Mt. Bethel Blog

Connecting with the manger…where will you go?

The first year I brought my children to the live nativity at Mt. Bethel I had hopes of a deep rich spiritual connection for my family.  The December night air was crisp and cool,  and my husband and I began to share the story with our children as we approached the humble manger scene.  As we walked up to the cradle we realized our children were both distracted by other activity around the manger.  My son was fascinated with the chicken, and later cried because the chicken wouldn’t stop running so he could pick it up and love on it.  My daughter was enjoying the warmth from a little pit fire close by,  and visiting with friends.  Not the connection I had hoped for at all that night at the live nativity.

As I watched my children I began to reflect on my personal experience with the live nativity.  As a child I was amazed by the angel and thought that was the miracle of the story.  When I met Jesus for the first time I made a connection with the baby in the cradle.  The precious Christ child, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings.  When I became a mother I connected with Mary, the mother of Jesus.  I could imagine the earthly love she had for her Son as she watched his lips curl in a smile, his little feet take their first steps, his hand hold hers.  I cried for her thinking about the final days she would share with her son and the events that would take place on the road to the cross.

As my spiritual journey continued, I connected with the events of this precious night in history that would change the world forever.  The reason for Christmas, the gift of hope and peace for the entire world, lie in the wooden cradle on a stable floor.  I know how the story ends, that precious baby represents my savior, my Jesus.   I know his blood will be shed on the cross for my sins. I know the victory of the empty tomb on Easter morning. I know the love of God the Father is eternal and everlasting: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

This year I wonder where the nativity will take me?  Will it be the simplicity of the night?  The only sparkling and twinkling lights will be those placed in the sky by God the Father. The only sound will be of the animals and the baby.  The only focus will be on the hope that lies in the manger, the true gift of Christmas…the baby Jesus.

How will you connect this Christmas season with the live nativity?  Join us Wednesday December 19-Friday December 21 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the front parking lot for the live nativity.  Where will it take you? 

Merry Christmas!

Sherri Juliani

Elementary Coordinator, Children’s Ministries

     

Ties That Bind

We are approaching the final chapter of a year long outreach mission project with Children’s Ministries and Missions at Mt. Bethel UMC. In Christmas of 2006 we sent a few blankets, that were made by children during summer Vacation Bible School programs, with a mission team to Atacucho, Ecuador.

The Director of Missions was thrilled by the excitement of the children that received the blankets, but we only sent a few…there was a much greater need. As Children’s Ministries developed a new program on Wednesday nights for Mothers and their tween daughters (GOD’s G.I.R.L.S.) we adopted this project as a weekly mission to make more blankets for the children in Ecuador. Something beautiful happened each week the girls and their moms got together and tied knots between two pieces of fleece. Relationships grew, Christian service was modeled and mentored, and a hunger was put on the hearts of all who prayed and tied the blankets.

Our Youth adopted this mission project during their D-NOW weekend retreat and added to the growing number. Every program we had with children over the summer we continued tying knots in blankets of fleece. The Holy Spirit was guiding the entire project and blessing each blanket and those that labored over it. Fleece blankets were being made and at the same time the Body of Christ was in motion and bound by the soft texute of the fleece, the bright colorful patterns, and the love of a Savior.

Our Children’s Ministry Director and Mission’s Director teamed to make this a goal to have 1200 blankets for Christmas 2007 to take to Atacucho, Ecuador. We have around 900 to date and they are piling in our doors everyday. Boy and Girl Scout Troops, circles, neighborhoods, schools, offices, Sunday School classes, and churches have all participated in this mission project. Grandparents with their grandchildren, sleepovers, small group meetings, families at home, the list goes on of the hands that God has used to tie these blankets of love together. What a precious blessing to see God take the need of comfort and warmth and use the hearts and hands of children in another country to supply a gift of not only physical warmth but the warmth of spiritual love through our precious savior Jesus Christ.

