Winners - Team Us

Everyone had a great day at the 19th Annual Thompson Sheffield Softball Tournament this past Saturday! Teams and fans enjoyed competitive fun, food, and fellowship while participating in this year’s tournament featuring 12 teams. Along with the players, there were many volunteers who helped in several different capacities: from concession and nursery workers to umpires and scorekeepers. 

Thank you to all of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers! Your contributions will help us provide a better place for kids in the community to play organized sports in a Christian environment. Special thanks to tournament organizers Brian and Daisy Watson for all their hard work. In Jesus’ Name We Play!The tournament brought in $12,000 – all proceeds going to help Mt. Bethel’s Recreation Ministry.

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Mt. Bethel UMC Recreation

For the past 6 years, Mt. Bethel UMC, has asked and tried to answer some tough questions: How can we care for the hurting children and families in our communities? Is it solely the job of the local DFCS office to care for and protect children in our own back yard or is it the mandate of the local church to care for these hurting children (James 1:27)? As we continue to “Shift” to focusing on the family unit, how can we as families, individuals and as a body of Christ make an impact on a social problem this big? These questions are daunting, but a church like Mt. Bethel UMC can make a difference, and has.

Mt. Bethel is positioned to respond to this call for foster families and to support children and their birth families. We ask that you take some time this week to pray specifically for these children in crisis, their families and our ministry partners, FaithBridge Foster Care and DFCS. This is a wonderful time to involve your children in praying for children that could be walking beside them in school hallways. Right now, Cobb County children need a home, some for a little while and some forever and we know there is no better place to heal than in a good, solid Christian family.

If you would like to hear more about becoming a Mt. Bethel Foster Family or just find out ways in which your family can support a foster family, please come to a Foster Care Orientation from 6:30 to 8:00pm on May 16th, in room B118. Or feel free to call either of us for more information.

Jeff McKisson, FaithBridge Foster Care Ministry Advocate 678-642-0061
Julie Kirby, Foster Care Ministry Advocate 770-656-6305

You’ll be very busy helping with the crew leaders and the tech crew as well as assisting with dance, scenery design, acting, and snack set-up and clean up. We’re looking for leaders! Theater, dance, or music experience is a plus, but it is not mandatory. If you are looking for a fun opportunity to serve, this is the place to be! Apply now.

Spaces are limited, so sign up now!

May 23-25, 9:30am-12:30pm:
Adventures with Dora y Diego Spanish Camp session 1

June 4-8, 9:30am-12:30pm:
Adventures with Dora y Diego Spanish Camp session 2
Creatures of the Earth, Sea, and Sky Science and Art Camp
Moving and Tumbling Camp
Sing a Song of Summer Music Camp
Exploring the Sea Artventures Camp

June 4-8, 12:30-3:00pm:
New Creations Dance Class for ages 3-10

June 18-29, 10:00am-1:30pm:
Once Upon a Time Fairy Tales Camp

July 23-27,  10:00am-1:30pm:
Forest Friends Camp

Rehearsals for all groups will resume in the fall. Adult ringers are welcomed to participate in “Summer Bells” with Wednesday morning rehearsals.

Registration deadline is May 23. For more information call 770- 971-2730.

Soli Deo gloria! Please visit our Photo Gallery.

]]> http://mtbethel.org/bells-and-chimes-finale/feed/ 0 http://mtbethel.org/tell-me-the-stories-of-jesus/ http://mtbethel.org/tell-me-the-stories-of-jesus/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 14:44:41 +0000 Cliff http://mtbethel.org/?p=14654 Write on my heart every word.

We all want our kids to know the stories of Jesus…to learn them and to let them come alive in their hearts and minds. Last Wednesday, our older iPraisers (grades 2-5) presented their spring musical “Parablelooza.” It was full of energy and fun. They sang, and they danced, and they played awesome, crazy, games with the parents in the audience. It was really a blast!

But what I enjoyed most was hearing the kids retelling the parables and reciting the scriptures. They didn’t just listen to someone tell them a Bible story; they memorized it, retold it, sang a song about it, and played a game that made the point stick. Those stories are now written on their hearts.

