March 16, 2014

"Questions God Asks"

I like Frederick Burchner's definition of what it means to be a "congenital believer." He says, "a congenital believer is a helpless hungerer after the marvelous as an adventure and escape and solace." We are born, I believe, with an instinct for God, a hunger to fill the void in life that only He can fill.

We all have times of doubt and questioning, wondering if there is any more to this business of Christian faith than religious tradition and the desire for external support. Belief is not always easy, not any easier than learning to walk, ride a bike, or fill out an IRS form! But the truth is, by a stroke of divine grace, we are born with a tendency toward belief. Truthfully, it's much more difficult not to believe in God. I have struggled very little with the question, "Is there a God?" because the evidence that there is overwhelms.

Perhaps the better question, for most of us, is what difference does it really make to believe? If you cut through all the traditional language, all the unquestioned assumptions, all the things "religious people" tend to say without questioning their meaning, what real difference does the Christian faith make in the lives of ordinary human beings in 2014?

Leslie Weatherhead, the great Christian preacher and writer of the past century, once said that his self-imposed task was "to render the facts of the Christian faith in as simple a language as possible." He is also described as one who "seemed to love the pagans as much as the pious, perhaps more." His ministry tended to be directed less toward the "official" Christian, the signed-up, regular church member, and more to the people he called "lovable pagans." Did not Jesus do the same?

The season of Lent is upon us and the sermon series "Questions God Asks" will, hopefully, help us all better celebrate the difference the Christian faith can make in the lives of the "lovable pagans" as well as "the signed-up, regular church members!" My hope is that you will worship with us each week, discuss the staff-prepared study series available in Sunday School classes and Life groups, and truly celebrate the difference Jesus can make in each life.

"Questions God Asks"

March 16: "Where Are You?" Genesis 3:9

March 23: "Where Is Your Brother?" Genesis 4:9

March 30: "What Do You Want Me to Do For You?" Mark 10:51

April 6: "What Do You Have In Your Hand?" Exodus 4:2

April 13: "Why Are You Afraid?" Mark 4:40

April 20: "Who Do You Say That I Am?" Matthew 16:15

Randy Mickler

Senior Pastor

Worship Services

Worship Services - March 16

8:15am Chapel - "Where Are You?" - First in Series: "Questions God Asks" - Genesis 3:8-10 - Rev. Steven Brumbeloe

9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "Where Are You?" - First in Series: "Questions God Asks" - Genesis 3:8-10 - Dr. Randy Mickler

11:00am Contemporary Service - "Where Are You?" - First in Series: "Questions God Asks" - Genesis 3:1-16 - Rev. Glenn Ray

11:00am Worship Service St. Philip UMC - "What Are You Bringing to the Table?" - Matthew 14:16-17 - Gabe Barrett

Our Joys & Concerns

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Don Stokley by Nancy and Nathan Naidu and in loving memory of Tom Atkins by Leila Atkins and his beloved family.

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the baptisms of of Zane Medlock Cheeley, son of Jim and Brandi Cheeley; Ashley Lanier Harris, daughter of Jordan & Katie Harris; Lila Kate Valle, daughter of Adam & Ashley Valle.

Recently hospitalized: Larry Armstrong.

We extend Christian sympathy to Louise Compton in the loss of her daughter, Carol Lynn Whitfield. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

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

Weekend Minister on call - 770-354-5433

Our Faithfulness

Offerings last week $124,642

Offerings this fiscal year $1,978,496

Offerings needed to date $1,783,573

Mt. Bethel Membership 9,296

From the Blog and Photo Gallery

A Huge Thank You!

Thank You! What a week! Mt. Bethel experienced a fantastic time of revival and renewal! Dr. Kimbrough did his usual superb job delivering powerful messages. [Read More]

Another Big Sale!

The Spring Children's Consignment Sale raised over $30,000 in three days for Women and Children's missions! A few quick facts about the sale: 502 consignors, over 200 volunteers, and over 35,000 items listed for sale. The Bake Sale donations raised over $2,000. Thank you to the entire Mt. Bethel community for your support of this Mission!

[View Pictures]

Spiritually Sighted

Will Graham spoke to our Kindergarten and first grade Sunday school classes on Sunday, March 9, 2014. Our lesson was on Jesus healing the blind man. Will said if he had three wishes,... [Read More]

Connect with Us

Upcoming Events

16th Annual Great Day of Service | Saturday, March 22 | 9am-1pm

There are organizations, families and individuals in our community who need help with various projects. Go online to register. If you have questions, contact Kibbie Parish: 678-560-7230.

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 s

harpened, oil change

d, 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.

New Sermon Series Begins this Sunday!

"Questions God Asks"

Sundays, March 16-April 20

Backpack Blessings Awareness | Sunday, March 16 | Connector

The Backpack Blessings Ministry has lots to share, and we want you to learn how to get involved. You will get some great insight into what this ministry has accomplished in a very short period of time. For those of you who cannot offer your time right now, we definitely need more funding to reach the goals we have established. The Backpack Ministry team will be available to answer any questions you have. Just look for our team in bright blue shirts this Sunday!

New Member Class | Sunday, March 16 | 12:15pm | Small Dining Room

Have you been visiting Mt. Bethel for a few months? Did you recently become a member of Mt. Bethel? We are offering a New Member Class for you to learn more about Mt. Bethel (lunch will be served). Childcare is available for children 0-11. For more information or to RSVP, email Krista Downing or call 678-560-7226.

