The Bethel Beacon

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The Bethel Beacon

Bethel United Methodist Church May – June, 2015

Among the prayers that I’ve read, one that really sticks in my mind was written by Rev. Eric Milner-White (April 23, 1884 – June 15, 1963) sometime in the last century. It starts like this:

O Lord, your wondrous birth means nothing unless we are born again, your death and sacrifice mean nothing unless we die to sin, your resurrection means nothing if you be risen alone…

One could spend quite a bit of time meditating on these opening words, and I hardly have the space in this newsletter to render any thorough exposé of their meaning, but they affect me deeply. They express in a very succinct way the significance of Jesus Christ.

Or the insignificance, depending upon your faith.

What I like about Rev. Milner-White’s prayer is that it states the significance of faith in such stark terms; Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection mean nothing if we don’t respond to these truths. If a Christian is but a person who affirms a creed, who believes that a certain first century Jew from Galilee was the Son of God who died on a cross and rose on the third day, we are to be pitied most among human beings, because to believe in those events tells us little about the nature of God or about God’s relationship with us or about the nature of salvation, and it inspires no one to

change, to grow, or develop into the person God intends us to be. What does it mean for us to be saved? What does it mean for us to be born anew? What does it mean for us to be resurrected? To settle on the notion that all this has to do with what transpires after we die is not at all satisfying because it has no relevance to this life. If I only profess Jesus as my Savior and Lord without actually sacrificing my will to his, I cannot claim to be born again. If I only profess that Jesus died for my sins without surrendering those sins to him at the foot of the cross, I cannot claim to have died to sin. And if I do not proclaim the Risen Savior through my actions and my words (yea, even through my thoughts), I can hardly claim to have risen to new life in the here and now.

Every Easter I am overjoyed to see so many folks come to worship the Risen Christ, but my joy is tempered in the weeks that follow Easter as things get back to “normal,” and I wonder if anyone’s needs were truly met, if anyone’s spiritual hunger was satisfied, and if anyone’s “cup runneth over.” I hope so, and I hope that we, as a church, embody the Risen Savior and inspire others to be born anew, to die to sin, and to rise with Christ. I’m inspired by so many of the people at Bethel who really do embody the Risen Christ, those who know and love Jesus. You are the ones who sustain the faith of so many. You are kingdom-dwellers and kingdom-builders. Yours in Christ,

Easter People, Raise Your Voices!

In this edition…

Pastor’s thoughts……1 Calendar…………………2 Bethel News………..3-5 Birthdays…………..……5 Our Covenant…………6 Prayer requests………6 Events and info…….…7 Church info………….… 8

Eric Milner-White

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May 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1. 6 a.m. prayers 2. Spring Festival 5 p.m. Worship

3. Fifth Sunday of Easter Baptism of Chris Tatarka Jr 11:00 Worship 3 p.m. clergy gathering in the Bronx

4. 6 a.m. prayers

5. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Bible Study (241 Bethel)

6. 6 a.m. prayers

7. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. worship planning 2 p.m. SICC Meeting (2187 Victory Blvd.)

8. 6 a.m. prayers

9. Children’s night 5 p.m. Worship 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Movie

10. Sixth Sunday of Easter Mother’s Day 11:00 Worship

11. 6 a.m. prayers

12. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Bible Study (241 Bethel Ave)

13 6 a.m. prayers 11 a.m. Women’s league 4 p.m. Clergy meeting (51 Cottage Pl)

14 Ascension of the Lord 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. worship planning 6 p.m. Confirmation

15. 6 a.m. prayers 6 p.m. Project Hospitality Intake meal

16. 5 p.m. Worship

17. Ascension Sunday Girl Scout Sunday 11:00 Worship 1:00 p.m. Confirmation

18. 6 a.m. prayers

19. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. Nominations (at the Quicks) 7 p.m. Bible Study (at 241 Bethel Ave)

20. 6 a.m. prayers 11 a.m. Women’s league 7:30 p.m. Church council

21. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. worship planning 6:30 Visioning gathering (241 Bethel Ave.)

22. 6 a.m. prayers

23 5 p.m. Worship

24. Day of Pentecost Native American Sunday 9:45 Team Bethel 11:00 Worship

25. 6 a.m. prayers

26. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Bible Study (at 241 Bethel Ave)

27. 6 a.m. prayers 11 a.m. Women’s league

28. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. worship planning

29. 6 a.m. prayers

30. Movie Night 5 p.m. Worship 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Movie

31. Trinity Sunday 9:45 Team Bethel 11:00 Worship (Team Bethel leads praise)

June 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1. 6 a.m. prayers

2. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Bible Study (at 241 Bethel Ave)

3. 6 a.m. prayers

4. 6 a.m. prayers 10 a.m. worship planning 2 p.m. SICC Meeting (2187 Victory Blvd.)

