Current Sermon Series:

KEEPING COMPANY WITH GOD

January 20

“Open the Door”

Philippians 4:4-7

As he ended his letter to the Philippians, Paul described the strength and joy he found in Christ. As a Roman prisoner, Paul had plenty to worry about. But in spite of his hardships, he drew near to God and found indescribable peace.

January 27

“Know Who You’re Talking To”

Psalm 147

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

February 3

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

“Are You BOLD?”

Matthew 10:32-39

February 10

“Address the Mess”

Psalm 32

Do you know what forgiveness feels like? Have you ever experienced it? Why not agree with God about your sin? Go ahead and let him know what you’ve been trying to hide. He has promised to provide a safe place for you to get it all out in the open – and to get rid of it.

February 17

“Move With God”

Acts 4:23-31

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. … After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

February 24

“Tune In To God”

Ephesians 1:17-21

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

March 2

“Where Did God Go?”

Psalm 28

Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help… Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped… The Lord is the strength of his people.

March 9

“Keeping Company With God”

Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Most of us have. The “Lord’s Prayer” shows us how to talk to our heavenly Father. Like a loving father, God cares about us and will listen to what we have to say. As our heavenly Father, he occupies a place of great power, which means that he is able to answer our prayers.

THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE SAYS… DON’T “KEEP IT QUIET” –

TELL EVERYBODY ABOUT THE LIGHTNER LIBRARY!

Did you know that there are over 125 books on prayer in our church library? There are books for adults, books for teens, and books for children. There are books about how to pray, when to pray, what to pray for, and what happens when you pray. During the current Sermon Series on Prayer, stop by and check out our “features” table display. Here are just some of the books on prayer that are available in the Lightner Library.

Adventures in Prayer, by Catherine Marshall

All Things Are Possible Through Prayer, by Charles L. Allen

Are You Listening God? I Need You, by Joan Bel Geddes

Daily Prayers for Busy People, by William J. O’Malley

Discovering How to Pray, by Hope MacDonald

Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something, by Ronald Dunn

The Handbook of Public Prayer, by Roger Geffen

If I Could Pray Again, by David A. Redding

The Joy of Believing Prayer, by Joyce Meyer

Let Prayer Change Your Life, by Becky Tirabassi

Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days, by Kay Arthur

Miracles Happen When You Pray, by Quin Sherrer

On a Wing and a Prayer, by Brian K. Bauknight

A Pocket Prayer Book, by Ralph Spaulding Cushman

The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying Parent, by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying Husband, by Stormie Omartian

Pray Like Jesus, by John R. Brokhoff

Prayer and Our Bodies, by Flora Solsson Wuellner

A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors, by H. St. George Tucker

Prayer Can Change Your Life, by William R. Parker & Elaine St. Johns

Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson

The Prayer of Jabez for Teens, by Bruce Wilkinson with David Kopp

Prayer: Conversing with God, by Rosalind Rinker

Prayer Through the Eyes of Women of the Bible, by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda

Prayers for Children, by Eloise Wilkin

Prayers for Children, by Rachel Taft Dixon

Praying Our Goodbyes, by Joyce Rupp

Praying the Scriptures, by Even B. Howard

Prayer with Power and the Healing Choice, by Lloyd John Ogilvie & Ron Lee Davis

The Promise of Answered Prayer, by Jim Cymbala

The Student Prayerbook

Too Busy Not to Pray, by Bill Hybels

What About God? Now That You Are Off to College, by Helen R. Neinast & Thomas C. Ettinger

Wild Things Happen When I Pray, by Becky Tirabassi

With God All Things Are Possible!

Children’s Books

Can I Pray With My Eyes Open?, by Susan Taylor Brown

God, I’ve Gotta Talk to You, by Anne Jennings & Walter Wangerin, Jr.

I Can Make My Own Prayers, by Lucille E. Hein

I Can Talk With God, by Debby Anderson

Wee Sing Musical Bible, by Pamela Conn Beall & Susan Hagen Nipp

What Happens When Children Pray, by Evelyn Christenson

What Did Jesus Say About Prayer?, by Helen Haidle

SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION OFFERING: January/February 2008

This offering will support the Pass It On Ministry of Bel Air UMC, a ministry to help those with financial needs in our own community. All Sunday School offering received during these months will provide assistance to our Harford County neighbors who need help with their utilities, housing, and other necessities. Give from your heart!

SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION OFFERING: March/April 2008

The Sunday School offering during these months will be donated to HEIFER INTERNATIONAL to support the purchase of a “Flock of Hope.” Each $60 donation provides one Flock of Hope which includes chicks, ducklings, and goslings that will grow up to lay precious eggs that mean hope and increasing health and prosperity for hungry families from the Philippines to Rwanda. Eggs add vital protein to malnourished families’ diets, and droppings provide a wonderful natural fertilizer to improve crop yields. Over time as the flocks grow, families can sell the surplus eggs and produce at market and use the extra income to send children to school, build secure housing, and more. Offering boxes are available from your child’s Sunday School teacher. Boxes are to be returned by Sunday, April 27.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL NEWS

Mark your calendar for June 23-27, 2008, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, for an exciting week of “Power Lab.” Registration begins on Palm Sunday, March 16. Those who can serve as VBS leaders should contact Joni Behrendt.

REPORT FROM CHARGE CONFERENCE

The church’s annual Charge Conference was held on December 4, 2007, called to order by Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, Superintendent of the Baltimore-Harford District. The meeting started with a time of singing and prayer, led by Rev. Doug Hollida. Two testimonies were then offered on how one’s life has been enriched through the church. Bill Smith offered his testimony on the topic of “What grace has done in my life,” and Barry Miller offered his testimony on the recent “Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace” event. A video presentation was shown depicting some of the volunteer efforts on Saturday, November 10, 2007.

Dr. Hunt stated that he was proud of the Bel Air UMC congregation, as it is a model for the Conference and the denomination. He reminded us that there is no way that we can be together (as heard in the testimonies) without the gift of Christ. Christ is the center of who we are, who we have been, and who we shall be.

Pastor’s Reports were given by Rev. Carol Pazdersky, Rev. Peggy Groseclose, and Rev. Barry Hidey. A report was presented by Bill Benson, Chair of the Administrative Council, and an update was given on the work of the Compass Task Force and the Off-Site Ministry Team. Written reports were provided by Rev. Doug Hollida (Worship & Arts), Joni Behrendt (Children & Family Ministries), Tom Hodges (Student Ministries), and Cindy Caldwell (Adult Discipleship). (These reports are printed below.)

Reports were given by the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Pastoral compensation for the clergy was approved for the coming year. Cindy Caldwell was affirmed for her continuation as a candidate for ordained ministry. Reports were presented and approval was given for our Certified Lay Speakers: Susan Buttimer, Cindy Caldwell, Elaine Crowe, Sandy Miller, Dan Pazdersky, Bob Phillips, Devonna Rowe, Leonard Rowe, Bob Sherman, and Beverly Talbot. Don Renner, who now resides in an assisted living facility, has chosen not to continue his Lay Speaker certification. However, he is still doing lay leading through worship services at the facility, and it was recommended that he be given an affirmation as Lay Speaker, Emeritus.

Congratulations, Don! Thank you for your dedication and ministry to others.

The annual report on Ministry to Members was reviewed, and the nominations of church leaders for 2008 were approved. (See the listing of members of the 2008 Administrative Council and the church’s various boards and committees.) A time of fellowship followed the meeting.

Editor’s Note: Please take the time to review the reports describing the work of the church accomplished in 2007. We hope you gain a better understanding of how we go about fulfilling our Mission Statement through worship, stewardship, Christian education, fellowship, congregational care, and through our many, many ministries and missions. We also hope you can see the vision for the future, as the results of the Compass Task Force lead us into becoming a more welcoming congregation, as we reach more people through innovative worship and learning opportunities, and as we move out into the community and around the world in ministry and service.

