October 20, 2013 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
You will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea
and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
709 Christmas Avenue
Bethlehem, GA 30620
770-867-3727
www.bigwhitechurch.com
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October 20, 2013 11:00 a.m.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Welcome Ms. Janice Allen
Prelude Mrs. Brenda Fleeman
Bringing in the Light Acolytes
Scripture Reading 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Mrs. Debbie Huckaby
Invocation Mrs. Huckaby
*Processional Hymn UMH 57, Vv. 1-4
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
*Affirmation of Faith UMH 881
*Gloria Patri The Rev. Parker Benson
Greeting/Registration of Worshippers Rev. Benson
Ministry Moment UMW Mrs. June Baggett
JoLT Mr. Stephen Smith
Sacrament of Holy Baptism The Rev. Parker Benson
Ella Gena Miller
Born: May 5, 2013
Parents: Joel and JoLynn Miller
Prayer Concerns/Pastoral Prayer Mrs. Huckaby
*Offertory Hymn I Love to Tell the Story UMH 156
*Offertory Prayer/Lord’s Prayer Rev. Benson
Offertory Anthem Order My Steps Chancel Choir
*Doxology UMH 95
Homily “Reaching Out—Witness” Rev. Benson
Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 1:8 (p. 702, 770)
*Hymn of Invitation & Dedication UMH 572
Pass It On
*Benediction Rev. Benson
*Choral Benediction UMH 672
God Be with You till We Meet Again (Vs. 1)
Postlude Mrs. Fleeman
*You are invited to stand, as able
Guest Speaker for All Services
Dr. Phil Schroeder
SERVICE
Matthew 22:15-22
11:00 AM ~ Gym
Ages 4 through 4th grade
Check-In: 10:45-11:00 AM (gym)
Something New: We will move to the Chapel/Children’s Wing area
for Children’s Church. Dismissal will be as follows:
PreK/K: Room 111; 2nd Grade: Room 105; 3rd-4th Grade: Room 103
Early Arrival Activity (Gym)
Bible Story ~ David Dances 2 Samuel 6:1-10
Bible Verse ~ I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.
(Psalm 23:6)
Leap of Faith ~ God’s love is with me all the days of my life.
Large Group Worship Time (Chapel/#111) Older children (2nd-4th) will have Large Group Worship Time first while the younger
children participate in the Explore Interest Groups. Then the younger children (PreK-
1st) will have Large Group Worship Time while the older children participate in
Explore Interest Groups.
- Worship through Story
t David Dances
- Worship through Prayer and Giving
- Worship through Song
t Leap of Faith
t Let the Music Play
- Worship through Story
t Visit Leaper’s Pointe
- Worship through Scripture Memorization:
t Psalm 23:6
Worship thru Explore Interest Groups These interest groups give children an opportunity to choose from a variety of
activities that will allow them to experience the Bible story in a unique way.
t Musical Painting (Art Activity for Younger Children)
Sarah Bittner, Michele Godina, Shannon Kennedy
t Make a Square Shaker (Music Activity for Older Children)
David Brown, Kathy Brown
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Prelude Mrs. Lu Connerley
Greeting Mrs. Debbie Huckaby
Invocation Mrs. Huckaby
*Hymn UMH 454
Open My Eyes That I May See
Praise and Thanksgiving Mrs. Huckaby
Pastoral Prayer Mrs. Huckaby
Offering/Offertory Mrs. Connerley
Morning Message Mrs. Huckaby
“Reaching Out—Witness”
Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 1:8 (pg. 702, 770)
Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 13
Rev. Matt Parker
*Benediction Mrs. Huckaby
* Please stand
Ushers/Greeters
Shirley Alcorn
Ed Novak
Carol Ward
Welcome Music 9:30 Band
Floating Bridge
Welcome Mrs. Wanda Doster
Ministry Moment Mr. Stephen Smith
JoLT
We Pray Rev. Parker Benson
We Worship 9:30 Band
He Reigns
Rocks Keep Silent
In Christ Alone
We Give 9:30 Band
House of Gold
We Hear Rev. Benson
“Reaching Out—Witness”
Matthew 25:34-40; Acts 1:8
We Respond & Go 9:30 Band
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Welcome! At Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, we are a
community of faith where people meet for a life-changing
encounter with God. Our faith community loves to sing to God
and loves to sing about God. As we join together as one body
with one voice, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to
all that God has in store for you.