5. 6 a.m. prayers

6. Children’s night 5 p.m. Worship 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Movie

7. Second Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 Worship

8. 6 a.m. prayers

9. 6 a.m. prayers

10. NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE 11 a.m. Women’s League

11. NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE



14. Third Sunday after Pentecost Sunday School Graduation 11:00 Worship

15. PASTOR ON VACATION






21. Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Father’s Day 11 a.m. worship







28. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 11 a.m. Worship

29. 6 a.m. prayers

30. 6 a.m. prayers

All events are held at Bethel United Methodist Church unless indicated

What’s on the Radar?

Lectionary Readings for May - June, 2015 May 2 & 3 May 9 & 10 May 16 & 17 May 23 & 24 May 30 & 31 June 6 & 7 June 13 & 14 June 20 & 21 June 27 & 28

Acts 8:26-40

Psalm 22:25-31

1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8

Acts 10:44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17

Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53

Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12- 15), 16-20, (11:14-15) Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 Mark 4:26-34

1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 Psalm 9:9-20 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43

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Bethel News

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Our Lenten Walk Leads Us to Easter Celebration!

Our worship theme throughout the Lenten season has been “Walking with Jesus,” and the congregation was asked

to reflect upon their faith walk and, if so inspired, share their story with the congregation. Every week someone

shared their testimony of how they had come closer to Jesus over the years, and in the sharing we have all drawn

closer together. Some even used a shoe, boot, or sandal to illustrate their walk with Jesus.

Ken Quick explains how God led him

to become a police officer.

Beginning the first week of Lent, special prayer times were set up on Wednesdays and Thursdays so that those who needed prayer and fellowship could find it, and new member classes were offered on Wednesday evenings. Special services were planned and held through-out Holy Week. We began with a Procession of the Palms on Palm Sunday, which quickly shifted into readings and reflections on the Passion of our Lord. On Holy Thursday, quite a few friends came to share food and fellowship – we sang hymns, read scripture, shared stories, and prayed while we broke bread together in the sanctuary. Good Friday service was planned and conducted by the South Shore Methodist Council and hosted by Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Pleasant Plains. The format was the Stations of the Cross, and the theme was “Were You There?” Worshipers from various South Shore churches, including folks from Saint Paul’s UMC, Rossville AME Zion Church, Woodrow UMC, and Bethel UMC, joined to hear the story of Jesus’ last day on earth before the Resurrection and sing praises. One participant shared that it was the most moving Good Friday service she had ever attended. A somber Holy Saturday vigil was held on Saturday early evening, then our not-so-somber children gathered for egg-painting, fellowship dining, and a movie. And finally came Easter. As worshipers gathered at 6 a.m. to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, Greg Adams and Eric Lambertson prepared breakfast. The coffee was particularly helpful. Later that morning so many of the faithful gathered to joyfully celebrate the greatest day in history, when our Lord rose victorious from the tomb! The choir sang, the children presented, and all worshiped and rejoiced. After the service, as the greater share of the congregation enjoyed refreshments and fellowship the young children went on an Easter egg hunt. The celebration continues, every day of the week, every hour of the day. Christ has risen indeed!

Bethelites broke bread together in a solemn

Holy Thursday dinner and worship service.

Carol Blankenhorn conducts the Easter Choir

while Bea Jay accompanies on piano.

J.J. Leary surveys the spoils of an

Easter Egg hunt.

Children gather on Holy Saturday for

egg-painting, dinner, and a movie.

The Sunday School children prepared and

presented an inspiring Easter Pageant

Friends and family gather to celebrate on

Easter morning. Remember, every Sunday is a

little Easter.

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More Bethel News

On w

Confirmation Students Take Field Trip to D.C.

Women’s League Working to Fight Breast Cancer

The Bethel Women’s League has been busy with an assortment of crafts

to help folks in our community and beyond. Most recently the ladies have

been making chocolate-covered pretzels and lollipops which will be on

sale at the Spring Festival to raise money for breast cancer research and

treatment. Also on sale will be bracelets, earrings, hats and scarves to

support the cause. They’ve also been crocheting lap blankets which they

will be providing to nursing homes in the area. The Bethel Women’s

League is a splendid way to find fellowship and help others. Upcoming

meeting dates: May 13th & 27th, and June 10th & 24th. Meetings begin at

11 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. Please join us with your ideas,

suggestions and talents! For more info, call 718-984-1277.