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

Report of the Pastor

Rev. Barry E. Hidey, Lead Minister

1. Share your vision for the congregation and how it relates to making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world?

We, the congregation of Bel Air UMC, 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.

Everything that we seek to do is about making disciples!

2. What have been your accomplishments in making and engaging disciples?

I think that it is important to realize that these are not “my” accomplishments, but the fruit of the servant ministry of all of the members and staff of Bel Air Church. It doesn’t take long to see the variety of fruit that has been born during the last 12 months. We have seen it in…

▪ Worship - in the Grace Series, and the transition of our Chancel Choir Director from Alissa Thomas to David Smith

▪ Student Ministry – in the growth of Ignite Worship, TNT, and FUEL, and two mission trips to Baltimore City and Louisiana

▪ Children and Family Ministries – in VBS where 80% of those attending were not from church families, and exciting family events and committed Sunday School leaders

▪ Adult Education – 140 adults in mid-week classes, another successful Teleios Leadership Course, lives being changed through Beginnings and our small group ministry

▪ Mission – by raising almost $100,000 for the Chabadza Medical Clinic, mission trips to Russia to work and explore a new church partnership, three VIM trips to Louisiana

▪ Outreach – New Welcome Team in place; Off-Site Ministry team developed a 5 year plan to reach out to the Abingdon area and applied for and received $95,000 grant for a pastor to lead this ministry starting July 1, 2008; Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace had 500 adults, youth, and children serving in over 35 locations around Harford County and a Family Affair at the church

▪ Building – The proceeds from the sale of the parsonage allowed the Trustees to tackle many needed projects, with the transformation of McComas Hall being the most visible.

▪ Finance – Our giving in 2007 has been very good, and we expect that a strong December will allow us to end the year on a positive note.

▪ Compass Task Force – We had many meetings this summer for the congregation, and the vast majority who responded through the Review and Response process agreed with both the target and focus area recommendations with some individuals providing ideas for the next level of implementation.

3. What have been the roadblocks to discipleship and engaging disciples in the community, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?

We have realized that our welcoming ministries were not being as effective as they could be, so a congregational survey brought out some new ideas and many people stepped forward to implement some needed changes.

It is still hard for our people to engage and invite their neighbors and friends in Christian conversation and invite them to church. The Compass Task Force’s recommendations have helped us to understand who we need to reach and, next year, we will explore new ways to reach these people and train our members in new behaviors.

Our worship attendance has not grown as much as we would have liked, as we ended trueFusion and worked to raise the level of community at the 11:00 worship service. We need to continue to explore ways to grow our services.

The 2008 budget looks like it will be facing major challenges in order to fund our ministries in the most effective way.

4. By the end of this year, what do you anticipate will be:

The number of professions and reaffirmations of faith for 2007? 43

The average worship attendance for 2007? 735

The approximate percentage of worshipers engaged in congregational and community ministries sponsored by the congregation? We do not have a way to track this. We did get over 500 people working in the community on our Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace event.

How will you build on this in 2008? Which of these areas would you like to improve and what steps will you take?

I think that we can continue to find new ways to enable our people to find ways to serve. Our Compass Implementation Teams will develop ways to tackle many of our biggest challenges. Our Off-Site Ministry in Abingdon will also provide a tangible way to reach out to the 25-40 age group.

5. How can your Guide better resource and support you?

I think that our District Superintendent has provided good insight, counsel, and support throughout the past year. Dr. Hunt was essential in us exploring the possibility of hiring a second associate during Rev. Groseclose’s last year before retirement.

6. What can the Conference do to better support you in your ministry?

It is exciting to see that the Conference is committed to lowering the apportionment rate each year. In 2008, we will see the benefit of that, as our 2008 apportionment did not increase. We are also blessed to leverage the Discipleship Adventure of the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BWC) into our focus to help people to come to KNOW Jesus Christ, to GROW in ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit, and then to SHOW all people the way to the Father!

We would not have been able to move forward to reach a vital section of our community through the Off-Site Ministry if we did not receive a grant from the BWC. This grant will enable us to develop a ministry to the many unchurched people in the Abingdon area who need to be met where they are, instead of expecting them to show up at our door.

Final Thoughts

2007 brought so many blessings, as we heard so many people sharing their stories in worship during the Grace series, or just telling about the way they are serving in the church or community. The strength of this church is in the people -- people who want to live grace-filled lives and want to sow seeds of grace and love in a world that is hungry for love and acceptance.

On the Journey,

Barry

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

1. Share your vision for the congregation and how it relates to making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world?

The mission of Bel Air UMC is to make Disciples of Jesus Christ by Showing them the way to the Father, Helping them to Know Jesus Christ, and to Grow through the guiding of the Holy Spirit. My vision of BAUMC is of a community of Christ that lives out this mission with joy and gratitude to Christ. In my charge of Congregational Care, I see the church caring for people within and outside of the congregation, not only with prayers, but with presence and service. It is this light and grace of Christ that is contagious evangelism. In my charge of Associate Pastor,

I see this lived out in a larger way—as our worship and our ministries heal the broken hearted, lift up those who are discouraged and empower those who are called by God to serve.

2. What have been your accomplishments in making and engaging disciples?

As I prepare for retirement in a few months, I’ve been able to look back at all the care ministries I have developed over the years. This past year, we have launched the Stephen Ministries at Bel Air UMC. I am gratified to see people living out the call of caring, and overjoyed as people report back how much they love their Stephen Ministers and their work.

This past 9 months have been particularly trying as I spent several weeks in the hospital with triple by-pass and pacemaker surgery. My husband was in the hospital with a life-threatening illness. The blessing is that when I came home from the hospital, the congregation cared for me 24/7 until I was able to get Bill home and I could care for him.

This is a picture of the church as it was intended to be—people in community helping others and giving praise to God. It is my continued prayer that the congregation continue to care for each other with the same zeal that they cared for me.

3. What have been the roadblocks to discipleship and engaging disciples in the community, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?

I believe that fear is a huge roadblock to discipleship and community. People are afraid to meet the unknown. Whether it’s unknown situations or unknown situations, there are always questions about self: “What will I find? “Where should I go?” “What should I say?” “What will people think of me if I do . . . .?” The key is to help people learn to trust God in all these things. Having someone walk beside me has been the best method I’ve known to help them overcome their fears. If I can help them learn to replace their fear for themselves with love for others, then I can rest comfortably in this accomplishment. Once I retire, while I will no longer have ministry programs to run, I still can do this in my personal relationships.

4. How can your Guide better resource and support you?

My guide has been very helpful helping me talk through the direction I need to take in the upcoming 7 months. We have been colleagues for many years and he is asking me to help share my experience with the other members of the Discipler group. I appreciate that affirmation.

5. What can the Conference do to better support you in your ministry?

The Conference can take Associate Pastors more seriously. If you were to divide the membership of BAUMC by two (the number of pastors we had last year), that would mean that each one of us would have the responsibility and care for over 1,000 people! While we can develop programs to help us do this, that figure is more than the church size of most congregations. Because I believe that Congregational Care is so vital a ministry (it should be both inreach and outreach) I would have liked to have seen the Conference call on me or other Congregational Care ministers to do more training to pastors and churches. I would like to have received the same attention as other lead ministers have received regarding resourcing and planning. Career Associates have much behind-the-scenes wisdom and tend to remain at one church for a longer period of time, thus carrying the shared history of the congregation. So, stop making Associates an afterthought or of less value than the Lead Pastor.

Report of Rev. Carol L. Pazdersky, Associate Pastor

What a joy it has been to come home this year! Although I grieve the loss of relationships at my previous appointment, I rejoice to be at Bel Air United Methodist Church. This congregation has been blessed by God and their response has been to become a blessing to the entire community.

