The Olympics were the inspiration for the naming of our current sermon series, “Running the Race of a Lifetime.” I think that Paul’s first letter to Timothy fits well into what a runner or swimmer must do to be able to prepare, start, and finish a race.

I am always amazed at the devotion that the Olympic athletes have. It is a life calling it seems. There is a passion that drives them. They are intent on using everything that the God has given them, in order to be the best they can be… Sounds a lot like how Jesus would describe one of his followers! It is my hope that each of us will be inspired by Timothy to make some changes so we will be able to finish the course, the race, the journey that Jesus has set before us!!

Barry

Current Sermon Series:

Running the Race of a Lifetime

August 17, 2008

On Your Mark…

1 Timothy 1:1-11

August 24, 2008

Maintaining the Pace

1 Timothy 1:12-20

August 31, 2008

Passing the Baton

1 Timothy 4:11-16

Stewardship Message (from God’s Daily Promises – Left Behind Prophecy)

Who is really poor?

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need

and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)

Plow Work

Dr. Roy L. Laurin tells of a Christian businessman who was traveling in Korea. In a field by the side of the road was a young man pulling a crude plow while an old man held the handles. The businessman was amused and took a snapshot of the scene. “That was curious! I suppose these people are very poor,” he said to the missionary who was the interpreter and guide to the party. “Yes,” was the quiet reply, “these two men happen to be Christians. When their church was being built, they were so eager to give something toward it, but they had no money. So they decided to sell their one and only ox and give the proceeds to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves.” The businessman was silent for some moments. Then he said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.” “They did not call it that,” said the missionary. “They thought themselves fortunate that they had an ox to sell!”

When the businessman reached home, he took the picture to his pastor and told him about it. Then he added, “I want to double my giving to the church and do some plow work. Up until now, I have never given God anything that involved sacrifice.”

Adult Discipleship Classes

Fall 2008

Where Faith & Life Connect

“If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house

on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit -- but nothing moved that house.

It was fixed to the rock.” - Matthew 7:25

Sunday Morning Adult Classes

7:30 AM

John Neal Packard Memorial Men’s Bible Study (Room 115) Class Leader: Doug Dorer.

Men of all ages studying God’s Word together. This Fall continues an on-going study of the Book of Isaiah.

We invite you to join in anytime to share in the challenge of this amazing book of the Bible.

9:20 AM

Faith In Community (FIC) (Assembly Room 103) Class Leader: Cindy Caldwell.

Faith in Community participants dig deeper into the sermon topic each Sunday, asking how each week’s

scripture and message transforms our lives. An on-going class that you can start anytime.

11:00 AM

Faith In Community (FIC) (Room 127) Class Leader: George Newberry.

Dig deeper into the sermon topic each Sunday, asking how each week’s scripture and message transforms

our lives. An on-going class that you can start anytime.

Managing Your Finances, God’s Way (Room 114) Class Leader: Tony Ciampaglio.

A Biblical and practical study to help you manage your finances and move toward debt-free living.

A 7-week study with student workbook. Starts September 21. Cost of workbook: $15.

Single Parenting That Works! (Room 115) Class Leaders: Elaine Woolcott and Cindy Caldwell.

Hope, help, and connection for single parents. In this 6-session DVD series, Dr. Kevin Leman presents

a Biblically sound, humorous approach to the challenges of single parenting. Class contingent on a minimum

of 6 participants and are limited to 12. Starts September 21. Cost of workbook: $10.

Mid-Week Classes

Women’s Bible Study. Mondays, 7:00-9:00 PM. (Room 115) Class Leader: Judy Jones.

Studying What You Always Wanted to Know About Heaven, an audio series presented by Dr. David Jeremiah. Starts September 15.

UMW Bible Study. Wednesdays, 10:00-11:15 AM. (Lightner Library) Class Leader:

Rev. Carol Pazdersky. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women, but men are welcome! This is a

continuous journey through God’s Word in the Genesis to Revelation Bible study series. Starting on

September 10 in the Book of Jeremiah.

THE TRUTH PROJECT by Focus on the Family. (Assembly Room 103) Class Leader:

Mike Rupprecht. A 13-week, DVD based curriculum presented by Dr. Del Tackett. Each one-hour

video session gives a detailed perspective on life from a Biblical worldview. Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 PM.

Starts September 11.

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES

DISCIPLE Bible Studies require a commitment of 30 to 34 weeks of class meetings, daily readings, and workbook preparation. The cost for participant materials is $40, which you may bring to the first class.