Generations have experienced this project called “Blankets of Love” and children on different continents are tied together through a knot, a prayer, and a blanket of love in the name of Jesus Christ. Those are the ties that bind!

“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

If you would like to contribute to this project please feel free to contact Dianne Hylton (Director of Children’s Ministry) or Sherry Reed (Missions) for more information.

To God be the Glory!

Sherri Juliani

Elementary Coordinator

Children’s Ministries

How Could Anyone Abuse a Child?

Mt. Bethel received spontaneous offerings after the 9:30 & 11:00 worship services in the Sanctuary. The sermon’s topic was “How Could Anyone Abuse a Child?” The offerings totaled $133,000. The disbursement is as follows:

• Murphy Harpst Children’s Home — $30,000
• North Georgia Conference’s Children’s Home — $10,000
• St. Philip UMC’s Children Ministry — $66,000
• Camp Hope — $10,000
• East Cobb Youth — $20,000

May God bless each contributor and may each of you know that God has blessed some of His most special children through your generosity.

Randy

Judgmental?

How many times have we looked at someone and made a judgment about them before we even know who they are or what they are about? I know I am guilty of it and I am sure you are too. Sometimes we can get so self righteous like we are better than anyone else. We feel we have more knowledge, a bigger house, nicer clothes, smarter kids etc. We get so self confident that we look down on everyone else who is not up to our standards. Who do you look down on? I am sure if you think about it you can come up with a list.

Read Luke 18:9-14. Do you see a little of yourself in the Pharisee? The Pharisee was so puffed up with pride and self righteousness. He thought he was so above everyone else. The Pharisee did not reach out to the ones who were hurting and give them hope. However, Jesus did. When the Tax Collector prayed, he prayed for God to forgive him and have mercy on him. He was so ashamed that he looked down and the ground. Have you ever felt like that? God welcomes the humble. We need to humble ourselves and be thankful for the grace of God. We must not pass judgment and look down on others. There maybe those in the world who are doing the wrong things with their lives, but they are all forgiven if they ask. God’s forgiveness saves us, not our goodness and pure and prefect lifestyle. God accepts those who are separated by sin from him but His forgiveness brings us back to Him. Faith and humility are what we need to reflect in our lives. Not self righteousness. So change your heart today. Ask for forgiveness for things that are keeping you separated from God and get rid of your pride and your judgmental ways.

“This Tax man not the other, went home right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more then yourself. ” Luke 18:14

Deone

“Jesus…bring the rain”

As I walked the halls on Sunday morning checking on children, Sunday School Teachers and classes I overheard a little girl say during prayer, “Jesus…bring the rain”.  That sweet voice replayed over and over in my head throughout the day, “Jesus…bring the rain”.   It was a simple prayer that brought a nugget of wisdom my direction in the midst of my normal Sunday morning travels.  The drought had been a topic of many conversations with adults during the week and you could sense the anxiety.  The media is telling us we have only a few months before water rationing may be a reality.  “This is serious, it affects our way of life, we need to start stocking up on water” seemed to be the consensus.  I too began to start thinking of ways to provide water for my family if water rationing became a reality.  Then what, what do I do when my supply runs out? 

Uh ah…it is not MY supply that will sustain me, my family, my neighbors, my friends, my community, the earth…it is GOD’s!  “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory above the heavens.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise…” Psalm 8:1-2.  God used the prayer of a young child to remind me only HE can supply and provide the living water that sustains life.  “Jesus…bring the rain”.

Sherri Juliani

Children’s Ministries

How do I pray?

So many of us struggle with prayer. When do I find time to pray? What is the right way to pray? How often should I pray? Jesus made it so simple for all of us to understand and if we were to sit down and ask him a few questions about prayer, I believe the conversation would go something like this: How do I pray?

Just start a conversation with your Father in heaven. Ask, seek, and receive.

Where do I pray?

Anywhere and anytime. I can always hear you. In fact your father in heaven knows what you need even before you ask.

When do I pray?