I continue to learn about the mission and ministry of BAUMC. Senior Associate Marguerite “Peggy” Groseclose has been an invaluable source of education and encouragement as I learn about Congregational Care and Church and Society (our justice and mercy ministries work area). Lead Minister Barry Hidey has given generously of his time to help me navigate my way as I work with Missions and the Board of Trustees.

In Congregational Care, I have begun working with our laity and in the Shepherd Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Prayer Chain, and Bereavement Ministry (Grief Share and Grief Support). Our excellent leaders in these areas have already begun making plans for recruiting and equipping others to serve in these ministries.

In Church and Society, I have developed relationships with both the volunteers and guests at Manna House Soup Kitchen and the FCCAU Homeless Shelter. I have had the privilege of praying with the volunteers and guests in their times of personal struggle. I am working closely with the leaders of Neighbors in Need to strengthen this ministry to the community’s needy seniors. My time at the local assisted living and nursing care facilities has become very precious to me as I grow to better know some of our church members and others in the community.

In Missions, I had the opportunity to attend the Russia Consultation in Kansas City in November. This event gave me the needed background for my work with the Russia Outreach Committee. I will continue to work with this committee to educate the entire congregation about the need for evangelism in Russia. Our prayer is that we will soon have a partner church in Russia.

Mt. Carmel Chapel provides a unique worship experience for those seeking a small church feeling with large church opportunities. I have grown to love my time with this congregation and will continue to work with Rev. Groseclose and the worshippers to extend its benefits to others.

In keeping with our understanding of the Board of Trustees as a ministry area, I worked with the staff and the Board to develop a policy toward those young persons who use our facility for skateboarding. Rather than confronting these youth, staff members invite them into the church, share the gospel with them through a book and DVD specifically done for skaters, and explain the reason for the no skateboard policy.

Our sermon series on grace and the community outreach which followed has planted seeds. Some of those who served at the Harford County Detention Center have begun making plans for an ongoing ministry there. We cared for those coming to visit their incarcerated loved ones by providing light refreshments, Christian literature, Bibles, small gifts, and a listening ear. Some of our members have decided to return to the jail and continue ministering to these families.

I am becoming acquainted with the community resources available. Harford County hosted a resource fair where I learned about the programs and ministries of faith communities and civic agencies. Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Pastoral Care Department held a breakfast where I met other clergy from the area and we all learned about the hospital. Rev. Groseclose and I are working with other clergy to form an ecumenical group. This group would be a source of support for clergy and a voice for the poor of the community.

Over the last few years, my ministry in spiritually companioning others has increased. In response to this development, I attended a workshop entitled “On Becoming a Spiritual Director” in October. I have continued to read materials in this area and have begun looking at programs for more formal training in walking with those experiencing deep spiritual hunger.

I look forward to serving with and among the people of Bel Air United Methodist Church and the Harford County community. God has begun a good work in us. May God bring that work to completion!

Grace and peace,

Carol

Report of Rev. Doug Hollida, Director of Worship & Arts and Organist

As Director of Worship and Arts, I oversee and coordinate all things having to do with worship and arts for our congregation. A big part of this is planning the worship services. Periodically through the year, we pull in other staff members along with the pastors, and I lead brain-storming sessions to plan future worship themes. We talk about what our congregation needs/wants to hear; and what the over-all goals of the congregation are and how we can support that in the sermons. We move from planning themes, to picking scriptures, and work together to plan skits, videos, and other creative pieces.

This year, we started the year off with “Getting Fit—How to Live Life at Your Best.” This series led us into Lent as we talked about God's ability and desire to help us gain physical fitness, emotional fitness, and spiritual fitness, to name a few.

Our Lent through Easter series was “Peter's Journey Is Our Journey” as we walked with Peter through the Bible stories, relating his experiences and witness through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. A new thing we did this year for Good Friday was to have a self-guided meditation time. People were invited to come anytime between 12:00 noon and 9:00 PM. Pictures, scriptures, and questions were provided to guide the meditation. Attendance was good and people expressed that they were very moved by this time. Joni did a parallel “hands-on” family version in the Assembly Room.

For the rest of spring and summer, we looked at the early church as the Book of Acts was the theme. Also, we opened summer worship with a prayer and song time using the “ACTS” model. We had 4 songs and 4 prayers plus quiet time in the areas of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Our fall series led us up to the November stewardship time and was an 8 week series entitled, “Grace: The Price Is Right.” Along with some wonderful skits, we were able to have an extra piece of music during the offering for this series. We brought this music together in the “Concert of Grace” held on October 28. This was promoted as an opportunity to share our church with others, and I did hear of a couple who came with members to hear the concert and decided to start attending services here. The concert also helped fill people with grace -- which was the goal.

As we head into Advent we are doing a series gleaning inspiration from Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” entitled “From Humbug to Hallelujah.”

Along with the regular worship planning, we had other events in the worship area this year that deserve mention:

We said goodbye to the Thomas family, after Alissa’s 11 year tenure as our Chancel Choir Director. We had a special service with a “Sermon in Song” featuring favorite anthems of the choir. Former members came together to close with “Total Praise.”

A prayerful search for someone to follow Alissa brought us David Smith. Of the candidates we interviewed, David was the only one deemed able to fill Alissa’s shoes in the important areas of spirituality, personality, and musical ability. We are extremely fortunate to have had Alissa for so many years and to have someone like David to come.

Also, Amy Adkins, who directed our Cherub Choir and was involved in many other musical offerings over the years, answered a call for music ministry at Jarrettsville United Methodist Church. Again, we are thankful to have had Amy’s talent and service, and happy that Judy Jones volunteered to step into her place and that Jennifer Barry stepped up to fill Judy’s former role as accompanist.

To increase the sense of community at our 11:00:00 worship service, we began having refreshments in the Narthex after each service. Laura Cavanaugh has done a great job of getting this ministry off the ground, and it is great to see people visiting and praying together after worship. I know this time has helped me get to know some more folks.

Chancel monitors were installed this summer so the choir can see videos without having to move and take up four rows of pews among the congregation. Thanks to all those who donated and helped raise money for this project.

And speaking of projects, our organ console is beginning to deteriorate and many of the pipes need repair (beyond regularly scheduled tuning). The estimated replacement cost of the organ is $660,000, so with that type of investment, we want to keep things in repair. I’ve talked with the Trustees about setting up an organ fund to cover costs of a new console and refurbishment of the pipes.

And after a hiatus last year due to new schedules in the school system, our Advent Concert series is back this year.

So there is a birds-eye view of the highlights of the past year. I thank all the other staff and the many, many volunteers who help us all worship the Lord.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Doug Hollida,

Director of Worship & Arts and Organist

Report of Joni Behrendt, Director of Children & Family Ministries

The Education Ministry area of Bel Air United Methodist Church continues its “Journey” through 2007 by weekly exploring God’s Word. Each week a committed team of lay volunteers provide excellent classroom and experiential learning, making disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a joy to watch children excited about Christian Learning and beginning to live the Gospel out in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. On any given Sunday morning you will find over 275 children in classes with more than 40 adult leaders, 52 weeks a year, which demonstrates the commitment to building a firm foundation of faith. It could not be done without the many people who give of themselves week after week studying and preparing for touching young lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Family Ministry of Bel Air UMC continues to build as we kicked off 2007 with the Annual All Church Ice Skating Extravaganza at Ice World in Abingdon on New Year’s Day 2007. Over 100 people came out to enjoy an afternoon of Christian fellowship and exercise as together we started off the New Year! This is an opportunity for children to invite their family, friends and neighbors to join in what has become a great new year tradition for our church family. Young and old look forward each year to this special event. [Note: Our 2008 Skating Extravaganza was also a huge success!]

