Greetings Church Family and Friends!

2026 has not been a disappointment as we have celebrated the Goodness of God!  As we reflected over the years of ministry we have seen the faithfulness of God and the guiding light of His Hand!  
May 17th will be our "Homecoming" and I hope you are making plans to attend.  The day will begin with Sunday School at 10:15 and then a very special Worship Service at 11 followed with a delicious meal.  Then at 1:30 p.m. we will open our "Time Capsule" and celebrate God's blessings on the family at New Bethlehem Baptist Church!  I want to express my thanks and appreciation for all the hard work that so many have put into this project.  We have loved each other and we have loved our community.  The "Cookout" and the "Endless Highway" Event was a highlight for us and we look forward to the Homecoming being just as grand!  As we think about May, we will also be celebrating "Mother's Day" on May 10th and then we will be kicking off Vacation Bible School starting on Sunday morning, May 31st!  I will actually (teach-preach) the first lesson of VBS on that Sunday morning  and we will conclude our VBS on Wednesday night, June 3rd.  Vacation Bible School is still a great tool for evangelism and we will need all hands on deck.  If you have any questions please reach our to Sarah (Carroll) Williams who is our VBS Director!
On a personal note, I love this time of the year.  I enjoy the fishing and turkey hunting (although I have done little of either this year) but I also enjoy planting a garden!  Even after 63 years of life it still amazes me how you put a little seed in the soil and with God's rain and sunshine it becomes a beautiful (and tasty) vegetable or fruit.  It also amazes me how God "grows" us in His grace and goodness.  I know there are many challenges in the world but God is good and we can trust Him.
May we continue to plant the seeds of God's Word and may we see a beautiful harvest of souls.
                                                Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor!
                                                                             Bro. John

                                                                     KEEP ON PRAYING!
Prayer is so important!  We have several folds who are battling sickness and some who have loved ones that have gone home to Glory!  Let's continue to pray for one another!

                                                                             Attention:
We have one senior graduating from High School.  Help us celebrate with Anna Barron in reaching this milestone.  We will recognize her and her accomplishments during our Homecoming on May 17th.

Greetings Church Family and Friends!

Spring welcomed us with beautiful sunshine and really warm temperatures.  It is a glorious season as the trees begin to bud and the grass turns green!  A steadfast reminder that God takes us thru the cold challenges of winter and gives us the hope of spring!  He does the same thing for us spiritually!  Only God can take a stone cold heart and transform it into love, grace and forgiveness!  Salvation is a beautiful thing and God offers the free gift to anyone who will "believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord."  As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, may your hearts be filled with joy, hope, faith, Love and gratitude!
During the month of April, we will be celebrating the Love of God for our community!  Miss Denise and I have been truly blessed by living here in Gibson County!  We have so many friendships with people here at New Bethlehem but also with others in the community!  Part of our celebrating of 175 years of ministry (for New Bethlehem Baptist Church- I'm only 63) will be hosting "Endless Highway" on April 19th starting at 5 p.m.  with a cookout for the entire community and then the singing after the meal.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.  On April 12th, we will have Evangelist Phil Glisson preaching in our morning and evening service.  Brother Phil has been a faithful evangelist and has deep roots in New Bethlehem Baptist Church.  We want to encourage everyone to be with us on Easter Sunday, April 5th at 11 a.m. for an exciting time of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus!  It is going to be a wonderful day!
For the past few weeks I have been participating in a pastor's cohort and we have been studying about leadership.  Leadership is so important and we need to know what is is and what it looks like!  As New Bethlehem transitions into new and additional leadership, it is important that we keep our focus on Jesus and His will and to constantly be reminded of the lostness of the world!
These two things will help us to keep a healthy perspective.
In closing I want to remind you that we celebrate we also have much to pray about!  I think of our church family, the lostness and brokenness of the world, the challenges we face as a nation and by all means the battle we have with the enemy!  With this being said, we have set aside Saturday, April 25th as a day of prayer and fasting!  We are encouraging our people to fast from at least one meal (if physically able) and to pray for our churches, community, our country and our world!  Prayer really does change things!

