Advent/Christmas Sermon Series

From Humbug to Hallelujah

Join us as we prepare our hearts for the Savior’s birth.

Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol’ will be the theme for illustrations.*

Sunday, December 2

Break the Chains of Christmas Past

Luke 1:67-79

Sunday, December 9

Rekindle the Joy of Christmas

Luke 1:39-55

Sunday, December 16

8:00 AM and Mt. Carmel Chapel

Celebrate the Love of Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25

9:20 and 11:00 AM

Chancel Choir Cantata

Come Ye Faithful

Friday, December 21

7:00 PM Pre-Christmas Service

A Café Christmas

Worship / Karaoke / Refreshments

in Youth Center

Sunday, December 23

Embrace the Hope of Christmas

Matthew 2:1-15

7:00 PM at Mt. Carmel Chapel

Service of Carols

Monday, December 24

4:00 PM Family Service

The Prince of Peace

5:00 and 7:00 PM Candlelight Services

at Mt. Carmel Chapel

The Thumb Island Elephant Christmas

Musical Preludes at 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 PM

7:00 PM Candlelight Communion Service

9:00 and 11:00 PM Candlelight Services

Be Transformed by Christmas

Luke 1:26-38

Sunday, December 30

Keep Christmas in Your Heart All Year

Luke 2:8-20

* ”A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is available at the Welcome Center, in conjunction with our Advent Sermon Series From Humbug to Hallelujah. The book includes commentary on the story’s Christian symbolism. The cost is $2.

Christmas Eve Help Needed

Communion Servers are needed for the 7:00 PM Christmas Eve service. 20 servers are needed. Adults and youth aged 15 and older are welcome to serve. The signup sheet is located on the Ushers Desk.

Greeters are needed for the 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 PM services. Please contact Alice Archer at 410-838-5181, ext. 11.

Childcare Workers are needed for the 7:00 PM Candlelight Communion Service. Are you available and willing to provide care for the wee ones on Christmas Eve? Contact Joni Behrendt at 410-838-5181, ext. 39, for more information and to volunteer.

*** A Note from the Welcome Team ***

During the upcoming holidays, we anticipate an increase in the number of visitors to our church. Be extra aware of all you can do to help enhance the welcoming atmosphere you would want to experience if you were a visitor. Here are a few suggestions which are easy to do.

● Say hello and introduce yourself to at least one or two people you don’t already know.

● Offer someone with young children the activity packet (located at the back of the Sanctuary).

● Move toward the center of the pew to allow for late arrivals to easily find a seat.

● If someone looks a little lost, help them find what they are looking for. If you don’t know,

then walk with them to the Welcome Center, to the Guest Information folks in the Narthex,

or the Sunday School Information Desk by the Armstrong Entrance.

● Invite a visitor to the next Discovery Luncheon (it will be held on Sunday, January 13).

Better yet, offer to attend with them.

Christmas Greetings

Again this year, we are offering the opportunity to share your Christmas greetings with others in the congregation by signing the BIG card on the bulletin board in the lobby and, in turn, making a donation to our Christmas ministry. We also invite you to “mail” your Christmas cards to the congregation by using the lettered mail slots, also located in the lobby outside the Narthex.

New Sermon Series

Beginning Sunday, January 13:

The Gift of Prayer

Get closer to Jesus and find more peace and joy

in your heart as we look at the ways

to experience God in prayer.

AN AFTERNOON ESCAPE…

Don’t want to watch the football game?

Tired of wrapping presents and baking cookies?

Ready to spend some time for yourself?

You’re invited to come to the Lightner Library from 1:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, December 16 and on Sunday, December 30. You can spend some quiet time reading, catching up on your small group or class assignment, or just browsing the shelves to learn all the library has to offer. We have lots of new fiction and Christmas books for adults and children! Coffee and light refreshments will be available. For more information, call Emma Jean McDermott at 410-838-8521.

NEW BOOKS

Children’s Christmas

What Happened to Merry Christmas?, by Baker

King of the Stable, by Carlson

What Nick and Holly Found in Grandpa’s Attic, by Carlson

The Christmas Lizard, by Edwards

One Starry Night, by Godfrey and Ayres

The Star of Christmas (Veggie Tales), by Kenny

The Stable That Bob Built, by Kenny

The Shepherd’s Christmas Story, by Mackall

Zeek, the Christmas Mouse, by Schneider

Hare’s Christmas Gift, by Schmid

Gigi, The Perfect Christmas Gift, by Walsh

Children’s Fiction

Coming Home, by Lucado

His Mighty Warrior, by Shepherd

Canyon Rescue, by Bolton

Legend of Gid the Kid and the Black Bean Bandits, by Miller

Adult Christmas

The Aluminum Christmas Tree, by Davis

Christmas in Harmony, by Gulley

A Christmas to Remember, by Kincaid

Christmas in My Heart, by Wheeler

Adult Non-Fiction

3:16 – The Numbers of Hope, by Lucado

A Great Freedom, by North

Adult Fiction

Sisterchicks Series, by Robin Jones Gunn

Gideon’s Gift, Magie’s Miracle, Sarah’s Song, Hannah’s Hope, Ever After, and Between Sundays, by Karen Kingsbury

