A Season of Healing

I recently returned from a conference on healing prayer. The focus of the conference was less on physical healing and more on emotional healing – healing from the wounds of the past that keep us hurting and prevent us from becoming all that God intended. There was much healing at the conference, as well as dynamic teaching and worship. All in all, it was a reminder that Jesus lives, loves us, and wants to be active in our lives today.

And this is what the healing prayer ministry does. After years in ministry, I finally have a position that allows me the time and mental energy to bring healing fully into the life of the church. Please know that there are multiple benefits from such a ministry. People will be healed; but even when that doesn’t happen (or doesn’t happen immediately), people grow closer to God as they trust him and come for prayer.

To further this ministry at Bel Air UMC, we are entering into what we call “A Season of Healing.” Focal to this will be two Sundays dedicated to healing prayer. Healing Services will be held at the 8:00, 9:20, and 11:00 AM worship services on July 30 and August 6.

The Healing Prayer Seminar will also be offered again. This course is steeped in the wonderful promises of scripture. We also look at the hard questions, such as: “Why is there suffering?” and “Why do some prayers for healing go unanswered?” And we do have a time of healing prayer. This course is ideal for anyone curious for more knowledge about this aspect of faith. You may choose to come either Thursday, July 27 from 7:00-9:30 PM or Saturday, July 29 from 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon. Preregistration is appreciated. Please call the Church Office (410-838-5181) and let us know which session you want to attend.

In Christ’s service,

Rev. Doug Hollida

P.S. To read the article I wrote on healing for the Conference newspaper, Connection, go to this link:

http://bwcumc.org/news_detail.asp?PKValue=2116&umcid=43&umcprops=UMConnection+VOL.+17,+NO.+13.

REPORT OF THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 222nd Session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference convened at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore on Thursday, May 25, 2006, and adjourned with the Ordination Service on Sunday, May 27, 2006. Drawn together for this weekend were 890 lay and 1,040 clergy members.

In attendance from Bel Air United Methodist Church were Rev. Barry Hidey, Rev. Peggy Groseclose, Cindy Caldwell, Debbie Englar, Elaine Crowe, and Bill Groseclose.

Those of us who were there took part in a creative mix of celebration, remembrance, study, deliberation, and conversation. The Conference’s purpose was to call, equip, send, and support disciples to engage in the Discipleship Adventure and to bear Acts 2 fruit. The “Bit, Holy Adventurous Goal” of the Conference is to create 600 Acts 2 congregations by 2012 (there are currently about 100 Acts 2 congregations). To be an Acts 2 congregation, a church needs to be reaching new believers, growing worship attendance, and engaging in mission in the community and the world, said Bishop John R. Schol in his “State of the Church” address. (Read Acts 2:41-47.)

The theme of this Annual Conference was “Connecting Through Christ.” The logo illustrated the theme based on John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit.”

All in attendance were given a pocket-sized daily discipleship guide, containing daily Scripture readings, reflections, questions, and meditative prayer for one year. The “Adventure Guide” was written by Bishop Schol and eleven members of the clergy.

Our Bible study was given by Rev. Rose Mary Williams from Mt. Zion UMC in DeLisle, Mississippi. Her study was based on Romans 5:1-5. She had left teaching to become a pastor and was sent to a small United Methodist church. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, there are now two Baptist churches also using Mt. Zion UMC. She told us of the suffering her area had endured and thanked the Baltimore-Washington Conference for its open hearts, open minds, and open hands during the aftermath of Katrina. She gave us hope, by saying that salvation is available to all, regardless of one’s identity, sin, or heritage. God’s grace is an awesome gift.

On Thursday night, members celebrated the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. Bishop Susan Morrison of the Albany Area, a former clergy member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, participated by offering a “Top Ten” list on “How This Is Not Your Grandmother’s Church.”

Members also learned about The Hope Fund, which has the goal of raising $1 million for relief efforts in the Gulf Coast, Zimbabwe, and HIV/AIDS ministry. More than $266,000 has already been pledged by Conference leadership.

