HOLY WEEK

Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2007

7:00 PM Service in the Sanctuary

Not Just My Feet…

Good Friday, April 6, 2007

12:00 Noon through 9:00 PM

Walking With Jesus – A Good Friday Journey

There will be no formal services. Instead, you are encouraged to take your own walk

with Jesus – much as his followers did. Come and follow a path of scripture reading

and guided meditation and prayer, at your own pace.

Two separate versions of this Good Friday Journey will be available:

A meditative version for older youth and adults in the Sanctuary,

and an interactive experience for families with young children in the Assembly Room (Room 101).

EASTER SUNDAY, April 8, 2007

6:30 AM Sunrise Service at The Homestead

Tom Hodges, preaching

8:00 & 9:20 AM Traditional Services in the Linwood Sanctuary

Rev. Barry Hidey, preaching

9:20 AM Ignite Contemporary Service in McComas Hall

Tom Hodges, preaching

11:00 AM Contemporary Service in Linwood Sanctuary

Rev. Barry Hidey, preaching

Childcare provided for infants and toddlers at 9:20 & 11:00 AM services.

Sunday School classes at 9:20 & 11:00 AM for age 2 through Grade 5.

There will be no Morning Fellowship.

10:00 AM Traditional Service at Mt. Carmel Chapel

Rev. Jim Hainley, preaching

The following announcements were shared during worship services on Sunday, March 25, 2007.

A MESSAGE FROM REV. PEGGY GROSECLOSE,

Senior Associate Minister…

Dear Friends,

I want to announce to you my retirement plans for June of 2008. At that time, I will have served Bel Air United Methodist Church for 21 years.

These plans were actually made when I began ministry, so that Bill and I could spend retirement time together. Bill has been officially retired since 2000, though he has come to work at and serve Bel Air UMC for the past several years. I also have been feeling the pain of not being able to spend time with my children and grandchildren (especially those out of town).

I would like to share with you my reasons for making my announcement at this time:

As I approach the age of 62, feeling energetic and able to minister for yet a number of years, I began to waffle and wonder if this is what I really should do. My dear friend and colleague, Rev. Jim Hainley, imparted these words of wisdom this past fall, which gave me a lot of clarity about what to do. He said: "God called you into ministry, and God will call you into the next chapter of your life, too." In my daily prayers and devotion, I became open to what God was telling me. Certainly with the health problems both Bill and I have had during the last few months, that call to retire when I become 62 has spoken loudly and clearly.

Last October, during the time when all clergy express their desires for their future ministry, I shared with Rev. Hidey and our District Superintendent, C. Anthony Hunt, my desire to retire as of July 1, 2008. Shortly thereafter, I shared my plans with the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. I also expressed my desire that, if possible, I would like to work alongside of the person who would be following me in order to orient them to the congregation and the many care programs and outreach programs in which I'm involved.

AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GEORGE NEWBERRY,

Chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee…

In January, upon reflecting on Peggy's retirement, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) saw a real opportunity to do something a little out of the ordinary -- to bring in a person to work with Peggy for the year before her retirement. We obtained permission from the Administrative Council to move forward and then approached the Finance Committee with our proposal. When the pieces were in place, we contacted our District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, to make our proposal. He asked us to complete a pastoral profile in an attempt to capture on paper the strengths and challenges of our congregation, our areas of ministry concentration, and the qualities that we felt would be important for a pastor of our congregation to possess. This was necessary so that the Conference could match our needs with the candidate who would be the best fit. Throughout the process, from the seed of its origin to the announcement I am about to make, SPRC has truly seen the hand of God at work.

As chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and on behalf of the SPRC, it gives me great pleasure to announce to you that, effective July 1, 2007, Rev. Carol Pazdersky will be appointed as Associate Pastor to Bel Air United Methodist Church. This appointment has been made in collaboration with the District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Hunt. The appointment was set on Tuesday by Bishop John Schol and the Cabinet, and has been accepted by Carol. SPRC had the chance to meet and talk with Carol for the first time yesterday; and I speak for the entire group when I say that we have no reservations and whole-heartedly support her appointment to our church staff.