“Trim the Fat” Fundraiser Brings in an Even Grand

Thanks to the generosity of so many friends, Bethel

was able to raise $1000 for UMCOR’s “Imagine No

Malaria” campaign. Beginning in March, Pastor Matt

began dieting, and folks pledged per pound of weight

lost. In the end the pastor dropped fifteen pounds.

Bethel took on the challenge made by Bishop Jane

Allen Middleton for all churches in the conference to

raise $10 per member. On April 22nd, Bishop Thomas

Brickerton representing the United Methodist Church

presented a check for $9.6 million to the Geneva-based

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Bethel’s contribution to “Imagine No Malaria” this

year exceeds last year’s contribution by leaps and

bounds and will go a long ways toward eradicating

these diseases. Splendid work, Church!

The Lord Has Called Home…

Nancy Ford Helen Beattie 12/23/56-3/10/15 12/7/1926-2/1/15

May 2nd Is Our Spring Festival!

Remember to come join in the fun! Start with a hot breakfast (beginning at 8 a.m.) and enjoy chatting with your neighbors. Once you’ve finished, drop by the bake table and pick up a dessert for Mother’s Day. Then visit the many venders who will be set up outside the church along Amboy Road and Bethel Avenue to pick up some more things for Mom, or your friends, or even yourself. Take a break and have a cup of coffee. It’s on the house! Then pick out a nice plant or two or three for Mom, or something to plant in your garden. Have a seat and enjoy the weather. Then come back inside and have a pulled pork barbecue sandwich, or a hot dog, and enjoy meeting more neighbors. We’re sure you’ll have a great time. See you on Saturday!

It was a very, very, very long day.

On April 6th Pastor Matt and the

confirmation students went on a

field trip to Washington D.C. with

in order to visit the staff of the UM

General Board on Church and

Society (in Methodese, that’s the

GBCS). The group started bright and early, catching the 4:31 train from Nassau Station,

then onto the ferry, then the subway, then the Port

Authority, and onto a Greyhound Bus at 7 a.m. which

arrived in Washington D.C. around noon. The first

stop was Senator Chuck Schumer’s office, where they

procured gallery passes for the

House and Senate chambers.

Then to lunch, and then to meet

with Clayton Childers, the

Director of Annual Conference

relations, who shared with the confirmation students some of the history of the GBCS, the Social Principles which the United Methodist Church embraces, and some of the activities that the Board is involved with. Next was a tour of the Capital Building (including a view of the House and Senate chambers, which were not in session), a short walk down to the Mall, then to Union Station for dinner and a long wait for the bus ride back to New York.

It was a trip that the students

won’t forget any time soon

(in part because it was very

long!) and will hopefully

encourage them to be socially

conscious disciples of Christ.

Please keep them in prayer!

We mourn the loss of two wonderful women who were

great blessings to our church and community. On

February 1st the Lord called home Helen Beattie and on

March 10th he summoned Nancy Ford. Our prayers go

out to their families and their many friends.

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Upcoming Birthdays

Alissa Stapleton……….…..…..……..May 20th

Eileen Tatarka………………….…….May 20th

Gregory Adams………..…….….…….June 6th

Dawn Lagno…….……….……………June 14th

John Cipully….….……….…………...June 14th

Leah Janvier….…………….………….June 19th

Shannon Quick……....…….….…….June 22nd

Cindy Lubniewski............................June 28th

Ava Ortiz…………….….……………..June 30th

If your birthday is in May or June and

is not listed here, call (718) 984-1277

or email [email protected]

to inform the pastor.

Save the Date: June 14th Sunday School Graduation / Confirmation

On Sunday, June 14th we celebrate the completion of another successful year of Sunday School, and the graduation of the first confirmation class in awhile.

We hope you can join us to honor and recognize our wonderful children and our creative, dedicated staff.

New Members Welcomed

On April 26th Bethel welcomed two new members to our church family, Dawn Lagno and her niece, Aliyah Lagno. Dawn has been active with Bethel as well as other churches in New York/New Jersey and is now officially Methodist by affirmation of faith. Aliyah is active in our Sunday School and was baptized on Sunday. She will begin confirmation class this fall and be given the opportunity to become a confessing member of Bethel when classes are completed.

