Post on 31-Dec-2020
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │
Christmas Eve at Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Worship Bulletin │ 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Traveler’s Christmas Eve Service (December 21st) ........................... 3
10:30 am Cantata & Communion Christmas Eve Service .................. 4
1:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service ............................................. 6
5:00 pm Christmas Eve Candles & Communion Service .................... 8
7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candles & Communion Service .................. 10
Poinsettias 2017 ........................................................................... 12
January 2018 Sermon Series ......................................................... 14
Adult Grow Groups ....................................................................... 15
Children Upcoming Events ............................................................ 17
Youth Upcoming Events ................................................................ 18
Contact Information ..................................................................... 19
Christmas Eve at Bethlehem
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │ 3
TRAVELER’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017
7:00 PM │ WORSHIP CENTER
Gathering
Opening Song Angels We Have Heard on High
Welcome/Greeting – Jennifer Wildeboer
Advent Lighting – The Wildeboer Family
Offering
Songs Joy to the World Hark the Herald Little Drummer Boy
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-21
Message- Matt Parker “The Greatest Gift Ever!” John 3:1-21
Communion
Song Silent Night Candlelighting Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14 -- ??? Becca Smith, violin
Blessing of the Traveler
Benediction/Dismissal
Worship Bulletin │ 4
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 │ 10:30 AM │ SANCTUARY
Prelude O Holy Night/Gesu Bambino NeeCee Delk, Katie Wilson
Bringing in the light O Little Town of Bethlehem Chancel Choir
Call to Worship Rev. Matt Parker
He is coming! He is Coming! The Savior of the world is coming! Let us prepare our hearts to greet him!
He comes to each one of us, healing and restoring our lives! Praise be to God for God’s mighty gift to us.
O Come, Prince of Peace, bring your light to us! We are ready to receive you in our lives! Amen.
Invocation Rev. Parker
Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen.
Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle Dan & Rebecca Gadja
Hymn The First Noel Chancel Choir
Christmas Eve Affirmation Jennifer Wildeboer I believe in God whose light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never overcome it. I believe that on a night like this night in Bethlehem there was born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. I believe in the Word who has become incarnate, our very flesh and blood, yet full of grace and truth. I believe in the blessed appearing of the salvation of our God, that is for the happiness of all people. I believe his name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace; Emmanuel, for God is with us. Of the increase of his rule and of his unique peace, there will be no end. The zeal of the God of hosts will do this. This I surely believe. Amen.
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │ 5
Scripture Luke 2:1-20 (pg. 724) Amanda Brannon
Anthem Hark the Herald Angels Sing Chancel Choir
Scripture Matthew 2:1-12 (pg. 681) Jared Self
Anthem Joy to The World Chancel Choir
Pastoral/Lord’s Prayer Rev. Frank Bernat
Offertory Brass Quartet
Doxology UMH 881
Lighting the Christ Candle Bernat Family
Homily Rev. Bernat
Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 13
We are a church of open communion and invite all who wish to partake to do so. When the Pastor invites
you forward, proceed down the aisle as the usher directs you and receive the elements by taking a piece of bread
and dipping it in the cup. Afterwards, you may kneel at the altar for as long as you wish. An usher will
give you a candle as you return to your pew.
Sweetest Music, Softly Stealing Chancel Choir
Closing Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High UMH 238 vv. 1,3, 4
Benediction Rev. Frank Bernat
Postlude NeeCee Delk
Guest Instrumentalists: Brass Quartet: Wallace Conrath, Marion English, Tim McKinney, and Chris Plummer Cellist: Laura Pyper Violinist: Becca Smith
The flowers in the Narthex have been given by Brian, Kelley, Anne Marie and Jay Tison, in honor of Curtis and Virginia Pruett, and in memory of R. Harold Harrison and Susie and Luther Harrison.
