February/March 2011

As many of you are aware, the Super Bowl is right around the corner. Two teams of highly trained professionals are going to show up and compete for the title of “Champion.” Now these athletes know their stuff – many of them are the best at their positions – but they will all be guided by a coach.

A good coach can bring out the best in an athlete. A good coach knows the game – but more importantly a coach can see the game and make adjustments that the players, caught up in the heat of the battle, may not be able to see for themselves.

Most coaches are interviewed by the media before a big game and they are often asked about the “keys to the game” – what does their team have to do to win. Almost unanimously they respond with some form of “we will win if we stick to what we do best!” In other words if we need a few yards for a first down, we are going to run right over the lineman that blocks best. If our strength is our great quarterback – we will have to complete passes to win. If we have an All-Pro running back – our success will greatly depend on if we get our rushing game going. These coaches remind us that the success of organizations come most often when they consistently “play to our strength.”

According to Ken Callahan, author of "Twelve Keys to an Effective Church" and coach to many churches, the same “play to your strengths” strategy also works for churches. Identifying strengths and learning how to increasingly capitalize on the God-given gifts that we have been blessed with

Maybe it’s human nature but it’s easy to get caught up in fretting over what is not right in our lives and forget that we are gifted with substantial strengths. Churches too sometimes focus on those things that we feel need "fixing" in the congregation. Ken Callahan teaches, "God invites us to focus on our strengths, not our size. Too much is made of size. When we develop our strengths, as gifts of the grace of God, we will be whatever size results from our strengths. The art is to grow stronger, not bigger."

Strong, healthy congregations create strong, healthy persons.Strong, healthy persons create strong, healthy congregation.

Over the weekend of April 9-11 Ken Callahan will be coming to Bethlehem UMC to help us learn how to better play to our strengths. Our Board will receive a copy of the “Twelve Keys” book and our entire congregation will be invited to participate in sessions designed to get your input on Bethlehem’s strengths. When Dr. Callahan leaves we will have a series of agreed upon strategies, assignments and dates for increasing the effectiveness of our congregation. I am very excited about the possibilities this process will bring to our church. I am asking that every Bethlehem member participate in the April 9-11 Callahan visit and the 12 Keys coaching sessions which will be announced soon.

Welcome… Laura

We are so happy to welcome Laura Gann as our new Director of Christian Education. Laura grew up in Reidsville, NC and graduated from Reidsville Senior High School. After high school she went on to get her BS in Religion at Greensboro College with a minor in Christian Education. After graduating she took her first job in Terrell,

NC at Rehobeth UMC as director of Youth and Children Ministries. During her time at Rehobeth, Laura received her Masters in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University.

Laura married her husband Darren in August of 2006. Currently she and Darren live in Huntersville (but are looking for a place here) with their two dogs Maya and Gibbs.

Join us each Sunday at 10 am for Jesus Junction!

Shining Stars (Children ages 3 y – 3rd grade) & Club 54 (Children in the 4th and 5th grades)Sunday afternoons from 4 – 5:30 pmBible Lessons, games, worship, snacks

and Fun!We will be beginning Feb. 6 for the Spring Semester of Shining Stars/Club 54. We need volunteers to join us to work with the children. Contact Leanne Piddock to volunteer to help. Schedule for February and March:Feb. 6: Sports Night: wear your favorite teams colors!!Feb. 13: Regular MeetingFeb. 20: Bring a canned food items or several for Loaves and Fishes!Feb. 27: Regular MeetingSchedule for MarchMarch 6: Pajama Night! That’s right, wear your pj’s!March 13: Regular MeetingMarch 20: Backwards Night: Wear your clothes backwards.March 27: Regular Meeting.

Mission Project: The Children’s Ministry will be preparing Easter Baskets for DSS in April. Please begin now to collect wrapped Candy, small toys and Easter basket items to be put in the baskets. We DO NOT need baskets at this time. A bin will be provided outside of Laura’s office for

you to place these items in. Please have all items in by April 3.

