Mt. Bethel UMC

 


 May 11, 2014

 

 

 

A Few Thoughts on Mother's Days

 

 

My wife was out of town last week. She was in Washington DC with a bunch of students from the school that she teaches at. (As an English teacher she wouldn't be happy with the way I finish that sentence.) Anyway, as the Missions Pastor of the church, I'm usually the one who's gone, but this is my one time a year to play Mr. Mom, which left me at home with our 15-year-old daughter.

 

I was actually looking forward to it. Our lives are both pretty crazy right now, and I thought it would be a good chance to spend some time together. Actually, I spend more time just trying to make sure she gets from one place to another on time. However, we did get to spend a little bit of time together. We talked about school and friends. I even caught up a little bit on fashion. Anyone who knows me, knows what a slave I am to fashion. LOL (she taught me LOL too). It was fun spending a little bit more time in her world. Just when I thought we were really bonding, things got a little quiet and she said to me, "You know, I miss Mom." She said it with a little bit of a surprised tone in her voice. You see she goes to the same school that my wife teaches at, and they spend a great deal of time together every week. I was thinking the break would probably be good for both of them, but the bottom line is she missed her mom. When I asked her why, she said, "I guess I'm just used to having her around." I didn't push the issue but I figured there was a little more to it than that because I watch it each and every day.

 

Nobody cares more about Allie than my wife Traci. Even when she's not around she's usually thinking about her or talking about her. She's the same way with our son, Ryan. I like to think I'm a good dad, but to be honest with you, not in the same way that Traci is a mom. There is no one more loyal, more devoted, more caring or more committed to the welfare of our children - my wife, not because she has to be, but simply because that's just who she is. It's an awesome thing to know that somebody cares about you that much. It's special to know that somebody wants the best for you and would do just about anything to see that happen. I think my kids are blessed to have a mom like Traci.
 

As I write down these thoughts, I know there are some people who don't have a mom like that, maybe not even a dad, but there is one thing that I'm very thankful for. I am thankful that each and every one of us has someone who loves us like that. We have a God who has an unconditional love for us and cares about every aspect of our life.

We should all be thankful for the example of our mothers in displaying God's love. I hope you will take a moment this week to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her. The great news is no matter what our home situation is like, we can all be thankful for God our Father, who loves us, if you can believe it, even more than our parents, because his love is perfect.

 

Today, I'm thankful for my mom and for my wonderful wife who is such a great mother to our children. But most of all, I give thanks to God, the author of moms and dads and families and for the love which is given within them. Happy Mother's Day!

 

Carey Akin

Associate Minister

 

 


Worship Services   

Worship Services - May 11

 

8:15am Worship in the Chapel - "A Godly Woman" 2 Kings 4:8-26 - Rev. Glenn Ray

  

9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "One For the Road" - Ephesians 4:1-6 - Rev. Carey Akin

 

11:00am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall - "Just Say Uncle" John 13:1-5 - Rev. Steven Brumbeloe


11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "Paul and Silas Pray" - Acts 16:16-40

11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011 - "Shackles!" - Acts 16:16-40

11:00am St. Philip UMC - "What He Sees In Us" - Hebrews 12:1-3 - Rev. Jon Ponders
 
 

Our Joys & Concerns

 

The rosebuds on the altar are in honor of the births of Adilyn Riddley Mitchell, daughter of Jim & Johanna Mitchell and granddaughter of Ed & Elizabeth Biggs on May 5, 2014; and Rhett William Sutherland, son of Mark & Karen Sutherland, on April 10, 2014. 

 

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of our mothers, Dolores Ciesielski and Marcia Parker by Darren & Carlyn Ice. 

 

The Paschal Candle burns in honor of the baptism of Isaac Fox Kramer, son of Matthew & Magy Kramer; Audrey Caroline Taylor, daughter of Jacob & Rachel Taylor and Wesley David Pizel, son of Sean & Karen Pizel.

 

We extend Christian sympathy to Willie, Teresa, Cedric, and Terrence Smith in the loss of Teresa's sister, Charlotte S. Baynes.

 

Recently hospitalized: Marolyze Jenness, Queen Ann Jones, Molly Lambert, Lynn Strickland.

 

Weekend Minister on call: 770-354-5433  

 

Our Faithfulness

 

Offerings Received last week $129,395

Offerings this fiscal year $3,307,663

Budget offerings needed to date $3,211,061

Mt. Bethel membership 9,436

  

 

From the Blog and Photo Gallery

  

 

 

 

iPraise Spring Musical: The Agape League!

View Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

CHARGE! Retreat

 

GOD revealed himself in so many ways this weekend at MBUMC's Annual CHARGE! Retreat for our 4th/5th graders and parents! Still processing some of the stories and thankful for the opportunity to see, hear, and serve our living GOD that is in the details of our daily living! As speaker Gabe Barrett said, "Be Salty!" Matthew 5:14. See pictures

from this colorful weekend.
  

 

 

 

Senior Dinner

We celebrated our senior class with a dinner at Georgia Rib Company on May 4. Our staff built a video showing pictures of the seniors over the years at Mt. Bethel. Each student took a moment to share their future plans and favorite memories from their time with MBSM. View Pictures

 

  

 

 

MB North Campus Work Day

What a beautiful day we had to clean up around our north campus. Thank you for all of those who gave there time last Saturday to prepare our campus for upcoming events and services! View Pictures



 

  Upcoming Events 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thompson-Sheffield Softball Classic

This Saturday!

8:30am-5:30pm - The Fields of Dreams

Visit the expanded Concessions Stand!

 

Read More

 

   

 

 

  

AARP - Smart Driver Class | May 13 | 9am-4pm

AARP driver safety training is now called Smart Driver. The course has been updated and improved. You will still receive great tips and refresh your driving skills. Upon completion your insurance company may offer you a discount! RSVP to Kim McGarr, 770-579-9224, ext 25 orkim.mcgarr@mtbethel.org by March 7. 

 


Breman Museum, Atlanta | Friday, May 16

The Breman Museum is bringing Atlanta's favorite store back for an exciting interactive exhibition that spans 150 years of Rich's history. Read More


 

 

Car Wash Fundraiser | Saturday May 17 | 9am-1pm 

St. Philip Student Ministries is having a car wash in the Mt. Bethel parking lot to help raise money for a mission trip to Puerto Rico that our graduating senior class is taking. Please come support this event.

  

 

 

 

Spirit of America: Turn The Radio On!

May 18 | 5pm | Sanctuary

Featuring Big Band Atlanta and guest choirs from local churches with special guests Bill Hartman, Channel 5 sportscaster, soprano Indra Thomas, and veterans of World War II. Read More

 

  

 

 

PEP Club Year End Celebration | Tuesday, May 20 | Parc at Piedmont's

Meet us at the pool area to kick off summer. Wear your Hawaiian shirts and you might even win a prize! Read More

 

 

 

Last Day of School Student Cookout 

Wednesday, May 21 | 1:00-4:00pm | Free

 
 
 
 
Father/Child Campout | May 30 & 31
Fields of Dreams | Rain or Shine!
We'll cook out, eat ice cream, play games, and more.

 

 

 

Announcements   

 

Attention for our Contemporary Worshipers: We will be starting at 11am sharp! So please be sure to arrive on time - you don't want to miss the beginning of the service!

 

The Mt. Bethel Nursery will be closed on Sunday evening, May 11, for childcare.  If you have any questions, please contact the Nursery office at 770-971-2588.

 

Fall Recreation Registration Opens Monday, May 12. Register online or at the CAC

 

Promotion Sunday for Children & Students | June 1

All children nearly three years old through high school  move to the next age or grade! (All who were born before 9/1/2011.) There will be no changes for children in Nursery, other than normal promotion within nursery classes. Go here for details.

  

The Diane Mickler Circle spring luncheon will be Monday, May 12. Members, please meet behind the "H" house at 11:30am to carpool to the Chestnut Springs Trail Club House. For more information, call Louise Hansen at 770-394-9225.

 

Empowered by God's Word | Sundays, June 1-August 3 | 11am-12pm.

A nine-week overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. You'll leave with a better grasp of where things are in Scripture and how it applies to your life. Register online or  in the Bookstore.

 

The Christ-Centered Woman: Finding Balance in a World of Extremes 

Wednesdays, June 4-July 30 | 10-11:30am  
An eight-week study on juggling our responsibilities as women: at home, at work, at church, and in our community. Register online or in the Bookstore.

 

Mt. Bethel Artists and Photographers - Help document and celebrate the joy and inspiration of 2014 at Mt. Bethel with paintings and photographs made by you and others in our congregation. Read More

 

We would like to include a list of new college graduates in an upcoming bulletin. Please send your graduate's name and school to Debi Wyatt or call Debi at 678-560-2437.