Carol will work with Peggy for a full year in the area of Congregational Care, until Peggy retires in 2008. We are very pleased about this appointment because it provides Peggy with the long-awaited assistance she has needed for quite some time. (Thank you, Peggy for your patience.) Also, with Peggy's departure into retirement, it gives Carol a chance to work closely with Peggy and to become a credible presence within the church and the local community so that the transition out of a long-standing, highly-respected, highly-trusted pastor and the transition in of a new person will be as smooth and seamless as possible. This opportunity will give Carol a chance to see and learn what Peggy does, and to bring her own style and expertise to the position in the safety and comfort of the wings of the master. Additionally, because of Carol's previous experiences in congregational care ministry and her own God-given talents and skills, she comes with fresh ideas and her own vision to add to the mix. I think what we will see in the coming months will be truly amazing as two beautiful, caring, and dynamic women work together to the glory of God for this church and this community.

I am sure that many remember the Pazderskys. Carol and her family, including husband Dan and their three children, Christian, Elizabeth, and Rachel, have lived in Harford County since 1988. In fact, Bel Air UMC was their home church. Carol answered the call to ordained ministry in the late 1990’s. She was hired by the District as a local pastor and served at Ayres Chapel UMC in Norrisville while she attended the Lancaster Theological Seminary. In 2004, she was placed at Trinity UMC in Prince Frederick, Maryland (Calvert County), where she has served as a probationary elder ever since. Her duties there include preaching, congregational care, missions, and evangelism.

Carol will be ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church at the Annual Conference in May. As you can see, she comes to us with a wonderful portfolio of skills and graces and will be a welcome addition to our staff. I would like to share a brief comment made yesterday by Dr. Hunt that I think sums up this announcement quite well. Dr. Hunt said very simply that "Carol Pazdersky fits our church profile like a glove." According to Dr. Hunt, leadership is a key multiplier of the effectiveness of a church in reaching out in ministry and mission to the community. From his perspective, Carol brings great leadership skills as well as a performance track record, an easy-going temperament, and skills and graces that will enable her to hit the ground running.

In closing, just let me say that transitioning from one job to another is both joyous and difficult. There is excitement and lots of warm welcomes, but there are sad goodbyes, as well. Although we have a great reason to celebrate, the church where Carol is presently serving will be losing a treasured professional and trusted friend. I would like to ask you to please keep Carol and her family and the Body of Christ at Trinity UMC in Prince Frederick in your prayers.

THANK YOU for your support of The Asbury Guild. A total of $558 in membership dues and donations has been forwarded. For more information about the Asbury communities, call 301-216-4100 or 1-800-327-2879 or visit their website at www.asbury.org.

A brief introduction…

CAROL LEYDIG PAZDERSKY

cpazdersky@aol.com

Education

University of Maryland, College Park – Bachelor of Arts, English

Lancaster Theological Seminar – Master of Divinity

Appointments

Norrisville Charge, White Hall, MD (1/1/1999 - 6/30/2004) - First as a District Hire and then as a part-time Local Pastor, I served as an associate on this three-point charge. My primary area of responsibility was Ayres Chapel UMC. In this capacity, I provided leadership in every aspect of church life including weekly worship and preaching, teaching, visitation, and administration. I also ministered to Norrisville and St. Paul UMCs in the absence of the senior pastor and co-led charge-wide confirmation classes. During my ministry at Ayres Chapel, attendance increased from an average of 23 to an average of 38 worshippers (65%). The congregation began new outreach ministries including participating in Harford Habitat and the FCCAU homeless shelter. During my two years as a volunteer chaplain at the Harford County Detention Center, the congregation provided material comfort and support to the inmates. The Trustees made immediate improvements to the physical plant and made long-term plans for further improvements. Educational offerings increased with the addition of a children's church school and adult short-term classes.

Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, MD (7/1/2004 - present) - As a Probationary Elder, I serve as an associate pastor. In addition to preaching, and teaching ministries, my areas of responsibility include: congregational care, missions, and evangelism. I also have oversight of the children's church school and the Trustees. In addition to hospital, nursing center, and home visits, I am the referral coordinator for Stephen Ministry, established an informal caring ministry that matches homebound persons with church members, and formed a small group for older adult women that includes study, prayer, and support. The Missions Team has moved into a hands-on ministry with the introduction of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, Faith Works (a monthly opportunity to serve in the community in the name of Christ), and jail ministry. A Volunteers in Mission team is forming at present. The Evangelism Team has added new activities including a revival weekend, the Home for Christmas campaign, invitations to new residents, and staffing a booth at the County Fair. The children's church school has incorporated the Conference's Discipleship Adventure with a supplemental curriculum written by the church school superintendent. With the introduction of devotions by members, the Trustees have undergone a culture change and recognize that they are a ministry team whose purpose is stewardship. Within the larger community, I am a founding member and the current treasurer of the Calvert Interfaith Council whose purpose is to foster interfaith dialogue, education to religious leaders, and service to the needy.

Ministry History

District Hire – 1999-2001

Licensed Local Pastor – 2001-2004

Probationary Elder – 2004-2007

Elder in Full Connection – Ordination will take place in May 2007

Continuing Education

In addition to classes and seminars required by the Board of Ordained Ministry, I have also attended the following training opportunities: Stephen Leader Training (2004), Congress on Evangelism (2005), Leadership Institute at Church of the Resurrection (2005), and Prepare/Enrich (2006).

Family

Dan and I have been married for 21 years and have three children: Christian (20), Elizabeth (18), and Rachel (15). We have lived in Harford County since 1988. Christian is now a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park. Liz is a freshman at Messiah College. Rachel is a sophomore at C. Milton Wright High School. Dan and I have been on the Walk to Emmaus and we have served on teams in the Maryland-Steppingstone and Southern Maryland communities.

The Homecoming Project

The Homecoming Project is a halfway house program for women in Bel Air who are recovering from chemical addictions. The program provides a supportive environment to strengthen and empower women throughout the healing process. The vision of the Homecoming Project is “to provide a comprehensive family-centered program to assist women in recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction while forming a close partnership with the local community.”

One of the church’s small groups has been partnering with The Homecoming Project by getting together for dinners and providing inspirational notes and care packages. Occasionally, although the halfway house would be the perfect place to help a woman get back on her feet, the entrance fee is often unaffordable. A scholarship fund has just been opened to assist women financially with the entrance fee. As a congregation, we can make a significant impact on the lives of women who are trying to better themselves.

Donations from the Holy Thursday offering will be sent to The Homecoming Project for their scholarship fund. Please make your checks payable to Bel Air United Methodist Church. Thank you for supporting this cause.

Please contact Kim Lipscomb at 410-569-7516 or e-mail kjlipscomb@erols.com with any questions. If you would like to contact The Homecoming Project directly, you can call Robin Keener at 410-399-2904 or visit their website www.hcpi2006.org.

Letters from Dad©

WORDS OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

UNLOCKING THE HEARTS OF FATHERS

Turning the hearts of the Fathers to their Children and

the hearts of the Children to their Fathers… Malachi 4:6

You are invited on a journey… a journey to leave a legacy of Faith, Hope and Love through the lost art of letter writing. You will work through the Letters from Dad curriculum where you will learn to write 5 specific types of letters. You will learn what it means to give THE BLESSING to your wife, children and grandchildren. In addition, you will:

¤ Learn to write and say the things you have always wanted to say but just didn’t know how.

¤ Leave treasured letters of love that will be read long after you are gone.

¤ Learn to speak and write these Blessings to your family.

¤ Build deep and lasting relationships with other men in your group.

¤ Store, in letter form, the only 3 things that remain: Faith, Hope and Love.

Our heavenly father left us a book of love letters called the Bible. We invite you to leave your book of love letters called… Letters from Dad.

