Happy Easter! THE BETHEL INFORMER. March Rev. Tim Starbuck, Pastor

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1 Happy Easter! THE BETHEL INFORMER March 2016 Rev. Tim Starbuck, Pastor I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified...i Corinthians 2:2 May I never boast in anything except the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world...galatians 6:14 I tell you again now even with tears, many live as enemies of the Cross of Christ.Philippians 3:18 The Cross is the center of the universe. It is the ultimate focus of Reality. It is where sin is both judged and forgiven. It is where death is both manifested and killed. It is where God s heart is revealed in all wrath and love. It is the place of total separation from the old and total uniting with the New. It is where you and I are convicted of sin and where we are made just. It is the place of ultimate agony and the place where all agony ends. It is so simple a child can grasp it and so awesome in its depths of unfathomable mystery that we will be baptized in its wonder for the ages to come. It is the weakness of God which is stronger than the greatest strength of evil. It is the foolishness of God which is far wiser than the wisdom of men or all the principalities and powers. It is the place of total loss, and the place where love finds us and will never let us go. It is where God and man are forever brought into a union together so intimate that nothing can separate us in this world or in the world to come. He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?... Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:32; 34; 38-39) All of us understand that it is at the Cross we are forgiven. The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin. But few ever seem to understand that it is at the Cross, after we have received forgiveness from sin, that the power of the Cross deals with our sin nature, our old man, our sinful patterns of living which cause death to all joy. If you are tired of sinful lapses in your life, know this: you are totally forgiven by the blood. That is irrefutable, irreversible, and eternal. Now with the same faith you asked to be forgiven by the blood, ask to be set free by the Cross. Ask for the death that brings life. Ask Jesus to take you to the Cross and slay whatever it is in your old life that seems to refuse to let go of you. Then say with Paul, now with better understanding of the meaning of these words... I am crucified WITH Christ, yet I LIVE!!! Yet not I but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in my body, I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God who LOVED ME and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) Grace and Peace, Tim <><

2 Chesterton said, I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act, but I do believe in a fate that falls on them UNLESS they act. It is another way of saying, All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. (Edmond Burke) We cannot do everything. But let that never keep us from doing what we can. It is not enough to claim to love God. We must hate evil. And we overcome evil with good. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Eccl. 9:10) Wherever you have been stationed by the Lord, love Him and love others, and let your holy anger against evil move you to righteous action. Nothing frees us from temptation to do wrong like a passion for doing good. Please keep these persons and their circumstances in your prayers: Elsie Joiner, Gary Phelps, Bill Donovan, Junior and Ruth Pittman. Nursing Homes/Retirement Centers: John Warren, Vera Eudy, Ellen Cobb, Ernie Wortman and Elmer Coggins, Jr. Pastor Tim has new phone numbers. Pastor s Mobile: Parsonage: Fundraiser Luncheon Sunday, March 6, :00 1:30 p.m. Immediately following the worship service. Chicken Pie Green Beans Slaw Rolls Dessert and Drink Cost: Adults $6.00 Children 6 & under $ years $3.00 Come join us!

3 Sunday 9:15 a.m. Prayer Room Opens 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Assembly 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 5:00 p.m. Youth Meeting Wednesday 5:00 8:00 p.m. Prayer Room 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Meal 6:15 p.m. Bible Study 6:45 7:45 p.m. Wonderful Wednesday Children s Program 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 1st Tues day United Methodist Women 6:30 Family Life Center 1st Sunday United Methodist Men 7:30 Family Life Center 2nd Thursday Senior Adult Singles 5:30 p.m. Van leaves from Church 1 6:30 p.m. United Methodist Women 2 5:00 8:00 p.m. See Weekly Wednesday Schedule 6 7:30 a.m. United Methodist Men 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 1:30 p.m. Fundraiser Luncheon 7 6:00 p.m. Brenner Fit 8 7:00 p.m. Optimist Oratorical Contest 9 5:00 8:00 p.m. See Weekly Wednesday Schedule 10 5:30 p.m. S.A.S.S.Y. (BBQ Joe s) 12 7:00 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Breakfast 13 Daylight Saving Time Begins 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 14 6:00 p.m. Brenner Fit 15 7:00 p.m. Optimist Oratorical Contest 16 5:00 8:00 p.m. See Weekly Wednesday Schedule 19 8:00 am. -12:00 Pine Needle Sale 20 11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Palm Sunday 2:30-4:40 p.m. Easter Celebration! 21 6:00 p.m. Brenner Fit 23 5:00 8:00 p.m. See Weekly Wednesday Schedule 24 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service (Pleasant Grove UMC) 25 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service (Trinity UMC) 27 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service/ 7:30 a.m. Breakfast 11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday 30 5:00 8:00 p.m. See Weekly Wednesday Schedule 31 5:30 p.m. CCM Meals of Grace (Team # 7 Leader, Peggy Morris)

