|
|
July
2007
|
|
July
2007
Journey, Destination, Direction, Compass, Future, Different,
Change…
CHANGE?
Are
we still talking about that?
Well,
yes, we are. The word is out, the
countdown has started, and the clock is ticking as we move on to the next step
in the process of charting the course for the next leg of our Journey. To date, over 200 individuals of our church
have attended Compass Task Force Review meetings, where they have picked up
Compass Task Force findings and preliminary recommendation information packets
and received instructions in preparation for participating in the upcoming Response meetings.
These packets contain both the Compass Task Force Findings &
Preliminary Recommendations report (high level recommendations for the changes
that have been identified as most likely to facilitate the growth of the
Kingdom of God in our local community) and the support materials used by the
Administrative Council to develop the recommendations.
These
same information packets are available at the Welcome Center for those of you
who are interested but were not able to attend a Review meeting.
The
Response meetings provide a forum for both turning in your written responses to
the two questions presented during the Review session and an opportunity for
open discussion about the findings and recommendations.
Response
meetings have already been held on July 15 and July 22. The
next Response meeting is scheduled on Sunday, August 5 at the following
times: 9:15-10:30 AM, 10:45 AM-12:00
Noon, and 12:30-1:45 PM. All
Response meetings will last about 1-1/4 hours and will take place in the
Community Room (Room 101). Pizza and
beverages will be provided at the 12:30 PM meeting, and RSVP is requested if
you plan to attend at this time. Please
RSVP to Jim Schepers at 410-838-5181, ext. 38 or e-mail schepersj@baumc.com.
On
The Journey,
Barry
Mission Statement
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.
Bel Air United
Methodist Church welcomes…
David W.
Smith
Chancel Choir Director
Dave was born and raised in
Baltimore, where he and his family became active in their local Baptist church
when he was 12. It was at that church
that he came to Christ. It was there,
also, that he discovered he had a singing voice.
He received his B.A. in Vocal
Performance from Towson University and his M.M. in Vocal Studies from Webster
University in St. Louis. He is currently
two courses away from finishing his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of
Maryland, College Park.
As a vocal performer, he has
appeared most recently in the title role of Siegfried in a concert at the
University of Maryland, College Park, with the Wagner Society of Washington,
DC. He has also performed this and other
Wagner roles at the Theater du Chatelet in Paris, France. And he has soloed at the German Embassy, the
U.S. Supreme Court, and at Carnegie Hall.
Dave is the Director of Vocal
Activities at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. There he directs several choirs and teaches
voice and choral conducting. Among his
extra-curricular activities there, he has been mentor to several student-led
ensembles, helping them get their start and grow. As Director, some of his performances at UMBC
include the opera “Elixir of Love,” the “Stephen Sondheim Musical Review,”
“Fiddler on the Roof,” and Rutter’s “Magnificat.”
Dave’s wife is the Rev. Cherie
L. Smith, Director of Pastoral Care Services at Franklin Square Hospital. They have one son, a sophomore at UMBC, and
they live in the Perry Hall area.
OFF-SITE MINISTRY
UPDATE
Over the last 12 months, we have been working with a team of
people to develop the ministry plan for an Off-Site Ministry. It is our vision to develop a ministry that
will help us to reach out to many of the unchurched people who live in the
Abingdon area. Using the data from the
Compass Task Force and in our work with Rev. Matt Poole, we are putting
together a 10-year plan to establish a ministry presence in that general area
which will connect people to Christ by meeting an identified need. In partnership with our District
Superintendent, Rev. Tony Hunt, and the Baltimore-Washington Conference, we are
working on a funding application for the person who will lead this effort. In the next couple of months, we will present
our Off-Site Ministry Plan to the Administrative Council and to the Conference
for final approval. Please continue to
keep this ministry in your prayers, as we know that we must develop new ways to
reach the growing unchurched people in our area. If you have any questions, please contact Jay
Wohnlich at 410-420-2623 or e-mail wohnlichj@comcast.net.
Harford’s Most Beautiful People 2007 It’s time again to nominate Harford County’s most
beautiful people – those who have enriched the lives of our citizens by
their acts of kindness and concern. Nominations are being accepted through
August 3, 2007 for the 21st Annual Harford’s Most Beautiful People
volunteer awards. The search is on
for local “unsung heroes” who selflessly assist those around them. They are volunteers of any age whose acts
of goodwill have previously gone unnoticed.
