7th Sunday after Pentecost July 27, 2014

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 709 Christmas Avenue Bethlehem, GA 30620

770.867.3727 office@bigwhitechurch.com

www.bigwhitechurch.com

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7th Sunday after Pentecost

Welcome Janice Allen

Prelude Amazing Grace Brenda Fleeman

Bringing in the Light Acolytes

Scripture Reading Debbie Huckaby

James 1:19-25 (pg. 854)

Invocation Debbie Huckaby

*Opening Hymn See Page 4

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

*Affirmation of Faith UMH 881

*Gloria Patri UMH 70

Welcome The Reverend Frank Bernat

Sacrament of Holy Baptism Rev. Bernat

Judy Lane Gaunce

Prayer Concerns/Pastoral Prayer Debbie Huckaby

*Offertory Hymn UMH 474

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

*Offertory Prayer Rev. Bernat

Offertory Katie Wilson

Offertory Anthem Praise His Holy Name Chancel Choir

*Doxology UMH 95

Message “Do Something” Rev. Bernat

James 1:19-25 (pg. 854)

*Hymn of Invitation & Dedication UMH 430

O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

*Benediction Rev. Bernat

*Choral Benediction UMH 672

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

Postlude Mrs. Fleeman

*You are invited to stand as able

11:00 a.m.

July 27, 2014

ALTAR PRAYER

The altar is open for prayer before, during and after

the 11:00 Traditional service. Debbie Huckaby, our

Pastor of Congregational Care, will be available near

the altar should you want someone to pray with you.

Summer Family worship~ This summer, our

Family Ministries Team is sponsoring Family

Worship Sundays through July. During July, we

will have Sunday School for all ages at 9:30. At the

11:00 o’clock hour, we will not have Children’s

Church. We support our families during worship

together by providing Worship Bags for children

that contain activities focused on worship and the

Scripture passages for each Sunday. Children’s

Church will resume on Sunday, August 3. Thank

you for supporting Family Worship Sundays!

“Do Something” James 1:19-25

Rev. Frank Bernat

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Do not merely listen to the word…

Do what it says…

Not forgetting what he has heard,

but doing it—

he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22—25

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Prelude Cathy Murch

Greeting Debbie Huckaby

Invocation Debbie Huckaby

*Hymn UMH 370

Victory in Jesus

Praise and Thanksgiving Debbie Huckaby

Pastoral Prayer Debbie Huckaby

Offering/Offertory Cathy Murch

Morning Message Debbie Huckaby

“Do Something”

James 1:19-25 (pg. 854)

Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 12

Rev. Frank Bernat

*Benediction Debbie Huckaby

* Please stand

Ushers/Greeters

Shirley Alcorn

Ed Novak

Carol Ward

Welcome! At Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, we are a

community of faith where people meet for a life-changing

encounter with God. Our faith community loves to sing to God

and loves to sing about God. As we join together as one body

with one voice, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to

all that God has in store for you.

To learn more about Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

and discover how you can get connected, visit our website at

www.bigwhitechurch.com.

Today’s Message:

“Keep Following” | 1 Kings 19:1-16

Michele May @CheleRM

Welcome Music 9:30 Band

The Time of Your Life

Welcome Wanda Doster

We Pray Rev. Frank Bernat

We Worship 9:30 Band

Our God

God of This City

I Love to Tell the Story

The Lord’s Prayer

We Give 9:30 Band

Faith Has Eyes

We Hear Rev. Frank Bernat

“Do Something”

James 1:19-25

We Respond & Go 9:30 Band

All Creatures of Our God and King

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The Tax Collector and the Pharisee

Bible Verse: “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!

Serve the Lord with celebration! Come before him with

shouts of joy!” Psalm 100:1-2

Bible Story: Luke 18:9-14

Leap of Faith: I can show my love to God with prayer and

praise.

Bible Background: Today’s story has two parts. The first part

of the story deals with pride and false piety. The Pharisee is

confident in his virtue; the tax collector, on the other hand, is

equally confident in his sinfulness. The Pharisee was

reassuring God and himself of how great he was. The tax

collector, on the other hand, asked for God’s mercy. Only the

tax collector went home accepted before God.

