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February 23, 2014

The Church is Faith or Fear
One of the most interesting and frightening moments in religious history occurred when the children of Israel faltered and failed on the brinks of the Promised Land. The consequence of their failure to enter the Promised Land was forty years of wandering in the wilderness until
an entire generation, who had been unfaithful to the possibilities and the promises of God, had died out.
You remember the account of the story. Moses sent a team of spies into the Promised Land to check it out. Only two men returned with a glowing report encouraging the children of God to act upon the possibilities. The other members of the spy team reacted to the possibility before them with fear. They said, "Let's get up a petition and return to Egypt, go back to all that used to be." That is fear!
Now, Mt. Bethel doesn't know what the future holds, but of all people, we should be in touch with the One who holds the future. We are always moving forward as a church trusting in God, planning with prudence, using our resources wisely, but always forward in faith. There have been several instances when Mt. Bethel could have reacted to opportunities paralyzed with fear, because the future was so unpredictable, so scary. Remember? We could have retreated in 1990 rather than risk the building of our first Gym (now the Fellowship Hall and Preschool areas). We acted in faith! Again, we could have retreated, rather than risk the construction of our "Fields of Dreams." Again, we acted in faith! Then there was the construction of the current Sanctuary and the conversion of the old one into classrooms. We could have retreated in fear, and today we would have 2,000 fewer members, rather than the 9,500! We acted in faith! It's the same with our Christian Education ministries, the Academy, new Gym, Day Care Center, and Community Center. Also, St. Philip, Homeless Ministry, Back Pack Ministry, Preschool, Camp Hope, and ministries in Kenya, India and around the world. It all would have been so easy to be paralyzed with fear, rather than acting in faith, and if we did, God's Kingdom would have been all the weaker because fear would have ruled over faith.
Today, Mt. Bethel is poised to advance His Kingdom through one of the most miraculous opportunities imaginable - the realization of Mt. Bethel North! God has presented us with an opportunity to double our Recreational Ministries, increase our Christian Education Ministry four-fold and plant the Christian flag through new opportunities and location for increased worship service. He has even provided a financial plan that is more manageable than our current one! Why has God done all of this for us? Because God is faithful to reward churches, as well as individuals, who strive to reach out for others and risk of themselves for the Sake and Cause of Jesus Christ!
The "decision time" for all of these new ministries is Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 12:15pm in the Sanctuary. Join us for this called Church Conference as we decide whether to risk in faith and move the church forward or to retreat in fear. I can't wait to hear and see Mt. Bethel's decision!
Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor
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Worship Services
Worship Services - February 23
8:15am Chapel - "Your Choice" - Mark 10:17-22 - Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe
9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "An Offer We Can't Refuse" - John 10:1-19 - Dr. Randy Mickler
11:00am Contemporary Worship Service in the CAC (gym) - DNOW Celebration
11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "In the Nic of Time" - John 3:1-21
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011 - "How Can This Be?" - John 3:1-21
St. Philip UMC - 11:00am Worship Service - "Just How Much?" - John 3:16 - Rev. Jon Ponders
Our Joys & Concerns
The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Juan F. Villarreal, Sr. by Juan, Julia, Patrick & Christian Villarreal.
The rosebud on the altar is in honor of the birth of Anna Grace Watts, daughter of Stephen & Stephanie Watts and granddaughter of Dean & Stephanie Watts, on February 7, 2014.
The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the baptism of Jude Ryan Nursebed Cottrell, son of Dustin and Adrienne Cottrell.
We extend Christian sympathy to Dawson, Lane, William and Cullen Holt in the loss of Lane's father, Graham Pinson Dozier, III. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.
Recently hospitalized: Linda Agee, Kathryn Ellerbee, Jim Jancik
Congratulations to Rena Plessy and Perry Smith who were married in our Chapel on February 14, 2014 by Rev. Glenn Ray.
Congratulations to Mike Pittard on the birth of his grandson, Gabriel Joseph Lord, son of Joe & Kristine Lord, on February 17, 2014.
Please visit mtbethel.org for more details about our ministries, programs and events.
Weekend Minister on call - 770-354-5433
Connect with Us
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Parking for this Sunday
February 21-23 is DNOW weekend! Please plan to carpool and use the shuttles from Terrell Mill and Dickerson on Sunday, February 23, due to the high volume of cars. NOTE: The Fairfield parking lot will be reserved for DNOW Host Home drivers.
Student Ministries is so grateful for your support and your prayers over DNOW!