A book titled Grace Gifts explores graceful giving and receiving. It asks us to imagine what God is creating with the connections between givers and receivers. This $6 book makes a great gift for those who enjoy a spiritual stroll with beautiful scenery. All proceeds will be gifts to a homeless family, a family’s first student to graduate from college, Habitat for Humanity, and the medical clinic in Zimbabwe. Written by a member of our church family, the book will be for sale between services in McComas Hall on Sunday, December 16.

BAUMC ON ICE 2008!

Sharpen your skates! Start the New Year off on the right “foot”

and join your church family at Ice World in Abingdon on Tuesday,

January 1, 2008 from 2:30-4:30 PM. Admission is $10 per family

or $3 per person (plus $3 skate rental if needed). Here’s the “kicker”:

Bring a friend who does not attend BAUMC, and you and your friend

get in free! Mark your calendar now for this exciting all-church activity

sponsored by the BAUMC Children & Family Ministries Team.

A Russian Christmas Eve Celebration

On Sunday, January 6, 2008, Bel Air United Methodist Church

will be hosting Reverend Eduard Khegay, who will speak at all

three worship services as a guest of the Russian Outreach

Committee.

Many may remember his previous visit to Bel Air UMC in February

2006. At that time, he described his youth in Communist Russia

and his coming to Christ through a relationship with an

American missionary. He was and continues to be the Assistant

to Bishop Hans Växby, United Methodist Church in Eurasia.

Since many in Russia celebrate Christmas on January 6, some special music is planned. The topic

of Reverend Khegay’s sermon is not known at this time, but he and Reverend Carol Pazdersky will be sharing the services.

Reverend Khegay was born in l970 in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, Soviet Union, to parents in the Communist Party. Kazakhstan is located in south east Russia, bordering China, and is best known today for its rich oil deposits. The first half of his life was under Communism, and the last half was as Russia was becoming more democratic. He had no Christian background and thought Christians were strange, joyless people.

While he was in Moscow at the Bauman Moscow Technical University studying engineering in 1992, he met a missionary named Jonathan Park, now a pastor in Los Angeles, who encouraged him to come to a Bible study group. It was during the time that the Soviet Union was collapsing, the economy was crashing, and there were no products in the stores. He wondered why anyone would voluntarily come there, particularly from sunny California.

After learning about Christ’s love and becoming increasingly involved, he decided he wanted to dedicate his life to God. He felt drawn to Methodism and the Methodist Church because of its atmosphere that did not tell you what to believe and its openness to all questions. After finishing college, he attended the Moscow United Methodist Theological Seminary, became a pastor in St. Petersburg, and subsequently received a Master of Divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

He has now been given a full scholarship to attend Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC for his

Doctor of Ministry program in the Church Leadership Excellence track. This is the first time such a scholarship has ever been given. Several churches were requested to donate $2,000 each to cover the cost of his travel expenses for the five trips that he would be making between Russia and Washington, DC. Our committee willingly agreed to contribute.

In addition to his current position as the Bishop’s Assistant, Reverend Khegay is also a part-time pastor for the Raduga UMC in Moscow. The following is a quote describing his experience as a pastor:

“It is amazing to be a pastor in Moscow today, where life is rapidly changing, the economy experiences fast growth, corruption is high, moral values are destroyed, a new consumer generation is emerging, and a great spiritual vacuum exists. I believe that in this very midst of life complexity, God gives the church a great opportunity to proclaim the gospel, call people into Christian discipleship, and transform the world. As a pastor, I feel very privileged to serve my church and be a part of God’s Kingdom.”

Russia Mission Initiative

The Russia Initiative, which also includes the Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus, is a partnership among annual conferences, congregations, and institutions committed to church growth and development in that region. It is sponsored and organized by the General Board of Global Ministries.

The initiative began in the winter of 1991-1992, with the primary purpose to deliver food to Russsia’s Moscow Region. Later, Global Ministries expanded the project to include the re-establishment of Methodism in the former Soviet Union. The Eurasia Annual Conference was established in 1997, with expansion to four annual conferences in 2003 and a fifth annual conference in 2005.

