November-December 2007


 

 

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.

 



 

 

The Sound of Holiday Music

presented by

THE BEL AIR COMMUNITY CHORUS

Sunday, December 16, 2007

7:00 PM

Bel Air United Methodist Church

 



 

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

 



 

 

 

     We wish to thank our church family for their thoughts, prayers, cards, and support during our recent loss of Barb’s step-father, Ed Asher.  We truly appreciate all your concern.

Lou & Barb Sedlak

 

To my Bel Air United Methodist Church family,

     I would like to thank all of you for your support while we grieve the loss of my mother, Dolores Hearn.  We were so humbled by the outpouring of love and comfort at our time of sorrow.  Thank you for being there and serving in the name of Jesus.

Denise & Rick McGhee and Family

 

The family of Iris Lufburrow sincerely thanks all who have given so graciously in support and remembrance of Iris with your prayers, meals, cards, and words of concern and care.  We were deeply touched.  God has richly blessed us with your friendship and love.  God bless you,

Jack Lufburrow

Chip & Charlene Lufburrow

Lynda & Mike Trueblood

Sandy & Mike Bishop

 


 

WITH APOLOGIES TO EDGAR A. GUEST

 

It takes a heap o’ prayin’ to make a house a Christian home.

A heap o’ love and patience and sometimes when children roam

A heap o’ understandin’ when they come back to your door

To keep from sayin’ “I told you so” and thus make them roam some more.

It takes a heap o’ working both of muscle and of mind

To train your children as you ought; to be both firm and kind.

It takes a heap o’ studying o’ the way the Savior trod

To keep your children and yourself fit to present to God.

It takes cooperation to make our church God’s home on earth.

To see each individual for what God thinks he is worth.

We must daily think of others and live out God’s law of love

Trusting always in his guidance seeking daily help from above.

Forgetting self in service – doing good to fellow man

And like the Good Samaritan cross lines of race and clan.

Just lose yourself with no thought of gain – using your ability

To bring God’s Kingdom here and now and through eternity.

 

This poem was written by Virginia Groseclose (Bill’s mother) for the Family Fellowship Week Banquet at First UMC on July 24, 1981.

 


 

Great is thy faithfulness!

 

A Celebration of Our 40 and 50 Year Members

was held at Mt. Carmel Chapel on Sunday, October 14, 2007.

Congratulations to these faithful members of Bel Air United Methodist Church!

 

Class of 1967 (40 Years)

Art Benson, Gloria Benson, Bob Gillette, Sue Gillette, Wilson Gorrell, Sandy Gorrell, Lawrence Graham, Frances Graham, Tom Hutcheson, Ruth Hutcheson, Linda Kaste, Cora Moore

 

Class of 1966 (41 Years)

Harry Buck, George Dryden, Ron Fortner, Vivian Fortner, Alice Humphrey, Palmer Paules, Sandy Paules, Jack Riggin, Eileen Riggin, Paula Roberty, Betty Bolt Scott, Hazel Wells, Paul Wooddell, Barbara Wooddell

 

Class of 1965 (42 Years)

Gerry Bolt, George Callender, Pat Callender, Evelyn Clayton, Jencie Dailey, Ken Kern, Paul Newcomer, Glenys Rigney, Sue Rouzer

 

Class of 1957 (50 Years)

Frances Bowman, John Denbow, Sr., Anna Denbow, Lloyd Fry, Kathleen Fry, Lucille Jones, Jack Kendall, Tom Smith, Mary Lou White

 

Class of 1956 (51 Years)

Clonie Bolt, Nellie Graybeal, Jean McLane, James Mentzer, Margaret Mentzer, Judy Rinehart, Virginia Schafer, Doris Scholl

 

Class of 1955 (52 Years)

Shirley MacLean, Emmitt Pelt

 


 

TINY TOTS SCHOOL NEWS

from Joan Elloff, Director

 

In November, we counted our blessings and were “thankful in our work and play.”  We learned about classical music and the Golden Rule, we did science experiments, and traveled to Brazil in social studies.  We took a field trip to Goucher College to see American Indian dancers.  The children collected canned food for Manna House, and we sing there once a month.

 

The Tiny Tots 3 year old classes are getting ready for Jesus’ birthday!  Our shape in December is a star, just like the one that the shepherds saw on that special night.  Our color is yellow, our number is four, and we will learn about the minister’s job for our community helper.

