January/February 2006

 

 

The Jesus Journey

 

What does it mean to be a disciple?  Join us as we take a “Journey with Jesus” along the road of discipleship.  Each week, our sermon series will focus on one of the traits of a disciple and present a new tool you can use as you take the next step in faith.  A devotional booklet written by our staff will also be provided each week.  Let this journey help you experience a deeper faith and a richer joy in Christ.

 

The Jesus Journey:  Seven Things To Pack

 

January 8                     “Start the Journey  (Scripture:  writings from John)

                                    An Abider accepts God’s grace, is transformed by Christ’s power and love,

                                    and demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit.

 

January 15                   “Put Down Roots  (Scripture:  Jeremiah 17:7-8)

                                    A Learner grows intentionally in knowledge and wisdom of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

January 22                   “Meet With God  (Scripture:  Psalm 63)

                                    A Worshiper responds to God through acts of praise, thanksgiving, and devotion.

 

January 29                   “Access the Power  (Scripture:  Ephesians 13:12-21)

                                    A Pray-er seeks to have a continuous dialog with God.

 

February 5                   “Get Planting  (Scripture:  2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

                                    A Giver manages one’s life and creation for God’s purposes.

 

February 12                 All Services Cancelled By Snow!

 

February 19                 “Play Your Music  (Scripture:  Ephesians 2:4-10)

                                    A Server ministers humbly to others.

 

February 26                 “Tell About Your Trip  (Scripture 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10)

                                    A Proclaimer conveys the transforming power of God.

 

March 5                        “Grow Together  (Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

1st Sunday in Lent             A Relater models Christ’s love through relationship.

 

If you’ve missed any of these steps on the journey, you can visit the website www.thejesusjourney.org directly or through the church’s website www.baumc.com.  Copies of the devotional booklets are available from the Church Office.

 


 

 

Take Another Step on “The Journey”…

 

DISCIPLE EQUIPPING CONFERENCE

 

Saturday, March 4, 2006

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 

Plan to participate in this next part of “The Journey” as the Bel Air United Methodist Church family explores more deeply what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Based on the seven traits of discipleship, this exciting experience will offer 18 excellent workshop choices.  The cost for the Disciple Equipping Conference, which includes lunch and child care, is $10.  Advance registration is required, and payment must accompany registration.  Please complete the registration form contained in this newsletter.  The deadline for registration is 4:00 PM on Monday, February 27.

 


 

Lent/Easter Sermon Series:  The Power of the Cross

 

March 12                      “Power to Change”

2nd Sunday in Lent           Scripture:  John 4:5-42

 

March 19                      “Power to Pass the Test”

3rd Sunday in Lent            Scripture:  Mark 1:9-15

 

March 26                      “The Power of Believing”

4th Sunday in Lent                        Scripture:  Mark 5:21-43

                                                8:00 AM – Cindy Caldwell preaching

                                                                9:20 & 11:00 AM – Cantata presented by the Chancel Choir

 

April 2                          “The Power of Love”

5th Sunday in Lent                        Scripture:  John 12:1-8

 

April 9                          “The Power of the Passion”

Palm Sunday                Scripture:  Mark 11:1-11; 14:1-15, 47

 

April 18                        “Powered Up”

Easter Sunday               Scripture:  John 20:1-18

 


 

CHARGE CONFERENCE

 

Our annual Charge Conference was held on November 16, 2005.  Rev. Barry Hidey called the meeting to order with prayer for the reasons we have to celebrate, for the leadership of Dr. Hunt, and for the leaders of our church.  A time of worship was directed by Rev. Doug Hollida.  Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, the Baltimore-Harford District Superintendent, addressed the group and commended Bel Air UMC for being a church that is an exemplar as a discipler – a model of what it is like to engage in a discipleship adventure.  Dr. Hunt went on to say that he always feels the presence of the Lord when he comes to our church.

 

The purpose of this meeting is to hear about how we work and how we work together with the Conference in faith and service to the community and the broader church (“the connectional church”); how the church responds in times of need through gifts of money, service, grace, and praise; outreach to those hurting and in need; our ministry to one another; how we share our faith in the living Christ as living witnesses through the Gospel and evangelism; how God is moving in our lives; and how God is with us, has been with us, and will continue to be with us throughout the coming year.

 

In addition to the Pastor’s Reports (printed below), reports were given by the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.  “The Year in Review” (also printed below) was presented by Bill Benson, Chair of Administrative Council.  Pastoral compensation for the clergy was approved for the coming year. Reports were presented and approval was given for our Certified Lay Speakers:  Susan Buttimer, Mac Caldwell, Cindy Caldwell, Elaine Crowe, Sandy Miller, Jim Palmiter, Don Renner, Devonna Rowe, Leonard Rowe, Bob Sherman, Beverly Talbot, and Gary Webb).  The annual report on Ministry to Members was reviewed, and the nominations of church leaders for 2006 were approved.  (See the listing of members of the 2006 Administrative Council and the church’s various boards and committees.)

 

Dr. Hunt led a closing communion service, thanking Bel Air UMC for the work we do and stating that “Charles Wesley would not let us leave without singing something.”  The meeting closed with the singing of “Amazing Grace.”

 

If you have any questions about the Charge Conference or Administrative Council, please contact Bill Benson, Chair of Administrative Council, or Rev. Barry Hidey.

 

Charge Conference – November 16, 2005

Report of Rev. Barry E. Hidey, Lead Minister

 

As I thought about where we have been in the last year, I wanted to use our Disciple Traits as review.

 

A Learner grows intentionally in knowledge and wisdom of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

This past year has been all about learning. I found that preaching through the Bible, as the congregation used the Grand Sweep Devotional, was exciting. As we read the 30 chapters, I think the biggest challenge was trying to decide from which ones to preach. I heard from so many people that this was the first time that they attempted to read through the Bible, cover to cover. There has been so much fruit as children studied the books of the Bible - all 62! The Walk through the New Testament gave us the big picture of the events of Jesus and the disciples.

 

We began a servant leadership development course this year called Teleios. We have over 30 students and leaders who will meet monthly for one year. It is the goal of this course that each person will discover their calling in the church’s ministry and be equipped to lead in an effective way.

 

The dedication of the Charles W. Lightner Library is just the beginning of a new way of learning and outreach. These books will help us to become better learners and, as it attracts community people, will help many beyond the church to be touched by good Christian material.

 

A Worshiper responds to God through acts of praise, thanksgiving, and devotion.

We have been blessed with the addition of Rev. Doug Hollida to our staff. I heard from folks that first Sunday in January, when Doug opened the lid to the piano for the offertory. People knew that he was the one! Doug has worked to grow the worship experience by providing an introduction each week to the service, giving us a roadmap to the Worship Journey for that day. Our choirs continue to grow and move us in our worship. Doug is working with our praise bands to help them grow in their ministry.

 

We have hired David Burke to help move our trueFusion worship service into a new era of ministry. David brings a wealth of experience in reaching the emerging young adult and unchurched culture. We are developing a good team of servants, worship leaders, and leaders to make a difference in this service.

