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www.bigwhitechurch.com January 2011 770-867-3727

Volume 10, Issue 1

January 2011

FROM THE PASTOR

Inside this issue:

Associate Pastor 3

United Methodist Women 3

Executive Pastor 4

Preschool & Kindergarten 7

Recreation 8

Youth 9

Music Ministry 10

Education 12

Education 12

Rev. Parker Benson

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

The Bethlehem Star

fter I joined the Navy in 1978 I was told the

word ―Navy‖ stands for never again volunteer yourself. Perhaps

this is good wisdom in the military but I’m not sure it’s good

wisdom in the church (it’s not) because a healthy church can’t

function without a strong group of willing volunteers. As we

continue to grow here at BFUMC we desperately need laity in-

volvement and the remainder of this article will be an appeal

encouraging you to VY.

Volunteering at a church is like dating. One group of girls who

have trouble getting a date happens to be the prettiest girls on

campus. It’s true. They are so good looking all the guys think,

―Wow, she would never go out with me,‖ or, ―I’m sure someone

else is dating her.‖ But in fact, she is dying inside and would gladly go out with you if you

would just ask! It is the same with volunteering in a church. We need help but everyone

seems to think someone else is going to do it! We think, ―Oh, someone else is doing that,‖

or ―I’m not good enough. Someone else can do that better than I can.‖ The truth is – I

repeat – the truth is there is no ―someone else!‖ There is you and we need you!

Let me introduce you to some people who need help.

Mary Lee Howard – Just walk up to this lady (or call her at 770-354-6089) and say, ―Hi

Mary Lee. My name is Johnny Yuma and I want to help.‖ Naturally you are not Johnny

Yuma but I thought it sounded cool. Seriously, say, ―Here I am. How can I help you?‖ She

needs help with children’s ministries, Sunday School, nursery, etc. and she will put you to

work.

Jamie Hudgins – This guy needs help in several areas: technology, youth, singles ministry,

fellowship meals, etc. If you walk up (or call up at 706-491-6435) and say, ―Hey Jamie.

How’s about cookin something up with me? I’ve got a hot rod ford and a two dollar bill…‖

Stop it! Stop it! Seriously, say, ―Jamie, please let me help you. What do you need me to

do?‖ He will put you to work.

Harold Corbin – Rev. Corbin needs help with phone calling, visitation, custodial affairs, etc.

Just put your arm around him (or call 404-626-1220) and say, ―Harold my boy, I need to

Continued on Page 2

Also in this Issue

New Year’s Wishes 2

Meet Our New Members 4

Thank You 4

Devotion in Verse 5

Prayer Concerns 5

Grief Ministry 5

Stewardship 5

A Samaritan Moment 6

5th & 6th Graders Retreat 6

Santa Breakfast Photos 6

CPR Training 7

Wiseman 5k Photos 8

District Training 11

Meal & Ministry Schedule 12

Wednesday Night Live 13

Confirmation 13

Celebrate Recovery 13

Divorce Care & DC4Kids 13

Single Again 14

Chicken Stew 14

2010 Church Leadership 15

Meeting Schedule 15

www.bigwhitechurch.com Making Disciples of Jesus Christ 770-867-3727

The Bethlehem Star

volunteer somewhere around this place.‖ He will smile

and say, ―Thank God! I’m so happy to see you.‖ It’s not

everyday you can make Harold happy, which is a new

game played at many of our Sunday School class parties

called ―Make Harold Happy.‖ Actually I just made that up

but it sounds fun.

Karen Whitehead – Now here’s a lady who is covered up

(we call her ―turtle‖). She needs help answering the

phone, stuffing turkeys, I mean bulletins, running errands,

folding papers like this newsletter, etc. Just stop her in the

hall way (or call 404-245-0443) and say, ―Karen, come

down, for I’m coming to your house today.‖ NO, no no!

Don’t say that! That’s an old Zacchaeus song. Say,

―Karen, I’m here to help. Tell me what to do.‖ And she will

begin to be less covered up and need a new nickname.

Tim Petrea and Lizzy Sheffield – This is a pair. They run

our Recreation Program and our After School Program

(ASP). They are doing such a swell job that people have

begun thinking of them as Starsky and Hutch. Actually,

only old people think of them that way because young

people have never heard of Starsky and Hutch. So, we

will call them Batman and Robin. Just stop them in the

gym (or call Tim, 706-714-2054; Lizzy, 770-596-4683) and

say, ―Put me in coach. I can feel it!‖ And they will say, ―To

the Bat Cave Robin!‖ or something like that. Actually –

will you pay attention, please! – they will put you to work

in our Rec. program or our ASP.

Last, but not least – well, maybe she is - Karen Smith. She

is the most overlooked person on our staff. When it rains,

she is the last one to find out. She needs help with a vari-

ety of things: fund raising, concert planning, special

events, (SHE WANTS YOU TO JOIN THE CHOIR!!) etc. Just

walk up to her (or call 830-513-2029) and say, ―Excuse

Continued from Page 12 me. How old are you?‖ Because she looks like she is in

junior high. No, no, no! Don’t say that! Don’t ever say

that – especially to a woman. Gee whiz! Say, ―Mrs. Smith,

may I help you?‖ And she will give you one of her bubbly

smiles and off to volunteerland you go!