BETHLEHEM CHILDREN

BETHLEHEM YOUTH

Super Bowling and lunch! On Sunday February 6, the youth will be going to lunch and bowling right after the 11:00am service and will return by 4:30pm. Middle school and high school will eat at different places. Please have money to eat and bowl! (please have $6.50 for bowling)

On Sunday February 20 all Middle schoolers are invited to join in a fun scavenger hunt 1pm-4pm (eat lunch before you come).

On Sunday, February 20 all High schoolers are going to a Pfeiffer Alive Event! Please meet at the church by 4:45.

It’s Moving Day!!Help Move Laura and Darren into their new home! All youth are asked to meet at the church at 3pm and can be picked up from their new home at 5007 Tom Starnes Road Waxhaw.

(Regular youth on February 13 from5:30 – 7:30 pm)

March Youth Happenings

Hee Haw Variety Show fundraiser! Do you have a talent you would like to share with everyone? This is your opportunity! Please contact Laura at laura@bethlehemchurchonline.org and let

her know what you want to share! This will be a fundraiser for the youth summer mission trip! If you do not want to be in the show please come and support the youth and others in our church! The entertainment starts at 7 and will have yummy southern desserts to go along with it! Donations will be received.

Bake and Take! On Sunday March 20, middle school youth will bake cookies from 2-4pm in the fellowship hall. From 4-6pm high school youth will deliver and visit with some of our older members in our congregation!

(regular youth meeting on March 6, 13, & 27 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm)

Hello Everyone!         It's almost time for Valentine's Day! Which is one of our favorite holidays at preschool.  We get to make all kinds of cute cards for our friends and our families.  We get to have fun parties and hand out special Valentine's that make all of our friends smile!  We hope all of you have a great Valentine's Day!         It is also almost time for our Spring Consignment Sale.  The dates for the sale are March 4th and 5th.  If you are interested in consigning please contact Ashley Blackmon or Dee Jarvis for information.  We hope to really boost our

BETHLEHEM PRESCHOOL NEWS

advertising this spring and get a lot more people into the sale.  This is a great fundraiser for our school- it costs nothing and makes money for our school and our consignors!         We will have a LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA SALE in February.  Look for posters with Sale dates and delivery dates soon.  Please buy some pizza zits, cookie dough or pie kits and support your Bethlehem Preschool.          A big THANK YOU goes out to the Wired Word Sunday school class for helping support our preschool scholarship fund.  They have given donations every month and helped send children to school this year.  Also to the United Methodist Men who contributed in the Fall.  Thank you for all that you do to support this preschool, these teachers, these families and these children.  THANK YOU!  If you would like to help with this mission please let Ashley, Tammy Belk or Bonnie Smith know.             Stay warm and Happy Valentine’s Day!  Love,Ashley Blackmon

 

 

A message to our church family from the Missions Committee. We are now collecting money for the 2011 "Go Ye Fund".What is the Go Ye Fund?

It is a mission drive the first two months of each year collecting monies in this special fund to help out folks in our community who might find

MISSIONS

themselves in a crisis such as:  power bills unpaid and possible disconnection, unable to work and no food in the pantry, etc.  Bethlehem has helped many people thru the Go Ye Fund since it began nearly 30 years ago.  Please help keep this important mission going with your gifts now.  We are asking $12.00 from singles or $25.00 per family or more if you are able.  Make checks payable to "Go Ye Fund" and place in collection plate on Sundays or mail to the church.  Also if you know of someone in a crisis contact Pastor Howard or myself, Tim Walkup, Mission Chairperson.  Thank You!!