A second theme that runs through this story is about

acceptance. The Pharisee had a “better than you” attitude

toward the tax collector. He felt far above the man who was

so obviously “sinful.” He was virtuous, but not humble. He

was unable to feel empathy toward the tax collector and offer

him acceptance. In order for us to feel God’s acceptance, we

must be willing to offer this acceptance to others.

Everyone wants to be the best, but we all fall short. God

knows our shortcomings and knows when we try to do better.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector serves as a

warning. We should be leery of our pride. We need to trust in

God to help us make the right choices. The parable reminds

us to humble ourselves before God.

Family Fun Activity: Review today’s Bible lesson. Purchase a

package of cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies. Take a

few apart and scrape out the filling. Then place some of the

original cookies on one plate and some of the ones without

filling on the other. Say: Which plate of cookies would you

prefer? Most people like the ones with the filling better. The

cookies just aren’t quite the same if the filling isn’t there.

While the outside is good, the filling inside is important. It

makes these cookies the way they are meant to be. In the

story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are reminded

that what’s inside our hearts is also very important. Enjoy the

snack together.

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

“I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child,

with a faith to suit you well;

in a blaze of light you wandered off

to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the Word

was there to cheer you on;

you were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,

I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life,

not too old, no longer young,

I’ll be there to guide you through the night,

complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in

and you shut your weary eyes,

I’ll be there as I have always been

with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old,

I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.”

Words & Music: John Ylvisaker 1985

Waterlife 97.96D

Happy Moments, Praise God.

Difficult Moment, Seek God.

Quiet Moments, Worship God.

Painful Moment, Trust God.

Every Moment, Thank God.

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SERMON SERIES on James Continues… Application is everything. Read Ahead… Sunday, August 3 James 2:1-13 Sunday, August 10 James 3:1-12 Sunday, August 17 James 4:1-3; 7-10 Sunday, August 24 James 5:7-11

If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage to watch our live

streaming each Sunday on our website or utilize the library archives for

these and other recorded messages.

wwwbigwhitechurch.com (click Worship, then Online Experience)

MEN OF THE CHURCH:

Think Igniting Faith Retreat,

September 26-28. Need

information? Go to

www.ignitingfaithretreat.com. You can

register on line. For more information,

please contact Jarratt Pryor, 912-309-0546,

jarratt@windsream.net.

BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

Now Forming

DISCIPLE I, Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study

~ Begins Sunday, August 17, 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

DISCIPLE IV, Under the Tree of Life ~ Begins

Sunday, August 17, 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

COVENANT ~ Begins Monday, August 18, 6:30 -

8:00 PM.

For information on these Disciple Bible Studies,

please contact Lynn Smith at 770-867-6627 or

jlbsmith@yahoo.com.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY ~ Living in God’s Hope & Truth,

Tuesdays, 9:15 -11:30 AM.

SERVING FROM THE HEART: Finding Your Gifts and

Talents for Service ~ Wednesdays, August 13-

October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

CHURCH 101 ~ Wednesdays, August 13-October 1,

7:00 - 8:00 PM.

THE MAN GOD USES ~ Men’s Bible Study begins

Wednesdays, August 13-October 1, 6:30-8:00 PM.

UNGLUED ~ Women’s Bible Study (GRITS), begins

Wednesdays, August 13-October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

ESPAŇOL MINISTRY - Clases de Biblia, Wednesdays,

7:30 p.m.,

Room 123.

You are encouraged to

attend one or more of

these classes.

Or, maybe you would

like to assist with our

GROW program.

Please contact:

Rev. Michele May, 770-867-3727,

michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com.