Worship Bulletin │ 6
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 │ 1:00 PM │ SANCTUARY
Welcome and Opening Prayer Ben Wilcox
Lesson 1
First Guest: Doug The Donkey
Song What Child Is This Children's Choir
Lesson 2
Second Guest: Carl The Cow
Song Away in A Manger Children's Choir
Chime Lullaby Children's Handbell Choir
Lesson 3
Third Guest: Sam the Sheep
Offering Prayer
Offering Song Go Tell It on the Mountain UMH 251
Lesson 4
Fourth Guest: Cody the Camel
Song Joy To The World Children's Handbell Choir
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Lesson 5
Sacrament of Holy Communion Rev. Matt Parker
We are a church of open communion and invite all who wish to partake to do so. When the Pastor invites you forward, proceed down the aisle as the usher directs you and receive the elements by taking a piece of bread and dipping it in the cup. Afterwards, you may kneel at the altar for as long as you wish. An usher will give you a candle as you return to your pew
Closing Prayer Allison Smith
Closing Remarks Ben Wilcox
Song We Wish You a Merry Christmas Children's Choir
PLEASE JOIN US
IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
FOR CAKE
AS WE CELEBRATE JESUS’ BIRTHDAY.
Worship Bulletin │ 8
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 │ 5:00 PM │ WORSHIP CENTER
Opening Song We Three Kings 9:30 Band
Welcome Rev. Matt Parker
Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle Jarratt & Brenda Pryor
Worship thru Song 9:30 Band
O Holy Night
Angels We Have Heard on High
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Frank Bernat
Giving Back Hallelujah Christmas 9:30 Band
Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-20 Ben Wilcox
Message “So This Is Christmas” Rev. Bernat
Lighting of the Christ Candle The Wilcox Family
Worship Bulletin │ 9
Sacrament of Holy Communion
We are a church of open communion and invite all who wish to partake to do so. When the Pastor invites you forward, proceed down the aisle as the usher directs you and receive the elements by taking a piece of bread and dipping it in the cup. Afterwards, you may kneel at the altar for as long as you wish. An usher will give you a candle as you return to your pew.
Candlelighting Ceremony
This is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ. The ushers will light candles at the end of each pew.
Light will then be passed from one person to the next. To prevent hot wax spills, keep the lit
candle upright and tip the unlit candle into the flame of the lit one.
Song Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
Benediction Rev. Bernat
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.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 │ 7:00 PM │ SANCTUARY
Prelude / Bringing in the light NeeCee Delk, Katie Wilson
Litany for Christmas Eve Rev. Matt Parker
Leader: He’s coming! He’s coming! The Savior of the world is coming! People: Let us prepare our hearts to greet him!
Leader: He comes to each one of us, healing and restoring our lives! People: Praise be to God for God’s mighty gift to us.
Leader: O Come, Prince of Peace, bring your light to us! People: We are ready to receive you in our lives! Amen.
Invocation Rev. Parker
Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being
born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and
likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen.
Welcome Rev. Frank Bernat
Lighting of 4th Advent Candle Dwight & Karen Austin
*Opening Hymns O Little Town of Bethlehem UMH 230
Away in a Manger UMH 217
Christmas Eve Affirmation Rev. Parker
I believe in a God who loved mankind so dearly that He sent us His only son to become
one of us and dwell among us. I believe that this deep and abiding love is the same
love that led Christ to lay down His life as a sacrifice to save us all from the grip of
sin and death.
I believe that the life of Christ and the sacrifice that He made for us are the model for
our own lives and how we live them. I believe that this gift, the offering of our
whole selves, is how we become the hands and feet of Christ to the world.
I believe that in reflecting and celebrating Advent, we are challenged to bring hope,
love, joy, and peace beyond the church walls and out into the world. I believe that
our God is great and powerful. He is mighty and able to create all that was and will
ever be, but He is humble enough to be here with us, Emmanuel, born as a baby,
laid in a manger. May we ever praise Him. Amen
*Please stand as you are able. Worship Bulletin │ 11
.