Other Family Ministry activities included a combined Super Bowl Party with the Student Ministries of Bel Air UMC which included games, family activities, a chili cook-off and of course, enjoying “the Big Game on the Big Screen!” Easter was again a time of gathering as over 75 Easter baskets were assembled and taken to the Baltimore Mission for distribution. We can only imagine the joy on the faces of the children Easter morning as they received a basket filled with treats, toys, and a special Easter book telling the meaning of the Christian holiday.

The Annual Children’s Poster Contest during Lent again demonstrated that children understand and are able to interpret the Scriptures in such a clear and concise way by using their artistic gifts. Ribbons of place and honor were presented at worship on Palm Sunday.

A special Cinco de Mayo family party took place on May 5 at which traditional foods and games delighted those who attended. A Mexican Hat Dance capped of an exciting evening!

Vacation Bible School in June brought over 280 children through the doors of Bel Air UMC, 80% of which are non-Bel Air UMC families. What an outreach into our community! This might be the only opportunity any one of those little ones hears the Gospel message, what a privilege! Over 100 adults and youth took 5 days out of their summer to provide excellent care and learning to those children.

“Terrific Thursdays” in August provided a great time of fun, fellowship and family entertainment as games, activities and a special movie with a Christian theme were presented. This short 60 minutes of the week, we pray, provided opportunities for family and faith growth!

In October a Family Fall Festival brought out over 150 folk to make scarecrows, enjoy festive games, crafts and of course food.

An Advent Wreath Event was held in December, as together each family makes an Advent Wreath with live greens, enjoys a pizza and salad supper, and shares in the service of lighting the first Advent Candle together.

Christmas will bring the annual Family Service at 4:00 PM which year after year provides a Christmas worship experience designed with children in mind and with children providing special music, anthems, Scripture readings, families greeting, and taking on the ushering duties and singing of traditional carols. A great way to close another year of Christian Worship, Learning and Fellowship!

As we embark on 2008, it is the prayer of the Children and Family Ministries Team that momentum will continue to carry us forward with excitement as plans are made for continued spiritual and personal growth in the new year. I want to thank those who provide lay leadership to these endeavors: Susanne Bittle, Lisa Caudill, Sandy Millner, and Janelle Moffett. It couldn’t be done without you! Thank you for your faithfulness in serving the children and families of Bel Air UMC!

Respectfully submitted,

Joni J. Behrendt

Director of Children & Family Ministries

Report of Cindy Caldwell, Director of Adult Discipleship

In 2007, adults at Bel Air UMC continued to take new steps in the journey with Jesus. From “first-step” classes like Beginnings to leadership development in Teleios, we believe discipleship happens best in community, so we keep on looking for ways to put people together to learn and live God’s Word. Here’s how people have been growing this year:

Sunday Morning Learning

We began 2007 with five year-round adult Sunday morning classes, including:

John Packard Men’s Bible Study at 7:30 AM

Aldersgate Class at 9:20 AM

Voice of the Shepherd at 11:00 AM

Faith In Community at 9:20 and 11:00 AM

We also offered “Boundaries,” a short-term class presented by Safe Harbor Counseling.

The Voice of the Shepherd class at 11:00 AM was discontinued this fall.

Beginning in January 2008, we will be offering short-term, Christian life classes, focusing on life issues such as finances, parenting, and relationships.

We continue to write curriculum for the Faith In Community classes, providing an in-depth Bible study based on the sermon each week. About 60 adults attend Sunday classes.

Mid-Week Learning

This year we offered the following mid-week classes for adults:

Beginnings, Spring (Wednesday) and Fall (Monday) classes

Disciple I, Thursday morning and evening

Disciple III, Thursday morning

Disciple IV, Wednesday evening

Jesus in the Gospels, Tuesday evening

Experiencing God, Wednesday evening

The Truth Project, Monday evening

Women’s Bible Study, Monday evening

UMW Bible Study, Wednesday morning

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, Saturday morning (monthly)

Approximately 150 adults enrolled in mid-week classes this fall.

Home Group Ministry

In 2007, the increase in groups we observed after the 40 Days of Community (40 groups by the end of 2006) leveled out at 35. Some 40 Day groups either discontinued or combined with others, and two new groups were started this year. While the 40 Day campaign did not significantly increase the number of groups, it did inspire many groups to increase their commitment to serve. In 2007, home groups took on a number of continuing projects such as Alpha’s Glory, ARC houses, nursing home visits, Casserole Ministry, and hygiene kits for the homeless. While home group participation is in constant flux, I estimate 375 people currently involved in home groups.

Teleios

On December 13, 2007, we will have completed a second successful year of TELEIOS, our year-long course for the development of servant leaders. Teleios participants explored their spiritual gifts, passions, leadership style, and spiritual pathways. Through reading, discussion, and practical experience, students were challenged to develop a personal vision for ministry and to grow in servant leadership. Our Teleios class attended the 3-day Willow Creek Leadership Summit at the Timonium location in August. 15 students completed the course and practiced exemplary leadership in a church-wide service outreach called “Sowing Seeds: Serving by Grace”. At this event, approximately 500 church members and friends served in 40 locations to meet needs throughout Harford County.

Membership

We received 44 new adult members in 2007. As in previous years, the membership process, engages prospective members in the life of the church in the following ways.

1) The Discovery Luncheon. An informal luncheon where visitors and inquirers can get acquainted with our pastors, learn about the mission of Bel Air UMC, and discover ways to get connected.

2) Connecting with a Group. Prospective members get connected with a class, a small group, or an ongoing church ministry in order to get a taste of community at Bel Air UMC prior to joining.

3) Membership Class. A 2-session class where prospective members learn about our denomination, and are assisted in finding their unique “fit” at the church. We offered this class in the Spring and Fall of 2007.

Welcome Evaluation Team

In Spring 2007, we commissioned a team to evaluate our welcome ministries, make recommendations, and build ministry teams to improve our outreach to visitors. Janelle Moffett and Linda Vinciguerra co-led this effort and have implemented several new welcome ministries, including hand-written welcome notes, a guest information center, and a “mixer” ministry to engage newcomers at coffee hour. The team continues to plan, coordinate, teach, and model what it means to be a welcoming church.

Off-Site Ministry

This spring I joined the development team for the Off-Site Ministry to be developed in Abingdon. In 2007 we worked to define our goals, create a ministry timeline, develop a ministry plan, and apply for Conference funding. We continue to meet as a small group to plan and pray for this ministry.

Goals for Growth in 2008

Home Group growth and multiplication is the biggest challenge in Adult Discipleship. People grow best in community, and we simply do not have enough groups for all the people we want to reach, connect, and disciple. In 2008, the Home Group ministry will be evaluated and new strategies developed to ensure the growth and health of this ministry.

New responsibilities are on the horizon with the Off-Site Ministry as we begin to build a faith community and make disciples in Abingdon. As always, I will strive to teach and lead in ways that reflect Christ and fulfill his desire for our church and its mission. That means making disciples who make disciples, and making leaders who make leaders.

Adult Discipleship Team

My most important goal for the upcoming year is the replacement of “I” with “we” in the leadership of adult discipleship. December 6 is the first scheduled meeting of an Adult Discipleship Ministry Team. This team will coordinate and oversee Adult Discipleship ministries, set goals for growth, identify and equip leaders for classes and small groups, and continue to align adult discipleship programs with the mission of BAUMC. The team will work to set standards, equip leaders, create learning environments, build community, and help people grow. I look forward to seeing what God will do as this team applies itself to the spiritual growth of our congregation.