Recognition was given to the ministers who were retiring. There were 33 retirees, having given 764 total years of service.

During the Ordination Service, 13 men and women were ordained as Elders, one as Deacon, and one minister who was an ordained Elder in another denomination had his orders recognized. Twelve men and women were commissioned as the first step toward becoming a full member Elder or Deacon at a later date. Bishop Violet Fisher of the New York West Area urged the ordinants to worship Jesus, to serve Jesus, and to do ministry in Jesus’ name.

More information about the Annual Conference (including Bishop Schol’s “State of the Church” report and Bishop Violet Fisher’s ordination sermon) is available at the website http://www.bwcumc.org/page.asp?PKValue=660.

50th Anniversary Celebration of Full Clergy Rights FOR WOMEN

Bel Air United Methodist Church will celebrate this 50th Anniversary on Sunday September 3, 2006. You won’t want to miss out, as we honor Rev. Peggy Groseclose and recognize our Seminarian, Cindy Caldwell.

The year 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic decision in 1956 to accord full clergy rights to women clergy in The Methodist Church. Clergywomen have been part of Methodism since John Wesley licensed Sarah Crosby to preach in 1761. Although women were ordained in the Methodist tradition as early as the late 1800’s, it was the May 4, 1956 General Conference vote for full clergy rights… that forever changed the face of ordained clergy. The effect was that any woman in full connection and in good standing would receive an appointment. Now, about 9,500, or one in five clergy, are women and 16 women are active bishops.

To help celebrate the years of Rev. Peggy’s service and contribution here at Bel Air UMC, we invite you to please send personal greetings, “thank you” notes or letters, and let her know how she has touched your life. Send these, marked “Personal,” to Rev. Peggy Groseclose at the Church Office. As many notes may be of a personal nature, we felt this was the best way for her to enjoy them.

We also invite you to send any greetings, “thank you’s,” and notes of encouragement to Cindy Caldwell in the same manner.

Please be sure to worship with us on Sunday, September 3, 2006… and be ready to CELEBRATE this milestone here at Bel Air UMC!

Sincerely,

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Wild and Wonderful Wednesdays
Something Special for Families in August

Wednesday, August 2

6:30-8:00 PM

Come see all your Veggie Tales friends on the “BIG SCREEN” and make some new friends as we discover what it means to be a “FRIEND.” POPCORN PROVIDED!

Wednesday, August 9

6:30-8:00 PM

God made you SPECIAL… See how the Veggie Tales friends discover how God created them special and discover how special you are! ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR!

Wednesday, August 16

6:30-8:00 PM

What to do when the going gets rough… PERSEVERE! What does it take to keep on keeping on… Join us and find out! EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE NITE!

Sponsored by BAUMC Children and Family Ministries

Crafts, Games, Treats
Best of All... FREE!

BIG WEEK: August 21st – 26th, 2006

BIG WEEK is a time that all those students who have just finished the 8th Grade and are entering high school can join – officially -- the High School Student Ministry. It is designed to give the new students a glimpse of what life is like in the High School Ministry and affords them the opportunity to get to know the present members, as well as invite some of their friends to see what EXIT412 Student Ministry is all about. There is an activity a day for the entire week, ending with a huge end-of-summer blowout! Below you will find a listing of the week’s activities and any associated costs and details. If you have any further questions about these programs or any other area of the Student Ministry, contact Tom Hodges at (church) 410-838-5181, ext. 39, (cell) 443-617-2842, or e-mail him at hodgest@baumc.com. You can also check out our Student Ministry website at www.exitstatusquo.com.

Monday, August 21: Camping at KOA Campground in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. (The cost is listed with the Tuesday event, as they are the same trip.) Leave from the church at 12:00 noon. (PARENTS: We need at least 3 parents/chaperones willing to drive. If you are willing, please contact Tom Hodges.)