2011 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

Board Chair: Ed Moss Trustees Chair: Sam Tyson Lay Leader: TBA Treasurer: Penny HinsonStaff Parish Chair: Alan Tyson Lay Delegate Ann. Conf. : Ed Moss Finance Chair: Karen Totaro UMM Rep.: Charley CrossUMW Rep.: Karen Totaro UMYF Rep. (Youth): Haley BrittonPastor: Howard Fleming Recording Secretary: Jill Hinson Director of Ch. Education: Laura Gann Worship Chair: Barbara StricklandCOM Chair: Erica Tyson Historian: Barbara StricklandEvangelism Chair: Terry Richardson Mission Chair: Tim WalkupParsonage Chair: Dianne Moser Best Years Rep.: Carolyn StarnesCemetery Rep.: Brady Laney Youth Min. Rep.: Nathan BlackmonMusic Director: Mary Alice Wilson Children’s Min. Rep.: Meg HarkinsS.S. Superintendent: Sue Brantley Comm. Coord.: Leann BroomeSports Outreach Chair:(AIM): Leann Broome Membership Sec.: Sandra MalkinPreschool Director: Ashley Blackmon

Financial Secretary: Kim Walkup & Dolly TysonFamily Ministries Coord.: Jeremy & Beverly Liles

COUNCIL ON MINISTRIESCOM Chair: Erica Tyson Board Chair: Ed MossLay Leader: TBA Staff Parish Chair.: Alan TysonLay Delegate to Ann Conf: Ed Moss Pastor: Howard FlemingUMM Representative: Charley Cross UMW Representative: Karen TotaroEvangelism Chair: Terry Richardson Music Director: Mary Alice WilsonWorship Chair: Barbara Strickland Higher Ed. Coord.: Anne BrittonChildren’s Min. Rep.: Meg Harkins Comm. Coord: Leann Broome

2011 CHURCH OFFICERS

S.S. Superintendent: Sue Brantley Health Care Rep.: Dianne MoserSports Out Rep. (AIM): Leann Broome Preschool Chair.: Bonnie SmithYouth Min. Rep.: Nathan Blackmon Director of Christian Ed.: Laura Gann Mission Chair: Tim Walkup

To Our Bethlehem Family,Please know how much it meant to us for all your calls, cards, food and sympathy given to us in the recent passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother in law, Edna Moser. Your kindness and caring means a lot to all of us. The Wayne Moser FamilyDear Bethlehem Friends,Just a Big Thank You for your many acts of kindness and concern during my illness. Your cards, visits and especially your prayers, encouragement and Christian love have meant so much to me. I have decided that the best things you can have in life is your friends, for your friends are always there for you, showing love and encouragement as you have done. You are all very special to me and I love you all. May God be with each of you. Love to all. Marjorie MeltonDear Church Friends,I am so grateful to each of you for the love and concern you have shared during this rather difficult time in my life. Since my sight declined and I cannot drive, I have missed attending Church so very much. Even though I cannot attend you have been so faithful to remember me with your calls, cards and especially your prayers. I ask your continued prayers as I take radiation and for good news in the future. In Christian Love, Helen L. Faires

Dance Cardio Dance Cardio is an interval training session using fast and slow rhythms and resistance training to

tone and sculpt your body. Easy to follow moves creates a one of a kind workout that’s motivating and fun!

Classes: Saturdays: 9 – 10 am (10 – 10:30 am a tone and sculpt class)

THANK YOU

AIM

Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm Cost: $3 per class Certified Instructor: Sara Rhoney

The United Methodist Church offers a special experience to all youth who are 12 years and older. Confirmation is the church’s way of marking and celebrating the period in young people’s lives when they become old enough to begin making certain important decisions on their own. These decisions involve what youth believe and how young people will live out their beliefs as they grow in maturity.

We help our young people discover the joy of claiming the name Christian for themselves. Confirmation sessions are led by our Pastor, Reverend Howard Fleming with the assistance of others.

Our Confirmation experience begins at our Ash Wednesday service and involves several different elements: A weekly group meeting; hands-on ministry experiences; conversations with an adult mentor; sharing with your family about faith topics and your own prayer and reflection for understanding your relationship with God.

We are currently enrolling participants in Confirmation 2011. Let our Pastor know as soon as possible if you and your family are interested in participating. We are praying that you will join us in this wonderful faith adventure!