Or, finally, if none of this works, please come up to me,

Parker Benson, and say, ―Parker, that’s the dumbest news-

letter article I’ve ever read! Can’t you do better than

that??‖ And I will put my arm around you and surrepti-

tiously put a ―kick me‖ sign on your back and say, ―I’m so

happy you have shared your concerns with me. Now,

where can I put you to work? We need help!‖

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope this makes a

volunteer out of you (for those of you who don’t like the

word ―volunteer‖ because of SEC football reasons, how

about ―unpaid helper, unpaid assistant, servant, etc). We

really do need you.

In the words of the man I saw way out in the lake when I

was a young lifeguard, ―Help! Help! Somebody, help!‖

Swim if you can and God bless you in Christ,

New Year’s Wishes Frances Ridley Havergal

What shall I wish thee? Treasures of earth?

Songs in the springtime, pleasure and mirth?

Flowers on thy pathway, skies ever clear?

Would this insure thee a happy New Year?

What shall I wish thee? What can be found?

Where is the treasure, lasting and dear,

That shall insure thee a happy New Year?

Faith that increaseth, walking in light;

Hope that aboundeth, happy and bright;

Love that is perfect, casting out fear;

These shall insure thee a happy New Year.

Peace in the Saviour, rest at His feet,

Smile on His countenance, radiant and sweet.

Joy in His presence, Christ ever near!

This will insure thee a happy New Year.

Call the Church Office

770-867-3727


e want to extend our appreciation for

the wonderful job Emily Helton did for the last two years

as president of our United Methodist Women.

The Lois Phillips Group and Sunshine Circle gathered at

Emily’s home for an evening of food and fellowship for the

December meeting. The new officers for the upcoming

year were installed with Reverend Harold Corbin leading

the service.

The women of the church are encouraged to attend one

of our groups. The Lois Phillips group meets the 3rd Mon-

day of each month at 7:00. The Sunshine Circle meets the

Volume 10, Issue 1

Rev. Jamie Hudgins 770.867.3727 [email protected]

y the time you read this, it will be Jan-

uary 2011. 2010 is a memory with a variety of emo-

tional bags connected to it. Some remember events like

weddings, births, graduations. Some folks remember fami-

ly members they’ve lost, or relationships that eroded.

Whatever your situation, January always represents an

opportunity to start over! So, here we are! 2011, and I like

to think of it as a clean slate. So when someone asks

―What’s new?‖ You can respond, ―Everything!‖

At the church, we’re trying new things, too! Upward is

going full tilt, and if you want to see something cool, make

your way to the church one Saturday, and watch what is

happening all in the name of Jesus! Another new thing

we’re going to do is begin some concert ministry. There

are several ideas working, and one of them is getting to-

gether some of the ―pickers‖ to come make some music!

As we get that together, we’ll get you some more info.

Another angle is Christian rock concerts, and we’re start-

ing our adventures into that area January 21st! On that

evening, we’ll have the Christian rock band House Of

Thomas roll in! Amazing is the only thought I have as I

think about these talented guys sharing their gifts in a live

show in the Worship Center! Mark your calendars and

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

plan on joining us for a

great night!

Then, for something else

new, that next week, a

group from the church

will set out for a snowy

adventure! As God

opens more doors, I’m

sure more great ideas will

be implemented! Here’s

the rub. You have to get

involved for it to be

meaningful to YOU!

There are so many ways

to get involved that there are no excuses left! So, come on!

It’s all new! 2011! Get on board and let’s have an amaz-

ing adventure this year here at Bethlehem UMC!

In His Grip!

3rd Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. with nursery care pro-

vided.

Please remember we have a variety of flavorings and

greeting cards for sale. To purchase these please see

someone in the church office.

The United Methodist Men have requested all women of

the church to furnish desserts for the Chicken Stew on

Saturday, January 15th. Please bring your dessert to the

church that day before 4:00 p.m.

We hope to see all women of

the church for our January

meetings on the 17th and 18th.

Blessings,

Lynn & Shirley

Shirley Griffing, 678-425-1192, [email protected] Lynn Smith, 770-867-6627, [email protected]


The Bethlehem Star

Jim & Melanie McQuarrie, Jr.

(Colin, Madison Cox) 2029 Seclusion Trail Monroe, GA 30656

678-635-5467

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

Rev. Harold Corbin 770.867.3727 [email protected]

010 is consigned to history. We have

now been given a clean sheet, a chance to start over, a

NEW YEAR. What are you going to do with your new

year? I have messed up a lot of years. I would like to

think that I am going to do everything right this year, but

that would only be possible if I became a new person; a

perfect person. Jesus, the one whose birthday we just

celebrated has filled that position. The best that I can do

is to surrender this old self anew to Jesus and try a little

harder to walk a little closer to Him this year.

