CONTACT INFORMATION 5300 Nesbit Road Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-764-3602 www.bethlehemchurchonline.org AND www.bethlehemfamilyministry.com Senior Pastor Rev. Renee Easter [email protected]Minister of Families & Contemporary Worship Rob Morris [email protected]Administrative Assistant Dolly Tyson [email protected]Preschool Director Ashley Blackmon [email protected]Church Office Hours Mon. – Thur. 9 am – 4 pm Friday 9 am – 1 pm The Bethlehem ORCHARD JANUARY 2016 PRAYER REQUEST FORM ONLINE: You may now go to our church website (www.bethlehemchurchonline.org) and place a prayer request. TEAM PRAYER Keep oil in your lamp so your light shines bright. Your church needs you to be the light! Prayer team meets each Monday morning at 10 am – 11 am. Come join us in prayer. Bethlehem UMC 5300 Nesbit Road Waxhaw, NC 28173 Return Service Requested PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #116 MONROE, NC 28110 VOLUNTEERS FOR JANUARY NURSERY: 1-01: Randi Laney 1-10: Ashley Blackmon 1-17: Dana Broome 1-24: Janet Love 1-31: Lisa Laton ACOLYTES: 8:30 AM 11:00 AM 1-03 Corbin Laney Nathan Presson 1-10: Courtney Liles Dylan Presson 1-17: Ruby Piddock Madison Owen 1-24: Jordan Connell Mallory Owen 1-31: Shelby Eubank Nathan Presson USHERS: Eric Owen, Eric Tsitouris, Bryan Gilliard and Marion Cox GREETERS: Dolly Tyson & Kim Walkup Are you considering joining our church family, interested in learning more about Bethlehem United Methodist Church, or maybe more about the Methodist beliefs? You’re invited to have coffee and conversation with Renee in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Jan. 24 th 10:00 am.
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CONTACT INFORMATION 5300 Nesbit Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-764-3602
www.bethlehemchurchonline.org AND www.bethlehemfamilyministry.com
PRAYER REQUEST FORM ONLINE: You may now go to our church website (www.bethlehemchurchonline.org) and place a prayer request.
TEAM PRAYER Keep oil in your lamp so your light shines
bright.
Your church needs you to be the light!
Prayer team meets each Monday morning at 10 am – 11 am.
Come join us in prayer.
Bethlehem
UM
C
5300 Nesbit R
oad W
axhaw, N
C 28173
Return Service R
equested
PRSR
T STD
NO
N-PR
OFIT
US PO
STAG
E PAID
PER
MIT #116
MO
NR
OE, N
C
28110
VOLUNTEERS FOR JANUARY NURSERY:
1-01: Randi Laney 1-10: Ashley Blackmon 1-17: Dana Broome 1-24: Janet Love 1-31: Lisa Laton
ACOLYTES: 8:30 AM 11:00 AM 1-03 Corbin Laney Nathan Presson 1-10: Courtney Liles Dylan Presson 1-17: Ruby Piddock Madison Owen 1-24: Jordan Connell Mallory Owen 1-31: Shelby Eubank Nathan Presson
USHERS: Eric Owen, Eric Tsitouris,
Bryan Gilliard and Marion Cox
GREETERS: Dolly Tyson & Kim Walkup
Are you considering joining our church family, interested in learning more about Bethlehem United Methodist Church, or maybe more about the Methodist beliefs? You’re invited to have coffee and conversation with Renee in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Jan. 24th 10:00 am.
