Mt. Bethel UMC 

 


 June 1, 2014

 

 

 

 

Randy Mickler Dear Mt. Bethel Members,

 

The possibility of the United Methodist denomination splitting is, perhaps, more likely today than any time since 1968. The Book of Discipline, which every ordained minister has vowed to uphold, and which is democratically reviewed and rewritten every four years, is blatantly being disobeyed by bishops and ministers in several Annual Conferences. This disobedience is not being challenged in several Conferences and is, in fact, being encouraged by some bishops. Today, the United Methodist Church is faced with accountability issues.

                 

During the past eight weeks, scores of leading United Methodist theologians and ministers have met to challenge the disobedience occurring within the denomination. We are facing a crisis of covenant, where numerous pastors have violated or have stated their willingness to violate our Book of Discipline. This crisis involves the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures, including the relevancy of Jesus Christ being the only "Lord and Savior" regarding salvation.

                 

Many feel that traditionalists and progressives (liberals) are pursuing divergent paths as we try to follow Christ and be faithful to what we understand to be the Gospel. The basic issue is the authority of Scripture.

                 

The basic difference between the two groups:

                 

Traditionalists are convinced that God's will is for sexual relations to be experienced exclusively within the bounds of heterosexual marriage, while Progressives believe sexual relations within a covenanted relationship, heterosexual or homosexual, are pleasing to God and should be affirmed by the Church.

                 

While Traditionalists affirm the sacred worth of all persons, they also believe the Scriptures are clear in prohibiting same-sex relations. Adopting any other view would require their being unfaithful to the Bible as the ultimate authority for determining spiritual and moral truth. Progressives believe that the Scriptures are compatible with their views. They believe the full inclusion of homosexuals, in all areas of the church, is a matter of God's love and justice. The Progressives intend that all United Methodist pastors to preside at same-sex weddings, and practicing homosexuals are fully accepted in ordained ministry.

                 

Simply stated, that's where we are as a denomination. This debate has been continuous for 42 years. Every four years our General Conference has upheld the Traditionalist's views. The Progressives have given up trying to change the position of the denomination through General Conference voting. Instead, they have simply violated the Church's Book of Discipline which threatens accountability within the denomination.

                 

Mt. Bethel will post the views of each group, as they are released, on its website. The final decision on this issue of a split within the denomination will be determined by each and every individual United Methodist. Individually, we will vote as to whether we remain United, Split into Traditional or Progressive Churches, or become an independent church. This issue has already split every mainline denomination. May God help us and guide us as we decide.                                                                                                                                          

Randy Mickler

Senior Pastor 
 

 

 


Worship Services   

Worship Services - June 1

 

8:15am Worship in the Chapel - "Love In Action" - Romans 12:9-13 - Rev. Kim McGarr

 

9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "When It's Hard to Do Right" - Romans 7:15-25 - Dr. Randy Mickler  

 

11:00am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall - "Passive Activity" - Galatians 5:1 - Rev. Kelly Brumbeloe

 

11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - 

"Friends Love Each Other" - I John 4:7-12  


11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011 - 

"Friendship and Harmony" - I Samuel 20:1-42 and I John 4:7-12


11:00am St. Philip UMC - "It Only Takes One" - Acts 7:2-3 - Gabe Barrett
 

Healing Service - Sunday, June 1, 12:15pm, Chapel. All are welcome. 

 

The summer shuttle schedule begins June 1: We will run buses ONLY at Dickerson and not at Terrell Mill). Normal shuttle service will resume August 10.

 

Our Joys & Concerns 

 

The Paschal candle burns in honor of the  baptisms of Wyatt Reid Hutchings, son of Zak & Anna Hutchings; and Avonelle Grace Kimbrough, daughter of Will & Sarah Kimbrough.

 

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Courtney Armstrong and John Boren on May 31, 2014, by Sandra and Steve Armstrong. 

 

The rosebuds on the altar is in honor of the birth of Vivian Kate Barnes, daughter of Chris and Courtney Barnes, on May 22, 2014 and Abigail Rose Droege, daughter of Ryan and Michelle Droege and granddaughter of Mark and Monique Droege, on May 27, 2014.

 

Recently hospitalized: Kathy Jones, Frank Lachance, Lynn Strickland.

