Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Bethlehem United Methodist Church FOLLOW JESUS, MAKE DISCIPLES, CHANGE OUR WORLD
Bethlehem UMC is an inclusive congregation with a heart for missions. Partners in ministry with Stoney Knoll CME.

We are located at 253 School Road,Mill Spring, NC. Worship Sunday 10am Thursday Table 5pm Bethlehem UMC is open to everyone. We provide a free meal and a food pantry on Thursday Nights from 5-6:45, pick up curbside at Friendship House beside the church, 235 School Rd. Mill Spring NC) and have regular worship services on Sunday mornings. Worship is from 10am -11am. We also provide wedding facilit

ies, funeral and memorial services. For more info or to reach the pastor for counsel please text or call 980-363-5644.

06/15/2026

Menu for Thursday Table 6/18/26: Chicken drumsticks, Mac ‘n cheese, pea salad, rolls, dessert. See you there!

SUNDAY SHORTThe story of Jesus walking on water is often preached as a lesson about having more faith.Try harder.Be brav...
06/15/2026

SUNDAY SHORT

The story of Jesus walking on water is often preached as a lesson about having more faith.

Try harder.
Be braver.
Step out of the boat.

But when you slow down and really look at the story, something deeper appears.

This miracle is not mainly about Peter.

It is about Jesus.

The disciples were trapped in the middle of a violent storm.

The wind was roaring.
The waves were crashing into the boat.
And these were experienced fishermen terrified for their lives.

But here is something many people overlook:

They were in that storm because Jesus told them to get into the boat.

The storm was not proof God abandoned them.

They were exactly where Jesus sent them.

And maybe someone needs to hear that today.

Sometimes obedience still leads through storms.

Following God does not always mean calm waters.
Sometimes it means trusting Him in the middle of chaos.

Then in the darkness, Jesus came walking toward them on the water.

Think about that carefully.

The very thing threatening the disciples…
was beneath His feet.

The storm overwhelming them was completely under His authority.

Jesus did not remove the waves before approaching them.

He walked on top of them.

That changes everything.

Because it means Jesus is not intimidated by what terrifies you.

Fear caused the disciples to misinterpret His presence.

They thought He was a ghost.

But immediately Jesus spoke:

“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In the original language, His words echo the divine name of God Himself:

“I AM.”

The One standing above the storm was not merely a teacher.

It was God Himself standing on chaos as though it were solid ground.

Peter then says something fascinating:

“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You.”

Peter did not ask for power.

He asked for a word.

Because real faith is not confidence in ourselves.

It is confidence in Jesus.

For a moment, Peter walked on water too.

But the instant he focused more on the wind than on Christ, fear overwhelmed him and he began to sink.

And this is where the beauty of the Gospel shines through.

Peter cried out…

and immediately Jesus grabbed him.

Immediately.

Jesus did not stand back waiting for Peter to become stronger.

He rescued him instantly.

That is grace.

Even when faith trembles…
His grip remains steady.

And then Scripture says something beautiful:

When Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm stopped.

Not when Peter became fearless.
Not when the disciples figured everything out.

When Jesus entered the boat.

Because peace is not found in controlling storms.

Peace is found in the presence of Christ.

And maybe someone reading this needs to remember today:

The storm around you does not mean Jesus is absent.

The waves may feel overwhelming.
The wind may feel relentless.
Fear may be screaming loudly in your mind.

But the One who stands above the storm is already coming near.

You are not held together by the strength of your grip on Him.

You are held together by the strength of His grip on you.

How do we respond to the troubles of our world? *Run away and hide?*Quit, thrown in the towel?*feel sorry for ourselves?...
06/13/2026

How do we respond to the troubles of our world?
*Run away and hide?
*Quit, thrown in the towel?
*feel sorry for ourselves?
*Wallow in self pity?
*Look for someone to blame?

There is a better way!
Join us at Bethlehem as we discover what to do

WHEN THE WORLD TAKES THE WIND OUT OF OUR SAILS

Sunday Conversations 10am

June 14. “Holding On When Storms Hit”
June 21. “Healing Your Wounded, Disappointed Heart”
June 28. “How To Move Beyond Your Comfort Zone”
July 5. COMMUNION AT STONY KNOLL
July 12 “How to Avoid Camping at the Red Sea”

Bethlehem UMC 253 School Rd. MillSpring, NC

’srugged

SUNDAY SHORT(Today Stony Knoll CME church worshiped, communed, and lunched with us. This is their post on the topic of t...
06/07/2026

SUNDAY SHORT
(Today Stony Knoll CME church worshiped, communed, and lunched with us.
This is their post on the topic of the day.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 Morning Service