The Bible tells us that everything was created by Him and

for Him. I spend too much time looking at and listening

to the creation and not near enough time looking at and

listening to the creator. Do you have his problem? This

Thank you so much for the beauti-

ful flower arrangement. Your

thoughtfulness is appreciated so

much.

The King Family

We would like to thank all the peo-

ple that gave money, gift cards,

clothes, and most of all the prayers

that were said during the loss of

our house. Words cannot express

the out-pour of love that you have

shown us. May God bless all of

you.

Mike & Marla Nelson & Family Charleen & Billy Carey

Amanda Padovano

(Lily & Alana)) 369 Carl Bethlehem Rd. Bethlehem, GA 30620

770-307-7221

I thank each of you for all your prayers, tele-

phone calls and cards. God is good. I

know he walks with me everyday. May

God bless each of you, and I pray for each

of you even if I don’t know your names.

May God bless each of you.

Betty Smith

Thank you Joe and Betty Smith for

the two benches you purchased

for our Walking Track. The place-

ment of these benches makes it

very helpful for those who need to

take a break during the walking of

their laps. Thank you for your

thoughtfulness and Betty, we

hope that soon you will be able to

take advantage of these great ad-

ditions to the gym.

year, I shall try to spend

more time concentrating

on the Lord Jesus. I won’t

call this a New Year reso-

lution because I break too

many of my resolutions. I

will set this as a goal and

with His help; I will try to

reach my goal. Will you

join me in reaching this

goal? Let us all strive to see more of our Lord, and see

fewer distractions as we walk in the New Year. With my

hand in His, I can and shall succeed in progressing toward

my goal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Teddy Giddens

636 Sleeping Meadow Ln. Bethlehem, GA 30620

678-425-1414


Volume 10, Issue 1

Budget Year-to-Date ............................................... $758,932.53 Received Year-to-Date (Dec. 19, 2010) ............ $716,757.56

Prayer Concerns Members ~ Jana Adams, Donna Aubry, Dianne Beaird,

Bryan Bell, Helen Bell, J.P. Boyd, Jim Brewer, Kathy

Brown, Shelby Brown, Harold Corbin, Maggie Cox, Tom-

my Craig, Phil Elam, Toni Griffeth, Jackie Hanner, Harriet

Harris, Jodie Hoover, Tim Jackson, Larry Laske, Ludger Lanthier, Jr., Kaye

Lueck, Terry John Murch, Newton, Doris Owens, Muriel Reubert, Julia

Ridgeway, Lamar Ridgeway, Dan & Ina Robertson, Florence Purcell, Gina

Schulz, Eva Scott, Ann Shannon, Betty Smith, Bobby Smith, Jack Smith,

Joyce Stephens, Rachel Thompson, Andrea Tyler, Kay Wages, Earlene

White, Beth Whitehead, Willie Sue Wilson

Extended Family and Friends ~ The Bankston Family, Hugh Bowie, Kim & Ashley Braswell, Tony & Megan Cipria-ni, Tim & Ashley Cox, Joice Dusault, Jordan Ellis’ Family, Ed Farmer, William Freeman Sr., Jamie Freitas, Javier & Decie Garcia, Christopher Haney, Brenda Hardigree, Ruth Hensley, Tammy Howard, Travis Keever & Troops, Christie & Kris Mansfield, Georgia McCurley, Warren Morrison,

Mike Murphey, Jessica Nelson, Mike & Marla Nelson, Chase O’Bannon, Kathryn O’Kelley, Joseph Parker & Troops, Martin Perry, Darrell Pugh, Jeorge Pugh, Marchael Pugh, Buford Sanders, Carter Sherriff, Barbara Smith, David Smith, Soldiers in Afghanistan, Brandi & Sunni Spain, Valerie Stapleton, Michael Stephens, Sherokee Stephens, Craig Turpin & family, Thommy Turpin, Rebecca Wammock, Carrie Weber

Devotion in Verse by Jodie Hoover

MY FAITH

My faith is ground unshakable no matter where I kneel -

my faith is that familiar fence though blinded I can feel

My faith is like the breaking sun through gloomiest of day -

one ray of light to pierce the storm that I may find my way

My faith cannot be swept away by current strong or deep,

for it is anchored in the Truth of evidence unseen

My faith is not a flower slowly wilting in the dark,

but faith that blossoms miracles with Light eternal in my grateful heart !

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our

faith.... Hebrews 12:2

There suddenly seems a dark cloud upon

the world, for we are in the last days and God's

Word is true; but behold the Light that shatters

darkness, and Hope that clears the gloom!

And if America finally fall to evil, we are but pil-

grims and strangers here. If all be taken away, this

earthly life is but a moment, and ours is the

wealth of Paradise. And if bad news overwhelm

you, rejoice in the Good News, O sweet victory!

Let us all walk by faith together, and see what the

Lord will do this blessed new year !

Grief Ministry

He will wipe away every tear From their eyes. Death will exist no longer; Grief, crying, and pain will Exist no longer because the Previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

678-867-3727 709 Christmas Ave.