It’s what is so special about music…the way words, stories, poems, scriptures, etc. become imprinted in our souls. They become a part of us that we never forget.

Congratulations iPraise. You were awesome! Thanks for being such excellent story tellers.

Ms. Suzanne

Pictures from Parablelooza and the kids’ handbell concert here.

Project 82 is a non-profit organization devoted to defending the cause of the weak and the fatherless in Kenya. Mt. Bethel and Project 82 will meet practical needs: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and share Jesus by building relationships. We will serve in communities with high orphan populations that Project 82 has partnered with as well as serving those living on the streets or in slums. God has led Project 82 teams to participate in home and school visits, VBS, life skills training, i.e. sewing, carpentry, etc., serving in a health clinic, teaching in a community school, building chicken coops, kitchens, cow sheds, and purchasing and delivering goats and calves for individual families.

Trip Dates: Dates: June 10-22, 2012

Requirements: The only requirement is a willing spirit.

Language: Kiswahili, not required, and English

Passport: Required, must not expire within 6 months beyond trip end date, and $50 Visitors Visa to be purchased in Nairobi airport upon arrival.

Immunizations: Routine Adult Immunizations up-to-date. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, and Malaria

Cost: $3,500 estimated – This includes airfare, travel insurance, ground transportation, accommodations, meals, purified water, building supplies, and tips.

Contacts:
kevin.combs@wellsfargo.com, 678-480-3374
jonathanlawson55@gmail.com, 770-312-1916

Below are two blog posts related to Easter that we loved! We encourage you to take some time out this week to share them with your family.

• Resurrection Roll Recipe
• Family Easter Devotion Outline (especially good if you will be on vacation Sunday)

Your Children’s Ministry Staff

Commonly asked Questions Regarding the “Shift” at Mt. Bethel

What is the “Shift?”
“Shift” is simply a different approach to the way we do ministry. Jesus never said, “Bring your children to the church and let the professionals lead them spiritually.” Rather, the plan from the beginning has been for the church and family to work together for the spiritual formation of the next generation. In the coming months, you will see more opportunities for families and Life Groups to learn, serve, and play together. Additionally, Mt. Bethel will provide resources, training, events, and Biblical direction to reinforce parents, grandparents, and mentors to be the spiritual influencers in their homes and in the community. We will rely on God’s original blueprint for the spiritual formation of our families:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What do We Do?
1. Identify who you are in Christ.
The first step is to discover your identity in Christ and how and where you are called to be. To support this step, families, Life Groups, and Sunday school classes are currently doing a 21-day devotional book entitled, “Called:?!” We chose this devotional because it represents the foundation to all the areas we are “called” to be as believer.

*2. Join a Life Group and Sign a Resolution.
If you watched the movie “Courageous,” you saw the men in the movie sign a Resolution. We are adopting this idea as part of “Shift” here at Mt. Bethel. Resolutions will be offered to all adults in Sunday school classes and Life Groups. The official signing of the Resolutions will take place on Sunday, April 15. That Sunday, all who have chosen to sign a Resolution will be invited down to the altar with their family to sign their resolution. This will take place in the sanctuary at the 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00am services. The Encounter service will join in the sanctuary service.

Resolution for Married Couples with Children (PDF)
Resolution for Single Person-Widow-Widower (PDF)
Resolution for Single Parents (PDF)
Resolution for Married Couples with No Children (PDF)
Resolution for Grandparents (PDF)
Resolution for Blended Families (PDF)

After church on the 15th, we’ll have a church wide picnic on the Fields. We will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs from 11am-1pm, and we’ll have ultimate Frisbee and kick ball. Please bring your own blanket, chairs, Frisbees, footballs, corn hole, or horse shoes. It will be a casual dress Sunday, so dress to come be on the fields! This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate as a large church family!

Why will the Resolutions be offered through Sunday School and Life Groups?
Mt. Bethel is not taking this lightly. An important part of signing a Resolution will be a group covenant of accountability. As a church, we want to help all those who sign this resolution live out their commitment. Sunday School Classes and Life Groups are two of the main avenues for discipleship at Mt. Bethel and create an environment where encouragement and accountability can take place.