These “beautiful people” volunteer above and beyond their paid jobs,
donating their time and talent to make a difference in Harford County. All
nominees and their guests will be honored at a special program hosted by
County Executive David R. Craig in early October. One of the nominees will be chosen to
represent Harford County at the Governor’s reception in the fall. Nomination forms are available at all
branches of the Harford County Library, all Senior Centers, from the
Harford County website (www.harfordcountymd.gov/awards/harfordsmostbeautiful),
or by calling Joy Brewster of the Department of Community Services
Volunteer Connection and RSVP at 410-638-4444.
OUR 2007 CONFIRMATION CLASS
We welcomed 37
Confirmands into our Congregation on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007.
Sarah Elizabeth Benesch
Alyssa Nicole Blevins
Mitchell Gordon Breighner
Gregory Daniel Caspero
Curtis Rommel Crabtree
John Anthony D’Agostino
Rachel Caroline Dinsmore
Megan Elisabeth Dombroski
Evan Lawton Ellis
Monica Regina Fernandez
Kelsey Lynn Foley
Patrick Charles Graham
Lauren Nicole Hawkins
Zachary Nicholas Hoerr
Christopher Ryan Frances Horton
Matthew David Hudson
Richard Allen Kalama III
Emilie Grace Keith
Adam Michael Knabe
Peter William Krajewski
John Marshall Krouse
Amy Catherine Marks
Megan Taylor McComas
Ryan Parker Monk
Colin Wayne Morrow
Rachel Marie Neff
Ryan Alexander Piscitelli
Joshua Steven Pugh
Cheryl Olayemi Rhodes
Heather Alexis Schleicher
Jonathan Charles Spivey
Abigail Stephens
Susan Emily Stewart-Craig
Casandra Elizabeth Struve
John Garretson Stryker
Nicholas McLeod Uline
Abigail Victoria Willard
MISSING
MEMBERS
Our church records are showing the
following members as “Address Unknown.”
Please call the Church Office
(410-838-5181, ext. 17) with updated names and/or addresses.
Matthew
B. Andrews
Kerri
M. Broch
Michelle
A. Brown
Pamela
J. Charlton
Michael
D. Cheek
Christopher
W. Cleary
Judith
E. Eyet
Craig
M. Fitchwell
Timothy
J. Garress
Cathi
A. Gontasz
Angela
J. Gregory
Kirsten
R. Gregory
Michael
S. Gregory
Betty
L. Hartsock
Amanda
B. Hepler
Sarah
E. Holdredge
Regina
(Jean) Johnson
Sally
J. Law
Judith
F. LeCates
Jeff
G. LeMoine
Arlene
G. Mark
Michael
T. Mark
Linda
M. Martin
Elizabeth
Ann Meyers
R.
Brian Moen
Jessica
R. Moog
Stacey
M. Murnyak
Brian
E. Narizzano
Amanda
P. O’Connell
Jennifer
D. Parks
Kimberly
M. Preston
Richard
A. Rate, Jr.
Amber
M. Ringold
Anne
E. Samuel
Barry
D. Scott
Shawn
M. Sears
Sherry
D. Servia
Gerald
A. Simmons, Jr.
Kathleen
Stachowski Meckel
George
B. Sterling
Benjamin
C. Synnott
Joseph
C. Thomas
Cory
M. Turnbaugh
Randy
B. Turnbaugh
Louis
J. Wagner
Beverly
A. Williams
Caley
C. Williams
David
A. Williams
Jennifer
K. Williams
♥ July Results… The Blood
Drive on July 9 resulted in 53 units of blood.
Among the donors were 12 “Double Red” donors who gave two units of
blood. We express our sincere thanks to
everyone who braved the heat wave to come out in support of the drive.
♥ An Ounce of Prevention… might save you
from becoming a blood recipient. During
the summer vacation season, the frequency of accidents tends to rise. Many are caused by lack of attention as we
rush about our activities or as we get overly tired from too much fun. Please take a moment to slow down your pace
and stay focused on what you are doing.
It not only could prevent an accident or injury, but could even save your
life.
♥ Double Red… We all know
that by “killing two birds with one stone,” we can often manage our time and
resources more efficiently. The Red
Cross offers blood donors such an opportunity known as “Double Red” – to donate
two units of blood (instead of one) during a given donation visit. This doubles the interval between donation
visits to 112 days instead of 56 days.
