The Mt. Bethel Nursery will be closed Sunday evening only, January 19. We will reopen with evening hours the following Sunday, January 26.  

What is your family's biggest challenge? Many are struggling with making Christ the center of their lives in the fast-paced, busy world in which we live. We hope you'll join us for a new church-wide sermon series entitled "Priorities." On January 26, February 2, and February 9, our entire church family will be focusing on how to make Christ the center of our lives in three main areas - our time, our stuff, and our communication. Our adult Sunday school classes, Life Groups, and children and students will also be focusing on these topics during these three weeks.

Additionally, Catherine Hickem will be joining us on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm (January 22, January 29, and February 5) for a three-week seminar series entitled, "Priorities: Participating with God." Each week, she will focus on three topics: time, material possessions (or "stuff"), and communication. Catherine will be presenting practical ideas that we can implement at home to help our homes and families become more Christ-centered. The seminar is free, but please go online to register.

Mt. Bethel Children's Sunday School has started a mission project: collecting funds for UMCOR's "Mother and Child Survival project." The children made collection cups and took home the cups and a letter to parents on January 12.  There will be a competition between elementary grades, and big collection buckets will be out Sunday, January 19 - February 23. This is a project through the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the mission arm of the United Methodist Church.

The Administrative Council will be consecrated at the 9:30 or 11:00 worship services on Sunday, January 26. They will meet at 12:15pm in the Fellowship Hall for their first business meeting of the year.

Praise Art

Join the New Mt Bethel Praise Art Ministry: The Praise Art Ministry was established to encourage Christian Artists and congregations to make or share faith, and their Biblical World view, with visual art works.  Check out opportunities to take workshops, classes, or join an Artists Open Studio group on Wednesday, January 29, 4-6:30pm in the Connector.

Winter/Spring Bible studies are currently starting.  Please go online to register.

New 11:00 Sunday School class! Stepping Into the Bible is a new adult Sunday school class that will start on Sunday, February 2 at 11:00am. This class consists of couples with older elementary through high school aged children. Their goal is to learn more about what God is calling them to do and how to live a more spiritual life through the study of His Word. Their first study will be the church-wide Priorities series, and then they will be going through "The Story" by Max Lucado. If you are interested and have a middle or high school student, there is a new 11:00 Sunday School class being offered for students in the Cove. For more information, please contact Lauren Eden.

Financial Peace University - Mt. Bethel is offering Dave Ramsey's class for FREE to all church members on Sunday mornings at 11am beginning on Sunday, February 2.  Now is the time to sign up!  Go online to register or pick up a form in the bookstore.

Voice of Truth Fundraiser

If you're looking for entertainment for a date night or for a small group social activity, the Mt. Bethel "Voice of Truth" choir has it on Friday, January 31, at 7:00pm. Imagine seeing Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Elvis, the Blues Brothers, and other artists singing in our very own Fellowship Hall. You may be surprised how much they resemble some staff members and friends you have seen in an adjacent pew or even the pulpit! Our middle & high school choir is sponsoring a fun evening of entertainment, delicious dessert, and both a silent and a live auction. The students will be serving dessert, coffee, and tea while some very dedicated church and staff members perform for you. Tickets are only $15, and are available online or in the Bookstore. There is no obligation to purchase anything from the auction. Please plan to join us for this fun evening, and help the youth choir raise some money for their 2014 summer tour and local missions. Nursery is available by reservation for children up to age 11; contact Lisa Panariello at 770-578-9336.

Altar flowers

If you would like to reserve the altar flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of someone, please contact Debi Wyatt at 678-560-2437 or debi.wyatt@mtbethel.org. The arrangements are $60 each or $120 for both. Most of January, February, and March are wide open.

Volunteer Needs

Start off 2014 with a new commitment to serve at Mt. Bethel on Sunday mornings.  We are in need of volunteers in several areas:

Sunday Morning Breakfast Cashiers

Parking Ushers and Tram Drivers

Sunday Morning Receptionist

Ushers and Greeters

Contact Kibbie Parish to get more information or to volunteer for one or all of these areas.