                                                    Sincerely in His Service,
                                                                Bro. John

                                       From Your Pastor's Perspective
                                                      175 YEARS! WOW!
                                   Greetings church family and Friends!

February 2026 went by like a flash and the snow and ice lasted forever!  I am so thankful for the warmer weather and the coming Spring!  Spring reminds me of new beginnings and fills my heart with hope!  Watching things come to life (like the green grass, leaves on the trees, and flowers blooming) is a reminder of what happens when we trust Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour.  He makes all things new!  It is my prayer that you have trusted in Christ and that you are on a life long journey with Him.  If you have not, then today would be a good day to accept his grace and forgiveness!
My "thanks" to everyone who helped us "Read thru the Bible."  It is also a blessing being able to distribute 175 copies of God's Word!  So many believers try to live the christian life and not spend much time in God's Word and it just won't work.  The Word of God is like spiritual nourishment to our bodies!  Let me encourage you to spend time in God's Word every single day!
As we continue to look forward to our "Homecoming" and 175 year celebration we must also plan for future ministry!  In the next few weeks you will be given information from our Personnel Committee and our Deacon leadership about staff transitions!  I never dreamed that when we celebrated our "150 Anniversary" in 2001 that I would still be your pastor in 2026.  God has blessed us in so many ways and I am truly a better servant by having spent time at New Bethlehem Baptist Church.
I believe our best days are still ahead and it is with excitement and enthusiasm that I look forward to new leadership.  As we move forward I ask you to pray for the leadership of the Holy Spirit and for clarity about the will of God!  Change can sometimes be challenging and difficult but change is often necessary!
Our March emphasis is on Missions!  We will celebrate the victories and embrace the future! New Bethlehem has a rich heritage of missions and now we have a newer and younger group who are accepting the challenge!  We must be "On Mission" for God!  Many of you have heard me say.  "we are placed in this world to give ourselves away!"  Being involved in missions helps us to do that and by the way; it begins right here at home (maybe building a handicap ramp) and it goes all over the world!  It's still a joy to be your pastor!

                                                               Sincerely in His Service,
                                                                          Bro. John

                                                                      From Your Pastor's Perspective
                                                                                  175 YEARS! WOW!
                                                                   Greetings church family and friends!
On May 17, 2026; New Bethlehem Baptist Church will be celebrating 175 years of serving the community, state, country, and the whole world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Only heaven knows the impact of these 175 years.  In celebration of God's Goodness and Faithfulness we have special events scheduled for every month leading up to our wonderful "Homecoming" on May 17th.
January  was: "We Love His Music!"  We had a grand time with "Name That Hymn"  as we celebrated the great hymns of the past and was reminded of the testimony of the writers of these songs!  There was also a special season of expressing gratitude for those who lead us in music here at New Bethlehem!
February  will be:  "We Love His Word!"  During this month we will Read thru The Bible in one week and we will see the distribution of 175 copies of God's Word!
March will be:  "We Love His Missions!"  Our emphasis will be on the amazing work of missions right here at home but also around the world!  There will be a special recognition service and we will be challenged to continue in the work of the Great Commission!  
April will be:  "We Love Our Community!  The emphasis for this month will be to love our community.  We are planning a Community-Wide Cook Out and a special "Singing Event"
( more news later) that you will not want to miss!
May will be our "Homecoming!" and it promises to be a season of Thanksgiving, Gratitude, and Dedication!  These are truly exciting days for the New Bethlehem Family!
Continue to pray as we seek God's leadership for the future!  Pray for our Youth Minister Search Committee as they seek out our next Youth Minister and also for a new committee that will be seeking out additional leadership for our Church staff!
Miss Denise and I Love you all and it is a joy to serve along side with you.