The UMW Unit Meeting will meet March 13 at 3 pm.

February & March Circle Meetings:Feb. 14/March 14: Helping Hands at 7 pmFeb. 15/March 15: Willing Workers at 4 pmFeb. 9/March 9: New Beginnings at 7 pm

United Methodist Women

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Feb. 10/March 10: Busy Bees at 7 pm in Fellowship HallFeb. 15/March 15: Witness and Service Morning at 10 am in Fellowship Hall. Feb. 13/March 13: Care and Share Circle: 3 pmFebruary Church Responsibilities: Care and Share CircleMarch Church Responsibilities: Busy Bees Circle

The UMM will meet Feb. 6 and March 6 for their monthly breakfast meeting at 7:15 am. All men are invited to attend.

THE UMM ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFFWILL BE

FEBRUARY 19, 2011. THIS YEAR THEY ARE ADDING A

NEW ELEMENT TO THE COOK OFF – “HOT WINGS”!

Begin to gather a team now to compete in the cookoff and be the

‘Grand Winners of 2011.

Sign ups will be available at church.Charley Cross is the UMM President. Contact Charley for details on how you can be involved in the Bethlehem United Methodist Men.

Nursery Volunteers: February March8:30 am2/6: Meg & Maddie Harkins 3/6: Randi Laney/Kaye Eubank2/13: Dana Broome 3/13: Amanda Myers/Anna Hunter2/20: Dana Broome & Carey Mosley 3/20: Brandy Helms/Haley Britton2/27: Jennifer Hornberger & Cynthia Helms 3/27: Meg & Maddie Harkins11:00 am

FEBRUARY/MARCH CHURCH VOLUNTEERS

United Methodist Men

2/6: Lisa Laton & Amanda Baker 3/6: Brooke Griffin2/13: Leslie Kiser 3/13: Dana Broome2/20: Dana Broome 3/20: Lisa Laton & Amanda Baker2/27: Michelle Owen 3/27: Leslie Kiser

USHERS for Feb. Steve Griffin, Glenn Kiser, Anthony Wallace and WilliamStrickland March:Natalie & Brooke Griffin, Wendy and Zoe KiserGREETERS for Feb.: Leslie Kiser and Dolly TysonMarch: Libby Kiser and Grace Goldy

ACOLYTES FOR February March2/6: Jordan Strickland 3/6: Jordan Strickland2/13: McKenna Griffin 3/13: McKenna Griffin2/20: Brittany Plyler 3/20: Brittany Plyler2/27: Carson Starnes 3/27: Carson Starnes “the orchard” APRIL 2011 INFORMATION DUE ON OR BEFORE: March 20, 2011

REMEMBER: To Reserve the Fellowship Hall & Family Life Center call the church office. If you have a reunion or event upcoming, be sure to call the office and make sure it is on the calendar.ADVERTISING :If your group or organization would like to announce a church event in the local newspapers, please have all information turned in to Leann Broome the week before it needs to run. INFORMATION FOR THE CHURCH BULLETIN: Turn in to church office by Wednesday.INFORMATION FOR THE SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENT SCREEN: Turn in to church office by Thursday BUS & SOFTBALL FIELD RESERVATIONS: Call the church office.

Building Fund: In Memory Of:Edna Moser By:

Reece & Carolyn Starnes Wesley Fellowship/AllTogether ClassJim Montgomery and Family Stan & Joyce PopeDiane McFarland, John Wesley McFarland & Family, Heidi Marie Preston & Family Genny CourtneyKen and Faye Cox Mary Alice Wilson

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Claude and Doris Broome Kenny and Deloris StarnesGene and Sue Brantley Mary Anne & Eugene StarnesBill and Barbara Strickland Steve and Sandra Malkin

Stamey Phillips By:Mary and Mike Mosley Mary Alice WilsonJane McWhorter

Gertrude Starnes By:Jeanette S. Mangum Kenny and Deloris StarnesArlin and Irene Mosley Mary Anne and Eugene Starnes

