Christmas Eve at Bethlehem0r.b5z.net/i/u/10108627/f/Christmas_Eve_Services...Christmas Eve Affirmation Jennifer Wildeboer I believe in God whose light shines in the darkness, and the

*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


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.


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.



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


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.



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


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


.


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


.

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


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.


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.


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 │ [email protected]

Wednesdays │ 7:00 –8:00 p.m. │Lizzy Sutton │ [email protected]

Meets every other Wednesday. Contact Lizzy Sutton for schedule

Crochet Groups Wednesdays │9:00 - 11:00 a.m.│June Baggett │ [email protected]

Wednesdays │ 6:30 –8:00 p.m.│Mary Lee Howard │ [email protected]

Open Prayer Group Wednesdays │6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.│Amanda Brannon │ [email protected]


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


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

[email protected]


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

[email protected]

General emails may be sent to: [email protected] To send an email to an individual director: [email protected]

ON THE WEB www.bethlehemfirstumc.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

@bethlehemfumc

SEND US AN E-MAIL [email protected]

COME AND VISIT US

709 Christmas Avenue Bethlehem, GA 30620

CALL US

770-867-3727

Christmas Eve at Bethlehem0r.b5z.net/i/u/10108627/f/Christmas_Eve_Services...Christmas Eve Affirmation Jennifer Wildeboer I believe in God whose light shines in the darkness, and the

Documents