 

We are now planning how we might change the way we develop sermon series and worship services. Starting January 15, we will be launching a sermon series on the Disciple Traits that are highlighted in this report. This new team-based approach will coordinate to work on the sermon, along with several supporting documents and worship service creative ideas. It is our hope that this will result in great continuity in our worship and teaching ministry. We are also looking at ways to improve our 11:00 AM worship service.

 

A Pray-er seeks to have a continuous dialog with God.

Each Sunday, we are lifted up in prayer during the morning worship services by a prayer team in the Prayer Chapel. We had folks give testimonies in worship about their prayer ministry and how it continues to grow. A healing prayer workshop is training folks to touch more lives with prayer.

 

Throughout the year, our Prayer Team developed worship services, while our Prayer Chain is always ready to pray for the needs of our congregation and community.

 

A Server ministers humbly to others.

It was so exciting to hear how God used our youth and adult leaders as they served on the Baltimore Mission Team.  They served through VBS, games, skits, worship, and food distribution, and found that their lives were changed as much as the people they went to serve.  The VIM team spent a weekend putting siding on New Hope Christian Fellowship UMC and is preparing to spend time supporting hurricane recovery efforts.

 

I was blessed by a large group of committed parents and other adults who developed our Youth Ministry Support Team. They stepped up and carried our youth ministry through some tough times, while planning creative and engaging ministry. Our Youth Sunday School has been transformed this year, with many new youth in attendance.

 

We were also blessed by our Buddy Ministry. Children and youth with “special needs,” like my son, Garon, had youth and adult “buddies” who joined them in our Sunday School ministries. It helps our teachers and more importantly our students participate in our Sunday School.

 

We are looking forward to serving with the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe in a new way in 2006. We are developing a mission team that is exploring how we can make a difference in one village or town.

 

A Giver manages one’s life and creation for God’s purposes.

The story of this summer and fall has been the generous giving above and beyond our budget. Look at what the church did!

 

            $41,495 to UMCOR for Hurricane Relief

            $1,730              to UMCOR for Pakistani Earthquake Relief

            $1,318              to support SoFMEDA in Shillong, India

            $6,638              to help build a church in Choma, Zambia

            $1,809              for refugee assistance in Darfur, Sudan

            $11,593 for our Pass It On Ministries

            $55,667 for our Heat, Eat and Retreat Trustees Special Appeal

 

More and more folks are stepping out towards the tithe. Our giving continues to grow each year and it reflects the maturity of our discipleship.

 

A Relater models Christ’s love through relationship.

I have seen this year, in even greater ways, how much small groups play in providing essential ministry in our church. The people who spoke to me after completing the reading of the whole Bible said that it was the support and accountability of their small groups that helped them to be successful. When Peggy was gone for three months for her sabbatical, I found how much people depend on their small groups for support in times of need. When we reached out to seekers and new people through our Beginnings Course, it was small groups that provided the meals each week.

 

We are becoming a church of small groups. As we are realizing that significant long-term spiritual growth is happening in our small groups, we are working to ask ourselves the following questions. How do we move more folks into small groups? How do we develop leaders that can mentor our current group of small group leaders?

 

A Proclaimer conveys the transforming power of God.

Back in September, The Aegis Weekender did a front-page article about our Rebuilding SInglehood ministry and our leaders, Mike and Nancy Savakinas.  Mike and Nancy were overwhelmed with the huge number of people who called them, and a second class was added. As I spoke to the class, I wanted them to know that they were in a place where they were loved. I wanted them to know that the transforming power of God was available in their lives.

 

Our Beginnings small groups were a place where people were able to share their questions and doubts and hopes. In the process, they met this life-changing Jesus in a new way.

 

Erica Miller spent the summer learning how to share her faith and touch others with the message of the gospel. Erica used the experience of the workplace to develop relationship with seekers, as well as beach events, which gave her the chance to interact with seekers. We hope to support more of our youth and college students in these kinds of mission events.

 

This year, we decided that our youth needed to be an even greater priority for our church. We need to reach the youth that we have with the message of Christ and help our youth to proclaim their faith in a life-changing way in the places they go. I am excited that Tom Hodges has agreed to join our church team as of January 3, 2006. Now, we can expand our youth ministry and touch more youth for Jesus.

 

In 2006, we will receive the report of the Compass Task Force, which will help us to establish a strategic planning process.  The Compass Task Force will help us to develop a long-range plan and figure how to make a lasting impact on the seeker and unchurched in our midst. Through BRAC, we might get upwards of 50,000 new residents to Harford County in the next few years, and this will help us make the changes so that we can continue to proclaim the message of faith to all who need to hear it.

 

We face many challenges in the coming year, but I think that we will rise to each challenge as we continue to allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us.

 

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:6

 

In Jesus,

Barry

 

 

Charge Conference – November 16, 2005

Report of Rev. Marguerite B. (Peggy) Groseclose, Associate Minister

 

Peter writes these words to the Christians in Asia Minor.  They are especially relevant for all Christians in all times:

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind.  Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing  1 Peter 3:8-9

 

And I would add that you may be a blessing.  This is the focus of the Congregational Care Ministries and the Outreach Ministries of BAUMC.   We strive to help our members understand that as they mature in faith, they are also called to serve:  Showing all people the way to the Father (through our love and care), teaching them to Know the Son (through study, and through experiencing the healing, forgiveness, grace and hope that Christ provides), and Growing in faith and ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit (as is experienced through service.).  (This is our Mission Statement with Congregational Care additions.)

 

This past year has been one of re-evaluating the care and serving ministries of BAUMC, and we look forward to re-configure our ministries to better reflect our growth in understanding what God calls us to be and do.  Especially after returning from the American Association of Christian Counselor’s World Conference, I have taken steps to further train our caregivers, set up a “Care Board” of leadership, and to launch new ministries in 2006.  Our Shepherd Ministers have served a dinner to raise funds for the launch of Stephen Ministries here (to work in tandem with Shepherds), and I am exploring and recruiting leadership to launch Celebrate Recovery.  Meanwhile, Rebuilding Singlehood, That All May Worship (accessibilities and Buddy Ministry programs), GriefShare, and GRACE Team (our grief support groups), Parish Nursing, Prayer Ministries, and Welcome Ministries are all seeking to serve those who are hurting and in need of strength and encouragement. We have Celebration ministries which keep in contact during the good times (such as birth of babies, special birthdays and anniversaries), and a whole host of volunteers who serve in these ministries.

In light of these ministries, I also spend a considerable time counseling and referring our members to professional care givers.

 

While I work with Barry; planning worship, supervising some staff members, and also with the ministry planning team, I also have responsibility for keeping track of our attendance and membership.  I had hoped to have our rolls straightened out and organized this year, but time passed too quickly.  With the help of volunteers and other staff members, we are working through our ACS system; contacting members who are not regularly attending, and updating information.

 

A very exciting event this year was my involvement in the launch of the Charles W. Lightner Library.  We have a team of dedicated workers who arranged the library, catalogued books, decorated the room, purchased books, and are now continuing the work as we seek to make Christian books available to the public.  We developed necessary policies and have created an ongoing committee to oversee the operation of the library.  We launched the weekend of October 7, with a banquet, open house, and golf tournament.  Money was raised through the dinner and golf tournament for future expenses, and Rev. Lightner came from Maine to preside at the festivities.  This was a very satisfying ministry.  Thanks to the many people who have put their heart and time into making this happen.