Our Special Members
Catherine Austin (DOB: 10/8) 1302 S. Johnson St. Monroe 28112
Edith Broome (DOB:09/09) Hillcrest Rest Home 4123 Hillcrest Church Rd. Monroe, NC 28110
Mildred Cox (DOB 12/11) 502 Elm St. Marshville, 28103 704-385-5015
Helen Faires (DOB: 9/27) 1118 Crestbrook Dr. Charlotte 28221
Margaret Autry Martha Blackmon Gary Blount Jim Brady Edith Broome Perry Brown Nelson Burris JoAnn Burt Linda Byrum Harold Carter Larry Coleman Tony Cook Genevieve Courtney Mildred Cox Helen Faries Linda Griffin Quinn Helms Roy Smith Helms Jennifer Hinson Mike Hunter Brandon Long Bill Maynard Bob McCain Dana C. McGuirt Doris McWhorter Rev. Dan Moore Arlin Mosley Irene Mosley Chloe Phillips Gary Phillips Jackie Plyler Billy Ponder, Jr. Doug Richardson Bo Rodden Father Brad Smith Albert Starnes Matthew Stewart Bill Strickland Teresa Taylor Billie Thomas Frank Tyson, Jr. Levi Vetter Jackie Williey Marilyn Wooten …and all other unspoken/unknown prayers
Growing in God’s Grace for 3 year olds through 3rd Grade
Club 54
IN GOD’S LOVE
There are additional
copies of the new pictorial
directory available for purchase at a
cost of $10 each. See Dolly
FUZE for Youth Meets each Sunday night from
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm For
Grades
4 - 5
Electronic Giving Simply log onto our church website at:
bethlehemchurchonline.org
From your mobile phone simply send a text to phone number 704-870-2111 with the amount you would like to contribute. You must use the $ sign before the amount. You will receive a text, which has a link for you to enter your name and credit or debit card information.
The U.M.Men will resume their meetings on
February, 7th @ 7:15 am
From Our Pastor’s Desk: To me the best part of the New Year is the blank calendar, the unwritten pages of the planner, and the possibilities that these hold. You and I have been repeatedly advised to make goals for the year and to begin scheduling the important items. This task includes taking time to revisit our values and evaluate where we want to spend our efforts so that the important elements of life are not left to chance. We value our family; therefore we put family night on the calendar regularly. Our faith is important, so decide what actions we want to take to ensure we continue to grow in our relationship with God: a new devotional? a Bible study? We want to make a difference to someone outside of our immediate circle of influence, so we consider scheduling time to work at the homeless shelter or to visit in the nursing homes. See the wonderful possibilities! Adding time for what matters most in life was reinforced for me this 2016 New Year’s Day. Alongside my empty calendar and planner, a funeral bulletin lay on my desk as I began working on the eulogy of a great lady who had made a huge impact on her family, friends and church. Even in the sadness of loss, we could celebrate a life well lived. It was a significant reminder to me of what is truly important and that how we live each day of our lives truly makes a difference, because our actions impact others in a substantial manner.
(cont.) Poet, Linda Ellis speaks of this in her work entitled, The Dash:
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
The dash – that is what we will be remembered by. We live in community and what we do influences the lives of so many. Harvard Professor, Dr. Clayton Christensen states this in his book, How Will You Measure Your Life: “Most of us face a series of small everyday decisions that rarely seem like they have high stakes attached. But over time they can play out far more dramatically.” What we place on the calendar of our everyday lives has everlasting implications. We have so much built into our schedules; we find ourselves balancing work, family, recreation and our faith walk. It seems like an endless battle and often we revert to “auto-‐pilot” mode. Yet it is important
(cont.) for us to confirm that our values are substantiated in our living habits, in a way that expresses our love and our faith to others. So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?
The Dash by Linda Ellis copyright 1996
As we begin to fill those blank pages of your planners and calendars, remember how important it is to schedule time for the things that have eternal significance for us and for the Kingdom of God. Blessings to you and yours this New Year!
-‐ Renee
New Books! There are 20 plus new books that have been added to the UMW reading library. Check one out today!
Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather…we will report any closings or cancellations on WSOCTV. This will run at the bottom of the screen on Channel 9 or TV-64. We will try to make our decisions on Sunday mornings by 7:00 am. This will be based on the conditions and the forecast. We want to proceed on the side of caution and not endanger anyone.
Thank you so much for all your prayers, cards, calls and support during the illness and loss of my brother Joe Cochrane. I am so thankful for our church family and all the love that has been shared. You all mean so much to me and my brother’s family -‐ you’ve been such a blessing to us all. Thank You!
Kim and Tim Walkup, & the Cochrane Family.
Dear Church Family, Thank you for all the love you have shown me during my recent hospital stay and recovery. Your prayers were felt from the time I entered the hospital until today. What a difference prayer can make. Love in Christ, Libby Kiser
Thanks to the Helping Hands for the nice gift basket and I also appreciated the visit! Helen Faires
Dear Bethlehem United Methodist Church: Thank you so much for helping me with my sock and glove drive this year and in past years. Because of you, many needy people will be warm during this winter season. God bless you all! Kelly Boyce
Preschool
Reminder: We follow the Union County Public School calendar. If they are closed – we are closed. If they have a 1 hour delay – we start at 10, 2 hour at 10:30 and a 3 hour delay would have us starting at 11 am. We do not make up snow days.