All classes are contingent on a minimum of 7 participants and are limited to 12. To register, please contact

Cindy Caldwell at the Church Office (410-838-5181, ext. 13) or e-mail caldwellc@baumc.com. This year,

we are offering the following DISCIPLE Bible Studies:

DISCIPLE I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. (Room 115) Class Leaders: Gail Rupprecht

(AM), Bill & Joan Stiffler (PM). An in-depth, 34-week study that covers approximately 80% of the Bible. Thursday Mornings, 9:00-11:15 AM, Thursday Evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM. Starts September 11.

DISCIPLE II: Into the Word, Into the World. (Room 127) Class Leader: Bill Smith. A 32-week study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts, this course proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into Scripture. Wednesdays, 7:00-9:30 PM. Starts September 10.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS, from the “second generation” of DISCIPLE Bible Studies.

Class Leaders: Sandy Conway and Bev Talbot (AM), Leonard and Devonna Rowe (PM). This 30-week study looks at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings, and at the picture of Jesus that emerges from each of the Gospels. Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM (Assembly Room 103), starting September 16.

Thursday mornings, 9:00-11:15 AM (Room 127), starting September 18.

Come Travel With Us Through

“BEGINNINGS”

An Introduction to Christian Faith

Mondays, September 22 through November 17, 6:30-8:45 PM, with a special retreat day on Saturday, November 1. Be our guest on this 9-week journey through the basics of Christian faith. Each session of Beginnings includes a meal, an engaging message, and interactive small group time. Ideal for anyone who desires to learn more about Christian faith. Bring your friends!

BEGINNINGS Class Topics:

September 22 1- So, Is This All There Is?

September 29 2- Who Is Jesus, and Why Should I Care?

October 6 3- Why Am I Not Where I Want to Be? Sin and the Cross

October 13 4- What Happens When I Die? Death and Resurrection

October 20 5- Can I Trust God? Providence and Suffering

October 27 6- How Does God Speak to Me? The Bible

November 1 Day Apart (Sessions 7, 8 and 9 in one day)

7- If I Don’t Feel Lost, Why Do I Need to Be Found? Salvation and Conversion

8- Can I Start Again? Forgiveness and Wholeness

9- How Do I Speak to God? Prayer

November 3 10- How Can I Make a Life and Not Just A Living? The Good Life

November 10 11- Why Should I Join Any Group That Will Have Me as a Member? Church

November 17 12- Love Feast! Remembering, Sharing and Continuing the Journey

To register, please provide your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, church membership (if any), and any special diet requirements. Optional information that will help us determine the right small group for you: age, gender, profession, marital status. Will you bring a friend or spouse? Please return your registration to Cindy Caldwell in the Church Office, 410-838-5181, ext. 13 or

e-mail caldwellc@baumc.com.

Life is Better in Groups.

Home Groups at Bel Air UMC

At Bel Air UMC, we believe we’re created for community. What a great gift it is to connect with others for a better, stronger, less lonely, more fun way to confront the challenges of life. Home Groups are gatherings of spiritual seekers who meet weekly or bi-weekly to encourage one another on our journey toward Christ. We study serve, share, and grow together. Unlike most of the classes at the church, home groups reach beyond our congregation to include our neighbors and friends on our life-changing journey with Jesus. We currently have about 30 home groups meeting throughout the week in people’s homes. Watch for column in the Spire each month to learn why people join groups, what groups are doing, and how lives are changing through this ministry.

Coming Soon: A Season For Connecting

Our congregation has been working hard to develop a culture of “Radical Hospitality” that helps people connect deeply with one another and with God. Home Groups are an important part of that culture. The Adult Discipleship Team is working to make home groups more available and accessible for folks in our congregation, our neighborhoods, and our workplaces. We are preparing for a special “Season for Connecting” in January 2009, when we will launch many new groups designed to help more people to “believe, belong, and become.” Our plans include some new developments in Home Group ministry:

Bel Air UMC will host the Willow Creek 2008 Group Life Conference via satellite on

Friday-Saturday, October 17 and 18. (See the information on page 5 and the registration form below.)

New groups, new group leaders, and new kinds of groups to meet a variety of needs.
A team of coaches to encourage and support group leaders.
Seasonal leader equipping events offered at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings.
Short-term “starter groups” that give people a taste of group life.
A one-year commitment for home group leaders.
Two “Connecting Sundays” in January 2009 to help people join groups.

