Welcome

A Message from the Pastor

WHAT A WAY TO START OFF 2012!

Pastor John’s Sermon Series for January, 2012 Come Join us!

If this past Sunday, January 8, was any indication of what 2012 will be like for Bethesda, I am thrilled!

The United Methodist Men started the day off with a great meeting and wonderful attendance. We had nearly 50 for the Father-Son Breakfast and we all enjoyed the uplifting and inspiring program.

Then at both services the attendance and worship was great! It was so good to have both the 8:45 and 11:00 services again with beautiful, inspiring music and observing Holy Communion as a church family.

At 2:00 p.m. many of us met at Norcross First UMC to participate in the District Training Event for Atlanta-Emory and Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford districts. It is truly inspirational that 16 of our leaders attended this event in order to learn more about their positions and responsibilities for the new year. Out of both districts, we seemed to be the church with the most leaders in attendance. I am so thankful for our church, and I am so excited to serve God with you in 2012!

So, I want you to know that I will be praying for you every day during this year.  We want this to be the year that we give our best for Bethesda. We want our lives to be pleasing to God who wants the best for each of us. Keep up the good work!

Don’t let anything keep you from your worship of God and your “calling” that He has placed upon you. Make sure that you are here with your church family every Sunday in Worship and Sunday School!

I’ll see you there!

Your Pastor,
John

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Latest News

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/27/12 Seven Things

Jan 27

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Proverbs 1:33

33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Do you ever feel out of control?  Like your living your life being blown by whatever wind happens to be blowing that day.  Yeah.  Me too.  As we discussed on Wednesday night at youth, here are seven things that will help put God in control of your life.

  1. God has a definite plan for your future (Jeremiah 29:11)
  2. God has ordered your steps (Psalm 37:23)
  3. As you plan and move in God’s will, He will direct your steps (Proverbs 16:9)
  4. When you listen to God and trust him, He will protect you (Proverbs 1:33)
  5. God wants to direct your path (Proverbs 3:5)
  6. God will take responsibility to guide your through the Holy Spirit if you follow God through Christ (Jeremiah 10:23)
  7. Align yourself with God and you will be delighted (Psalm 37:4 and 7)

God really does want to guide your path.  Trust Him.  Follow Him.  Listen to Him.

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/26/12 Presence

Jan 26

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture Reading – Exodus 33:14

14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

This verse is from a conversation between God and Moses.  Moses was worried about leading his people and wanted to know who would go with him (Moses) to lead them.  God said, I will. When God asks you to lead, you will not be alone.  With God you are never alone. Feel the presence of God today.  He’s there.

Ten Thousand Things in Ten Hours

Jan 25

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

Bethesda United Methodist Church Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. 444 Bethesda Church Road 176 Church street / PO BOX 1328 Lawrenceville, GA 30044 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-921-3752 770-339-7887

~ Public Service Announcement / Press Release ~

Event Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 9:00 am-7:00 pm

Re: Local teens attempt to collect 10,000 food, toiletry, and paper items in one day to support local families in need.

Location: Bethesda UMC – 444 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville GA 30044

Teens from the Bethesda United Methodist Church Youth Group (BYG) in conjunction with the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry (Co-op) will attempt their first annual Ten Thousand Things in Ten Hours.

We hope to collect ten thousand needed items for the Co-op ministry. This collection is a result of our desire to serve those in our own community, directly. In 2011, the Co-op saw over 5000 local families and needs help keeping items stocked particularly during these hard economic times. We want to do our part.

We will be asking anyone who can to take a few minutes to drop-off items in the parking lot at the above address. Teens and others will be there to take the items from you as people drive through.

The following items are needed: canned meat/fish, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, dry cereals, oatmeal, grits, canned fruit, canned beans, dried beans, and toilet paper.

For further information, contact Scotty Scoggins at 770-921-3753 or by email at scotty.scoggins {at} gmail(.)com.

About Bethesda United Methodist Church:

Bethesda United Methodist Church has a long and rich history. From humble beginnings as a camp meeting site for local farmers, through periods of rapid growth in the fast growing suburbs of Atlanta, to its campus today with seven permanent buildings, for over 175 years, Bethesda has been a place of worship for people in central Gwinnett county.

About the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry:

We are an ecumenical organization sponsored and operated by an alliance of area churches combining the resources of our members to meet the emergency needs of people in our community. We depend upon support by area churches, individuals, social and civic groups, and foundations. Our mission is to glorify God and demonstrate God’s love for those in crisis. The Co-Op seeks to preserve clients’ dignity while encouraging self-responsibility and spiritual growth.