Confirmation Class 2016
All rising 6th graders and up who are
interested in taking the annual Confirmation Class – sign up now! Starting February 21st
for 10 weeks, taught by Rob Morris and Renee Easter. Adult mentors are needed. Confirmation Sunday will be May 15th.
Where: Pennsylvania Dutch Country When: May 16 – May 20, 2016 With: The Joyful Travelers and your friends and family at Bethlehem U. M. Church Cost: $569 ea. dbl. occupancy by 3/09/16 ($75 deposit due) Includes: motorcoach transportation, four nights lodging, 9 meals, admission to the shows “Samson” and the “Crooners,” a cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia, a guided tour of Lancaster, PA, museums, shopping and more! Interested? Contact Gaile Rowell at (704) 854-2939 or Bonnie Polk at (704) 339-7769. Make checks payable to Diamond Tours.
Other upcoming trips include:
New York City – June 9 – 15 Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard Oct. 2 - 8
HONORARIUMS
LAND FUND: Doug & Terry Richardson – by – Eddie & Libby Kiser “ “ “ “ by – Steve & Sandra Malkin Bryan Gilliard – by – The Eric Tsitouris Family Busy Bees Circle – by – Doug & Terry Richardson Genny Courtney – by – Dean Cox Loma Tyson – by – Betty S. Mosley “ “ by – Gene & Sue Brantley “ “ by – Bill & Barbara Strickland “ “ by – Russell & Tammy Mosley “ “ by – Gloria S. Price “ “ by – Mary Alice Wilson Teresa Phillips by – Kathy Starnes Doug & Terry Richardson –by– Mary Alice Wilson Gene & Sue Brantley – by – Gene Brantley, Jr. by - David & Cindy Henderson
LAND DEVELOPMENT FUND: Gene & Sue Brantley –by– Laurie & Gene Brantley Jr. Doug & Terry Richardson –by– Mike & Terry Eubank Nathan & Ashley Blackmon –by–Mike & Terry Eubank
ROOF FUND: Libby Kiser – by – Charles Wesley Sun. Sch. Class Bill Strickland by – “ “ “ “ “ Claude & Doris Broome – by – Brenda McWhorter Members of the Best Years Group – by – Best Yrs. Bill & Barbara Strickland – by – Betty Ann Starnes Doug & Terry Richardson by - “ “ “ Gloria Rodden by - “ “ “ Joyce Parr by - “ “ “ Loma Tyson by - “ “ “ Genny Courtney by - “ “ “ Claude & Doris Broome by - “ “ “ Gene & Sue Brantley by - “ “ “ Marion & Delano Cox by - “ “ “ Loma Tyson - by – Eric & Julia Tsitouris & Girls Gloria Rodden–by- Charles Wesley S Schl. Class Mary Alice Wilson – by – Claude & Doris Broome Betty Anne Starnes & family by “ “ “ “ Aaron & Dolly Tyson – by – Nancy & Dedrick Brown Rob Morris – by – Nancy & Dedrick Brown
Honorariums Continued…
BUILDING FUND: In Honor of and in Memory of the Reece M & Susie Starnes family – by – the Reunion
MEMORIALS
LAND FUND: John Tsitouris –by – Mary Alice Wilson “ “ by – Marion & Delano Cox Jo Nell McCain – by – Mary Alice Wilson “ “ “ by – Reece & Carolyn Starnes “ “ “ by – Barbara & Bill Strickland Patricia Senical – by – Eddie & Libby Kiser McCray Smith – by – Eric, Julia Tsitouris and Girls Tommie Thompson –by- Barbara Strickland “ “ -by- Mary Alice Wilson Trenton Phillips – by – Robert McCain John Tsitouris –by– Jane McWhorter “ “ - Claude & Doris Broome “ “ - Reece & Carolyn Starnes “ “ - Doug & Terry Richardson “ “ - Eric Tsitouris & Family Patricia Senical – by – Gene & Sue Brantley Clinton Cox – by – Mary Alice Wilson “ “ by – Eric Tsitouris & Family Joe Cochrane by - “ “ “ “ “ “ by – Gaile Rowell CHANCEL CHOIR FUND: Patricia Wicker – by – Billy & Trina Tyson Faire Lathan Funderburk – “ “ “ “ CEMETERY FUND: John Tsitouris – by – Billy & Trina Tyson Macie Carter – by – Harold & Jeanette Carter PRESCHOOL FUND: Jo Nell McCain – by – Robert Lee McCain Jo Nell McCain – by – Brenda McWhorter