You’ll be hearing more about Home Groups and “A Season for Connecting” this fall. Meanwhile, if you would like to learn more about joining, hosting, or leading a home group, contact Cindy Caldwell at the Church Office (410-838-5181, ext. 13) or e-mail caldwellc@baumc.com.

Willow Creek Association: Group Life Conference 2008

WCA Group Life Conference 2008
Comes to Bel Air UMC!

Bill Donahue John Burke Mark Batterson Heather Zempel Will Miller Miles McPherson

Water. Oxygen. Community. Water and oxygen are essential for human life.

Community is essential for the human heart.

In this day and a half simulcast, you’ll receive powerful insights and practical guidance on how to experience and lead communal life:

· Why Community Is Essential—John Burke, Gateway Church, Austin, Texas

· Where Community Grows Best—Mark Batterson and Heather Zempel, National Community Church, Washington, DC

· What Stunts Community Growth—Dr. Will Miller, speaker and author

· Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time—Bill Donahue, Willow Creek Association

· How Community Transforms—Miles McPherson, The Rock Church, San Diego, CA

· PLUS—Breakout Sessions with Russ Robinson and Mindy Caliguire

When: Friday, October 17, 7:00 to 10:00 PM Where: McComas Hall

Saturday, October 18, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Special rate for folks at Bel Air UMC: $40*

Super-special rate for Bel Air UMC Home Group Leaders: $20

*Scholarships available.

What’s Happening on…

Sunday, August 24

● A New Year of Sunday School begins! Our children will be “Unlocking the Treasure of God’s Word” through Christian Learning. For more information about Children’s Sunday School, contact Joni Behrendt at 410-838-5181, ext. 39, or e-mail behrendtj@baumc.com.

● Confirmation Orientation will be held for the 2009 Confirmation Class at 11:00 AM (Note time change!) in McComas Hall. If you cannot attend this meeting, another one is scheduled on Sunday, September 7 – you do not have to attend both. For information, contact Tom Hodges at 410-838-5181, ext. 20, or e-mail hodgest@baumc.com.

Sunday, September 7

● There will be a Mission Fair in the Narthex. This will be an awesome display of the involvement of our church in our community and around the world!

● It will be a “Great Day of Singing” as we welcome back the Chancel Choir and celebrate the Dedication of Music Ministry.

NOTE ♪♪

Chancel Choir Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30 PM in the Assembly Room 103. High school age and adults are welcome, and music reading is not required. Come and share the fun and fellowship of singing for the Lord!

BALTIMORE REGIONAL CELEBRATION

The Baltimore Washington Conference has created two new districts

for intentional mission and ministry in Baltimore City and other distinctive communities.

Even as we embrace our future with hope, we want to remember, build on,

and celebrate our heritage. Plan to join us for this momentous celebration!

Dear Pastors and Parishioners,

We are delighted to invite you and your congregations to a celebration of the Baltimore Region on Sunday, September 7 at 4:00 PM at Towson UMC. The church is located at 501 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286. With the theme “A Hope with a Future: Making All Things New,” this is an opportunity for us to reflect on the history of the Baltimore Region and its various districts over the years, and to embrace our future with hope.

The worship service will include a message from our Episcopal leader, Bishop John R. Schol, words from former Superintendents and Bishops, choirs and special music, and images of church buildings and ministries of our conference since the very beginning. An offering will be taken for Hope for the City, our regional initiative to transform ministry in Baltimore City. If you or your church would like to give a check, make it payable to Conference Treasurer and indicate in the memo “Hope for the City.” Following the worship service, there will be refreshments and fellowship. Join us for this celebration of how we are woven together in ministry to “make all things new.”

BLOOD DRIVE NEWS

♥ July Results… Our Blood Drive on July 14 netted a total of 47 units of blood from 53 willing donors. Four donors were “double red” donors who contributed two units each. On behalf of the many folks whose health (and possibly lives) depend on blood donations, we express our utmost thanks to every individual who came out in support of the Blood Drive.

♥ Health Maintenance… As we enjoy summer vacations and other activities, we often digress from our normal eating and exercise habits. While temporary periods of splurging are certainly part of the fun of a vacation, we need to be aware of our health-related habits and ensure that we “get back on track” to the habits recommended for long-term health. Many of these habits – nutritious diets, lots of water, regular exercise -- also enhance our ability to donate blood with minimal risk of problems. As summer winds down, please re-examine your personal health habits and consider improvements if warranted. Your good health is not only critical to you and your family, but also to the many folks who depend on your blood donations.