4 Our Helpers and Leaders in March Ushers: Dean Graham Randy McClamrock Keith Tobin Kemp Tobin Acolytes, Greeters, and Nursery March 6 Acolyte Kelby Starbuck Greeters Steve and Debbie Kennedy Infant Nursery March 13 Acolyte Zoë Starbuck Greeters Jit and Darlene Salisbury Infant Nursery Linda Goins and Irene King If you need to contact the church secretary, her hours are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Phone: March 20 Acolyte Greeters Infant Nursery March 27 Acolyte Greeters Infant Nursery Julie Beck Imogene Garrett and Mozelle Myers Ricky and Cindy Simpson Kelby Starbuck Ricky and Cindy Simpson Kemp and Sue Tobin The Mission of the Bethel United Methodist Church is to: Bring people together for the worship of God by Encouraging a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Teaching the Gospel message of salvation. We must Hear the cry of others-both spiritual and physical Establish supportive ministries for all ages by Loving and affirming all people as they grow spiritually in their faith.

5 MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 9 Allen and Jeffrey Brown 22 George and If your birthday or anniversary is incorrect or not listed please call the office and let Wanda know Thank you! MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Sue Tobin 2 Niki Kimrey 2 Ashley Finch Padgett 6 Jeremy Adams 13 Martha Surratt 14 Sara Mayhew 16 Heather Whitman 18 Sharon Pierce 22 Jerri Edwards 23 Patrick Doby 24 Jeremiah Walton 24 Betty Batten 26 Nathan Walker 27 Mozelle Myers 28 Debbie Kennedy 28 Keith Tobin 28 Mark Surratt 28 Wade Loftin Set your clock forward l hour on Saturday Night, March 12th First day of Spring Sunday, March 20, 2016 Check it out! Bethel s Webpage

6 United Methodist Men Sunday, March 6th 7:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center. All men are invited to attend! There are open dates on the flower calendar: March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th If you would like to reserve flowers for any of these dates, United Methodist Women FAITH HOPE LOVE IN ACTION Tuesday, March 1st 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Prayer and Self Denial Program by Cathy Hunt We will also be planning for the breakfast. All women are invited to come and be a part of this wonderful missions group. Books from the UMW Reading Program are in the library. Please Contact: Priscilla Wood ( ) The United Methodist Men have chicken pies to sell. The price of the pies are $ 8.00 each. Please call the church to get your pie. The United Methodist Women are selling flavoring for $3.00 a bottle. Please contact at and leave a message on her answering machine or please see her at church if you would like to purchase a bottle. Flavors Rum, Maple, Orange, Vanilla (Clear & Regular), Banana, Butter Nut, Almond, Lemon, Butter, Coconut Flavoring and Black Walnut

7 Children s Ministry Youth Ministry Wednesday Night Children s Program 6:45 p.m. MASCOT PECANS We will be selling pecans during the holiday season to support the Playground Fund. We have 16 0z. pecan halves and pieces for $ We also have chocolate covered pecans for $8.00. (Great for gifts!) 2015 Crop! Please contact Cindy Simpson, Paige Simpson or Sheila Myers. Youth Meetings 5:00 p.m. March... 6 March March March Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Love Our Children Buckets! The children were very excited. Easter Celebration! Bethel UMC 508 Fisher Ferry Street Thomasville, NC Special Easter Events Easter Egg Dyeing Guess the Jelly Beans Fun Activities Easter Story Reading Sunday, March 20th 2:30 4:30 Free Hotdogs and Cupcakes! Gigantic Easter Egg Hunt Pictures with the Easter Bunny

