by Janice Butterworth and Charles Baker

Bethlehem

United Methodist Church

PO Box 57

4 Westtown Road

Thornton, PA 19373

P: 610-459-3482

F: 610-459-0811

www.bethmeth.com

Chicken BBQ and Craft Show/Flea Market

CHICKEN BBQ 1

PASTOR’S CORNERED 2

ON THE SPOT 2

CALENDAR 3

SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS 4

PRESCHOOL REPORT 5

ALTAR GUILD 6

GIDEON 6

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 7

KENYA MISSION TRIP 8

LIBRARY UPDATE 10

GARDEN OF EATING 10

Inside this issue:

The Bethlehem StarThe Bethlehem Star September 2013

M ark your calendars now for our

second annual Chicken BBQ

and Craft Show/Flea Market on

Saturday, September 28! Enjoy a

delicious meal of BBQ chicken with all

the fixin’s, purchase some bargains

from the flea market, get a start on your

Christmas shopping at the craft show,

and pick up a few sweets from the bake

sale. All proceeds raised will go to

helping our local service organizations,

such as Hands on Homes, Good Works,

UMCOR, and Samaritan’s Purse.

Why this event? It’s so much more

than a chance to eat what some say is

the best chicken they’ve ever had. And

it’s even more than raising money for

some very worthy organizations. It’s

our opportunity to relationally engage

the community and to demonstrate

BUMC’s commitment to the love of

Christ through our service to others.

Service by its very nature is relational,

whether local (Judea), in other parts of

the county (Samaria) or in the farthest

parts of the earth (Mississippi, Kenya,

New Jersey!).

It is a way to help show our

hospitality as we invite the

community to come and share a call to

join us in our service, even if only

through something as simple as buying

a chicken meal or a treat from the bake

table. It is also a chance to educate and

inspire those within the church to a

greater call in their lives to serve as

well as having some fun!

Want to help? We need you! Please

sign up in church for your favorite job.

We need cooks, wait staff, bakers,

greeters, and table clearers, just to name

a few. Be a part of the body of Christ in

action!

The Chicken BBQ runs 12:00pm-

6:00pm. Tickets at the door are $12/

Adult and $6/Kids 12 and under.

Advance tickets are $11/Adult and $5/

Kids. Advance tickets can be purchased

after each Sunday morning service, at

the church office during the week, or

reserved online. Tickets are limited; last

year we sold out!

Craft Show/Flea Market will run

from 9:00am-3:00pm. $15.00 a space.

The registration form can be

downloaded from the website in

addition to being available at the office

or on Sunday morning.

White Elephant Table: The church

will also be hosting our own flea

market table. Have a few items you'd

like to donate? Be sure to read the

White Elephant Donations and

Guidelines either at the church or on

the website.

On The Spot: What is Your Favorite Thing about Fall?

Carol Cass

“The colors, the trees

changing. Truthfully, I

like spring much better.”

I was recently approached with a ques-

tion, though what was sought wasn’t

an answer but help: “Pastor Tim, would

you be willing to write a book review for

the newsletter?” Since I got to pick the

book, I agreed, because the one I had in

mind is the best I’ve read in some time.

The book and author (as found on the

cover) are In the Land of Blue Burqas by

Kate McCord: A Protective Pseudonym.

Now, they say you can’t judge a book by

its cover, but THIS one was certainly

revealing. First, the photo was of an ob-

viously third world village in a remote

and arid climate. The title gave a clue to

its location: Afghanistan. And the author

was particularly revealing; it’s written by

someone many of us have seen and

heard, but her name has been modified

for her safety. She is a missionary we

support, and she’s shared her work in our

church services, and she previously had

careers as a sergeant

in the U. S. Marines

followed by her own

successful and pros-

perous business, all of

which prepared and

equipped her for her

missionary calling.

Now add “author” to

the list of her professions!

