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