Site
Contents
 |
General Information about the Area Office
North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
Prayer Guides
(Courtesy of the NIC Prayer Team)
Area United Methodist
Foundation
For resources to assist your congregation in welcoming guests,
click here
Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
December 2002 |
Country
Church:
Experience Bethlehem -- then and now -- experience Christ
By Matthew Oates
- Bethlehem UMC, Kokomo District
- The Rev. Teri White
- Members: 44
- Average attendance: 45
BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, CASS COUNTY, Ind. -- When you are sitting in Bethlehem, you will be greeted with a variety of sensory experiences: the usual church chatter while the organist warms up before the service, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air and a sense of purpose in this white-sided building that sits on a hill overlooking empty cornfields and the cemetery.
But one thing hits you: "A little child shall lead them" is written in a prominent area adjacent to the chancel.
And that is why they worship at Bethlehem UMC in Cass County: they worship the King who was born so long ago in the original Bethlehem, where the Christ child experienced another variety of sensory experiences.
But the members -- who are family to not only their own, but to each other -- have experienced Christ in all they have done throughout their lives. They have stories of how their experiences have led them from the manger to the cross on Calvary and they have experienced Christ's redeeming love.
There was the time of comforting a mother who recently lost her child in a car crash. There was the time the youth went on a mission trip and gave their shoes to a man who needed some. There are the healing and helping times extended to those who are ill. There is renewed energy and a new look at faith as many of the members have walked to Emmaus. The sensory experiences and stories continue now and forever more, even as the mid-winter sun streams through the eastern wall of stained glass windows filled with hues of purple, yellow and green.
The faith has been woven through this community since 1831, making it the oldest congregation in the county. The name came from Bethlehem Township.
The Rev. Teri White has served the church since June 2001. She's a part-time local pastor, working 20 hours (and then some) at Bethlehem and its sister church, Twelve Mile UMC. She could have been an investment broker, but felt a tug to do something else. Another tug . and before she knew it, she was talking to the Rev. David Schramm and later standing behind a pulpit. "Jesus Christ gave me a second chance and I'm not going to let him down," says Pastor Teri. "God had a plan," she continues, as she explains what the youth group is doing (Team BOG-Bring On God), how the church is experiencing spiritual growth and togetherness, and understanding the need to minister to all they come in contact with. "I absolutely love it and I know I'm home."
What a great place to call home: a place where the child still leads them.
Last updated on 01/14/2004The Country Church columnist wishes you all a safe, wonderful and joyous Christmas season as we all extend peace and goodwill to one another, not only during December, but throughout 2003. Country Church will continue as a regular feature in Hoosier United Methodists TOGETHER, the Indiana Church's new quarterly magazine. The first issue will be in mailboxes next March.