To qualify, donors must meet minimum standards for weight (at least 150
lbs. for male, 175 lbs. for female) and height (5’1” for male, 5’5” for
female). Donors must also have a 40%
hematocrit (iron) level (checked by a Red Cross representative before your
donation). During the Double Red
donation process, a smaller needle is used and only red blood cells are
collected. This allows remaining blood
components, along with saline, to be returned to the donor. This process often leaves the donor feeling
more hydrated than they felt prior to donating.
Please consider becoming a Double Red donor. It offers great benefits
for the donor as well as for those in need of your donations.
♥ See You in September… Our next Blood
Drive is scheduled for Monday, September 10 from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Sign up early for the best selection of
appointment times. The signup sheet is
located across from the Church Office.
What Kind of Woman Would
Receive the Care of a Stephen Minister?
► A woman like Sarah… who faced a major change in life at an advanced age and
needed someone to listen to both her joy and apprehension.
► A woman like Hagar… who was abandoned along with her child and needed someone to
offer her hope and remind her of God’s presence.
► A woman like Hannah… who struggled with her inability to bear a child and needed
someone with whom to share her sadness and pain.
► A woman like Naomi… who had lost her
loved ones and needed someone to hear her sorrow and pain.
► A woman like Ruth… who left everything that was familiar to her and needed
someone to journey with her in her new life.
► A woman like Esther… who was faced with a major decision and needed someone who
could listen to her concerns and offer encouragement.
► A woman like Mary of Nazareth… who lived with both the joys and struggles of
having an exceptional child and needed someone to help her sort out the
ponderings of her heart.
► A woman like Martha… who was burdened by the demands of daily life and needed
someone to help her regain sight of what was most important.
► A woman like Mary Magdalene… who received healing from inner turmoil and needed
someone to walk with her as she built a new life.
► A woman like you.
If you would like to know more
about how a Stephen Minister could care for you, please see or call Connie
McNey or Rev. Peggy Groseclose at 410-838-5181.
Looking for a Part-Time
Job? Love Kids?
The Childcare Ministry of Bel Air UMC is looking to fill two
Adult Evening Childcare positions beginning in September. The schedule includes
care for children whose parents are attending classes or meetings at the
church. Evenings include Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as occasional special event dates.
Interested? Contact
Joni Behrendt at 410-838-5181, ext. 29 or e-mail behrendtj@baumc.com for more information.
Blanket
Drive for Appalachia
We will be taking items to
Appalachia in September. With the
approach of colder weather, we especially need blankets. Please place your donations inside the
McComas Hall entrance.
Attention Youth!
Russian Outreach Committee Plans Change of Church in Russia
The ten-year relationship between Bel Air United Methodist Church and God’s Field United Methodist Church in Moscow has come to an end. Reverend Feodor Drozhin, pastor of the God’s Field congregation since its inception, is in ill health and has decided to retire. Since there is no new trained pastor available to lead the ministry, the congregation will most likely join with another church or disband. This is not unusual in Russia, where there are fewer pastors graduating from seminary than there are churches in need of leadership.
Our Russian Outreach Committee has sent a message to Reverend Drozhin honoring his years of devotion to Christian ministry and his relationship with us. Our committee has traveled to Moscow four times to worship together with him and his congregation in apartments and rented space. We have fond memories of those visits.
The committee is now considering a new relationship with a Russian church near the south-eastern city of Voronezh. The church is in Oryol, close to the Ukrainian Border. The pastor of Oryol, Lev Miklhailov, will travel to Voronezh to visit with Carol and Rob McCormack, as representatives of the Russian Outreach Committee. They will be working there on a VIM project with other churches from the Baltimore Washington Conference.
VIM Project at Camp Crystal in Voronezh, Russia
On August 7th, Rob and Carol McCormack of the BAUMC Russian Outreach Committee will leave for Russia with 16 VIM members of various churches in the Baltimore Washington Conference. After a day in Moscow, they will travel to Voronezh and be given work assignments for their VIM work at Camp Crystal. A recent unexpected surprise is that approximately 70 Russian teenagers, some of whom speak English, will be attending a youth camp there at the same time, so there will be a great opportunity for fellowship. The group will also be traveling in the area and attending several local churches.