Bethlehem, GA www.bigwhitechurch.com

Tuesday Mornings

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday Evenings 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

A LOOK AT OUR FAITHFULNESS FOR 2010

Attendance Average as of December 19, 2010 Sunday School average: ............ 169 8:30 Service average: .................. 24 9:30 Service average ................... 82 11:00 Traditional: ..................... 297 11:00 The Edge: ......................... 82 Total Avg. 4 Services ............... 485

The Grief Ministry Giving Their ―Hearts‖ Away


The Bethlehem Star

Elf Lizzy

Santa’s View

Hug Chef Joel

2011 The Bridge Winter Retreat

Ages 5th & 6th Graders

What: Sponsored by Christ In Youth Http://www.ciy.com/superstart When: Friday, January 21 – Saturday, January 22, 2011 Where: Mt. Carmel Christian Church and First United Methodist Church of Lawrence

Cost: $50.0 Deposit of $20.00 due with registration Balance due on January 19th (Includes SuperStart! event registration, t-shirt and

lunch/outing on Saturday)

Registration and Detail: Anna Marie Lawrence

E-mail: [email protected] Cell: 404-933-2278

Words to Start the New Year

Stop global whining

Think hope

Tell the faith-story

Hug a child

Go fly a kite

Blow up a balloon

Read a fun book

Pray for someone

Smile at a grouch

Forgive an enemy

Know you are forgiv-

en

Laugh out loud

often

Pet a dog or a cat

Encourage a friend

Listen to an elder

Stop and marvel at

the beauty of nature

Exercise your body

regularly

Exercise your brain

Forget fat foods

Share peace

Get plenty of sleep

Celebrate life

Have a positive

attitude

Make a new friend

Sing along with the

choir or radio

Say ―Hi‖ to a neigh-

bor

Ride a bike

Don’t let calories

sneak up on you

Pray often

Thank and praise

God daily

Study the Bible

Moderation in all

things

Go to church often.

From the Joyful Noiseletter

mailto:[email protected]


Volume 10, Issue 1

Lizzy Sheffield Director 770-867-3724 [email protected]

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

Vickie Suggs and Lizzy Sheffield

Assistant Director and Director

hat a wonderful time we had at the

Santa Breakfast! Thank you to all who made this

event a success for our little ones. The UMM cooked a

wonderful breakfast and our BPA President April Oakes

planned the event. Thank You!!!

In January the children will be learning about birds, bears,

and hibernation. Get ready for Pajama Day!

February is right around the corner! This is the time to

start thinking about a Preschool/Kindergarten program

for your child for the 2011-2012 school year.

What exactly constitutes a quality Preschool & Kindergar-

ten Program?

Certification – Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergar-

ten is certified by the North Georgia Preschool Associ-

ation as a ―Program of Excellence‖.

Staff – We have an administrative staff and school board

that are passionate about early childhood education

and committed to excellence. Our trained teachers

are dedicated to help your child reach his or her po-

tential.

Teacher/Student ratios – Our school meets the ratios rec-

ommended by the National Organization for the Edu-

cation of Young Children (NAEYC).

Enrichment Programs – Bethlehem First Preschool & Kin-

dergarten offers Physical Education, Chapel Time, Mu-

sic class, and Spanish to enhance our curriculum. The-

se enrichment classes are included in the monthly

tuition.

Curriculum – We have chosen curriculums that fit each

age group specifically to include: World of Wonder,

Wonder-filled Weekdays, HighReach Learning. Our

Kindergarten curriculum meets or exceeds the guide-

lines for the Georgia Performance Standards for Kin-

dergarten. For reading we use Harcourt Trophies; for

math we use Math their way.

Parent Involvement – We love involved parents! Through

our Bethlehem Parents Association our parents have

many opportunities to be as involved in their child’s

education as they would like.

I encourage you to take the time to take a tour of our cam-

pus. You may schedule a tour by calling Bethlehem First

Preschool & Kindergarten at 770-867-3724 or e-mail us at

[email protected].

Blessings,

Certified by

the North Georgia Preschool Association

as a ―Program of Excellence‖

Attention Parents, Teachers, Nursery Staff:

CPR and First Aid for Child Care Professionals

Course covers Adult, Child, and Infant CPR as well as pedi-atric first aid including managing a blocked airway. Tai-lored to meet the needs of child care professionals. This course meets the requirements outlined by Bright from the Start, DSS, and NAEYC. Also meets the requirements for elder care professionals.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 Time: 6-9pm Cost: $18.00

You must register for this class in advance with Lizzy Shef-

field. (registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 13, 2011

[email protected]




The Bethlehem Star

Tim Petrea Recreation Director Phone # 770-867-3727 [email protected]

RECREATION

mazing

It was one year ago that I walked in to this church. I was

looking for not only a place to worship, but a place to

serve as well. I had been going to church in downtown

Athens, where the worship was great, the teaching was

inspiring, but the drive was just too far for me to do on a

regular basis. I walked in and was immediately welcomed

by a few of the regular worshipers. I left worship that day

with an immediate feeling that I would be back. I came

back again and again, and long story short here I am one

year later working full time as the Recreation Director.

