December 23, 2012

4th Sunday of Advent

709 Christmas Avenue

Bethlehem, GA 30620

office@bigwhitechurch.com

www.bigwhitechurch.com

770.867.3727

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11:00 a.m.

4th Sunday of Advent

Welcome

Prelude Mrs. Brenda Fleeman

Bringing in the Light Acolytes

Lighting of the Advent Candle Bruce & Lynda Chisholm

*Opening Hymn UMH 220

Angels From the Realms of Glory

*Affirmation of Faith UMH 881

*Gloria Patri UMH 70

Greeting/Registration of Worshippers Rev. Parker Benson

Prayer Concerns/Pastoral Prayer Rev. Debbie Huckaby

*Offertory Hymn UMH 245

The First Noel (v. 1 & 2)

*Offertory Prayer/Lords Prayer Rev. Benson

Offertory Anthem Chancel Choir

Noel Festival

*Doxology UMH 95

Homily “The Birth of Jesus Christ” Rev. Benson

Matthew 1:18-25 (pg. 681)

*Hymn of Invitation & Dedication UMH 189

Angels We Have Heard on High

*Benediction Rev. Benson

*Choral Benediction UMH 238

God Be with You ‘till We Meet Again (vs. 1)

Postlude Mrs. Fleeman

*You are invited to stand, as able

FAMILY WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY

8:30, 9:30, 11:00 contemporary,

11:00 traditional

“Simeon Holds the Baby”

Luke 2:21-35

December 23, 2012

ALTAR PRAYER

The altar is open for prayer before, during and

after the 11:00 Traditional service. Rev. Debbie

Huckaby, our Congregational Care Minister, will

be available near the altar should you want

someone to pray with you.

11:00 AM ~ Room 111

Ages 4 through 4th grade

10:45 Electronic Check-In

The Birth and the Shepherds

Bible Story ~ Luke 2:1-20

Bible Verse ~ And a little child will lead them. (Isaiah

11:6)

Leap of Faith ~ God’s Son came into the world as a

child to offer me peace.

Gathering for 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.

Make a Nativi-tree Ornament (Art Activity)

Nativity Match (Logical Activity)

Good News Tag (Game Activity)

Christmas Story (Reading Activity)

Large Group Worship Time

- Worship through Song

Peaceable Kingdom

Light the Advent Wreath then sing Let Them Shine

(CD Rom)

- Worship through Story

Leaper’s Pointe DVD story

- Worship through Scripture Memorization:

Isaiah 11:6

- Worship through Prayer and Giving

- Worship through the Bible Story

The Birth and the Shepherds

Worship through Small Groups

-Small Group Activities Pre-K-K

Shepherds Worship Jesus

-Small Group Activities 1st - 4

th

Sharing the Good News

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Welcome Music 9:30 Band Blue Christmas Welcome Mrs. Wanda Doster We Pray Rev. Parker Benson

We Greet Rev. Benson We Worship 9:30 Band Holy Is the Lord Hark the Herald Angels Sing What Child Is This? We Give Mrs. Shelli Craig We Hear Rev. Benson “The Birth of Jesus Christ” Matthew 1:18-25

We Respond 9:30 Band Away In A Manger

We Go! 9:30 Band Angels We Have Heard on High

in the Worship Center

“The Birth of Jesus Christ” Rev. Adam Mathes

Matthew 1:18-25

Prelude Mrs. Sue Moore

Greeting Rev. Debbie Huckaby

Invocation Rev. Huckaby

*Hymn UMH 239

Silent Night, Holy NIght

Praise and Thanksgiving Rev. Huckaby

Pastoral Prayer Rev. Huckaby

Offering/Offertory Mrs. Moore

Morning Message Rev. Huckaby

“The Birth of Jesus Christ”

Matthew 1:18-25 (pg. 681)

Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 13

Rev. Adam Mathes

*Benediction Rev. Huckaby

* Please stand

Ushers/Greeters

Shirley Alcorn

Ed Novak

Carol Ward

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December 23, 2012

TODAY

Bridge Service Project

Our 5th/6th grade program have set up a

Christmas tree outside the Bridge classroom.

Please contribute any hats, gloves, scarves

during the month of December. All donations

will be taken to the Barrow County Food

Pantry to be distributed to families seeking

assistance this winter.

Please help us by supporting this special

service project. Any questions- please contact Anna Marie

Lawrence amlawrence123@gmail.com or 404-933-2278.

Our Preschool is Selling Fundraising Calendars !

Purchase a calendar for

yourself and don’t forget to

check your Christmas list!

This $7.00 calendar has

over $30 worth of Chick-fil-

A items to redeem!

Calendars available for

purchase in the Preschool

Office or the Church Office

Reception Desk.