To learn more about Bethlehem First United Methodist Church
and discover how you can get connected, visit our website at
www.bigwhitechurch.com.
Today’s Message:
“Witnesses” | Acts 1:3-9
Matt Parker @mattparker21
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October 20, 2013
2013 Stewardship Journey ~ Please sign up for the Prayer Vigil
this coming weekend, October 26-27. We will begin praying at
6:00 a.m. Saturday and will pray continuously until Sunday
morning at 6:00. We are asking individuals to sign up for 15
minute increments to pray for our church and the Stewardship
Journey Commitment Sunday. Please pray wherever you
are. Sign-up posters are located in the Narthex, Commons
Area and the Stars Café. You may also sign up any time during
the week.
Stewardship Journey Commitment Sunday is October 27th ~ Dr.
Rev. Phil Schroeder, Director of New and Existing
Congregational Development of our North Georgia Conference
will speak during ALL of our worship services: 8:30, 9:30, 11:00
contemporary, and 11:00 traditional. If you do not know Phil
and have not had the opportunity to hear him speak—YOU
WILL NOT WANT TO MISS HIM! Looking forward to seeing you
next Sunday.
Operation Christmas Child, a
project of Samaritan’s Purse,
is coming on Sunday, October
27th. Next Sunday, after each
service, decorated shoe boxes
will be given out along with a
brochure which has instructions on how to fill the box and
the need to include a check for seven dollars to cover
shipping them across the globe. Filled shoe boxes need to be
returned no later than Sunday, November 10th to our
Fellowship Hall.
Help us to touch the heart of a needy child with a gift-filled
shoe box and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sponsored by
United Methodist Women.
BFUMC Endowment Fund ~ BFUMC is preparing to open an
endowment fund to better prepare for the future. The
congregation will vote to establish the endowment during
the charge conference on November 4th. A summary
explanation of what the endowment will do for the church
has been placed on the Stars Café information shelf. Also,
the complete charge conference resolution has been posted
on the BFUMC website. Please read at least one of these
documents so you will be ready to vote. If you have
questions, please call Lewis Grace. 770-334-4025.
Celebration Sunday ~
Join us on Sunday,
November 3 for the
conclusion of our
Stewardship Journey
as we celebrate
God’s blessings.
We will have a covered dish meal in the Fellowship Hall
following the 11:00 worship services. The main dish and
drinks will be provided. Please bring side items to share.
In order to make adequate preparations, we ask that you
let us know if you will be attending.
Please contact the church office, 770-867-3727,
[email protected] by Sunday, October 27.
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BFUMC Church Conference
Monday, Nov. 4, 2013
7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center
The church conference will handle those reports and
decisions normally covered at a Charge Conference.
This year we will also discuss and make a decision on
the purchase of land adjacent to the church.
Lord, Help My Pastor by, Patricia Bankhead
Lord, help my Pastor, I pray
There are many obstacles in his way
Every burden help him to bear
Dear Lord, keep him in Your tender care
Give him strength and the ability
To care for the church and his family
Lord, there is so much he has to do
He can't do alone, he surely needs You
So shelter him in Your loving arms
Safe from all danger and unseen harm
Guard his mouth, his heart and mind
Remove every tittle of sin and pride
Keep him in the hour of temptation
May he not be moved by Satan's persuasion
Remove all fears, Lord, remove all doubt
By Your Spirit, Lord, be in his mouth
So that he will speak a word that is due
And bring Your dear people closer to You
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If you currently donate online for your BFUMC giving and still
want to put something in the collection plate, cards stating
that you donate online
are available at the
church entrances and
may be placed in the
collection basket
during the offertory.
