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The Open DoorPublished monthly by and for the members and friends of
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[A reminder that session meetings are open for anyone to attend unless the session goes into executive session; the minutes of the session are kept in the church office and are available, by appointment, for your perusal] |
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| 1. | Spent some time sharing with one another about “how’s it going with you?” |
| 2. | Acknowledged notification that Bethel has been designated a beneficiary ($10,000) of the estate of Carlyle and June Henley |
| 3. | Average worship attendance for January 122 and February 120 |
| 4. | Continued our process of “studying our way through” the Form of Government of the Book of Order |
| 5. | Entered into church records various marriages, the baptism of James Cole Shubert, ordinations of elders, and the death of Active Member Jane Thornton |
| 6. | Discussed the covenant partner program that is a part of the confirmation process |
| 7. | Transferred the Dot Pierce Memorial Fund to the oversight of the Trustees and designated it an endowment fund with a base of $10,000. |
| 8. | Voted to have an early service on Easter, April 20, at 8:45 am |
| 9. | Approved the following special offerings for the remainder of 2003: One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peacemaking, Christmas Joy |
| 10. | Received a report from a recent presbytery meeting that included the recognition of Bethel as one of eight congregations who met the presbytery’s challenge for shared mission giving in 2003 |
PARISH NURSE
April greetings! This nice warm, dry weather is wonderful, isn’t it? As I have been getting more questions about smallpox, I thought I would try to answer some of your questions. On March 20th, I went to Roane State Community College for an orientation session in case we ever have to mass-vaccinate here in Roane County. Let me impart some of the knowledge we have acquired so far from the Center of Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga.
Smallpox is caused by a biological agent called Variola major. It is a viral infection whose last U.S. case was in 1949. We stopped vaccination in the U.S. in 1972. It is spread person-to-person by respiratory means. This virus spreads very rapidly through a population, causing 30% mortality in previous outbreaks.
The Smallpox vaccine is a live virus vaccine. It contains vaccinia virus (Cowpox), that is similar to Smallpox but not as dangerous. This vaccine will not cause Smallpox. For most people it is a safe and effective vaccine. Currently, the federal government has a large enough stockpile of Smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every American in an emergency. Here in Roane County we are prepared to vaccinate 50,000 people in 10 days. The vaccine itself is given with a bifurcated (two-pronged) needle that is dipped in vaccine and then used to poke the skin about 15 times in a few seconds. Previously unvaccinated folks just have to be stuck 3 times, but might have a more severe reaction to the vaccine. Effective vaccination is confirmed by scabbing at the site of immunization followed by a scar. Protection develops 8-14 days after vaccination. This insures good immunity for at least up to 10 years (this is why no previously vaccinated person is still immune).
Smallpox vaccine can be used to prevent smallpox in people who have been exposed. Vaccination within 3 days of exposure will completely prevent or significantly modify Smallpox in the vast majority of persons. Vaccination within 4-7 days of exposure will also likely offer some protection form disease or modify the severity of the disease.
Vaccine side effects are welling and tenderness of the lymph nodes lasting 2-4 weeks after the blister has healed, itching at the vaccination site, fatigue, mild fever, headache, or muscle aches. The vaccination site must be covered after receiving the shot for21 days. You can spread the vaccinia virus to other people or to other parts of your own body if the site is not kept covered. We can change the bandage as needed 9 every 1-3 days if using only gauze bandages, and at least every 3-5 days for semi-permeable dressings). Cover with a waterproof bandage while bathing. Don’t touch the vaccination site and then another part of your body without washing your hands first. Don’t scratch or put ointment on the vaccination site. It is suggested we wear long-sleeved shirts.
Some have asked me about the contraindications of taking the vaccine. These contraindications are only for a routine non-emergency situation. If indeed there was an outbreak, the risks of side effects would be less than of dying of Smallpox. Now, for a situation where there is no emergency:
1. anyone with a skin condition that causes breaks in the skin such as an allergic rash, severe burn, impetigo, chickenpox, shingles, or severe acne should wait until the condition clears up before getting the vaccine.
2. anyone whose immune system is weakened should not get Smallpox vaccine, including anyone who: as HIV/ AIDS. Is being treated, or has recently been treated, with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, some drugs for autoimmune disease, or drugs taken in association with an organ or bone marrow transplant. Haas leukemia, lymphoma, or most other cancer. Is taking cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs, or has taken such treatment in the past 3 months.