Sometimes, I still pinch myself to make sure this is not a

dream.

It worked out beyond amazing for me! I was able to serve

initially as a volunteer, and then it turned in to a full time

job. I understand that this is not the norm. One of my

goals now as the Rec. Director is to help people get

plugged in to Jesus. I feel that if they get plugged in to

Jesus, then they will hopefully feel called to serve out of a

response to His wonderful gift to them. I am fortunate

that I get to help them plug

in through sports. We have

been blessed so far, by some

awesome coaches in our

Upward Basketball Program.

They have poured their

hearts into these basketball

and cheer participants. This

has already begun to bring

forth fruit. We have started

to see some of the Upward

families sprinkling in to our

worship services. Are we as

a church really prepared to continue the cycle of disciple-

ship that has started to roll? We need people who will

cheerfully greet them, commit to help plug them in, and

most of all continue to be Christ to them. This is just the

beginning of what we will see here at our church. This

Spring , Soccer and Volleyball leagues will begin. We will

be recruiting coaches, players, and more families. The

Time is now for us as a church to take a further step for-

ward and be ready for the change and growth period

that is upon us! Are you ready to Serve, or are u still at

the place you fell you need to be served?


Volume 10, Issue 1

YOUTH ~ Refuge Youth Ministry

Dawn Bradberry Interim Youth Minister 678-227-1970 [email protected]

appy 2011! I can’t believe we are al-

ready in a new year! I am looking forward to see-

ing the many blessings God will bestow on our church and

youth! This month some of the youth will be participating

in the ski trip, and we are very excited about seeing lots of

SNOW! At the end of the month the girls will be attending

the Revolve Conference at the Gwinnett Arena. This confer-

ence is sponsored by the Women of Faith and Jenna Luca-

do will be one of the speakers for the event. This year we

are looking forward to attending a retreat at Camp Glisson,

and doing some mission work!

We currently have a fundraiser! We are selling sweatshirt

and hoodies with the church name on the front- so be sure

to order one for yourself and family! Sweatshirts are $30.00

and hoodies are $40.00. You can choose which color

sweatshirt or hoodies your prefer- red with white lettering,

royal blue with white lettering, and red with gray lettering!

See Dawn for samples!

Please pray for our youth and youth group!

In Sunday school, we are doing lessons from the Old Testa-

ment. We will continue on Sunday evening with lessons

from the Skit Guys curriculum and on Wednesday nights we

are doing a John Ortberg study called The Me I want to

BE (teen edition).

January Events:

Sunday school is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. We have a middle school class and a high school class for students. All the classes are in the gym.

Sunday evenings will be:

Middle School & High School from 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (unless noted otherwise)

Supper is at 6:15p.m

Lesson and game time from 6:40 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

*NO Evening youth- January 16th!

Wednesday evenings will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:45 p.m. and dinner is $5.00. We will play some games and have a weekly lesson.

Upcoming Events for 2011

Ski trip in January (MLK weekend) - cost is $325.00

Revolve Tour for the Girls-January 28th

-29th

February - Tennessee Aquarium

March-SLR at Camp Glisson

April-$5.00 dinner

Wiseman 5k

Sunday, December 29, 2010

Thank you, George Roberson!


The Bethlehem Star

Karen Smith Phone # 770-867-3727 [email protected]

MUSIC MINISTRY

ear BFUMC Family,

We closed out 2010 on a ♪ High Note ♪ ! And 2011

promises to be an eventful year!

Mark your calendars with these upcoming January

events:

CHANCEL CHOIR OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, January 12th, 7:00 PM - Choir Room - Re-

freshments & Fellowship!

Come and see what the Chancel Choir is all about!

COMBINED ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOR THE

BFUMC ORCHESTRA AND YOUTH CHOIR Sunday, Janu-

ary 23, immediately following 11:00 worship in the Stars

Café.

Want more information on the BFUMC Music & Arts Pro-

gram?

Call or email Karen Smith, Director of Music Ministries:

770-867-3727, x 12; [email protected]

―Let every instrument be tuned for praise!

Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!

And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia! Amen!‖

Blessings, My Friends,

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

A Prayer For the New Year

Holy Father,

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.

We praise You for Your une-qualed greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.

To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.

To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.

So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.

That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise, in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards, in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs, so that we may know You better and better.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want…I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus’ name.

Copyright 2005 by Joe Hickman

Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom: Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia! Sounds through the earth and skies.

John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891)



Volume 10, Issue 1

and remain so? Chairpersons and Trustees members

will benefit from this workshop.

Safe Sanctuaries—The Book of Discipline mandates

that each congregation will develop and use a Safe

Sanctuary policy. How does a church get started?

How does one maintain such a policy statement?

These issues will be addressed.

SPPRC—The basic nature and work of the

Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee will be ad-

dressed. Those chairpersons and members NEW to

this committee need to attend.