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/25/12

Jan 25

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading Romans 8:31

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Got it?  If God is for you, then who can be against you.  Keep reading that.  Let it get in your heart and soul.  If you were to live your life knowing that God is for you (the creator of the universe!  the creator of you) and that because of that no one could come against you, things would be wildly different in your life.

2012 Confirmation Classes

Jan 24

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

 

Confirmation Class 2012

Calling all Youth – 6th grade and up!

Would you like to be a part of a class learning more about God and Jesus and about His church?  Have you ever wanted to be a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church?  Here is your chance! 

Join Preacher John at 9:45am in the “Upper Room” at the chapel on February 5, 2012.  We will have fun with classes and also go on a field trip to sites of the United Methodist Church and eat at the Varsity in Atlanta. 

The classes will be each Sunday morning at 9:45am and run through Easter (8 sessions).  Then you will be confirmed into the church and become a full member of  Bethesda.  So why not join us and learn more about what God has in store for you?

 Pastor John

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/24/12 Future Plans Now

Jan 24

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

God has plans to prosper you right now and give you hope for the future.  We all need hope.  It’s the fuel that drives us.  But you have all you need right now to prosper.  Prosper in your school work, your family, your friends, your mind.  Seek the Lord with all your heart and you WILL prosper.  You will prosper from a new look on life.  Focus on what God wants you to be doing and things fall into place.

This Week at Bethesda

Jan 23

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

Monday - 6:30pm – Ladies Prayer

Wednesday – 5:30pm – Supper

Menu:  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, brocolli, corn, Ceasar salad, rolls, cobbler and ice cream.  Weight Watcher’s meatloaf for low carb. 

6:30pm – Chancel Choir, Pioneer Club, Adult Bible Study, Youth

8:00pm – Hand Bell Choir

Sunday – 8:45am – Contemporary Worship

9:45am – Sunday School

11:00am – Traditional Worship

4:30pm – Children’s Choir

5:30pm – Youth

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/23/12 Dreams

Jan 23

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Isaiah 43:19

19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Do you have dreams?  Of course you do.  It’s a God thing.  God has planted in us a vision for His plan for our lives.  The more you pursue it the more it gets revealed.  Do you feel like you are in a ‘wasteland’.  Well that’s temporary.

See God is doing a new thing and you’re part of that thing!

A Opportunity for a trip to Mackinac Island

Jan 22

Posted by Athel in Bethesda's Best, News | Click here to add comments

Bethesda’s Best has been asked to accompany a group from Lawrenceville to Mackinac Island, Michigan.  It will depart from the First Baptist Church, on Sunday June 10th and will return to the church on Saturday June 16th.

This will include 10 meals: 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners.  There will be a boat ride through the Soo Locks, and sight-seeing in Sault Sainte Marie; a guided tour of Mackinaw City, admission to Colonial Michilimackinac, a visit to Kewadin Sault Casino, a visit to Mackinac Island, including a guided carriage tour, visit to Mackinaw Crossings, and a luncheon buffet at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The cost is $665 with a deposit of $100 due in February.
This group from Lawrenceville is faith oriented, and they have devotion and prayer in the mornings on the bus.  In this economy it is difficult to get enough people from our church to make this kind of trip, so we’re hoping that if we team up with Edith Kemp and her group we will be able to go on a trip this year.  This is a friendly and fun-loving group.
Please see attached flyer!!  If you can’t open the attachment, see Margie Franklin or Peggy Alford for copies of the brochure.
Peggy Alford

Children’s Sunday School- ALL NEW

Jan 22

Posted by Sonya in Kids, News | Click here to add comments

If you haven’t had the opporunity to check out our NEW Children’s Sunday School program.  Now is the time.  We have some great lessons and activities each Sunday morning. 

  • The classes are broken down into four different age groups!
  • The lead teachers will be back each week! 
  • The activities are engaging!

 

 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below.  It will help us do a better job.

Children’s Sunday School Survey- click here

Real Life: Join Us Tonight At 6:00 for Real Life

Jan 22

Posted by Scotty in News, Young Adults, Youth | Click here to add comments

Starting today!

A new thing is happening at Bethesda United Methodist Church.  Our God is a God of new beginnings.  We’re doing away with the old and starting something fresh and new.  We’re replacing the 4:30 service with a new service at 6:00 once a month – still called Real Life, where faith meets reality.

Imagine an inter-generational, modern, intimate service that engages all the senses.  Imagine worshipping God in unique and different ways each month.  Imagine participating through prayer, art, music, dance, and spoken word.  Imagine a time together that reflects our uniqueness as people, our culture, and our community – Sometimes traditional, Sometimes modern, but always God-honoring and spirit-filled.