Coming

S o o n . . . M i s s i o n

Adventures. For children

ages PreK through 4th

grades. Wednesdays beginning January 16 from 7-8 PM.

Children will participate in engaging fun activities related to

the week’s mission project adventure.

Live Nativity on the Square ~ Join

us at 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM this

evening for our annual Live Nativity

on the Bethlehem Square. Even with

all the construction of the intersection,

the town has made a special effort

to make room for our 50th year. So,

take time out of your busy schedule and come and be a part of

this biblical event and a BFUMC tradition.

NEXT SUNDAY ~ December 30th

SUNDAY ~ December 30

Family Worship ~ There will be no Children’s Church on this

Sunday and all children are welcome to worship with their

families during the 8:30, 9:30 or 11:00 worship services. The

message will be “Simeon Holds the Baby” from Luke 2:21-35.

Why not read this ahead of time to your children so they will

more readily understand the message.

TOMORROW ~ Christmas Eve Services

MONDAY ~ DECEMBER 24th

Family Christmas Eve Service

You are invited to a birthday

party for Jesus! Join us at

4:30 p.m. in the Worship

Center as we celebrate the

birth of Jesus Christ through

worship designed especially

with children and their families

in mind.

Cand le l ight Communion

Service will be held at 7:00

p.m. in the Sanctuary. A Son

is Given. O Come, All Ye

Faithful! Everyone is invited.

Childcare provided.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013

11:00 AM

BOOTH MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART,

CARTERSVILLE, GA

INCLUDES: Museum Admission,

Gas, and a Meal

The Booth Western Art

Museum is the largest

permanent exhibition

space for Western art

in the entire country

and the only one of its

kind in the southeast.

It houses works of

contemporary as well as traditional

Western artists and features the works of such

masters as Charles Russell and Frederic

Remington. From January 8—April 4, our own

Amy Watts will be the featured artist in the

Borderlands Gallery at the Booth. Amy’s art is

inspired by her love for horses and Western

history and she is excited to share her first major

showing with her “favorite people” from our

church. RSVP by December 30th

NAME__________________________________________________

PHONE:_________________________________________________

E-MAIL:_________________________________________________

_________ cash

_________ check payable to BFUMC

BFUMC Field Trip

Amy Watts

1 Corinthians 13

(Christmas Version) —Author unknown

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid

bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny

balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m

just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking doz-

ens of Christmas cookies, preparing gour-

met meals and arranging a beautifully

adorned table at mealtime, but do not

show love to my family, I’m just another

cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the

nursing home and give all that I have to

charity, but do not show love to my family,

it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels

and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad

of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s

cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have

missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the

husband. Love is kind, though harried and

tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home

that has coordinated Christmas china and

table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of

the way, but is thankful they are there to be

in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those

who are able to give in return but rejoices

in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things. Love

never fails. Video games will break, pearl

necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust,

but giving the gift of love will endure.

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MINISTRY ASSISTANTS

GREETERS

8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak

9:30 Terry Newton, Pam Newton

11:00 Letty Black, Pete Black, John Griffing, Shirley Griffing, Cator

Hartley, Jim Hartley, Brenda Pryor, Jarratt Pryor

ACOLYTES

Today Rachel Howard, Mollie Wilson

Dec. 30 Garrett Tyler, Jacob Tyler

USHERS

8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward

9:30 Tony Teale

11:00 John Bittner, Pete Black, Tommy Craig, Phil Elam, Lewis

Grace, Reed Gunderman, Andy Holman, Morgan Howard,

Larry Partee, Russ Rose, Stephen Smith

Dec. 30 Youth

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

Today Amanda Brannon, Susannah Helton, Kelli Herrington, Regan

Herrington

Dec. 30 Family Worship Sunday ~ No Children’s Church

What are the different methods you can give

monetarily to BFUMC?

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.