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Ministry Assistants

Greeters

8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward

9:30 Becky Adcock, Lamar & Sherry Mask

Leon Laske, Sally Anne Short, Shane Short

11:00 Lenell Carr, Gwen Foernsler, Larry Laske, Malcolm

Mercer, Susan Mercer, Michele Powell, Pam Shaw,

Terry Shaw, David Sorrells

Acolytes

Today Sam Dillard, Emma Hilley

Aug. 3 Montee Flahn, Logan Laske

Ushers

8:30 Shirley Alcorn, Ed Novak, Carol Ward

9:30 Sherry Mask

11:00 Vance Barnwell, John Bittner, Pete Black, Phil Elam,

Ron Griffith, Morgan Howard, Larry Partee

Aug. 3 Dwight Austin, Charles Autry, Allen Bower, John

Fleeman, Jonathan Long, Lamar Pugh, Don Wages

Children’s Church

Today Family Worship ~ Children’s Church will resume

August 3rd.

Aug. 3 not available at printing

Stephen Ministry

A GREAT WAY YOU CAN

HELP A HURTING FRIEND

Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-

worker, or relative who has suffered a

loss or is going through a difficult time? Here's a great

way you can help them - tell them about our Stephen

Ministry! Stephen Ministers are members of BFUMC who

have received special training to provide high-quality,

confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to hurting

people. Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care

receivers to listen, care, encourage, and provide

emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship

lasts for as long as the person needs care. It's free, and

it's a powerful way you can help a hurting friend.

To learn how to connect someone you know with a

Stephen Minister, talk with one of our Stephen Minister

Leaders: Jenny Smith at 770-826-0266 or Kathy Brown at

770-601-7047. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care .

Prayer Concerns

Our Faithfulness

Members

July 13 ~ Phil Elam, Ann Shannon

July 20 ~ Ron & Toni Griffith, Greg & Pat Lanthier

July 27 ~ Jerri Andrews, Joyce Corbin

On-Going ~ Elizabeth Barber, Dianne Beaird, Harriet Harris,

Heather Lee, Mary Nell Partee, Frances & Leeon

Pruett, Hazel Smith, Judy Swanner, Julia Ridgeway, Rachel

Thompson

Non- Members

July 13 ~ Adrian Lopez, Ron May, Ruby May, Blake McCloud,

Diane Shelton, Joanne Tepper

July 20 ~ Catrina Bloyd

July 27 ~ Janet Peavy

On-Going ~ Katie Adams, Lori Eckels, Megan Godina, Louise

Pitts, Mary Willie Thompson

Sympathy

Joyce Corbin on the death of her husband, Rev. Harold Corbin,

who passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2014.

Jerri Andrews on the death of her mother, Mary Jane Weaver,

who passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014.

July 20, 2014 Attendance

Sunday School ................................................ 116 Nursery ............................................................. 44 Children’s Church ........................ Family Worship 8:30 Service ...................................................... 26 9:30 Service .................................................... 118 11:00 Contemporary Service ............................ 96 11:00 Traditional Service ................................ 258 Total Sunday Worship ................................. 542

Revenue Year-to-Date ...................... $604,096.20 Expenses Year-to-Date ..................... $630,107.71

Dear Bethlehem Family,

We cannot begin to thank you and ex-

press just how much we appreciate you. Thank you for your

phone calls, cards, visits, flowers and meals. BFUMC, you

have wrapped your arms around us and we thank you for

your love and support during the loss of our grandson, Jay.

Ron & Toni Griffith and the Gossett Family

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness

during this difficult time.

The Family of Gladys Wages

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Week At A Glance

SUNDAY~ July 27

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

9:00 a.m. Pray for Our Pastors (120H)

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

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

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

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

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

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

5:30 p.m. Youth Open Gym (G)

5:30 p.m. 5th/6th Bridge Outing

Stars & Strikes Bowling

6:15 p.m. Youth Group (8pm)

MONDAY~ July 28

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)

9:00 a.m. Zumba (G)

10:00 a.m. Spin (UG)

10:00 a.m. Stretch It Out (124)

5:30 p.m. WINGS-Invite Team (127)

6:00 p.m. Circuit Mania (UG)

7:00 p.m. Pickleball (G)

7:00 p.m. Preschool Board Mtg. (114)

TUESDAY~ July 29

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)

