December 2018

The Epistle

Mt. Bethel UMC Newsletter

9042 NC HWY 127N

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 495-8941 Email address:

umcmtbethel@gmail.com

Website address:

www.mtbethelumc.org

Pastor: Rev Dale Bost Church (828) 495-8941

Home (828) 495-7435 Email: dbost@wnccumc.net

Secretary/Treasurer

Denise Lewis

Financial Secretary

Rhonda Reinhardt

Pianist

Wendy Moretz

Director of Music

Donna Reid

Youth Coordinator:

Candy Millsaps

Children’s Coordinator:

Nancy Johnson

ASC/SDC Director:

Kathy Travis

CDC Director: Summer Eldreth

Administrative Council

Chairman: Max Watson

Service Times:

Sunday

Coffee Social 8:30am

Sunday School 9:00am

Worship Service 10:00am UMYF 5:00pm

Choir Practice 6:00pm 2nd Sunday (except holidays)

God’s Kids Club

Page 1/December 2018 The Epistle

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Are you competitive at your home? Well, if you want to try a contest in your home, how about

seeing who can out-serve the other! The apostle Paul encourages: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really

love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and

take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10).

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), it wasn’t simply an act of kindness. He was

actually fulfilling a need the other people had refused to meet. It was customary in those days for the host of

a dinner party to have a servant wash the guests’ feet. There were no Reeboks or Nikes in those days. Men

and women wore leather sandals as they walked the dusty, often muddy, roads of the Holy Land. Nothing

felt better than to sink callused, throbbing feet into a cool basin of water and rinse away the cares of the

day. However, at Jesus’ last supper with His disciples, no servant was available to wash the guests’ feet,

and no one volunteered.

So God-made-man wrapped a towel around His waist and did what no one else was willing to do. He

washed the disciples’ feet. Afterward, He sat down and said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have

washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as

I have done for you” (John 13:14-15 NIV).

In Philippians 2:4, Paul tells us to look out for the interests of others, not just for our own. “Look

out for” is from the Greek word skopos, from which we get the words telescope and microscope. It means

to pay close attention. Whether we are using a telescope to get the big picture or a microscope for close

examination, the husband or wife of your spouse’s dreams pays close attention to their needs, desires,

dreams, joys, and sorrows. They look closely at their spouse’s heart and thinks of ways to serve them.

Serving doesn’t mean the bondage of slavery. As Jesus put on the towel and served His disciples, He

proved to us conclusively that God’s kind of serving love flows from choice, not coercion; from strength,

not weakness; from gladness, not guilt.

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and

running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke

6:38 NIV). It may be entirely possible for you to serve your spouse and not feel you are receiving anything

in return. However, your heavenly Father is always watching, and the measure you use to bless your spouse

will be used by your heavenly Husband to bless you in return.

Let’s Pray: Lord, please give me a servant’s heart. Show me ways that I can serve the most important per-

son in my life, and give me a humble heart to do it. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Well folks, the Advent and Christmas season is upon us. I don’t know about you but I cannot

squeeze much more into my December calendar. I encourage you to take some time to just step away from

the hustle and bustle, get away from the busy-ness and remember the Love that come down at Christmas for

our sakes. Then share that love with someone who is less fortunate or lonely. This is a joyous time of the

year for most people, but there is some who for various reasons find this to be a depressing and lonely time.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is

good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-

10). If we can only remember this, it can be a most wonderful time of the year for one and all.

Hannah and I would like to wish each of

you the most joyous Christmas with family and

friends as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and

Savior.

Love in Christ, Pastor Dale

The Epistle Page 2/September 2005

Page 2/December 2018

God’s Kids Club

Fall decorations

are now being replaced by Christmas decorations of

twinkling lights, Christmas trees, snowmen, reindeers,

Santa Claus, and most important - Nativity scenes. Let

us all remember the reason for the season - the birth of

Jesus.

The GKC (six energetic kids) along with two

UMYF's, fiv adults, and two dogs traveled to Hidden-

ite to enjoy all the activities available at Rocky Face

Mountain Recreational Area. After a picnic lunch we

hiked up the mountain on the Buzzard Loop Trail (3/10

mile) to the quarry overlook to enjoy the beautiful

countryside in the distance. We started back down the

mountain on the Buzzard Loop trail then switched over

to the Prison Camp Trail (1 mile) to get back to where

we started. We all enjoyed our time in the woods.