 

The ministry of Mt. Carmel Chapel is causing some concern, as attendance has fallen off.  However, just when we became discouraged and took measures to seek to see if God has something else planned for us, attendance picked up again. We will be having ongoing dialogue about seeking God’s vision for the ministry of the Chapel. We are still fulfilling our mission to be a “feeder congregation” for BAUMC and as an alternative worship for those who can’t come on Sunday morning.  The congregation there has even put together a small choir that sings on special occasions.

 

I have been a resource to our community outreach ministries and have helped to connect other churches in their work with Harford County, which provides names and other resources for our Pass It On Ministries and other ecumenical ministries in Harford County. The county suddenly closed their Neighbors In Need office. After several meetings, the County invited Mason-Dixon Community Services to administer these needs and resource the churches.  I still keep ecumenical connections through volunteer chaplaincy at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.  I am on call two days a month plus attend regular training meetings.

 

It has been a pleasure to continue the teaching of the Wednesday Morning Bible Study and to be a part of the leadership team for Teleios.

 

I thank Barry, Staff-Parish, and the congregation for allowing me to take a Sabbatical this summer.  I believe they were a very productive three months, which prepared me to return with renewed energy and vision.  I look forward to what we will do together in 2006 in service to God, healing brokenness, and offering grace to those who do not yet know His love.

 

 

Charge Conference – November 16, 2005

The Administrative Council Year In Review

 

We, the congregation of Bel Air United  Methodist Church, are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as we show all people the way to the Father, teach them to know the Son, Jesus Christ, and prepare them to grow in faith and ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

 

We are committed to spiritual growth through individual prayer and devotion and by participation in loving and supportive groups that provide biblically based study, prayer, fellowship, accountability, service, and outreach.  The focus of being an Administrative Council member coming into this year emphasized the importance of each individual’s commitment and responsibility.  These values were an essential part of our congregation life as well as we “Journey-ed” through the Bible and continued to grow in our small groups.  This focus fed the needs of both the Administrative Council and the congregation by providing us principles to live by as well as creating a foundation  to build our lives on. But what are we building toward?

 

We began the year by traveling in January to the Shiloh Conference and Retreat Center in Hagerstown for our Administrative Council Retreat aptly named “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”  We wondered what our church would look like if “show” were a driving force in all that we do and say.  While we returned unsure of how we would accomplish this task, being a “show” church became and still remains the major goal for the work of the Administrative Council today.  In our effort to move to that goal, we discovered the wise words of Proverbs 24:27 that say:  “Finish your outside work and get your fields ready, after that, build your house.”  So the work of the Administrative Council this year has been spent finishing the work on the foundation in anticipation of building a “show” house.

 

The Administrative Council was able to put in place both an Attendance Policy and a Conflict of Interest Policy, completing the work started last year.  Both emphasize the importance of accountability and the commitment expected from our members.  We discovered that the Administrative Council lacked adequate representation from our youth, so we responded by adding both a youth member and a youth representative to the council.  It has provided a welcomed and much needed perspective.  We approved a plan of action from the Archives Task Force for collecting and organizing information.  This will allow us to systematically capture our current documentation and ultimately retrieve past data as well.  Once the task force has completed its work, a Church Historian will be appointed.  Finally our Library Committee celebrated the dedication of the Lightner Library in October.  Their work continues as they have developed guidelines for library’s contents as well as a job description for a Librarian.

 

It is significant to note that this year marked the first time in many years where the church has had new leadership simultaneously at Ad Council, Finance, Trustees, and Staff Parish.  While we all have been challenged by many of the issues we have faced in our new roles, it has been comforting to know that God has provided us the Grace and patience to endure.  Our Finance Committee continues to monitor and implement safeguards to our accounting system as work closely with our external auditor, Clifton Gunderson.  This relationship will continue in 2006.  Our five week Stewardship Campaign, “For Thine is the Power,” ended last week with Victory Sunday.  This year was unique because all members of the Finance Committee provided their support and participation in the campaign.

 

Our Board of Trustees continues to maintain our properties well to adequately meet the needs of our congregation and community, while challenged by limited funds.  But God continues to provide us hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  Late this spring we were simultaneously faced with the loss of our boiler, needing to meet building code for our classroom windows to keep our church school programs functioning, and the loss of a State grant for the purchase of a commercial freezer.  With the support of the Finance Committee and the Administrative Council, the Trustees made a special appeal to the congregation (AKA “Heat, Eat and Retreat”) for help, and they responded generously.  Our church will be a warm, safe place to gather this winter as a result.

 

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is doing a complete overhaul of the both the ministry and staff job descriptions in an effort to improve communication, efficiency, and accountability.  Their work will provide a firm foundation for us to grow and help keep our direction and vision clear.  The SPRC has been faced with their own challenges as well.  We started the year in desperate need for a Director of Worship to fill the large shoes left by the death of Ron Schuyler.  God responded by bringing us Rev. Doug Hollida, who has been a spiritual force in our worship services.  We were faced with the departure of Rev. Tom Delk in July, who had been instrumental in the lives of our youth and a mainstay of our trueFusion service.  On top of that, Rev. Peggy Groseclose took a well-deserved sabbatical this summer. SPRC supported the short-handed staff during the summer and after an exhaustive search will hire Tom Hodges as our first full-time Director of Youth Ministries in January 2006.

 

Through our spiritual journey and personal discovery, the many gifts that God the Father has given us are revealed.  We are called to use our gifts to further the Kingdom of God.  Biblically inspired teaching and training create and equip us as disciples and the Holy Spirit empowers and unleashes us for ministry into our community, our nation, and the ends of the earth.  The Administrative Council dedicates a significant portion of our meeting time to devotion, leadership training, and praise and celebration.  It helps keep us spiritually grounded and provides the training and equipping necessary to build upon the foundation we have laid. To help stay focused on the goal of mobilizing the church for outreach, the Administrative Council has created and launched two important tools -- Teleios and the Compass Task Force.

 

Teleios is a lay-led course whose goal is to nurture and equip leaders for the church and its ministries by exploring the three major components of servant leadership – character, competence, and chemistry. New church leaders will be raised up through the teaching of spiritual formation, leadership, vision, and team building.  The inaugural class was launched in October with 27 participants, who are committed to find their role in the leadership of God’s church.  The one-year program includes monthly assignments, small and large group discussions, and attendance to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit next August.  God’s hand has been a powerful influence in making this idea a reality.

 

The second important tool that the Administrative Council approved this year was the appointment of the Compass Task Force.  They have the awesome responsibility of reviewing and comparing the makeup and culture of our community and church for the purpose of recommending how Bel Air United Methodist Church can provide the greatest impact to facilitate the growth of the Kingdom of God.  We eagerly await their findings and will focus our Administrative Council Retreat in January 2006 on the results of their study.

 

We have found that our congregation will respond, if there is a need and a passion.  And as we mature as Christians, we come to understand our responsibilities to minister to each other.  Galatians 6:2 says “Carry each others’ burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  The congregation has given generously to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Our VIM Team will be traveling to the Gulf Coast early next year.  Our Missions team has adopted a new vision statement and is currently seeking to establish a partnership with a village in Zimbabwe.

 

What about 2006?  I think we become more committed to building a “show” church every day, but there is still more “outdoor work” that needs to be done.  The best advice I can give to our members is from Galatians 6:9-10:  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

 

Respectfully submitted,

William A. Benson, Jr., Chair

 


 

CHARGE CONFERENCE UPDATE

 

On December 19, 2005, a Charge Conference, led by our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, approved a motion to provide an option for the Lead Pastor of Bel Air United Methodist Church to purchase his/her own home.  A procedure for moving the Lead Pastor was discussed and approved, should this option be exercised.

 

Upon notification from the Lead Pastor to the Board of Trustees of his/her intentions to purchase a home, the Charge Conference approved the following actions to accommodate this request.

 

·         To establish a housing allowance for the Lead Pastor.

·         To lift restrictions on the Wakefield Parsonage Fund to allow returns only to cover the initial

housing allowance costs.

·         To permit the sale of the Vermont Road Parsonage.

·         To transition the cost of the housing allowance to the General Fund budget over a period

no longer than 5 years.

·         To establish a Housing Allowance Fund from the sale of the Vermont Road Parsonage

and the remaining Wakefield Parsonage Fund, whose returns only will be used during the

transition period to fund the portion of the housing allowance not covered by the General Fund budget.

 

The minutes of the December 19, 2005 Charge Conference are available from the Church Office for review.

 


 

2006 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

usually meets on 4th Mondays

*indicates Staff

Chairperson – Bill Benson (2007)

Secretary – George Newberry (2007)

 

Committee Chairs

President, Board of Trustees

      Sandy Miller

Chair, Finance Committee

      Barry Miller

Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee

      Julie East

Secretary, Lay Leadership Committee

      Sue Shank

Lay Leader – Janet Newberry

 

Administrative Representatives

Treasurer

     Roger Niles

Memorials Secretary

     Irene Littleton

Membership /Secretary

     Audrey Tolston

 

Lay Representatives

Lay Members to Annual Conference

      Cindy Caldwell

      Elaine Crowe

      Debbie Englar

      Lou Sedlak

Alternate Members to Annual Conference

     George Buckless

      _______________

Lay Leaders (Lay Reader Coordinators)

     8:00 – Donna Becker

     9:20 – Janet Newberry

     11:00 – Taylor Hawkins

     trueFusion – Andrea Richie

     Mt. Carmel Chapel - Judy Niles

 

Program Representatives

President, United Methodist Women

     Colleen Dombroskie

Chair, Altar Guild

     Phyllis Bradley

Scouting Representative

     Bob Young

 

Members At Large

Class of 2008

      Libby Maenner

      Doug Pratt

Class of 2007

Pete Entner

Angie Wilson

Class of 2006

      Jill Brock

      Brittany Kappauf

      Beth Lusky

 

Ministry Team Leaders

Program Coordinator

     Cheryl Firth*

Worship Ministry Team

     Rev. Doug Hollida*

Congregational Care Ministry Team

     Rev. Peggy Groseclose*

 Education Ministry Team

     Joni Behrendt*

Outreach Ministry Team

     Cheryl Firth*

Youth/Young Adult Ministry Team

      Tom Hodges*

Hospitality Committee

     Alice Archer*

 

 

TINY TOTS SCHOOL BOARD

Chair – Stacie Farley (2006)

Vice Chair – Les Goodwin (2007)

Treasurer – Al Roberty (2008)

Secretary – Lisa Tenerowicz (2007)

Member At Large – Vicki Seitzinger (2008)

Director, Christian Education - Joni Behrendt*

Director, Tiny Tots School - Joan Elloff*

 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN CENTER BOARD

Chair – Andrea Richie (2008)

Vice Chair – Normajean Boyd (2006)

Treasurer – Shelley Ellis (2006)

Secretary – Carol Benson (2008)

Member At Large – John Cavanaugh (2007)

Director, Christian Education - Joni Behrendt*

Director, CCC – Vacant

 


 

2006 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
usually meets on 2nd Mondays

President – Sandy Miller
Vice President – Rick Schulte
Treasurer – Bob Sherman
Secretary – J.D. Kurzmann
Class of 2008

J.D. Kurzmann

Don Mahan

Sandy Miller
Class of 2007
Mac Caldwell

Esther Pardo

Bob Sherman
Class of 2006
Dave Cartzendafner

Mary Schruefer
Rick Schulte
Mt. Carmel Cemetery Manager
Alice Archer
Building Superintendent/Custodial Supervisor
Don Sandefur*
Finance Representative
Roger Niles

FINANCE COMMITTEE
usually meets on 3rd Mondays

Chair – Barry Miller
Class of 2008
Gene Grden

Randy Wentsel

Class of 2007
Pat Bonney

Barry Miller

Class of 2006
Art Benson
John Lufburrow, Sr.
Treasurer
Roger Niles
Stewardship Representative
Elaine Crowe
Church Administrator
Jim Schepers*
Chair, Administrative Council
Bill Benson
Trustees Representative

Sandy Miller
Staff-Parish Representative
Julie East / Genene LaCour

Lay Member to Annual Conference

Debbie Englar

 

LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
usually meets weekly during Fall

Chair - Rev. Barry Hidey*
Secretary   Sue Shank

Class of 2008
Gloria Benson

Devonna Rowe

Mark Ward

Class of 2007
Sue Evans

Chuck Heatwole

Sue Shank

Class of 2006
Doug Bonney

Sandy Conway

Doug Dorer

Lay Leader Representative

Janet Newberry

 

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS
COMMITTEE
usually meets on 2nd Mondays

Chair – Julie East

Vice Chair – Genene LaCour
Class of 2008
Debbie Englar (Lay Member)

Janet Newberry (Lay Leader)
Jon Gerard
Class of 2007
Geoff Douglass

Genene LaCour

Jen Lewis
Class of 2006
Julie East
John Jones

Tony Pitrat
Lay Member to Annual Conference
Debbie Englar

 

 


 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

The church ended the year 2005 in a good financial position and on target with our financial policies.  Thanks for your faithful giving which increased about 6% above 2004.  That giving provided for the fulfillment of budgeted programs.  We can look back at 2005 as a year with many special and exciting events.  Judy Jones and Rev. Doug Hollida joined the staff.  The Lightner Library came to fruition.  Many folks completed “The Journey” by finishing their reading of the entire Bible.  Substantial sums of money and supplies were generously donated to alleviate the many people suffering from the tsunami and the hurricanes.  On top of that, we had an excellent response to the “Heat, Eat, and Retreat” special appeal which provided for a new boiler, freezer, and safety exit windows for children. Your faithful support made all of this happen!

 

Now the year 2006 has started.  The Administrative Council approved the 2006 budget in December and below is a summary:

 

                 Budget Category                                     2005                             2006

            Conference Payments                             $206,621                       $212,368

            Administration                                            64,000                          64,500

            Trustees Maintenance                               210,000                         229,600

            Trustees Capital                                         17,000                          16,000

            Administrative Council                                31,200                          31,200

            Worship                                                    17,200                          19,800

            Congregational Care                                      7,250                            7,650

            Children and Adult Education                       42,500                          44,800

            Young Adult and True Fusion                        8,800                          10,080

            Youth Programs                                           9,000                            9,700

            Outreach                                                     3,500                            3,500

            Church and Society                                    20,400                          19,200

            Missions                                                    12,800                          14,300

            Staff Parish                                             725,279                         779,442

                        Total                                         $1,375,550                    $1,462,140

 

Based on the tabulation of pledges and historical giving patterns, this budget is attainable.  We would like to do more; there are plenty of needs.  However, the budget requests were reduced to the level of our expected income to assure the exercising of responsible stewardship.  Like any good family, we need to live within our means. The Finance Committee will monitor income and expenditures during the year to assure that our finances remain in order.  The implementation of the 2006 budget now rests with you and your faithful giving.