Macie Carter By:Kenny and Deloris Starnes Mary Anne and Eugene Starnes

Jinny Sikes By:Mr. & Mrs. Roy Smith Helms Doris McWhorterMary Anne and Eugene Starnes Arlin and Irene MosleyLarry J. Rowell By: Gaile S. RowellMarvin and Elizabeth Sechler By: Gaile S. RowellJoe C. Carter By: Arlin and Irene MosleyBernice Brown By: George BrownKate Martin By: Mike and Mary MosleyJohnny Bigham By: Mary Anne and Eugene StarnesClaude and Margaret Tyson By: Billy and Trina TysonPeggy Tyson Straitiff By: Billy and Trina TysonCurtis and Alice Holt By: Billy and Trina Tyson

Cemetery Fund: In Memory Of:Gertrude Starnes By:

Phyllis and William Soule Sam and Freida StarnesSandra and Robbie Cole, Robert and Joyce LanierEdna Moser By: Edith Broome and FamilyJinny Sikes by: Edith Broome and FamilyMary Alice Neal By: Billy & Trina Tyson

Praise Team Fund: In Memory Of:Edna Moser By:

Ajean Broome Terry and Doug RichardsonMary and Mike Mosley Mike and Terry EubankDavid and Jenny Gay Roger and Margaret HillTom and Trish Henry Joyce and Les ParrJudith Price (Family of W.E. Moser) Jane McWhorterClarence and Phala Starnes Ed and Kathy Moss

Chancel Choir Fund: In Honor Of:Walleen Norwood By: Jane McWhorterTaylor Starnes Bethlehem UMC YouthMarjorie Melton Bob and Tommie ThompsonMary Alice Wilson Chancel ChoirDoug and Terry Richardson Betty CouickJane McWhorter Harold and Chloe PhillipsHenry and Grace Tyson

By: Betty and O’Neill StarnesChancel Choir Fund: In Memory Of:

Edna Moser By: Betty and O’Neill StarnesJinny Sikes By: Billy and Trina Tyson

Preschool Scholarship Fund: In Memory Of:Edna Moser By: Jeremy and Beverly Liles

Preschool Scholarship Fund: In Honor Of:Clarence Starnes By: Charles Wesley S.S. Class

Roof Fund: In Honor Of:Stan and Joyce Pope By: Billy and Trina TysonHarold & Chloe Phillips By: Mildred Cook

Building Fund: In Honor Of:Chloe and Harold Phillips By:

Arlin and Irene Mosley Mary Alice WilsonBrenda McWhorter Genny CourtneyBarbara & Bill Strickland Gene & Sue BrantleyAjean Broome Roger and Margaret HillMike and Mary Mosley

International Mission Fund: In Memory Of:Edna Moser By:

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Liles Sandy Brewer & Sherry Council & FamilyJinny Lea Sikes By:

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Liles Mr. and Mrs. Tim WalkupJenny Lea Sikes Fund: In Memory By:

Bill & Barbara Strickland, Mary Alice Wilson, Steve & Sandra Malkin, Brenda McWhorter

Preschool Scholarship Fund: In Honor Of:Roy Smith Helms By: Charles Wesley S.S. ClassMr. & Mrs. Harold Phillips By: Mr. & Mrs. Roy Smith Helms

Finance Report through the week of 1-16-11Needed each week $6,361Average Weekly Received past 3 Weeks $8,750

Budget Needed past 3 weeks $19,083Budget Received past 3 weeks $26,250Ahead / (Behind) budget past 3weeks $7,167

Our Special Members at BethlehemIra Lee Starnes (DOB 9-13)Autumn Care Nursing Home311 W. Phifer St.Marshville, NC 28103

Virginia Starnes (DOB 6/13)Brian Center Room 106204 Old 74.Hwy EMonroe, 28112

Phone: 704-282-0097

Geneva H. Hilton (DOB 7/8)White Oak Manor700 Howie Mine Rd.Waxhaw, NC 28173

Mildred Cox (DOB 12/11)7414 Olive Branch Rd.Marshville, NC 28103704-385-5015

Contact Information5300 Nesbit Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173

Phone: 704-764-3602 Fax: 704-764-9020Howard’s Mobile 704-681-2722

www.bethlehemchurchonline.org.

