BLESSING BOXES

Bethlehem has two blessing boxes located in front of the main parking lot along Catawba Street.  The boxes are filled with canned and non-perishable food.  Occasionally, when in season, there may be fresh homegrown fruits and vegetables.  We try to keep it filled and welcome any donations you would like to give.  The Blessing Boxes are sponsored by the NOW (Nurture, Outreach, Witness) Committee.  As the message says: 
​                                                         Take a blessing if you need one.  Leave a blessing when you can.

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LOVE PACKAGES

Bethlehem collects bibles and other Christian literature for LOVE PACKAGES.  This organization was started in 1975 by Steven J. Schmidt and has sent over 15,000 tons of literature.  lovepackages.org/about-us/ Gently used Bibles, study books, devotional books and CDs are accepted. (No Guideposts) Containers are in the fellowship hall and kitchen of the church building.

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GREETING CARDS FOR ST. JUDE'S RANCH

​The United Methodist Women are collecting all occasion greeting cards for ST. JUDE’S Ranch for Children. New cards, with or without envelopes, and the front of used cards are accepted.  Collection box is in the kitchen of the church.  Note:  Cards from other charities, Hallmark, Disney and American Greetings cannot be accepted.  

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BACKPACK FOOD PROGRAM

Bethlehem is honored again this year to help with the BackPack Food Program.  This program is sponsored by the Corner Table and provides meals and snacks to 34 participating schools for approximately 1300 children.  BUMC, St. Mark’s and Mt Calvary Lutheran churches sponsor the program for Claremont Elementary.  A donation of $150 will sponsor a child for the school year.  All donations are greatly appreciated.  Volunteers are needed to pack the food bags for Claremont School at the Backpack Warehouse on Tate Blvd each month.  Suggested items:
                           Macaroni and Cheese or Easy Mac                                      Pudding Cups (unrefrigerated)
                           Microwave Meals (unrefrigerated)                                        Chef Boyardee (pop-tops cans)
                           Tuna or canned chicken                                                         Fruit Cups (unrefrigerated)
                           Peanut Butter (plastic container)                                          Jelly (plastic container)
                           Oatmeal (sold in packet form)                                               Granola Bars
                           Any kid friendly snack
                                                             www.thecornertable.org/backpack-program-food-for-students