Owner: Mt. Bethel UMC URL:http://www.mtbethel.org/blog Join Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:40:51 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Events and insights from Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta, GA. Site statistics:Click here
If God Forgets - Why do WE remember? 2007-08-30 13:21:13 God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “It is I, I, who wipe out, for my own sake, your offenses; your sins I remember no more.”
I was in a counseling session the other day with a woman named Sally. She posed this question, “Diane, so if God forgives me of my sins - why can’t I? How is it that HE can forgive, then forget them and yet I can’t do either!?”
What do YOU think? Why is it that when God forgives us of our sins - WE still remember them? What is the purpose and what is the LESSON God wants from us in the great scope of things? Well?
Rev. Diane Parrish
World map of upcoming events 2007-08-30 08:43:05 We’ve just added a map with a list of all upcoming off-campus church events
. It’s a neat way to see everywhere that Mt. Bethel is going in the upcoming months.
Check it out!
Mickey Read more:World
Let’s Claim the Name 2007-08-29 13:31:36 In today’s world, it is necessary for Christian organizations to cooperate with all kinds of groups, secular and religious, political and non-political. Sometimes, Christian groups sense they have been “used” for someone else’s political or economic agenda. For instance, at the partnership signing of the United Methodist Committee on Overseas Relief (UMCOR), and the London-based Muslim Aid society, a few questions arose concerning “inclusiveness” compromises and Christian distinctiveness.
In a nutshell, Christians were “invited” not to mention or use the name Jesus Christ. The Muslims fear that “proselytizing” might occur and Muslims might accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, which would be most upsetting to Allah! The audacity is truly amazing considering that Muslim Aid has been linked with a number of militant groups and terrorism. In addition, Muslim Aid sends most of its support to Muslim communities to help poor Muslims observe their holy days.
Why should
The Missionary Christian 2007-08-28 23:49:01 What does it mean to be a Christian
? I’ve asked different people at different times throughout my ministry what they thought it meant to be a Christian. I have always been amazed at all the different answers. To go to church, to do good things, to believe in Jesus, to read your Bible regularly, to be part of a community of Christ-like believers and the list goes on. I have asked myself the same question and wrestled with the answer. I have a churchy bible answer, (I won’t take space for that, you probably already know it too) but what does God’s living word and His life-breathing Spirit tell us about being a Christian. Let me give you my short answer. There are many scriptures I could use but Luke 9:23 seems to always capture the heart of it for me. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up this cross daily and follow me. (The me, being Jesus) You could answer the question what does it mean to be a Christian in many ways, but it always c
What is Mt. Bethel All About? 2007-09-19 15:58:31 No doubt, there are many ways to answer that question. Some people ask that question wanting to know the physical features of Mt. Bethel
.
How many acres? 46.
How many square feet? 235,000.
How many employees? 172 full-time, 202 part-time.
How many members? 8,600.
What’s the budget? Operating budget is $10 million, debt from buildings is $11 million.
How is the budget spent? 16% debt service; missions & local ministries 34%; staffing 50%.
How is the budget funded? Individuals tithing or giving (they aren’t the same thing).
How many people give? Out of 2,557 giving units, 2,339 give.
Mt. Bethel is all of that, but so much more! We are an outwardly-focused church and that is a big reason Mt. Bethel is effective. This outward focus has produced a caring church that reaches out for children through a Day Care Ministry, Preschool Ministry, Elementary and Middle High Ministry through the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. The Older Adult Center cares for the parents and grandparents in t
Fasting (Part I) 2007-09-19 14:21:54 I’ve received many questions regarding my sermon comment about “fasting on Fridays.” (note: You can listen to Jody’s Podcast from September 16 to hear what he is referring to.) The cool thing is all of the questions have been followed by “I think God is leading me to join” the Friday fast. So why the “Friday fast?” John Wesley fasted on Friday. He would begin on Thursday evening after the evening meal and continue until mid-afternoon on Fridays. During this time Wesley would not eat solid food, and he spent his time in prayer and seeking the presence of God. Wesley wanted all of the Methodist ministers as well as church leaders to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. Wesley felt so strongly about the spiritual discipline of fasting that he would not ordain ministers who would not agree to do it. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, “When you fast…” not “If you fast.”