Tuesday, August 22: Whitewater Rafting on the Shenandoah River, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $60 (includes rafting, campsite, dinner Monday, breakfast Tuesday.) Please bring money for “McDonald’s stops” there and back. Money due by Sunday, August 13. Please wear clothes on Tuesday that you don’t mind getting wet and also an old pair of tennis shoes… NO FLIP-FLOPS!!

Wednesday, August 23: Prayer Walk around area schools, followed by a prayer service at the church. We will meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. and travel to local high and middle schools to lift them up in prayer as we walk around them. This is so very important in our culture today! We need to pray for our teachers, administrators, and fellow students. Following that, we will return to the church for a dinner and then for the Back to School Prayer Service in the Sanctuary. We will be finished by 8:00 p.m. or so.

Thursday, August 24: An Extreme Scavenger Hunt. Join us at the church at 6:30 p.m. We will embark on a scavenger hunt that will take us all over our area and to some really weird places! When everyone is done, we’ll come back to the Youth Center and reveal the winning team as well as make some great ice cream sundaes.

Friday, August 25: Pre-Opening Café Opening. Make sense? Come to the Youth Center and enjoy some great music and good snack foods and drinks. Fellowship and relax and enjoy a great night out. This would make a great place to bring a date! The Café will open at 7:00 p.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. Food is free and sodas cost $.50 each.

Saturday, August 26: The “On-Guard” Back-2-School Kick-Off Extravaganza, 3:00-10:00 p.m. A 26-foot tall rock climbing wall… A blow-up gauntlet… A dunking booth… A moon bounce… Snow-cones… Cotton candy. Musical guests like Faith Under Fire and Unsearchable Riches… Guest Speaker: David Burke… Free pizza. Everything in this event is FREE!! All students in Middle School and High School are invited! Bring as many friends as possible! This will be a kick-off we’ll talk about all year long!!

For Middle School Youth: FUEL!

We are planning to attend the Aberdeen Ironbirds game on Friday, August 4. They’ll be playing the Oneonta Tigers and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. We would like this to be a FUEL Family night, so all family members are welcome to purchase tickets. The cost per ticket is $27, and this gets you a buffet before the game and well into it, a game hat, the game, and our name on the scoreboard! If you are interested, contact Tom Hodges or sign up on the bulletin board across from the Youth Center. The deadline is Sunday, July 30. We’ll plan on meeting up at the game and will not provide transportation to or from the game.

Sunday Morning Worship Opportunity for Students

During the Summer Sunday School hiatus, the Student Ministry of Bel Air UMC is offering students in middle school and high school a worship experience in the Youth Center from 9:20-10:30 a.m. each Sunday. The former trueFusion band, now known as Faith Under Fire, leads our worship. There are giveaways, donuts, crowd-breakers, video clips, and an exciting message each week from Tom Hodges. Each message is challenging, clear, and educational. If you are a teenager and want something a little different, please join us. You’re always welcome!

Chabadza – Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe and Macy’s Shop For A Cause

Bel Air UMC’s mission group Chabadza – Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe, is partnering with Macy’s for a nationwide fundraising event, “Shop For A Cause,” to raise funds for building the mission’s medical facility in Munyarari, Zimbabwe.

What is Shop For A Cause? This is a one-day shopping event on Saturday, September 16 at Macy’s and Hecht’s stores. On this day, guests have the opportunity to participate in a unique shopping experience, including discounts, entertainment, special events, and the chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes. The all-day limited exclusion shopping pass includes: 20% off regular, sale, and clearance apparel and accessories, fine, bridge and fashion jewelry, bed and bath items, housewares, frames, luggage, china, crystal, and silver; 10% off regular, sale and clearance furniture, mattresses, rugs, kitchen and personal care electrics and technology items; and $10 off every $50 purchase.

How Does Chabadza Raise Funds? The mission group is selling $5 shopping passes to the event. All the proceeds from the sales are able to be kept by the team. The shopping passes are available for purchase during Morning Fellowship on the following Sundays: August 6, August 20, September 3, and September 10. You can also contact Bev Talbot at 410-836-8412 or e-mail beverly.talbot@comcast.net to obtain the shopping passes. Please consider joining our team as a distributor at your place of work or among your friends.

