Inside this issue
B e t h l e h e m U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
The Lamplighter
D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 1
M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t :
ARTICLE PAGE #Cover 1
Pastor’s Pen 2
Introducing 3
Church Mouse 4
Life Under the Clock Tower 5-8
Kids Stuff 9-10
Calendar 11
Back Cover 12
We are Live Streaming all of our services, see http://gotobethlehem.org or
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpANZMcCzxwmk7p0WjVLmGQ/videos
Pastor’s Pen
It’s Christmas
Well, it looks like Christmas or least Advent today in Bethlehem Church. How appropriate for a congregation that bears the name of the town where our Savior was born.
I remember so well bending low to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and then moving down to the spot where that commemorates the birth of our Savior. As I look at the Creche that is so prominent here at Bethlehem Church I wonder if that emphasis came from the name that the congregation chose so long ago. Whatever the reason for the central focus, it speaks of the importance of Christ as the center of this congregation.
During Advent and on through the Christmas season we will turn our focus on the Biblical characters of the Christmas story in a series of sermons called “The Cast of Christmas.” At the center of this time, of course, will be the Christmas Eve. Three services of worship will be celebrated, each different in tone yet held together by the common thread of the central person in the story – Jesus. Join us and invite friends, family members, those who have been away from Bethlehem and perhaps those who need to hear that they are loved by the one who came so long ago. It is a message that is absolutely timeless and current at the same time.
The three candlelight worship services on the evening of December 24 will be:
Family and Children’s Worship – 4:00 (45 minutes, sensitive to children & families) Candlelight with Current Music – 7:30 (Ageless story told w/contemporary music)
Traditional Candlelight Service with Cantata – 10:30 (Traditionally set carols with a full choir and cantata) In Christ’s Service,
Dennis L. Otto, Interim Pastor
IMPORTANT—The BUMC policy established in the spring is that vaccinated individuals were welcome to choose to wear or not wear masks. Those whom are not vaccinated are asked to mask. This affects children and many of the youth, as well as adults. At the present time we will continue with this policy but certainly offer space in all services for social distancing for those who need or desire to practice it more strictly. At 8
& 10:30 am both the sanctuary and Wesley Hall offer the distancing option. At 9:15, there are areas outside
and to the rear of Trinity Life Center to social distance.
Introducing Rev. Stephany Sechrist
“Everything is New Again.” … So goes the song, and so it is great to be back as a pastor (part-time, interim) in Dallastown once again. A few months past my 80th birthday, I received a call from our DS, the Rev. Catherine Boileau, informing me of the possibility of being part of the interim leadership team for Bethlehem UMC.
Bethlehem has been blessed with such good leadership over the years and I felt privileged of being able to serve “in the giant shadow” of colleagues like Rev.
Ronald Bowersox, the Rev. Dick Felty and the Rev. Roger Mentzer and the able leadership of Rev. Dr. Dennis Otto, plus Bethlehem’s great staff: Carol Burkendine, Sean Garner, Kimberlee Piper, Linda Reed and Steve Navaroli.
A 1959 graduate of Red Lion Area High School, I went on to graduate from Barnard College in New York, 1963 and earned a masters in education from Cornell University. My home church is Bethany UM (EUB), Red Lion. I taught public schools in both New York and Pennsylvania, teaching English, French and reading at various levels. I also taught part-time at York College of PA.
From 1979-1983 I attended Lancaster Theological Seminary, graduating with a Masters of Divinity. I was ordained and served a variety of churches from 1985 to 2006. I’ve served in mission work in Costa Rica and was an interim or part-time pastor at seven churches from Peach Bottom to York Haven.
Personally, I have been married 58 years to my husband, Rodney—a man of many talents, who is now retired. We have a daughter, Jenny (husband Chris), living in Salt Lake City. They have three boys, Eric, Jacob and Thomas. Our son Jeremy, who also has a son, Wyatt, lives in Key West. Our youngest son, Zachary, lives in Olathe, Kansas
Most likely, I have had too many past interests, but will highlight, being on the board of the Kaltreider-Benfer Memorial Library in Red Lion. In the past, I have served on the York County Council of Churches, the Festival of Trees, Crop Walk, Open (Aids Ministry). Currently, I serve the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum.
I think Saint Paul summarizes an important part of work in the ministry in Romans 12 this way: “Rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who weep,” and so it is my privilege to share your joys and sorrows with you and to assist in the outstanding outreach and ministries that have been part of the Bethlehem tradition.
Blessings to all,
Rev. Stephany Sechrist
Church Mouse
Good Morning Bethlehem family, Charity here.
Can you believe the most magical time of the year is almost upon us? It is also perhaps the busiest time of the year. I can only speak to what I see inside these four walls of Bethlehem Church that me and my mice family call home. Every year when Thanksgiving has come and gone, I can count on much more activity throughout the week here at the church.
My family is getting more and more excited just thinking about it. I guess our first clue of what was coming is when we observed the event called “Christmas in Dallastown.” Every year it seems like Alesia Bray and her team host the most wonderful event in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Over 70 vendors set up in Old Fellowship Hall, New Fellowship Hall, Wesley Hall as well as the Gymnatorium with the most fabulous crafts imaginable. What
a great day it was. Thanks to all who helped in the hosting of this event. The Children’s Department recently took part in a Mystery Dinner. These events are always so much fun. I know that while watching the entire event, I couldn’t figure out
‘who dunnit.’ Thanks for the efforts of Julie Spyker and her team. After that, Thanksgiving was on the horizon, but once again Covid seemed to get in the way, as the Thanksgiving meal and Service that my family has always so looked forward to was cancelled. Needless to say, my mice family can fit into our mice clothing much easier than in past years. But, such a disap- pointment for the entire Dallastown Community.