Ministry Assistants
Greeters
8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward
9:30 Becky Adcock, Lamar & Sherry Mask
Oct. 13 Joe Brooks, Jeff Herold, Tonya Herold, Linda
Johnson, Bobbie Metheny, Clara Allen
Oct. 27 Jeff Herold, Tonya Herold, Doug Johnson, Linda
Johnson, Jim McCutcheon, Pam McCutcheon
Acolytes
Today Garrett Tyler, Jacob Tyler
Oct. 27 Ethan Guthas, Thomas Wilson
Ushers
8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward
9:30 Sherry Mask
11:00 Clara Allen, Lynne Bell, Fran Bower, Patsy Cullifer,
Wanda Doster, Brenda Partee, Sandi Roberson, Lynn
Smith, Susan Wages
Oct. 27 Vance Barnwell, John Bittner, Pete Black, Tommy
Craig, Phil Elam, Ron Griffith, Reed Gunderman, Andy
Holman, Morgan Howard, Larry Partee
Children’s Church
Today Sarah Bittner, David Brown, Kathy Brown, Michele
Godina, Shannon Kennedy
Oct. 27 Clint Hilley, Kelli Herrington, Regan Herrington,
Beth Hinch, Austin Hurst, Sarah May, Tracy Self
Offering plate or basket during worship services
Mail in check or drop off at the reception desk.
On-line giving via the church website,
www.bigwhitechurch.com
Electronic payments from your banking institution.
Remember BFUMC in your Wills and Trusts.
What are the different methods you can give
monetarily to BFUMC?
Prayer Concerns
Members
Oct. 6 ~ Ann Abbett, Fran Bower,
Delores Eckels, Rich Feggeler,
Kimberly Fleeman, Pam Hilland, Gregg Lanthier, Nancy Laske,
Kathy Tuttle
Oct. 13 ~ William Dunn, Caroline Linton
Oct. 20 ~ Johnny Fleeman
On-Going ~ Tom & Dianne Beaird, Helen Bell, Claude & Harriet
Harris, Doris Owens, Mary Nell Partee, Alvor Parten, Frances
& Leon Pruett, Annette Smith, Hazel Smith, Jenny Smith,
Judy Swanner, Rachel Thompson, Gladys Wages
Non- Members
Oct. 6 ~ Ed Bryant, Sue McCullers, Andrew Lofanah, Jennifer
Murill, Wendy McBay, Jadon Newsmith, Russ Sauls, Alan
Black,
Oct. 13. ~ Bebe (friend of Ruth Pugh), Raymond Doster
Oct. 20 ~ Jeffrey Murch, Mike Schmidt , Aimee Sedlock
On-going ~ Misty Anderson, Garrett Andrews, Jean Bagwell,
Jack Fendt, Kendra Ferguson, Addy Frechen, William
Freedman, Sr., Ashley Freidenberger, Katherine
Freidenberger, Megan Godina, Claude Harris, Mike Howard,
Sue & Frank Jones, Bonnie Manners, Louise Pitts, Richard
Roden, Abe Smith, Virginia Stokes, Diane Wallace
Our Faithfulness
October 13, 2013
Attendance
Sunday School 145
Nursery ....................................... 53
Children’s Church ....................... 45
8:30 Service ................................ 28
9:30 Service .............................. 112
11:00 Contemporary Service ...... 69
11:00 Traditional Service .......... 162
Total Sunday Worship ............. 469
Revenue Year-to-Date .................... $826,747.65
Expenses Year-to-Date ................... $851,046.23
A tremendous “thank you” to all who contributed to our
Dominican Republic Mission Trip! Your generosity
allowed our team to witness to those who
needed to hear the story of Jesus.
