SOWING SEEDS: SERVING BY GRACE

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop -- a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

(Matthew 13: 3-9 [New Revised Standard Version])

On Saturday, November 10, 2007, our congregation will be serving inside and outside the walls of Bel Air United Methodist Church (BAUMC). Our goal is to sow seeds and in the process of sowing seeds create relationships, create hearts, and show the love of Christ. “Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace” will require your presence, your skills, your abilities, your personalities, your resources, and your love, as members and friends of BAUMC.

Much like the farmer in the passage from Matthew, we will be sowing seeds in many areas around Harford County. We know that some of these seeds will fall along the path, some will fall on rocky ground, some seeds will fall among the thorns, and some seeds, thankfully, will fall on good soil. It is the anticipation of these seeds falling on good soil that compels us to a day in which we will be “Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace”.

Already, organizations have responded with their needs. This day has the potential to be a very special day in the history of BAUMC. Currently, we have over 40 organizations expressing needs for volunteers. Habitat for Humanity, Harford Family House, Steppingstone Museum, Harford County Adult Services, Forest Hill Health and Rehab Center, Bel Air Health and Rehab Center, Concord Point Lighthouse, and Rockfield Manor are just a few of the organizations who have requested help on that day. We estimate that we will need approximately 600 volunteers. The service time for each volunteer will vary with the task that has to be accomplished. Thus far, some of the Project Coordinators have been recruited, but we realize that we will need more Project Coordinators to step forward along with other volunteers.

“A Family Affair,” which will also occur on Saturday, November 10, will have at least 12 stations for children (ages 3 to 9 years) and their parents to assemble kits and make crafts. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Community Room. NOTE: There will be no child care provided for this event.

Stations are listed below, and we need the congregation to donate the listed items for our children to assemble. DONATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED IN THE CHURCH OFFICE. Please call Pat Jones at 410-838-9562 for specific information.

1. Assemble baby items for Alpha’s Glory and SARC.

Rice baby cereal, formula (liquid or powder), jars of baby food

Baby powder, lotion, shampoo, bath, ointment

Bibs, pacifiers (0-3 mos.), new bottles, receiving blankets, diaper wipes

Onesies – especially 12-24 mos.

Small baby toys such as rattles, teething rings, small stuffed animals, etc.

2. Assemble health/hygiene kits for Homeless Shelter, Anna’s House, Tabitha’s House, SARC,

Manna House, and the Church Office.

New hand towels, washcloths, bath size soap

Comb – large and sturdy, nail file or clippers

Individual packs of toothbrushes – adult and kid size, toothpaste (regular size)

Adhesive bandages, travel size shave cream, disposable razors, hand/body lotion

3. Assemble cleaning buckets for Anna’s House

Regular sizes of cleaning supplies (Mr. Clean, Windex, sponges, etc.)

Laundry detergent

Also need cleaning buckets

4. Assemble goodie boxes for BAUMC college students.

Granola bars, individual packages of nuts, chewing gum, microwave popcorn

Bought packaged cookies, cakes (Little Debbie’s, etc.), cheese/peanut butter crackers

Individual packages of cocoa mix, Crystal Lite drink sticks (to add to bottled water)

5. Assemble toy bags for homeless children, Anna’s House, SARC, etc.

Small crayon boxes and coloring books, stickers, bubbles, small toys, small puzzles

Matchbox cars, Beanie Baby size stuffed animals

6. Assemble goodie boxes for BAUMC military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Combination of snack items for college boxes and items for toy bags, which the troops

can hand out to local children.

No donations are needed for the following stations, as these materials will either be purchased for consistency or supplied.

7. Make fleece blankets for homeless children.

8. Make greeting cards for nursing homes, military personnel, and Upper Chesapeake.

9. Make sun catchers for nursing home residents.

10. Make decorated door knob hangers for nursing home residents.

11. Make pipe cleaner flowers or paper flowers in small pots for nursing home residents.

12. Glue price sheets to bags for Hickory Elementary School holiday bazaar.

MONETARY DONATIONS will help with any necessary purchases to complete kits/bags after the listed items have been collected. Please mark these donations “A Family Affair.”

Active recruitment of volunteers is now underway. Stop by one of the Recruitment tables in McComas Hall and the Narthex on Sunday mornings to volunteer at a Sowing Seeds location or to participate in “A Family Affair” on Saturday, November 10.