Rev. Carol Pazdersky, Carol and Rob McCormack, Jean Walker, and Gloria Baker recently attended the Russia Initiative Consultation held in Kansas City. For more information, visit the website http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/initiative/russia/.

Washington, DC Bus Tour

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Hosted by Sweet Charity Trips, this trip will benefit the Russia Initiative Program of Bel Air United Methodist Church. The cost of the trip is $70.

The first $35 is due with your reservation, and the remainder will be due March 1, 2008. Call Dottie DeCarlo at 410-335-7744 or e-mail her at dotdecarlo@aol.com to make your reservation.

The trip includes:

● Washington National Cathedral – Guided Tour

● Library of Congress – Guided Tour

● Old Post Office Pavilion Center – Lunch & View from Clock Tower

● Madame Tussauds Museum – Wax Figures of Presidents & First Ladies

The bus will leave at 8:30 AM from the church parking lot and returns at approximately 6:30 PM.

Further information may be obtained from the flyer available at the Welcome Center or on-line at http:/sweetcharitytrips/com.

A Tax Tip from the National Society of Tax Professionals

There is a little known provision of the tax law that is in effect until December 31, 2007. Congress can extend this provision in the law, but there are no guarantees. This particular law could benefit certain senior citizens who have become 70½ years old, have a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and are required by law to take at least a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

There are a significant number of retirees who have provided well for themselves for retirement, therefore some may wish to put off taking distributions from their IRA’s. They do not intend to increase taxable income; however, at 70½ they face compliance with the RMD… and these distributions are taxable income.

Several things occur with RMD’s:

(1) Taxable income inceases.

(2) More of Social Security benefits are taxable.

(3) Tax brackets can change upward.

(4) If you itemize and benefit from medical expenses as a deduction, less will be deductible, due to increased Adjusted Gross Income, thereby impacting the 7.5% limitation on medical deductions.

Therefore, if extra income is not needed, consider another approach. Under the current provision of the tax law, you can make a direct gift of all or a portion of the IRA to a qualified charitable organization – maximum gift amount is $100,000. It is not included in the taxpayer’s income. It is a direct transfer gift from the IRA custodian to the charitable organization. This law is scheduled to expire December 31, 2007. In order to receive the greatest tax saving, a gift of a portion or the entire IRA, subject to maximum limitation, is possible before this provision in the law expires.

Note: You may have more than one IRA. Your gift will count toward the RMD for 2007. Also, future calculations of RMD’s will be less as they will be figured on a smaller amount.

The BAUMC Legacy Committee

Have you completed your 2008 Stewardship Commitment form? Now is the time for us to see what God wants us to do, and your gift is essential. There are fields that are ready for us to plant the seeds of God’s love and grace. Commitment forms are available in the pew racks and at the Welcome Center.

Job Description: APPALACHIA!

I’ve been trying to write a job description for the work we do. I had an explanation of what we do, but it actually is not a job description. The Appalachian project is just a part of what is done, and it does not lend itself to an organized description. For instance, we collect about 100 or more bags of clothes per week for Tabitha’s House, plus baby furniture, shoes, toys, books, and household items. We collect from Bel Air UMC at least one truck load of clothes, and other things, sometimes twice a week. We collect from Bows & Britches at least one truck load a week of toys and clothes. Also from Country Britches. A load a week comes from Advent Lutheran. Then we get several calls a week from individuals who have a load to donate. Most all of this is taken to the warehouse.

Now, delivery goes to Appalachia four times a year, in January, June, September, and December. Every week we take a load of 80 to 100 bags to the Church of the Nazarene in Pylesville, who send about 1,200 banana boxes of clothes, tableware, blankets, and all other sorts of items to about 22 different countries. About once a month, we take 80 to 100 bags of clothes to Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster, who sells some things at two locations to support their work and then sends many things to other Third World countries. Then, about once a month we take a load of clothes, baby furniture, toys, and household items to Agape House in Baltimore City. We had been taking things to the Mason-Dixon Center, but they are only open at certain times and it’s hard to get there on time. All the things that are picked up are picked up by my partner and me. It requires work every day, including Sundays. We are committed to doing it, and it is something the Lord has led both of us into doing. However, my partner is almost 83 and has arthritis in his hip, which will be replaced in January. I’m almost 80 and have arthritis in my knees, hips, lower back, and shoulders. It’s a family thing. We are both in pain, but controlled pain. We both agree with Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything. We’ve worked for about 15 years, and now it’s time to do something else. The Lord will lead us.