Kick-Off Breakfast: Saturday, April 7 – 8:00-10:00 a.m.

in McComas Hall

Please RSVP to the Church Office, 410-838-5181.

Sessions: First Saturdays - May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4

8:00-10:00 a.m. in the Community Room

THE BOARD OF CHILD CARE AUXILIARY

The Board of Child Care is a multi-service agency of the United Methodist Church which gives physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual support to nearly 1700 children, youth, and families through emergency shelter care, residential care, on-site schools, transitional living for young adults, mental health clinics, day care centers, and foster care and adoption services.

The Board of Child Care Auxiliary supports the children with birthday and holiday celebrations, and has helped furnish the campus chapels. The collection of Campbell’s soup labels for the Board of Child Care helps with educational supplies, equipment, and computers. Another big part of the Auxiliary is the Arts & Leisure Program, which sponsors an annual roller skating party and special trips to shows, museums, ball games, etc.

Annual membership dues are $1 ($2 for couples), and gifts above that amount are most welcome. Special envelopes are provided in the pew racks through Sunday, April 15. Be sure to write your name and address on the envelope. For more information, contact our church’s BCC Auxiliary Key Person, Sandy Millner, at 443-299-6039 or e-mail sandymillner@comcast.net.

Boundaries

April 15 ● April 22 ● April 29

Safe Harbor Christian Counseling will be offering Boundaries, a three-session class for adults on Sunday mornings, April 15, 22, and 29, at 11:00 AM in Room 114. Presenter Michael Sorenson will help participants learn “when to say YES, when to say NO, to take control of your life.” Based on the Boundaries material from Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, this class will address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual boundaries that define who we are, and who we are not. To register, please contact Cindy Caldwell at 410-838-5181, ext. 13, or e-mail caldwellc@baumc.com.

“Singin’ In The Spring”

with the Bel Air Community Chorus!

A Concert of Movie Musical Favorites

Featuring Songs from Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Many More

Sunday, April 15, 2007

7:00 PM

at Bel Air United Methodist Church

For information, call 410-877-7314.

COLLEGE CARE BOXES will be assembled on Sunday, April 15. Please bring your individually wrapped items to the Church Office during the week or to the Welcome Center that morning. Final exams are fast approaching, and our college students need munchies to keep them going during those all-night study sessions! Thank you for supporting the College Ministry.

BAUMC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS are available at the Welcome Center. High school seniors who are members of the church and who will be entering their first year of college in the fall are eligible. All required information must be in the Church Office by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 18. This program is administered by the BAUMC Scholarship Team under the area of Christian Education.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION will be held during worship services on Sunday, May 20. Please call the Church Office with the name of the graduate(s) in your family. We would also like to know where they are graduating from and their college plans, if known.

Jesus calls us to “Chabadza.”

To the tribes of northern Zimbabwe, the word “Chabadza,” from the Shona dialect, describes any and every road.

To Jesus, it meant a road in the Holy Land, on which a battered, broken traveler lay helpless as others passed by.

Chabadza means we are obligated to help. In Zimbabwe, travelers must, by custom, stop to help anyone along the road who requests it, even if only for a few minutes. This may be to harvest a crop, or clear a field, or to carry a message to someone’s family in another village.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus also calls us to Chabadza. He reminds us that we cannot leave the sick and injured by the roadside. “Chabadza: Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe” is a mission group working to bring this help, through the building of a desperately needed medical clinic in Munyarari, Zimbabwe.

Our vision began with the Munyarari Mission, two schools and a United Methodist Church, serving more than 1,300 children, many of whom were orphaned by AIDS. The next phase is to build a permanent, Christ-centered, health clinic serving Munyariari and the 23 surrounding villages. Our effort is a partnership of local tribal leaders, the Christian community, Africa University, and the Zimbabwe East Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The clinic will bring life-saving treatment, hospice-like care, and disease prevention. It will also help train medical and public health personnel from Africa University in Mutare, so more Zimbabweans can receive the disease prevention education and medical care they desperately need.