There was an occasional "are we there yet, how much

further, can we take a break," and one "I need a nap."

After we got out of the woods, it was on to the play-

ground area where the youngest all the way up to the

oldest went down the big slide. All the kids, UMYF's,

and one adult had fun on the zip line. The boys made a

roof with some planks over some rocks to make a shel-

ter. Ask the two UMYF's what happened to the ham-

mock.

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church is truly

blessed with some wonderful kids and youth. I had a

great time sharing this experience with them (and I got

over 10,000 steps).

The next GKC will be Sunday, December 16th,

which will be the Community Children's Christmas

Party at 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm. I hope to see all of

God's Kids there and bring a friend or two. Nancy Johnson

Children's Coordinator

MT BETHEL UMC COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Sunday, December 16 3:00-5:00PM

‘TWAS THE NIGHT ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the earth,

Every creature was stirring, awaiting a birth.

The time for Messiah was certainly near,

The prophets foretold it; the Bible was clear.

From the book of beginnings, the very first sin,

God’s word made it clear how His grace entered in.

Born of a virgin, He’d come as a man.

The Creator among us, the time was at hand.

The stars were arranged to show marvelous things,

Setting Wise Men to journey and find the true King.

Shepherds in Bethlehem gazed on the sky,

Longing to see him, their Lord the Most High.

How could they know that the very next night

An angel of God would speak words of delight?

How the Savior was born, it was news of great joy.

In a cloth and a manger they’d find the dear boy.

And a heavenly host would soon join to sing

Of the glory of God and of wonderful things.

He entered creation, set position aside

To show us how deeply his love did abide.

Sin sent us away from our almighty Lord.

He became one of us that we might be restored.

He’s the Prince of our Peace; He’s the one who makes whole.

He is Wisdom Incarnate, a Shepherd of Souls.

He’s the Author of Life; He’s the Ruler of All.

He can offer salvation, on His name we call.

The shepherds and Wise Men would bow to adore

Holy God among men, our greatest reward.

All glory and honor is due to this King.

Let all join in worship; let every tongue sing.

Jesus is Lord, all creation proclaims.

He’s the first and last, He is always the same.

History turned on the first Christmas day,

When God became man in a humble display.

As we think of the manger in which He was laid,

Let our hearts welcome Him to the world he made!

The Epistle

Page 3/December 2018

CHRISTMAS

WORSHIP &

CANTATA

SUNDAY, DEC 23 10:00AM

“JESUS, THERE’S

SOMETHING

ABOUT THAT NAME”

COME VISIT THE

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM

DRIVE-THRU FRIDAY – SUNDAY DECEMBER 7-9

6:30-9:00 NIGHTLY

FELLOWSHIP ADVENT

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SPONSORED BY THE BETHLEHEM COMM DEV ASSOC

AND BETHLEHEM AREA CHURCHES

MT BETHEL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER

21 4:00PM

Everyone is invited!

BETHLEHEM STAR LIGHTING

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 @ 7:00PM

In the field just north of Mt. Pisgah

Lutheran Church. Program will be by the

Bethlehem Community Church Choirs

directed by Donna Reid.

Mt Bethel UMC

“CHRISTMAS STAR DONATION”

For each name submitted in honor or memory of someone a star will be hung at a suggested donation of $5 per name. Please fill out form and drop

in offering plate along with donation by December 31st. Let’s see how many stars we can get! Distribu-

tion of the proceeds will be announced later . Donor: Memory of:

________________________________

______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Donor: Honor of:

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Total:________ Amount Paid:

MT BETHEL UMC COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday, December 16 3:00-5:00PM

Come join us for an afternoon with Christmas

Crafts, Games and Refreshments. This event is

an outreach/ministry of Mt. Bethel to ALL

the children of our community.

Volunteers are needed to help with the party. Anyone interested in volunteering

please see Nancy Johnson.

The Epistle Page 4/December 2018

UMYF

The Christmas drive through is right around the cor-

ner and we are in need of volunteers to help man our

booth on December 7th, 8th, and 9th. If you and a partner

are interested in signing up for a 30 minute time slot

please let me know. We need 10 volunteers to cover

each night. The drive through is a wonderful experience.

Volunteer and enjoy the walk through with your family

and friends.