What if I’m Not in a Life Group or Sunday School Class?
We would love to plug you into a Life Group or Sunday school class. If you are interested, go to http://mtbethel.org/connect/disciplelife/ to find out about joining.

How does this “Shift” affect or involve me if I don’t have children, or what if my children are grown?
We are all called to have an identity in Christ and to share that calling with our families, communities, and possibly around the world. It could mean being the spiritual leader of your household or the supporting spouse. It could mean you foster, mentor, teach, or guide children, peers, or others. There are numerous ways to be a faith influencer regardless of your age, marriage status, or family dynamics.

What does “Shift” look like after the Resolution and who is included?
In the fall, we will introduce Milestones that will include all stages of life and every family, no matter what your family looks like. All of us must abide in Christ and join in the mission of bringing the next generation to Christ.

What does this look like for students (6th-12th grade)?
We’re asking adults to prayerfully make the decision to be the spiritual leader(s) in their homes first. Students are called to support their parents as they make Christ the focus in their homes and strive to become the spiritual leaders in their families. Students will join their parents at the altar on resolution Sunday to show their support for their parents as they make this important commitment to God and to their families. They can also pray for and with their parents during this important time. Student Ministries will continue to invest in students’ lives, while also planning strategic parent seminars to equip parents as the primary spiritual influence in their students’ lives. This fall, we will begin introducing milestones in Student Ministries that will give families the opportunity to celebrate spiritual growth in students’ lives.

Is this the new vision of the church?
Our vision remains the same: Compassion into action through the power and presence of Jesus Christ. Shifting the focus on linking church and family for the spiritual formation of the next generation supports that vision.

What if I have questions or how do I get more information?
We have a Family Ministries Team. Please contact them at any time:
Genia Crane, Family Ministries Coordinator: genia.crane@mtbethel.org
Lauren Eden: lauren.eden@mtbethel.org
Dianne Hylton: Dianne.hylton@mtbethel.org
Kelly Brumbeloe: kelly.brumbeloe@mtbethel.org

The men’s retreat will be May 4 and 5 at Amicalola Falls State Park. We have an outstanding speaker, Rick Bonfin from Rick Bonfin Ministries. Additionally, our own Kelly Brumbeloe will lead a session. The topic of this year’s retreat is, “What’s a Man To Do? The Importance of Family.” I can promise you a fun and inspiring time of fellowship in a great setting. Please sign up online.

The lawn equipment repair was a huge success! Many thanks to all those that helped this past Saturday. This year the men of Mt. Bethel will once again award two scholarships to deserving young men heading off to college this fall. The Infinger Scholarship will be $2,500, and the Men’s Scholarship will be $1,000. The winners will be announced at the Baccalaureate Service on May 20. You can pick up an application from the front desk.

One of the many great things about being on staff and working in Men’s Ministry at Mt. Bethel is the incredible people that I come in contact with. A few weeks ago I met a young man, a fourth grader, who wants to help raise awareness and food for the MB Back Pack Food Ministry in his neighborhood. He is a fine young man who is thinking about others and wants to help. I asked him why he chose the Back Pack Food Ministry. He told me he knows what it is to be hungry but unlike the children at Fair Oaks Elementary School, all he had to do is ask his mother for a snack. An example for us all!

Finally, permit me a personal note. This past Sunday, Betty, our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson went out to lunch after church. When our food arrived, our son and daughter-in-law asked our grandson, Alex, if he wanted to say the blessing. I was expecting “God is great.” Well out of this soon to be five year old’s mouth came the Lord’s Prayer. He didn’t hesitate, nor did he miss a word. I am ashamed to admit it, but sometimes I say the Lord’s Prayer without thinking about the words. Well, I have to tell you when that little fella was praying, I was thinking about every word. It was powerful! It is so true that the children will lead us. Let’s follow!

God’s blessing Mt. Bethel. You will be in my thoughts and prayers while I am away. I hope you will follow our trip. See you soon.

Ben M. Hornsby
Men’s Ministry

“This Mission Sunday Event created an awareness for Murphy Harpst that we have not had at Mt. Bethel UMC. The response and interest that was shown by the membership at Mt. Bethel was very gratifying.”

