Bethany UMC
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A Christmas Gift for Jesus
Advent Opportunities

/files/Images-General/Seasonal/Gifts Under Tree.jpgEvery year, Americans spend hundreds of billions of dollars on Christmas entertaining and gifts. This year, Tom has challenged Bethany to rethink our Christmas celebration. Instead of our usual celebration, he has challenged us to think about what gift we could bring Jesus to honor His birth. In line with our vows of membership, he has challenged us, and himself, to do the following:

  • Daily Prayer for one person inside the church and one person outside the church; and for one concern inside the church and one concern outside the church.
  • Presence at all weekly worship, Christmas Eve worship and one learning opportunity.
  • Gifts to complete my support of the general (budgeted) ministry of the church and a commitment to give 10% (a tithe) of my Christmas gift budget to the Christmas Eve offering, Nothing But Nets, P.E.T. project or another Christian mission effort.
  • Service in one volunteer opportunity inside the church and one outside the church.
  • Witness by sharing my faith with someone who needs Christ and by bringing at least one person to worship with me.

On Christmas morning, what gift will we offer the baby Jesus
that will make His heart glad?

Gift Ideas
For additional ideas, see the Bethany website: www.bethany-umc.org and just browse around!
for a PDF file of the opportunites listed below, Click Here
More Gift for Jesus Ideas

MISSIONS
See the Bethany website missions section for more.

CARE MINISTRIES

  • Deliver care basket - contact Pastor Wynn at 258-6017, ext. 275

  • Send Christmas cards for those in grief or in need - contact Pastor Wynn at 258-6017, ext. 275

  • Attend adult Bible study at Clairmont - contact Cecilia Barrentine at 258-6017, ext. 231

  • For House of Friends Activities, contact Susie Petersen at 331-5284:

    • Assist at Christmas Luncheon on December 14th

    • Create Christmas Luncheon centerpieces

    • Create Christmas favors for Christmas luncheon

    • Provide a 15-minute massage for HOF caregivers (previously trained only!) at time TBD

    • Transport donations to Hill Country Christmas Bureau on Dec. 18th

    • Bring a morning munchie & mingle at House of Friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on December 10th or 17th

    • Visit HOF alumni (along with small HOF group) to sing Christmas carols. Time TBD

STUDENT MINISTRIES

ADULT CLASSES

  • On December 13, the Disciples Under Construction Class is hosting a breakfast cookout in Dan Stultz’ backyard as an opportunity to experience Christ with each other in nature. Paul Martin will lead the DUC’s in a lesson that day on The Birth of Christ - A Time for New Beginnings. They will also hold their annual planning session to prepare for the upcoming year. The DUC’s are a vibrant young adult class focusing on spiritual development, mission projects, and social opportunities. If you are interested in joining the DUC’s in this event please contact Jenna Duke at jduke@thewhitfieldco.com or join us at 9:30 in room D205 any other Sunday for class.

  • The CrossRoads (Young Adults) Class is studying Celebrate the Newborn Jesus, an Advent Study. 11:00 AM in Room D205. For more information contact Christy Bryant. clpttt@aol.com.

  • The Wednesday Night Bible Study Group, led by Jimmy Johnson, meets each week at 7:00pm (after worship) in the Ministry Center. This ongoing class is casual and lively and examines a different book in the Bible every 4-6 weeks. No advance reading, preparation, book purchase, or registration is needed, just show up! For more information, contact Jimmy at jjtimes4@austin.rr.com.

CHILDREN

  • Live Nativity - 17th Annual Live Nativity & Blessing of the Animals is December 10th, 11th, & 12th from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to participate together.

    • New parents are encouraged to participate with their infants to bring the roles of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus to life (2 slots still available on Thursday night).  It’s a lot of fun for the whole family!

    • Help behind the scenes (Take pictures, set-up, hostess, costume room, counter, greeter, bring food/drinks)

    • Be in the Nativity as a shepherd, angel, Wiseman or as the Holy Family. All roles are non-speaking.

    • Come to the Ministry Center or contact Robyn Steinhauser at 258-6017 or robyn.steinhauser@bethany-umc.org

  • The Children’s Christmas Eve Service at 3:00 p.m. is an interactive experience where children participate in the celebration of our Savior’s birth. If you are interested in helping with this fun service, please contact Susan Hinderliter @258-6017 ext 269. Opportunities include:

    • Dress as angels, kings and shepherds to lead children during story

    • Assist with costumes before and after service

    • Assist with sanctuary clean up after the service

    • Hand out headgear (halos, crowns and shepherd headbands) to the children as they come in.