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The Open Door

Published monthly by and for the members and friends of
Bethel Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

VOL. 31NO. 8  Marc Sherrod, Minister  August, 2003

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A number of the members have responded regarding saving postage and mailing by reading the newsletter online. If you wish to add your name to that list, call (865-376-6340) or e-mail the church office.

We also maintain a master list of e-mail addresses. Please include yours if you wish.

The Reverend Rites . . .

When the session began our three evening gatherings last week, “Becoming Awake to our Dreams,” our process for considering the work of the visioning small groups and our own dreams about God’s dreams for Bethel’s future, we did so by reflecting on these familiar words from Matthew 22. Like the shape of the cross, there is a vertical and a horizontal dimension to Christian love. I made the point that our first and primary obligation is to keep the first commandment. As we do so, we experience the spiritual vitality that comes from knowing God in new and profound ways. Spiritual vitality is the energy and purposefulness that come from an encounter with God and God’s gifts of grace, unity, and community, results of the First Commandment. Spiritual vitality leads to greater awareness of God in our lives and in the life of our church, but it also brings healthy discontent – we can be more faithful and we can do better in keeping this first commandment. In other words, God desires that we rededicate ourselves to seeking the fullness of what this commandment means in our relationship with our Lord. But as we do so, we realize how short we fall in measuring up to God’s vision for us. We realize we should be discontented with our inability to honor the first commandment. And as we make changes to satisfy that discontent, the relational vitality of the second commandment – loving the neighbor as we love ourselves – comes into play. This secondary obligation about love enables us to be held together in spite of our differences of opinion regarding the necessary changes and shifts that come as we practice loving God with everything we have. In other words, relational vitality keeps us connected even when there is disagreement about the pathway into an unknown future, even when the fear of change creeps in and threatens to undermine our best efforts. Relational vitality holds community together through stressful times of change and transformation; it makes diversity possible and provides a healthy context for the resulting pluralism.

Obviously, we must have both kinds of love if we are to be faithful to the call of Christ. And I would add, we need both kinds of vitality – spiritual and relational. In order to lead us into a renewed time to honor these two commandments at Bethel, I and the elders of the church are creating a vision statement that will describe God’s preferred future for Bethel, a statement that will be clear, shared and compelling, that will anticipate who we are to become as we remain faithful to the commandments to love God and neighbor. In order to reach towards this vision, we are working to put together some ministry initiatives that will describe ministry or mission activities that Bethel will initiate, plane, implement, and do in order to bring the vision into actuality.

While there is much work yet to be done by the session, including designing a process to receive your feedback on the vision statement and ministry initiatives that we feel God is leading us to undertake, we are making good progress. Your patience and prayers are much needed as this Season of Dreaming at Bethel continues to unfold.

BETHEL T-SHIRTS

The following Bethel T-shirts are still available for purchase. Cost: $6/shirt. T-shirts:

2 ADULT sizes M
1 ADULT size XL

7 YOUTH M (10-12)
1 YOUTH L.

Please check with Kathy in the church office or call Marianne Shadden.

BETHEL'S BOOK GROUP:

On July 24th several folks got together at Carol Brown’s house for a lively discussion of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden.” We had such a good time that we’re planning to do it again!
The next meeting will be at Karen Schall’s house on Thursday, August 28th. We’ll be reading and discussing “Oral History,” by Lee Smith (available online from Barnes & Noble and/or Amazon.com). If you’d like to join us, let Karen know and we’ll fill you in on further details.

GOT THOSE SUMMERTIME BLAHS?

Come recall your body and renew your spirit with old and new friends!Body Recall will begin a new session at 9:00 A.M., Monday, August 4 at Bethel Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.We hope to see you there. Marianne Shadden & Joan Thompson

FAMILY PICNIC

Sunday August 24^th
2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at John Knox Center
$4 - Adults, $4 - Kids under 12

Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship for all ages! Hot dogs, hamburgers, and snacks will be served all day. Pack up the family and spend the day exploring the beautiful facility. There is something for everyone! Register on our website or drop a check in the mail along with your name, address, number.

Don’t miss it! (865) 376-2236 & www.johnknoxcenter.org.

MARK BANKER'S ARTICLE

Our own Mark Banker has published the lead article in the Summer 2003 edition of The Journal of Presbyterian History, a special issue on Missionaries, Multiculturalism, and Mainline Protestantism. Mark’s article, “Of Missionaries, Multiculturalism, and Mainstream Malaise: Reflections on the ‘Presbyterian Predicament’” argues for a new view of missionaries in their work of introducing the mission of the Church to the reality of cultural diversity. Five renowned experts on missiology offer their responses to Banker’s important thesis. We have a copy of the summer edition of this journal for anyone interested.