On Sunday May 3rd we will welcome another new member as young Christopher Tatarka, Jr. receives the sacrament of holy baptism.

THE VISIONING PROCESS IS UNDER WAY

Support Mountains of Hope for Haiti

Bethel United Methodist Church is sending Pastor Matt to represent the church though Mountains of Hope for Haiti, a mission of the New York Annual Conference. Haiti is regarded as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Most of the population lives on less than $2 per day without adequate food, shelter, water, or health facilities.

school to purchase chalkboards, desks, class- room supplies, and materials to repair the gutters. They will also conduct VBS and provide a community meal while there. It is hoped that Bethel becomes a permanent sponsor of Missions of Hope for Haiti and that we can build strong bonds of friendship with the wonderful community in Furcy.

Since 2002 the New York Annual Conference has been actively involved with Mountains of Hope for Haiti,

sending mission teams to address the needs of the Haitian people. MHH is centered in the village of Furcy,

about 30 miles southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The village is only accessible by horse, foot, or four-

wheel drive vehicle. There is no running water and no electricity, but thanks to MHH there is a health clinic, a

school, and a Methodist church. Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy, besides devastating many of the crops and

causing extensive soil runoff, damaged the school, the store, and the cookhouse. The group who will be going

down in from July 1-8 will be focusing on repairing the school and providing financial support in order for the

Church members met on April 23

rd at the parsonage to begin a prayerful

process of visioning, that is, asking God to open our eyes to his will for us in this community at this time. The meeting was led by Rev. Derrick-Lewis Noble, the New York Annual Conference’s Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization. Derrick will continue to lead us in this process, which is open to all members of Bethel. Our next meeting will be MAY 21

ST at 6:30 P.M.

at the parsonage. If you’d like to join us in this process, call 718-984-1277.

Even More Bethel News

mailto:[email protected]

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Our Covenant To faithfully share our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service,

and our witness to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Prayers

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Please pray for Jim Cawse, Howie Johnsen, Janine Mangi, Kim Thomas, Joan Jorgensen, Al Sheppard, Carol Plumb, Donald & Mae Bruckmann, Mildred & Gordon Ekstrand, Tom Ryan, Joseph Ippolito, Larry Cashdollar, Carmen Matheny Gaines & Glen Gaines, Dr. Clifford Marbut, Rebecca Nichols’ mother, Nick Petri, John Peterson, Jim Snyder, Charles Cirillo, Michael Restagno, Lauren O’Connor, Karen Popper, Keith Alaimo, Arlene Wilson, Cara Bilella, Mary Ward, Kevin Monahan, Ryan Logan Burkheart, Vivian & Rose Alaimo, Damaris Camilleri, Tom Rochford, Paul Geidel, Mary Givaldi, Judy Bradley, Pete Resch, John & Robin Pierino, Mabel Lagno, Dennis Sheeran, Lisa Stahlecker, Jamie Lee, Annie Torsney, Bernie Sylva, Pastor John Calhoun, Josephine Gallo, Elise Weiser, T.J. Spurdis, the Lambertson family, Cristian Perullo, Flavia Laterza, Jason Braadt, Alex Henoumont, Sarah Hatele, Elaine Rogers, Loretta Eagan, Mark Barringer, Julie Torres and her father, Donna Bergrin, Marian Johnson, Judy & Jeff Adolph, Al Gundersheimer, Roy Redman, Vickey Lorenz, Al Gaspari, Tony Ferreri, Luke Saunders, Rose Pane, Jean Houston, Wally and Gloria Eagle, Gemma Riley, Mary Schiavone, Eileen Guterl, Karen Jensen, Nicole Jensen, Phil Chavez, Tom Deluca, Elie Silverman, Phyllis Popson, Taya Johnson, Trish Noativita, Elazio Garcia, Madelaine Hebranko and family, Stephen Carroll, Frank Caldwell, Roshawn Hernandez, Margaret & Maureen Plunkett, Tara Beaumont, Janet Gale, Hector & Yvonne Rivera, Dan Rudolph, Michael Fuchs, Camille Maurino, Francisco Taylor, Alissa Refano, Louis Gonzalez, Mary Dyer, the family of Gladys Dahlquist, Kari Dalquist, Diane Gerardi, Paul Lol Norden, Valerie Espinoza, Naz Sael, John Higgins, Luis Ventura, Eladio Garcia, Jimmy Hills, Beth Cherrick, Don & Carol Josey, Peter Rocchio, Robert Helbig, Pearl Ameduri, Bill Carmeron, Caroline Hockins, Marion Iatauro, Ann Reimenschneider, our Sunday School, those living under repressive regimes, the Coptic Church, St. Mark’s UMC, those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, the people of Baltimore, those in prison, our elected officials, those struggling for human rights, those who are seeking employment, our service members, police officers, veterans, and their families.