3. Pregnant women should not get the vaccine, nor should breast-feeding mothers.
4. Anyone under the age of 18 should not get the vaccine unless in an outbreak.
5. Do not geta the vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to polymyxin B, streptomycin, chlortetracycline, neomycin, or a previous dose of smallpox vaccine.
6. Persons using steroid drops in their eyes should not get smallpox vaccine.
7. People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the vaccination is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting Smallpox vaccine.
I hope this answers your questions, if you would like more information please contact me.
As always, to your health ......... Deb
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
One Great Hour of Sharing was started in 1949 to help people in need when the world was still trying to recover from the destruction of World War II. It has continued to help people during the 54 years since then with a record of success. This is not just a Presbyterian (USA) wide effort, but is supported by several other major denominations. Bethel has generously supported this offering in the past, and the Session has approved receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing offering this year on Easter Sunday, April 20.
One of the points emphasized in the recent visioning process was a need to maintain an outward focus. This is one of the opportunities we have to focus on the needs of people throughout the United States and around the world. Sometimes these needs arise because of a sudden, catastrophic event such as a flood or hurricane. Other times, the needs are a result of continuing living conditions that people seem to have little or no capability of overcoming without help. One Great Hour of Sharing addresses both of these types of needs. Further, unlike aid from governmental agencies, One Great Hour of Sharing can address the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of these needs.
Money received in this offering is used to fund the Presbyterian Hunger Program, PCUSA’s Self-Development of People Program, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. In 2001, the last year for which complete numbers are available, approximately eighteen million dollars were expended on these programs.
The theme for this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing comes from I Peter (4:10), "Like stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received".
Remember the offering on April 20, and mark your gift for One Great Hour of Sharing.
Stewardship and Finance Committee
HANDS OF MERCY FOOD LIST
Sugar, Flour, Rice, Cereal, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Saltines, Dry Beans, Canned Meat, Pasta & Sauce, Bread, Cornmeal Mix Boxes, Macaroni & Cheese, Corn, Green Beans, Green Peas, Soup, Tuna
FROM THE EVANGELISM COMMITTEE
Charles Arn in "Improving Your Welcome" (Net Results, Nov-Dec. 2002) writes that a "visitor" is a person who resides temporarily, one who goes or comes to inspect, one who makes a short stay for a particular purpose. Arn suggests that we ought to call our visitors "guests." A guest is one who is welcomed into one's house with hospitality, for an extended stay, one who is honored and given special courtesies. Arn also suggests that our "greeters" need to think of themselves as "hosts."
One excellent Bethel host is Dave Stevenson. Rain or shine, warm or cold, Dave is usually standing on the porch outside the office, and often he calls out your name with a cheerful greeting even before you reach the steps. Dave is a reminder that hospitality takes place all over the church facility, not just in the sanctuary at a designated time during worship. The parking lot is often the first place strangers see us, and the first opportunity they have to see if they are welcome. Could we establish a tradition of leaving a front parking space open for last-minute visitors? And maybe a rear parking lot space too? Should we mark the space "for visitors"? Perhaps we should designate the space directly in front of the porch where Dave Stevenson stands!
Welcome to first time visitors during March: Louise and Lois Estep, and Don & Jill Smith.
NEW MEMBERS/INQIRERS CLASS
The New Members/Inquirers Class is meeting Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in Fellowship Hall, under the leadership of Marc Sherrod and Bettie Shenk with Alf Rybka's assistance. All are welcome, including those who are already members but want to explore the faith as well as meet new folks. Call Marc or Bettie for more details. Thanks to Bob Jones who has agreed to maintain the small pew racks. No more broken pencils! We hope to design a supplementary Welcome brochure this year, so please be on the lookout for samples as you travel this summer. And let us know how you are made to feel welcome in the churches that you visit!
CE Corner
It’s that time again … time to be making plans for summer camp. Camp John Knox offers a wide range of camping experiences, all the way from day camp up to Whitewater rafting. There is a brochure on display in the fellowship hall, and there are extras available in the church office. If you haven’t already gotten a copy in the mail, check with a CE member – we’ll be sure that you get one.
You’re invited to a party! (ok, so it’s really a work session, but it will be fun!) On Saturday, April 5, the CE committee will be hosting a curriculum review workshop. This will be a great chance to share in fun and fellowship, and see the new Sunday School materials that our denomination (and other sources) have to offer for children and youth. If you’re teaching now, or plan to teach some time, or even if you’re only “just looking,” we hope you’ll join us.
| Date and time: | Saturday, April 5, |
| Noon – 3:00 | |
| Lunch provided |
Call Karen Schall (423-369-2955) or Margaret Murr (376-1376) if you can come.