 

The Building Fund

 

In the monthly packet of offering envelopes, there is a green striped envelope entitled “Building Fund.”  Many of you are aware of this envelope and contribute using this envelope.  The funds received through this envelope are used to pay for the mortgage that was necessary to complete Armstrong Center and the renovations completed in 2000.  This mortgage is down from the original $500,000 loan to $104,146 (as of the end of December). Our monthly payment is $4,606.  Lately, our monthly receipts from the Building Fund envelopes have been less than the required payment, and some reserve funds have been utilized to make up the difference for the payment.  If you have been contributing to the Building Fund, you can be proud of the reduction of the mortgage. Thanks to all of you for your generosity.  If you have not been contributing to the Building Fund through these envelopes, you might consider doing so.  We are on the last part of the mortgage, and it is our goal to be debt-free as soon as possible.  Thanks for your consideration of this matter.

 


 

Beginnings

An Introduction to Christian Faith

 

Come with us on this 9-week journey through the basics of Christian faith.  Classes will be held on Thursdays, March 9 through May 11, from 6:30-8:45 PM.  There will also be an all-day retreat on Saturday, April 22.  Each session of Beginnings includes a meal, an engaging message, and interactive small group time.  Child care is provided.  Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center or contact Cindy Caldwell at 410-838-5181, ext. 13 or e-mail caldwellc@baumc.com.

 

Beginnings Class Schedule:

March 9 - So, Is This All There Is?

March 16 - Who Is Jesus, and Why Should I Care?

March 23 - Why Am I Not Where I Want To Be? – Sin and the Cross

March 30 - What Happens When I Die? – Death and Resurrection

April 6 - Can I Trust God? – Providence and Suffering

[No class on April 13]

April 20 - How Does God Speak To Me? – The Bible

April 22 - Day Apart (three sessions in one day)

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

Can I Start Again? – Forgiveness and Wholeness

How Do I Speak To God? – Prayer

April 27 - How Can I Make A Life and Not Just A Living?  The Good Life

May 4 - Why Should I Join Any Group That Will Have Me As A Member? – Church

May 11 - Love Feast!  Remembering, Sharing and Continuing The Journey

 


 

Look What’s Happening!

 

Carpenter’s Tools will be worshiping with us on Sunday, March 5.  Check them out at www.ctimusic.org.  Needed are accommodations and meals for 8 team members.  We will need housing on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights.  They will arrive on Saturday evening and depart early on Tuesday morning.  Please contact Cheryl Firth (410-838-5181, ext. 18 or e-mail firthc@baumc.com) if you can be a host family.  They are a wonderful group of young adults!  Favorite passages for members of the team are:  Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.  (1 Timothy 4:12) and Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (James 4:10).  And their favorite quotes are:  A man’s worth is not measured by what he has, but by what he does. and Too blessed to be stressed.

 

Come for dinner on Wednesday, March 8 from 5:00-7:00 PM in McComas Hall.  A Chicken Dinner will be served to benefit the Baltimore Mission Project.  Tickets will be available at the door.

 

The Children and Family Ministry Team invites everyone to the Family & Friends Ice Skating Party on Saturday, March 11 from 3:15-5:15 PM.  Join us at Ice World, 1300 Governor Court in Abingdon.  Admission is $3 per person at the door.  However, BRING A FRIEND WHO DOES NOT COME TO BAUMC AND GET IN FREE – both you and your friend!  This includes adults!  Bring your neighbors, school friends, work pals.  Bring as many as you want and get in free!

 

Want to find out more about Bel Air United Methodist Church?  Come to the Discovery Class Luncheon on Sunday, March 12 from 12:30-2:00 PM.  Come for lunch, meet the pastors, and ask your questions about the church.  Stop by the Welcome Center to pickup an invitation, or call the Church Office (410-838-5181) for more information.

 

Rebuilding Singlehood begins a new session on Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30 PM.  This support group is for anyone going through separation and divorce.  Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings for 13 weeks, ending on June 6.  For information, call Mike & Nancy Savakinas at 410-569-4541.

 

The Bel Air United Methodist Women invite all members of the church and community to our annual Call to Prayer Service on Monday, March 20 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room.  Denise McGhee will be speaking on her recent mission trip to Namibia.  The evening begins with a simple meal of soup and bread, as we remember those around the world who are affected by hunger.  A special offering will be taken to benefit global mission work.

 

Debbie Englar will be part of a Trip to Zimbabwe with the United Methodist Ubuntu Explorers from March 22 through April 6.  They will be meeting the women of Zimbabwe, visiting churches and the Africa University, and touring Victoria Falls.  They will be sharing testimonies and Bible study and will get to know the people of Zimbabwe and their culture.  Members of the group have been asked to bring crafts to share.  If you have a craft than can pack well, please bring it to the box provided at the Welcome Center.  Please be sure to attach a card with your name and town and any special note or greeting you may want to send.  For more information, contact Debbie at 410-569-7181.

 

The Cherub Choir is hoping to have robes in time for Palm Sunday!  The cost of one robe is $36.36, and donations are welcome.  Checks may be made payable to Bel Air United Methodist Church, denoted for “Music Ministry Fund.”

 


 

WINTER HOMELESS SHELTER MINISTRY

 

Bel Air United Methodist Church will be hosting the Winter Shelter from February 27 through March 13, 2006.  While we had hoped to be the first hosts in the new Riverside facility, that will not be happening.  The shelter will again be held in our Community Room during these two weeks.

 

There is a table in McComas Hall during Morning Fellowship to signup the needed volunteers.  We will need the following:

 

            Food

Dinner will be needed each evening for about 30-35 guests and workers.

Breakfast will be needed each morning.

Bag lunches can be prepared and delivered daily.

 

Van Drivers

Drivers are needed each evening to transport guests from Social Services

in Bel Air to the shelter, and then back to Social Services or to the day shelter

in Edgewood each morning.

 

            Hosts and Hostesses

            Supervision is needed during the operating hours of the shelter, 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

 

            Laundry

            Sheets and towels will need to be laundered each day.

 

If you, your family, your home group, or your organization would like to help in any way, please contact Linda Sajko at 410-638-8869 or e-mail lsajko@hotmail.com.  We will also need help with setup on Monday, February 27 and with take down and cleanup on Monday, March 13.

 


 

BLOOD DRIVE

 

  Great Start for 2006…  The first of our six Blood Drives in 2006 was a big success.  A total of 70 units of blood were collected, which is good for this time of year when the cold and flu season is in full swing.  On behalf of the many patients and accident victims whose health will benefit from these donations, we express our sincere thanks to everyone who came out in support of the drive.

