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January/February
2008
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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