♥ See You in September… Our next Blood Drive is scheduled on Monday, September 8 from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The signup sheet for appointments is located across from the Church Office.

CHABADZA: HEALING HANDS ACROSS ZIMBABWE

Building a Christ-Centered Medical Facility

Summer 2008

Zimbabwe’s political environment remains extremely sensitive.

At this writing, South African President Thao Mbeki is mediating talks aimed at resolving this year’s disputed election, and ending the violence in Zimbabwe. With assistance from the United Nations and the South African Development Community, President Mbeki is attempting to broker a unity government, under which current President Robert Mugabe would retain his office, but would share power with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose party won last spring’s parliamentary elections.

The situation, however, is still volatile, with no guarantee of a solution. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean economy is in total disarray. The annual inflation rate now exceeds 2,000,000 percent. Store shelves are virtually empty. There are nationwide shortages of food, medical supplies, electricity and gasoline, particularly in the rural communities.

Now, more than ever, the people of Zimbabwe need our help and our prayers, especially the children.

There is, however, some good news to report. Thanks to your prayers and donations, we will be opening a temporary medical clinic at the United Methodist Mission in Munyarari. (You can see pictures of the mission, and the children there, in our new brochure, which will soon be posted at www.chabadza.org.)

Why a temporary clinic? It’s an immediate step to answer the urgent needs of the Munyarari area, and the children at the mission schools. As we work to build the larger facility, the temporary clinic will be converted into housing for the medical staff who will live there. Our next step will be to send much-needed medical supplies to the clinic through the United Methodist Church in nearby Mutare.

We are also making nurses out of newspapers. The Chitora Medical Clinic, about 20 miles from Mutare, was in danger of closing, because there was no money to pay the nursing staff. The money from our paper drive is providing the nurses’ salaries – making vital health care available to an area deeply in need. Thank you for your support! Your donations are literally saving lives!

Looking to next year, we are in the process of rescheduling our mission trip. At this time, we are planning a 9-day trip for June of 2009. If you are interested in traveling with us, call Dave Talbot at (410) 836-8412, or e-mail dave.talbot@comcast.net.

Thanksgiving Turkey Mission Dinner

Celebrate Thanksgiving and get a jump on your Christmas shopping at Chabadza’s annual mission dinner on Wednesday, November 12 from 5 to 7 PM.

We’ll have turkey and all the trimmings for only $10 per adult and $6 for children under 12. We will also have a silent auction for one-of-a-kind crafts from Zimbabwe, attractive gift baskets, and gift certificates from local businesses.

Mark your calendar now, and join us for good food, great fellowship, and a chance to support the work of Chabadza.

Opportunity to Make a Difference

You know how we’ve been turning recycled newspapers (and other papers) into funds that pay nurses’ salaries in Zimbabwe? Now we’re turning them into a mission opportunity as well.

Consider volunteering to collect recyclable paper in your neighborhood. We will supply copies of our new Chabadza brochure for you to hand out, and a sheet describing the kinds of paper we can take. It’s a great way to get your neighbors to support our cause, and to show that Christians are actively helping our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.

As a volunteer, you can direct contributions to the bright yellow bins in the church parking lot, or gather your neighbors’ contributions at your home and bring them to the bins. Either way, you’ll help raise more funds, acquaint more people with our work in Zimbabwe, and put the work of Christ before your neighbors.

One volunteer has already remarked on how she enjoyed the chance to know her neighbors better, while sharing the Christian motivation for her work. Why not discover the joy for yourself? To volunteer, call Bev Talbot at 410-836-8412. Remember also that this project should qualify for students’ required public service hours.

One Million Coins And Beyond

We have arrived! Our Million Coin Campaign has reached our goal, raising approximately $29,000. Our coins came from churches, organizations, and individuals across Maryland and West Virginia. In fact, about half of the funds we collected have already been put to work, renovating the building that will house the temporary clinic.

We thank you again for your donations. It’s even more gratifying to hear that many of you want to continue giving your coins. So we have kept the jars in the Narthex at Bel Air United Methodist Church, and you are welcome to continue sending your contributions to Chabadza in care of the church.

It’s exciting to see our first million coins go to work, and to see what lies beyond the million. As our Savior did with five loaves and two fish, our coins continue to multiply far beyond their original value!

501 (c)3 Update

Attaining 501 (c)3 status under the tax code will enable us to receive large grants from foundations to build and sustain the Munyarari medical facility.

Becoming a public charity is a complex and painstaking process. Because of the legal work required, it can also cost up to $30,000. That’s why we are blessed to have the legal staff of Bank of America working for us without charge.