                                                                                 Sincerely in His Service,
                                                                                             Bro. John

January 2026  Newsletter

Greetings church family and friends! I trust that you experienced a blessed Christmas season as you remembered that "Jesus"  is the reason for the season.
As we embank upon a New Year, I am reminded of how much we must "Go" beyond the church walls!  My thanks to those who were able to go Christmas Caroling with us!  As we encountered people, some would join in and sing with us while others acted as though they had never heard the song. I was vividly reminded that we live in a world filled with many people who do not know Jesus.  As believers it is our responsibility to get  the "Gospel" message to them.  Romans 10:14  reminds us "And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall hear without a preacher?" We must all "preach" or share the gospel with those who have not heard and have not believed.  It is my prayer that we will make it a priority to share God's Love and forgiveness with others.  
Many of you know that I am an avid reader!  While I am not enrolled in a university or a seminary I feel that I am a student learning of God and His purpose for my life. I am currently reading a book by Jeff Iorg, "The Character of Leadership" - Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders!" Dr. Iorg lists the following nine traits as key components for an effective leader: (1) Integrity, (2) Humility, (3) Discipline, (4) Security, (5) Servanthood, (6) Courage, (7) Purity, (8) Wisdom, (9) Passion.  As we lead in the New Year may these qualities be found in our lives!
The New Year is also a great time to commit to spend more time in God's Word. If you need a Bible reading plan just give me a call and I will be glad to share one with you!
I am confident that the new year will bring many challenges but also many blessings!  May our problems lead to progress and may our challenges lead to charity (love) and may our tribulations give us a testimony!
This May, New Bethlehem Baptist Church will celebrate 175 years of being a light in this community.  It promises to be an exciting time and I am thankful that I get to share it with you!

                                                         Sincerely in His Service,
                                                                    Bro. John

Announcements

January 4th at 4 p.m. we will have a regular monthly Deacon's Meeting.
Starting in January, Scott Fields will be teaching a class on Apologetics during the Discipleship Training time at 5 p.m. Everyone is invited!
Operation Christmas Child items for January will be hats and gloves.
Don't forget about your recipes for the new cookbook.  Please leave them on the table in the back.

December 2025 Newsletter

From You Pastor Perspective!
                                                          Greetings Church Family and Friends!

It is difficult for me to believe that I am Writing this article for our December Newsletter. One more trip around the sun and it seems that the year is getting shorter all the time!  However, we have much to be thankful for and much to anticipate with the coming of a New Year!
Let me express my appreciation for all the hard work of so many people!  Our Thanksgiving Dinner at the church was amazing.  There was so much delicious food and the fellowship was even sweeter!  (Some said we had close to 300 in worship attendance.)  I also was blessed to see so many people at our Community Thanksgiving Service!  It is always good for sister churches to come together and worship!  Thanks to everyone who helped with the "Dessert Fellowship" after the service!  (It truly was sweet!)
It continues to be an exciting time as the baptismal waters are being stirred.  Jesus is still saving souls and we never get tired of baptismal services!  We are so thankful for those God is adding to His church.
As we think of Christmas, we as Southern Baptist are often reminded of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!  All these monies go directly for the support of our International Missionaries.  Our church family has a connection with IMB Missionary, Sandy Wood!  Please let this be a special season of prayer and support for her and other IMB (International Mission Board) missionaries.
I also want to encourage you to take note of all the upcoming events in this newsletter!
There are so many opportunities to serve and to get connected and I hope you will take advantage of each one!
In our November Business Meeting, we voted to do Christmas Baskets for those in need in our community.  There will be future announcements about the dates but if you know of someone who needs a little help with a meal at Christmas time please let me or any of our deacons know.
In closing I would ask you to continue to pray for out Youth Minister Search Team.  They are now receiving resumes!  I am so thankful to Josh and Melissa Stafford and for the good work they are doing with our youth!
                                         
                                                   Sincerely In His Service!
                                                              Bro. John  