CONGRATULATIONS
BETTIE SHENK
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Bettie Shenk was recognized Sunday July 13, during the Worship service as an Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women. Present were the Shenk’s son and family from Auckland, New Zealand and Rev. Shenk’s brother from Tucson, Arizona. Bethel’s Circle II Moderator Edith Miles, Elder Helene Ricker and PW Enabler Melanie Sherrod participated in the presentation. A certificate, letter, award pin and flowers were presented to Bettie in honor of her award. Rev. Sherrod closed with prayer.

Bettie Shenk has taught Bible study for 50 years since she graduated, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA in Bible Studies from Southwest Memphis (now Rhodes College). Chosen as a Carnegie Fellow, she attended Peabody-Vanderbilt for her MA in English. She has supported the mission of the Presbyterian Church as a member and director of the choir, an ordained elder, clerk of session and delegate to General Assembly. Bettie has served in many offices, among them as President of Church Women United. In addition to teaching, Bettie was active on the Parish Life Committee and then instrumental in founding the new Evangelism Committee which she still serves.

Bettie Shenk has worked all her life for justice and peace, two key goals of the Presbyterian Church. She walked to school with the first African American child to integrate the school system in Mobile, Alabama. She volunteered for VISTA in the troubled neighborhoods of Memphis. She was the first Volunteer of the Year in the Johnson’s Auxiliary, a renowned church-sponsored hospital volunteer group; she was an activist for prisoners’ rights, a hospice volunteer for many years, and very active in the early AIDS awareness movement, instrumental in her church being awarded the Presbyterian Peacemaking Award for its efforts with AIDS. Bettie has done much to further an inclusive, caring community of women throughout her life, and continues to do so at Bethel.

SOME MEANINGS FOUND IN THE
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN SYMBOL

FORGIVEN AND FREED BY GOD IN JESUS CHRIST,
Forgiven and freed by grace through faith, the central figure stands in praise.

AND EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE COMMIT OURSELVES:
Rooted in faith, the trio of women emerges. The outline of the central figure forms a cross. We are Presbyterian women, engrafted in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.

TO NURTURE OUR FAITH THROUGH PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY
The right figure holds a book to guide her reading, studying, praying, or meditating.

TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH WORLDWIDE
The left figure reaches out to care for others, as she shares, nurtures, and heals. The circle represents the church worldwide where women offer their gifts and talents in the midst of the global community.

TO WORK FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE,
The uplifted arms of the central figure reach out to embrace a just peace for the world. The relationship between the three figures depicts lives of wholeness rather than turmoil.

AND TO BUILD AN INCLUSIVE, CARING, COMMUNITY OF WOMEN
The three women have no distinct features and represent all women. The shapes surrounding them express energy, strength, and openness.

THAT STRENGTHENS THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
Our name, Presbyterian Women, ties us to our denomination. The Bible resembles the Bible depicted in the PC(USA) Seal.

AND WITNESSES TO THE PROMISE OF GOD’S KINGDOM.
Guided by our Purpose, we witness to the reality of God’s realm.

FROM YOUR PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE:

Our annual Church Picnic will be on Sunday, August 17 at Nelda Toon's Home, 227 Mainsail Road, Kingston (Crestwood Subdivision). The fun will start at 3 p.m. for those who want to take a plunge into the water or just sit around for a little R + R. There are plenty of fun things to do for the kids. Then, around 5 p.m., we will have a good old fashioned picnic with all the trimmings. Note: Our vegetarians will NOT be forgotten. All you have to do is bring yourselves, lawn chairs and life vests for your children. So, come on up to Nelda's and HAVE A BALL!

Session Committee Articles

Evangelism Committee

In Faith-Sharing, Eddie Fox and George Morris quote Loren Mead: "The early church was conscious of itself as a faithful people surrounded by a hostile environment to which each members was called to witness to God's love in Christ." Fox and Morris add: "If one wonders what it would have been like to live in the New Testament time, then today one can sing 'Home Sweet Home.' We live in a culture as alien to the Christian faith as was the culture into which the Christian faith was born. In this mission situation persons who are outside the fellowship of the Christian church tend to see the church as a 'private institution.' That is, people who pass by our church buildings do not see them as public buildings. people who are outside will not come in without an invitation. Therefore, the need for committed, well-trained faith-sharers is greater than ever....Faith-sharing is grounded in the nature of God, and it is in response to the need of humanity...God is a gracious, seeking, inviting God. Faith-sharing is God's idea."

The Evangelism Committee is examining several resources for small group short-course study in faith-sharing; we invite your suggestions and participation.