8 6th Annual Chili Cook-off Our 5th Annual Chili Cook-off was held on Sunday, February 7th. Our winning chili cookers were: 1 st Place: Sheila Myers 2 nd Place: The Youth 3 rd Place: Thomas Rhodes Congratulations to our winners! A special thanks to all who provided a crock pot of chili, helped set-up, cleaned up and to all who came to eat. This event raised $ Everyday there are teenagers in the Thomasville Communities in Schools program who come to school and face bullying because of their poor hygiene. Ms. Judy Younts, the Director of this program says these are homeless kids or kids of parents who are unable to provide the necessary items for the teenagers to maintain good hygiene for their health. We at Bethel have the opportunity to provide many of the items that are needed to help each child to be healthy and have good self esteem. We can supply these items with love and dignity. This is going to be an on-going mission project for our community. You may bring items whenever you wish. The items needed are: Our Prayers Toilet Tissue Feminine Products Tooth Paste Shampoo Deodorant (for boys and girls) Toothbrushes Combs Mouth Wash Wash Cloths Hair Brush Razors Bath Soap Kleenex Wet Wipes Nail Clippers and File Hand Sanitizer Shaving Cream (for the older teens) Our Prayers Thank You, Martha Doby, Mission Chair

9 The Season of Lent, 2016 began on February 10th, Ash Wednesday. We are using the Lenten Calendar to raise money for the Shepherd's Inn Homeless Shelter. The calendar brings to our attention the simple things in our homes. It also allows families to work together each day on the project. The Shepherd s Inn homeless shelter is in dire need of so many things, the most important being heat for the building. I have pledged that Bethel will give our Lenten Collection to Duke Energy to be applied to the Shepherd s Inn electric bill. I pray that each of you will use the calendar daily, recognize how fortunate you are and give as God leads you. The offering will be placed under the Cross on Easter Sunday, March 27th. Sincerely. Martha Doby, Mission Chair If you would like to place an Easter Lily in the church on Sunday, March 27th, in memory or in honor of someone for Easter, please complete a form and make your check payable to Cline s Nursery. The Easter Lilies will be $ Please give the money and the form to Priscilla Wood by Wednesday, March 9th. Order forms are available in the vestibule. S.A.S.S.Y. (Single Adult Seniors, 55+) Invites You To Our Monthly Fellowship Dinner Thursday, March 10th Meet at BBQ Joe s at 5:30 p.m. Bethel United Methodist Church Wavel Surratt ( ) or Mozelle Myers ( )

10 Wednesday Night Suppers March 2nd Pintos Cabbage Stewed Potatoes Corn Bread Cooks: Gloria Banton Dolores Elkins Desserts: Gloria Banton Vicki Benton Dolores Elkins Helpers: Irene King Lori Ferguson Clean Up: Jit and Darlene March 9th Ham Green Beans Potato Salad Cook: and Gloria Banton Desserts: Sarah Bowling Imogene Garrett Mozelle Myers Clean Up: Jit and Darlene Helpers: Lori Ferguson Irene King March 16th Soup Grilled Cheese Desserts: Father s Faithful Class Clean Up: Father s Faithful Class March 23rd Chicken Sandwich Baked Potato Cook: and Gloria Banton Desserts: Linda Finch Irene King Wavel Surratt Clean Up: Jit and Darlene Helpers: March 30th Hotdogs Baked Beans Chips Lori Ferguson Irene King Desserts: Father s Faithful Class Clean Up: Father s Faithful Class Wednesday Night Menu Time: 5:30 p.m. Come join us! Cost: Adults $6.00 Children 6 & under $ years $3.00

11 United Methodist Women s Breakfast Saturday, March 12th 7:00 10:00 a.m. Bethel UMC Family Life Country Ham, Sausage, Bacon, Eggs, Grits, Stewed Apples, Gravy, Homemade Biscuits, Coffee, Juice, Tea, Soft Drinks Cost $7.00 (Adults) $2.00 (Under 12) The Evangelism Committee is selling Bethel Mugs to benefit the General Fund for $5.00 each. Committee members are: Martha Doby, Joel and Melissa Ferguson. Tree of Life Brochures for the Building Fund If you need a brochure, please look in the vestibule at church or contact the church secretary and she will be glad to mail you one. Phone ( ) Bethel United Methodist Church Easter Sunrise Service March 27th at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served in the Family Life Center following the service. The Father s Faithful Sunday Class will be providing the breakfast. MISSIONS/ OPPORTUNITIES Local Missions: The UMW is collecting for the Cooperative Community Ministry. The item for March is boxed cereal.