Fasting
, for me, is the way I
Listening to God 2007-09-18 13:44:28 God made Abraham a promise. Sari had a problem with believing God’s promise. She even laughed out loud when God told Abraham that they would have many children. She laughed because they were old and past the age of having children. She kept saying to herself, “How can that be possible?” There are so many times in our life where we say, “How can that be possible?” We can not explain why. As our faith grows stronger in Christ we need to understand that all things are possible with God. Sometimes we can’t explain why certain things happen or do not happen in our lives. If you will pray and listen and follow God’s instructions not your own you will come to realize that God has a plan in everything he does. Believe in Him and have faith in Him and God will show you how all things are possible with Him.
Join us this Sunday as we talk more about how to listen to God in the Fellowship Hall @ 11:00 or watch ION network Saturday mornings at 8:00.
Miss De Read more:Listening
10 years of MtBethel.org 2007-09-18 10:04:27 It was just over 10 years ago, on July 20, 1997, that Roger Barnette had the foresight to purchase the domain mtbethel.org for our church. Given that there are hundreds of organizations named “Mt. Bethel” in the US, having such a great domain name is only possible because of Roger.
I thought it’d be neat to take a look at the changes in the site through the years. I don’t have any screenshots from the first few years, but we can start in March of 2000. This design, along with the next four, was done by Mike Gutting. (you can click on any image to view a larger version of it)
In October of that year, Mike added a column on the right side of the page to show additional information:
Not too much later, in January of 2001, Mike updated again with a fresh look:
In April of 2001, the look was refined a bit further. This is one of my favorite old designs of the site:
A few years later, in February of 2003, the site got a nice new look:
There was one
Come Twitter with us 2007-09-17 12:52:07
We’ve just released some new features on our site that integrate directly with Twitter
, the very popular micro-blogging service. We’re doing this in an effort to make it easier for you to get the information you need.
We’re starting it in two areas - the upcoming High School Girl’s Retreat and our ever-popular Recreation Update. We will likely do this will other events in the future, depending on well it goes.
We’ve been very careful in our implementation of this, in not changing any of the old ways of doing things. If you’re used to just clicking the “sunshine icon” on the front of the site to get the rec update, you still can - that’s not going away. We’re simply adding more ways for you to stay updated.
If you’d like more information about how to use this new technology, please visit this page. Let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.
Mickey
What matters? 2007-09-17 02:12:52 It’s late right now. I am getting ready to go on a quick trip to the Gulf, early in the morning to see one of our Katrina Relief Service Projects. I had a wedding of one of my original youth from my youth ministry days this past weekend. When I get back I have family and friends, meetings and ministry that all need and expect my attention. So in the midst of juggling my schedule, in the same way you juggle your schedule, this question came to me. What matters
? And so my mind began to race to order my life by my priorities and then what was urgent and even by my interests, but after a few moments my mind began to clear and a word came to my mind, one simply word,…….. GOD.
I know that is the easy way out, the pat answer, but not this time. This time sometime else came to my mind when the answer came up God. God said to me, I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.(Rev. 21:6) God has always been important to me and sure, we know He is the most important o
Tommy Newberry’s latest book is #1! 2007-09-14 08:58:19 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 2007-09-13 11:28:08 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.?! 2007-09-13 10:39:30 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
Show and Tell 2007-09-24 08:59:21 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 li
Good to Great in the Eyes of God 2007-10-01 10:05:22 I am starting a new series this Wednesday in the chapel from 6:30 - 7:30 pm for 4 weeks. Also, I preached this past Sunday and will again next Sunday on this same “Good to Great
” topic at Encounter.