 

We extend Christian sympathy to Jim, Amy, Allie, Kate, Lily and James Aycock in the loss of Jim's mother, Linda Aycock. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.

 

Congratulations to Katherine Gunning who recently graduated from Appalachian State University.

 

We wish to congratulate Lauren Coleman & Grant Whitfield who were married at Kimball Hall in Roswell, Georgia on May 24, 2014, by Rev. Carey Akin; and Sarah Kathryn Sanders & Christopher Sanchez who were married at the University of  Mississippi on April 5, 2014. 

 

Welcome New Members!

Stephanee, Gloria, and Bobbi Ann Prince; Debi Martin.

 

Weekend Minister on call: 770-354-5433  

 

Thank you, Rev. Jon & Staci Ponders for seven years of ministry with Mt. Bethel. Jon has decided not to take another church appointment at this time. Please help us express our appreciation with a love offering for Jon & Staci to be presented June 1.

 

Our Faithfulness

 

Offerings Received last week $129,684

Offerings this fiscal year $3,669,548

Budget offerings needed to date $3,746,238

 

As vacation season approaches, our ministries and facilities continue to operate. If you are unable to attend worship services, please consider using online giving at mtbethel.org or automatic BillPay through your bank for your contributions to the church. Typically our summer offerings do not meet our operating expenses, and level giving would help offset this shortfall. Thank you for your consideration!

 

Mt. Bethel membership 9,445


 

 

From the Blog and Photo Gallery
  


Catechesis Gives Children a Deeper Understanding of their Faith
by Betsy Brown Read More


Treat yourself to one of these new studies this summer! 
1. Empowered by God's Word
2. The Christ-Centered Woman: Finding Balance in a World of Extremes
3. Extreme Grandparenting

 

  Upcoming Events 

  

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

   

 

 

Promotion Sunday is this Weekend!

All children nearly three years old through high school move to the next age or grade! Read More

 

 

 

 

Student Summer Bible Studies Begin June 4

Go online to see where your group meets!

 

 


 
Voice of Truth Homecoming Concert | Thursday, June 5 | 7pm | Sanctuary

Student Choir, Voice of Truth, will be sharing their music and experiences from their choir tour from the past week.

 

 

  

  


June VBS is almost here, and we still need volunteers! Go online to register.

June 9-12, 2014; 12:30-3:30pm

Read More  

  

  

 

 

Family Fun Night | Thursday, June 12 | 6-8pm | Fellowship Hall

Bring the family for a night of FUN featuring Randall Goodgame of Slugs and Bugs!  Read More 

 

 

   

 

 Holy Ground for High School Students | June 13, July 18, August 1

Get excited for monthly nights of worship this Summer! Real, simple, worship services in the upper room that dive deeper into the word and God's love.  

  

 

 

 

Family Ministry Screen on the Green

June 22 | 8-10pm | Free! Bring money for concessions
Read More
 
 
 
 
 
Family VBS - Love2: Where Families Share God's Love July 13-15 | 6-8:30pm 
We are excited to announce that Family VBS is returning Join us for our evening adventure for the whole family.  

 

 

 

Announcements   

 

Attention! Changes for the Summer:

  • No shuttle service Sunday, May 25: Summer shuttle schedule begins June 1. We will run buses ONLY at Dickerson and not at Terrell Mill. Normal shuttle service will resume August 10.  
  • Special Needs Summer Schedule: No Class Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day weekend). From June 1-August 3, Special Needs will meet at 9:30am only. Our regular schedule resumes August 10 at 9:30 and 11am.  
  • 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.  
  • God's Garden(A35), KQ (F015)and POD(F011) will be at 11:00.
  • The last Sunday Breakfast will be June 15. Breakfast will resume August 3. 

  

New Bible Studies for the Summer:

  • 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.
  • Extreme Grandparenting | Sundays, July 13, 20, and 27 | 9:30am.

    A three-week study led by Dianne Hylton and Joyce Ray. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the Grand Calling, the Grand Role, and the Grand Opportunity of Grandparents.Register online or in the Bookstore.

Go online for Adult Sunday school summer schedules.

Attention Stephen Ministers
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister, please contact Kibbie Parish at 678-560-7230.

The Dobbins Chapel Foundation Inc. would like to thank the Mt. Bethel Handy Helpers for their support in the restoration of the Historic Military Chapel at the Clay National Guard Center. We could not have done it without you. God's blessing for your support.

Men's Wednesday Morning Fitness & Accountability Group
We meet at 5:30am in the Mt. Bethel CAC. Fred Godbee leads a 45-minute session where men pray together, discuss a devotional, and perform a 25-minute workout (mostly calisthenics that are individually adaptable). If you're looking to get in shape spiritually and physically, join the men at 5:30 each Wednesday morning.

 

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

 

 

Building Better Moms Registration is Open

Read More

 

 

 

 

 

Student Summer Trip Registration Deadline Extended!

Go online to see what fun summer activities we have planned for students!



 


Remember to visit the website for all of our 
summertime activities for kids!
Mt. Bethel offers a wide variety of fun and educational camps for children and families. Register online.

 

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

Remember to register for Recreation Summer Camps!


 

 

 

Attention Fall Ball Players!

Fall Sports Registration has begun. Go online to see what is available and to register. The deadline for fall sports registration is July 21.





 
Camp Friendship is for students who would like to improve their social functioning in a fun and exciting environment. Session 1 is June 16-20; Session 2 is June 23-27; and Session 3 is July 14-18. The camps meet on the Mt. Bethel property. For more information, call 770-578-1519 or email maryjanetrotti@aol.com.

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.

 

Now Hiring

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.

 

 

Opportunities to Serve 

 

Mt. Bethel's "Take Them A Meal" Needs You.  

Please go online to sign up to bring a meal to Lynn Strickland's family.

 

The Media Team Needs You!
MB Media is blessed to have received updated cameras and equipment. We will
now be operating in HD and plan to be streaming services live beginning this summer.
Join us for lunch and a short informational training session for all new and current media volunteers on Sunday, June 1, in the media offices below the Sanctuary. No experience necessary. Volunteers must be 16 years old or older. RSVP to Anna Jordan before May 30.  

 

2014 Habitat Build Begins This Summer!

There are 16 volunteer dates to choose from. You can volunteer for one day or more as your schedule permits. Sign up today!

 

Steps2Jesus donates shoes to those who don't have a pair to wear. Do you have any new or gently-used shoes? Please drop them off in the box in the Church Main Office. Help people take a step to Jesus.

 

Medical Team for India

The India Missions Team is looking for members of the medical profession to join our trip October 3-13. The medical team will perform day clinics in remote villages who have never heard the gospel. Come be a part of this exciting mission as we further God's kingdom! For more information, please contact Paige Parsons at 678-362-6572.

 

 

Aloha to Aging Volunteer Opportunities

Enjoy helping others, while sharing in laughter and fun? Join our caring group of volunteers as we laugh, learn, sing, exercise, and share with Aloha Day Club Members. Or do you have a special talent or skill you can share with us? You choose the day and regularity! Early retirees, students, and anyone with a heart for seniors are welcome. Go online to learn more.

 

 

 


This Week's Schedule:   

  

Sunday, June 1

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 Healing Service - Chapel

12:15pm New Member Lunch - Dining Room

6:30pm Men's Basketball - Gym

  

Monday, June 2

8:30am Basketball Camp - Gym

9:00am MUST Lunches - Dining Room

9:00am Preschool Camps

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

  

Tuesday, June 3

8:00am Membership Committee - B112

8:30am Basketball Camp - Gym

9:00am Preschool Camps

9:30am Mother's Morning Out

10:30am Knitting Angels - B109

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

  

Wednesday, June 4

8:30am Basketball Camp - Gym

9:00am Preschool Camps

10:00am The Christ-Centered Woman Study - B118

1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center

6:30pm Honduras Mission Team - B111

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

  

Thursday, June 5

8:30am Basketball Camp

9:00am Preschool Camps

9:30am Mothers Morning Out - D5-7

7:00pm PURSUIT - Upper Room

7:00pm Student Choir Homecoming Concert - Sanctuary

  

Friday, June 6

8:30am Basketball Camp - Gym

9:00am Preschool Camps

9:30am Mothers Morning Out - D5-7

9:30am Quilting for Christ - Community Center

6:00pm Mayberry/Cox Wedding Rehearsal - Sanctuary

  

Saturday, June 7

10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center

5:00pm Mayberry/Cox Wedding - 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.