Mt. Bethel Blog

SouthernSavers Extreme Couponing Event

Posted: February 26, 2010

God’s house was packed last night as 460 men and women (and over 30 children in the nursery) came to hear Jenny Martin, of Souther Savers, share her knowledge on how to save families money in this tough economy. Mt. Bethel had visitors from as far away as Loganville, Douglasville and even Alabama! Jenny spent 3 hours explaining how to manage coupons, store sales and her website to literally save hundreds of dollars a month at grocery stores and drug stores. After her program, as people lined up to ask her “just one more question”, Jenny graciously stayed until the very last question was answered. We were blessed to have Jenny share her ministry with so many people in our community!

A Women’s Retreat to Remember!

Posted: February 22, 2010

This year’s women’s retreat compared to no other! As we gathered in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, we were welcomed with cold temperatures and a light snow fall on Saturday morning. The weather gave us all a reason to stay inside next to the ginormous, roaring fire.

We kicked off our program on Friday night with worship music led by Kim Hill. She has quite a following at Mt. Bethel! Our keynote speaker, Lisa Harper, started her series of sessions on “A Perfect Mess” and how we are all good enough for God. Friday night ended with a “first time ever” pajama party. Fun and games are sure to make an appearance at future retreats…but we may opt out of the karaoke!

On Saturday, in addition to Lisa walking us through scripture, Trudy Cathy White, shared her family’s experiences on living an intentional life. The Cathy family is truly an amazing role model, to each one of us, on how to receive God’s will and calling for your life.

Saturday afternoon, our Random Acts of Fun (RAF) provided awesome workshops including Hiding Behind the Masks of Life (Diane Parrish), Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right! (Heather Rees and Kim McGarr), a Bible study of The Samaritan Woman (Millie Atkinson) and Raising Spiritual Champions (Sherri Juliani). Our retreat ladies also completed by beading, 120 bookmarks that had been decorated by our own Mt. Bethel Sunday School children. These bookmarks will be shared with children on various international mission trips.

Saturday evening’s session ended with a healing service led by Diane Parrish. We were overwhelmed by the response for healing and prayer that was so deeply needed by our group of women.

Sunday brought mixed emotions as we packed to leave our spiritual cocoon and head back to our scheduled lives. Before departing, we experienced communion as sisters in Christ. As we headed down the road, back to our families, we knew we had been a part of something special. And, through God’s will for this weekend, we were able to fully experience his presence…after all, we had snow in Atlanta the weekend before the retreat and the weekend after the retreat…God was in OUR details!

Fashionable Friends

Posted: February 16, 2010

Susan Norris of Righteous Relationships invited us to share in “Fashionable Friends” as we explored friendships and God’s creative hand in our lives. Like a closet filled with shoes for all different occasions we have friendships that walk with us through the different stages, seasons, and experiences of the journey called life. We laughed, cried, and reflected on the friendships we cherish and the friendships yet to come . We closed with the vision of our barefoot friend Jesus that we never outgrow and walks with us every day, and often carries us. Brittany Leazer and Jennifer Roberts shared their gifts and talents with the girls and women. It was a warm and special blessing on a cold and rainy morning in January!

Charge! Retreat

Posted: February 16, 2010

CHARGE! Retreat has become a tradition for Mt. Bethel UMC’s 4th and 5th graders. Parents and students can’t wait to sign up for this fun packed spiritual retreat.

We arrive Saturday morning by 9:30AM and hit the ground running, free from our city life distractions. We get back to nature! As we arrive at camp we hear the peaceful flowing clear water of Moss Creek, then run across the covered bridge to find our rustic cabin and claim our bunk. Then we are off to worship in the Barn where we seek God’s presence by opening our hearts, minds and our souls. Afternoon brings games, swimming, hiking, crafts and fellowship. After worship Saturday evening we gather around the camp fire to make s’mores and sing camp songs.

Sunday morning we arise to the wonderful North Georgia mountain air, birds singing and water flowing freely. As we close our weekend in worship and head back to the rushed city live we lead, we are grateful for a refreshing inspirational time with each other.

Join us this year May 15 and 16 at Camp Evergreen for a life changing experience.
Dianne Hylton, Director of Children’s Ministries at Mt Bethel UMC

Extreme Couponing Workshop (Lead by SouthernSavers.com)

Posted: February 12, 2010

In today’s economy, pinching pennies is becoming increasingly important to many of us. And since the grocery bill is one of the largest expenses every family incurs, saving money on food is quickly becoming a focal point for families wanting to spend their limited incomes more wisely.

On Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 6:30 pm, Mt Bethel United Methodist Church will host an Extreme Couponing workshop lead by SouthernSavers.com frugal blogger Jenny Martin from Columbia, SC.