I am here for you anytime just like a Father and a Mother are there for you. Talk to me. I am always listening to you for you are my child. Jesus made it so simple. Just talk to your Father in heaven. He is your best friend. And then listen for His voice. It’s really not that complicated It’s Simple

Miss Deone

Show and Tell

Show and Tell, you remember when you where in preschool and lower elementary school it was a special day when you got to pick anything you wanted to bring from home and share with your friends. You would show your special item and then you would continue to tell the class why you brought this special item to share. This fun and engaging exercise of Show and Tell would allow children many opportunities to grow. Children would gain confidence as they presented their item to the class and learned how to make eye contact when addressing their teachers. Children would share a little bit about themselves with their peers, like if Jimmy brought in a lizard we knew Jimmy liked reptiles and if Sally brought in her dog Uga, she not only like dogs but her family were more than likely UGA fans.

Jesus played a game of Show and Tell with his disciples and followers. Jesus would take everyday Show and Tell items (sheep, mustard seed, weeds, yeast, pearls, 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, and the list goes on) to show his disciples and then he would proceed to tell them the wisdom from the Father. As parents, everyday is a teaching experience and an opportunity to play Show and Tell with Jesus as we guide our children on their spiritual journey. Jesus modeled the practice of prayer, friendship, service, and love and then he mentored His disciples. God gives us treasures along the path with or children each day to help bring the stories of the Bible and God’s glory to life, (a rainbow, the stars and moon, an ant and grasshopper, a bright orange pumpkin, etc.). God is waiting to play a game of Show and Tell with you and your child…are you ready? Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Sherri

Tommy Newberry’s latest book is #1!

I heard that Tommy Newberry’s “The 4:8 Principle” is the new “Purpose Driven Life.” It hasn’t been out that long and it’s already #1 on Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestsellers lists. Can’t wait to see him next week!

Johnna

Dove Hunt cancellation

We have decided to cancel the dove hunt due to a lack of birds.  Bob Koven and I have been monitoring the bird situation for the last couple of days and believe it best to cancel the dove hunt for Saturday.  If you have already paid a refund check will be issued middle of next week.  We are thinking of rescheduling the hunt during Georgia’s late season.  If you have any questions please call Jody Ray (770-654-0207 cell).

Jody

Did you say S.P.L.A.T.?!

Say it with me S.P.L.A.T.! S.P.L.A.T., S.P.L.A.T., S.P.L.A.T…are you laughing yet? This kid-friendly word actually is an intentional acronym for teaching the children and families of Mt. Bethel how to SERVE, PRAY, LOVE, And TEACH the love of Jesus. Let’s look at S.P.L.A.T. together…

SERVE- Children want to make a difference and they want to make it now. This is a great opportunity to work with children on age appropriate missions that spread the love of Jesus to those around them or far away. Over the past year children and adults have been working together to make blankets for Ecuador, to date we have over 650 blankets and are working toward 1200 by Christmas 2007. As children tie the two sides of fabric together we explain that one piece of fabric represents you and the other piece represents the child who will receive the blanket; and the knot ties you together in the name of Jesus. Children are learning at an early age how to serve God, share the love of Jesus with others, and enjoy time serving together in His name.

PRAY - Guide children to grow in their relationship with God through prayer and understanding of this vital gift of their faith.

LOVE - Through serving and praying in the name of Jesus children begin to understand what Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’”.

AND

TEACH - Children are serving, praying, and sharing the love of Jesus as they begin their journey as the next generation of disicples for Jesus Christ!

Join us for S.P.L.A.T. University on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm where children learn how to Serve, Pray, Love And Teach in the name of Jesus! Little K: Preschool
Heroes Study: Kindergarten-5th
How To Use My Bible: 3rd Grade
GOD’s G.I.R.L.S. : 4th/5th grade mother or mentor and daughter life group
The R.O.C.K.: 4th/5th grade parent or mentor and child life group.

Contact Sherri Juliani for more information regarding your child’s spiritual formation at S.P.L.A.T. University!

Sherri