Lay Revitatlization Ministries—Come learn about Lay

Speaking Ministries; Lay Revitalization Ministry; Lay

Mission Training; and Leadership UMC.

Youth Ministry Basics—How to start or sustain your

youth ministry. We will explore ideas for recruiting

and keeping volunteers, building a youth council

and ways to reach deeper with your youth. We will

also discuss conference opportunities and ways to

find support.

Attention All Committee Chairs and All Committee Members

You are encouraged to attend!

Athens-Elberton District Leadership Training Event

January 23, 1011—Young Harris UMC

2:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m. (Bus will leave BFUMC @ 1:45 p.m.)

Look through the list below and select two (2) clas-

ses that interest you. The first workshop begins at

3:00 p.m. and the second at 4:05.

History, Heritage, and Structure of the Methodist

Church ~ We will briefly review how our church

began, developed, merged, and expanded over

time. We will look at the present make up of the

Book of Discipline and the structure of the agencies,

councils and funding.

Children’s Ministry Curriculum

Apportionments—Bruce Cooper will explain where

these dollars go and how they are determined.

Members of finance and mission committees are

encouraged to attend.

Lay Leader Training—Come learn about the role of

the Lay Leader in the local church, and various pro-

grams offered by the District and the Conference.

Bulgaria and Mission Latina—Two of the five mis-

sion opportunities embraced by the Athens-

Elberton District are United Methodism in the coun-

try of Bulgaria and Mision Latina, a church-start

here in the Athens area. Members of these two

committees will use 30 minutes each to talk about

what is going on, where things are headed, and

how to help. All invited, especially those involved

in the area of missions.

Lanier Gardens/Talmage Terrace & Athens Urban

Ministries—Come learn how things are going and

how your church can be of help. Anyone can at-

tend, but mission coordinators, especially.

Trustees—What is the role of the Trustees in a local

church? How does a church become incorporated


The Bethlehem Star

ou may have heard me talk about my

friend Betsy from Jackson, Mississippi. Betsy and I met when I was thirteen—the same age as my

daughter, Paige. Betsy was the secretary at Oak Grove

UMC. On Sunday nights, she played guitar for MYF, and

many times she took care of me when my parents were

away on business. Our relationship has endured

through the years and now she is "Aunt Betsy," to my

girls. It is because of my relationship with Betsy that I be-

came involved in and ultimately joined the Methodist

church.

What a difference one person can make! How many of

you have a special someone in your lives who has turned

your attitude, behavior, life—you name it—around? Think

about all the people who took time out of their own busy

schedules to devote themselves to nurturing you. Was it

a teacher, coach, neighbor or "adopted" grandparent

with whom you had a special connection?

No earthly hand placed Betsy at Oak Grove. God used

her in my life the same way he can use you in the life of a

young person at BFUMC. Will you be a Betsy (or a Ben)

for the children in our midst?

Happy New Year!

Mary Lee Howard Christian Education Director 770-354-6089 [email protected]

EDUCATION

Dinner Spaghetti, Salad, and Bread, Tea & Lemonade

5:45

Children’s Handbells and Choir Handbells (2nd—6th Grade) Littlest Angels ( 3yrs—1st Grade)

6:15

6:30

Youth ~ Youth Room Bible Study, Discussion, Activities and Games

Christ Center Yoga ~ Room 123 Becoming physically & spiritually healthy

6:30

Chancel Choir ~ Room 119 Adults who love to sing are invited to join

7:00

Wednesday Night Live ~ Worship Center Music, Bible Study, Fun

G.R.I.T.S. (Gals Rejoicing In The Savior) ~ Room 101

Gals enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating Bible lesson

Kid’s Bible Hour ~ Education Wing 4yr olds—4th Grade Bible Story, Crafts and Games

7:00

Meal & Ministry Resumes January 12th

Wednesday Evenings 5:45 - 8:00 p.m.

Stay-at-home parents

Seldom beget go-to-church children.


Volume 10, Issue 1

CONFIR- MATION WORKSHOP

Mark your Calendars: Saturday, February 21, 2011

BFUMC has the honor of hosting a one day Confirmation workshop for the North Georgia

Conference. Several volunteers are needed to greet guests, help serve lunch and clean

up. We would like our confirmands to help with this event.

Confirmation is a time for young people to make a personal decision about their own faith

in Christ. It is also a time to learn more about our church and what it means to be a faith-

ful Christian. For those who were baptized as an infant, confirmation is the opportunity

for the individual to confirm the vows made at their baptism and become full members of

the church. If an individual has not been baptized, then confirmation provides the opportunity to be baptized, confirm

your faith in Jesus Christ, and join the church.

Registration for Confirmation is now open for students 6th grade and older. Confirmation classes will begin with the Con-

firmation Retreat @ Camp Glisson. The Retreat will be February 25 – 27th. Confirmation classes will meet Sunday after-

noons (3:30 – 5:00 PM) starting March 6th until Confirmation on Palm Sunday, April 17th. More details provided as plans

are completed.

To register, please see Mary Lee Howard. [email protected] or 770-354-6089 cell.