 

The 4 year old Tiny Tots are very excited and quite busy.  We will count the days until Jesus’ birthday on the Advent calendar and talk about how blessed it is to give and to help others.  The school will have a hat and mitten tree to help needy neighbors, and canned food is being collected for Manna House.  We visited a farm to select a Christmas tree for each classroom, and we decorated our trees with crafts each day.  In social studies, we’ll travel to Israel.  We will sing holiday songs, learn about Tchaikovsky and The Nutcracker ballet, and visit the Meyerhoff Theater downtown.  We’ll celebrate Christmas with our holiday program on Friday, December 14 in the Sanctuary.  Merry Christmas!

 


 

Three Steps to Membership

 

At Bel Air United Methodist Church, our commitment to you begins on the day of your first visit.   We aspire to help you grow in discipleship, and to be there for you in the joys and sorrows of life.  Membership is about your commitment.  It is where you confirm your faith in Christ, and your partnership in the mission and ministry of our church.  If you would like to become a member, the steps to membership are easy and can be completed in any order.  We’ve outlined them below so you can decide what your next step will be.

 

  1. Attend a Discovery Luncheon.  We invite you to join us for an informal lunch with our pastors.  Whether you are a newcomer or a regular attender, Discovery is a unique opportunity to hear our pastors tell their story, and learn more about our church. The next Discovery Luncheon is Sunday, January 13, 2008, 12:30-2:00 PM.  Sign up for Discovery by contacting Lisa Wong Wolf at 410-838-5181, ext. 17, or wolfl@baumc.com.

 

  1. Get connected.  Join a home fellowship group, an adult class, or an on-going ministry in our church that puts you in connection with other members.  We believe the church is made of people, growing and serving together to reflect Christ’s love in the world.  To learn more about ways to serve and grow with us, check out our website at www.baumc.com, or call the Church Office.

 

  1. Come to our 2-session Membership Class.  You’ll get an overview of what it means to be called United Methodist, and how you can continue to grow and serve at Bel Air UMC according to your unique, God-given design.  You’ll also make some new friends!  Our next membership class will be held in the Spring, and we receive people into membership about twice a year.  Please register in advance by completing the New Member Profile, or by contacting Lisa Wong Wolf.

 


 

 

Merry Christmas

from the Church Staff

 


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:

                                                                Deadline

             January 2008                              Sunday, December 30

             February 2008                            Sunday, February 3

             March 2008                                                Sunday, February 24

             April 2008                                   Sunday, March 30

 

 

SPIRE Editor - Alice Archer

SPIRE Mailing - Sandy and Palmer Paules

SPIRE Circulation - Bruce Allen, Margaret Browning, Audrey Tolston Coale,

Shirley Cooney, Elaine Crowe, Lloyd and Kathleen Fry, 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,

Carole Vangrin, 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

Pazdersky, Rev. Carol      pazderskyc@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

Senior Associate Minister - Rev. Peggy Groseclose

Associate Minister – Rev. Carol Pazdersky

Director of Worship & Arts – Rev. Doug Hollida

Director of Children & Family Ministries - 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

 



 

 

Don’t feel like celebrating Christmas?

Do the holidays make you blue?

Or have you had a major loss this year,

and the holidays will be different?

 

Christmas is Christ’s day and still deserves our attention.  Led by Rev. Peggy Groseclose and Rev. Carol Pazdersky, we invite you to Bel Air UMC’s first Blue Christmas Worship Service on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Mt. Carmel Chapel.

 

In this intimate setting, you can join with others to recognize that the longest night of the year falls during this Holy Season.  Instead of all the bells and merry-making, you can use this time to call forth the hope that the birth of Christ meant to a hurting world.

 


 

ADVENT CONCERT SERIES

Take some time from your busy holiday schedule

to enjoy the music of the season.  All concerts begin at 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary.

 

 

Wednesday, December 5

Bel Air High School Ensembles:

The Counterpoints and the Pop Choir,

directed by Terri Matthews

Saxophones Anonymous,

directed by Tony Domenico

 

Wednesday, December 12

Bel Air High School Orchestra and

Bel Air High School Guitar Ensemble,

directed by Terry O’Neill

 

Wednesday, December 19

C. Milton Wright High School Concert Choir,

directed by Paula Roberty

 

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