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Parker
*Offertory Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing UMH 240
*Offertory Prayer Rev. Bernat
Offertory Special Music Christ is Born This Holy Night Chancel Choir
Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-20 (pg. 724) Rev. Parker
Message “So This Is Christmas” Rev. Bernat
Lighting of Christ Candle The Bernat Family
Sacrament of Holy Communion UMH 13
We are a church of open communion and invite all who wish to partake to do so. When the Pastor invites you forward,
proceed down the aisle as the usher directs you and receive the elements by taking a piece of bread and dipping it in the cup.
Afterwards, you may kneel at the altar for as long as you wish. An usher will give you a candle as you return to your pew.
Candlelighting Ceremony
This is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ. The ushers will light candles at the end of each pew. Light will then
be passed from one person to the next. To prevent hot wax spills, keep the lit candle upright and tip the
unlit candle into the flame of the lit one.
*Closing Hymn Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
*Benediction Rev. Bernat
*Postlude Katie Wilson
BFUMC Highlights │ 12
Poinsettias 2017
The Poinsettias placed in the Chapel, Worship Center, and Sanctuary have
been purchased In Honor or In Memory of loved ones. Please take a moment to
reflect on the people that have been touched by their lives.
Shirley Alcorn
In Honor of Beth Whitehead
Clara Allen
In Memory of Bud Allen
In Memory of Donnie Allen
Hazel Allen
In Memory of Herman Allen
In Memory of Fred & Edna Allen
In Memory of Chester & Pearl Pruett
Janice Allen & Family
In Honor of Hazel Allen
In Memory of Herman Allen
Phillip, J.J. & Drew Baker
In Memory of Beverly Baker
In Memory of Lucy “Granny” Baron
Lynne Bell
In Honor of Charles Bell
Charles & Lynne Bell
In Memory of Billie & Helen Bell
In Memory of Patsy Clifford
In Memory of Charles (Bubba) Bell
In Memory of Mitch Williams
In Memory of Mike Thornton
In Memory of Bud Allen
In Memory of Donnie Allen
Allen & Fran Bower
In Honor of Lee, Kyle, & Finn Bower
In Honor of Chris, Libby, Hannah, & Lily Myers
In Honor of Leeon & Frances Pruett
In Memory of Sandy Lee Pruett
The Brannon Family
In Honor of Johnny & Jennifer Brannon
In Honor of Roger & Carol Meadows
In Honor of Roger, Christie, Lily, & Kaya Meadows
Coach & Lu Connerley
In Memory of Bob & Helen Connerley
In Memory of Bill & Reba Henley
Amie Conteh
In Memory of Abdul M. Funna
John & Sue Dalton
In Honor of Marcella Jean Gamboe
In Memory of James Gamboe
Cathleen Gillespie
In Honor of Ruth Gillespie
In Memory of Clark Gillespie
BFUMC Highlights│ 13
Donna & Randy Thompson
In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. William T. Esco
In Memory of Watson Thompson
The Tyler Family
In Memory of Danny & Ann Daniel
Susan & Don Wages
In Honor of Jane Odum
In Honor of Meridith Wages
In Memory of Phil Elam
In Memory of Jim Odum
In Memory of Jan Stewart
In Memory of Will Wages
In Memory of Hazel & Jerome Wages
Kay Louise Wall
In Honor of Hazel Allen & Family
In Honor of Beth & Tommy Buchanan
In Honor of Betty Kelly
In Honor of Leeon & Frances Pruett
The Watson Family
In Memory of Angela Watson
Cecil & Judy Williams
In Memory of Barry Brent Williams
In Memory of Bryan Thomas Williams
Diana & Greg Gregerson & Kevin Haynes
In Memory of Angela Watson
John & Shirley Griffing
In Honor of Our Children
In Honor of Our Grandchildren
The Harns Family
In Honor of The Ferber Family
In Honor of The Harns Family
Emily Helton
In Memory of Ron Helton
Victoria Jacobs
In Memory of Amanda Clark
In Memory of Jamie Josey
Linda Johnson
In Memory of Jody Gow
In Memory of Phillip Gow
In Memory of Sandy Gow
Emily & Grayson Jones
In Honor of Lynn Smith
Marvin & Nancy Keech
In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. W.F. Dickert
In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Keech
Ruth Pugh
In Honor of A Closer Walk with God S.S. Class
In Honor of Beth Hinch
In Honor of Alan & Tiffany Mincey
Dick Schulz
In Memory of Gina Schulz
Lynn Smith & Family
In Memory of Thomas Lee “Cotton” Smith
BFUMC Highlights │ 14
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 8:30 am Holy Communion Service
9:30 am Contemporary Worship Service
11:00 am Contemporary Worship Service
11:00 am Traditional Worship Service
Newborn through Age 4 │ Nursery Available for All Services
PreK through 5th Grade │ AdventureLand at 9:30 am & 11:00 am
NEW SERMON SERIES BEGINNING JANUARY 2018
UNLOCKED │ What is discipleship and what does it mean to grow as a
disciple? Discipleship is a lifelong process of following Jesus as we grow in our understanding of God and how God works in our lives. But knowing where to start and discovering the next step is not always easy. In this series, we will discuss the five keys to help you unlock the discipleship process and live abundantly.