February 19th NGUMC Conference- One Day Confirmation Workshop

February 25 – 27th

Confirmation Retreat @ Camp Glisson

March 6, 13, 20, 27 Confirmation Classes – 3:30 – 5:00 PM

April 3, 10th Confirmation Classes – 3:30 – 5:00 PM

April 17th Confirmation @ 11:00 service

Resumes January 13, 2011

6:30 p.m. Every Thursday

@ Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

January 19

Teen Challenge

January 12

Honduras Miss

ion Recap

January 12

New Year’s Resolutio

ns



The Bethlehem Star

WOW! Is our church growing fast or what? It’s an amaz-

ing thing that is happening here at BFUMC. We have

new people visiting and joining us every week. With our

membership at over 700 people now, it’s important for

everyone to find a place to fit in, a group to gather up

with, and a purpose to work together toward. Our Sun-

day School program is great, with a class for just about

anyone. One of the latest additions to the program is an

Adult Singles group. We call it ―Single Again.‖ Did you

know that 46% of American adults are SINGLE? Accord-

ing to the 2009 U.S. Demographics, 96.6 million people

are Single Adults (18 or older). This makes up the largest

minority in the United States. With these figures in mind,

the need for Single Adult groups should go without say-

ing. But a Single Adult Ministry in many churches is often

missing. In a church whose focus is on marriage and fam-

ilies, it is not uncommon for Singles to feel ―left out‖ or get

overlooked. In that situation, not only does the church

miss many opportunities to reach out to this massive

group but they also can’t benefit from the abilities and

resources Singles have to offer the church.

That’s not the case here in Bethlehem! BFUMC has a

place for you! Our Single Again group includes both

men & women, ages 30 & up. Our members are either

single (never married), divorced or widowed. We, as sin-

gles, have so much to give and offer and do in our com-

munity. God has a purpose for us right now! So a Sin-

gles ministry is vital to the growth of our wonderful

church.

―Single Again‖ meets Sundays at 9:30 in room 127 for a

DVD-based study. We also plan fun activities outside of

church. Watch this newsletter for photos of our recent

outings. They will include anything from attending a mu-

sic concert to dining out to watching a theater play or

going to the ballet! If you or someone you know is Sin-

gle, we encourage you to stop in for a class or join us for a

social activity. It is our mission to gather together, delight

in our Lord, and encourage each other to feel valued and

loved.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the de-

sires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

Loving our Lord,

Jana Adams

770-714-3527

Source: America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2009

Funny Fridays at Aurora Theater in Lawrenceville

http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam/cps2009.html%20


Volume 10, Issue 1

BFUMC 2010 Church Leadership CHURCH COUNCIL Chair: Buddy Neel Senior Pastor: Rev. Parker Benson Associate Pastor: Rev. Jamie Hudgins Executive Pastor: Rev. Harold Corbin Lay Leader: Bruce Cox, 2012 Annual Conference Delegate #1: Lizzy Sutton, 2013 Annual Conference Delegate #2:` Patsy Cullifer, 2013 Finance Committee Chair: Sandi Roberson, 2011 SPPRC Chair: Donna Autry, 2011 Board of Trustees Chair: TBD Bookkeeper/Treasurer: (staff) Lu Connerley UMM President: Johnny Fleeman UMW President: (staff) Lynn Smith Shirley Griffiing Youth Representative: Becca Smith Members At Large Education Committee Chair: (staff) Mary Lee Howard Missions Committee Chair: Nurture Committee Chair: Toni Griffith Building Committee Chair: Wayne Ridgeway Worship—Traditional: Susan Wages Worship—Contemporary: Buddy Neel Youth Coordinator: Dawn Bradberry Membership Secretary: June Baggett Preschool Representative: Phyllis Austin

STAFF PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Donna Autry, 2011 Lay Leader: Bruce Cox Annual Conference Delegate: Patsy Cullifer 2011: Donna Autry Brian Ford Nancy Keech 2012: Matthew Christenberry Charles Bell Dianne Guthas 2013: Pete Black Van Gray George Otwell BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair: Joel Baggett 2011: Wayne Ridgeway Pat Lanthier Pam Rose 2012: Joe Brooks Joel Baggett Terry Newton 2013: Doug Harris David Ridgeway Lynn Smith

LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Chair: Rev. Parker Benson Lay Leader: Bruce Cox 2011: Janice Allen Shirley Alcorn Beth Blanford 2012: John Fleeman Bruce Cox Tim Strickland 2013: Susan Wages Clara Allen Jared Self FINANCE COMMITTEE Chair: Sandi Roberson, 2011 Lay Leader: Bruce Cox Financial Secretary: Mandy Rose Council Chair: Buddy Neel Vision Committee Chair: Wayne Ridgeway Trustees Rep: Joel Baggett Treasurer: Lu Connerley, staff Lay Delegate: Lizzy Sutton SPPRC Chair: Donna Autry At Large: Lamar Pugh, 2011 Jeff Smith, 2012 Ron Griffith, 2013