So now that the commercial is done, why so much attention on this “Good to Great” topic. Some of you recognize the title from a business book, “Good to Great” written by Jim Collins on how good companies become great. A few others of you may recognize the Christian title, “Good to Great in the eyes of God”, as a new book by Chip Ingram. The reason that I think so many people have been fascinated by this topic of going from good to great is because that is the way God has built us. There is something in us that wants to see great things happen in our lives. We want our life to amount to something that means something significant.
So this raises another question. What is significant? What really matters? In Jim Collins book, he did not go into what is the value in b
How do I pray? 2007-10-10 14:18:38 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
Raising Kids in a XXX Culture 2007-10-10 08:01:28 On November 7, Rick Schatz is going to be here to speak on “Raising
Kids in a XXX Culture.” He will be addressing the dangers of iPods, cell phones, hand-held game devices, TV, and Internet and what we as parents need to do. As a parent of young children who can potentially be exposed to so many unnatural and unhealthy things, this event is an absolute must for me and my husband. I will be inviting my neighbors too. Read more about Rick on our website.
Johnna
What’s in your hands? 2007-10-10 07:32:48 As a child I remember getting caught with toys in my hands during Sunday school or with cookies in my hands before dinner. The question, “What’s in your hands?”, was usually a confrontation that led to a reprimand. In God’s same question to Moses in Exodus 4:1-5 it is a confrontation that led to new life and blessing. Moses is struggling with whether or not people will believe he has had an experience with God. He is questioning himself and God. God doesn’t rebuke him, but reinforces him as the shepherd’s staff turns from what was once alive, in Moses hands, to new life, when it is laid down for God. This theme is carried forward throughout the Old and New Testaments and throughout the lives of Saints alive today. Whether we are nervous observers with Abraham and Isaac on the mountain or grateful participants watching the little boy bring his loaves and fishes in the Gospel account, it is clear that God wants to use that which is in our hands
Forgiveness 2007-10-09 08:06:14 God said that we are to forgive. Matthew wrote in Chapter 6, verses 14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
So does that mean EVERY person? Does that mean EVERY instance – where is the wriggle room? Or is there any? Well?
Rev. Diane Parrish Read more:Forgiveness
A peek behind the site 2007-10-04 10:20:37 I recently received an e-mail from a church up in Maryland asking what tools we use to build/maintain the website. While the main areas of the site (events, news, etc) are handled using a home-grown system, we use many 3rd-party products throughout the site. I thought I’d share that info here for anyone else that is curious:
We use a product called vBulletin to handle our user authentication and the forums. The authentication is used so that we can give access to the back-end of the site for those that need it. Cost: $160 (one-time) + $30/year
SignUsUp for online registrations. Cost: Varies
TinyMCE handles the WYSIWYG editor on the backend, so that we can use buttons to make things bold, italic, linked, etc, rather than having to write code for all of that. Cost: Free!
We purchased Widget Podcast a few years ago to power the Podcast. We’ve modified it very heavily, but it’s technically still in there a little bit. Cost: $40
Flash Nifties XML Flash Slideshow Read more:behind
Something to Think About 2007-10-04 09:28:53 Recently, I received this meditation regarding stewardship from a member of the church. I will share some of it because it’s very good food for thought . . .
“This is really simple. You are all intelligent people, highly educated. You are used to being coerced, soft sold, hard sold, gently pulled away from your money during stewardship season. The church has relied on the same tactic for years, trying to convince you that you need to give. But that is over. No more coercion! God said you are to give 10%. It says it right in the Bible. You have all read it and heard it before. And when you joined Mt. Bethel, you promised that you would give – your time, talents, gifts and service. You promised. You stood right there in front of your ministers and fellow parishioners in God’s House and you promised. So it’s simple. Do it. Give.”
That is the most straight-forward approach to stewardship I know.