2007 State of the Youth Report

This has been another exciting year for the Student Ministry! We have increased attendance in all areas and, more importantly, have had teens make decisions to follow Christ with their lives! We continue working hard to disciple students through the murky waters of our culture with interesting and enjoying Bible studies and activities. Listed below is a rough month by month layout of what the Student Ministry has been doing (although the list is not exhaustive):

January

▪ 60 people attended youth rally (ROCK Retreat) in Ocean City (sponsored by Delaware-Peninsula Conference)

▪ Confirmation began with 39 students, of which 37 were confirmed in June

February

▪ Super Bowl Party in McComas Hall with the Family Ministry

▪ Confirmation (Ongoing)

▪ Confirmation Retreat at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD

▪ Studied unit on Purity – Kids were challenged to commit to sexual and spiritual purity until marriage

March

▪ Confirmation (Ongoing)

▪ Lock-In – Focus was helping teens understand homelessness and hunger. Youth built cardboard shelters outside and slept in them overnight.

April

▪ Confirmation (Ongoing)

▪ Easter Sunrise Service

May

▪ Confirmation Day Apart

▪ First College (Young Adult Ministry) get together

▪ Confirmation Sunday

▪ Graduate Recognition

June

▪ Mission Trip to Louisiana with VIM – 20 teens went and worked in Lake Charles, LA

▪ 3 teens attended Centrifuge Summer Camp

▪ Summer Intern started. Focus was on locating over 200 college students, updating contact info in the data base, and to ascertain their desire to remain connected with our ministry. This was completed in August.

July

▪ Baltimore Mission Trip

August

▪ BIG WEEK – Activity a day – Introduction / Welcome 8th Graders into the Sr. High ministry

▪ Whitewater Rafting / Camping

▪ Back to School Kick-Off – Fun activities in parking lot, followed by concert by Faith Under Fire and Kingdom Affect (our Confirmation band) in McComas Hall

▪ New Student Leadership Council appointed. Welcomed new officers and new positions to assist with leadership.

September

▪ Overtime @ Floodgate Café – Post high school football game gathering with live music, food, and fellowship

▪ See You At The Pole – Students gathered at flag poles in front of their school and prayed together

▪ New Confirmation session began with new schedule – September through February

October

▪ Resumed Saturday School – Maintaining and building relationships formed at Baltimore Mission Trip

▪ Overtime @ Floodgate Cafe

▪ Alternate Halloween Activity – Lock-In

▪ Stock Investors Dinner

November

▪ Confirmation Retreat @ River Valley Ranch

▪ Revolve Tour in Philadelphia, PA

December

▪ Alternative Christmas Eve Service in the Floodgate Café called “A Café Christmas” – includes live Christmas music, a Christmas message, and Christmas karaoke

▪ Baltimore Mission Dinner on Wednesday, December 12

Ignite Youth Worship

Ignite Youth Worship is a contemporary style service that is directly engineered to engage teens and help them worship. We began the year averaging somewhere near 80 youth in attendance, and are now averaging near 115, with a high mark of 138 in November. Faith Under Fire provides leadership in music, and our Confirmation Band will begin playing once a month in the Ignite Service starting in January. Video clips are routinely used to help illustrate the sermon, as well as drama and dramatic readings. Our video and audio equipment needs to be upgraded to make the worship experience more fulfilling, and we’re working on that outside the budget process.

Confirmation

Retaining youth after they’ve completed Confirmation was a mandate given to Tom Hodges upon his hiring, and so there were some changes made for the Confirmation process. We’ve shifted the cycle from January to June to where it now runs from September to February. This will prevent completing Confirmation at the beginning of summer, where kids and families disappear for vacations and such. Now, since we finish in February, we’ll have 5 months to work to keep youth connected to the ministry. In addition, instead of waiting until August to allow 8th Graders who’ve completed Confirmation to officially join the sr. high ministry, we’re welcoming them right after Confirmation is completed.

Small Group Ministry

We are beginning a 3 year transition into becoming a student ministry focused on and revolving around the small group style of discipling. At present, there is one small group for Sr. High girls and another for Sr. High boys. Next September, we hope to have 5 Sr. High small groups and 2-3 small groups for the Middle School side of the ministry. The following year, we’d like to double both those numbers.

TNT and FUEL Mid-Week Bible Studies

We began the year in TNT (Sr. High) averaging around 15 in weekly attendance and are now hitting 40 high school students each week, with our high point having been 43! FUEL (Middle School) began the year with an average of 11 youth in attendance and are now averaging 26, with our high mark having been 34! We continue using this time each week for in-depth Bible study and trying to help teens figure out how to use their faith and Bible in everyday life. We have added two new adult leaders to TNT and two to FUEL. We expect 2008 to continue to be a time of growth in these Bible study times.

The “Q”

The “Q” stands for “The Question.” This is a weekly gathering on Sunday nights of Sr. High students to discuss deeper theological and cultural issue questions from a Biblical perspective. Following the discussion, we go to Friendly’s Restaurant for a time of fellowship. We began the year with having about 10 students attend this meeting; however, we rapidly grew to around 20-25 each week.

Floodgate Café

The Floodgate Café is open for students to come and enjoy a safe place to be after school. It’s use by students fluctuates and so it’s hard to get a solid picture for numerical success. However, its presence and accessibility have been of great value to helping our TNT and FUEL programs grow as well. Youth can come after school and stay for the Bible study. With the free snacks we offer, they seem to enjoy it and continually ask that we expand the days it is open.

Student Leadership Council

A new council has started working this past August to evaluate all programs and areas of the Student Ministry to see how to improve it. We have teens working in all areas evaluating and making suggestions and then creating solutions and seeing them through. At times, they have made mistakes and we help them discover what went wrong and then try again. Also, the council is preparing a monthly youth devotional that we hope will, ultimately, be completely student written, edited, and published. I am proud of what they’ve done so fare and their commitment of time to this council.

What About 2008?

While being incredibly pleased with what has been happening in 2007, we believe 2008 can still be better! We have given a challenge to our Middle School students to surpass the 55 number in attendance at the weekly FUEL Bible study and expect them to accomplish that soon. TNT and FUEL continue growing because youth enjoy the mix of fellowship, discussion, and engaging topics. Ignite Youth Worship should continue its growth as we continually cover issues and topics from a Biblical perspective that engage youth and teach them how to use their faith in the everyday world. We’ll be adding drama to the service more frequently and liturgical dance will also be used in 2008. We retained about 79% of the Confirmation Class of 2007 (which means they still have a strong connection to our church by attending TNT or Ignite Worship regularly) and expect this year’s retention rate to be a little higher.

The present state of the EXIT412 Student Ministry of Bel Air UMC is: Excellent! While still room for improvement and growth in both spiritual maturity and readiness to face the world beyond high school, our teens are working hard to take ownership of this ministry and see it become something they are excited about inviting their friends to so that their friends can experience Jesus for themselves. As we tweak existing areas of the ministry, we’ll be working to shift to the small group focus in 2009. We’ll be working to develop a mid-week worship service to replace (or augment) TNT and FUEL in 2009 to continue offering a place in the church mid-week for kids to get re-fueled. We’ll continue working to make the Floodgate Café the desired after school hangout spot for teens in this community and invite them to stay for the Bible study. We’ll continue challenging students with tough life and faith questions in our Bible studies and the “Q.” We’ll keep helping students discover their leadership potential by serving on the Leadership Council. We’ll keep pointing students toward Jesus with everything we do with intentionality and purpose.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Hodges

Director of Student Ministries

REPORT OF THE COMPASS TASK FORCE

Charting the course for the next leg of the Journey…

Background

During the Spring of 2005, the Administrative Council approved an initiative to look at the future direction of our church and formed the Compass Task Force. The goal given to the Compass Task Force was to review and compare the makeup and culture of both our local community and our church and formulate a recommendation(s), within the boundaries of our Mission Statement and Vision, as to how Bel Air UMC can make the greatest impact on our local community to help facilitate the growth of the Kingdom of God. The implementation of the recommendations and the goals set forth within them will be used to set the direction of our church for the next 5 to 10 years.