Mt. Bethel Spring Consignment and Baked Goods Sale

The sale is March 7 - 8. Pre-Sale is March 6 for volunteers and 1st time Moms. CONSIGNOR and VOLUNTEER registration for the Spring Consignment Sale opens  Monday, January 20 at 8:00am. Go online to register! Join us as more than 500 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 swimsuits, sporting goods, gear and supplies - everything you need for your kids. Don't forget about the Boutique Section for upscale brands, custom-made and smocked clothing. Be sure to stop by the Bake Sale for some delicious treats!

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014-2015 school year. Please join us any Wednesday morning at 10am for a school tour. Please call 770-971-0245 if you have any questions or email Jackie Grasty. Visit our website today!

Student Ministry needs You! We Need Dnow Host Homes for the weekend of February 21-23 (2 Nights)! We are set to have another record-breaking year in attendance and need loving families like yourselves to host a small group of 8-10 students with two college leaders. A floor and a bathroom is completely sufficient! Stop by the table in the connector on Sundays or email us or call  us at 770-578-4402.

Active Senior Adults

Pep Club with Jeni Michelson  - Tuesday, January 21 | 6-7:30pm | Fellowship Hall

Our entertainment is Jeni Michelson and her band. Bring a covered dish to share according to your last name: A-M side/salad, N-Z main dish, Host/Hostess dessert. Our mission is Aloha to Aging; please bring disposable dessert plates, napkins, or gallon zip-loc bags.

Special Needs

Special Needs Respite - Friday, January 31, 6-9pm in F002.  Please RSVP by Friday, January, 24 to Kim McGarr 770-579-9224, ext. 25. Adult and teen volunteers needed, please contact Kim McGarr to volunteer.

Special Olympics Winter Games 

Adult and teen volunteers needed to serve on Saturday, Jan 25 at the Special Olympics Winter games held in Cobb County.  Please contact Kim McGarr for volunteer information.

Recreation Ministry

Youth Spring Sports Registration Deadline is Tuesday, January 21. Some leagues will fill early so register now. Boys and girls soccer-grades PreK-6; Boys flag football-grades 1-7; Boys baseball-grades K-3; Girls softball-grades K-5; Girls volleyball-grades 4-8; Co-ed T-ball-PreK. PreK must turn four years old by March 1, 2014. Go online to register. 

Fitness

We offer classes in boot camp, barre, Zumba, body sculpting, weights, cardio, yoga, pilates and more. Body Sculpting on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00pm. We have great instructors and lots of fun. Go 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: Wednesdays from 9:00am-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.

Join Recreation on Facebook

Aloha to Aging

Alzheimer's/Caregiver Support Group: Monday, 2/3 at 10:30am. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one both inside and outside of the home.  Helpful tips and resources provide comfort and encouragement. Free respite care is provided for your loved one while we meet, but must call in advance for care to 678-439-1177 or email info@alohatoaging.org. Meeting held at Aloha To Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.

Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Tuesday, 2/4 at 10:30 a.m. You and your caregiver are welcome as we learn how to cope and live with the diagnosis. Aloha To Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.  Call 678-439-1177 or email us at info@alohatoaging.org.

Growing Through Grief: Monday, 2/9 at 2:30 p.m. 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.

Tai Chi for Parkinson: Thursdays, offered weekly at 2 p.m. We will be partnering with Brenau University to enable their Masters in Occupational Therapy students to conduct their thesis research on Tai Chi and Parkinson's. Cost will be $5 per class.  Open to those with Parkinson's disease, as well as their caregivers. Participants will be shoeless for class and can choose to sit or stand. Please RSVP to 678-439-1177 or email info@alohatoaging.org . Program held at Aloha To Aging, Inc. 4608 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.

Healthy Brain Game Day: Thursday, 2/20 at 11:30 a.m. 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. RSVP by Tuesday, 2/18 to 678-439-1177. Cost is $15. Please RSVP to 678-439-1177 or email info@alohatoaging.org

Elder Abuse - What You Need to Know: Monday, 2/18 at 10:30a.m. No one thinks they will be a victim, but there are many forms financial, legal, physical, etc. This program will provide information about elder abuse and how to identify, prevent and report it. Presented by the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force.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.