Mission Outreach Committee

Bethel Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is one of 80 churches in the East Tennessee Presbytery. Our benevolence giving has been noted by the Presbytery as outstanding. In 2003, our benevolence giving has made up 19% of our total budget. This 19% includes $5000.00 per year for our Mission Outreach budget and approximately $30,000.00 for the Shared Missions of General Assembly, our Synod, and our Presbytery. Our Mission Outreach Committee disburses our $5,000.00 to support local, national, and international missions ranging from emergency assistance to individuals in Roane County to The Grace School in Kenya founded by Rev. Samuel Wambugu. This year we have allocated $1200.00 to support the Medicare/ pharmacy supplement for senior citizens in Roane County that cannot afford their medicines.

$30,000.00 of our benevolence giving goes to Shared Missions of General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery. In conjunction with other Presbyterian Churches our dollars are combined to support missions of the Presbyterian Church USA. The Presbytery of East Tennessee has allocated its’ 2003 shared Missions funds in the following way:

12% – to U.T. Chattanooga Campus Ministries
11% – to U.T. Knoxville Campus Ministries
6.5% – to Bachman Learning Center
3.5% – to Sunset Gap Community Center
12 % – to John Knox Center
3% – to Committees on Ministry & Preparation for Ministry
12% – to Congregational Redevelopment
24% – to Presbytery of East Tenn. Administrative Costs
10% – TO OTHER SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES, INCLUDING Knoxville College, Maryville College, Tusculum College, Morgan-Scott Project, and other programs, such as Christian Education, Evangelism and New “Church Development, Mission Interpretation and Stewardship, and Reconciliation and Compassion.

At the Synod and General Assembly level, the outreach of the Shared Missions funding is broader and covers emergency aid to victims of war and natural disasters, translation and world-wide distribution of the Bible, support of Presbyterian seminaries, ministries to military personnel, and assistance and education to the poor in our country and overseas.

Over and above our budgeted giving, Bethel participates in the special offerings of the PCUSA: Peacemaking, Christmas Joy, Pentecost and One Great Hour of Sharing.

As the chair of Mission Outreach, it is very gratifying to know our money is helping so many. Thank you for your generous support of our missions.

Prison Ministry:

Attention all prison ministry volunteers -- the following memo just came in from Chaplain Dean Yancey:

“The state is in the process of renewing ALL volunteer identification cards. If you have not gotten your new ID card by October you will not be allowed to minister in the prison. We have scheduled the date of Saturday, August 16, 2003 beginning at 8:00AM til 2:00PM to make your picture for the computer. This is mandatory that you get new ID cards.”

If you’re a current or new volunteer, please mark your calendars and try to get your photograph taken on the 16th. If you can’t attend, please let Karen Schall know and we’ll try to schedule another date for you.

Coming in September – the prisoners’ Lifer’s Club and the Veterans Club will be hosting their annual banquets, one on Sept. 12 and the other on the 19th. These banquets are something they all look forward to: an opportunity to treat their families, loved ones, and volunteer friends to a feast that they have prepared. Bethel’s wonderful cooks have traditionally provided the desserts – the richer and gooier the better! We’ll be needing LOTS of desserts, so if you can help by baking something we’d sure appreciate it. You can plan to drop off your dessert at church by 3:30 on the day of the banquet(s) or, if you have something freeze-able in mind, you can make it any time and give it to Karen Schall – we’ll keep it frozen ‘til then.

Summer Fun and Bible School:

Dear Mark and Bethel Family,

I was most touched when I received a special invitation to attend services on June 1. 2003, commemorating the 185th Anniversary of Bethel Church. as one of 24 members who would be recognized for actively supporting Bethel Church for 50 years or more. I attended the lovely service with Gail arid Phillip King, my daughter and son-in-law. Unfortunately, I felt it would be too much of a challenge to attend the dinner on the “dinner on the ground.”

Gail was 4 years old and my oldest son was 10 weeks old when John and I first moved to Kingston; we joined Bethel Church shortly afterward. As with the celebration of an event that covers 50 years, t has given me cause to examine just how our family membership in this particular Fellowship of believer’s has influenced our lives. I have been sustained through joy, trauma. illness and sorrow by each of the ministers who have pastored this church and healed spiritually and physically by the prayers of the congregation. I am most thankful for your prayers in my last bout with chronic infection.

It has been my privilege to work in this church in many capacities. I am thrilled to observe the spiritual growth taking place at present in so many ways. I regret that age and physical “infirmities’ restrain me. My prayers for you, Marc, and for the congregation, are that these efforts will bear much fruit May God bless you all.

With much love

Doris Barber

P.S.  Thank you for the Sunday broadcasts.

GOD OF ALL AGE GROUPS

We do not all need the same things at the same time. Our needs are different in our youth than they are in our middle years or in our later years. Someone pointed out that one reason why God is referred to continually in the Old Testament as the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, is in order to illustrate that He is the God of every succeeding generation and the friend of every age. This indeed is gloriously true, and we may well rejoice in it.