“There was much more enthusiasm this year…we had 18 people sign up for two future packing sessions.”

“I want to thank you for the opportunity to hi-light the Back Pack Ministry. We had a great response and signed up over 20 new volunteers.”

“We were happy to have participated, and we picked up a few new veterans for our membership. Thanks for making this happen.”

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Each local mission does an amazing job of helping the Least and the Lost. To learn more about each of our local mission partners, please check out the Community Section of this site. You will also find Volunteer Opportunities where current needs are posted.

So many Mt. Bethel members are already involved in local missions, and we thank you so much for all you do! If you aren’t involved in a local ministry, please check out the website and prayerfully consider ways you can get involved.

Dianne Brasuell (DsBrasuell@aol.com)
Kathy VanderBroek (KVand@bellsouth.net)
Missions Committee

2012 Reverend Bob and Ellen Infinger Scholarship Award of $2,500 and the Men’s Ministry Scholarship of $1,000

Applications are also available in the Church’s front office.

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All this fun was our way of kicking off a new season of iPraise as well as our new and super cool summer music camp. If you weren’t able to drop by and visit with us, please take the time to check out the information about camp. We’re proud to announce that our annual children’s music week will be replaced by a Performing Arts Camp for Kids: Stagedoor Studios. This camp will offer kids a chance to take classes from professionals in the fields of acting, stagecraft, improv, sketch comedy, and dance. Additionally, our campers will play games, make crafts, sing and dance, perform on stage, and have a great time! Registration is open now, so sign up! Be a part of the original cast of Stagedoor Studios!

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In Jesus’ Name We Play!
Mt. Bethel Recreation

Throughout the year, we will contact families requesting their tangible support. Think about how your family can be the hands and feet of Jesus that lead others to a relationship with God. While a sign up list looks like a list of names and bodies to fill a spot, we know that each faith-filled believer, each creative craft hand, and each joyful footstep that serves the Body of Christ is a tangible witness to amazing love and salvation of our God.


Please prayerfully consider how you and your family will serve in these next few months:

Volunteer for Egg Hunt/Jerusalem Market (April 7, Easter Sunday on April 8, and Summer Sundays for preschoolers and Elementary children)

June VBS Registration and Info

July VBS Registration and Info

Through communion, we remember Jesus. When we drink the juice and eat the bread, they are like object lessons that tell us something about what Jesus did for us. When we drink the juice, we remember that Jesus died on the cross, His blood was spilled to take the punishment for the ways we have disobeyed God. The bread reminds us that it was His body that was broken on the cross for each of us. Every time we see juice and bread, we remember what Jesus did on the cross for us.

What Jesus left is something more special than having a “thing” that belonged to him. He has also given us ways to remember Him in object lessons, using things we can touch and see and understand daily. Have you ever thought about certain “things” we come in contact with during the day? Have you ever reflected on an attribute of the way Jesus lived His life? Have you thought of the ways God shows His love. For example a cupcake might remind us of how God’s words are sweet or how a flashlight can be an example of God’s light in the darkness.

As you go through your day, “shift” your thinking and look at objects or “things” we come in contact with as lessons and ways to remember Jesus and God’s love during this season of Lent. Encourage your children to do the same. Spend some time together sharing these items and why they remind you of Jesus or God’s love.

If time permits, you can pull items for the children and set aside a time to have an “object lesson.” You may want to incorporate this into snack time, dinner time, or other times you are together—maybe even in the car.

This is a list that may help get you started: cupcake, cookie (or some sweet treat), flashlight, paint brush, pair of pruners, sunscreen, teddy bear, vegetable peeler, watering can or other items that you may find in your home that remind you of Jesus. You can add to the list of objects above, or change them if you like, but they are suggestions to get you started.

• Place the objects where the children can see them. Then each child can choose an object, but tell them why.
• The children will explore the object – what it does, what it looks like, when it is used – and then have them create their own object lesson that will tell something about God.
• The easiest way to do this is for the children to finish this sentence about their object: This ________(object) reminds me of God, because it _____________________________________.
• Then let the kids share what they have come up with.