At Bethlehem First UMC, these keys to discipleship are our core values:
Worship, Invite, Nurture, Grow, and Serve. All of our ministries are
focused on these five keys and we want to invite you to unlock the
potential for spiritual growth in your life using the keys to discipleship.
BFUMC Highlights│ 15
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT GROW GROUPS
Bethlehem First UMC offers multiple options for growth on Sunday mornings.
There are groups that meet at 9:30 and 11:00 and all of our groups meet on the
church campus with childcare provided.
9:30 Grow Groups
A Closer Walk with God │Adults of all ages and
marital status are welcome. The goal of this group is to
grow in faith by means of Bible study, Christian
fellowship, and sharing life experiences, if desired.
College and Career │This group is for anyone in the
18-25 year old range who attends a post secondary
school or is already in the work force.
Friendship Group │Couples and single adults. Ages range from 60s and up. All
ages and marital status are welcome to attend. Our class study utilizes Wesley Bible
Curriculum. We also meet most third Friday evenings for a meal and fellowship.
Joy Group │A group for women of all ages. Finding the way to deepen our
relationship with Jesus-Others-Yourself is our primary objective. We strive to
understand the scriptures in a way that applies to our lives in today’s world.
Just Say Jesus │This group is designed for singles and couples who are facing the
everyday challenges of life in a world that is getting more complex by the minute,
and are seeking Biblical guidance to face the storms and triumphs. A Christ-
centered journey through these years of responsibility and growth can impact the
next decades with a future of peace and assurance. This group will follow a Biblical
path to combine the issues of today with the wisdom of the Bible.
Open Door Group │This group is made up of singles, couples, male and females
of all ages. Our goal is to dig deeper and learn more about our Lord, His word, and
where we fit into this world. With open, inquisitive minds, loving hearts and a quest
for truth, we march on.
Shared Journey │Adults of all ages and marital status are welcome. The goal of
Shared Journey is to grow in faith by means of Bible study, Christian fellowship,
and sharing life's experiences, if comfortable.
BFUMC Highlights │ 16
Wesley Group │Older couples and single adults, ages range from 60s and up. All
ages and marital status are welcome. We welcome new members and love active
participation in Sunday School and other STARS (Seniors That Are Really Special)
activities. We are a class that strives hard to practice the commandment of "Loving
one’s neighbor as thyself."
11:00 Grow Groups
AdventureLand Parents Class │This group is designed for
parents of children in grades preK-5th grade and will follow
closely the curriculum being taught to children in
AdventureLand on Sunday mornings. The goal of this group
is to help families grow in faith together by promoting
discussion in the home.
Just Say Jesus │This group is designed for singles and couples who are facing the
everyday challenges of life in a world that is getting more complex by the minute,
and are seeking Biblical guidance to face the storms and triumphs. A Christ-centered
journey through these years of responsibility and growth can impact the next decades
with a future of peace and assurance. This group will follow a Biblical path to
combine the issues of today with the wisdom of the Bible.