The first step was to establish a small core group (5-7 people) who would receive appropriate training for and be charged with developing a plan that identified the tasks, resources, budget, and schedule necessary for conducting the study. This group was appointed by the Chair of the Administrative Council (Bill Benson), Jim Schepers, and Rev. Barry Hidey and presented to the June 20, 2005 Administrative Council Meeting. Ryan Burky, Debbie Englar, Pete Entner, Beth Lusky, Tony Pitrat and Randy Wentsel all accepted the invitation to join the core group; Jim Schepers chairs the Task Force.

The initial effort to create a plan for conducting the study took approximately 7 months to accomplish. This process began with a summer reading program culminating in several days of training in September 2005. The planning effort then began, on a bi-weekly basis, into January 2006, culminating with a 1 and ½ day workshop presentation of the plan to the Council leaders at the January 2006 Administrative Council Retreat. The study plan was then approved at the following Administrative Council meeting.

Community Studies

The Compass Task Force members began the organizing and education part of the plan in February 2006. During the late Spring of 2006, the series of information gathering activities were initiated to take place over the Summer, Fall and Winter of 2006. You might remember the congregational survey during worship last June. Most of the information gathering activities were completed and those remaining will be completed during 2007.

Included in these studies were two professionally conducted studies that were performed in conjunction with the Percept Company to look at the demographics of both our congregation and a 7.5 mile radius defining our local community. Additional studies included looking at best practices from other local churches, our facilities usage, finances, our ministries and missions, local outreach and support organizations within our community, and current trends within both the secular and religious culture.

Administrative Council Retreat

The Task Force reviewed and analyzed the information from the studies and prepared materials for presentation at the February 2007 Administrative Council Retreat. This retreat continued to focus on determining the future direction of our church as they reviewed the findings from the Compass Task Force studies and began the preliminary steps of identifying and determining our new direction. During this time, they looked at the cultures of both our congregation and that of our local community, looked at local churches best practices, facilities, finances, local outreach and service organizations, and trends in both the secular and religious cultures.

The Administrative Council then began the preliminary definition of the profile for the people we believe we need to reach in order make the greatest impact on our local community to help facilitate the growth of the Kingdom of God. After having defined who these people are we then began to determine what adaptations we might need to make in the areas of Worship, Missions, Ministry, Fellowship, and Discipleship in order to reach, grow and incorporate these missing people into the Body of Christ. We saw the need to both share this information and receive responses from the congregation with regard to these findings and preliminary recommendations.

Congregational Review and Response Sessions

The first step in this process was to review the recommendations and supporting information with the members of the various governing bodies of our church (such as Finance, Trustees, Staff-Parish Relations, etc.); this took place during the month of May.

The second step was to present this same information and solicit input from a larger representative group of members from our congregation (approximately 200-300 people) during the months of June, July, August and September. Although any member of the congregation could participate in this process, written invitations were made to about 400 specific members to try to insure a balanced representation of the entire congregation. The meeting invitation was also communicated to the entire congregation by the pastors during Sunday services as well as through the SPIRE and e-Spire.

Those who participated in the congregational input process were requested to attend a Review meeting and a Response meeting, which were several weeks apart. During the Review meeting, participants received the materials to be reviewed and instructions on how we wanted to receive their responses; this took about 20 to 25 minutes.

During the Response meeting, the forum was open for general discussion and participants were asked to turn in their written responses; they spent about 1 to 1-1/4 hours during the Response meetings.

132 individuals attended the Review meetings, 67 individuals attended the Response meetings, with 44 individuals submitting written responses to the questions associated with the recommendations. The vast majority who responded through the Review and Response process agreed with both the target and focus area recommendations with some individuals providing ideas for the next level of implementation.

Conclusion

The results from the Review and Response sessions were reported to the Administrative Council during the September meeting, with the suggestion that a new oversight group be created to carry forward the recommendations and a motion be made that the Compass Task Force be disbanded, having met its objectives. During the October Administrative Council meeting, the motions were made and passed to disband the Compass Task Force and to begin the process of forming a new task force to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.

ADDENDUM

FINDINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Missing Persons Target Recommendation

The mission of Jesus Christ and our church calls us to reach out into the community to grow Christ’s Kingdom. A Bel Air UMC Task Force collected survey data on the demographics of our community and church. An Administrative Council Retreat was held last February where we discussed the Task Force findings in relation to our core church activities: worship, mission, ministry, discipleship, and fellowship.

The survey data indicated the church is underrepresented in the 25-45 age group consisting of singles and young married families.

As a suburban church, the retreat members believe we need to be in a position to attract:

- Young suburban families

- Married/single with children

Focus Area Recommendations

Based on the results of the survey data it was determined that the primary concerns of the proposed target group are:

1. Family Problems

2. Local Community Problems

3. Hopes and Dreams

After meeting and spending time in prayer, these became the proposed areas on which to focus, as determined by the Administrative Council Retreat in order to both reach and keep the target group for the Body of Christ.

1. Become a more welcoming church (reaching out to focus on new attendees, always seeking new attendees).

Improve our First Impression. (Try for 5 touches.)

i. [SHORT TERM] Train greeters, and expand this group. Then, offer training to all in our congregation to improve our welcome focus.

ii. [SHORT TERM] Improve the “ASK ME” program.

iii. [SHORT TERM] Improve the Narthex, and make it more personable.

iv. [SHORT TERM] Establish a gopher program (people to show newcomers where things are).

v. Create welcome cards (business card size) that can be used in day-to-day life to extend invitations to our entire community.

[SHORT TERM] Revamp our website. Use it to direct people from our community regarding all offerings and provide key links to contacts within our church. Create a team to maintain the website updates and offerings, to keep them up-to-date and to utilize it more.

2. Develop the resources to establish a worship service focused on meeting the needs of our target:

a. [SHORT TERM] Continue to revamp 11:00 service and make it a more friendly, community building service.

b. [SHORT TERM] Provide a contemporary alternative earlier in the morning – 9:20 contemporary service.

c. [LONG TERM] Capital Campaign Drive to develop space for contemporary worship.

3. Commit Resources toward creation of a great, vibrant family-centered church.

a. [LONG TERM] Create a family life center.

b. [SHORT TERM] Establish great children’s programs; building on the strength of VBS, Tiny Tots, and CCC. Open CCC more to the community, and seek accreditation for both TTS and CCC.

c. [SHORT TERM] Offer family-focused and family life-centric classes to fill the needs of our target: parenting, tutoring, fitness, financial, nutrition, stress management. Establish a parenting mentoring program. Establish parent-centered activities such as Parents Nights Out and family movie nights.

d. [SHORT AND LONG TERM] Increase the resources in family life ministries, including personnel and budget.