Honorariums Continued…
(Roof fund Continued) Arlin & Irene Mosley -by– Mary Mosley “ “ “ “ -by Kids, Grandkids “ “ “ “ -by Mike & Terry Eubanks “ “ “ “ -by Roger & Margaret Hill “ “ “ “ by Nancy & Dedrick Brown Doug & Terry Richardson–by- Mary Mosley Evelyn Belk –by– Witness & Service Circle Quinn Helms by- “ “ “ “ Grace Goldy by- “ “ “ “ Doris Broome by- “ “ “ “ Chloe Phillips by- “ “ “ “ Doug Richardson –by– Marion & Delano Cox Our Children by Reece & Carolyn Starnes Gary & Renee Easter by Stan & Joyce Pope Doug & Terry Richardson “ “ “ “ Marion & Delano Cox by– Eric & Julia Tsitouris Gene & Sue Brantley – by – Eric & Julia Tsitouris Doug Richardson – by – Ajean Broome Ms. Grace Goldy – by – “ “ Renee & Gary Easter –by– “ “ Mary Alice Wilson by - “ “ Reece & Carolyn Starnes by “ “ Genne Courtney by - “ “ Chloe Phillips by - “ “ Eric & Julia Tsitouris by - “ “ Doris McLean by - “ “ Rob Morris by - “ “ Sue & Gene Brantley by - “ “ Arlin & Irene Mosley by - “ “ Betty Ann Starnes by - “ “ Ed & Kathy Moss & family – by “ “ Mary Alice Wilson by Nancy & Dedrick Brown Renee & Gary Easter by “ “ “ “ Doug & Terry Richardson by “ “ “ “ Betty Ann Starnes by Gloria Rodden
SUNDAYS: 8:30 am Contemporary Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional Worship 5:00 pm Children’s Treehouse 5:00 pm Youth Fuze MONDAYS: 10:00 am Prayer team 11:30 am Craft Group 6:30 pm Scouts TUESDAYS: 9:00 am Chair Yoga 6:30 pm Chancel Choir WEDNESDAY: 6:30 pm Scouts 7:00 pm Praise Team THURSDAYS: 6:30 pm Mixed Level Yoga
MONTHLY HAPPENINGS – JAN. 1/03 – Epiphany Sunday
1/11 - 7:00 pm Helping Hands Circle
1/14 - 9:30 am Busy Bees Circle F. Hall
1/17 - 12:30 pm Food Packing Event
1/20 – 11:00 am Best Years Group
(Memorials continued) ROOF FUND: Patricia Senical – by – Wendy Kiser John Tsitouris – by – Betty Ann Starnes “ “ - by – Ajean Broome Marshal McWhorter –by– Brenda McWhorter John Thomas Wilson –by–Mary Alice Wilson Larry J. Rowell – by – Gaile Rowell Mr & Mrs Frank Tyson, Sr – by – Joyce & Stan Pope Jim & Odessa McWhorter –by– Brady Laney J. R. Starnes – by – Hattie Starnes Marvin & Elizabeth Sechler–by–Gaile Rowell Frank & Margaret Tyson, Sr –by– Joyce Pope Bill McWhorter – by – Jane McWhorter Clarence Starnes – by – Phala Starnes Irene Clayton –by– Barbara & Bill Strickland Faye Starnes -by- “ “ “ “ Winslow & Louise Wilson –by- “ “ “ “ John Thomas Wilson –by- “ “ “ “ Clinton Cox – by – Ajean Broome
Our annual food packing for Samaritans’ International was held on January 17th at 12:30 pm. We reached a milestone at Bethlehem by packing the eight- millionth meal as a church! We worked a little longer than usual and prepared over 54,000 meals for God’s children in Nicaraqua just in this one afternoon!
Food Packing
Ash Wednesday Services
Come to the Ash Wednesday service at Bethlehem United Methodist Church on February 10th at 7:00 pm
Praising God
We as a church family can celebrate the building of the Arbor, the heating system we had to replace, and our new roof over the sanctuary. These were all expensive capital improvements, which pave the way for our future at Bethlehem. God has richly blessed us with the tools to spread his message…so go, sow, and grow!