We are in constant prayer for this day and invite you to be in prayer with us. This is an awesome task, but we know that we serve an awesome God. Although we do not know if our seeds will fall on rocky ground, among the thorns or on good soil, we know that if we step forward, God will use us to open the hearts and minds of those who will receive his blessings. We know that through Christ our efforts will grow in the hearts of those we serve and that “He will produce a crop – a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13: 3-9).

Please sign up and join us on Saturday, November 10, 2007 as we will be “Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace.”

Note: “Sowing Seeds: Serving By Grace” is a Teleios Service Project. For more information, to volunteer, or to make donations, please contact Scott Kothenbeutal, Bev Talbot, Libby Maenner, Pat Jones, Leonard Rowe, or the Church Office.

Fall Sermon Series

GRACE: The Price Is Right

Rediscover the joy of God’s amazing gifts to you.

September 16

American Idol: Who Are You Trying To Please?

Ephesians 2:1-10

To recognize that we’ve been seeking God’s acceptance based on our works rather than grace.

September 23

Let’s Make A Deal: What Do You Have To Trade?

Matthew 18:21-35

To know and accept that we cannot pay God back for our salvation – it’s free.

September 30

The Dating Game: Who Makes The First Move?

Romans 5:6-11

To grasp the idea that God is and has constantly been pursuing/wooing/seeking you.

October 7

The Fugitive: Can You Outrun Grace?

Luke 15:11-24

For eyes to be opened to all the ways God’s grace is around us – even in our sin and rebellion.

October 14

Law and Order: Guilty or Not Guilty?

Romans 3:21-28

To reclaim, or accept for the first time, the joyful assurance that God’s salvation through Jesus is meant for you right now.

October 21

Extreme Makeover: Unmasking The Real You

John 15:1-17

To know and understand that God’s grace enables us to act like Christ all the time.

October 28

GSI: Grace Scene Investigation

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

To extend grace – God’s grace enables us to extend grace to others.

November 4

Antiques Roadshow: Finding Value

Mark 14:22-26

To see that God has given us tangible ways to receive his grace.

Sunday, October 28 ● 3:00 PM

Celebration of Grace Concert

A celebration of the wonderful music from worship during the Grace Series,

featuring our choirs, bands, and soloists.

REPORT OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The annual meeting of the Baltimore-Washington Conference was held on May 24-26, 2007 in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s Annual Conference was Developing Our Faith: In The Potter’s Hands.

Conference members represented 689 United Methodist Churches from Maryland, the District of Columbia, and part of West Virginia. Bel Air United Methodist Church was represented by Rev. Barry Hidey, Cindy Caldwell, Elaine Crowe, Art and Gloria Benson, and Bob Phillips.

Bishop Sally Dyck of the Minnesota Area opened the worship on Thursday, May 24 with the message: “If God is our potter and we are the clay, we’ve got to keep our clay moist.” As you come to be shaped by God, put yourself in the potter’s hands.

As members of the Conference, we had the opportunity to help shape the future leadership of the Conference by the election of clergy and lay delegates to attend the 2008 General Conference and the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Clergy voted in the clerical members to the Jurisdictional Conference, one of whom was our own Rev. Barry Hidey. The lay members elected 8 lay representatives for the next General Conference.

From the State of the Church report, we are following through with the growth of Acts 2 congregations emphasizing that by the year 2012, 600 churches can report bringing in 1 new believer by profession of faith each year, to grow in worship by 2%, and to support the missions of the Conference by paying 100% of their apportionments. Bishop John Schol reported that “While we are seeing healthy movement within more than 400 of our churches, 280 congregations continue not to win people and continue to decline in membership.”

During the three days, there were exhibitors displaying a variety of faith interests. Bel Air UMC had a display for our project Chabadza – Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe. There was interest from other churches to assist in the program.

We were introduced to the leader of an innovative congregation from Pittsburgh’s south side that was started in the back room of a tattoo parlor. For their church, the leaders said it is about living in the community as Christians -- to be mission-minded and take their ministries to prisons, homeless shelters, bars and inner cities where people are hungry and thirsty for salvation. There was a DVD created at the Conference with a presentation by the Hot Metal Bridge. Our church has a copy for viewing.

The music at the session was outstanding. The music director was Mark Miller, who has a varied background of old hymns, contemporary music, Wesleyan hymns, gospel songs, folk music, and global praise music from Africa. He also composes music for keyboard and organs and has a musical collection called “Amazing Abundance, Hymns For A Growing Church.”