Pastor: Rev. Howard Fleming howard@bethlehemchurchonline.orgDirector of Christian Education: Laura Gann laura@bethlehemchurchonline.orgAdmin. Assistant: Ella Barefoot ella@bethlehemchurchonline.org Preschool Director: Ashley Blackmon ashley@bethlehemchurchonline.org

Church Office Hours: M – Th. 9 am – 5 pm; Fri. 9 am - noon

Creola Starnes (DOB 5/13)6417 Lancaster HwyWaxhaw, NC 28173

Allen & Christine Moser(DOB: Allen: 9/25; Christine: 12/9)5605 Lancaster HwyMonroe, NC 28112

Helen Robinson (DOB 6/29)Rehabilitation & Nursing Center of Monroe1212 E. Sunset Dr.Monroe NC 28112

Lura Starnes (DOB 5/29)Brian Center204 Old 74.Hwy EMonroe, 28112

Henry and Grace Tyson(DOB: Henry: 1/7; Grace 7/13)5505 Cane Creek Rd.Waxhaw, NC 28173

Helen Faires (DOB: 9/27)1118 Crestbrook Dr.Charlotte NC 28221

FEBRUARY2. Jerry Ballard Addison Laney3. Rachel Tyson Alec Jarvis5. Ken Keith Del Allen Kolby Broome6. Frank Tyson, Jr. Josh Britton Jordan Britton7. Dr./M Tom Ducombs9. Warren Couick Brady Laney Ella Barefoot12. Bill Couick Jenny Gay McKenna Griffin M/M Bo Rodden13. David Couick Nat Hunter

14. M/M Karl Helms15. Anthony Wallace16. Wayne Moser Paul Shiflett Jared Broome17. Eric Tsitouris Christine Fleming18. Steve Griffin20. Phyllis Laney Charley Cross Sarah Morrison23. Phil Belk24. Brandie Garrison Dorian Prince25. Carson Garrison26. Alyssa Jarvis27. Mike Eubank28. Mary Mosley Michelle Youngerman Brittany Belk Jacob Harkins M/M Paul SmithMARCH1. M/M O’Neil StarnesChristy Hartis2. Wendy Jenkins3. Dale Walkup Brian Youngerman4. Warren Lathan Leslie Kiser5. Heather Shiflett6. Larry Liles7. Glenda Penegar Angie Starnes8. Maddie Harkins Ben Pike9. Mary Alice Wilson10. Jacob Helms13. Doug Richardson15. Doug Jones Cindy Moser

M/M Gregg Miller16. Laura Stanford Ronda Gilliard17. Patty Liles Kaye Eubank18. Teresa McWhorter Austin Payne Sarah Harkins19. Billie Thomas Trevor Myers20. Betty Starnes Brooke Belk Amy Buttle Bryson Helms21. Tommie Thompson M/M Mark Pauley22. Marion Cox Andrew Presson Carolyn Starnes24. Smitty McWhorter25. Amy McWhorter26. Wendy Kiser M/M Doug Jones27. Alan Tyson28. Anna Parot Emma Smith M/M Warren Couick29. Elizabeth Hilton M/M Michael Hinson31. Sophie Gilliard

THE BEST YEARS GROUP

Bethlehem’s Best Years Group will go to Hill Top Restaurant in Monroe on Wed. Feb. 16 at 8:30 am for breakfast. Following breakfast, they will visit local nursing homes to see our members who live there.

The March meeting will be Wed. March 16 at 11 am in the church Fellowship Hall for a covered dish lunch. A guest speaker will speak before the lunch.

All seniors are invited to these events.