But this is THEIR church. They have claimed it. And now, the student ministry has caught their vision, When I began – we had four teen girls – last Sunday – there were eleven young men and women. AND, three of the original four girls were out of town. They have learned that Ginger, Stephanie, Steve and John are their life-blood to life through Christ. Word is out on the street – the students are coming.

In September, Maryellen said I want to start a women’s bible study. She sat for four weeks – no one came. Now there are six women from the community who are learning about King David.

Ray did the same with the men – first there were none – now there are five – Proverbs is always good. On Sunday mornings, before Sunday school you can find Ray in the parking lot with his tools working on the kids bikes while they are in the fellowship hall with their friends… it’s how they get to THEIR Church!

Towards the end of the summer – the original Mt. Bethel members who were so faithful to attend St. Philip in the beginning started coming back home to Mt. Bethel – as they should. But, by their presence in the facility during their season of service to St. Philip – the community started seeing life on campus! The community started paying attention and now they are once again embracing this church called St. Philip. From my heart I can say, well done you good and faithful servants – you along with Stuart walked that first mile, paving the way for us to now walk this second mile.

Do we need some new hands on deck? Sure! Come on over – I can put you to work. But, and please don’t take this the wrong way, I don’t want you to come over just to sit in the service – no – I want much more from you – I want you to come and PLAY WITH US! I’ll give you a job! It is ever so much more fun WORKING IN THE KINGDOM than sitting! I promise you, YOU WILL be blessed!

Thank you, Mt. Bethel, for allowing me to serve over there!
Diane Parrish

Post from: Mt. Bethel UMC

A Day at St. Philip

I thank God for making this possible, I thank God for opening our hearts, so this group of people made the trip and helped show the glory and power God.

Pete Torres and David Dollinger

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The bridge in Bolivia is complete!

Happy to report that all 20 team members of our College Mission Trip to Kenya are back in the USA.  So many wanted to stay and if we had known what a difficult time we would have getting back we might have.

The team was an absolute JOY to lead.  The 17 university students were a delight and incredibly flexible.  Without complaining, no, with laughter and humor they endure a travel schedule that was insane!!  The 4 team leaders, Annie Coppedge, Alan Newsome, Brad Gorski and I were constantly overwhelmed with how well they took abrupt changes, disappointments and no luggage.  WE shared so much, SO MUCH, as a team, and are bonded FOREVER through the challenges and the goodness.

Yes, we are tired, sick, and weary.  Our team is returning to jobs, family, jury duty and college classes, but what God blessed us with is more, so much more, to overcome any weariness we are feeling.  As we process all that He gave us, we are constantly amazed at His provision of strength, patience, joy and love.

This mission trip experience revealed a LOVE that is indescribable. PATIENCE, during the travel, manifested when we all believed we had no more strength in hearing ‘I am sorry but…’ .  GRACE blanketed us when we were pushed beyond our human limits. JOY, a joy, that is not tied to circumstances under girded us to maintain our compassion and commitment to love as Christ loves us.

We were blessed to have been God’s instruments of HIS infinite love and compassion.  WE are grateful to have been able to GO- to shine, to love and to receive.  How grateful we are to be home- how grateful we are to have seen.

We are holding onto 2 quotes that were shared, “Sometimes statistics needs a face“  by Shane Claiborne and “Now that I have seen, I am responsible…“  from Albertine by Brooke Fraser.

NOW we have seen, and met, and know, the story behind the statistic of an AIDS orphan, a team leader named Phoebe, a village turning to the LORD to pull together to make life better for their children and family and so much more… now we are responsible.  The statistics we just read or hear about have a face, and a name and a heart.  Therefore, we are responsible for having seen, and met, and held and given a piece of our heart to.  WE are responsible to pray, love, give, and GO!  We continue to ask God to help us process and put into ACTION whatever He calls us to do now.

We thank you for praying for us and now we ask that we all continue to pray together and seek God’s direction in how HE wants us to continue to pray, give and/or go.

With a JOY that knows no bounds,

gaylyn

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Here are a few photos from the trip.  Many more coming soon…

Post from: Mt. Bethel UMC

5 countries in 12 days tour- USA, England, South Africa, Kenya, France

Scripture: Matthew 6:34-35 and John 16:33

Length: 21:19

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Video of January 4 Traditional Sermon: “2009 is Prime Time”

See you there - Jody

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Catch the Vision

After a quick breath and “God there’s a lesson here…help me” the words came…

It is not the shoes that make the basketball player it’s the commitment, dedication, and practice that makes a great basketball player. It is not the shoes that make the team mate it’s the enthusiasm, support and encouragement that makes a great team mate. You see the “stuff” we will out grow…it’s the discipline (disciple), commitment, dedication, practice, enthusiasm, support and encouragement that God uses to shine the light of Jesus into a world in need of a Savior. It’s not the shoes that people remember…it’s the basketball player that was dedicated and the team mate that encouraged their team even when the scoreboard said they lost the game. After the conversation I began to reflect on the many teachable moments I will have with my children…and will I grab on and share that “God moment” when they come”…oh, how I hope so!

If I don’t teach my child how to handle rejection I have failed as a parent…how will they ever know the joy of success.

If I don’t teach my child respect I have failed as a parent…how will they ever experience true relationships and love.

If I don’t teach my child patience I have failed as a parent…how will they ever grow in understanding.

If I don’t teach my child discipline I have failed as a parent…how will they become productive citizens in society.

If I don’t teach my child proper eating habits and hygiene I have failed as a parent…how will they grow healthy and strong.

If I don’t teach my child about Jesus Christ and what it means to be part of the “body”…I have robbed them of true freedom and purpose for their life.

If I don’t teach my child about God everyday we walk together and make their spiritual inheritance a priority…then I have failed as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“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 upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

There is a lot of “stuff” going on in the world right now…but God’s word is the same today as it was yesterday as it will be tomorrow and somewhere there is a child in need of God’s wisdom and divine grace. They are waiting to learn…are you ready to teach? Go get ‘em!!! We would love to have you share some “God Moments” that you have experienced with your child.

Sherri Juliani
Elementary Coordinator
Children’s Ministries

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God Moments With Your Child…Ready, Set, Teach!

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Video of December 28 Traditional Sermon: “Now What?”

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Video of December 21 Traditional Sermon: “Christmas Surprises”

The order deadline is February 27 so please watch for full information including the order form in future editions of the weekly Mt. Bethel e-bulletin. Troop 1011 thanks all those that help the Boy Scouts by supporting this important fund raiser.

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Troop 1011 Annual Pine Straw Sale

Although his time was limited, his presentation and display of his steel helmet brought many questions.  Furthermore, the class showed their appreciation by afterwards writing illustrated thank you letters to Eddie for his talk and being a part of  “The Greatest Generation.”

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The Greatest Generation