The agenda involved voting on resolutions concerning safety of children, homosexuality, and a call to all United Methodists to incorporate peacemaking into their church programs and budgets. The Conference adopted policies that will protect children from sexual abuse and provide Safe Sanctuary for children and youth. The members voted down a petition to change the wording in The Discipline concerning acceptance of the practice of homosexuality.

The Bishop announced that Rev. Drew Phoenix, a self confessed transgender pastor at St. John’s UMC in Baltimore City, was being reappointed to his assignment there. Rev. Phoenix told his story of changing from Ann Gordon to Drew Phoenix after years of prayer and discernment for his situation. Bishop Schol said the appointment was made with the full support of his congregation and added that The United Methodist Church had no official policy concerning transgender people.

The request that Bel Air UMC presented to the Conference to consider putting a cap on the apportionment increases was forwarded to the Conference Finance Committee to study and address at a later date.

There was a memorial service celebrating the life and resurrection of 17 pastors, 8 spouses, and 5 lay members as well as a service to honor the retirement of 22 pastors. On Saturday, May 26, the Bishop commissioned 12 members into the clergy and ordained 2 deacons and 9 elders, including our new Associate Minister, Rev. Carol Pazdersky.

This was a long, tiring weekend with lots of food and sitting, but it was a moving and memorable experience for both Art and me. We thank the church for our opportunity to have this experience.

- Gloria Benson

OFF-SITE MINISTRY UPDATE

A great deal has happened since our last update. Last month, we met with the Finance Committee and our 5- year budget was approved. Next, we met again with the Administrative Council, where we submitted our written Strategic Plan and it was approved. This month, the Off-Site Ministry (OSM) Team will meet with the Baltimore-Washington Conference to discuss our Strategic Plan and ask for their financial support.

We want to share with you our Vision Statement from the Strategic Plan:

We are compelled by God’s Word to be witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to share his love in the world.

We are continuing to follow the guidelines Jesus has set forth in “The Great Commission” (Matthew 18:19-20) and the “The Greatest Commandment” (Matthew 22-:36-40).

We believe that when Jesus gave these commands he was instructing his disciples in every place and generation. We are bound by the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor. We are called by the Great Commission to share with all people the message of Christ’s love and salvation. Thus, our message is one of both words and action, of meeting real human needs and building relationships that reflect God’s love.

Approximately 1,600 households in Abingdon (40% of the Abingdon population) are unchurched. A generation is growing up in a neighboring community without knowing the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Compelled by our desire to share the blessings we have known in Christ, we seek God’s help in serving the Abingdon community as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, for, as Paul says,

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’ (Romans 10:12-16, NIV).

As an outreach ministry of Bel Air UMC, we are part of its mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as we SHOW all people the way to the Father, teach them to KNOW the Son, Jesus Christ, and prepare them to GROW in faith and ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.”

We will be fulfilling this mission as we serve the Abingdon community.

If this is something that you feel God is leading you to be a part of, or you have further questions, please call Jay Wohnlich at 410-459-1677 or e-mail wohnlichjl@comcast.net. Copies of the entire OSM plan are available from the Church Office. We welcome your prayers and your support.

Russian Outreach VIM Project at Camp Crystall in Voronezh, Russia

On August 7, 2007, Rob and Carol McCormack of the BAUMC Russian Outreach Committee left on a 12-day trip to Russia with 14 others, most of whom were Volunteer In Mission (VIM) members of various churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference who are supporting Russian churches. After 2 days in Moscow, they traveled by overnight train to Voronezh, 367 rail miles south of Moscow, and were given work assignments for their VIM work at Camp Crystall. The group also toured Voronezh and attended local church services several times.

Camp Crystall was acquired by the Eurasian UMC in 2003 for $100,000 using funds raised by German UMC Sunday School youth. It is on 12 wooded acres on a small river and has 125 cabins, a three-story dormitory with 48 rooms, a dining and conference facility, and miscellaneous outbuildings. It is already in use by youth groups, tres dias renewal groups, and other religious activities. The property was originally owned by a Soviet Communist chemical factory as a vacation retreat for its employees and their families. It had been abandoned about 20 years ago and was in disrepair.