 

 

Building Better Moms Registration Opens Sunday, May 11

Read More

 

 

Student Summer Trip Registration Deadline Extended!

We have extended our deadline to register for summer trips to Thursday, May 21, the last day of school. Read More

 

 

 

Join us in Children's Ministry this Summer for a time to grow in your Faith, share with your Family, make new Friends and have lots of Fun. SonTreasure Island VBS come June 9-12 from 9:30-12:30pm Register your children now online. Adults and Teens sign up is online as well. We need Crew leaders and teen helpers.

 

    

 

Remember to visit the website for all of our summertime activities!

 

Look for our new dance camp for three-year-olds to 5th grade!

Remember to register for Recreation Summer Camps!


 


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.

 

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Marietta  

 

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is accepting applications for the next school year. Join us any Wednesday at 10am for a school tour. We are also enrolling 9th grade students for August 2014 at our Upper School campus at 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd, Marietta. Questions? Call 770-971-0245 or email Jackie Grasty.

 

 

 

 

Opportunities to Serve 

 

Mt. Bethel Men Volunteers Needed on May 25 & May 30

We need help setting up, registering, and getting our campers on the buses on Sunday, May 25, immediately following the 11am service. We need four-five men (or high school boys) to help tag and load luggage on the 25th. Additionally, we need volunteers to unload luggage on the Friday, 30 when the campers return around noon. Please email Barbara Lester if you can help.

 

The next West Virginia mission trip is July 24-27. Please consider being a part of this team as we do humanitarian (no construction) work among the poverty stricken in the beautiful Appalachia area of the U.S. Email Larry Armstrong or call Larry at 678-457-7524. Read More

  

Now Hiring:

The Mt. Bethel Nursery is looking for someone to help with children ages birth to two years old on Sunday mornings. Responsibilities include diapering, feeding, and caring for the children during Sunday morning services. If you are interested, please contact Debbie Ruth at 770-971-2588. This is a paid position.

 

Mt. Bethel Children's Day Care is now hiring full and part-time for the summer and fall. If you are interested in working with preschool children, please contact Dee Stolz at or stop by the center and pick up an application.

 


This Week's Schedule:   

  

  

Sunday, May 11

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

3:30pm Student Choir Rehearsal - A23

8:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

  

Monday, May 12

5:00-10:00pm Spring Recreation Leagues - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm Bowling League Banquet - Community Center

6:30pm MBCA Middle School Night of the Arts - Sanctuary

7:00pm Friends in Faith PM Circle - B118

7:00pm Boy Scout Troop 1011 Spring Court of Honor - Fellowship Hall

  

Tuesday, May 13

9:00am Membership Committee - B112

9:00am AARP Drivers Safety Training - B118

9:30am Mother's Morning Out

10:30am Knitting Angels - B109

11:00am-1:15pm Tuesday Lunch - Dining Room

5:00-10:00pm Spring Recreation Leagues - "Fields of Dreams"

6:30pm McDaniel Ringers - A23

7:00pm Romania Mission Team Meeting - B118

  

Wednesday, May 14

10:00am Pastor's Bible Study - A18

10:00am Book Talk - B106

11:00am Special Projects Committee - B116

12:00pm Lynn Smith Circle - B118

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center

4:30-6:45pm Fellowship Dinner - Fellowship Hall

5:00-10:00pm Spring Recreation Leagues - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm Patriotic Concert Tech Rehearsal - Sanctuary

6:30pm Adult Bible Studies

6:30pm SPLAT U Children's Program - F001, F011, F015

6:30pm Celebration Choir Rehearsal - A23

6:30pm Pre-Baptism Class for Parents - Chapel

7:00 Patriotic Rehearsal - Sanctuary

7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - A18

7:30pm Inside Out - Upper Room

  

Thursday, May 15

9:30am Mothers Morning Out - D5-7

9:30am Quilting for Christ - F001

5:00-10:00pm Spring Recreation Leagues - "Fields of Dreams"

6:00pm Preschool/Daycare Graduation - Sanctuary

7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106

  

Friday, May 16

9:30am Mothers Morning Out - D5-7

5:00-10:00pm Spring Recreation Leagues - "Fields of Dreams"

  

Saturday, May 17

9:00am Foster Care Trailing - F011

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

 

  

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