OUR FAITHFULNESS

ATTENDANCE DECEMBER 16, 2012

Sunday School ............................................ 167

Nursery ......................................................... 53

Children’s Church ......................................... 33

8:30 Service .................................................. 15

9:30 Service ................................................ 145

11:00 Contemporary Service ........................ 64

11:00 Worship Service ................................ 300

Total Worship Last Week ......................... 610

Revenue Year-to-Date ......................... $939,867.51

Expenses Year-to-Date………….. ...... $958,301.08

PRAYER CONCERNS

MEMBERS

Dec. 9 ~ Mickey Donald, Johnny Fleeman, The Montiero Family

Dec. 16 ~ Suda Abbett, Bud Allen, Amanda Brannon, Shirley Griffing, Brenda

Pryor, Florence Purcell

Dec. 23 ~ Carol Benson, Paige Howard, Larry Laske, Linda Moss, Connie

Smith, Joyce Stephens

On-Going~ Dianne Beaird, Helen Bell, Harriet Harris, Lora Novak, Doris

Owens, Mary Nell Partee, Frances & Leeon Pruett, Hazel Smith, Judy

Swanner, Rachel Thompson, Gladys Wages

NON-MEMBERS

Dec. 9 ~ Sandy Edling, Jeff May, Diane Thomas

Dec. 16 ~ Johnny Donald, Hubert Heckl, Dale May, Coach Morrow, Don

Schmidt Family, Marie St. Louis, Gail Strader, David Wagner Family

Dec. 23 ~ Allen Black, Tripp Halstead, Michael Seay, Marie St. Luis, Fred

Wommack

On-Going ~ Garrett Andrews, Kendra Ferguson, William Freedman, Sr., Ashley

Freidenberger, Katherine Freidenberger, Megan Godina, Sue & Frank Jones,

Mike Howard, Abe Smith, Richard Roden, Diane Wallace, Jean Bagwell, Our

Country, Soldiers in our Military.

We need a volunteer to answer phones on New

Year’s Eve from 1-4 PM. If you are available,

please contact Clara Allen, 770-867-9044, or

call the church office, 770-867-3727.

Mr. Somebody Else

There’s a clever young fellow named Somebody Else; There’s nothing that fellow can’t do. He’s busy from morning till way late at night Just substituting for you.

You’re asked to do this, or asked to do that, And what is your ready reply? “Oh, why pick on me? Get Somebody Else; He’ll do it much better than I.”

You’ve a worn-out excuse on the tip of your tongue, Too busy, too-something-or other, When really the truth of the matter is You simply don’t want to bother.

So much to do in this weary old world, So much, and the workers so few; And Somebody Else is all tired and worn, Just substituting for you.

It’s time that this faithful old Somebody Else Gets a much needed vacation; Suppose you start substituting for him, And build up your own reputation.

Next time that you’re asked to do something worth while, Just give them this ready reply. “If Somebody Else can give time and support, My goodness, then so can I.”

You’ll be surprised how much joy you will find By helping wherever you can; Of course you’ll get weary and tired and worn But you’ll be a better man.

—Clara M. Bode

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SUNDAY~ December 30 Family Worship

8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C)

9:30 a.m. 9:30 Service (WC)

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages

9:30 a.m. 5th/6th Grade Confirmation Classes

10:30 a.m. Light Breakfast (FH)

11:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School Class (127)

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service (WC)

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S)

12:15 p.m. Called Charge Conference

5:00 p.m. Youth Rec Time

6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (FH)

6:30 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)

MONDAY~ December 31 New Year’s Eve

Church Office Closed

7:00 a.m. Holiday Camp (6:30pm)

9:00 a.m. Kenpo Kickboxing (G)

10:00 a.m. Zumba (G)

10:00 a.m. Yoga

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

SUNDAY~ December 23

8:30 a.m. Holy Communion Service (C)

9:30 a.m. 9:30 Service (WC)

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages

9:30 a.m. 5th/6th Grade Confirmation Classes

10:30 a.m. Light Breakfast (FH)

11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (111)

11:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School Class (127)

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service (WC)

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S)

12:30 p.m. Hand & Foot Card Playing (128)

5:00 p.m. Youth Rec Time

6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (FH)

6:30 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)

7:00 pm. Live Nativity on the Square

8:00 p.m. Live Nativity on the Square

MONDAY~ December 24 Christmas Eve

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (12pm)

9:00 a.m. Kenpo Kickboxing (G)

10:00 a.m. Yoga (123)

10:00 a.m. Zumba (G)

4:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service (WC)

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion

Christmas Eve Service (S)

TUESDAY~ December 25

Merry Christmas

WEDNESDAY~ December 26

Church Office Closed

Fitness Center Closed

Church Office Closed

THURSDAY~ December 27

Church Office Closed

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (12pm)

7:00 a.m. Holiday Camp (6:30pm)

10:00 a.m. BCA Practice (G)

4:00 p.m. Fitness Center (6pm)

6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry (127))

7:00 p.m. 9:30 Band Practice (WC)

FRIDAY~ December 28

Church Office Closed

7:00 a.m. Holiday Camp (6:30pm)

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (12pm)

10:00 a.m. BCA Practice (G)

4:00 p.m. Fitness Center (6pm)

SATURDAY~ December 29

8:00 a.m. Fitness Center (6pm)

9:00 a.m. Special Boot Camp (UG)

9:00 a.m. Zumb (FH)

9:30 a.m. Yoga (WC)

Called Charge Conference

Sunday, December 30th

12:15 p.m.