Some of the VIM members spent time digging a long trench for a pipe from the dining hall to a future septic system. Others whitewashed and plastered in the conference facility. Still others worked with approximately 40 Russian teenagers, some of whom spoke English, teaching, studying, worshipping, and doing a number of creative projects. Everyone also participated in a “social night” with the youth and in the “Youth Olympic Games” at the end of the week.

The Baltimore Washington Conference is tentatively planning to work at Camp Crystall again in 2008. Anyone interested in working with them can call the Church Office or e-mail Carol McCormack at robncarol@comcast.net.

Russian Outreach Committee Votes for Change of Church in Russia

The 10-year relationship between Bel Air United Methodist Church and God’s Field United Methodist Church in Moscow came to an end this year when Reverend Feodor Drozhin, pastor of God’s Field since its inception, became ill and decided to retire. Since there were no plans to replace him, the Bishop of the Eurasian UMC, Hans Växby, recommended that Bel Air UMC consider adopting Millennium UMC in Oryol, which is located about 200 miles from Voronezh, close to the Ukrainian Border.

Prior to leaving on their VIM trip to Voronezh, Carol and Rob McCormack, as representatives of the Russian Outreach Committee, arranged to meet with the Millennium UMC pastor, Reverend Lev Mikhailov, at Camp Crystall. Reverend Mikhailov arrived, along with his family and his translator and family, and spent several days there interfacing with the group. He discussed his church and future plans with Carol, as well as with Reverend Charles Harrell and Tim Hiltz. They are from two other churches in the Baltimore Washington Conference that are interested in sharing Reverend Mikhailov’s ministry.

The interview was a great success and after it was over, all involved decided that Bel Air had found its new Russian connection. Upon return, the Russian Outreach Committee voted unanimously to adopt Millennium UMC in Oryol and provide its support in the future.

Several weeks before leaving, Reverend Hidey asked if about 50 pairs of mittens could be taken to Russia. The mittens had been knitted by congregation members of one of Barry’s former churches to take on a trip to Russia that in the end never took place. Half were given to Reverend Mikhailov and half to another pastor. Reverend Mikhailov gave his to a local orphanage and e-mailed the photo to us that is below.

FALL FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

5:00-6:30 PM

in McComas Hall

Make plans for your family to join the fun!

Scarecrow Making Contest

(Bring your own clothes for the scarecrow)

Pumpkin Rolling Relay

Pumpkin Toss

Light Supper Provided

and “Everything Pumpkin” for Dessert!

Absolutely free!

For more information or if you’re available to help, contact Janelle Moffett

at 443-512-0321 or moffett_tr@msn.com.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

With the generosity of the BAUMC family, we were able to supply 80 school bags to children in need in four different schools in Harford County. The administrators and teachers at the schools were extremely thankful for this special outreach ministry to the children in our community. Thank you for the way you, as a congregation, made this possible!

The Children & Family Ministries Team

P.S. Principal Lisa Sundquist of Edgewood Elementary School writes…

On behalf of Edgewood Elementary School, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of school supplies. Your commitment to helping students in our community is sincerely appreciated. The school supplies will be distributed to children in need. Your donation helps students to develop positive attitudes about school and learning, and increases the likelihood of success. Thank you for investing in our students and in the future of our community.

The family of Ellamay Otradovec wishes to thank all those who supported them during their recent loss. Your prayers, cards, and support were greatly appreciated.

George Otradovec, Connie Bartell,

Janet Otradovec, and Tom Otradovec

STEPHEN MINISTRIES NOTES

When Going Through Change

Change always carries with it a measure of worry since we do not ever know for certain what the outcome will be. In fact, the end result may be radically different from what we envisioned when we started. Change carries with it questions such as:

▪ What will life be like when the change is made?

▪ Will it be better?

▪ Or worse?

▪ What are the costs, both visible and hidden?

A mature faith learns to trust that God works through all the changes of our lives for our ultimate good, and it leave outcomes in God’s hands.

Prayer

Change is a part of life, people say. I know that, Lord, but change troubles me still. I feel as if I am in a high-wire act at the circus. I have let go of one trapeze and am flying in midair, reaching for the next one. I worry about outcomes. I wonder what will become of me. I fear what might happen in this interval between here and there. Catch me, gentle Savior. Let me trust your larger purpose for my life. Strengthen my resolve to follow where you lead. And assure me that when I have reached the destination, you will be there just as you have promised. Amen.

