Church Office Closed, Nov 23-27

The church office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays, from November 23-27.  If you need to reach the pastor, leave a message at the church office or email him at alex.stroud(at)ngumc.net.  If there is an emergency, please contact Bob Miller, Staff-Parish Relations Chair.

Pending Video System

Thanks to the generosity of some of our members, we are in the process of installing a video projection system in our sanctuary.  To help keep costs down, we be doing most of the labor, at the direction of a consultant.  Once the materials come in, we will need the help of anyone that is able.  If you'd like to volunteer for this special project, email Alex Stroud at alex.stroud(at)ngumc.net.

We will also be looking for 8-10 individuals to receive training for the new system.  Those dates are also yet to be determined.  However, if you are interested, please also contact Alex Stroud.  No prior experience is necessary.  We'll teach you everything you need to know.

Christmas Eve Worship

On Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24th, we will come together for worship at 7pm.  As usual, all are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Worship will include the service of Holy Communion as well as the tradition of candle-lighting.  Bring your friends and your neighbors!

Christmas Cantata

Don't miss the choir's Christmas cantata this year.  During worship on Sunday, December 12th the choir will lead us in worship as we anticipate and celebrate the coming of Christ together.

Help Wanted

Currently, the Mt. Bethel Family is receiving résumés for Music Director as well as for Pianist. Both positions are part-time and applicants must have prior experience. 

Qualifications for both positions include:

• Authentic relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Ability to shepherd volunteer musicians in the Christian life.
• Love and respect for people.
• Attested musical skills and competence.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and motivate musicians and technical team members.
• Sense of humor and a positive attitude.
• Strong team player with the rest of the staff and congregation.
• Committed to the church’s vision, leadership, and people.
• Dependable, responsible, self-motivated, and creative.

Résumés may be submitted either by mail or email to the following addresses. Please indicate in your communication which position you are seeking.

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church

Attn: Bob Miller

992 Mt. Bethel Rd.

McDonough, GA 30252

MBUMCStaffing (at) gmail.com

Blessing of the Backpacks

Are you ready for the beginning of the school year?  We believe that the best way to begin another year is to pray for our teachers, students, administrators, and school staff members. 

During worship on August 1st, we will have a "Blessing of the Backpacks."  All students, children and youth, are encouraged to bring their backpacks and place them at the altar.  Together, we'll bring forward our students and teachers and pray over them and their bags.

The Mt. Bethel Children's Ministry will also be collecting school supplies for those in need.  These donations will be given to local schools as well as A Friend's House following the blessing.  Anyone wishing to donate supplies (backpacks, paper, pens, pencils, etc.) can bring those items and place them in the boxes labeled "Back to School" in the fellowship hall and sanctuary.

One Minute Olympics

On Friday, July 30th, all rising 6th through 12th grade students are invted to come to the Mt. Bethel One-Minute Olympics.  Several unconventional games will test your skill, speed, and creativity.  Bring a friend or three to compete for an awesome prize - a new iPod! 

Members of MBUMC: bring a drink and snack to share.  We'll begin at 7pm, so get here early and get ready for some incredible challenges.

Pictorial Directory

Work has begun on creating a new pictorial membership directory for Mt. Bethel.  Dates for portraits have been set for September 27-28.  In the coming weeks, you'll have the opportunity to set an appointment for your family to get your picture taken.  More information is on the way.  Thanks to Helen Busbin for coordinating this effort.

Prayer Group

During the summer, an informal prayer group is gathering in the Pastor's study at 9:00 on Sunday mornings.  Drop in anytime and share your joys and concerns as we pray together for the community and the church.

Prayer and Healing Service

Join us this Tuesday night, March 16th at 7pm for a prayer and healing service.  Our primary purpose in gathering is to pray for the Capes family. Jason was diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma in 2008 and to date, none of his treatments have been successful.  We will gather to pray for Jason and his family.

If you have a need to be prayed for as well, we will have a time for you to come and be prayed with as well.  We hope that you'll join us and if you're unable, that you'll pray anyway.

Prayer Ministry

We are in the process of updating our prayer ministry and we'd like to extend an invitation to you.  Our prayer ministers are on call to confidentially pray whenever there is a need.

If you are interested in being a part of this team, email the church office (mtbethelumc(at)bellsouth.net) or give us a call (770) 954-1194.  Be sure to include in your message a daytime phone number, evening phone number, and email address and which contact is the best to reach you at.

We have also revamped our published prayer list.  In the weekly bulletin, you will still find a list of our newest prayer concerns.  In addition, we are printing a monthly list of ongoing concerns for those enduring long illnesses, on military deployment, and other long-term prayer needs.  Be sure to pick one up on the first Sunday of each month and remember these folks in your prayers as well.

If you have a prayer need, call the church office or contact Rev. Alex Stroud and we will pray for you.

Holy Week Schedule

Put these important worship times on your calendar:

• March 28 - Palm Sunday, worship at 11am
• April 1 - Maundy Thursday, worship at 7pm
• April 4 - Easter Sunday, sunrise worship at 7am, pancake breakfast at 8am, traditional worship at 11am

Sisters in Christ

All women are invited for dessert with our women's ministry, Sisters in Christ.  Our next meeting is Monday, March 22nd at 7pm at the church. 

March Happy Hearts Meeting

Join our senior adults for a lunch outing this Thursday, March 11th.  They'll gather at Logan's Steakhouse on Jonesboro Road at 11:30 for lunch, fellowship, and devotion.  All are invited.

24 Hours That Changed the World

Our Lenten study this year is based on 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton.  We'll relive together the last 24 hours of Jesus' life and the impact that those events have on our lives. 

As we recount the hours from Jesus' last meal with his disciples to his dying moments on the cross, we hope that you'll follow along with your personal, daily devotions.  Hamilton has also published a devotional book that you can purchase through Cokesbury, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as several other book sellers. 

We also have a limited number of copies at the church that you can purchase for $10 each.  Call the office for more information.