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“I believe that God made me for a purpose, for China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure . . . To win is to honor Him.” Thus Eric Liddell speaks, in a pivotal scene of the classic movie Chariots of Fire, defending the compatibility of his commitment both to serve as a Christian missionary to China (in the long-term) and to run in the 1924 Olympics in Paris (in the short-term). To watch this movie, as I’m sure many of us have, is to be moved at the deepest level, both by the power of this Olympian’s faith but also by the power of the human spirit to excel even in the face of great obstacles. But, I wonder, does the ability to win at a sporting event really have anything to do with Christian faith? Does the deity favor athletes who show favor toward God? Or, should Christians be neutral, even suspicious, with regard to those who would advocate divine favoritism for particular athletes or teams? Perhaps it’s an easier question to answer if the contest pits a Christian vs. a non-Christian, just as it is easier to cheer for the athlete whose morals and values we esteem or claim. Maybe, when all is said and done, who can resist the temptation to project our wishes for victory onto God? I was amused recently when a friend recalled his Kentucky church experience. Certain elders, when praying at the time of communion, always seemed to weave intercessions for a UK victory into the prayer time. This comment, inevitably, led to the tongue-in-cheek suggestion from another friend that I should look into buying some orange vestments for the fall season. Or, as someone else likes to say, here in the Bible belt, the only thing holier than the Bible is the UT football schedule. Since we live in a society that seems to value sports above all else, I think about these questions a lot, especially when athletes, in post-game victory interviews talk about how the Lord was on their side and led them to victory or how the Lord gave them the strength to score a touchdown, hit the winning shot, or make a spectacular play. Did the Lord not also provide the same kind of strength, skill, and dedication to their opponents . . . who happened to lose? On the one hand, I would hardly argue against excelling in sports and reaching for the top, nor would wish to endorse mediocrity. On the other, the implication that bothers me is that somehow God really cares if a beloved athlete or team wins or loses. That seems a bit trivial, theologically speaking, for me, anyway. And who should want to trivialize God? Which brings me to the chance I had last Sunday, after church, to catch the final hole of the British Open Golf Championship. I got to see the sheer exuberance on the face of Tiger Woods when he tapped in for his two-shot victory that gave him his 11th major championship, and then within a few seconds to watch, on a thoroughly public stage, the outpouring of a pent-up private grief as he wept uncontrollably, remembering his recently deceased father and all that his father had meant to him. Sporting events rarely give us a glimpse into such pathos, rarely open up a window into what it really means to be human. Such raw, honest emotion from such a superstar reminds me that there is a lot more to life than victory. Or, as my favorite sports radio commentator, Frank Deford, likes to say, “it’s only a game.” In a sporting spirit,
Disasters…….crisis……. these words are powerful. They have the power to paint a mental picture that makes our blood run cold. Rev. Fritz Schilling just called me. He is looking for a person in this geographical area of the Presbytery to be an Emergency Action Response coordinator. This individual would be the person that receives the call from Fritz that a church has burned….there has been a flood….or other such disaster within 50-100 miles or so of us. The coordinator would then drive to the site of the disaster and evaluate what needs to be done. Decisions would then have to be made as to the next step in helping the disaster victims. The coordinators team of volunteers would then assemble work teams, trucks, or access other services to help. Does this position scream your name? Would you like to be this coordinator? How about one of the helpers? Please call me at 376-6340 if you are interested. Thanks! On another level, I have been privy to some of the work the state health officials have been doing concerning the threat of the avian flu pandemic. Consider this excerpt from the new Tennessee Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Response Plan: “Novel (new) influenza viruses periodically emerge to cause global epidemics, known as pandemics, either directly from a mutated animal influenza virus or out of combination of an animal virus with a circulation human influenza virus. Such viruses circumvent normal immune defenses and cause morbidity and mortality at higher rates than seasonal influenza strains; compared to seasonal influenza, a larger proportion of deaths occur in persons aged < 65 years.” Tennessee’s current flu plan is based on the knowledge learned from the pandemic flu of 1918-1919. This flu was named the “Spanish Flu” and resulted in more than 500,000 deaths in the United States alone, with more than 5 million deaths worldwide. As Tennessee’s plan is over 200 pages long, I will try to teach you the main ideas and preventive measures in the next few Open Door articles. To date, there are very few cases of animal to human transmitted avian flu virus. If we are to learn from history, however, flu strains can mutate and become more of a threat in a very short time. These facts about the avian flu have been learned or reasoned:
Next month I will continue this series with preventive measures to be taken and how this will affect us here in East Tennessee. To your health ...