Fellowship Meal
King Ranch
Chicken Casserole
Black-eye Peas
Tomatoes & Corn
Corn Bread
Salad Bar
Dessert
C Chapel FH Fellowship Hall G Gym S Sanctuary SC Stars Café UG Upper Gym WC Worship Center
Week at a Glance SUNDAY~ October 20
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C)
9:00 a.m. Pray for Our Pastors (120H)
9:30 a.m. 9:30 Worship Service (WC)
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School (127)
11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (G)
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Svc (WC)
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Svc. (S)
4:15 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Handbells (S)
5:00 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Choir (119)
5:00 p.m. Disciple I (124)
5:00 p.m. Disciple III (128)
5:30 p.m. Youth Open Gym (G)
6:00 p.m. Youth Group Supper (FH)
6:15 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)
MONDAY~ October 21
6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)
9:00 a.m. Kenpo Kickboxing (G)
10:00 a.m. Zumba (G)
6:00 p.m. Cardio Kickboxing (G)
7:00 p.m. Safety and Security Team (124)
7:00 p.m. Open Volleyball (G)
7:00 p.m. United Methodist Women (128)
TUESDAY~ October 22
6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)
9:15 a.m. Ladies Bible Study (123)
9:30 a.m. Spin Class (UG)
10:30 a.m. Senior Fitness (G)
6:00 p.m. Run for God (127)
6:00 p.m. Insane Strength (G)
6:30 p.m. Handbell Practice (S)
7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice (S)
7:00 P.M. Zumba (G)
7:00 p.m. Contemporary Band Practice (WC
WEDNESDAY~October 23
6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)
9:00 a.m. Fun with Crocheting (128)
5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening (101)
5:45 p.m. WNL Fellowship Meal
6:00 p.m. Soul Spin Mix (UG)
6:20 p.m. PreK-1 Grade Choir (119)
6:20 p.m. 2-4 Grade Choir (C)
6:30 p.m. Bridge 5th/6th Grade (129)
6:30 p.m. Youth Group
6:30 p.m. Yoga (WC)
6:45 p.m. A Disciple’s Path (128)
7:00 p.m. PreK-4th Grade (8pm)
7:00 p.m. 2-4 Grades Handbell Choir (S)
7:00 p.m. Pointing People to Faith (123)
7:00 p.m. GRITS (101)
THURSDAY~ October 24
6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)
9:00 a.m. Yoga (WC)
10:30 a.m. Senior Fitness (G)
6:00 p.m. Invite Team Mtg. (114)
6:30 p.m. Financial Peace (125)
6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Suprvsn (127)
6:30 p.m. Power Sculpting (UG)
7:00 p.m. 9:30 Band Practice (WC)
7:00 p.m. Zumba (G)
FRIDAY~ October 25
6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (6pm)
9:00 a.m. Insane Cardio (G)
10:00 a.m. Muscle Madness (G)
SATURDAY~ October 26
8:00 a.m. Fitness Center (6pm)
9:00 a.m. Family Friendly Zumba (G)
9:30 a.m. Yoga (WC)
Sunday, October 27
Stewardship Journey Commitment Sunday
Rev. Dr. Phil Schroeder
Guest Speaker, ALL SERVICES
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C)
9:00 a.m. Pray for Our Pastors (120H)
9:30 a.m. 9:30 Worship Service (WC)
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School (127)
11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (G)
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Svc (WC)
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Svc. (S)
12:30 p.m. Hand & Foot Card Playing (128)
4:15 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Handbells (S)
5:00 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Choir (119)
5:00 p.m. Disciple I (124)
5:00 p.m. Disciple III (128)
5:30 p.m. Youth Open Gym (G)
6:00 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Bridge
6:00 p.m. Youth Group Supper (FH)
6:15 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)
Up-Coming Events
Thursday, October 31
5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night
Sunday, November 3
Stewardship Journey Celebration Sunday
12:00 p.m. Covered Dish Meal
Bring sides to share
RSVP: 770-867-3727
Monday, November 4
7:00 p.m. Church Conference
In everything set them an example
by doing what is good.
In your teaching show integrity,
seriousness, and soundness of speech
that cannot be condemned,
so that those who oppose you
may be ashamed
because they have nothing bad
to say about us.
Titus 2:7
BUILDING A HEALTHY CHURCH ONE TIP AT A TIME
Too much abdominal fat increases
your risk for developing heart
disease and diabetes. As your waist
size goes up, so does your risk.
What Should I Do? Measure your waist with a
tape measure around your middle just above
your hipbones after you exhale. A healthy
waist size for a man is less than 40 inches and
less than 35 inches for a woman. For more
information go to:
webmd.com/diet/calculating-your-waist-circumference
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WELCOME, VISITORS AND GUESTS!
We are delighted you have chosen to worship with us today. Please fill out
the black attendance register at the end of the pew or as it is passed.
ABOUT US:
At Bethlehem First UMC, we have a common mission: To make disciples of
Jesus Christ. We offer a loving, nurturing environment in which to serve and
worship Christ, and to grow spiritually. We would love to have you join us
each Sunday.
