:30pm: Ready for an "Aloha Style" night of fun for a great cause? Enjoy heavy Hors d'oeuvres and desserts while you bid on items ranging from Disney Hopper Passes, artisan jewelry, getaways to the beach, Tuscany, African Photo Safari, gift baskets and amazing artwork and college-themed art. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. All proceeds go to Aloha To Aging, Inc. Please buy tickets online at www.alohatoaging.org or call us at 678-439-1177 for more information. Opportunities for ad space and tax deductible donations also available! Event to be held at Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062.If you are an artist and have a painting or sculpture, etc. you would like to donate, please let us know!!

Our Faithfulness

Offerings Received last week - $106,749
Offerings this fiscal year - - $413,576

This Week's Schedule:

Sunday, August 4

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 God's Garden - A35

11:00am Sunday School

12:15pm Healing Service/Communion - Chapel

8:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

Monday, August 5

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005

9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D008

10:00am Ola Jones Circle - B116

7:00pm Consignment Sale Committee - B116

Tuesday, August 6

9:00am Membership Committee - B112

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005

10:30am Knitting Angels - B109

4:30pm MBCA New Parent Reception - Academy Media Center

5:00pm MBCA Meet & Greet

7:00pm College/Young Adult Bible Study - Upper Room

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

Wednesday, August 7

9:00am Preschool Welcome Back Brunch - D14/15

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005

9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D008

10:00am Book Talk - B106

11:30am Special Projects Committee - B116

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center

6:00pm Habitat Meeting - B118

6:30pm Celebration Choir Rehearsal - A23

7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18

Thursday, August 8

8:00am MBCA Back to School Parent Coffee

8:45am MBCA Convocation - Sanctuary

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005

5:00pm Preschool Orientation - Sanctuary

Friday, August 9

6:30am Friday's Faithful - B112

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005

6:00pm MBCA Screen on the Green - "Fields of Dreams"

6:30pm Walk to Emmaus Gathering - Fellowship Hall

Saturday, August 3

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

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