Starting January 22 (yep that’s today – why not start right now) and monthly thereafter, join us from 6:00-7:00 in the Chapel for this unique worship experience.  Then hang around for fellowship, prayer, and discussion of the night’s topic or event.

For further information or to become part of the Real Life community like us on Facebook at Real Life or email us at reallife444 {at} gmail(.)com.

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/22/12 Is that heavy?

Jan 22

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Do you ever have thoughts or anxieties that literally weigh you down?  They’re heavy and burdensome.  Sometimes they just won’t go away and get heavier and heavier.  In the verse above Jesus tells us to rest in Him.  We really don’t know how to rest.  I know I don’t.  I’m trying to learn though.  Trying to learn to lean on Christ to help carry my burdens.

There’s a song that you all know..  Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend.  I’ll help you carry on.  Lean on Jesus.  He’ll be your friend.  He’ll help you carry on.

Youth: BYG Devotion 2/21/12 Flowers

Jan 21

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading Matthew 6:28-30

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/20/12 What Are Words For?

Jan 20

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Proverbs 12:17-19

17 An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. 18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

There’s an 80’s song by Missing Persons that has this line:  ”What are words for when no one listens anymore.”  It’s a great song, but that line isn’t true is it?  People listen to every word you say.  They may not acknowledge it, but they listen.  Re-read verse 18 above.  Do you words bring healing or do they cut like a sword?  One word can make or break someone’s day.

When you speak to someone, try to speak grace-filled words.  Make their day.

AND speak grace-filled things to yourself.  The world will be a better place when we all speak kind and uplifting words to each other.

Announcing our newest member!

Jan 19

Posted by MarshallGordon in Kids, New Members, News | Click here to add comments

Meet Leah Grace Waters born to Adam and Sara Waters, Sunday, January 15, 2012, 8 lbs 7oz and 21 inches long. Mommy, baby, and daddy are all doing well. Look at that beautiful head of hair! Congratulations Sara and Adam!

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Youth: BYG Devotion 1/19/12 Live On Purpose

Jan 19

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Ephesians 1:4-5

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Are you living your life on purpose?  If not, then you are living by accident – meandering through life.  God has a purpose for your life and when you live BY ACCIDENT the following will happen (See Ecclesiates Chapter 1):

  • Life will seem empty and meaningless
  • Life will seem like a cycle of futility
  • You will not be satisfied
  • You feel insignificant

HOWEVER, the great news!  You can live ON PURPOSE.  God wants you to live on purpose.  Here’s what God wants from us.  Do these things and watch your life change:

  • Get to know God.  Read the Bible and talk to Him.
  • Strive to become like Christ.
  • Serve others as Christ did.
  • Share your purpose with others.

You do have a purpose.  Find it and run to it full speed.

Congratulations

Jan 18

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

Congratulations to Tina Fiorenza, our custodian, and her husband Joe on becoming grandparents for the first time.  Brooke Justina Richards was born on Tuesday weighing 7 lb. 10 oz. and 22 inches long.  Mom and baby are doing fine.

Youth: BYG Devotion 1/18/12

Jan 18

Posted by Scotty in Youth | Click here to add comments

Scripture reading – Ephesians 2:4-5

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Just thought we all needed to be reminded today of how much God loves us.

God loves you more than anyone you know here on earth.  God loves you unconditionally – just as you are.

Experience the love.  Talk to the one that loves you today.

Bethesda’s Best – January 19th

Jan 17

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

You are invited to join Bethesda’s Best this Thursday, Januay 19th at 11:30am for a program and lunch.  The Preschool will be singing for us at 11:30 and then we will have our covered dish lunch at 12:00pm.  Please join us in the church fellowship hall for a great time of fellowship. We will be planning some possible trips for this year at this meeting.

This Week at Bethesda

Jan 17

Posted by Athel in News | Click here to add comments

Wednesday – 5:30pm – Supper

Menu:  Barbecue chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, baked potatoes, layered salad, lemon pie, key lime pie, oreo delight

6:30pm – Adult Bible Study, Chancel Choir, Youth, Pioneer Club

8:00pm – Hand Bell Choir

Thursday – 11:30am – Bethesda’s Best

Saturday – Leadership Meeting     8:00am Breakfast     9:00am Meeting

Sunday – 8:45am – Contemporary Worship

9:45am – Sunday School

11:00am – Traditional Worship

4:30pm – Children’s Choir

4:30pm – Youth

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