OUTREACH MISSION FOR HARFORD HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Volunteers In Mission (VIM) launched a new outreach mission project by committing $6,000 to Harford Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming construction project. As you may already know, Habitat’s goal is to provide affordable housing to underprivileged families in our county. They already completed and dedicated five homes in the past year, and at least two more are planned over the next 6 months. The next project, called “Faithworks 2,” will be supported by Bel Air United Methodist Church and 11 other local co-sponsoring churches, who are raising over $60,000 to fund the construction of a new home for the “sponsor family.” The actual construction will begin later this fall and will require a large number of energetic workers.

Currently, VIM is in the process of raising funds to fulfill BAUMC’s $6,000 commitment. A special offering will be taken on Sunday, August 27 to support this Habitat project. If you would like to donate to this mission, please send a check to the Church Office designating “VIM – Habitat Project.” Also, please plan to attend the Wednesday Mission Dinner on September 6, from 5:00-7:00 PM, as all proceeds will go toward this project.

As construction will begin in late Fall 2006, it is also time to think about volunteering to work on the build. If you are interested in this opportunity, please signup on the VIM bulletin board (just outside the Parlor). Also, feel free to contact Tim Knabe at 410-529-5347 or Tony Vinciguerra at 410-893-9828 for additional information.

YOUNG ADULTS SERVING TOGETHER

The church’s Young Adult Group has two opportunities for serving together in August through Habitat for Humanity. We are preparing lunches and delivering them to the house in Aberdeen on Friday, August 4. In order to help, you do NOT need to be officially trained. Then, the next day, on Saturday, August 5, we will work at that same house and also take lunch. We still need at least two more people to help on the Saturday work day. Please contact Sue Muir at 410-836-7905 or e-mail suesmuir@yahoo.com if you can help on either or both days.

From Dr. W. James Athearn, Coordinator of the Russia Initiative…

We wish to express appreciation for the gift of $2,000 sent by Bel Air United Methodist Church for the Bozhya Niva Church in Moscow and the pastor, Feodor Drozhin. Thank you so much for the continuing generous interest that your missions committee and church congregation hold for this partnership.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

In June, Rev. Peggy Groseclose and Connie McNey attended the Stephen Ministry Leadership Conference held in sunny Orlando, Florida. Participants in the leadership conference came from all over the United States and parts of Canada. Rev. Peggy and Connie met a number of persons enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve in this ministry. The conference was held over the course of six days and included 50 hours of training, in addition to some social activities. The leadership conference was very comprehensive in scope, challenging, and interesting. The educational process included the use of humor, some role-playing, and wonderful stories of well-established Stephen Ministry programs. On the two free evenings, Rev. Peggy and Connie were able to see a bit of Orlando. However, they spent most of their time at the conference, learning how to bring the Stephen Ministry to Bel Air UMC.

The Stephen Ministry uses a one-to-one Christian caring relationship to provide support and comfort to individuals who are experiencing a life crisis such as severe illness, death of a family member, or other major life transitions. An individual in need of care meets weekly for one hour with the assigned Stephen Minister. After getting to know the individual and assessing their needs, the Stephen Minister may also make recommendations for resources to help the individual with their situation. Accountability is an important aspect of the Stephen Ministry, and members of the ministry meet twice a month for accountability reasons.

Bel Air UMC will begin training Stephen Ministers in January 2007. Rev. Peggy and Connie will be the trainers for the weekly training sessions, which last two hours. If you have a heart for this new ministry or have any questions about the Stephen Ministry program, please call Rev. Peggy Groseclose at 410-838-5181, ext. 14, or Connie McNey at 410-638-0595.

HELP WANTED:

● Adult Evening Childcare Supervisor – Beginning in September, we are expanding our Evening Childcare Ministry with the addition of an Adult Evening Childcare Supervisor. This position would be 15-20 hours per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings), plus additional hours as needed. A job description is available in the Church Office or contact Joni Behrendt at 410-838-5181, ext. 16 or e-mail behrendtj@baumc.com.