We hope this “object lesson” in seeing objects as reminders of God’s love will enrich your family’s daily.

What is next?

1. Have you joined a small group?
2. Have you bought and begun the ‘Called’, 21 day devotion and then been here for the series with us on Sunday’s?
3. Are you eating meal regularly with your family?
4. Are you doing daily devotions or taking time for intentional conversation with your children or those around you about your faith?
5. How are you celebrating what God has done for you today?

If you can answer these questions, you are well on your way to “shifting” your lifestyle.

God has much in store for each of us when we seek Him. Are you asking Him what He has called you to do today? Are you listening for the answer? We can’t tell you exactly what God has called you and your family to look like, but if you are seeking His will He will guide you. Look for daily “God sightings” (ways to see God in every day things) and share them with your family and friends. You are making the shift to trust God and to make a difference.

Dianne Hylton
Director of Children’s Ministries

Let’s set the record straight regarding the homosexual issue. The early Christians understood and embraced the Old Testament code of morality. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council explained to Paul that it would be good for the Gentile world to follow the sexual ethics of the Jews which hearken back to Leviticus. Also, check out Romans 1, First Corinthians 6, Judy 1, Timothy 1:10. Don’t forget the vast amount of Scripture that tells us about husbands and wives and always describe intimate relationships as being between a husband and a wife. Jesus, in His own public ministry, quoted Genesis and how a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife.

Jesus came not to do away with the Old Testament, but to forgive us for our sins and to give us power to live well today and live for eternity with Him. The sexuality guidelines are clear in Leviticus and Jesus did not change them! Look at the list. Homosexual practice is one of the few guidelines this “itching-ear” generation tries to change, even though the New Testament does not say a lot about other “bad actions” listed. The New Testament speaks volumes about husbands and wives being committed.

It lists the good behaviors for husbands and wives. And don’t say, “Well that was a different culture.” The Roman world was in many ways more corrupt than our current culture, but Jesus did not use the opportunity of His public ministry to change God’s only design for marriage: male and female. Jesus, always and only, held to the Biblical understanding of marriage. He told the one woman, loved even in her adultery, to go and sin no more.

Perhaps the politically correct entertainers and left-leaning media would be more successful in their attempts to make homosexuality socially acceptable and embraced by the Church, if they could find one single verse of Scripture, Old or New Testament, that condones homosexuality! They may have a “loud ring,” but their ability to keep the “correct time” is truly lacking.

Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor

If you are selling, have you thought about the fact that your children are watching you from the sidelines as you sort through toys and clothes, label them, and maybe become a little stressed preparing for the consignment sale? Or if you are attending the sale and purchasing clothing for your children, have you thought about the new clothes your child will have for the upcoming spring and summer season? You may be donating time and working during the sale, but have you thought about how the children perceive you volunteering your time?

“Shift” your thinking as you are preparing this week and realize that you are leading by example. You are showing your daughter and son that through the sale, you are also doing God’s work. It is a teachable moment no matter how young or old.

If you are selling, children can be incorporated into the normal prep work for the sale. As you pull items for the sale, simply ask your children to pick out one nice, slightly used outfit or a single item to be donated to a child who is in need. If you are buying new clothes for your child, have your child donate an item from their closet that is slightly used since they have just received new clothes. If you are working the sale, you can encourage your child to support the sale and donate a slightly used outfit or item, so others will be clothed this spring and summer.

“Shift” the subject as you are taking the five minutes to pick out the item or items, and have a conversation about what Jesus would have us do for others. Tell your child about the Bible verse, Matthew 25:36, “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Tell the children about children around the world in India, Kenya, or those in our own backyard, The Garden and other locations you may know whose clothes, are worn, tattered, dirty, and probably do not fit. Also explain that they don’t have the means to have several outfits, and even if they did, they have nowhere to keep them or wash them. At the end of the clothing sale, many organizations and foster families come to select clothing from what is left over. The balance is usually donated to MUST.