9:00 a.m. Insane Surprise Class (G)

9:15 a.m. Ladies Bible Study (123)

10:00 a.m. Senior Fitness (G)

6:00 p.m. Insane Strength (G)

7:00 p.m. Contemporary Band Pr. (WC)

7:00 p.m. Zumba (G)

WEDNESDAY~ July 30

6:00 a.m. Fitness Center (9pm)

9:00 a.m. Fun with Crocheting (128)

2:00 p.m. Pickleball (G)

6:00 p.m. Soul Spin Mix (UG)

6:30 p.m. Yoga (WC)

7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice (119)

7:30 p.m. Hispanic Bible Study (123)

FRIDAY~ August 1

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

9:00 a.m. Insane Strength (G)

10:00 a.m. Yoga (WC)

SATURDAY~ August 2

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

9:00 a.m. Family Friendly Zumba (G)

9:30 a.m. Yoga (WC)

C Chapel FH Fellowship Hall G Gym S Sanctuary SC Stars Café UG Upper Gym WC Worship Center

SUNDAY~ August 3 Heritage Sunday

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

9:00 a.m. Pray for Our Pastors (120H)

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

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

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

11:00 a.m. Children’s Church (G)

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

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

12:30 p.m. Health & Wellness Ministry (123)

5:30 p.m. Youth - Open Gym

6:00 p.m. Youth Group (130 8pm)

Bring Finger Foods to Share

(suggested finger foods)

For Breakfast:

Donut Holes Mini Muffins Mini Quiche

Mini Sliders (sausage, chicken, or turkey)

Apple Slices Grapes Strawberries

For Lunch:

Chicken Wings Chicken Fingers

Pre-Cut Carrots & Dip Celery Sticks & Dip

Chips & Dip Cookies

Food and displays of photos and memorabilia of our history will be

set up in the Fellowship Hall, Common Areas, and Stars Café. We

encourage and anticipate times of conversation and fellowship.

Wear Vintage Clothing ~ Men, wear your bib overalls, got any

vintage ties? Women, dust off those hats and dig out the white

gloves.

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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 4 during Sunday

school and all Sunday morning worship services. Your child

graduates to Children's Church if they are 4, on or after, September

1st. Please use our electronic check-in system before bringing your

child to their age appropriate room.

Newborn to Walking Room 121

Walking to Age 3 Room 110

Age 3 & 4 Room 109

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. Frank Bernat Senior Pastor 770-362-7998 cell frank.bernat@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. Matt Parker, Associate Pastor 404-538-2567 cell matt.parker@bigwhitechurch.com

11:00 Contemporary Worship Service The 11:00 Contemporary Worship Service helps people connect with God and celebrate all that God has done in our lives. The prayer for this worship experience is that those who worship with us may join together in one voice and one prayer as we praise God. Our time of worship includes singing contemporary music and listening to a scripturally based message.

Rev. Michele May Pastor of Discipleship & Families 706-201-5063 cell michele.may@bigwhitechurch.com

11:00 Children’s Church GROW But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 Through our GROW ministries, persons have opportunities to deepen and grow in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Through Bible study, prayer, worship, and small group fellowship, persons are able to understand more fully what it means to love God and love our neighbors. Individuals are able to discover how God has uniquely gifted them to serve, both within and outside the church.

Debbie Huckaby Pastor of Congregational Care 706-296-0665 cell debbie.huckaby@bigwhitechurch.com

8:30 Holy Communion Service A 30-45 minute worship service meets every Sunday

morning in the Chapel. This intimate service offers

hymns, prayer, message, and Holy Communion. Come

and worship in the Chapel at Bethlehem.

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.

To learn more about church membership please contact one of our pastors listed above and

say “I want to join the church.”

Our Clergy

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

unless otherwise notated

Audio/Video, Mark Nichols

404-606-7671

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, Jennie Etheridge

Office Assistants, Gretchen Hill,

Jennifer Pohl

Organist, Brenda Fleeman

Pianist, Katrina Wilson

Preschool/Program Director

Lizzy Sheffield, 770.867.3724

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