A Word From Our Pastor

Greetings Family,

Greetings Family,

The Easter Miracle has been celebrated. Christ the Lord is Risen Today has given birth to renewed hope in Jesus Christ. After Easter Sunday many preachers will look at the Post resurrection ministry of Jesus. I have always found it interesting to look at the experience of Thomas the disciple. He is the disciple who is often looked at as a man of doubt. He is the disciple who said unless I can see for myself I will not believe. The reality is that we often say similar words when we experience something that causes us to have doubts. Having a doubt is not something that calls for us to be classified as weak Christians. Doubts are part of the human experience. They are more intellectual in nature. Our minds often begin to wonder about the outcome of many situations that we encounter in life. It is the intellectual side of us that often wrestles with the perceived outcomes in our trials, and tribulations. Our doubts can lead us closer to God or farther away. I believe that God in His infinite wisdom has given us the spiritual remedy for doubt. God had given us a gift that is more powerful than doubt.

God has given us faith. The key is whether or not we are ruled by sight or by faith. Are we ruled by what we see or by what we believe can be. Faith at its core is highly illogical. Doubts are often fueled by our intellect and not our spirit. Faith is spirit driven and when it is grounded in Jesus Christ we have a closer connection to the one who is able to help us rise above the doubt that seeks to control us. In this life we will have doubts and in Christ we have a source that will prevent our doubts from controlling us. Thomas was blessed by acknowledging his doubt and being open to an encounter with Jesus. Jesus told him that those who believe without seeing are truly blessed. It is my prayer for you that when doubt kicks in and tries to overwhelm you, that faith will kick in and empower you to rise above the doubt. Always remember that Jesus is able to meet you exactly where you are. An encounter with Jesus will lift you above the vicissitudes of this life as you move from doubt to faith. Your doubts are no match for the presence and power of Jesus Christ. May God continue to richly bless you.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Lavell

Youth Minister Updates

Dear Bethel Family,

The school year is winding down, which means that summer break is just around the corner. This summer the youth are excited to be heading to Biloxi Mississippi in June for a mission trip. This summer's mission trip will be a combination of both youth and adults from the church, which will be heading down June 24-29 to help serve in the community of Biloxi. The group will be housed at Seashore Assembly, which is a United Methodist Retreat center there in Biloxi, and will be working on some different projects in the community, as well as at the retreat center itself. For some this will be their very first mission trip they will be partaking in and we look forward to what God has prepared for us and the transformation that will take place in each team member's heart.

Some of my greatest memories in youth group and my college ministry were from mission trips I have taken. It is one thing to hear the gospel message delivered in the pew at church, but it is another to be able to live out the gospel. Working side by side with our brothers and sisters of the church to reach out to those in their times of need. This is the call of scripture, to be in ministry to those around us, each and every day of our lives. I encourage each of you to find a way to serve, whether it be here locally, further reaching in the US, or even internationally. Do not let a day go by that you do not serve those around you.

Serve in Love,
Justin Cabe Youth Minister

DON’T FORGET SUNDAY NIGHT WORSHIP XPRESS!

5-7PM We need you there to worship and fellowship….
Bethel Student Ministries, Bethel UMC
Youth Minister – Justin Cabe – justin@bethel-umc.com – 828/342/7926

Children's Minister Updates

Thank you: The children's Ministry wishes to thank everyone for their participation and support of the first annual golf tournament. The blessings received exceeded everyone's expectations.

Sunday May 6 5pm-7pm the children and youth of the church are invited to play in a game of softball just for the fun of it. We are asking that all children and youth attend this game of fun. Donations of food are needed: hot dogs (beef and/or turkey), hot dog buns, canned sodas/water, condiments, cookies, and chips. Please contact Justin or Chanda to let us know how you will help with this fun event with the kids and youth. Bring balls, bats, and gloves for a good time in fellowship.

May 6: Children and Youth Baseball game
May 13: Mother's Day—The Children will sell handmade mothers' day cards! No Go BeYonD!
May 20: Go BeYonD

Vacation Bible School is in gearing up! July 16-19, 5PM-8PM. We are claiming more volunteers, more participants, more fun! Check out our website for more in-formation and to register: http://overboard.cokesburyvbs.com/bethelumc

Summer Camp is scheduled for July 23-26 9am- 2pm. The cost is $20 per child with a limit of 25 participants. Ages 5-11 (elementary school age) .Food and drink will be provided. Email or text Chanda if you are interested in conducting an activity on one of the days.

Chanda White, Children's Minister