2008 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

*indicates Staff

Chairperson – Tony Vinciguerra (410-893-9828)

Secretary – Jen Evans

Committee Chairs

President, Board of Trustees

Rick Schulte (410-692-0563)

Chair, Finance Committee

Tony Ciampaglio (410-879-5123)

Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Jane Russell (410-838-1336)

Administrative Representatives

Treasurer - Sandy Conway (410-838-4151)

Lay Leader - Beverly Talbot

Lay Members to Annual Conference

Art & Gloria Benson

Cindy Caldwell

Elaine Crowe

Robert Phillips

President, United Methodist Women

Amy Adkins

Church & Society – Bob Vestal

Missions – Beth Lusky

Members At Large

Class of 2008 Class of 2010

Libby Maenner Phyllis Cooper

Doug Pratt Kevin Hoy

Jay Wohnlich Mike Schmidt

Class of 2009

Daryl Shank

Linda Vinciguerra

TINY TOTS SCHOOL BOARD

Chair – Vicki Seitzinger (410-569-4821)

Vice Chair –

Treasurer – Amy Pratt

Secretary – Meredith Coy

Member At Large –

Director, Christian Education - Joni Behrendt*

Director, Tiny Tots School - Joan Elloff*

CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN CENTER BOARD

Chair – Andrea Richie (410-638-6421)

Vice Chair – Debbie Parker

Treasurer – Bill Groseclose

Secretary – Carol Benson

Member At Large – John Cavanaugh

Director, Christian Education - Joni Behrendt*

Director, CCC - Anjanette Jacobs*

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President – Rick Schulte

Class of 2008 Class of 2010

Sue Evans Gail Candey

Don Mahan Barry Miller

Rick Schulte Jeff Roberts

Class of 2009

Wilson Gorrell

Diane Sengstacke

Nolan Shaver

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chair – Tony Ciampaglio

Class of 2008 Stewardship

Rick McGhee Debbie Englar

Randy Wentsel Chair, Ad Council

Class of 2009 Tony Vinciguerra

Donna Becker Trustees Representative

Don Millner Rick Schulte

Class of 2010 Staff-Parish Representative

Tony Ciampaglio Jane Russell

Christine Hoffman Lay Member to Conference

Treasurer Gloria Benson

Sandy Conway

Lay Leader

Beverly Talbot

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Chair – Jane Russell

Class of 2008 Class of 2010

Sandy Hainley David Heath

Leonard Rowe Jane Russell

Beverly Talbot Tami Swearingen

Class of 2009 Lay Member to Conference

Les Grimm Gloria Benson

Chas Hagan

Carol Sherman

LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair – Rev. Barry Hidey

Secretary – Dina Willard

Class of 2008 Class of 2010

Gloria Benson John Happick

Devonna Rowe Dave Walker

Mark Ward

Class of 2009 Lay Leader

Darlene Alban Beverly Talbot

Dave Candey

Dina Willard

Ministry and Mission - 2007

In 2007, the Pass It On Ministry was extremely busy, helping 629 families with funds for eviction prevention, security deposits, fuel bills, prescriptions, and other emergencies. We gave out $31,610 (compared to $13,000 in 2006). In addition to the funds given, we furnished families with 558 food bags, 33 shoe vouchers, and several food vouchers. We are indeed fortunate to have such a caring congregation, and we do greatly appreciate your generosity. Thank you so much and may God bless all of you.

Anne Brown, Alice Humphrey, Bobbie Whitlock

► During 2007, Manna House served 3,752 meals and provided 2,991 bags of food to our guests. Thank you to those members who have supported this ministry by volunteering their time and by donating food and money.

► Thanks to everyone who helped with Adopt-A-Child 2007. A total of 124 children from 32 families received food, gifts, and toys. The families were very appreciative.

► From Jennifer Redding, District Director… I want to express my sincerest thanks to you for including Family and Children’s Services in the Toy Workshop this year! The toys and gift baskets that were obtained helped a number of our needy families who tend to “fall between the cracks” of other community resources. We were also able to add some toys to our Play Therapy room, which is used in the treatment of children who are victims of sexual abuse. The Toy Workshop that Bel Air UMC provides in an incredible program. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

MISSION DINNERS

Six years since that first dinner in Spring 2001, there have been 44 “Wednesday Night Mission Dinners” which have raised over $40,550 for various missions and ministries of the church. This is our report for last year:

2007

March 14 Chicken Dinner for Youth Missions Profit $1,000

April 11 Spaghetti Dinner for Boy Scout Troop 777 Profit $1,360

May 9 Turkey Dinner for Russian Outreach Ministry Profit $1,880

June 13 Roast Pork Dinner for Youth Missions Profit $775

September 5 Chicken Dinner for Volunteers In Mission Profit $1,100

October 10 Roast Beef Dinner for Lightner Library Profit $1,300

November 14 Turkey Dinner for Zimbabwe Mission Profit $2,450

December 12 Beef & Pork Dinner for Youth Missions Profit $700

Thank You! to Candy Ellenberger and her kitchen (cooking and dishwashing) crew, those who have helped to serve and prepare food, and especially those who come to enjoy the food and fellowship. Mark your calendars for these upcoming Mission Dinners:

Wednesday, March 12 ▪ 5:00-7:00 PM

Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Youth Missions

Wednesday, March 26 ▪ 5:00-7:00 PM

Chicken Dinner to benefit Youth Missions

Wednesday, April 16 ▪ 5:00-7:00 PM

Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Boy Scout Troop 777

From Robert Meza, Site Manager, Welcome One Fellowship Center…

Dear Pastor and Members of the Bel Air United Methodist Church,

On behalf of the Welcome One Fellowship Center – FCCAU (Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United, Inc.), thank you for your generous donation of $2,000.00. The clients at the center represent many various populations including the homeless, those needing mental and medical assistance, the jobless, senior citizens, single moms, and those that need Jesus Christ. The center provides unconditional love and is a safe haven for many. Besides meals, clothing, hygiene items, and bus vouchers, other services include job lab, case management, Christian based teachings, counseling and mentoring. This is God’s ministry and He directs many faithful and loving individuals like you to help us in so many ways. I personally want to thank you for your dedication to this ministry. You are truly a blessing to the fellowship center, the clients, and FCCAU.

FCCAU continues to operate both the Welcome One Emergency Shelter in Riverside and the Welcome One Fellowship Center at New Hope in Edgewood because there is a need in our community. That need is met through many concerned, loving, and wonderful individuals who assist us each day. This commitment in helping us carry out this mission is truly an answer to our prayers and is part of God’s vision.

Theater lovers, don’t despair! The (new) curtains will open for the next performance by The Bel Air Players in Spring 2009. This production will have a part for everyone. Entire families can be on stage together with a minimal time investment. Keep your eyes open for audition announcements and opportunities to be part of the fun, on and off stage! Plan ahead to save room in your schedules for an unforgettable experience!

HELP WANTED:

Handbell Choir Director Needed – If you are interested or have questions about this ministry, please contact Rev. Doug Hollida at 410-838-5181, ext. 35 or e-mail hollidad@baumc.com.

Counters Needed – We need team members to help count Sunday offerings and contributions. The commitment is on Sunday, once every 8 weeks for approximately 2-1/2 hours (10:30 AM-1:00 PM). No experience handling money is necessary. If interested, please call Bev Jenkins at 410-879-6850 or e-mail beverly.jenkins@ey.com.

Chabadza – Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe

Beverly and I would like to wish each and every one of you a "Happy, Happy New Year" in 2008.

Looking back on 2007, we were so blessed by the Lord to accomplish all of our objectives other than the signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding." This document, although completed and agreed to by all parties, was not signed due to the fact that we are in the midst of pursuing a 501(c) 3 Corporation Status and our "Memorandum of Understanding" could have had some negative U.S. tax status consequences. So, I deferred the signing of the agreement until we clarify the situation in 2008.

In the meantime, we are moving full speed ahead with "Phase 1" of the overall project. We will build a temporary medical clinic while we await government approvals for permits and surveys for the overall hospital complex. The temporary clinic will be the renovation of an existing building, and it will then be converted to nursing quarters at a later date once "Phase 1" of the hospital is complete as explained in our "Memorandum of Understanding." We will also begin to develop a comprehensive Health Education Outreach Program for the Schools, Teachers and Community of the Munyari Region. This will involve partnerships with many groups, including educators, professional health providers and researcher both here in the United States, Zimbabwe, and abroad.

We were so blessed at year-end November and December 2007 to see some significant fundraising at Bel Air UMC. We raised roughly $3,000 at the November Turkey Dinner and then followed that up with the "Give Something Concrete" campaign, where we raised $2,950. That’s 730 bags of cement given as gifts to Chabadza - Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe this Christmas season. On top of this, we have received many generous donations at the end of the year from unspecified people in our congregation. We are also continuing to receive funds from other church groups that we have made presentations to over the past 9-months.