How Can I Help?

► Pray for and increase your understanding of the needs of the Zimbabwean people.

► Volunteer your skills in medicine, finance, international law, construction, civil engineering,

fundraising, or public relations.

► Make a donation to support and build the clinic.

► Contact the Chabadza / Zimbabwe Mission Team for more information. Call Dave Talbot

at 410-836-8412 or e-mail dave.talbot@comcast.net.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR ZIMBABWE

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Churches around the world will be praying for the people of Zimbabwe on this day. These are trying times for our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe and their families, and we need to lift up the children, the widows, and the orphans as they struggle with their lives. We also lift up the Munyarari Mission Team, Pastor Lloyd Nyarota, Bishop Nhiwatiwa, and others working in Zimbabwe. The Sanctuary will be open for prayer on April 18 from 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM. A Prayer Guide is now available at the Welcome Center.

Hey there, Buckeroos, it’s time for AVALANCHE RANCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! Saddle up and join the wagon train as we hit the trail for A Wild Ride Through God’s Word on June 25-29, 2007. Registrations are open and filling fast, so make your intentions known for being part of the biggest round-up of folk Bel Air UMC has ever seen! Ages 3 through Grade 5 are invited to join us on the trail from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon each day. The cost is $20 per child. And, oh yeah, we need some folk to travel with us along the way as Elementary Ranch Crew Leaders, Prairie Dog Preschool Leaders and Assistants, Horseplay Game Leaders, and Wild Bible Adventure Trail Boss. Registration forms are available on the wall at the Welcome Center or on-line at www.baumc.com. Registration deadline: May 31. Preschool classes will close before the deadline, as limited space is available. Wahoo, see you there! For more information, contact Joni Behrendt at 410-838-5181, ext. 39, or e-mail behrendtj@baumc.com.

Family Fiesta Celebrates

Cinco de Mayo

Saturday, May 5, 2007

5:00–6:30 PM

Wear Your Sombreros, Break Out The Maracas,

And Take A Swing At The Pinata!

Join the family fun as we celebrate this Mexican national holiday commemorating

the Mexican Army’s defeat of French forces – much like our 4^th of July celebration!

Make Your Own Taco Bar Supper Provided!

Sponsored by the Children & Family Ministries Team of Bel Air UMC.

The Family Ministries Team will be sponsoring a FAMILY RETREAT at Eden Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on January 18-20, 2008. The theme will be Cultivating Christian Character: What’s A Parent To Do? The cost is $200 for the whole family. Brochures are available on the wall at the Welcome Center. To reserve your space, please complete the registration form and send a $100 deposit by May 15, 2007. The remainder ($100) will be due by November 1, 2007. Make your check payable to Bel Air UMC and mark it “Family Retreat.”

MISSION DINNERS

Did you know?

Since 2001, there have been 35 “Wednesday Night Mission Dinners” which have raised over $30,000 for various missions and ministries of the church. This is our report for last year:

2006

March 8 Chicken Dinner to benefit Baltimore Mission Profit $800

April 5 Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Boy Scout Troop 777 Profit $1000

May 10 Turkey Dinner to benefit Russian Outreach Ministry Profit $1500

June 14 Roast Pork Dinner to benefit Baltimore Mission Profit $590

September 6 Chicken Dinner to benefit Habitat for Humanity Profit $1200

October 11 Roast Beef Dinner to benefit Lightner Library Profit $1300

November 8 Turkey Dinner to benefit Zimbabwe Mission Profit $2200

December 13 Meatloaf Dinner to benefit Baltimore Mission Profit $730

A big Thank You!

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

Wednesday, April 11 ▪ 5:00-7:00 PM

Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Boy Scout Troop 777

Wednesday, May 9 ▪ 5:00-7:00 PM

Turkey Dinner to benefit Russian Outreach Ministry

VIM Trip to Louisiana

Our Volunteers In Mission (VIM) Team and the Youth are planning a mission trip to Louisiana during the week of June 17-23, 2007. An information/preparation meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 PM in the Youth Center. At this meeting, we’ll go over flight schedules, housing, waivers, and medical forms. If you are planning to go on the trip and cannot make this meeting, please contact Tony Vinciguerra or Tom Hodges to get the information. If you are interested in going on this trip and need more information, you are welcome to attend. For questions, contact Tony Vinciguerra at 410-893-9828 or e-mail tlvincig@clearviewcatv.net.