Come and learn how to save 50% or more on all your grocery, household, and personal care items. It’s not just about cutting and handing over coupons! Learn how to use coupons effectively to save hundreds of dollars a month. Shop at your regular stores, buy the food you normally eat and pay half of what you normally pay.

The Workshop is 2 hours long and covers basic and advanced topics:

1. Gathering and Organizing Coupons
2. Effectively Using Coupons – a lot more than just clipping and using a coupon!
3. Drugstore shopping instructions and tips to get your personal needs for FREE!
Using coupons effectively, the average family of four can save $250-$400 a month.

Register online or visit SouthernSavers.com for more information.

The cost is $10 per person and is payable by cash or check at the door.

Father-Child Campout

Posted: November 2, 2009

Neither rain nor mist dampened the spirits or enthusiasm of those who attended the Father Child Campout on Friday night. Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, S”mores, pumpkin carving, a movie, hoops in the gym, a catered breakfast, and fellowship marked a pre-Halloween night on the Fields of Dreams for more than 120 dads and children. And yes many dads and their kids set up tents on the field. Thanks to Brad Gorski, Brian Smith, Tom Smith and all the dads who “pitched” in to make this a fun pre-Halloween evening event.

Students Ministry: Fall Retreat

Posted: October 7, 2009

What an amazing weekend for our students and Student Ministries! This past weekend we had our Fall retreat at Camp Sumatanga, and we saw students experience God in so many different ways. We enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, KWAR, football, Frisbee, dancing at the 70’s disco party, the sweet band Reilly, worship, skits, and so much more. If you missed it, you should try and come to some of our upcoming events. Check them out!

Justin

Mt. Bethel Town Halls

Posted: September 23, 2009

You are invited to discuss with your senior pastor ideas regarding Mt. Bethel and its ministries, past, present and future. Pick a town hall meeting that matches your age group and join us in the Chapel.

• Wednesday, October 7, 6:30pm — Ages 50 & above
• Wednesday, October 14, 6:30pm — Ages 50 & above
• Wednesday, October 21, 6:30pm — Ages 30-50
• Wednesday, October 28, 6:30pm — Ages 20-40

Something to shout about

Posted: September 9, 2009

Ti 3  At on    tim           ,     obed  nt, dec    d an  en   ved by a   kin   of     sions  nd pl     s. W     ed in    ice a d en y,    ing hat   and   ting on     ther.  4  But      en th  ki    ess      ov  of  od  ur  avi r a  ear d,  5  He s  ed us, not be  use of ri     us      ings    ha    on , but be  use o  Hi  m   cy.   e sa  d us thro    he was     of re  rth and   new   by th    ol   pir,  6  wh   he   ur  d ou  on u   gen  ou  ly   rough   sus Ch    ou     vior,  7  so th  , h  ing be   ju   fied b    is  race, we mi  t   come he rs   ving he ho  e of      nal   if.

Looks weird doesn’t it?  So does our life when we don’t have God in EVERY DETAIL.  Unless we are in the Word, on our knees, serving one another in the Name of Jesus, our life is spotty, unintentional and lacking in meaning – just like our word picture above.

Now, when we have God fully and completely in our lives, allowing Him into every nook and cranny, we understand and praise Him for what He has done for us and we figure out the rest of the picture…

Titus 3: 3  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  4  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  5  He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,  6  whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  7  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Now that’s something to shout about!
Rev. Diane Parrish

P.S. I hope you can come Sunday evening the 20th of September at 6:30 in the Sanctuary here at Mt. Bethel as the Mt. Bethel Chancel Choir joins Diane Parrish along with Robert McMichael, in their Ten Year Celebration night praising God for how He has blessed the ministry of kidz2leaders, inc., d/b/a Camp Hope and see the mighty work God has done in the lives of the children we serve – Ten Years and Counting! Come on Mt. Bethel, this is YOUR night to celebrate, too!

For such a time as this

Posted: September 2, 2009

On Monday, August 31 over 230 girls and women filled the fellowship hall at Mt. Bethel to celebrate the mother/daughter relationship, fellowship, and join together “for such a time as this”. Lisa Ryan, actress, Miss California, radio host, and author of For Such A Time As This, Your Identity, Purpose, and Passion shared the timeless message of Esther. Lisa challenged our girls to be modern day Esthers, counter cultural and revolutionaries in their passion and purpose for God. Girls are being bombarded with mixed messages of what it means to be a girl in today’s world. Lisa explored our true purpose and identity through scripture and God’s desire for us to live lives of purity, purpose, courage, and wisdom.

What a privilege to see girls of all ages come together to worship and study God’s word together. We pray that this is just the beginning of more opportunities to bring girls and women together as we build relationships through the cross of Jesus Christ and support, share, and fellowship as daughters of the King!