In the Land of Blue Burqas is riveting be-

cause it speaks of courage amid real danger,

and knowing the author personally makes it

all the more compelling. It is a book about

genuine sacrifice for Christ, which both

shamed me (for my lack of true sacrifice)

and inspired me. It is a book which chal-

lenges our lifestyle and our discipleship (do

we really follow Jesus, and do what He

asks?) without trying to do so, but does pur-

posefully call us to follow God’s greater call

for our lives, particularly as it comes to

The Pastor’s Cornered! Answering Your Toughest Questions of Faith

by Pastor Tim Kriebel

Marissa Fiorelli

“The weather…it’s not

too hot or too cold. Plus

my birthday is in the

Fall… “

continued on page 4

2

Joe Orso

“I’m a parent...”

Prime Timers Bible

study is on

Mondays 1:30pm in

Turner Lounge

starting Sept. 9.

Monthly Outings

Wed, Sept 11

Mystery Lunch

Tues, Sept 24

Andrew Wyeth Studio

Tour

Tues, Oct 8

Bantram’s Garden

Tour

Sun, Oct 2

Godspell Matinee,

West Chester Univ

Sun, Nov 10

Chester County

Concert Band

In November and

December the group

will attend a

Christmas Family

Present Wrap, a trip to

Media Theater and a

Forty Niners Chorus

Christmas Program. If

you have questions or

want more info,

contact Peter Dietz,

610-358-2511.

Clip n’ Keep Calendar

September 3

Pastor’s Discipleship Group begins, 7:00-9:30pm

September 4

Fall Start Up for Kids Choir 6:00pm; Awana 6:30 pm

September 8

Rally Day, Youth Room and Sunday School

Open House, 9:30am

September 9

Pee Wee Fall Soccer begins

September 12

Handbell Choir Practice, 6:00pm

Chancel Choir Practice, 7:00pm

September 12-15

Priority One Men’s Retreat

September 15

Anniversary Sunday

September 16

Women’s Bible Study begins, 7:00pm

September 18

Women’s Bible Study begins, 9:15am with childcare

September 21

Good Works Team, 9:00am-4:00pm

September 28

Chicken BBQ, Craft Fair/Flea Market, 9:00am-6:00pm

October 1-11

Hurricane Sandy Relief Mission Trip

October 4

Kenya Dessert and Talk-Back, 7:00-9:00pm

October 12

New Member Class Part I, 8:00am-12:30pm

October 19

New Member Class Part II: Discovering Discipleship,

8:00am-12:30pm

Good Works, 9:00am-4:00pm

October 26

Trunk or Treat, 5:00-7:00pm

Every Sunday except holidays

Prayer meeting in Sanctuary

Soaking Prayer, 5:30-6:00pm

Intercessory Prayer, 6:00-7:00pm

3

September 21 & October 19, 9:00am-4:00pm

The Good Works team will be renovating the parsonage for

our community partners, Thornbury AME. They plan on using

the building as a transition home for men. All ages and

abilities are welcome. There is a job for you! Contact Charles

Baker for info: 610-399-3394.

Sept. 8—New CrossRoads Curriculum

The new CrossRoads (Sunday School) curriculum will begin

on Sunday, Sept. 8th at 9:30am.

Conversations That Count from the Ravi Zacharias Ministry

is just one of three programs that will be offered this fall. Fur-

ther details will be announced soon. If you would like a copy

of the syllabus, or have any questions, please contact Jan

Samuelian at 610-358-4349 or John Heemer at 610-458-9346.

October 4—Kenya Dessert and Talk-Back

Friday, October 4 from 7:00-9:00pm the Kenya team will be

serving desserts and sharing about the mission trip to Nairobi

and Nakuru, Kenya. All supporters and friends are welcome!

Sept. 4—Awana /Children’s Choir Start-up!

Awana and Children’s choir for grades K-5 will run from

Sept.—April this year. The fee for Awana is half the cost of

last year—only $40 per child instead of $80. Register forms

are available on the church website www.bethmeth.com or

stop by the office. Both meet on Wednesday evenings:

Children’s choir at 6:00 pm. Awana at 6:30pm.

October 12 & 19, 8:00am-12:30pm

Our new member class is being offered this fall, October 12

and 19. If you’ve been thinking about membership, or you just

want to learn more about United Methodism and Bethlehem

church, then this class is for you. Refreshments, fun, and

childcare available. Contact the office to sign up.

The Pastor’s Cornered! continued from page 2

Spotlight on Missions: CCWS by Rob Robinson

T he September Missions spotlight is

focused on Chester County Women's

Services. Formed over twenty-five years

ago, CCWS works to educate and

empower individuals and their families to

make life-affirming choices. Services

provided are free and confidential. They

are presented in a comforting and

Biblically-grounded environment. They

are supported by individual donors and

groups such as Bethlehem Church. In their

latest newsletter, Executive Director

Myriam Ruager talked about the

importance of becoming advocates to

"champion the weak, the elderly, the

mentally challenged, and the vulnerable

unborn child. People like you who will

redefine the rights of the unborn child.

People who will

recognize that we

are created in the

image of God."

BUMC is a long-

time supporter of

Chester County

Women's

Services, and not just with financial gifts.

Many of the women of our church

regular ly volunteer at CCWS. There are

offices in Coatesville, Kennett Square,

and West Chester. If any one is

interested in adding their name to the list

of volunteers, please call 610-918-7088.

This is an opportunity to stand up for

your beliefs, and I know they need our

help.

sharing our faith and witnessing for Christ wherever we are, with whomever we live and

speak and interact. This book is highly biographical in nature (“Kate” shares the story of

her conversion to Christ, and her journey of faith since), but her main focus is on the peo-

ple she serves, and how to reach them for Jesus. It is a book about world religions, or more

specifically, about the difference between Islam and Christianity, between Mohammed and

Jesus—and why she chooses to follow the latter. It is a book of wisdom, but instead of

quoting proverbs, she shares how she tells the stories of Jesus—and by God’s revelation—

is inspired to use analogies Afghans can understand and relate to given their culture and

worldview, which is so radically different from ours (did you know Islamic women don’t

attend mosque, and don’t sing publicly?). It is also a book of simple but practical and pro-

found theology, and many chapter titles are questions of faith: Who is God? How do we

respond to insult, or to evil done to us? How should we pray? Who can judge? Who pro-

tects us from temptation? How do we live with open hands? “Kate” shares how modern

day Afghanistan has much more in common with 1st Century Palestine than life today here

in America. By the end of the book, I found myself loving it most of all because it’s really

about the love of God, the love of God, the love of God—which in Christ is our only hope

and our only way through life. Enjoy YOUR way through this book! P.S. I’d be happy to

lend my copy to anyone who wants to read it if you can’t find it in our library. Or buy a

copy for yourself (it’s published by Moody Press)!

4

In the children’s

ministry for the month

of September, kids

will take a trip to

Phobia Island, where

they will learn about

COURAGE! Contrary

to popular opinion,

courage isn’t not

being afraid. And

courage isn’t being

brave enough to do

things that you

shouldn’t do. Instead,

courage is being

brave enough to do

what you should do,

even when you’re

afraid. Kids will

journey with the

Israelites where they

will look at five

stories leading from

Joseph’s enslavement

in Egypt through

Joshua leading them

into the Promised

Land. Your kids

won’t want to miss

this, so join us Sunday

mornings at 9:30 &

11:00!

5

Helping Children Play and Learn Together

T he altar ministry committee, or altar guild, has the privilege to serve God and BUMC by

preparing the altar area of the sanctuary for worship each week. This includes filling the

candles with oil, changing the paraments (cloths on the altar and pulpit) according to the seasons

of the church year, putting up the hymn numbers, polishing and generally maintaining the altar

appointments. More than just beautiful decorations, the candles at the altar are rich with meaning

and symbolism. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). One purpose of the candles

burning at the altar is to help us remember that Jesus is the head of the church. He is present with

us, and He is the one we have gathered to worship. Jesus also said, "You are the light of the

world" (Matthew 5:14). As the candles are extinguished in the sanctuary, we are reminded

to carry the light of Christ into the world. Filled with the "oil" of the Holy Spirit, let the light of

Christ shine brightly in you as you are radically loving, outwardly focused, and grace giving!