Food Donations Lead To Feinstein Funds

Again this year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million dollars among agencies fighting hunger. For every dollar we raise during the months of March and April, we get additional funds from the Feinstein Foundation. Donations can be in the form of cash (designated for Manna House or Neighbors In Need or marked Feinstein) or food items (non-perishable foods can be deposited in the canisters at the McComas Hall entrance). Food donations will count as $1 per item or pound. The more donations we receive, the bigger share we will get of the available dollars! This is a great opportunity for us to raise money for feeding the hungry in our community. For more information, contact Bob Vestal at 410-515-2382 or e-mail RVestal1@comcast.net.

Your Gift Can Have a Lasting Impact on the Work of Christ Through the Church

THE LEGACY COMMITTEE has developed a brochure entitled Legacy Giving: Does It Make Sense For You?

This brochure describes how to:

▪ Give to express your blessings

▪ Give cash

▪ Give appreciated property

▪ Give by making provisions in your will

▪ Give and retain income for life

▪ Give or redirect life insurance

▪ Give a memorial gift

▪ Give to a life estate arrangement

For more information, contact Jim Paradise, Chairperson of the Legacy Committee, at 410-877-7197.

Here is the story of one person who is expressing her faith through a charitable gift to Bel Air United Methodist Church. Her gift is given out of her gratitude for what the Lord has done for her…

When I was 11 years old, the pastor of the Methodist Church in Aberdeen asked me if I would like to become a member of the church. I said yes. With the others who joined that day, I pledged my loyalty to the Methodist Church. I offered to give my prayers, my presence, my gifts, and my service.

Throughout the years, I have been faithful in fulfilling my pledge. My husband, Raymond, and I always tithed our income. Since he was a United Methodist minister, I learned first hand the value of good stewardship shown by the members of the churches we served.

Stewardship relates to the way we live out our commitment to Jesus Christ. When we all give generously, we do not have to be bothered with fundraisers.

A few years ago, I planned my living trust. I knew I wanted to leave the Bel Air United Methodist Church a gift that would express to God and to Jesus Christ my thanks and gratitude for the years the Methodist Church has been my guide and my spiritual family.

Elaine Crowe

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE from Debbie Englar, Stewardship Representative

God’s Way…

Our Heavenly Father and Creator desires for His children to be blessed… Just as the farmer plants, and expects his seed to grow, under God’s care. Consider our need to PLANT. We must invest in God, as He is our best resource and provides our greatest opportunity for return. If we don’t plant first, then God has nothing to respond to for the blessing. We can’t pray about the need without the seed. Consider our need to PLAN. God cannot bless chaos, and if we proceed with a mindset that we will “make it somehow,” or use luck, these are not godly plans to be followed. Consider our need to PRIORITIZE. All have needs, wants, and desires. Let us understand needs – food, clothes, shelter, according to God’s Word; wants – the quality of the need. After the ability to pay for needs, we can graduate to wants: desires – our wish list than can be covered by surplus. After the bills are paid for needs and wants, then we can graduate to desires. Consider our need to PRAY. God is a debt-counseling God. (Read 2 Kings 4.) Prayer brings possibilities to the light, to God’s light! Allow God to bless you as you give your time, talents, tithes, and offerings… God’s Way!

Dr. Charles Swindoll, Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, says:

“Prayer is an investment. The time you dedicate to prayer isn’t lost; it will return dividends far greater than what a few moments spent on a task ever could. If we fail to cultivate this discipline, prayer winds up being our last resort rather than our first response.”