● Childcare Workers Needed – Immediate openings are available in the Evening Childcare Ministry. You mush be 16 years of age or older. Training is provided and you must be CPR certified (cost of class reimbursed). This is a great part-time job! Contact Joni Behrendt.

● Cleaning Person – We are looking for a person or persons to clean both The Homestead and Mt. Carmel Chapel on a regular basis (usually 1-2 times per month, or as needed). If you are interested, please contact Cheryl Firth at 410-838-5181, ext. 18.

The Bel Air United Methodist Women are getting ready for the Gingerbread Factory “Home for the Holidays” Bazaar & Silent Auction, which will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2006. The first turn-in date for your donations for the bazaar will be on Tuesday, August 15 from 7:00-9:00 PM.

Bel Air United Methodist Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

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

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 (Vacant), Director

(410-420-8304)

About Tiny Tots School Joan Elloff, Director

(410-838-6399)

Please Call the Church Office:

If your address or phone number has changed.

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

If you are ill or hospitalized.

The federal regulation called HIPAA, the Health Information Portability

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

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

For the Prayer Chain:

Contact Jean Wood by phone, 410-893-1023,

or e-mail jsjwood2@comcast.net.

SPIRE SCHEDULE:

Deadline

September 2006 Sunday, August 20

October 2006 Sunday, September 24

November/December 2006 Wednesday, November 8

SPIRE Editor - Alice Archer

SPIRE Mailing - Sandy and Palmer Paules

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

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

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

Irene Littleton, Shirley MacLean, Wayne and Jane Mason, Jean Moore, Dorothy Panowitz,

Nancy Paris, Shirley and John Renshaw, Doris Scholl, Ruth Smithson, Bette Stancill,

Audrey Tolston, Carole Vangrin, Linda Vinciguerra, Marguerite Ward

BAUMC ON-LINE...

The SPIRE is posted on our webpage

at www.baumc.com.

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

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

Archer, Alice archera@baumc.com

Behrendt, Joni behrendtj@baumc.com

Caldwell, Cindy caldwellc@baumc.com

Firth, Cheryl firthc@baumc.com

Groseclose, Bill grosecloseb@baumc.com

Groseclose, Rev. Peggy groseclosep@baumc.com

Hidey, Rev. Barry hideyb@baumc.com

Hodges, Tom hodgest@baumc.com

Hollida, Rev. Doug hollidad@baumc.com

Jones, Judy jonesj@baumc.com

Schepers, Jim schepersj@baumc.com

Wolf, Lisa Wong wolfl@baumc.com

Children’s Christian Center ccc@baumc.com

Tiny Tots School tinytots@baumc.com

Bishop – Rev. Dr. John R. Schol

District Superintendent - Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt

Lead Minister - Rev. Barry Hidey

Associate Minister - Rev. Peggy Groseclose

Director of Worship & Arts – Rev. Doug Hollida

Director of Christian Education - Joni Behrendt

Director of Adult Discipleship - Cindy Caldwell

Director of Youth Ministries – Tom Hodges

Church Administrator - Jim Schepers

Bookkeeper – Bill Groseclose

Pastoral Administrative Assistant – Judy Jones

Office/Facility Coordinator - Alice Archer

Congregational Care Coordinator - Cheryl Firth

Membership/Data Base Coordinator – Lisa Wong Wolf

Building Superintendent/Custodial Supervisor –

Don Sandefur

Custodians – Stephen Kenly, Thureen Drake,

Keith Kennedy

Chair, Administrative Council – Bill Benson

Secretary, Administrative Council – George Newberry

President, Board of Trustees – Sandy Miller

Chair, Finance Committee – Barry Miller

Chair, Staff-Parish Relations - Genene LaCour

Secretary, Lay Leadership Committee – Sue Shank

Lay Leader – Janet Newberry