Room 128

The sole purpose of this

Charge Conference is the

changing of Rev. Michele

May’s salary to reflect her

expanded duties.

Sunday, December 30

Worship Together as a Family

8:30, 9:30 , 11:00 contemporary, 11:00 traditional

No Children’s Church

C ~ Chapel

FH ~ Fellowship Hall

G ~ Gym

S ~ Sanctuary

UG ~ Upper Gym

WC ~ Worship Center

2013 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

@ BFUMC

JANUARY 9, 2013

5:45 p.m. Fiesta Latina Meal (Catered)

7:00 p.m. “Servicio de Alabanza y Adoracion” ~

Service of Praise and Worship

Come and join with our hermanos y

hermanas from our sister church,

Mision Latina, in a night of praise and

thanksgiving! We will partner our

musicians with their Praise Band in our

Worship Center for a night of joyful

singing and celebration! ¡Gloria a Dios!

JANUARY 16th ~ JERSEY NIGHT Wear your favorite team shirt /jersey

5:45 p.m. Tailgate Catered Meal ~

7:00 p.m. “The Game of Life” Special Guest Wednesday Night Live goes into full swing

on January 16th with all activities:

5:15 2nd-4th Grade Choir 5:45 Catered Meal 6:00 Prayer Time with God

6:00 Soul Spin 6:20 PreK-1st Grade Choir 6:30 2nd-4th Grade Handbells 6:30 The Bridge (5th/6th Graders) 6:30 Youth Group 6:30 Yoga 6:50 PreK-1st Grade Rec Time 7:00 Ladies Bible Study 7:00 Adult Bible Studies 7:00 Adult Chancel Choir 7:15 Bible Black Belts (PreK-4th Grade)

7:15 Drama

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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 office@bigwhitechurch.com.

WELCOME, CHILDREN

Childcare is available for newborns through age three during Sunday

school and all Sunday morning worship services. Please check in and

register your child in Room #110 (silent pagers are available for

parents).

Children’s Church ~ All children ages 4 through

4th grade are invited to join us for our 11 AM

worship service in the Activities Room (#111).

Please sign your child/children in through our

electronic check-in system and bring he/she to

room #111 beginning at 10:45. Children will

participate in a fun and engaging worship

experience designed for them. Children will participate in Explore Interest

Groups, Large Group Worship, and Small Group Activities.

For more information, please contact Rev. Michele May,

michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com, 770-867-3727.

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.

Restrooms are located in the narthex (front lobby), the Commons Area, near

Room #114, and next to the Stars Cafe.

Our Staff

Rev. Parker Benson, Senior Pastor

770.715.5743 cell parker.benson@bigwhitechurch.com

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. Adam Mathes, Associate Pastor

404-909-2959 cell adam.mathes@bigwhitechurch.com

11:00 Contemporary Worship Service A dynamic and progressive worship service proclaiming faith, love, and hope.

Rev. Michele May, Director of Family Ministries

706-206-6888 cell michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com

Family Ministries: Partnering with Families in Providing a Spiritual Foundation through Jesus Christ in the Lives of our Children and Young People

Through our Family Ministries, we provide age appropriate opportunities for children and young people to grow as followers of Jesus Christ. Sunday School, Worship, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening groups, special events and retreats provide opportunities to learn the Bible, pray, give, serve, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

God is doing amazing things here, and I am privileged to serve with you. I am excited as we strengthen existing ministries as well as look for new and creative ways to minister to families in our church and community!

Rev. Debbie Huckaby Congregation Care Minister 706-296-0665 cell debbie.huckaby@bigwhitechurch.com

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.

Our Clergy

Email Addresses: first name. last name@bigwhitechurch.com

unless otherwise notated

Bookkeeper, Leigh Anne Russell leighanne.russell@bigwhitechurch.com

Custodian, Jack Chilcote 770.712.7336 office@bigwhitechurch.com

Executive Assistant, Karen Whitehead

Music Minister, Karen Smith

Nursery Supervisor, Renae Elenbaas 678.630.2966

Office Assistants, Christy Preston, Jennifer Pohl

Organist, Brenda Fleeman

Parish Nurse, Kathy Brown RN, FCN

Pianist, Katrina Wilson

Preschool/Program Director Lizzy Sheffield, 770.867.3724

Recreation, Angela Moss

Fitness, Tracy Self

Security, J.P. Boyd 770.867.9551, papaande@gmail.com

Youth Ministry H.S. ~ Dawn Bradberry, 678-227-1970 dawnleigh21@yahoo.com M.S. ~ Amy Watts, 404-213-7856 amywilmothwatts@yahoo.com