 

  Two-for-One Deal…  Did you know that the Red Cross now offers a two-for-one donation opportunity?  Their “Double Red” donation allows a donor to give two units of blood during a given Blood Drive.  The donor would then skip the subsequent Blood Drive.  It’s a great opportunity to serve as a faithful, full-time donor with only half as much time required.  During our January Blood Drive, there were ten Double Red donors!

 

  Mark Your Calendars…  The next Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, March 13 from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.  Appointment times can be reserved on the signup sheet across from the Church Office.  The remaining Blood Drives for 2006 will be held on May 8, July 10, September 11, and November 13.

 


 

THE ASBURY GUILD

 

In 1934, the Asbury Guild was formed to provide many gifts of love which enrich the lives of the residents requiring assisted living and nursing care in the Asbury communities at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg and Asbury-Solomons Island.  Guild members give of their time volunteering, working on special projects, managing the gift shops, and establishing on-going relationships with residents who may have no other family members with which to share their lives.

 

The Guild hosts monthly birthday parties and holiday parties.  Our Baltimore-Harford District supplies gifts for residents who have birthdays in September and October.  We also supply many Christmas gifts each year.

 

The Asbury Guild asks you to give $3 or more per year as membership dues.  It is through these dues that many benefits have been received by Asbury and the residents.  Since 1961, the Guild has raised more than $2,750,000 to pay for the third floor of the Health Care Center, the Guild Chapel, automatic doors at two buildings, a 21-passenger bus, sponsored trips off campus, and give $50,000 yearly to the Benevolent Fund.

 

Your representative for the Asbury Guild is Elaine Crowe, who is also President of the Baltimore-Harford District of the Guild.  There are Asbury envelopes available in the pew racks and at the Welcome Center for you to use in giving your membership of other donations.  Be sure to write your name and address on the envelope.  Envelopes can be placed in the offering plate on Sunday mornings between now and March 12 or given directly to Elaine Crowe.

 

To find out more about Asbury, you can call the Marketing Office at 301-216-4100 or 1-800-327-2879 or visit their website at www.asbury.org.

 


 

Have you ever been described as the person that your friends or co-workers go to when they need advice or support?  Do you like to celebrate with people the special events in their lives?

Do you rely upon prayer and the healing power of the Holy Spirit to get you through the tough times?  You may just have what it takes to be a wonderful Shepherd to the folks in our congregation.

 

If you’ve been feeling that nudge to get more involved in the church’s ministries and want to know more about being a Shepherd, please contact Rev. Peggy Groseclose at 410-838-5181,

ext. 14 or e-mail groseclosep@baumc.com or Chip Newhart at 410-879-6907.

 

Shepherd training will be included in the Disciple Equipping Conference on Saturday, March 4. A Shepherd Equipping Seminar will also be held on Saturday, March 18.

 


 

GRIEF  is a natural part of life, yet no one is ever completely prepared to deal with it.  It can devastate the strongest.  With God, we can find peace and strength in our time of grief and begin to heal.

 

Constructive ways of dealing with emotional hurt and the pain of a broken heart:

 

  1. Talk it out.  When your heart is broken, find a friend with a sympathetic ear and talk it out.  It really helps.

 

  1. Cry it out.  It’s normal to cry.  It’s God’s cleansing gift – a healthy way to express painful feelings.  Grief hurts.  You have been wounded by your loss.  You need to cry it out.

 

  1. Work it out.  Work (or play for children) can be a way of dealing with heartache.  The saving reaction is simply to go on living, to go on working.  To find in the presence of Jesus Christ the strength and courage to meet life.

 

  1. Worship it out.  Let the church be part of the healing process.  Claim the strength and support of the church.  Let the love hold you up.  Let the prayers and gentle hugs lift you and help you.  Get back to church as soon as you can.  Remember, God loves you and will bring you through this valley.

 

Taken from “When Grief Breaks Your Heart,” by James W. Moore.



 

GriefShare:  Your Journey from Mourning to Joy

 

It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now.  If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.  That’s the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close.  This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.

 

Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects.  These videos include the real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.  After viewing the video, you’ll participate in a small group discussion about what you’ve seen on the tape.  You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences, and have the opportunity to share your own.

 

You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session.  Each is “self-contained,” so that you do not have to attend in sequence.  You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin.  A session of GriefShare is currently underway on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM in Room 115.  For questions or information about the next session, please call Lee Lederer at 410-879-1122.

 


 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

 

The Grief Support Group is an outreach of the GRACE Team of Bel Air United Methodist Church.  We meet monthly, on the third Sunday of each month, at 3:00 PM in Room 115.  It is our desire to reach out to those who have lost loved ones.  Our group is open to all members of the church family, as well as members of the community.

 

Our goals and purposes include:

  Providing information about the grieving process.

  Providing a caring, Christian group where you can express your feelings.

  A place where you listen to others and gain from their experiences.

  A place that provides information about community resources.

  A place where you will feel Christ’s love.

 

Please feel free to join us at our next monthly meeting. on Sunday, March 19.  For further information or questions, please contact Susan Rate at 410-838-7934 or Rev. Peggy Groseclose at 410-838-5181, ext. 14 or e-mail groseclosep@baumc.com.

 



 

In Memory Of

 

John Neal Packard

December 14, 1935 – January 11, 2006

 

R. Wilson Johnson

April 18, 1923 – January 14, 2006

 

Thomas R. Chambers, Jr.

January 22, 1944 – January 19, 2006

 


 

Dear Friends at BAUMC,

 

I wanted to thank you again for the scholarship assistance that you provided toward my seminary education.  While it was a great blessing to have the financial burden of a theological education lessened, it is an even greater blessing to know that the church family that raised me in the faith is fully supportive and affirming of my decision to take another step toward a vocation in ministry.

 

Please continue to pray for me as I seek to orient myself, and my vision for ministry, more fully into the way of Christ, as I offer the same prayer for you.  Thank you again for partnering with me.

In Christ,

Jake Caldwell


 

Dear Rev. Barry, Peggy, Doug,

and all our brothers and sisters in Christ at BAUMC,

 

The family and I want to thank you for making the memorial service for John so meaningful for us and for those who were attending.  We truly felt we were there for worship as well as to celebrate John’s life.

 

The meal which Alice and her volunteers served was wonderful.

 

During John’s illness these past two years, you have surrounded John and me with your love, prayers, support, encouragement, and willingness to help in any way needed.  You have truly been the Body of Christ for us!

 

It is hard to let John go, but he served the Lord here, and I am sure was welcomed by the everlasting arms when his work here was finished.

In Christ’s love,

Eleanor Packard and Family


 

Dear Members and Staff of BAUMC,

 

Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who reached out to us with caring, concern, and love as we experienced the loss of my father, C. Curtis Morgan.  Words of comfort, cards of sympathy, and prayers for peace were all deeply appreciated and meant so much to us.

 

With thanks and our love,

Linda & Bob Lemmon and Family


 

My family thanks you sincerely for all your words of comfort and care on the loss of my father.  The many prayers through his last year of life helped us all get through one day at a time.  We are truly blessed to have a loving church family.  God Bless you all!

