This Sunday, I will begin a 3-week series on “What’s all the Fuss About a Jewish Carpenter?” The first in the series is titled “Did Jesus rise from death?” (John 11:25-26). Each week, I’ll provide thought-provoking questions and statements printed in the bulletin. These questions will be available online as well in PDF form for group discussion. Please join me as we explore what the “fuss” is all about…
Jody
It’s Sunday morning around here at Mt. Bethel and I wonder, where have all the people gone, long time passing? Where have all the people gone - far, far away… It’s Sunday morning and the attendance is about 1/2 it’s normal. Does that bother me? Yeah - I’d say so. But the BIGGER QUESTION, does it bother God? ABSOLUTELY! Instead of worshiping Him, we are out worshiping THAT WHICH HE CREATED. Now, that’s not to say, that we can’t encounter God in His creation, but, come on - really? What does that look like?
Am I giving you (whoever the “you” folks are) a tough time? I guess so. But then, you know me, I ask MYSELF the same question - IF I weren’t one of the minister here at Mt. B., how many Sundays would I take off, expecting God to understand. WOW! Truth hurts.
So, if you’re reading this, I’d love to hear what your thoughts are. IS Sanctuary worship truly better than creation worship? Or better yet - Can God receive your worship outside of the Sanctuary… or I guess the real question is, do we TRULY worship GOD while in the creation. Hhmm… some things to think about.
Diane Parrish
Your suggestions and comments are valuable to us, so the staff of Mt. Bethel UMC has designed a series of surveys to gather your thoughts and opinions to help us better plan for your needs and concerns.
The first survey is regarding Mt. Bethel’s worship experience, and we have e-mailed this survey to most of the congregation. If you did not get an e-mail, we invite you to use this link to take the survey. To receive these e-mails in the future, and to receive our weekly and monthly bulletins, please subscribe using this link.
If you have any questions, please use the comments section below and we’ll be happy to help you.
Mt. Bethel has graduated from a mailed weekly bulletin to a monthly magazine! Our communication ministry conducted a survey a while back and, according to our readers, the internet is more appealing than the weekly bulletin. The mailed bulletin is sent third-class and is delivered accordingly. Often, the bulletin is a week old when it is received.
“The Action” is the new monthly bulletin. It contains all of the upcoming events and reports of church action. It will also include a meditation and various articles of interest. Everyone is encouraged to check the church’s website, on at least a weekly basis, for the latest news. In addition, an enlarged worship bulletin will be handed out each Sunday highlighting events and news. If one does not have access to a computer and would still like to receive the weekly bulletin used for worship, all one has to do is request that it be mailed . . . and it will!
We very much desire to be efficient financially and environmentally. The less third-class mailings and the less paper used, the better we will all be.
Please let us know what you think. We look forward to hearing from you!
Randy
Yesterday you should have received an e-mail with a link to an electronic copy of The Action. If you did not and would like to receive it monthly, please click here to sign up.
A quick look at the recent CHARGE retreat through the eyes of a nine year old:
How was the bus ride?
The buses are great! They were very comfortable! It was loud on the way to camp but it was quiet on the way home. I think it was because we were tired.
How was the cabin?
Some of the tiles on the floor in the cabin were loose but the bathrooms were great!
Did you like the food?
They need more! The girls got to eat first so there wasn’t enough for the boys when it was their turn. They gave us different food. I think the food was healthy and I liked what I had. I even tried Tea (sweet). It was good!
How were the adult counselors?
They were GREAT!
What about worship?
Worship was good - Loud, fun and funny! The juggler was fantastic! So was the magician (Lanny Moody)!
Did you have music?
Yes! the band was awesome and amazing!
Did you take a shower?
No! But I did brush my teeth.