You can still help!
Donate $25 gas cards for our incredible college leaders who give up a weekend to travel to MBUMC and donate their time, energy and faith. Bring them to the front desk or Student Ministries.
Learn more about how you can help.
Attention: Due to the DNOW youth event in the gym this weekend the Friday and Saturday fitness classes will be cancelled.

LAST FIRESIDE CHAT - Wednesday, February 26, 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions concerning the purchase of "Mt. Bethel North," this is the time to get them answered prior to the congregation-wide vote on March 2.
Digital Camera Workshop | Mondays beginning February 24 | 7-9pm
MB Community Center | $55 | Register online
The Do, Re, Mi of Praise Art workshop | Fridays beginning February 28 | 9:30-12pm | MB Community Center | Cost $50
To Register, contact Kathy Hoppe or Kim McGarr.
Praise Art Trading Card Group | Thursdays beginning February 27 | B116 | Cost $10
To Register, contact Kathy Hoppe or Kim McGarr.
Single Spirit Sunday School Class Open House | Sun, March 2 | 9:30am | F325
Single and 40-60 Something? Come see what our Sunday school is all about. We have a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including speakers and group studies using DVDs. Additionally, we hold monthly lunches or breakfasts.
Ash Wednesday Services | March 5
7:30am, 8:30am*, 12 noon, & 6:30pm
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.
*All are welcome during the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Chapel
The Children's Consignment Sale is March 6-8.
Sign up to volunteer, and get to shop the preview sale!
Celebration Sunday | March 9
Please join us at 9:30 or 11:00am in the Sanctuary. We will have our regular 8:15am Chapel service, God's Garden, breakfast, and Sunday School. No Children's Worship or Contemporary service that day.
Revival | Sunday, March 9-Tuesday, March 11 | 6:30pm | Sanctuary
Dr. Walter Kimbrough and Alicia Williamson Garcia will return for three nights of revival at Mt. Bethel. Make plans now to attend and to hear impactful messages and powerful music. Dinner will be available to purchase in the Fellowship Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings beginning at 5pm. Nursery will be available for children under one. Children's Ministry will provide an intentional program with songs, lessons, and games for ages one through Kindergarten.
AARP Smart Driver Class | Tuesday, March 11 | 9-4pm | B118 | $15 for AARP members & $20 non-member
To register, contact Kim McGarr: 770-579-9224, ext 25.
Grouper's Paint Night at Groovy Little Art Place | Thursday, March 13
To register, contact Kim McGarr: 770-579-9224, ext 25.
Carter Museum & Library | Friday, March 14 | 9:30-3pm | $10 plus lunch @ MaryMac's
To register, contact Kim McGarr: 770-579-9224, ext 25.
MBCA Middle School Production: Seussical Jr. | Friday, March 14 @ 6:30pm & Saturday, March 15 @ 1pm | Fellowship Hall
Tickets may be purchased in the MBCA lobby or at the door.
Lawn Mower Tune-Up | Saturday, March 15 | 9am-3pm | $30
Equipment will be cleaned, blades sharpened, oil changed, plugs changed or cleaned, Filters will be cleaned or replaced, and parts will be lubricated. If needed, equipment can be picked-up for an additional charge of $10.00. The number of pick-ups is limited. Register online.
Lenten Sermon Series "Questions God Asks" | Sunday, March 16-April 20
CPR Class | Sunday, March 16 | 12:30pm | D5 and D7 (Nursery) | $10
This class will be taught by Susan Folger, a long-time Mt. Bethel member and registered nurse. You will receive a card at the end of the course. If you have any additional questions, please contact Evelyn Bosher at 678- 560-7285 or Debbie Ruth at 770- 971-2588. Class is limited to 25 participants. Register online.
MBCA 8th Grade Fundraising Golf Tournament | Monday, March 17 | Indian Hills Country Club | $120
Please join us for the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy inaugural 8th grade DC trip fundraising golf tournament! The entrance fee includes cart, green fees, and a boxed lunch. Format is four-person team playing a best ball scramble. In addition to players, we are seeking business sponsors who would like an opportunity to promote their business and support the Academy by sponsoring a hole. To register to play, or acquire a sponsor slot, please contact James Gray.
Catch the Spirit: A Women's Dinner | Thursday, March 20 | 7pm-9pm | $15
Please join us for dinner and a glimpse at the year ahead in women's ministry. The night is sure to be filled with lots of laughter, conversation and good food. Cindi Fain will be an encouragement to all, as she shares the Word of God. Bring a friend and be blessed by this evening together! Register online.