We hope to receive our 501 (c)3 certification within 12 months, and will keep you posted on our progress.

You Can Be a Volunteer

As the mission grows, we need more volunteers for the Chabadza team. There are many ways to serve. Those who feel led by the Lord to volunteer should contact Dave Talbot at 410-836-8412. Our team meets one evening a month at Bel Air United Methodist Church and every volunteer is welcome. In particular, we need people who can help maintain our website, obtain printing services, provide technical support for medical equipment, and coordinate volunteers.

Dates to Remember

Sunday, August 31 Special Offering at Bel Air UMC for Chabadza

Sunday, September 7 Bel Air United Methodist Church Mission Fair – Volunteer Opportunities!

Wednesday, November 12 Thanksgiving Turkey Mission Dinner

December (Date TBA) Meeting of all people interested in traveling to Zimbabwe in Summer 2009

GrIEF SHARE

GriefShare is a Christian based seminar and support group for those who are grieving the loss of someone close (a spouse, child, family member, or friend). A new 13 week series will begin on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00 PM in Room 115. This weekly class explores the support, comfort, and assurance available through videos and group discussion with caring people who understand what you are going through and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time. There are many resources that can assist you as you travel the road from mourning to joy. For more information, contact the Church Office (410-838-5181).

DIVORCE CARE

Divorce Care helps you recover from the pain of separation and divorce. It is a weekly support group and seminar conducted by people who understand what you’re experiencing and want to help you learn how to look forward to rebuilding your life. There are 13 video seminars featuring experts on divorce and recovery. Divorce Care is non-denominational and features biblical teaching for recovery from divorce and separation. The next session will begin on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30 PM in Room 115. To register, contact the Church Office at 410-838-5181.

Stephen Ministry

is making a difference in the life of our congregation. So far, we have nine Stephen Ministers and two leaders who have gone through 50 plus hours of training in order to provide quality Christian care to hurting people. Do you want to learn to care for people who are hurting – someone who is experiencing a life crisis or challenge, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, hospitalization, the loss of a job, loneliness, or relocation -- and reach out to others in a distinctively Christian way?

On Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Bel Air UMC will host a Stephen Series Caring Ministry Workshop. This workshop is designed to enhance participants’ care giving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry. There will be three sessions:

“Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief” -- the grief process, the stages of grief,

and how to minister to those who are grieving

“An Introduction to the Stephen Series” – the system of lay caring ministry which equips

members to provide one-on-one Christian care to people in need

“How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way” – what makes Christian care giving unique

and how to use resources like prayer, blessings, and scripture in caring for others

For questions and registration information, contact Alan Anderson at 410-838-0929 or e-mail aande10617@aol.com.

God created you for greatness.

Sometimes we wonder if we’re doing anything significant in our lives.

The Discipleship Academy will provide an opportunity for spiritual leaders to experience “balcony time” (seeing the big picture) to assess, reflect, and to make intentional choices going forward. The format will include practical, experiential learning with input from various religious and cultural resources. Participants will gain deeper understanding and broader insights into themselves, their congregations, and the communities in which they serve. The expected result is spiritual leaders living transformed lives and leading transformational ministries.

The Discipleship Academy will kick off on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in various locations. In the Baltimore Region, classes will be offered at Timonium UMC on Sundays and at John Wesley UMC in Baltimore on Mondays. Classes are from 7:00-9:00 PM.

Classes: School of Church Leadership

Challenges for the Church

Stewardship

Spiritual Leadership

Christian Formation

Strive for 5: “Developing in Faith” (learning) and “Sharing the Faith” (witnessing)

Registration is available at www.bwcumc.org/academy.

Mark Your Calendars!

■ UPCOMING MISSION DINNERS

Wednesday, September 10 (5:00-7:00 PM)

Chicken Dinner to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Wednesday, October 1 (5:00-7:00 PM)

Roast Beef Dinner to benefit the Lightner Library

Wednesday, October 22 (5:00-7:00 PM)

Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Alpha’s Glory Pregnancy Center

■ CAR WASH

Saturday, September 20 (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM)

Get your car clean and support EXIT412 Student Ministries!

WOMEN’S TEA

“Serve and Be Served”

Saturday, October 4 ♦ 2:00-4:00 PM

in McComas Hall

Cost: $15

Tickets go on sale on Sunday, August 31 at the Welcome Center

or call Connie Schepers, 410-838-3151.

This event benefits the Bel Air UMC Scholarship Fund.