MORE GROW GROUPS
Ladies Bible Study Groups Tuesdays│9:15- 11:00 a.m. │Andrea Tyler │ andrea@georgiafan.com
Wednesdays │ 7:00 –8:00 p.m. │Lizzy Sutton │ lsutton@hebronlions.org
Meets every other Wednesday. Contact Lizzy Sutton for schedule
Crochet Groups Wednesdays │9:00 - 11:00 a.m.│June Baggett │ jwbaggett@windstream.net
Wednesdays │ 6:30 –8:00 p.m.│Mary Lee Howard │ maryleehoward@comcast.net
Open Prayer Group Wednesdays │6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.│Amanda Brannon │ abrannon16@gmail.com
BFUMC Highlights│ 17
CHILDREN
4 Years Old—5th Grade
Sunday Mornings 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
JANUARY IN ADVENTURELAND
God keeps all His promises and puts His
plans into action. Because God has kept His
promises to us, we can make a plan and stick
to it. One of the best plans you can make is
to commit to an ongoing relationship with
Jesus. Commit to practicing faith by reading
God’s word, praying to Him consistently,
talking about Him with friends, and living out
your faith every day.
January 7 │ How can you hear from God? │Matthew 7:24-27
January 14 │ How do you pray to God? │Luke 11:1-4
January 21 │ Who can you talk with about God? │Matthew 16:13-20
January 28 │ How can you live for God? │Mark 12:41-44
All children PreK – 5th grade are welcome to join us at 9:30 and/or 11:00 each
Sunday.
Save the dates
Easter Eggstravaganza – March 24, 1:00-2:30pm
Rolling River Rampage VBS – June 3– 7
BFUMC Highlights │ 18
YOUTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL
ICE SKATING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm All middle and high school students are invited to come ice skating with us! On
Sunday, January 7th, we will gather at 5:00 PM in the BFUMC Stars Cafe. We will
leave on the church bus for Athens, eat dinner, and skate at the Classic Center.
Parents can meet us at 8:30 PM in the BFUMC parking lot to pick up their
children. You will only need to bring $20 for food and ice skating. Dress warm
and wear thick socks!
YOUTH SCHEDULE 2018
Sundays 9:30 AM Sunday School │9:30-10:30 AM │Room 130
2:30 PM Youth Worship Practice │2:30 - 3:30 PM │Worship Center
3:45 PM Youth Bells │3:45-4:30 PM │Sanctuary
5:00 PM Sunday Night Live │5:00-7:00 PM │Gym
Wednesdays 6:30 PM Wednesday Night Live │6:30-8:00 PM
Bible Study, Prayer, Games
6:30 PM Confirmation │6:30-8:00 PM│Room 129
6:30 PM Parent Confirmation Class │6:30-8:00 PM│Room 128B
Check Out Our Website .......................................... bfumcyouth.weebly.com
Like Us On Facebook ......................................... facebook.com/bfumcyouth
Follow Us On Instagram .......................................................... @bfumc.youth
Youth Director
Zach Drummond │ 404-783-0028
zach.drummond@bethlehemfirstumc.com
BFUMC Highlights│ 19
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday—Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Senior Pastor │Rev. Frank Bernat
Associate Pastor │ Rev. Matt Parker
Children’s Ministry Director │ Ben Wilcox
Youth Ministry Director │ Zach Drummond
Preschool & Kindergarten Director │ Lizzy Sheffield
After School Ministries Director │ Sandy Mabry
FITNESS CENTER HOURS Monday—Thursday 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fitness/Rec Director │ Anissa Sullivan
annissa.sullivan@bethlehemfirstumc.com
General emails may be sent to: info@bethlehemfirstumc.com To send an email to an individual director: firstname.lastname@bethlehemfirstumc.com
ON THE WEB www.bethlehemfirstumc.com
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
@bethlehemfumc
SEND US AN E-MAIL info@bethlehemfirstumc.com
COME AND VISIT US
709 Christmas Avenue Bethlehem, GA 30620
CALL US
770-867-3727