“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) In Living Life on Purpose, Greg Anderson tells a story about a man whose wife had left him. He was completely depressed. He had lost faith in himself, in other people, in God — he found no joy in living. One rainy morning this man went to a small neighborhood restaurant for breakfast. Although several people were at the diner, no one was speaking to anyone else. Our miserable friend hunched over the counter, stirring his coffee with a spoon. In one of ..read more

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 Jesus told his followers that anyone who wished to be his disciple would have to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. The invitation to discipleship may sou ..read more

When you hear, “Holy Spirit,” what comes to mind? I love Holy Spirit conversations and frequently ask, “Would you tell me your thoughts and beliefs about Holy Spirit?” The discussion that follows is sometimes met with squirming, hesitation, and, at times, blank stares.  I understand that wrestling to articulate who the Holy Spirit is and what role He has in one’s life can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to feel so daunting. Sure, there is mystery to the trinity, but there is also assurance. We can be confident in God’s promises even when we can’t, and never will be able to compre ..read more

During our recent deployment to Golden Meadow, Louisiana, many of us learned a church is “more than just a building.” Hurricane Ida damaged the Golden Meadow UMC church building beyond repair. Upon arrival, the Louisiana Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Bob Deich gathered our team and church members to deliver a message. He spoke of the memories this building represented – marriages, baptisms, funerals – happy times, sorrowful times, and times when people just needed to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Several church members shared personal experiences from more than fifty years ..read more

“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 RSV) What is Apologetics? Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which means a defense, as in a court of law. Christian apologetics involves making a case for the truth of the Christian faith. Is Apologetics Biblical?   –  YES Jesus used miracles and fulfilled prophecy (both are apologetical proofs) to show that His claims were true. The Apostles did the same. Remember, apologetics is just providing evidence that shows wha ..read more

In anticipation of her visit on October 7 and 8, we had the opportunity to ask the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore several questions related to her planned topics, “Hungering for the Holy Spirit” and “Come Holy Spirit.”   Please join us at either the Women’s Night of Encouragement or the Men’s Breakfast featuring Dr. Moore.   Question: If somebody were to ask you who the Holy Spirit is, how would you answer that? Carolyn: Just from the theology perspective, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and the Holy Spirit is a person, not a thing. He is, alongside t ..read more

Working with children and students, there is always a reason to celebrate something. There’s always a holiday, a birthday, a milestone, or a change in season that we’re working toward, and I love it! I love to celebrate, to laugh, and to have fun together. I think it’s part of the reason I’m so drawn to work with our children and students. Recently, however, I’ve realized something about celebrating. We always have a reason to celebrate. I’m not talking about all those birthdays, milestones, holidays, and season changes, although I do love those. As Christians, we have an abiding reason to cel ..read more

Going on a short-term mission trip is a life-changing experience. In the weeks leading up to the trip, you work together with the other team members, preparing devotions, crafts, and sometimes songs. You are preparing yourself to step into an unknown land, sharing the Gospel with the people that you meet. But the amazing thing is that you receive so much more in blessings than you can possibly expect! The people there give to you in ways you cannot imagine, and you suddenly realize that you have given – and received blessings from your mission trip. The Covid-19 pandemic has stopped mission te ..read more

Prayer walks are not a new idea. For years, Christian Believers have walked around Mt. Bethel praying over the property, each doorway and for all who enter to experience God’s presence, each classroom that God’s word and truth would be proclaimed, and over the sanctuary that our worship would be pleasing to the Lord and His word would be preached from our pulpit. After the announcement on April 14 that our senior pastor was being reassigned not by the church’s request or his, as Prayer representative of the Administrative council, I encouraged the admin council members to pray and walk around ..read more

Dear Mt. Bethel Friends, After over 17 years at Mt. Bethel, with almost 14 of those being in missions, God is leading me to fulfill a vision he gave me a number of years ago. Quite a few of my friends in the Mt. Bethel community have been asking exactly why I am leaving and what I am going to be doing, so I wanted to write a brief note to share a couple of things with you. First, and most importantly, thank you!!! Mt. Bethel has welcomed me with open arms from the very first day and has supported me and encouraged me all along the way; you all mean the world to me! Second, as to why I am leavi ..read more