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Building Committee: Wayne Ridgeway Cemetery Committee: Leeon Pruett Education Committee: Mary Lee Howard, staff Grief Ministry: Shirley Alcorn Library Committee: Shannon Kennedy Media Ministry: Bob Blanford Missions: Nurture / New Members: Toni Griffith Preschool Board: Phyllis Austin Programming Committee: Van Gray Stewardship Team; Patsy Cullifer Wedding Guild: Cathy Murch Worship Committees: Bruce Cox Traditional: Susan Wages Contemporary: Buddy Neel Associate Lay Leader 9:30: Wanda Doster Associate Lay Leader The Edge: Rich Feggeler

Monthly Meeting Schedule

Church Council 1st Mon. 7:00 p.m. Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., Dec. Preschool 4th Mon. 7:00 p.m. Jan., Mar., May., Jul., Sep., Dec.

Education 2nd Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jan., Mar., May., Sept., Nov. Rec. Brd. 4th Mon. 7:00 p.m. To Be Announced

Outreach 1st Tues. 7:00 p.m. Mar., Jun., Sep., Dec. SPPR 2nd Tues. 7:00 p.m. Mar., Jun., Sept., Dec.

Finance 3rd Thur. 7:00 p.m. Feb., May., Aug., Oct., Nov. STARS 3rd Thurs. 12:00 p.m. Jan.—Nov.

Lay Leadership 7:00 p.m. March 29, Aug. 23 Trustees 3rd Tues. 7:00 p.m. Jan., Mar., May., Jul, Sept., Nov.

Missions To Be Announced Worship 4th Thur. 4:00 p.m. Jan., Feb., May, Aug., Nov. 19

UMM 2nd Mon. 6:00 p.m. Jan.—Dec. UMW 3rd Mon. 7:00 p.m. Jan.—Dec.

Nurture 4th Tues. 7:00 p.m. Jan., Apr., Jul., Oct.

Listed above is the schedule for meetings that meet the requirements set by the United Methodist Church in the Book of Discipline.

This meeting schedule is a guideline and may be altered and/or adjusted at the discretion of each committee.


U.S. Postage PAID

Bethlehem, GA Permit #4 Non-Profit

Organization

January 2 EPIPHANY OF THE LORD THREE PRACTICES FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR Matthew 4:1-11

January 9 BAPTISM OF THE LORD HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Genesis 1:1—11:31

January 16 2ND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Installation of New Officers THE PATRIARCHS Genesis 12:1—37:36

January 23 3RD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY WHY THE JEWS COME TO EGYPT Genesis 39:1—50:26

January 30 4TH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY THE CALLING OF MOSES Exodus 3:1—10:29

PASTORS FOR SERVICES THIS MONTH (unless otherwise noted) Chapel 8:30 REV. HAROLD CORBIN ~ HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE WC 9:30 REV. PARKER BENSON ~ 9:30 WORSHIP SERVICE Sanctuary 11:00 REV. PARKER BENSON ~ TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE WC 11:00 REV. JAMIE HUDGINS ~ THE EDGE

*WC = Worship Center

CONTACT INFORMATION

MINISTERS: ALL OF US

PASTORS The Rev. Parker Benson, Senior Pastor, ext. 23 [email protected] The Rev. Jamie Hudgins, Associate Pastor, ext. 22 [email protected] The Rev. Harold Corbin, Executive Pastor, ext. 19 [email protected]

SPECIAL MINISTERS Executive Assistant Karen Whitehead, ext. 11 [email protected] Music Minister Karen Smith ext. 12 [email protected] Christian Ed Director Mary Lee Howard, ext. 25

[email protected] Program Director Lizzy Sheffield, ext. 24 [email protected] Youth Minister (Interim) Dawn Bradberry, ext. 14 [email protected] PreSchool /K Director Lizzy Sheffield, (770-867-3724) [email protected] Recreation Director Tim Petrea, ext. 15 [email protected] Organist Brenda Fleeman [email protected] Pianist Katrina Wilson [email protected] Nursery Supervisor Renae Elenbaas (678-630-2966) [email protected] Office Assistant Valerie Miller, ext. 10

[email protected] Communications Assistant Lynn Smith, ext. 17 [email protected] Bookkeeper Lu Connerley, ext. 20 [email protected] Security J.P. Boyd (770-867-9551) Custodian Jack Chilcote (770-712-7336)

Church Office - 770-867-3727

Fax - 770-867–3729 Weekday Preschool - 770-867-3724

www.bigwhitechurch.com [email protected]

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 709 Christmas Ave. Bethlehem, GA 30620

Dated Church Material Please Deliver Promptly

SUNDAY ~ the Lord’s Day Worship and Educational Opportunities

Holy Communion Service ...................... 8:30 a.m., Chapel

Adult Sunday School ............................................. 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School ......................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship ......... 9:30 a.m., Worship Center

The Edge ................................. 11:00 a.m. Worship Center

Traditional Worship ........................ 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary

Church Office Hours

Monday thru Thursday Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 - 1:00 p.m.

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