LEARN MORE:
If you would like to learn more about Bethlehem First UMC, please
visit us on the web at www.bigwhitechurch.com, speak with a pastor
following the service, call the church office at 770-867-3727 or email
us at [email protected].
WELCOME, CHILDREN
Childcare is available for newborns through age 4
during Sunday school and all Sunday morning
worship services. Your child graduates to
Children's Church if they are 4, on or after,
September 1st. Please use our electronic check-in
system before bringing your child to their age
appropriate room.
Newborn to Walking Little Lambs ................ Room 121
Walking to Age 3 Leapin’ Lizards ........... Room 110
Age 3 & 4 Busy Bees .................. Room 109
Children’s Church ~ All children ages Pre-K (age 4 by September 1) – 4th
grade are invited to join us for our 11 AM worship service designed especially for
children. Check-in is from 10:45-11 AM. Please sign your child in through our
electronic check-in system and then bring your child to the gym. Kiosks are
found in the Children’s Wing or at the Childcare Reception Desk in the Stars
Café. We will move to the Chapel/Children’s Wing area for Children’s Church at
11 AM. Dismissal will be as follows:
Pre-K/K/1st: #111
2nd: #105
3rd – 4th: #103
Thank you for your support and for allowing us the opportunity of worshipping
with your children.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:
Hearing assistance is available for the 11:00 o’clock service in the
sanctuary. Please ask one of the greeters or ushers for a receiver and they
will be happy to assist you.
Our Staff
Rev. Parker Benson, Senior Pastor 770.715.5743 cell [email protected]
9:30 Worship Service This lite-contemporary service is a good way to begin your Sunday morning! Our Praise Band plays a variety of good music including folk, country, rock, and gospel. Our service is spirit-filled and energetic, yet relaxed and welcoming. Dress is casual and the STARS Café is open before and after. Make yourself at home.
11:00 Traditional Worship Service Come and experience the time-honored traditions and practices of historical Christianity in one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in North Georgia. Our sanctuary exudes holiness and the Holy Spirit can be felt as one enters the room. Please enter in reverence but worship with all your heart as we enjoy the great hymns, creeds, and traditions of our Christian faith.
Rev. Matt Parker, Associate Pastor 404-538-2567 cell [email protected]
11:00 Contemporary Worship Service The 11:00 Contemporary Worship Service helps people connect with God and celebrate all that God has done in our lives. The prayer for this worship experience is that those who worship with us may join together in one voice and one prayer as we praise God. Our time of worship includes singing contemporary music and listening to a scripturally based message.
Rev. Michele May
Pastor of Discipleship & Families 706-201-5063 cell [email protected]
11:00 Children’s Church GROW But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Through our GROW ministries, persons have opportunities to deepen and grow in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Through Bible study, prayer, worship, and small group fellowship, persons are able to understand more fully what it means to love God and love our neighbors. Individuals are able to discover how God has uniquely gifted them to serve, both within and outside the church.
Mrs. Debbie Huckaby Pastor of Congregational Care 706-296-0665 cell
8:30 Holy Communion Service
A 30-minute worship service meets every Sunday
morning in the Chapel. This intimate service offers a
message and Holy Communion.
Would you like to join Bethlehem First UMC?
If you have been visiting we hope you will consider joining Bethlehem First United Methodist Church. You may join by:
1. Transferring your membership from another United Methodist Church
2. Transferring your membership from another denomination
3. Confession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
To learn more about church membership please contact one of our pastors listed above and say “I want to join the church.”
Our Clergy
Email Addresses: first name. last [email protected]
unless otherwise notated
Bookkeeper, Leigh Anne Russell
Custodian, Jack Chilcote
770.712.7336
Executive Assistant, Karen Whitehead
Music Minister, Karen Smith
Nursery Supervisor, Renae Elenbaas
Office Assistant, Jennifer Pohl
Organist, Brenda Fleeman
Parish Nurse, Kathy Brown RN, FCN
Pianist, Katrina Wilson
Preschool/Program Director
Lizzy Sheffield, 770.867.3724
Recreation Coordinator, Laura Puckett
Fitness Coordinator, Tracy Self
Security, J.P. Boyd
770.867.9551, [email protected]
Youth Ministry
H.S. ~ Dawn Bradberry, 678-227-1970
M.S. ~ Amy Watts, 404-213-7856