Last year we began a new service outreach in part-

nership with The Hand of God Ministry. Over the past

12 months we have distributed 720 lunches to those in

need throughout Hickory. Recently the Boy Scouts have

been joining us to help pack lunches. Last month they

also donated Gatorade which was a huge hit…everyone

was excited to have something besides water. Because

the need in our area is growing, we will begin packing

80 lunches instead of the 60 we have been packing. Last

month we ran out of lunches before we completed our

route. Nancy Flowers has also reached out to help and

will be baking home-made cookies for us to include in

our lunches.

In addition the UMW has offered us much needed

items to hand out from the Thrift Store. So in addition to

lunches, we will head out once a month with men’s,

women’s, youth, and children’s clothing in order to help

clothe our friends throughout Hickory. We could also

use sleeping bags, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves, coats,

and any winter outwear you are not in need of. We will

have a box in front of the office every Sunday. I can

also pick up items if needed.

Please continue to be in prayer for this mission, the

homeless, and the low income families throughout our

area. It is going to be a very cold and long winter for so

many people. We thank you for your prayers and your

donations.

The group is excited to travel to Gatlinburg December

29-31 for Xtreme Winter Conference. The conference is

based on Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork,

created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God

prepared in advance for us to do.” This will be wonder-

ful time of fellowship and worship.

Here what’s coming up this month.

12/2/18: Regular meeting at 5pm

12/9/18: Feeding the homeless. Lunch, meeting, and

devotions to follow.

12/16/18: Christmas party 5pm

12/23/18: No youth.

12/29-12/31: Traveling to Gatlinburg, TN for Xtreme

Winter Grace and Peace of Christ,

Candy Millsaps, Youth Coordinator

JOY

(Just Older Youth)

JOY will be going to Old Salem for our

Christmas meeting on Tuesday, December

4th leaving the church at 8:00. This will

be an ALL DAY TRIP.

UMW

sponsored

CHURCH –WIDE

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

Served 8:00-9:30AM

Everyone is invited to come and join us for some great food and fellowship!!!

PACK 275

NEWS

Last month the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts

collected 1831 pounds of food for our local

food pantry! The Cub Scouts also had a great

time on a ropes course with several

zip lines. This month they will be having a

lot of fun getting ready for the holidays.

Page 5/December 2018

The Epistle

SAVE THE DATE — UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR …

JANUARY Tuesday, January 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thursday, January 3 Trustees Meeting 7:00PM

Sunday, January 6 Reaffirmation of Faith Sunday

Tuesday, January 8 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00PM

Thursday, January 10 CDC Meeting 6:30PM

Sunday, January 13 God’s Kids Club 11:30AM

Monday, January 14 UMM sponsored American Red Cross Bloodmobile 3-7:30PM

Tuesday, January 15VOW Committee Meeting 7:00PM

Thursday, January 17 Community Soup Supper 5:30PM

Sunday, January 20 Administrative Council Meeting 4:30PM

Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King’s Birthday Observance

Sunday, January 27 UMW Sunday

Bethlehem Community Sing 6:00PM at Bethlehem Church of God

FEBRUARY Sunday, Feb 3 Super Bowl Sunday, UMYF feeding the homeless Monday, Feb 4 JOY 10:30AM

Tuesday, Feb 5 S/PPRC Staff Evaluation Planning 7:00PM

Saturday, Feb 9 UMM sponsored Sweetheart Banquet 6:00PM

Sunday, Feb 10 Cub Scout Sunday followed by Hot Dog Lunch

GKC 11:30AM

Tuesday, Feb 12 Worship Committee 7:00PM

Thursday, Feb 14 CDC Meeting 6:30PM

Monday, Feb 18 S/PPRC Staff Evaluations 6:00PM

Tuesday, Feb 19 VOW Meeting 7:00PM

PRAYER LIST “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God”

IIl Health—Cort Hollar, Phyllis Miller, Michele Rodriquez, Gary Woods, Carolyn Sell, Angela Wise’s father, Zoe Ferguson, Wes

Starnes, Bob & Helen Steele, Carolyn Bolick, Barry & Holly Whitesides, Shannon Bolick, Diane Fox, Michele Kish, Rosalie John-

son (Mel Cofer’s mother), Larry Bolick, Sarah Moretz, Brittany Fox, Adalynn Mitzel, Bobby Winebarger, Doris Carrigan, Jill