MISSION OUTREACH REPORT
We have been very busy spending money! Projects thus far for 2003: Paul Pearman, a parishioner and student at UTC has been sent $100.00 for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this summer that their student campus ministry is going on; Roane County Co-operative ministries, $ 200.00 per month for a total of $2,400.00 per year; Medicare/ Pharmacy Supplement Fund for Roane Countians, $100.00 per month for a total of $1200.00 this year; Lifeline for one parishioner, $480.00/ year; Grace School in Kenya ( where the Wambugus are) $500.00; and Crazy Quilt, $320.00 for their re-building fund.
A motion was passed by our Session to release a $500.00 Venezuela Mission Fund, and it would be at the discretion of Mission Outreach to find a specific Venezuela mission. The original donor of this fund could not be located, but the Session felt that the donor wanted the money to go for a Venezuela mission project. So, it will be incumbent on us to find a recipient.
– submitted by Deb Hyder, Chairperson
YOUTH NEWS
Thanks to Jerry and Pat Harvey, Nelda Toon, Debbie and Dan Hyder for providing leadership in March. Don’t forget about the youth auction this Sunday, March 30. Lunch will be provided by the youth following worship (donations welcomed) and then various donated items and services will be auctioned to raise money for a mission trip this summer. Contact Nelda or the church office if you wish to donate something. We hope to sponsor a church hike on Sunday, April 6. Stay tuned for details.
A confirmation class led by the pastor and others will begin with a faith review experience at John Knox on March 28-29, followed by a class each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. during April and May (except April 29). Other activities will also be included. Please pray for this process as we seek to assist several of our young people in discerning if now is the time for them to make a profession of faith and join our congregation. Pentecost Sunday, June 8, during the morning worship service will be the occasion for receiving these confirmands as new members.
PRISON MINISTRY
There will be several opportunities for Bethel folks to participate in our Prison Ministry outreach in the next month:
We have been asked to help provide clothing for an inmate who will be released in April. He will be living in a halfway house in Knoxville as he makes the transition to the “free world,” but he has no friends or family, and no clothing. He wears a size 15 shirt, and his pants size is 38 waist/25 inseam. If you have items that you can donate, please contact Karen Schall or Dick Hettrick and we’ll see that the clothes are delivered.
We’ve also been asked to dye 25 dozen hard-boiled eggs! The Lifers’ Club (an inmate organization) each year hosts an Easter egg hunt for the children who will be visiting the prison on Easter weekend. Normally our youth group does the honors, but they might accept a little help! The eggs are usually dyed over the Palm Sunday weekend so they can be delivered to the prison in plenty of time.
And yet another opportunity – each year, in cooperation with Westminster Presbyterian, we go to the Brushy Mountain Prison on Good Friday (April 18) and take part in three Communion services. This is a very meaningful time, as we worship in the midst of prisoners and reflect together on the powerful fact that Christ died for us with two criminals at his side. The Good Friday worship is open to all volunteers; you do not have to be on the prison's approved list of volunteers to participate. If you'd like to take part, call Karen Schall for details.
MEN’S RETREAT
April 25-27 Friday-Sunday
Parables of Irritating Grace
Be prepared to have your life recharged as Keynote Speaker Dr. George Anderson presents the lessons of the parables in modern day terms.
Fishing, woodworking skills, Zip Line, Hiking, Relaxing. Hearty meals!
Cost - $65 (not including program options costs.) Space is limited. Register TODAY! Call 865-376-2236 or www.johnknoxcenter.org.
FELLOWSHIP SUPPER SPEAKER
The Parish Life Committee invited Bri Payne, Program Director at the John Knox Center, to speak about all the wonderful programs the center offers this year. Bri will come to our April Fellowship Supper on April 16th at 6:30 p.m. Let's give her a big welcome!.
STORYTELLER MILLIE SIEBER – UPDATE
When: Wednesday, Apr 30,’03 - 9:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, 205 North Jackson Street, Athens, TN
Cost: $7.00/person for lunch
Millie has enthralled listeners around the country with her gift and love for STORYTELLING. At “ALL GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE A STORY” not only will you be able to sit around and enjoy her whimsical Stories, you’ll also get a chance to tell some of your own. PLEASE BRING A SMALL OBJECT OF PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE (e.g. vacation souvenir, photo, jewelry, award, etc.) to share with a partner.