CPR Class | Sunday, March 16 | 12:30pm | D5 and D7 (Nursery) | $10

For more information, contact Evelyn Bosher at 678- 560-7285 or Debbie Ruth at 770- 971-2588. Class is limited to 25 participants. Register online.

SWARCH | Sunday, March 16 | 5-7:30pm | Central Aquatic Center | Free!

Middle school life groups and students will swim from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

High school life groups and students will swim from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

MBCA 8th Grade Fundraising Golf Tournament | Monday, March 17 | Indian Hills Country Club | $120

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 to 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. Register online.

Attention Men! We need your help in serving the ladies this evening. Contact Ben Hornsby to volunteer.

Holy Week & Easter Information

Passover Seder Meal Tickets are available to purchase online or in the Bookstore

Announcements

Easter Lilies | $12/plant | Deadline is April 8

Easter Lilies will be used to decorate the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall for Easter Sunday, April 20. If you would like to honor or remember someone in this way, please register online.

Mt. Bethel Children's Consignment Sale

Go here to apply for disbursement from the consignment sale.

Mt. Bethel is now offering two new Adult Sunday School classes at 11am: Hands and Feet and Stepping Into the Bible. Both classes focus on the study of Scripture and finding ways to serve others.

Mt. Bethel's Spring Fitness Schedule Begins this Monday! Come join the fun!

Attention Spring Sports Participants!

We are passing out rosters and practice/game schedules to all teams. Make sure you get a copy from your coach. The practice/game schedule is also posted on the website. In case of inclement weather, check the weather update for cancellations.

Summer Camp Registration is still Open for soccer, baseball, hoops, volleyball, and cheerleading. Register online.

Fabulous buffet dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck; live band; silent auction; and awards honoring special volunteers. Come hear about the success stories from those we serve. This is a great event for families and a great way to introduce others to the SafeHouse. Register online.

Register Now for CHARGE! Retreat | Retreat Dates: May 4 & 5

CHARGE! Retreat is for 4th and 5th grade students and their parents. CHARGE! is a wonderful weekend retreat for your child spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally as they learn how to live in their community, work with their peers, worship unhindered, and respond with their lives to the power and presence of Jesus Christ.

Summer Internship Program

Mt. Bethel offers paid summer internships working with children's, student, and college ministries. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application. For more information, contact Gaylyn.

The Mt. Bethel Nursery is looking for a nursery staff member with a heart for teaching children. If you feel called to teach children ages birth to two years old on Sunday mornings and assist with diapering, feeding, and care, during Sunday morning services, please contact Debbie Ruth. This is a paid position.

Mt. Bethel Day Care Center is now hiring part-time employees to work in the afternoons. If you are 18 years old and have childcare experience please contact Dee Stolz: 678-560-8005.

Catechesis registration is now open for the school year 2014-2015. It is first come, first served. Returning children and incoming siblings of existing families do take priority and must also be re-registered. We only have some spots for new children, so if your child is three by September and is potty trained, you may enroll him/her in Catechesis. Regular attendance is required. Contact Betsy Brown in case of questions.

Aloha to Aging

Alzheimer's/Caregiver Support Group | Monday, April 7 | 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.

Go online for all of our monthly activities.

This Week's Schedule:

Sunday, March 16

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 Contemporary Worship - Fellowship Hall

11:00am - Kid Quest (K-2nd Grade) - F015

11:00am - The POD (3-5th Grade) - F011

11:00am God's Garden - A35

11:00am Sunday School

12:15pm New Member Class - Dining Room

12:30pm Nursery CPR Class - D005

4:00pm 4th & 5th Grade Life Groups - F Building

4:00pm Student Choir Rehearsal - A18

5:00pm Middle School Life Groups

6:00pm High School Life Groups

8:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

Monday, March 17

9:30am Friends in Faith AM Circle - B116

9:30am MOPS and MOPPETS - Lower A Hall

3:30pm Confirmation Interviews with Ministers - Chapel

5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

7:00pm Friends in Faith PM Circle - B118

7:00pm Photography Class - Community Center

Tuesday, March 18

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

3:30pm Confirmation Interviews with Ministers - Chapel

5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

6:00pm Finance Committee - B109

6:00pm Missions Committee - B118

6:00pm PEP Club - Fellowship Hall

6:30pm McDaniel Ringers - A25

Wednesday, March 19

10:00am Pastor's Bible Study - A18

11:00am Special Projects Committee - B116

12:00pm New Century Circle - B118

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center

4:00pm iPraise Jr. - A23

4:00pm iPraise - A18

4:30pm Knitting Angels - B109

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

5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

6:00pm 4th/5th Grade Life Groups - F Building

6:30pm Adult Bible Studies

6:30pm SPLAT U - Lower C Hall

6:30pm Celebration Choir Rehearsal - A35

6:30pm Grief Support Group - B106

6:30pm Divorce Support Group - H House

6:30pm New Member Class - Chapel

7:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal - A23

7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18

7:30pm Inside Out - Upper Room

Thursday, March 20

9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7

9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001

10:00am Winter Art Class - Community Center

5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

6:30pm Women's Ministry Event - Fellowship Hall

7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106

Friday, March 21

5:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

Saturday, March 22

Great Day of Service

8:00am-8:00pm Spring Rec - Fields

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

6:00pm Confirmation Service - Sanctuary

We also have many Bible Studies and Sunday School classes each week. To find the one that's right for you, visit our website.

mtbethel.org