But how could I ask someone to do what we do? I can’t. So we’re just going to close down, unless the Lord sends someone.

Please pray that God will call someone to help with this vital ministry. For more information, contact Harry Fitzhugh at 410-836-1462 or Rev. Peggy Groseclose at 410-838-5181, ext. 14.

BLOOD DRIVE NEWS

♥ November Totals… Our Blood Drive on November 12 resulted in 51 good units of blood from the 58 willing donors who signed in. This represents an increase from our recent Blood Drives. On behalf of the many patients who will benefit from these donations, we express our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who came out in support of the drive.

♥ Happy New Year 2008… Ready or not, 2008 is fast approaching! As you get your new calendars and begin to fill them with your activities and appointments, please include our Blood Drive dates. Our Blood Drives occur on the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. If you are an eligible donor, please consider making this one of your resolutions for 2008. It is truly the most precious gift of all, and willing donors such as yourself are still the only source.

♥ Our next Blood Drive will be on Monday, January 14, 2008 from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Our Volunteers In Mission (VIM) Team have scheduled another trip to Louisiana on January 13-20, 2008. A planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 2 at 7:00 PM. For information, please call Dave Candey (410-420-3830), Andy Hessenauer (410-942-0766), or Palmer Paules (410-836-7456).

“Neighbors In Need” Needs Your Support!

Dear Food Volunteers,

We want to thank you all very much for the food

you have delivered to us. It sure came in at a needed time!

Did you know that our congregation reaches out to 225 needy seniors every month? The Harford County Department on Aging has identified seniors in our community who have scarce resources, and our congregation has responded to those who need help through our Neighbors In Need/Senior Food Distribution program. BAUMC provides nutritious food at the end of month to help these neighbors. Over the years, we have heard from grateful recipients about how the food we provide makes it possible for them to eat healthfully even as their own resources dwindle.

This program needs your support. To pack or deliver food, please call the Church Office (410-838-5181) for more information. To financially support this ministry, send contributions to the church or place them in the offering plate. Be sure to specify that your gift is for “Neighbors In Need.”

Harford Habitat for Humanity

By now you should have received a framed photo of the FaithWorks 2 home and partner family, Ms. Jeannie Nkuruziza and her son Hosanna. The faith community of the Bel Air United Methodist Church was significant in helping to build this home.

On behalf of Harford Habitat for Humanity, I would like to share our gratitude with your congregation. Perhaps the framed picture can be a reminder that you have been the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in Aberdeen.

In His Service,

Joseph Hughes

Church Relations Committee

Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United, Inc.

On behalf of FCCAU, I thank you for your generous donation of 25 blankets in the amount of $250. These items have been a tremendous blessing to the homeless men and women coming into the shelter. When God has a plan and his people respond, there is nothing that cannot be done!

We extend our prayers for a year of God’s blessings on you. Again, thank you for your commitment to bringing this spirit of change to the lives of the homeless in Harford County.

Sincerely,

Judy Merritt

Executive Director

The Neighbors In Need Furniture Program began 19 years ago through the hard work of Bel Air United Methodist Church and their volunteers. As of October 1, 2007, the volunteers from this program have retired and the program has been redirected. Customer and client needs should no longer be sent to Harford County Government through the Department of Community Services nor through Bel Air United Methodist Church.

The following organizations offer assistance to those in need and will gladly accept donations of the items indicated:

Harvest of Love Mission, Aberdeen

Phone 410-273-8995

Furniture, household items, clothing, small appliances.

Lutheran Mission Society

531 Legion Drive, Havre de Grace

Phone 410-939-0879

Food and clothing.

Alpha’s Glory

106 N. Philadelphia Blvd., Aberdeen

Phone 410-272-4711

Baby furniture, clothing (up to size 2), diapers, baby food and formula.

Tabitha’s House

112 Connolly Road, Fallston

Phone 410-877-9730

Clothing and household items.

Our annual remembrance of the Saints in our congregation was observed on Sunday, November 4, 2007. We honor those who have died in Christ, having lived lives of faithful service, during the past year.

Virginia Stark

Helen (Bobby) Spicer

Catherine Ennis

James Hightower

Rev. George Pferdeort

Susan Tracy

Mildred Preston

Margaret Winaker

Elsa Anderson

Meridith Morris

Vera Moody

Gertrude Francisco

Robert McClurg

Herschel Fender

William Paul Gordon

George Runyon

Dennis Sulkowski

Doris Stemler

Rewey McAuley

James McConnell

Margaret (Peggy) Kelly

Dolores Hearn

Archie Kaper

Rod Hutchinson

Iris Lufburrow

Brandon Hilyard