John Gugel, in Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope: Prayers for the Times of Our Life

NOTE: If you think you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, we will be recruiting during the month of October. Contact Connie McNey (conbamboo@verizon.net), Rev. Peggy Groseclose (groseclosep@baumc.com), or Rev. Carol Pazdersky (pazderskyc@baumc.com) or call the Church Office (410-838-5181).

From The Shepherd’s Corner…

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited

like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

EMPATHY…What is it?

Empathy is love that not only sympathizes with pain, but helps to bear that pain. It is often expressed with presence and silence. Often, a person with a fragile, suffering heart cannot “receive” words.

As we recall the story of Lazarus, we remember how Jesus empathized with Mary and Martha when their brother, Lazarus, died. Jesus didn’t deliver a sermon or try to talk the grieving women out of their sadness: He wept. He understood their pain and He showed them that he was hurting with them.

There is a story of a doctor entering the room of a young girl dying of cancer. He was overcome by the unjust suffering this child was bearing. He was even more overpowered by the presence of her grandmother lying in bed beside her, embracing with her body the precious, suffering granddaughter. The grandmother never spoke; she simply held and participated in suffering she could not relieve. Yet, somehow her silent presence was relieving it.

What a gift it is to share with one another “your pain in my heart.” There are 21 individuals in our church family serving by their presence in times of need. These members of the Shepherd Ministry bless their “sheep” when they bear another’s pain in their own hearts. Please keep these servants in your prayers, and let a clergy member know if you think you would like to have a shepherd to share your pain.

The Perspective of Stewardship from Debbie Englar, Stewardship Representative

Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (NIV). How we look at, view, or perceive life, through the eyes of a steward, can transform our very essence. This view is the Perspective of Stewardship.

Those not rich in contentment, cannot affect their perspectives with the formula of true wealth. If we perceive we have not climbed the corporate ladder high enough, not made enough deals to elevate us to success, not accumulated enough mutual funds and retirement funds, or do not experience enough excess at the end of the month, we may not feel we are where we should be. But this perception only leaves us a loser.

Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain, and true wealth! This formula in fact, gives super wealth. Godliness is our authentic walk with God and is evidenced by passion for Holy living. (Read Psalm 63: 1-11 -- a Psalm of David when he was in the desert in Judah). Our lifestyle needs to be passionate for Godliness.

Inner sufficiency and the maintenance of peace, leads to satisfaction on the inside no mater what might be going on…outside. We need to be thankful for where we are right now…e.g., content. (Read 2 Corinthians 3:5. “Not of ourselves … but our competence comes from God.)

If Godliness or contentment is missing, we will be poor no matter what we have in our bank accounts. As God’s stewards, we need proper perspective, and more possessions will not bring happiness. Until we realize having a house does not make a home; having companions does not insure friends; having a bed does not equal a good night’s sleep, having a good life does not grant eternal life… we can’t be Godly stewards. Fussing or complaining about where we wish we were… makes a poor person. From birth to death, God supplies and grants all, so we need to be thankful right where we are. Praise God for any something He gives along the way! How are our perspectives today?

FURNITURE MINISTRY CHANGES

As of October 1, 2007, Joe and Mary Schruefer are retiring from our Furniture Ministry program. After 12 years of serving the needy of Harford County in this capacity, Joe and Mary are planning to concentrate their time in the many other ministries in which they are involved. We thank them on behalf of all in our congregation and in the community for their dedicated work.

As of now, the following plans apply to the Furniture Ministry:

♦ There will be no more pickup of furniture. The Furniture Ministry will be available to deliver

what they currently have only in emergencies or until the warehouses are empty.

♦ The Furniture Ministry will continue only if someone is willing to assume responsibility for receiving

and making the many phone calls needed to schedule pickup and delivery of furniture. If you are

interested, or want more information, please call Joe Schruefer at 410-638-1434. Otherwise, this

chapter of Bel Air UMC’s ministries will be complete.

♦ The following ministries will accept furniture donations:

Harvest of Love in Aberdeen – Mary Taylor, 410-273-8995

Lutheran Mission Society in Havre de Grace – Jim Griffith, 410-939-0879

The donor is responsible for taking donated furniture to these location(s) and then they coordinate

providing the furniture to those in need.

Special thanks go to John and Nancy Clayton, Paul Miller, and the many other volunteers who have given their time to the Furniture Ministry.