Camp Crystal was acquired by the Russian United Methodist Church in 2003. The property was originally owned by a Soviet Communist chemical factory as a vacation retreat for its employees and their families. It had been abandoned about twenty years ago and is in disrepair. The facility is on twelve wooded acres with a stream. Located about 367 rail miles south of Moscow, it has 125 cabins, a three-story dormitory with 48 rooms, a dining facility, and miscellaneous outbuildings. It is already in use by youth groups, tres dias renewal groups, and other religious activities.
The Baltimore Washington Conference is tentatively planning to work at Camp Crystal again in 2008. Anyone interest in working with them can call the BAUMC church office or e-mail Carol McCormack at robncarol@comcast.net.
Something Special for Families in August
Come along with your
family and friends and meet Nicholas, a completely normal kid,
who happens to find
himself in some not-so-normal situations!
Nicholas and his best
friend, McGee, venture together to learn valuable lessons
from their wild
adventures!
Big screen adventures
at Bel Air United Methodist Church!
“DO THE BRIGHT THING”
Discover
the BIG Payoff of Making Right Decisions
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 2, 2007
6:30-7:30
PM
“SKATE EXPECTATIONS”
Learn the Value of Showing Love and
Kindness
to Others as You Experience
Screaming Skateboard
Action with Nick and His Friends
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007
6:30-7:30 PM
“IN
THE NICK OF TIME”
Get
Closer to God in This Thrilling
Mountain
Climbing Adventure
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 16, 2007
6:30-7:30
PM
Sponsored by BAUMC Children
and Family Ministries
Help Us Collect School
Supplies
For Harford County
Children In Need
COLLECTION: JULY 29 – AUGUST 22
We Ask That Donations Be Of New
Supplies
And From The Following List Only
Glue
Sticks Yellow
Highlighter
White
Glue Blue
or Black Pens
Box
of 24 Crayons Ruler
(with Centimeters & Inches)
Blunt
End Scissors Double
Subject Spiral Notebook
Pointed
End Scissors Composition
Notebook
Pink
Gum Erasers No.
2 Pencils
Punched
Wide-Lined Loose-Leaf Paper
Monetary Donations Accepted. Please Make Checks Payable
To BAUMC And Note In The Memo: School
Supplies
THANK YOU!
Sponsored by Children & Family Ministries of Bel Air UMC
Bel Air United Methodist Church
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8:00 a.m. (Communion), 9:20 & 11:00 a.m. in Linwood
Sanctuary
9:20 a.m. Ignite Youth Worship in Youth Center
7:00 p.m. Evening Worship at Mt. Carmel Chapel
MORNING FELLOWSHIP in McComas Hall – 9:00-11:15 a.m.
|
CHURCH
OFFICE Phones
410-838-5181 or 410-879-2797 Fax 410-893-8363, E-mail info@baumc.com Who You Should Call: To
schedule a meeting or use building Alice
Archer To
use The Homestead Cheryl
Firth To
schedule a wedding Cheryl
Firth To
schedule a baptism / Baptism Class Judy
Jones About
membership / Membership Classes Lisa
Wong Wolf About
Christian Learning (Sunday School, VBS) Joni
Behrendt About
adult learning opportunities Cindy
Caldwell About
small group fellowship Cindy
Caldwell About
the bulletin (Deadline: Wednesday, 12
Noon) Judy Jones About
the e-Spire (Deadline: Thursday, 12
Noon) Judy Jones About
the SPIRE (newsletter) Alice
Archer About
programs and ministries Cheryl
Firth About
finances - envelopes, invoices, etc. Bill
Groseclose About
Child Care Joni
Behrendt About
Children’s Christian Center Anjanette Jacobs, Director (410-420-8304) About
Tiny Tots School Joan Elloff, Director (410-838-6399) Please Call the Church
Office: If your address or phone number has
changed. If there’s been a birth or
death in your family. If you are ill or
hospitalized. The federal regulation
called HIPAA, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act,
applies to how the church will minister to you, through clergy visits
and the Prayer Chain, while you are hospitalized. For the Prayer Chain: Call Andrea Whitcomb, 410-803-8520
(please leave a message if there’s no
answer) or send an e-mail to Jean Wood, jsjwood2@comcast.net. |
SPIRE SCHEDULE: