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June 8, 2014
Proverbs 30:6
"Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar."
Many translations of the Bible are over 1,000 pages. Why in the world would we think of adding anything to it? But many of us do. All of us interpret the Scriptures through the grid of our culture and experience. We can't help it; it just happens. But our goal is to understand these truths the way the God-inspired authors intended their original audience to grasp them. For example, Paul's harsh words to the believers in Galatia were prompted by their wavering faith and their tendency to return to trusting in good works to save them from sin (see Galatians 3:2-5). His words spoke to a particular need in the lives of those people. Isn't it amazing how similar the needs remain from generation to generation?
Today, we "add to His words" when we make them say what we want them to say, instead of digging deep to get to the real meaning. For example, people who want to justify their extravagant lifestyle, insist that God promises wealth to everybody who trusts Him. He does? That would be news to Jesus. And other people insist that if they pray a certain way or hard enough, God will grant their prayer requests. He will? He didn't grant Paul's prayer for healing or Job's request for answers - or even Jesus' petition to "Let this cup pass from Me."
We like simple answers, and answers that fit our lifestyles, but we need to go deeper to find the truth.
Here's something to ponder. Theologians tell us that God is immutable - His nature never changes. For many of us, this truth is essential to our understanding of God. People are fickle. We change our minds about every conceivable thing - sometimes several times in a few days. If we are indecisive too often, people around us wonder if they can count on us. The same conclusion would be true if His decisions and nature changed, but they don't.
When everything else in our lives is out of control, God is the rock-solid foundation we can stand on! When the future looks like a thick fog bank, God is the lighthouse. We may fear that a spouse or parent or best friend or boss will waiver, but we never have to wonder if God's love, strength, and purpose for us will change - they won't.
In the ultimate sense, our faith rests on the truth that we can count on God's faithfulness. I like what James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
I don't know any other way to handle our culture's confusion - trust God to remain the same yesterday, today, and forever, and allow the authority of Scripture to guide us in our faith and in our thoughts and in our daily lives.
God Bless You,
Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor
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Worship Services
Worship Services - June 8
8:15am Worship in the Chapel - "Do You Know the Way?" - John 14:5-6- Rev. Kim McGarr
9:30am & 11:00am Sanctuary - "Is Jesus the Only Way?" - Acts 4:5-12 - Dr. Randy Mickler
11:00am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall - "What Do I Have To Do?" - John 3:1-8 - Rev. Jon Ponders
11:00am Kid Quest Children's Worship for K-2nd Graders in F015 - "Knock, Knock!" - Luke 11:5-13, Ephesians 4:2
11:00am The P.O.D. Children's Worship for 3rd to 5th Graders in F011 - "Friends Welcome Each Other" - Acts 11:19-30, I Peter 4:9
11:00am St. Philip UMC - "Come as You Are, But..." - Ephesians 4:22-24 - Gabe Barrett
Summer shuttle schedule: 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 Ernest Buckner and James Shew, now living in the Father's House. The Paschal candle also burns in honor of the baptisms of Caden Ford Clairmont, son of Keith & Alish Clairmont; and Gabrielle Louise Goodman, daughter of Eric & Amy Goodman.
The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of
Tina Mayberry and Mike Cox on June 7, 2014 by Bill & Linda Mayberry.
The rosebuds on the altar is in honor of the birth of Caleb Davis Eden, son of David & Lauren Eden, on May 29, 2014.
Recently hospitalized: Tony Palermo, Lynn Strickland.
We extend Christian sympathy to Liz Buckner on the loss of her husband, Ernest Buckner; and to Slate and Conner Shew in the loss of their father, James Shew. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of grief.
We wish to congratulate Courtney Armstrong & John Boren who were married in our Sanctuary on May 31, 2014 by Dr. Randy Mickler; and Lisa Williams & Tommy Robinson who were married at Peachtree Presbyterian Church on May 31, 2014 by Rev. Vicki Franch.
Welcome New Members: Rich, Shannon, Richard, & Hunter Creasman
Weekend Minister on call: 770-354-5433
Our Faithfulness
Offerings Received last week $156,733
Offerings this fiscal year $3,826,282
Budget offerings needed to date $3,924,631
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
Keep checking here for additional articles Randy posts regarding prominent issues facing the United Methodist church.
Voice of Truth Homecoming Concert
Tonight!
Students, parents, friends - join us TONIGHT as we welcome home our student choir from their 2014 Choir Tour. They've been singing in the Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati areas, and they have a fantastic repertoire of praise music that they will sing. The choir is awesome, and you won't want to miss being led in worship by these passionate students! There will be reserved seating for rising 6th graders! [View Pictures]
Student Ministry welcomes their newest students!
Do You Have "Conversations with Jesus?" Rev. Glenn Ray shares the direction of his upcoming sermon series. [Read More]
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Student Summer Bible Studies
Go online to see where your group
meets!
June VBS begins on Monday, 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
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.
Building Better Moms Registration is Open
Read More
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.
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.
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's "Take Them A Meal" Needs You.
Please go online to sign up to bring a meal to Lynn Strickland's family.
 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!
Project 82's July mission team needs your help gathering shoes to bring to the families in Molo, Kenya when we visit this summer. We are collecting new and nearly new shoes for girls, boys, and teenagers and their guardians or caretakers. We need sizes that will fit ages three to adult (casual shoes like crocs, sandals, tennis shoes, and flats). No heels please. You can bring the shoes by our office (in the yellow brick house in the Mt. Bethel parking lot) between July 1 and July 15. There will be a collection box outside our door, if we are not in the office. Questions? Contact Gayle Haden.
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.
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This Week's Schedule:
Sunday, June 8
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
7:00pm High School Student KWAR, Bonfire & Cookout - Friel Pavilion
Monday, June 9
12:30-3:30pm Vacation Bible School
Tuesday, June 10
8:00am Membership Committee - B112
10:30am Knitting Angels - B109
12:30-3:30pm Vacation Bible School
6:30pm Romania Team Communion - Chapel
7:30pm Deborah House Mission Packing - B109
Wednesday, June 11
10:00am The Christ-Centered Woman Study - B118
10:00am Book Talk - B106
12:30pm Vacation Bible School
1:00pm Bridge Group - Community Center
Thursday, June 12
12:30-3:30pm Vacation Bible School
7:00pm PURSUIT - Upper Room
7:00pm Prayer Ministry - B106
Friday, June 13
9:30am Mother's Morning Out - D5-7
9:30am Quilting for Christ - Community Center
7:00pm Holy Ground - Upper Room
Saturday, June 14
10:00am Alcoholics Anonymous - Community Center
3:00pm Special Needs Father/Daughter Dance - Fellowship Hall
6:00pm Aeropagus - 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.
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