November 2010

“If You Want to Walk on Water…” One of my favorite old gospel hymns is “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” The song talks about a deep desire to be with Jesus by walking close with Jesus as he leads. The tone and words of the song imply that this closer walk would increase our comfort and bring us greater joy as intimacy with Jesus often does. But there are also times when walking closer with Jesus means we may be stepping out in faith without any visible means of support. This is what happened to Peter when Jesus beckoned him to “Come” and join him in walking out on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). This closer walk with Jesus was not only uncomfortable, it was downright frightening. And this was not Peter just being wimpy, there was actual risk that Peter would fail at water-walking and could even drown! But walking safely across the surface of a troubled sea was something that only Jesus could make possible for Peter. You see Peter did get out of his boat and he did walk on water – but only after taking the hand of Jesus that was offered to him. Our Called to Pray sessions have discerned that this passage is our theme for looking into our next three years of planning. I commend this passage to you for reflection about how this speaks to the 3-5 priorities we need to focus on. Over the next four Sundays, October 31- November 21, we will focus on this passage in our new worship series: “If You Want to Walk on Water…” Join me in praying that God will speak to us about the joys, the risk and the miraculous adventure we experience when we walk with Jesus.

Bethlehem Church Christmas Dinner Friday & Saturday, December 3rd and 4th

6 pm Dinner by the United Methodist Men and Entertainment by

The Bethlehem Drama Group and Musicians

Cost: $15 for Adults $8 for Children 3 – 12 years Children 2 and under – Free

Proceeds go to the Bethlehem Youth Summer Mission Project

Reservations are required and will be available during the month of November

following the Sunday Worship Services. This creative allegory unwraps the true meaning of the season — it's not about all the gifts, but about God's gift to mankind. Bob's Christmas Emporium is preparing for December 26, the biggest day of the year for returns, typified by crowds, long lines and unhappy customers. After a bewildering and exhausting day, Bob encounters Mary, the owner of The Meaning of Christmas Store across the street, who claims to never have dissatisfied customers. Intrigued by her marketing strategy of offering a free gift to all customers, he enters her store and discovers for himself that God's gift doesn't come in a box.

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 pm Bible Lessons, games, worship, snacks and Fun! Shining Stars will meet Nov. 7 and 14th. A party will be on the 14th to end this semester of learning of

learning about Jesus. Be on the watch for details of 2011 Shining Stars/Club 54.

2010 CHILDREN’S READING PROGRAM This past summer, we had a great children’s reading program with 25 children participating. Twenty-one children read 5 or more books. Congratulations to the following readers: Lucas Ballard Jacob Harkins Madison Owens Sydney Ballard Sarah Harkins Makayla Owens Charlotte Blackmon Michael Laton Mallory Owens Kolby Broome Jack Lathan Brittany Plyler Jacob Eubank Rebecca Lathan Dillon Smith Shelby Eubank Corey Liles Jillian Strickland McKenna Griffin Courtney Liles Jordan Strickland McKenna Griffin read the most books by reading twelve. Keep Reading!

OPERATION CHILDREN CHILD

SHOEBOX MINISTRY SPONSORED BY SAMARITAN’S PURSE

PICK UP A BROCHURE AT CHURCH, FOLLOW

ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND BE APART OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A

CHILD IN THE WORLD BOXES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE NOV. 14, 2010

BETHLEHEM CHILDREN

Hello Everyone! Happy Fall Ya'll! We are so happy that the leaves are finally starting to change colors and that it is getting cooler out on the playground. We didn't think that Fall was ever going to get here! Our preschoolers are busy learning about fall, painting leaves and pumpkins and talking about how much Jesus loves us. We can't wait to learn about Thanksgiving! Pilgrims and Indians and everything they ate for dinner a long, long time ago. We are also learning about being thankful and are so thankful that God has blessed us with wonderful parents, preschool teachers and a church that loves and supports it's preschool! Thank you to everyone that has been so generous with helping the preschool scholarship fund. We are so blessed to have people like the UMW and the UMM that contributed money to help our families that need a little help to send these precious children to preschool. We have also had the help of a Sunday school class and many individuals from our church. Thank you for everything you do. If you are looking for some fun entertainment be sure to stop by and check out our Thanksgiving Programs on Nov 22nd and 23rd. They start at 11:15am. Have a Great Thanksgiving!

Love, Ashley

On behalf of Ms Sophia Reid, the children of Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf and the Bethlehem Mission Committee, I would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our United Methodist Women for their generous contribution of $1000 to the “Jamaica Fund”. Be assured that it will go towards furthering the work and the spirit of Christ in that needy community.

Tom Ducombs Special thanks to all the UMW ladies for all their hard work and special efforts for the UMW Bazaar. I sincerely appreciate your help and cooperation.