If you are interested in this event, please register at the church office ON OR BEFORE APRIL 15. We will carpool from Bethel to Athens.
Directions: From I-75 take exit 49, then Hwy 30. Turn right onto North Jackson Street, then left onto Hornsby Street. The telephone number of the church is 423-745-1403. Parish Life Committee
MOTHER/DAUGHTER LUNCHEON
It's this time of year again! Mothers and daughters prepare for another wonderful time of fun, food and fellowship. This years Mother/Daughter Luncheon will be on Saturday, May 10 at noon at our Methodists Neighbor's Fellowship Hall. We will have a delicious lunch for $9.00 which consists of creamed broccoli soup, a cold plate incl. chicken salad, a fruit cup, muffins, tea/coffee and a yummy!! dessert; tip is included in the $9.00. Reservations need to be made on or before FRIDAY, APRIL 25 at the church office. Please make checks payable to Bethel Presbyterian for "Mother/Daughter Luncheon." Watch for updates in our Sunday Bulletins.Parish Life
USED GREETING CARDS COLLECTED
Dianne Griffith collects used greeting cards all year and takes them to ORNL where an employee group collects and ships them to St. Judes Ranch for Children, a home for abused, abandoned, and neglected children of all ethnic groups and faiths. http://www.stjudesranch.org/ The cards are recycled by the children and sold. Please leave your Christmas and other greeting cards in the red box in the Narthex.
EASTER LILIES
See Tom Roostee to place your order for Easter Lilies for the Sanctuary. Cost - $8.00. They will be purchased from Michael Dunn. Call Tom @ 376-3927.
ORGAN RECITAL
Amy Lane has been substitute organist at Bethel several times recently.
You are invited to the Senior Recital of Miss Amy Lane, organ & Ms Melanie Simpson, pianoFriday, April 4, 2003 7:30 p.m.Thomas Recital Hall, Music Building, Carson Newman College, Jefferson City, TN& You are invited to the Senior Recital of Miss Amy Lane, organ & Miss Rachel DeVore, pianoSunday, April 6, 2003, 3:00 p.m.First Baptist Church, Kingston, Tennessee
MEMORIAL FUNDS
Gifts received during the month of March in memory of:
Cleyon Newcomb from Mac Robbins, Jack & Sue Muecke, Jerry & Jennie Morris,
Robert & Ruth Ann Ludwig, Henry & Carolyn Tulley, Frank & Janet Kornegay
Cleyon Newcomb from the Bethel Choir designated for the purchase of hymn books
Jane Thornton from Clay & Nancy Landers, Jack & Sue Muecke
Joyce Law from Vernon Law toward kitchen renovation
Willard Davis from Clay & Nancy Landers
Ina Jane Murr from Jerry & Jennie Morris
BETHEL WORKDAY
| BETHEL WORKDAY which was scheduled for April 5th has been changed to April 26th due to Lenten Projects |
THANK YOU NOTES
THANK YOU from Presbyterian Campus Ministry at UTC, Chattanooga, TN
Dear Session, The House gratefully acknowledges and appreciates your contribution of $100.00 on March 3, 2003. Your support provides the funds to share the love of God and His Word to hundreds through our various mission trips which the students will take during their spring break.
THANK YOU - To the Special Ladies of the Presbyterian Church - Thank you so very much for remembering the Thornton family during our time of sorrow. All the food prepared by each of you was so good and greatly appreciated. Our Mom will be missed greatly but the memories are so wonderful and never be forgotten. Thank you again for everything. Cliff, Peggy & Thornton Family
THANK YOU - Sibyl & Bill Nestor want to thank all their friends at Bethel for the flowers, cards, e-mails and visits. We are especially grateful for our Parish Nurse, Debbie. You have made us feel as if we have been adopted into the Bethel family.
Dear Friends,
This is to acknowledge receipt of your continued support to Roane County Habitat for Humanity as reflected by your generous gift of $1,793.19. We recently completed our 29th home and will begin construction on our 30th house in the Hope Subdivision in Kingston in the spring.
Roane County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation, and donations such as yours are generously tax deductible–please check with your tax advisor.
Thank you again for your support of our ministry.
Sincerely, Jane DeVall, Treasurer
Dear Church Family,
Thank you very much for your donation of $281.25 to our Disaster Relief Fund.