by Carol Baker Altar Guild

T he preschoolers in our classrooms are kept very

busy throughout the day, working on emerging

pretend-play skills, turn-taking, conflict

management, chapel time, academic skills, and other

behavioral and social skills. Our teachers are aware

that our young children’s readiness for school/

kindergarten comes with increased expectations for

academic skills. We also value a child’s social,

emotional, and spiritual development,

and are equally concerned about the

children getting enough experience with

social skill building. In this age of the

technology revolution where we all,

including our precious children, are

devoting more time to electronics, one of

our goals is helping our preschoolers

play and learn together. Our preschool

environment and teaching strategies

support the development of the children’s

peer interaction skills such as sharing, taking turns,

helping one another, and asking for assistance. It is

important for us to create classrooms where children

want to be. Here they can talk, play, pray, and enjoy

being together with their peers. It is vital to create an

atmosphere in which conversation is encouraged and

important as we strive to build communication and

social skills. Sharing favorite Bible stories such as

“Jesus Feeds Thousands”, “The Good Samaritan”, “The

Lost Sheep” all help instill in our young children the

importance of sharing, giving, helping, and trusting one

another. Today many children are learning to cope with

their feelings and relationships by distraction, and

screens of all kinds (TV, computer, IPads etc.) have

become easy substitutes for life experiences and

personal interactions. We know that children

need to play and that learning in the early

years is active through direct play, hands-on

experiences with people, materials, and

nature. Children need to manipulate objects

physically, use all their senses and interact

with a 3-dimensional world to maximize their

learning and brain development. Stop by our

classrooms and you will see children

strengthening their fine motor skills as well

as their social skills while engaged in building

castles, skyscrapers, and airplanes, serving pretend

meals for their friends and teachers, choosing whether to

paint or experience the play dough table all while

receiving support from their teachers to help enhance

positive peer interactions. As the children learn and play

in various ways throughout the school day their social

and emotional development is being strengthened as

well, and that can help lead to a happy world!

Preschool Report By Karen Palaio, Preschool Director

Women’s Ministry by Lori Imparato

6

Nominations Committee by Laura Barrouk

W omen's ministry is excited for the

three bible study selections this

year. We look forward to what God has

planned for us and what He wants to teach

us and how He will touch our hearts, grow

us and change us. Class times are Mondays

7 pm and Wednesdays 9:15 am (childcare

Wednesdays only). Please consider joining

us for one, two or all three of the studies

and ask a friend to join too! There is

homework, discussion, a DVD teaching for

each lesson, and prayer time. It is truly a

special time to grow in the Lord and

fellowship with other women.

We will start the week of September 16th

with a 7 session study on “Gideon” by

Priscilla Shirer. Cost for the first study has

been reduced and is only $10. Sign up by

September 8th to ensure a workbook, but

you are welcome to join in at any time.

This study will show us the strength of

God, especially when we feel weak.

It will be followed by a 13 session study

on Psalms called “Stepping Up: A Journey

through the Psalms of Accent” by Beth

Moore starting early November. This

study will review the petitions and praises

in Psalms 120-134. We can reflect and

learn from these Psalms which leads us to

worship where we can enjoy a greater

intimacy with God.

For Spring, starting in early March, we

will be studying an 8 session study on

David called "Chase" by Jenny Allen.

This will be a more interactive study that

will look at the life of David and what can

come out of brokenness. By opening our

deepest self to God's love, we will find

that God is the only thing we can chase

that won't leave us feeling more empty.

This will encourage you to pursue God

above all else.

Looking forward to another great year.

Would love for you to be a part of it!

If you have any questions regarding this

study, please contact Cathy Haskins:

cathy@haskinsfamily.net. A brief video

about the series is available on our

website, www.bethmeth.com or find us on

Facebook: BUMC Women’s Ministry.

Gideon: Your Weakness, God’s Strength

O

ur

Churc

h:

ww

w.f

aceb

ook.c

om

/bu

mct

ho

rnto

np

a

W

om

en’s

Gro

up:

ww

w.f

aceb

ook.c

om

/bu

mcw

om

en

Y

outh

Gro

up:

ww

w.f

aceb

ook.c

om

/bu

mcy

ou

thgro

up

M

en’s

Gro

up:

ww

w.f

aceb

ook.c

om

/32

96

91

66

70

76

833

I t is the time of year when the Nominations Committee begins the process of seeking new

leadership for various committees that make our church a great place to call home. We

ask that you graciously prepare your hearts and allow God to reveal the gifts He has placed

in you to share as a blessing to others. Through your gifts of service, many lives are touched

and seeds of His glory are planted in even the tiniest of hearts; for it is through serving oth-

ers that we truly become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and His

kingdom is magnified through these works. If you are contacted and asked to serve in minis-

try, please prayerfully consider doing so!