☕ Bible Lesson: "Who Is Your Cup of Coffee Today?"
Based on John 1:35-39
The Scripture
"The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' They said, 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' 'Come,' he replied, 'and you will see.'"
— John 1:35-39
Setting the Scene
John the Baptist is standing with two of his disciples — ordinary men going about their day — when Jesus walks by. John simply points. He says, "Look." And everything changes.
This is your cup of coffee moment. Someone in your life today needs you to simply point them toward Jesus.
Three Lessons from This Passage
1. 👀 John Noticed Jesus — Learn to Notice People
John was paying attention. He wasn't scrolling, distracted, or too busy. He saw Jesus passing by.
How often do people pass through our day and we never really see them? The coworker who always seems fine. The friend who went quiet. The cashier who looks exhausted.
"When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look!'" — v.36
Your cup of coffee starts with simply noticing.
2. 🚶 The Disciples Followed — Relationship Takes a Step
The two disciples didn't just nod and go home. They got up and followed. And Jesus, turning around, asked them the most personal question imaginable:
"What do you want?" — v.38
Jesus didn't wait for them to have the perfect words or a polished prayer request. He just asked. He made space.
When you offer someone coffee — your time, your presence — you're asking the same thing: "What do you need? I'm here."
3. 🏠 Jesus Said "Come and See" — Invite, Don't Lecture
Jesus didn't hand them a scroll of theology. He didn't preach a sermon on the street corner. He simply said:
"Come and you will see." — v.39
The most powerful thing you can do for someone spiritually is not argue them into faith — it's invite them into your life where they can experience Jesus through you.
A cup of coffee is a "come and see" moment.
The Connection
John pointed. The disciples followed. Jesus welcomed.
You are called to do all three:
Point — notice someone today who needs to be seen
Follow through — take the step, make the call, send the text
Welcome — create a space where they feel safe, seen, and loved
Reflection Questions
Who is "passing by" in your life right now that God is asking you to notice?
Is there someone you've been meaning to reach out to but haven't? What's stopping you?
How can your everyday conversations become a "come and see" invitation to experience Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, give me the eyes of John — to notice who You're placing in my path today. Give me the courage to take a step toward them, and the grace to simply say, "Come and see." Let my life point others to You. Amen. ☕
# faith

06/07/2026

Menu for Thursday Table 6/11/26: Taco Salad with black beans and sour cream, Dessert. See you there!

05/31/2026

Menu for Thursday Table June(can you believe it?) 4th, 2026: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll, dessert. See you there!

DAILY SHORT Defeating your giants6. The Real Battle Begins InsideThe greatest battle was not with Goliath — it was insid...
05/30/2026

DAILY SHORT Defeating your giants

6. The Real Battle Begins Inside

The greatest battle was not with Goliath — it was inside the hearts of the Israelites who had already surrendered to fear.

David conquered fear before he conquered the giant.

Lesson:

Many giants win before the battle even begins because fear convinces us to quit.

Courage is not the absence of fear.
Courage is moving forward while trusting God.

DAILY SHORT Defeating your giants5. Giants Often Fall One Step at a TimeGoliath. Kept stepping forth and taunting the pe...
05/29/2026

DAILY SHORT Defeating your giants

5. Giants Often Fall One Step at a Time
Goliath. Kept stepping forth and taunting the people.

“For forty days straight the Philistine came out and took his stand, both morning and evening.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭16‬

David accepted the challenge. He prepared himself shared his intentions and then ‭acted.
But David still had to:

* walk into the valley
* pick up stones
* aim carefully
* take action

Faith is not passive.

Lesson:
Some giants fall through:

* daily prayer
* counseling
* forgiveness
* healthy habits
* asking for help
* taking the next faithful step

Victory usually comes through persistence, not instant miracles.

Prayer,
Almighty God. Show me how to prepare.
Fill me with the desire to do your will.
Grant me, O Lord, victory over my perceived Giants that have held me back.
The battle belongs to you, O Lord! Amen

I am so very blessed to be Bethlehem’s pastor!
05/28/2026

I am so very blessed to be Bethlehem’s pastor!

DAILY SHORT - Defeating Giants4. Use What God Has Already Given You“Then Saul dressed David in his own gear, putting a c...
05/28/2026

DAILY SHORT - Defeating Giants

4. Use What God Has Already Given You

“Then Saul dressed David in his own gear, putting a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David strapped his sword on over the armor, but he couldn’t walk around well because he’d never tried it before. “I can’t walk in this,” David told Saul, “because I’ve never tried it before.” So he took them off. He then grabbed his staff and chose five smooth stones from the streambed. He put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag and with sling in hand went out to the Philistine.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭38‬-‭40‬ ‭CEB‬‬
Saul tried to place his armor on David, but it did not fit.

David fought with a sling, stones, and the skills he already possessed.

Lesson:
You do not need to become someone else to overcome your giant.

God often works through:

* ordinary gifts
* simple acts of faith
* consistency
* compassion
* courage
* perseverance

What seems small in your hand may become powerful in God’s hands.
What tools will you use today to defeat your Giant?

Address

253 School Road
Mill Spring, NC
28756

Opening Hours

Thursday 4:30pm - 7pm
Sunday 9:30am - 11:30am

Telephone

+19803635644

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bethlehem United Methodist Church posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Bethlehem United Methodist Church:

Shortcuts

Share

Category