Explain to your children that we are in the season of Lent, and during this season, we are encouraged to do acts of kindness. By your child choosing one nice, slightly used outfit or piece of clothing and donating it to other children, they have performed an act of kindness.

Tracey Reed
Mt. Bethel Parent

The Mission:

For Mt. Bethel and its families to work together for the spiritual formation of the next generation.

How will this be accomplished?

Mt. Bethel will first help individuals identify themselves in Christ and then equip these individuals with the necessary tools to be spiritual influencers in their homes as well as in the Mt. Bethel community. The church will also help families discover where and how they are called to serve.

The first step will be to take 21-day journey guided by a devotional book entitled, “Called?” This journey will help you to discover your identity in Christ and how and where you are called to be.

How does this affect or involve me? What if I don’t have children, or what if my children are grown?

We are all called to have an identity in Christ and to share that calling with our families, communities, and possibly around the world. It could mean being the spiritual leader of your household or the supporting spouse. It could mean you foster, mentor, teach, or guide children, peers, or others. There are numerous ways to be a faith influencer regardless of your age, marriage status, or family dynamics.

Why do I need to join a Life Group?

Life groups help us live out a faithful adventure through accountability and encouragement.  In these small group settings, we will sign the resolutions to become the men and women God has called us to be.

Is this the new vision of the church?

Our vision remains the same: Compassion into action through the power and presence of Jesus Christ. Shifting the focus on church/family partnership supports that vision.

What if I have questions or how do I get more information?

We have a Family Ministries Team. Please contact them at any time:

Genia Crane, Family Ministries Coordinator: genia.crane@mtbethel.org

Lauren Eden: lauren.eden@mtbethel.org

Dianne Hylton: Dianne.hylton@mtbethel.org

Kelly Brumbeloe: kelly.brumbeloe@mtbethel.org

The Consignment Sale continues to reach women and children all over the world. Grossing approximately $120,000 per sale, the women of this committee are able to disburse proceeds of $30,000 twice a year to those in need.

We have sales twice a year! Please visit the our page or MtBethelCCS.com for more information.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill

It took us until early February to finish counting and sorting the books from last November’s Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church book drive. Of the 15,000 books we have in inventory for our May program, approximately 5,000 came from Mt. Bethel parishioners. What a blessing for Athens children!

Read more here.

This past December, I was able to fly thousands of miles to Kenya. I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was going to feed and love children, but I had no idea what I was stepping into. I was really excited, but really nervous as well.

We started off going to a slum on the first day to feed and play with children. It was an eye opening experience that I will never forget. I knew when I arrived at the slum that day and saw all the children that the next two weeks were going to be life changing.

A few days later, we were able to make it to Springs of Hope, which is a children’s orphanage. The orphanage was very different than the slum. We were able to spend personal time with the children and the caregivers. It was just amazing to start building relationships with the children. This is, a little baby girl that instantly stole my heart. She was the most adorable thing I had ever laid my eyes on. I truly started to experience a transformation. You see, when you go to a slum to feed children or when you sponsor a child, you are doing an amazing thing. That is what God asks us to do and what some of us are called to do, but it is totally different than when you are holding a beautiful baby girl God has broken your heart for. It becomes real. It is something that will never leave me. I honestly feel that in my time at Springs of Hope, I took a mighty leap closer to my Lord and Savior. God opened my eyes up to His love for me like I never had seen. I was no longer in Kenya as a missionary that served food and built things, but I was there to be a servant to Jesus, and do whatever He asked.

I believe going to Kenya is something everyone needs to experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it and even for those who are not. Going to Kenya was one of the greatest experiences of my life. If the Lord allows me, I hope to go multiple times. I mentioned Abigail earlier and how she stole my heart instantly. I believe God did that to me for a reason. I think He used sweet little Abigail to show me how much He loves me.

Though the whole trip was full of the Lord and there are so many stories I could share, the Lord gave me Abigail to open my eyes like they have never been opened before.

Kenya used to just be a name, but now it’s a place that has a special place in my heart.

Taylor Pair
College and Young Adult Associate

Lent is the season of preparation and repentance where we anticipate Good Friday and Easter. Take the opportunity to embrace teachable moments with your children. Reading the Bible together with your children will be a wonderful way to teach the story of Easter and draw closer to God this season!