America is in desperate need of prayer – for these unsafe days and during these uncertain times, for our nation’s leaders and all who serve. We ask to be united as “one nation, under God” and for healing. On the eve of the National Day of Prayer, there will be a Service of Prayer and Preparation at Mt. Carmel Chapel on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 7:00 PM. All are invited.

Health Fair

Sunday, April 22, 2007

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

in McComas Hall

Presented by College of Notre Dame Nursing Students

and Sponsored by the Parish Nurse Ministry

Health information and activities for all ages:

Personal Safety / Falls Prevention / Arthritis / Joint Camp

Diabetes Screening / Education / Foot Care

Women’s Health / Cardiac / Menopause

Men’s Health / Prostate

Children’s Health – Hand Washing / Dental Hygiene

Information About Nursing / Future Nurses

Advance Directives

Organ Donation

Sun Safety / Screening / Education

TRC The Recovery Connection

The mission statement of The Recovery Connection is:

Bel Air United Methodist Church will provide support for the addiction sufferer and his or her family, education for the congregation and community, and a program of prevention in an open, caring atmosphere to help provide spiritual recovery from addiction.

The Recovery Connection will wrap up its 2006-2007 Addiction and Recovery Education Series with a Round Table Discussion: How, When, and Why to Intervene on Addiction in the Family on Monday, April 30 at 7:00 PM in the Youth Center. Church members, their friends and family, and the public are invited to come, ask questions, take part in the discussion, or just listen as TRC members talk about the importance of addiction treatment and recovery.

Also, TRC is making available two different resource packets entitled “Could You Be An Alcoholic Or Substance Abuser? And “Could Someone Close To You Be An Alcoholic Or Substance Abuser?” The packets include information on the nature of various addictions and the names and contacts for treatment programs in Maryland, as well as brochures from the 12-step support groups that exist for both addiction sufferers and their loved ones. As the name indicates, one packet is tailored to the needs of the person who may be suffering from addiction, while the other packet provides useful information relevant to the relative or friend of the addiction sufferer. The green and blue folders, respectively, are free and may be picked up at the church in two locations: the literature rack at the Welcome Center, and in the Library on The Recovery Connection shelf.

The Recovery Connection would like to reiterate that help on finding addiction treatment and recovery support is just a phone call away. If you need to locate such resources in the community, please call the Church Office at 410-838-5181 to reach a TRC member.

UMW SUNDAY - APRIL 29, 2007

The Bel Air United Methodist Women will be celebrating UMW Sunday on April 29, 2007 during all morning worship services. Our speaker will be Tracey Tiernan of WRBS Radio, speaking on the topic Look At The Map.

Tracey has been a professional musician since she was 16. After she recommitted her life to the Lord in 1995, it took several years, and several jobs, but God got her attention. She gave up playing music in secular bands and began ministering with the local Christian group “Unveiled.”

Her passion for communicating spiritual truth grew into opportunities to speak, sing, act, and write, and has now led her to radio. She ministers through the radio 7 days a week, hosting the afternoon show on Baltimore’s 95.1 FM WRBS.

Tracey has spoken to a wide range of audiences, including women, youth, and multi-cultural congregations at retreats, events, and church services. Last summer, she was thrilled to go on a mission trip to South Africa. She has also traveled to Thailand and India with Compassion International.

Tracey continues to sing and write for “Unveiled” and loves to worship God through music. She is also the Assistant Programming Director at Bridgeway Community Church. She says of her busy schedule: “I am blessed to serve God in so many different ways, and I believe God gives us all the energy we need to do what He’s called us to do.”

We invite everyone to come and hear Tracey’s message as we celebrate UMW Sunday!

Women Singers Needed: There will be a Women’s Chorus on UMW Sunday. Rehearsals will be held on two Wednesdays, April 18 and April 25, at 8:15 PM. Join us!

NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY:

To keep everyone safe and to protect our floors, the wearing of “heelies” and sports cleats in the church building is prohibited and will be enforced.

♥ March Results… The net total for our March 12, 2007 Blood Drive was 50 units of blood. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each person who came out in support of this drive.