What I have heard from listening to all of you is what is coming up in December. Starting in the beginning of December, Sean Garner will be leading a four-week Advent Bible Study on Wednesday evenings, which provides a break for the M&M program, while focusing our attention on the real meaning of the season. Dorinda O’Dell and her group have once again created Snack Baskets that people can purchase for use around the holidays. Around 178 Christmas Shoe Boxes were filled as part of Operation Christmas Child, and they will certainly make Christmas much brighter for many children. Thanks goes out to all of you who participated in such a meaningful program. Kim Piper and Karen Trovalli have created Advent Bags for those who are shut-in. The people that receive these bags will certainly experience the blessings of Christmas that they might otherwise miss. It wouldn’t be Christmas without having the Sanctuary decorated in the most magnificent way. What a blessing to worship in such beautiful and meaningful surroundings. Thanks to Laura Coe and Terry Knisley and their gang of decorators. Also, Mitch Rodkey and Roger Fuller deserve our thanks for decorating the large tree in Wesley Hall. The Chancel Choir has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming Christmas Cantata. Me and my family hear them every Wednesday evening, and it certainly sounds like a musical experience you don’t want to miss. The Dress Rehearsal will take place on Sunday afternoon 12/19/21 for those who may not be available on Christmas Eve. Speaking of Christmas Eve, I have learned that a Family Christmas Service will take place at 4:00 pm, a Contemporary Christmas Service takes place at 7:30, and the Traditional Christmas Service, featuring the Cantata, will begin at 10:30 pm. Each service is unique, and because each is so reflective of Christmas my mice family will once again attend all three services. And all this leads up to Christmas Day, where a Christmas Dinner is provided to everyone that chooses to attend. Thanks is certainly in order to Scott Sellers and his amazing team that makes this such a meaningful time for those who choose to share a meal on Christmas Day at Bethlehem
Church. As always there are many additional activities going on behind the scenes here at Bethlehem that you don’t see but are also so important to the life of the church. Thanks to everyone that contributes in any way to the exciting ministries that make up the heart and soul of Bethlehem.
Perhaps you can now see why I believe this is such a busy time of the year, and just maybe you too consider this the most magical time of the year. That’s it for now. From my family to yours, may the babe of Bethlehem bring peace, love and joy to you, not only this season, but forever and ever. Hallelujah, the King is Born.
Love,
Charity (the church mouse)
Life Under the Clock Tower
ALTAR FLOWERS— We resumed accepting sponsors for Altar Flowers. We will not send letters to those who have sponsored in the past. Instead there will be a sign-up sheet at the Network Table in Wesley Hall, along with slips to complete with sponsorship information & payment envelopes. The cost will remain $35. If someone else has signed up for the date you would like, we can place a special arrangement at the same cost.
NEW OFFICE HOURS
Beginning December 1, the BUMC office will be open the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm
Thursday 8:30 am to noon
The office will be closed Christmas Eve
& New Years Eves
Life Under the Clock Tower
Emmanuel’s Closet is now operating the food and holiday portion of our outreach.
Our clients will be given a grocery store gift card for their holiday meal and a family treat for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gift cards for Christ- mas presents and a fleece blanket will be given to each child.
Emmanuel’s Closet is asking for assistance with grocery gift cards, Christmas wrapping paper and fleece blankets. If you’re willing and able to help please drop off your donations at the network ta- ble before December 12, 2021. Thank you for your continued support. Teri Stacey
Debbie Dettinger would like to thank the church and
volunteers for all of their help, clearing their yard
with overgrown bushes, plus have been supportive
in helping them with transportation and prayers
while husband Greg recovered from foot surgery.
Life Under the Clock Tower
All volunteers. Time to plan on going to Mission Central on Tuesday, December 14. Bethlehem Church and Mission Central operate on the Dallastown and Cumberland Valley School Districts schedules. Should either school have a Delay or Cancellation, we WILL NOT be going to Mission Central. Masks must be worn by all Staff and Volunteers while at MC.
There is no requirement for Social Distancing.
Continue to monitor your radios, phones, TV's, etc., for traffic conditions on I-83 as far North to the Newberrytown Exit. This trip to Mission Central will close out 2021, let's try to make it a most memorable one.
Dallastown / Red Lion volunteers depart from Bethlehem Church parking lot NOT LATER THAN 7:45 A.M. Bring lunch. Drinks by MC.
Greater York volunteers depart from parking spaces to the left side of Infinito's NOT LATER THAN 8:00 A.M. Bring lunch. Drinks by MC.
Other volunteers depart from the Cheddars Parking lot near the Sheetz Store just off Route 30, NOT LATER THAN 8: 15 A.M. Bring lunch.
Drinks by MC.
Request replies as to (GOING / NOT GO-
ING) NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, by return email at [email protected] or 717-246-3808. On Tuesday morning, Dec 14, you can call my cell phone (717-683-5512), in the event of last minute cancellation.
Blessings for the Holiday Season,
Terry
Life Under the Clock Tower
Kids Stuff
LIBRARY CORNER
Our Snoopy board game is finished. I am excited to share that 55 CHILDREN partici- pated !! The response was so gratifying to us. And, a blessing to the boys and girls as they explored the pages of a good book.
Christmas books are currently on the shelves -- wonderful old favorites and new soon -to -be.
Watch for our winter family-basket incentive , beginning in January.
Kids Stuff
December Calendar
B ethlehem
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8:00 AM Chapel Service 10:30 AM Traditiona 9:15 AM Contemporary Service (TLC) l Service