Our Presence “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

As we strengthen the body of Christ through mutual encouragement so we strengthen our witness to the world and together work to build God’s kingdom.

Our Gifts

“‘Freely you have received. Freely give.’” (Matthew 10:8)

What gifts has God given you that you in turn can share with your neighbor? What bridges can you build? What good will can you instill that will bring joy and peace to others?

Our Service

“And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Are you glorifying God in every facet of your life? Are there still those that you have chosen to ignore or neglect? Pray that you could see Jesus in “the least of these.”

Our Witness “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

The irresistible attraction of Christ’s love draws us together,

and that love presents a powerful witness to those who

dwell in darkness. May the love of Christ so fill your heart

that his glory would be seen in you.

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on the last Saturday of each month as we bring you classic motion pictures

on the big screen.

Upcoming features:

May 9th

: Children’s Movie Night May 30

th: “Bringing Up Baby” (1938)

Worship at 5:00, Dinner at 6:00, movie at 7:00 For more info, or to make reservations, call 718-984-1277

For information about Children’s movie night, call Ken Quick at (917) 755-5628

SUPPORT ST. PAUL’S FOOD PANTRY The need is great.

BRING YOUR NONPERISHABLE GIFTS TO CHURCH

Leave them in the basket by the main door!

HELP THOSE STRUGGLING TO GET BY.

Thank you!

Consider what a few pennies can do.

Bethel’s long-established Penny Fund has helped the church to purchase

equipment that keeps our ministries going. Please bring in your spare

change and deposit it in the Penny Church in the back of the sanctuary.

Join our

Contemporary Worship Service Saturdays at 5 p.m.

Concentrating on basic

Praise, Prayer, & Preaching

Children’s Worship: first Saturday of the month.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8)

Coffee Anyone? Let’s show our appreciation for all the fine ladies who prepare coffee and goodies for everyone during Social Hour! What better way to say

“Thank You” than to bring a treat? There is a Social Hour

Sign Up Sheet on the clipboard in the fellowship hall. Or you can place a

donation In the basket on the table with all the goodies!

Thanks for your support, and enjoy!

Care to Join Us?

Team Bethel, our homegrown music troupe, always welcomes new folks.

NO AUDITION NECESSARY! Anyone interested in making a joyful noise to the Lord can join. THAT INCLUDES SINGERS!

Just come to our rehearsals (9:45 a.m. on the last three Sundays of each month)

or contact the Pastor at (718) 984-1277

Events and Information

for Pastors and Worship Teams

at Kennebunkport, Maine

with Dr. Marcia McFee

Sunday evening, August 30 – Wednesday noon, September 2, 2015

In each session, Marcia offers you the creative pre-work she has done with the history and theological significance of each season as well as an exploration of Revised Common Lectionary, Narrative Lectionary and non-lectionary themes. Then after steeping you in musical, verbal and visual resources, she sets you to working together with your team on the season.

Housing and meals are paid per person Single~$397 meals and housing

Double~$285 meals and housing

Please contact Pastor Matt ([email protected] / 718-984-1277) if interested.

Join the South Shore CSA

(Community Supported Agriculture)

Enjoy organically-grown produce all season long.

Deliveries come weekly right to Bethel Church

Registration open until June 1st

$630 for the whole season (22 weeks) Fruit share is an additional $210 (12 weeks)

For more info go to http://www.southshorecsa.org

Applications also available at the church!


http://www.southshorecsa.org/

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Bethel United Methodist Church

7033 Amboy Road Tottenville, Staten Island, NY 10307 Pastor: Matt Schaeffer

Bethel United Methodist Church 7033 Amboy Road

Tottenville, NY 10307 Office: (718) 984-1277

Parsonage: (718) 984-1354 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bethelumcsi.com

Sunday Schedule 11:00 A.M.: Worship

11:15 A.M.: Sunday School (after Children’s Sermon)

12:15 pm Social Hour

Saturday Worship: 5:00 P.M. Bible Studies: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. (at the church)

and at 7:00 p.m. (at the parsonage) Prayer Service: 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Monday-Friday

Church office hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays by appointment


http://www.bethelumcsi.com/

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