Mary Alice Wilson, Bazaar Chairperson

BETHLEHEM PRESCHOOL NEWS

THANK YOU

YOUTH NOVEMBER CALENDAR November 7 – Pancake Breakfast @ 9:30 am: Regular meeting (5:30 – 7:30 pm) November 12-13 - 30-Hour Famine November 14 - NO YOUTH November 21 - Regular meeting/service project November 28 – NO YOUTH

High School Bible Study for Girls on Thursday’s from 7 - 8:30 PM at the Fleming’s home. The group will end on Nov.18. HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday nights at 7 pm on Nov. 3, 10, and 17. Leaders are Nathan

Blackmon, Nick Presson, Chris Palomba and Glenn Kiser

November is 30November is 30November is 30November is 30----Hour Famine Month!Hour Famine Month!Hour Famine Month!Hour Famine Month!

30 HOUR FAMINE is Friday - Saturday, Nov. 12-13, save the date! Our Bethlehem Students will join with students around the world loving God and fighting hunger. It’s that simple. They learn about hunger - and then they do something about it. They raise funds. They experience hunger for themselves. Best of all! They help save lives. You can help the youth raise their goal by contributing in several ways -

• Sunday, November 7 - church-wide PANCAKE BREAKFAST between services. Come for breakfast and learn more about the Famine and world hunger relief. All donations go towards youth 30 Hour Famine goal

• Respond to youth who may ask to be sponsored during the famine

• Additional opportunities to be announced!

YOUTH SPONSORED CHRISTMAS FAMILY PHOTOS: NOV. 9 & 10: 5 – 9 PM. SIGN UP AT CHURCH TO

HAVE YOUR FAMILIES CHRISTMAS PHOTO TAKEN. PROCEEDS GO TO YOUTH TRIPS. INEXPENSIVE PACKAGES!

BETHLEHEM YOUTH

The Best Years Group will be going to Ryan’s in Lancaster SC for their annual Thanksgiving Lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 11 am. Please plan to drive your own car and contact Carolyn Starnes with questions. 704-843-2843.

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BRIDAL SHOWER: All the ladies of the church are invited

to a bridal shower honoring Josh and Ivey Baucom who were

married Oct. 16, 2010 in Tennessee. Josh is the son of

Margaret and Roger Hill and is currently serving in the US

Navy. The shower is Sunday, November 21 from 2 – 3:30 pm

in the church fellowship hall. They are registered at Bed, Bath

and Beyond, Target and Walmart. Members of the Helping

Hands Circle are hosting the shower.

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Share the Gift of Christmas this year with an area child who is in need. The “angels” from local schools will be available for you to select on Nov. 14

th to purchase Christmas

gifts for them. The gifts are due back at the church by Dec. 12

th.

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HANGING OF THE GREENS SUNDAY, NOV. 28

11 AM An inspiring time of worship as the Church Sanctuary is prepared for Advent and Christmas.

NEWS TO REMEMBER

UPWARD BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING

HERMON BAPTIST CHURCH COST: $65 BEFORE NOVEMBER 6;

AFTER NOV. 6: $75 DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS NOVEMBER 20 REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH AND MAY BE DROPPED OFF AT HERMON CHURCH OFFICE ON MONDAY – THURSDAY 9 AM – 3 PM. EVALUATIONS AND ORIENTATION ARE SAT. NOV. 6 AND SAT. NOV. 20 AT HERMON. K – 4 THROUGH 2

ND GRADE BOYS/GIRLS: 9 AM – 10 AM

3RD

– 5TH

GRADE BOYS/GIRLS: 10 AM – 11 AM 6

TH – 8

TH GRADE BOYS/GIRLS: 11 AM – 12 PM.

PRACTICES BEGIN THE WEEK OF MON. DEC. 13. FIRST GAME – FRIDAY, JAN. 14, 2011 AWARDS CELEBRATION: SAT. MARCH 19, 2011 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CHRIS HELMS.

THANK YOU Ladies for making the UMW Bazaar such a great success! As of Sunday, Oct. 17, here are the Totals for the Bazaar: Saturday Bazaar; $5,036.20 Breakfast 468.00 Quilt Raffle 521.00 Pre-Orders 2,981.00 Sunday 786.75 Total $9,792.95 Total as of 10-24-10: $10,056.45 Special Thanks to Mary Alice Wilson, Bazaar

Chairperson, for her organization, presentation and diligent work. Everyone worked so well together and just look at the marvelous results. God has truly blessed us! The UMW Unit Meeting will be Nov. 14 at 3 pm. All circle chairs are asked to give some information about their circles and to show what items are being sold to make money for mission projects. A special offering will be taken for World Thanks and sent to Global Missions. Every woman is invited to attend. Please join us in our mission work! Love in Christ, Betty Couick CIRCLE MEETINGS IN November: Helping Hands: Monday, Nov. 8 at 7 pm Witness & Service Morning: Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 10 am Willing Workers Tues. Nov. 9 at 4 pm New Beginning: Wed. Nov. 10 at 7 pm Care and Share Circle: Sun. Nov. 14 following the unit meeting The Busy Bees Circle: Thurs. Nov. 11 at 7:30 pm at Brenda McWhorter’s home November Church Responsibilities: Helping Hands

The New Beginning Circle will be taking orders following both worship services in the month of November for Christmas Poinsettias to be placed in the church during the month of December. The cost is $10 per plant and may be placed in honor or memory of a loved one.