7

Woofi: Around Town and the World

W oofi and

his

support team goes

marching on, to

Chester’s

Salvation Army

Parking Lot Fair,

Spanish Health

Ministries,

CityTeam’s VBS

lessons, and then

to a group of

Kenya orphans

with our team. Those are the facts,

but you want to know the Lord’s

work (heart stuff)right? At the

Salvation Army Fair, an adult

homeless male re-dedicated his life

to the Lord and was thrilled to get a

by Harriet Widlund

bracelet to remind himself before

we could even get the booth up.

Later he won a Woofi, which he

wanted to give to a child. At

Spanish Health VBS, we saw God’s

supply when the interpreter had to

leave before our presentation was

done. A boy of 11 finished

translating into Spanish for us. At

CityTeam VBS we saw several

children who had attended the

Salvation Army Fair. One was able

to tell us what each color meant on

Woofi’s collar (the Gospel).

Another had given the Woofi she

won to her Aunt to make up after

rude words were exchanged.

She decided her Aunt needed to

know Jesus. We ministered to

mothers and teen silblings here.

Everyone wants a Woofi and we

make sure they hear the Gospel.

Afterward we went on an outing

with them at which there was a

sighting of Woofi at Cowtown

Rodeo and I got hugged by the

Philly Fanatic. Too bad I did not

have a Woofi with me for him.

People from other churches have

asked for literature to start

evangelizing with Woofi. God has

done a mighty thing in our midst.

For more information, contact

Harriet Widlund at 601-459-4910

or nanalee2@comcast.net. The Puppy with a purpose: The paw-prints on his collar

share the salvation message. God's promise is that His

Word will not return void! His colorful tag explains the

clear message of salvation and a prayer.

8

Jim Hall:

My favorite moments were the times we did water filter training and

distribution. It was a thrill to know that you had a hand in changing

people's lives and future! The greatest inspiration was to see the joy

in these people's hearts in spite of their circumstances.

Marie Robinson:

A friend who spent quite a bit of time in Africa when she was young

advised me that, “You can leave Africa but Africa will never leave

you.” I realize how true that statement is as I reflect on our recent

mission trip to Kenya. On our first full day in Narobi, we spent time

in Deep Sea, the worst slum in the city. We were warned not to take

pictures out of respect for the people living in these deplorable con-

ditions. When we were directed to follow the narrow treacherous

path down a hill to a church filled with children, we were not pre-

pared for the sight and smells that assaulted our senses. Pre-school

age children wearing ragged dirty uniforms and shy bashful smiles

were sitting quietly waiting to shake our hands if we offered them.

We spent time coloring with them and doing other activities, simply

giving them the gift of our undivided attention. Christie led some

beautiful songs that brought tears to my eyes. We later had the hon-

or of feeding them a simple lunch of rice and beans. Older children

who were on their lunch break swarmed the building as lunch time

approached to join in this meager lunch that was offered. Words can-

not describe the depth of the poverty that we witnessed, but it was

obvious that God was there blessing the women who cared for and

fed these beautiful poverty-stricken children and gave them a few

hours of love and comfort a few days a week. We were truly blessed

to share some time with these precious children. This was just the

beginning of our trip, but it had a lasting impact on every other expe-

rience we had during our time in Kenya.

Kenya Mission Trip 2013

Tina Adamek:

As you know there are so many experiences that come to mind, but

one that seems to resonate took place early on at the police station.

The pastor was thanking all of us for coming to visit and share and

not judging them. A day of sharing in their church. That's what we

would come to learn that Kenya was all about, simply sharing.