Cheryl Firth


 

The time has come to say goodbye to our friends of Bel Air United Methodist Church.  We have been members for 40 years and have seen the growth of the church from the small building on Main Street to the magnificent structure that exists today.  In May, we sold our home and arranged for a house to be put on our lot in Florida.  We have been residents of Florida for the past 3 years, but still maintained our home here in Maryland.  We began to realize that most of our time was spent in Florida during winter, and the rest of the time traveling this wonderful country.  We are happy here and are involved with the church in Davenport.  George is on the Pastor-Parish Committee, and Pat plays the organ at the 8:30 service during the winter months.  Our years at BAUMC have been happy ones, and we will miss you.  Please stay in touch, and we will be back from time to time to visit family.  Our address is:

                                                                George & Pat Callender

 825 Center Crest Boulevard

Davenport, FL 33837

 


 

STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

 

Membership and Data Base CoordinatorThis person will be responsible for management and maintenance of our membership data base, serving as point person for data entry, reporting, system upgrades and technical support. Will also provide administrative support to the Director of Discipleship in the processes of membership preparation and reception.  Must have 3 years experience with data entry systems, good analytical and problem-solving skills, a positive disposition and the ability to work as part of a team.  Part-time, Monday-Thursday; 9 AM-2 PM, with flexibility. Contact Cindy Caldwell, 410-838-5181, ext. 13, or pick up an application in the Church Office.

 

Director of Licensed Christian Day Care - This person will serve as Director of the Children’s Christian Center.  Must meet MD qualifications.  Inquiries, call 410-420-8304.

 

Group Leader for Licensed Christian Day Care - Must meet MD qualifications.  Inquiries, call 410-420-8304.

 


 

TINY TOTS SCHOOL NEWS

from Joan Elloff, Director

 

Our 3 year olds are learning about colors, shapes, and numbers.  Our community helper is the nurse, and we had a visit from the Teddy Bear Clinic of Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.  We also talked about the story of Noah from the Bible.  Our 4 year old Pre-K program continues with its ABC’s, science experiments, Show and Tell, and learning about helping and independence in its self-esteem unit.  The students are practicing their name, address, phone numbers, and the Pledge of Allegiance.  We traveled to Mexico in social studies and heard about “Jazz Greats” in music appreciation.

 

Tiny Tots School registration for 2006-2007 is underway.  If you know of anyone interested in our program, please call the school at 410-838-6399 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM).

 


 

“Words of Wisdom”

 

Barry announced in the e-Spire that my birthday was on Christmas Day, December 25.  Now I know how many people read their e-mail – because of the many good wishes I received.  Thank you!  My birthday – a day to be shared with Jesus and my grandmother; the lady across the street when I was growing up, and my present next-door neighbor.  I guess I’m in good company.

 

What the good Reverend was gentlemanly enough not to announce was that now I am -- according to AARP, the media, the insurance company, and whatever whippersnappers are below the age of 35 -- elderly.  Yes, I’ve hit the dreaded “Six-O.”  “Elderly” gets younger every year, by the way!  I’ve read that age is a state of the mind, which must mean that I’ve got a lo-o-o-o-ng way to go before I’m ready for the rocking chair!

 

Funny, I don’t feel “old.”  Except for when all my bones and muscles ache; when I fall asleep in my easy chair during my favorite TV shows (I’ve done that since I’ve been 30); and when my ability to see clearly at night in the driving rain has decreased.  I blame the last one on my glasses, which have to be re-prescribed more frequently. 

 

I am, officially, one of the last of the “Builder” generation.  To be precise, six days short of being a “Baby-Boomer.”  Since then, we’ve met the Baby-Busters, Gen X, Gen Y, and a few more generations of folks with letters after their labels.  I don’t recall if there are any generations before the “Builders” that have been labeled, except the “Pioneers.”  Now THOSE folks are as old as dirt!

 

I’m considered the baby of the Builder generation.  I’m kind of proud to be associated with these folks.  These were the ones who fought in World Wars I and II, who survived the Depression, and who put the country together again after the wars and many devastating events.  While this generation has its faults -- just like all generations -- Tom Brokaw calls it the “Greatest Generation.”  My age is on the “cusp.”  I feel like I’ve been adopted into the Builders, and yet if you compare my attitudes and values, I’m one of ‘em.  It’s kind of nice to think I can use my wisdom to lead the Baby Boomers into dealing with the next stage of their lives. I’m not sure that they will listen, though, like any other generation, because history is always repeating itself. Unfortunately, the Builders are passing on, and I’m doing a lot of funerals.  These funerals have taught me what an amazing group of folks our seniors really are.  And they have stories to tell -- lots of them.  I hope you sit down and talk with your parents and grandparents and put their memories down on paper.  If you don’t have any folks who are older than you, then you need to write down your stories before you forget.  There are so many lessons to be learned that we all need to take to heart and put into practice.

 

As I age (gracefully, to be sure), I have become much more aware of how society treats its elderly -- and it’s upside down from what God had in mind.  Do a little homework on bioethics, and you will find that oldsters are very vulnerable to the whims of those who believe that only the fittest are worth keeping around.  It’s too expensive to care for anyone else, they believe.  This attitude, unfortunately, is reflected in how governments and insurance companies spend their money and make their policies -- and how many of the elderly are treated out in public.  They are non-people and easily overlooked.  I remember taking my mother-in-law shopping for a new pocketbook.  The clerk looked at me and asked me what “she” wanted.  I told her to ask Mother what she wanted.  By the way, she was in a wheelchair at the time, but that’s fodder for another column.

 

Visit a nursing home sometime.  The lack of staff (that is, lack of funding and need for profit) translates into people

not being fed (aides are only given a limited time to get a meal into someone—when they have aides assigned to them. These are the vulnerable who do not always have someone to “go to bat” or intercede for them.  I have seen elderly who have seemed sedated to the point that they are totally unaware of their surroundings, and I have had to help others who have not been bathed or made comfortable in their beds.  It’s not necessarily the people who work in these homes, but the people who don’t work there because of lack of funds.  Nursing home aides are among some of the lowest paid folks, yet you and I sometimes have no choice but to put our loved ones in their care.

 

I have met widowed individuals who have fallen in love and have a chance for married happiness again -- but who would lose pensions, or receive a reduction in Social Security, or lose some health benefits if they did marry -- and they cannot afford to do so.  Instead they live together without benefit of the wedding ring.  Check out the population of Florida and how many people are in this situation.

 

Many elderly have to be uprooted from places they are familiar with in order to go to live near a child who is their caregiver.  This is traumatic for people who have found security in the familiar.  And yet, there is often no other choice.

 

I truly agree that people who become a danger on the road should not drive.  And yet the loss of independence is something that elderly fear.  Is there not some other way that elderly can find transportation that doesn’t cost the price of some of their medications?

 

I have learned a lot about the elderly -- not from being one, but from caring for and loving them.  I pray that we can kindle a great passion in many people to reform the way we think about aging, and how we care for our elders.  I hope to do more than pray about it.

 

Meanwhile, no matter what age I am, I will keep on keeping on.  There is much ministry to be done by all of us, no matter what our ages, and the wisdom gained with age needs to be shared.

 

Proverbs 16:33 says it well:  Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.  And Exodus 20:12 says:  Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

 

Paul instructs Timothy:  Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters with absolute purity (1 Timothy 5:1-2).