Mt. Bethel is focused outward and is embracing simplicity. In other words,
Judgemental? 2007-10-18 11:43:11 How many times have we looked at someone and made a judgement 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
Good to Great in the Eyes of God - Taking Great Risks 2007-10-15 15:53:46 As we look at doing great things for God through His Spirit there is one unmistakable necessity that keeps many people from every doing those great things. God is looking for risk takers. People who will go out of a limb with Him. Many people see the Christian life as being good, responsible, moral, wise people. Although God wants us to live to a high standard and do the right thing, often doing the right thing requires great risk. When Martin Luther challenged the church with the idea that faith is where salvation comes from and not a list of works set out by the church it was at great personal risk.
Risk taking doesn’t mean being careless or dangerous, instead it means listening intently for the voice of God and when you hear it obeying in spite of outward situations or circumstances that to others may make your actions look irresponsible.
What we are really talking about here is faith. Faith is always following what God has revealed to you or taught you through His wor Read more:Great
, Risks
, Taking
“Jesus…bring the rain” 2007-10-15 08:16:55 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
Any Soldier 2007-10-23 13:23:24 Two of our Mt. Bethel members, Ed and Mary Ettel, will be recognized in Washington D.C. on November 6 by U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss. The time is to be determined.
The reason for this recognition is for the time and effort this couple has spent in their basement compiling care packages for troops in the Middle East.
View their website to see what a tremendous effort this couple has made along with scores of volunteers from all over the community: http://ettel.typepad.com/anysoldier
How Could Anyone Abuse a Child? 2007-10-26 11:25:21 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
Fasting (Part II): Fasting Changes Us 2007-10-24 13:49:03 [be sure to read the first part of this series - “Fasting
(Part I)”]
Jesus didn’t say “if you fast” he said, “When you fast.” In this statement Jesus put fasting up there with praying and giving to the needy. Fasting is the physical way in which we can change our inner personality. As Christians we understand from scripture that our “old nature” or “our flesh” is always at war with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is not just our physical nature, but rather all of who we are in mind, will, and emotions. This is all the stuff we inherited from Adam, our first father, way back in the Garden of Eden.
Through salvation our lives are transformed, and we receive a “new nature.” This new nature is the Spirit of God present and at work in us. Unfortunately, the old person is always trying to come back in and take over our lives. Salvation doesn’t mean that magically all of our old nature is washed away, and we never have to deal with it
Award Winning Live It Live! 2007-10-30 10:24:02 This week TV Ministry personnel Alf Sauvé, Scott Sauvé, Glen Bailey and Matt Sheren attended the WFX Conference here in Atlanta. Also attending was Judy Green, Gale Koven, Vaughn Stafford and John Ellis. This technology conference is for Churches with production capabilities that includes 60 instructional sessions and features a 400 vendor expo floor. It was attended by 5,000 + members nationwide. During the conference WFX House of Worship (HOW) Award
s were announced . The HOW Awards, presented by Church Production Magazine and Worship Facilities magazine, provides churches across the nation with recognition for their excellence in church growth, management and production. The awards are divided into two primary categories, worship facilities and audio-visual production for church services. Multiple awards were given per category based on church size.
I’m proud to announce that “Live It Live!” has won the top award for “Most Innovative Production.”
Congr Read more:Winning
Trunk ‘R Treat 2007-11-05 15:18:37 The glorious fall day ushered in Mt. Bethel’s 2nd Annual Trunk
‘R Treat on Saturday October 27th! The parking lot was dotted with over 100 cars in a tailgate event fun and safe for the entire family! Trunks and tailgates where decorated with colors of the season, members kept the grill going with over 300 hot dogs, the football game was on many car radios, and the trick or treaters shared in a fun fall evening.
Trunk ‘R Treat doubled in size with an extra 30 cars that walked in for the event…fun was had by all! The Children’s Ministry staff thanks everyone that helped and all the families that participated…we look forward to this event every year…so invite your family, friends and neighbors for this fun fall family memory!
Sherri Juliani
Elementary Coordintor
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