Announcements
Rec Summer Camp Registration is Open
Go online to register and for camp dates and costs.
Mark Your Calendars for Spring & Summer Children's Dates!
Registration is now open! For further information, please call Dianne Hylton: 770-971-5074.
CHARGE! Retreat | May 3-4 | Camp Lee | Current 4th & 5th graders/Parents
June VBS | June 9-12 | 12:30-3:30pm
Family VBS | July 13, 14 & 15 | 6-8:30pm
Attention Parents of Children ages 3-10. Sunday, Feb 23 will be the last Sunday to donate money for the Sunday school mission project, UMCOR Mother and Child Survival Project. This project provides funds for education in health, clean water, and nutrition for mothers and children. So far, we have collected $225, and our goal is to collect $300. Your donations can be turned in to your Sunday school teacher. Please help us rally to make our goal. Thanks for your help! Children's Ministry
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is accepting applications for the next school year. Join us any Wednesday at 10am for a school tour. Questions? Call 770-971-0245 or email Jackie Grasty or visit the website.
Sunday Volunteer Needs
Breakfast cashiers, parking ushers and tram drivers, morning receptionist, ushers and greeters. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Kibbie Parish.
The Wheeler Chamber Orchestra will perform a concert in our Sanctuary on Monday, March 3, at 7:00 pm and would love for you to attend. The concert will feature guest artist Dr. Jonathan Crutchfield, organist, who will perform the Concerto No. 2 in G Minor for Organ and Orchestra. Dr. Crutchfield is the Minster of Music at the Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The concert will feature music of Benjamin Britten, Tomaso Albinoni, Josef Rheinberger, and Zac Goad and is free to all.
The HOPE Center is in need of a professional photographer to donate their time to take a baby picture for newborn children for their mothers. For more information please call Sue Stone at 770-977-3273.
Altar Flowers
If you would like to reserve the altar flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of someone, please email Debi Wyatt or call at 678-560-2437. The arrangements are $60 each or $120 for both.
Sonshine Suppers is a ministry that allows those who love to cook to bring love and comfort to someone within the body of Christ. Taking part in this meal delivery ministry gives you an opportunity to not only receive a blessing, but also be a blessing. If you are interested in occasionally planning, cooking, and/or delivering a meal to someone, contact Genia Crane.
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This Week's Schedule:
Sunday, February 23
7:30-9:30am Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall
8:15am Worship Service - Chapel
9:30am Sunday School
9:30am God's Garden - A35
9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am Worship Service - Sanctuary
11:00am DNOW Celebration Worship - Gym
11:00am God's Garden - A35
11:00am Sunday School
3:30pm Administrative Council Meeting at Jewish Community Center
4:00pm 4th & 5th Grade Life Groups - F Building
5:30pm Stephen Ministry Training - H House
Monday, February 24
9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D8
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
10:00am Sallie Mae Wilson Circle - B116
5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
7:00pm Photograph Class - Community Center
Tuesday, February 25
9:00am Membership Committee - B112
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D005
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
11:00am-1:15pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room
5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
6:00pm Cub Scout Pack 121 Blue & Gold Banquet - Fellowship Hall
6:00pm Stephen Ministry Continuing Education - B Hall
6:30pm McDaniel Ringers - A25
Wednesday, February 26
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am Corrigan Special Needs Child Care - D8
10:00am Pastor's Bible Study - A18
11:00am Special Projects Committee - B116
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center
4:00pm iPraise Jr. - A23
4:00pm iPraise - A18
4:30-6:30pm Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall
5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
6:30pm Adult Bible Studies
6:30pm Fireside Chat - Sanctuary
6:30pm SPLAT U - Lower C Hall
6:30pm Grief Support Group - B106
6:30pm Divorce Support Group - H House
7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - Sanctuary
7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18
7:30pm Inside Out - Upper Room
Thursday, February 27
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001
9:30am Praise Art Trading Card Group - B115/116
10:00am Praise Art Winter Class - Community Center
11:30am Altar Guild Luncheon - Dining Room
5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
Friday, February 28
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
4:00pm Pine Straw Sale Set up - Parking Lot
5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
Saturday, March 1
7:00am-8:00pm Pine Straw Sale - Parking Lot
8:00am-8:00pm Spring Rec - Fields
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
10:00am FOCUS Respite - Day Care Center
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