                                             Announcements for December

Dec. 6th-  Seasoned Saints - Christmas Breakfast at Sally's at 8:00 a.m.
Dec. 7th-  Baby Dedication at 3:00 p.m.  Reception to follow No Evening Service
Dec. 14th- Church-wide Christmas Dinner
Dec. 21st-  Adult Christmas Cantata during the morning service
Dec. 21st-  Children's Christmas Program during the evening service. Fellowship to follow.
Dec. 24th- Christmas Candlelight Service at 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 29-31st- Youth Winter Extreme



                                                  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

November 2025 Newsletter

From Your Pastor’s Perspective!
Greetings Church Family and Friends!
      We have much to be thankful for in this wonderful season of blessings!  God truly smiled upon us during our Revival meetings! There was a good attendance and many decisions were made for the Lord!
     The month of November brings many opportunities for us to serve the Lord.  On Sunday Night, Nov. 2nd we will be observing the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.  On Nov. 9th during
the morning worship service we will be having a Gideon Speaker.  I am so thankful for the ministry  of the Gideons as they distribute God’s Word.  On Sunday evening of Nov. 9th we will be moving our services to West Jackson Baptist Church for our TBC Summit Homecoming!  It promises to be a great evening of worship and celebration and I want to encourage everyone to attend!  ( Let’s fill up the bus!)  
      Thanksgiving is one of my favorite seasons.  The food and the fellowship is always a 
blessing!  We will have our Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 16th right after our
Morning Service!  Let’s all make plans to attend and celebrate God’s blessings and the family of God! 
      On Sunday evening, Nov. 23rd we will be hosting a Community Worship Service and we
will be inviting sister churches to come and worship with us!  There will be no services, on 
Wed. Nov. 26th and we encourage you to use this time to fellowship with family and friends.
As you can see these are extremely busy days at New Bethlehem Church.  Miss Denise
and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve here at New Bethlehem.  
      Thank You for remembering us during “Pastor Appreciation Month.”  We are blessed!
Please continue to pray that God will raise up the next leader for this congregation!
Thank You for all you do and To God Be The Glory!
                                                       Sincerely in His Service,
                                                                 Bro. John 
 Baby Dedication
We are planning a Baby Dedication for Sunday, Dec. 7th at 3:00 P.M.
     If You would like to have your baby or child dedicated please Contact
Tracy Garner or sign the sheet on the Lord’s Supper Table.



                                                                     

Greetings New Bethlehem Family and Friends!
    
    WOW! What a busy month!  September was like a flash and October promises to be just as busy!  It is truly exciting to be just as busy! It is truly exciting to be a part of a church family where ministry is a priority!  We are also celebrating the many victories and the new additions to our church family!
       As you read this newsletter we will have just completed our “Weekend of Missions.”  During this time we will have provided a meal and devotion for the GCHS Pioneers Football Team and provided a meal for the GCHS Marching Pioneers as they compete in Union City.  There will also be community projects where the Love of Christ will be shared and several projects here at the church.  I am thankful and grateful for all who participated! 
                                                          
  REVIVAL:
     
New Bethlehem Baptist Church will be holding Revival Meetings starting on Sunday Morning,  Oct. 5th and going thru Wednesday, Oct. 8th.  Dr. Roger Stacy, (former IMB Missionary and Associational Missions Strategist) will be our speaker.  Bro. Roger is loved by many here at New Bethlehem and in Gibson County.  He is a gifted speaker and will challenge us with God’s Word. 
       It was a blessing for Miss Denise and me to get away for a few days of vacation.  Our trip to Mackinae Island was so refreshing as we took in the beauty of God’s Creation!  Thank You church family for a little leisure time.  Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar as we have many events scheduled for October!
                                  
                                                        Sincerely in His Service,
Bro. John
        
                   
                                          
OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH  
October 19th after the evening service we will have fellowship and 
finger foods.
There will be a Wedding Tea for Kaylee Pierce and Jaycob Johnson 
      on October 5th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  They are registered at 
Walmart and Amazon.
Fall Revival
Oct. 5th-8th with Dr. Roger Stacy as our Evangelist. 
October 26th 
Dyer Nursing Home Service at 2 p.m.
October 29th 
Our church wide Fall  Festival will start at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.