Morgan-Scott Project has been actively involved in the disaster relief efforts due to the tornadoes that hit this area in November. I am serving as the case manager for the Plateau Long Term Recovery Committee. In this position I am able to know what the victims need and can access funds from the Morgan-Scott Project Disaster Relief fund to help meet these needs.
It is almost spring and we are gearing up for our annual Good Earth Garden Program. This program gives a $12 voucher for seed and other items used to grow a garden. These vouchers can be redeemed at the Morgan and Scott County Farmers Coop. We have already had several inquiries about this program and expect a great response.
Once again thank you for your donation and your support of our efforts.
In God’s Service, Jill Potter, Executive Director
LINE DANCING & BALLROOM DANCING CLASSES
In addition to Body Recall, an exercise program for the longer-living population, we are also offering Line Dancing and Ballroom Dancing Classes on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Duie Swicegood secured a wonderful Christian couple from Knoxville, Ralph and Nea Wolfenbarger, to teach these classes. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.
Parish Life
ALINE TERRY TRANSPORTATION FUND
This service is free for friends and members of Bethel. If you have a transportation need, please call the church office at 376-6340. Please be ready to tell us the date and time of your appointment and what time you want to be picked up. Some of the places we transport to are: doctor’s office, hairdresser, library, post office, grocery store, and shopping. We drive as far as Knoxville. We are open to other suggestions, also.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST
Nikolaus Zinzendorf was a child of German nobility born in Dresden in 1700. When he was a young man he entered a public hall and saw a large painting of the crucifixion. On the bottom of the painting were the words: “This I have done for you. What have you done for me?”
Zinzendorf was so deeply moved by the words that he never forgot them. He said, “From this time I had but one passion, and that was He, only He.”
He dedicated his life to the cause of Christ and eventually became a bishop of the Moravian church. His zealous religious activities resulted in his exile from Saxony. But that didn’t stop him. He traveled the continent proclaiming the Christian message. His strong faith and spiritual depth had a great influence on 19th century Protestant theology and on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Later, Zinzendorf helped establish the Moravian movement in America.
All of this was Zinzendorf’s answer to the question on the painting, “What have you done for me?”
REMINDER
. . . to all using the building. Please turn off lights, unplug coffee pots, and look up when you leave. There have been some episodes of building(s) being left open. Thanks!
TRUST IN GOD
We cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by the intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer. Entreat the Lord to grant you, of His great mercy, the true understanding of His Word. … Hope for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding: Trust solely in God, and in the influence of His Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has experience.— Martin Luther
POINTS TO PONDER
• The only trouble with Easter coming soon is that we have to walk through a graveyard to get there. – Barbara Brown Taylor
• Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. –St. Augustine
• What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
BETHEL SYMPATHY
is extended to
| • | The family of the Rev. Evan Renne who passed away in New Jersey. Rev. Renne was pastor at Bethel 1956-1964. |
| • | Charlie & Madge Mounger in the death of his mother Katherine Mounger on March 13. |
IN HEALTH CARE CENTERS |
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| NAME | FACITLTY |
| Delvenia Beasley | Marshall Voss |
| Ruby Hunter | Royal Health Care |
| Ruby Nell Skinner | Doctors Lake - Florida |
| Micki Shields | Woodbine, Alexandra, VA |
| Frances McPheeters | Baptist Healthcare Center |
| Betty Brown | Alpharetta Healthcare Center |
| Erma King | NHC (Farragut) |
ASSISTED LIVING |
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| NAME | FACITLTY |
| Harvalee Preston | JAMESTOWNE |
| Evelyn Waldrup | JAMESTOWNE |
| Roberta Cash | WELLINGTON PLACE – KINGSTON |
| Chris Dunlap | WELLINGTON PLACE – KINGSTON |
| Joan Pemberton | WELLINGTON PLACE – KINGSTON |
| Libby Cuneo | WELLINGTON PLACE – MARYVILLE |
| Mary Woodall | FLORIDA HOME |
AT HOME |
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| Addie Wreath Hunt, Christine Woods, Al & Dot Davis, Margie Gulley, Florence Simmons, Ruth Moutoux, Justin Trivette |
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MILITARY |
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| Josh Brown, Jason Brown | |
6 - JIM CONDON 376-4420
Don & Beverly Anderson 13 Dana Hensley |
20 - DIANNE GRIFFITH376-7507
Doris Barber 27 Dolores Sandmel |
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