Palm Sunday
April 1
8:15am, 9:30am, 11:00am
Sanctuary

11am
Encounter

Maundy Thursday Communion Service
April 5
7:00pm
Sanctuary

Easter Egg Hunt and Jerusalem Market
Saturday, April 7
9-10:30am
Christian Activities Center and Fields of Dreams

Easter Sunday
April 8
7am Sunrise Service
7:30 Breakfast
9am, Sanctuary, Encounter, CAC*
11am, Sanctuary, Encounter, CAC*
*Worship for children in 5K-5th grade and families

No Sunday School
Shuttles – Dickerson Middle School – 7:15am-1:15pm
Terrell Mill Park – 8am-1pm

Breakfast 7:30-8:30am

Gods Garden – 9:00 and 11:00am

I heard a dear friend of mine say recently that Mt. Bethel took a spiritual turn on December 14, 2010, when we first brought the homeless to our church. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way on that Sunday morning as Randy asked the congregation if they would be willing to step out to the “least and the lost.” Boy, the Holy Spirit rushed in that Sunday, and it has continued to move in a might way.

For me personally, I can trace the moment when my Christian vision began to clear. It was on the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Naivasha in Kenya in April of 1998. I was thinking mighty fine thoughts about myself as our mission trip was winding down. My body was really contorting as I patted myself on the back giving myself congratulations. As has been the case for too many occasions in my life, God had to hit me on top of my thick head with not a 2×4 but a 6×6! He let me know that serving my fellow man was not about me. It was not to the glory of Ben, but to His glory. He also whammed me with the fact that He had been with me the entire time. His question to me was, Ben do you think you made this trip on your own?

God had been working on me for a long time. But at that moment standing at the top of Monkey Cliff with many of my dear friends, my vision cleared. I finally acknowledged and accepted my rebirth. Don’t misunderstand; God is still working on me. I struggle every day. The world is a tempting place. I can be seduced by the ways of the world very quickly. But a wonderful thing has happened. God has placed people in my life that have been and continue to be examples of what it means, “To seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.” What a blessing!

One more thought. For the balance of my life I will be a follower of Jesus. Think what that means. I will follow Jesus! I can’t do this alone. I need to be held accountable by my family, the small groups that I participate in, the staff at Mt. Bethel, my friends, and by all of Mt Bethel. I need your support, love, and guidance. We are the body of Christ. We need each other.

Thank you in advance Mt. Bethel. I need you to keep my vision in focus! Hold me accountable. God’s blessings.

Ben M. Hornsby
Men’s Ministry

“Within These Yellow Walls” is a directory that the Friends In Faith Evening Circle created and is comprised of our very own Mt. Bethel members who are painters, seamstresses, handymen, etc. If you are interested in having your business listed in the directory, please contact, Sandra Skinner: 770-552-2660.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the scholastic success of OK for Youth participants. OK Board members Tricia Eoff and Bill Spell noted the remarkable number of students honored as Executive Director Dale Champion proudly announced that this group represented the most successful semester of grades in the history of OK for Youth. “Fifteen youth were recognized for good grades and received awards,” he said. “Many of those A’s and B’s were previously C’s or D’s.” During the recognition, Dale told the teens that the award was insignificant compared to the knowledge they gained for their futures.

Mentoring, choices, and a positive attitude are the keys to making a difference in a foster teen’s future. “Jesus was the greatest mentor and provides us guidance for our Mission,” Dale said. “It is a blessing that we care for the homeless, but it is also important that we try to remedy the generational poverty resulting from lack of education and poor choices. We encourage and support these disadvantaged youth to change their futures. Our mentors recognize this and do an incredible job in uplifting our teenage participants.”

The monthly meeting is part of the OK for Youth program, which includes mentoring, workshops, field trips, educational assistance, and other activities. Dale said that “the youth still talk about their great trip to Camp Evergreen last August and are looking forward to returning this coming summer.”

For ways that you can help, Dale can be reached at 678-641-1968, dchamp50@aol.com, or visit ok4youth.org for our stories and activities.