 

So now that I’m old enough to speak my mind, yet young enough to be able to do something about life’s issues, you will hear more from me in the future.

 

Rev. Peggy

 


 

What’s in a name?  At the Administrative Council Retreat held at Eden Resort in Lancaster on January 27-28, each person attending was asked to give a descriptive adjective that started with the same letter as their name.  Can you figure out who’s who?  • Bodacious Beth  • Rambunctious Ryan  • Gregarious George  • Joyful Janet• Diligent Debbie • Appreciative Alice  • Rascally Randy  • Geez Genene  • Celestial Cindy  • Daring Doug  • Righteous Roger  • Big Bob  • Just Judy  • Babbling Bill  • Chipper Cheryl  • Delightful Doug  • Boring Barry  • Witty William  • Pastor Peggy  • Excitable Elaine  • Jumping Jim  • Tired Tom.

 


 

Bel Air United Methodist Church

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

8:00 a.m. (Communion), 9:20 & 11:00 a.m. in Linwood Sanctuary

6:07 p.m. trueFusion Contemporary Service in McComas Hall

7:00 p.m. Evening Worship at Mt. Carmel Chapel

 

MORNING FELLOWSHIP in McComas Hall – 9:00-11:15 a.m.

 

 

CHURCH OFFICE

Phones 410-838-5181 or 410-879-2797

Fax 410-893-8363, E-mail info@baumc.com

 

Who You Should Call:

To schedule a meeting or use building                            Alice Archer

To use The Homestead                                 Cheryl Firth

To schedule a wedding                                 Cheryl Firth

To schedule a baptism / Baptism Class                           Judy Jones

About membership / Membership Classes                        Cheryl Firth

About Christian Learning (Sunday School, VBS)              Joni Behrendt

About adult learning opportunities                  Cindy Caldwell

About small group fellowship                                        Cindy Caldwell

About the bulletin (Deadline: Wednesday, 12 Noon)       Judy Jones

About the e-Spire (Deadline: Thursday, 12 Noon)          Judy Jones

About the SPIRE (newsletter)                                        Alice Archer

About programs and ministries                                      Cheryl Firth

About finances - envelopes, invoices, etc.                         Bill Groseclose

About Child Care                                                        Joni Behrendt

 

About Children’s Christian Center      (Vacant), Director

       (410-420-8304)

About Tiny Tots School                                   Joan Elloff, Director

       (410-838-6399)

 

Please Call the Church Office:

    If your address or phone number has changed.

    If there’s been a birth or death in your family.

    If you are ill or hospitalized.

        The federal regulation called HIPAA, the Health Information Portability

        and Accountability Act, applies to how the church will minister to you,

        through clergy visits and the Prayer Chain, while you are hospitalized.

 

For the Prayer Chain:

    Contact Jean Wood by phone, 410-893-1023, or e-mail jsjwood2@comcast.net.

 

 

 

SPIRE SCHEDULE:

                                                                Deadline

             March/April 2006                        Friday, March 10

             May 2006                                   Sunday, April 30

 

 

SPIRE Editor - Alice Archer

SPIRE Mailing - Sandy and Palmer Paules

SPIRE Circulation - Bruce Allen, Margaret Browning, Shirley Cooney, Elaine Crowe,

Candy Ellenberger, Sue and Bob Gillette, Nellie Graybeal, Betty Hartsock, Jean Henderson,

Garner Jones, Elsie Kaste, LeRoy Knepper, Jane Knode, Auleen and Ed Leister,

Irene Littleton, Shirley MacLean, Wayne and Jane Mason, Barbara Matthews, Jean Moore,

Dorothy Panowitz, Nancy Paris, Shirley and John Renshaw, Doris Scholl, Ellen Smith,

Ruth Smithson, Bette Stancill, Audrey Tolston, Carole Vangrin, Linda Vinciguerra,

Marguerite Ward

 


 

BAUMC ON-LINE...

 

The SPIRE is posted on our webpage

at www.baumc.com.

 

The e-Spire, a weekly update of information, devotions, upcoming events and activities, and a printout of the previous week’s sermon, is distributed via e-mail (usually on Fridays).  If you would like to receive the e-Spire, please send your e-mail address to info@baumc.com.  If you do not have e-mail and would like to read the e-Spire, copies are available at the Welcome Center.

 

Here are the e-mail addresses for the church staff.  Please use these addresses for information, announcements, prayer concerns, etc.  Use e-mail for any questions you have or to sign up for any church activities.

 

Archer, Alice                           archera@baumc.com

Behrendt, Joni                      behrendtj@baumc.com

Caldwell, Cindy                    caldwellc@baumc.com

Firth, Cheryl                                 firthc@baumc.com

Groseclose, Bill              grosecloseb@baumc.com

Groseclose, Rev. Peggy groseclosep@baumc.com

Hidey, Rev. Barry                      hideyb@baumc.com

Hodges, Tom                           hodgest@baumc.com

Hollida, Rev. Doug                  hollidad@baumc.com

Jones, Judy                               jonesj@baumc.com

Schepers, Jim                     schepersj@baumc.com

 

Children’s Christian Center           ccc@baumc.com

 


 

Bishop – Rev. Dr. John R. Schol

District Superintendent - Rev. Dr. Anthony Hunt

 

Lead Minister - Rev. Barry Hidey

Associate Minister - Rev. Peggy Groseclose

Director of Worship & Arts – Rev. Doug Hollida

Director of Christian Education - Joni Behrendt

Director of Adult Discipleship - Cindy Caldwell

Director of Youth Ministries – Tom Hodges

Church Administrator - Jim Schepers

Bookkeeper – Bill Groseclose

Pastoral Administrative Assistant – Judy Jones

Office/Facility Coordinator - Alice Archer

Congregational Care Coordinator - Cheryl Firth

Membership/Data Base Coordinator – (Vacant)

Building Superintendent/Custodial Supervisor – Don Sandefur

Custodians – Stephen Kenly, Thureen Drake, Keith Kennedy

 

Chair, Administrative Council – Bill Benson

Secretary, Administrative Council – George Newberry

President, Board of Trustees – Sandy Miller

Chair, Finance Committee – Barry Miller

Vice Chair, Staff-Parish Relations - Genene LaCour

Secretary, Lay Leadership Committee – Sue Shank

Lay Leader – Janet Newberry

 


 

PANCAKE & SAUSAGE SUPPER

Sponsored by the Music Ministry

 

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

5:00-7:00 PM in McComas Hall

 

Tickets will be sold at the door.  The cost

is $7 for adults, $5 for children age 5-12,

and free for children age 4 and under.

 


 

ASH WEDNESDAY

 

Services on Wednesday, March 1, 2006

12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

 


 

Inclement Weather Policy

 

 

THE CHURCH WILL FOLLOW HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES.  IF SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED FOR THE DAY OR CLOSE EARLY, OR IF EVENING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELED, ALL MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES AT THE CHURCH ARE CANCELED.  THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE OPEN, IF POSSIBLE.  PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE (410-838-5181,

EXT. 11) FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

 

Note:  The Children’s Christian Center has its own Snow Policy.  Call their answering machine

at 410-420-8304 for instructions.

 

Approved by Board of Trustees on November 12, 2001