United Methodist Women

FOURTH ANNUAL UMM CHILI

COOK-OFF NOVEMBER 20

GREAT FOOD, GREAT FUN, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

8 TEAMS ARE NEEDED TO

COMPETE IN THE COMPETITION. SEE WAYNE MOSER, ED MOSS OR MIKE MOSLEY

TO SIGN YOUR TEAM UP! THE UNITED METHODIST MEN will meet Sunday, Nov. 7 at 7:15 am. All men are invited.

Finance Report through the week of Oct. 17, 2010 Needed each week $6,249

Average Weekly Received past 41 Weeks $6,214

Budget Needed past 41 weeks $256,209

Budget Received past 41 weeks $246,579

Ahead / (Behind) budget past 41weeks $(7,630)

Operating Fund Balance as of 10/22/10 $3,177

FINANCIAL & CONTACT INFORMATION

United Methodist Men

Nursery Volunteers: 8:30 am 11/7: Dana Broome and Carey Mosley 11/14: Jennifer Hornberger and Cynthia Helms 11/21: Randi Laney and Kaye Eubank 11/28: Beverly Liles and Jacque Tanner 11:00 am 11/7: Leslie Kiser 11/14: Jacque Tanner 11/21: Michelle Owen 11/28: Jacque Tanner USHERS for November: Barry Griffin, Jonathan Couick, Harold Phillips & Reece Starnes GREETERS for November: Sonja Couick and Jenifer Setliff ACOLYTES FOR November 11/7: Jonny Couick 11/21: Carson Starnes 11/14: Brittany Plyler 11/28: Jesse Couick

“the orchard” November INFORMATION DUE ON OR BEFORE: Nov. 14 (Note change of Date) 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.

NOVEMBER CHURCH VOLUNTEERS

Building Fund: In Memory Of: Macie Carter By:

Tom and Trisha Henry Catherine Carter Austin Loma Tyson Audrey Tyson Lorene M. Starnes By: Catherine Carter Austin Harrison Cook By: Loma Tyson

Building Fund/Roof Fund: In Honor Of: Doug and Terry Richardson By: Genny Courtney

Chancel Choir Fund: In Memory Of: Macie Carter By: Betty and O’Neil Starnes

Chancel Choir Fund: In Honor Of: Marion and Delano Cox Libby Kiser

Leslie Kiser Mildred Cook

Nolan and Edwina Starnes’ Anniversary Loretta Ponder By: Betty and O’Neil Starnes

Preschool Scholarship Fund: In Honor Of: O’Neil Starnes By: Loma Tyson Sandra Malkin By: The Charles Wesley S.S. Class

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Contact Information 5300 Nesbit Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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

www.bethlehemchurchonline.org.

Pastor: Rev. Howard Fleming howard@bethlehemchurchonline.org Admin. 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

Our Special Members at

Bethlehem Ira Lee Starnes (DOB 9-13) Autumn Care Nursing Home 311 W. Phifer St. Marshville, NC 28103 Virginia Starnes (DOB 6/13) Brian Center Room 106 204 Old 74.Hwy E Monroe, 28112 Phone: 704-282-0097 Geneva H. Hilton (DOB 7/8) Monroe Square 918 Fitzgerald St. Monroe, NC 28112 Mildred Cox (DOB 12/11) 7414 Olive Branch Rd. Marshville, NC 28103 704-385-5015 Creola Starnes (DOB 5/13) 6417 Lancaster Hwy Waxhaw, NC 28173 Allen & Christine Moser (DOB: Allen: 9/25; Christine: 12/9) 5605 Lancaster Hwy Monroe, NC 28112

Helen Robinson (DOB 6/29) Rehabilitation & Nursing Center of Monroe 1212 E. Sunset Dr. Monroe NC 28112 Lura Starnes (DOB 5/29) Brian Center 204 Old 74.Hwy E Monroe, 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 Edna Moser (DOB: 3/23) 5618 Lancaster Hwy. Monroe, NC 28112

1. David Gay 3. Erin Tyson Irene Mosley Nancy Brown 4. Anthony Helms Brittany Plyler Mr./Mrs. Jared Broome 5. Hattie Starnes Audra Weaver M/M Phil Hilton 6. Alex Palomba 8. Kacey Carter 9. Michael Hinson 10. Amy Helms 11. Anne Conner Abby Pike 12. Barbara Strickland Karl Helms 13. Caitlin Swords 14. Darin Tyson Jacob Couick Forbis Broome 15. M/M Carry Buttle 17. Gracie Gilliard Grace Couick 18. Mike Tyson 19. Gloria Rodden Gina Prince 20. Anthony Broome Annie Broome 21. M/M Steve Carter 22. Nick Presson Brenna Burgess

23. John Couick Dolly Tyson Mark Tyson M/M Henry Tyson M/M Kenneth Moser 24. Mark Helms Alicia Tyson 25. Angela Tyson 27. M/M Larry Laton 28. Pat Morgan 29. Linda Tarlton Jeremy Liles 30. Phala Starnes Lauren Helms Darryl Mabe