During 2006 and 2007 we have raised in excess of $100,000 for the Chabadza Mission! We begin this new year with God leading us in our “Vision.” We will be establishing new goals for 2008 and will attempt to put in place a more effective mission committee structure of volunteers and working groups both from within the church and beyond as we forge ahead with this challenging task. For additional information, please visit our website www.chabadza.org.

May the Lord Our God bless each one of you, your friends, and your families as we work together doing His work. The children and people of Zimbabwe are asking for God's help and He has commanded us to be His desciples for Christ. Thank you so much for answering God's call.

Sincerely, Chabadza is a Shona word which means

Dave Talbot working together to help our neighbors in need.

TINY TOTS SCHOOL NEWS from Joan Elloff, Director

During the month of January, the 3 year olds will be learning about the color blue, rectangles, and the number five. Our community helper is the mailman. We will continue to talk about the season of winter. The 4 year olds will begin the New Year learning the alphabet. We will begin our Alphabet Book with the letters A through G. We will be studying the country of India and learning about jazz in music appreciation. Our religious theme will be about “faith and trust” using the story of Noah as our example. We are also working on the Pledge of Allegiance and learning our full name, address, and phone number.

February at Tiny Tots School is all about “Love.” In our religious study, we will learn about Jesus’ love for children. In social studies, we’ll travel to Japan. We’ll continue learning our alphabet, sign language, and practicing our address and phone numbers. Our community will be a dentist. Musicals will take the stage in music appreciation, and we’ll practice being loving and kind to our friends with “Billy the Bee” in self-esteem.

Tiny Tots School is accepting names for our waiting lists for September 2008 and future years. Please call the school office at 410-838-6399 for information.

WHAT ARE “SAFE SANCTUARIES?”

For many years, the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church has been at the forefront of the “Safe Sanctuaries” movement. This movement is to ensure that the children and youth entrusted to the care of the church are safe from abuse. To that end, it has required all workers with children and youth, both employed and volunteer, complete a questionnaire about any accusations that they have experienced or any arrests regarding abuse. This has often been met with raised eyebrows, but our congregation has cooperated completely with this request. Unfortunately, as we watch the news each day, or read the newspaper, abuse is rampant in our society. We can never be 100% sure of our pro-active policies, nor can we do too much to provide a safe place in which all children can gather in fellowship and learning without the fear of harm.

Because the Conference is committed to ensuring that all children and youth involved in the local church or Conference ministries may participate in an environment of safety and security, congregations are required to go beyond the questionnaire and put into place policies and procedures that will provide our congregation further assurance in this matter – that we are doing our very best to provide a “Safe Sanctuary” for all our children and youth.

In the coming months, you will be hearing more about the process, and how you can support the measures that are adopted. Once the policies are adopted, we will need to put into place a team that will monitor that these procedures are in place and working smoothly. All policies and procedures will be presented to the Administrative Council for adoption and will be supported by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.

If you are interested in knowing more about this process or in partnering with us, contact Rev. Peggy Groseclose, groseclosep@baumc.com, or Joni Behrendt, behrendtj@baumc.com, or call 410-838-5181 and ask to speak to one of them.

Greetings, Friends!

We hope your Christmas season was a joyous one and that your New Year will be filled with many blessings! I want to thank you on behalf of the Unalaska UMC for your gift and the on-going prayer and support which you offer. Thanks for being part of the mission!

Rev. Dan Wilcox, Pastor

Unalaska United Methodist Church

Dear Members of Bel Air UMC,

Thank you for the many coats given to the Harford County Detention Center in December. You have been a blessing to many. Also, thank you for the clothing for one of the inmates who was released recently. She was delighted and very appreciative. The shoes fit perfectly.

Shalom,

Chaplain Nancy Randers-Pehrson

Chaplain Richard Roberts

Three Steps to Membership

At Bel Air United Methodist Church, our commitment to you begins on the day of your first visit. We aspire to help you grow in discipleship, and to be there for you in the joys and sorrows of life. Membership is about your commitment. It is where you confirm your faith in Christ, and your partnership in the mission and ministry of our church. If you would like to become a member, the steps to membership are easy and can be completed in any order. We’ve outlined them below so you can decide what your next step will be.

Attend a Discovery Luncheon. We invite you to join us for an informal lunch with our pastors. Whether you are a newcomer or a regular attender, Discovery is a unique opportunity to hear our pastors tell their story, and learn more about our church. The next Discovery Luncheon is Sunday, March 9, 12:30-2:00 PM. Sign up for Discovery by contacting Lisa Wong Wolf at 410-838-5181, ext. 17, or wolfl@baumc.com.

Get connected. Join a home fellowship group, an adult class, or an on-going ministry in our church that puts you in connection with other members. We believe the church is made of people, growing and serving together to reflect Christ’s love in the world. To learn more about ways to serve and grow with us, check out our website at www.baumc.com, or call the Church Office.

Come to our 2-session Membership Class. You’ll get an overview of what it means to be called United Methodist, and how you can continue to grow and serve at Bel Air UMC according to your unique, God-given design. You’ll also make some new friends! Our next Membership Class will be held in April, and we receive people into membership about twice a year. Please register in advance by completing the New Member Profile,

or by contacting Lisa Wong Wolf.

A Prosperity Wheel -For the New Year 2008

Source: “Understanding Financial Stewardship” by Charles Stanley

The New Year 2008 offers a fresh start and new opportunity to grow spiritually and in stewardship. As you open up yourself to God’s plan, why not do something that is very practical and visual: make a Wheel of Prosperity for the whole family and perhaps each individual.

Get a large piece of paper and draw a large circle on it. Inside the circle, at the center, draw a smaller circle. Label the smaller circle “God.” Draw four even quadrants over both circles to divide the circles into “Family Life,” “Social/Recreational Life,” “Business Life,” and “Spiritual Life.” Identify goals for each area of your life, using pictures (clip from magazines). Example: More Bible study = picture of a Bible. If you can’t find suitable pictures, draw one as best you can. Then, mount your Prosperity Wheel in a visible place, such as inside a closet door, or keep it personal if that is what you desire. Each child can make one, and substitute business life for “School Life.” Pray together as a family about which goals are most important.

Benefits: First, the wheel will remind you continually to keep God at the center of your desires, also to ask God often to direct your goal setting and to help in achieving goals that are God-ordained, authorized or approved. Next, the wheel is likely to compel you to adjust priorities in your life. An abundance of goals in one area, but little to nothing in another should cause you to adjust the lopsided wheel. If the wheel is unbalanced, it might break. Always begin to view the wheel from the word “God,” spending a few moments dwelling on the goodness of God and his many benefits to you. Seek the Lord’s wisdom about the other areas of your life. Third, the wheel allows you to view your total life at a glance, helping you see if you are living a balanced life.

Let the wheel help you with Visualization, Expectation, Motivation, Meditation and Realization. It is not enough to believe in or visualize prosperity, eventually one must do the things the Lord calls us to do, living out His plan. We must obey God’s plan and principles as set forth in His Word. In the area of financial stewardship, obedience includes a desire and willingness to work, a desire and plan of action for getting out of debt, and your tithes and offerings delivered into God’s storehouse on a consistent basis. Prosperity is rooted and established in your having a relationship with God. God longs for you to understand and engage in sound financial stewardship. Even more so, He longs for you to experience wholeness (a complete circle) and He longs for you to know Him.

BAUMC Stewardship wishes you blessings for a Prosperous, Healthy 2008.

Bel Air United Methodist Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

8:00 AM (Communion), 9:20 & 11:00 AM in Linwood Sanctuary

9:20 AM Ignite Youth Worship in McComas Hall

7:00 PM Evening Worship at Mt. Carmel Chapel

MORNING FELLOWSHIP in McComas Hall – 9:00-9:20 AM and 10:30-11:15 AM