♥ Mark Your Calendar… The next Blood Drive at the church will be on Monday, May 14, from 9:30 AM to 8:00 AM. Appointments can be made on the signup sheet across from the Church Office. We encourage donors to sign up early for the best selection of an appointment time.

♥ Your Help Is Needed… In recent years, the demand for blood donations has increased and often exceeds the supply. Please give prayerful consideration to becoming a blood donor if you are eligible and are not already donating. Maryland allows individuals to start donating at age 16 with written parental consent. Blood is truly the ultimate gift of love for others. To the many folks whose health and recovery requires blood transfusions, it is literally the gift of life and the greatest blessing they could possibly receive. And for the donor, the only “cost” is an hour or so of your time, since the blood you give will be replenished by your body. There is no other source for this most precious commodity. If you are blessed with good health, please consider sharing this blessing with those in need.

Dear Friends,

How wonderful it is to see God’s hands at work. Because of your contributions to the Baby Bottle Drive, we can help many young moms who are often alone raising their children, or other young women who make the courageous decision to keep their child while so many around urge them to abort. We are currently seeing between 60 and 70 clients a month.

Thank you for the wonderful donation to Alpha’s Glory Crisis Pregnancy Center. The $3,252.84 from your very successful Baby Bottle Drive has been designated to our photocopying expenses. There is always a great need for forms, lessons, and literature in our work. With your gift, this obstacle will be removed and the ministry here will be able to forge ahead.

We appreciate your generosity to this ministry. May God continue to bless the work of your hands.

For Alpha’s Glory,

Karen Wilson, Director

On behalf of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, I want to express appreciation to Bel Air United Methodist Church for the 100% payment of 2006 apportionments. Our apportioned funds support the many connectional ministries in which we all share as United Methodists. This includes support for important ministries like ongoing Hurricane Relief in the Gulf Coast Region; various leadership development, camping, and youth opportunities across our Conference (like Leadership Days and the Rock Retreat); as well as scholarship support for United Methodist college and seminary students across the U.S. and throughout the world.

Please extend to the congregation my appreciation and that of the Baltimore-Washington Conference for your efforts in support of our connectional ministries. I look forward to another great year in our life together on the Baltimore-Harford District. May God continue to bless you as we experience the joy of Christ.

Faithfully,

C. Anthony Hunt, District Superintendent

Dear BAUMC Friends,

During Rod’s surgery and recovery, we have been so thankful for your cards, calls, and visits. We are grateful that Peg and Barry have been most helpful to us during this time. We continue to trust God for healing, and we feel blessed to have you praying for us.

Thank you for all you have done to help us during this difficult time.

With our thanks,

Rod & Jackie Hutchinson

Dear Church Family,

I am so grateful to all of you for the loving support I have received during my hospitalization, rehab, and upon returning home. Your prayers, visits, food, cards, and calls of encouragement have meant so much to me. I thank God for each one of you.

Vivian Fortner

Dear Friends,

We cannot tell you enough how much we appreciate your prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, and food from the Casserole Ministry. Your thoughts and remembrances mean a great deal. Our many thanks go to all of you. We keep BAUMC in our thoughts, love, and prayers.

Rewey McAuley and Family

Jayne and I, plus the entire family, want to thank you for the thoughts, cards, and prayers that were extended to us during recent days. My mother (Elsa Anderson) meant a lot to our family and her friends, and she will be missed physically – but her memory will last.

In prayer,

Alan Anderson

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 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:

Deadline

May 2007 Wednesday, April 25

June 2007 Sunday, May 27

SPIRE Editor - Alice Archer

SPIRE Mailing - Sandy and Palmer Paules

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

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 Student 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,

Jeff Shimek

Chair, Administrative Council – Bill Benson

Secretary, Administrative Council – Jen Evans

President, Board of Trustees – Rick Schulte

Chair, Finance Committee – Barry Miller

Chair, Staff-Parish Relations – George Newberry

Secretary, Lay Leadership Committee – Sue Shank

Lay Leader – Janet Newberry