Teague, Diane Rogers, Jamie Teeters, Macie Greene, Hazel Hubbard, Savanna Sigmon, Michael McKinney, Susan McLaughlin,

Brenden Flowers, Betty Cline, Rick Baker, Taylor Baker, Jennifer Bass, Lala Seagle, Wayne Martin

Home Members—Emily Armstrong, Mae Teague, Helen Sigmon, Allene Starnes, Susan Sigmon

Cancer—Christin Gates, Marshall Rudisill, Barbara Faulk, Jillian Woodring, Beth Wheeling, Abi Mecimore, Doug Stone, David

Shugart, Kevin Fox, Clay Wells, Bill Hefner (Jerry Hefner’s brother), Eddie Warren, Roger Johnson, Tonya Teague, Farrah Hefner,

Tayne Lackey, Linda Phelps, Hallie Hefner, Doris Kohnle, Zona Dirks,

Rev Dale Faulkenbury (Pastor at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church), Lisa Anderson, Cindy Shepherd, Mark Bolick (Beulah’s son),

Richard Puett, Tracy Lambert, Gail Sprouse, Mark Bolick

General Concern—Becky, Lexie & Jackson Ward, Lori Love, Steve Joyce, Rachel, Chris Starnes, Danny Bordner, Steve & Karen

Johnson & Grandson Dane, Lindsey & Ann Kirby, Neil Curtis Barnett, Kevin & Angie Barber, Greta Bowman, Eric Speagle, Mary

Ruth Little, Hurricane Michael victims, Krista Holcombe, Stephine Baker, Kathy Brady

Military—Ernest Jones, Logan Miller, Blaze Carswell, Colonel Neil Khatod, Jordan Hill, Amber

Keenan

Surgery & Recovery—Valerie Brust, Shorty Bolick, Mason Bowman (broken arm), Bonnie

Campbell

Deaths—Family of Shirlie Isenhour

1 Kevin & Tammy Beard

4 Rodney & Janet Bolick

9 Bruce & Martha Nell Bowman

11 John & Marcella Wood

18 Buddy & Marsha Bryant

20 George & Peggy Bowman

22 Lindsey & Ann Kirby

24 Thomas & Melanie Cofer

29 Dewitt & Sarah Moretz

Page 6/December 2018 The Epistle

AMERICAN RED CROSS

BLOOD DRIVE Sponsored by the UMM

January 14, 2019 3:00-7:30PM

www.redcrossblood.org & enter sponsor code: mtbethel

to schedule your appointment

WWW.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass To speed up your appointment (Must be done

the day of your appointment). Read and answer the

questions , print the pass or email it to yourself.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Joey Teague, Latt Moretz, Caroline Moretz,

Theodore Boliek

4 Jimmy Evans

6 Rev. Laura Auten, Debbie Davis

7 Mark Travis

8 Alice Deal, William Clayton Teague

9 Trevor Richey

10 Andrew Bolick, Courtney Penn

11 Beulah P. Bolick

13 Sylvia Evans

14 Todd McAuley, Mitchell Martin

15 Keith Reece, Judy Sigman

16 Frances Hall

21 Pam Lytton, Louann Teague, Steve Bolick,

Cindy Strout

23 Stuart Mozer

24 Masiyah Rae Adams

25 Tracy Lytton, Joey Deal

27 Ronnie Teague, Elijah Bolick

28 Jim Griffin

30 Judy Sipe

31 Andy Shook, Carrie Gibson

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & “MERRY

CHRISTMAS”

7th ANNUAL BETHLEHEM,

ALEXANDER COUNTY

OCTOBER 14, 2018 $7435 TOTAL

RAISED FOR

WORLD HUNGER

60 PARTICIPANTS

Mt. Bethel

United Methodist Church

NEW YEAR’S EVE

WATCH SERVICE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church 9042 NC HWY 127 Hickory, North Carolina 28601

Return Service Requested

Western North Carolina Conference

Title: The Epistle

Date: DECEMBER 2018

Issue: Volume 23 Issue 12 Published: Monthly with Exceptions

By: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church

9042 NC HWY 127 Hickory, NC 28601

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church

“Our Mission Statement”

“The mission of Mt Bethel United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor. We

believe that the heart of Christian ministry is Christ’s ministry of outreaching love. Together, we seek to be the expression of the mind and mission of Christ by living our daily lives in light of our

relationship with God.”