9

Denise Smith:

Before the trip I prayed to be the hands and feet of Jesus, little did

I know that on the first day at Deep Sea Slum I’d see the face of

Jesus in a small, timid little girl who ultimately took my hand that

was on her shoulder and wrapped my arm around her and held on

tight. I knew then that I had made the connection with this little

girl, but most importantly, with my Savior.

Andi Hall:

One of the inspiring times for me was- despite the poverty of the

people, there was a joy and gratitude for what they did have. One

example was sitting on the ground with a lady in the IDP camp

outside of her dirt floor mud home shelling peas with her and

hearing her share about how good God was to give her what she

did have.

Jenny Stewart:

In all honesty, when I first heard that we were going to go to a

several hour church service, my first thought was “Wow, that is a

long time.” I think what I was worried about the most was if I was

going to be bored. Well, I had no idea what was in store for me.

There was no time to even get bored. Church service in Kenya is a

worship party. I clapped so much that my arms hurt the next day!

Little girls came over, sat on my lap, played with my sunglasses,

and examined my exceptionally pale skin. All the while I am sit-

ting in a group of people who don’t speak the same language,

have the same customs, live on the same side of the planet, have

the same color skin, and are of every age. My thought right then

was “This is what heaven must be like. People of all sorts with

nothing in common, but God. But, what else do you need in com-

mon but God? We are all connected by the common thread of

God’s love and how powerful it is!” Nothing else mattered in that

moment except worshiping God. I was honored to be able to see,

be a part of, and feel God’s global church family. To see the man-

ifestation of the words (from Matthew 28:19-20) “Therefore go

and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching

them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am

with you always, to the very end of the age-,” come to life was

truly a gift I will remember.

Kenya Mission Trip 2013

10

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

2 -1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1 cup (2 sticks) real unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 large or jumbo egg

1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange extract

2 tablespoons of orange zest (about two oranges)

2 cup white chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and

creamy. Beat in egg and both extracts until smooth. Gradually

add flour mixture until combined. Stir in rind and chips.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto un-greased cookie

sheets. Bake about nine to ten minutes or until edges are gold-

en brown. Do not overbake! Cool and enjoy.

* Baking items should all be at room temperature for best re-

sults.

by Jan Samuelian

The Bethlehem Star is published 10 times/year by Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road, Thornton PA 19373, (610) 459-3482,

www.bethmeth.com, Editor: Brenda Orso, brendaorso@verizon.net. Deadline for copy: the 7th day of the month prior to publication. Editor reserves the right to

edit for content and space. Unsolicited material is welcome!

Knock, knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad school is starting? Well,

I'm sure some of you are, and some of you aren't. Perhaps this month's recipe might help you

get a positive start this school year. My dear niece Kristen (great cook and baker) shared with

me this new recipe that has become an instant hit. It would be a great surprise to put in your

children's lunchbox and sharing with others will make instant friends I'm sure.

I am thankful for those of you in the congregation who make such generous donations to the church library. We

would have nowhere near as wide a selection of titles without the generosity of you who love books. Your donations

reflect the broad range of interests that make our congregation so stimulating. One recent donation of note was a book

given by Pastor Tom: Becoming a True Spiritual Community by Larry Crabb. Dr. Crabb is a well-known psychologist,

conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, popular author, and founder/director of NewWay Ministries. He cur-

rently is Scholar in Residence at Colorado Christian University in Colorado and serves as Spiritual Director for the

American Association of Christian Counselors, and has authored many books. In today's frenetic society, people rarely

develop intimate friendships. Instead, they spend their lives essentially disconnected from others, rushing through life

content with brief visits and casual conversations. But what if one were to develop a community, a spiritual community,

of people who walked with and supported each other through life's journey? A community of real friends who listened

to each other's personal tragedies without merely trying to fix the problems, who encouraged and nurtured each other's

strengths, and who accepted people for who they really are, instead of the image they try to portray. In Becoming a True

Spiritual Community, Larry Crabb explores such a place, where God can heal disconnected people and allow them to

reconnect with each other and, ultimately, with Him. Somewhere it is said that BUMC is an “authentic Christian com-

munity…” and according to Pastor Tom, the principals delineated by Dr. Crabb will help us achieve that worthy goal.

Library News! by John McGrath, Church Librarian