June 30, 2006 Situation Report U.S. Northeast Flooding Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is rushing funds from One Great Hour of Sharing to the Susquehanna Valley Presbytery to help in their response to severe flooding that has hit much of the Northeastern part of the United States. While Susquehanna Valley Presbytery suffered from flooding last year, this year's flooding has been described as the worst since 1953. In addition to Susquehanna Valley Presbytery, PDA is in contact with numerous presbyteries in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania areas to offer assistance to flooding in those states. Hudson River, Lackawanna, Huntingdon, Lehigh and Cayuga-Syracuse Presbyteries have all reported the possibility of serious damage to churches in their midst. We will not know the extent of the damage until floodwaters subside. PDA has been in touch with both the Synod of the Northeast and the Synod of the Trinity to ensure a coordinated response to this unprecedented flooding. Members of the PDA National Response will travel to the area to meet with Presbytery representatives and provide pastoral support and technical assistance as they organize themselves for recovery. Those wishing to respond financially may do so by designating gifts for DR000172 - U.S. Northeast Flooding or DR000173 - Northeast Church repair. Donations may be sent through normal mission giving channels. Gifts by credit card can be made by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283 or online (see below). Checks payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and marked with the designated numbers can also be mailed directly to:
Please check our web site at www.pcusa.org/pda for the latest information, and keep the disaster survivors and the caregivers in your thoughts and prayers. Church Picnic Mark your calendars for a fun time at our annual Church Picnic on Sunday, August 6 at The Hettricks. Games for young and old and in-between will start at 3:00 PM. If games are not for you, just come on down for a little R+R and fellowship before the big feast around 5:00 PM. Our menu consists of BBQ, Baked Beans, Buns, Potato Chips, Cole Slaw and Dessert. The only thing we ask YOU to bring is a lawn chair and your favorite beverage. Head Start Operation Kindergarten Fourteen children and their families enjoyed festive games and coloring followed by a fun-filled pizza and piñata lunch on Friday, July 28. Gifts from Bethel Church were greatly appreciated which included a set of Kindergarten school supplies and a check covering the classroom fee for each child plus several bright books for everyone. Clothing gifts from Bethel sponsors were wonderful accompanied by special moments to start new friendships with them. Thank you for helping with this BIG transition from the Head-Start Program to the Kindergarten Experience. With smiling faces,
Congratulations On June 28, Kathy and Dartis Francis became grandparents again. Their daughter Gina and her husband Michael were the parents of 9 pound, 10 ounce Aaron Michael Fink. Both mother and baby are well. Deb Hyder has posted two pictures of little Aaron on the bulletin board at the back of the sanctuary. STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE REPORT
*Undesignated Income includes undesignated giving, rental house, Mid-East rental, and bank interest. A Word from The Building Finance Committee We are now seven months into the calendar year and at a good time to review where we are with the Building Fund. Recall that we received pledges over three years totaling $384,839. Of that amount $179,695 was to be received this calendar year. As of 6/30/2006 we have received payments on pledges totaling $65,965, leaving a balance of $110,130 to be paid before the end of the year or 61% of this year’s total. In addition to payment on pledges, $4700.58 has been received outside of pledged amounts and the Memorials for the Building Fund (includes the Joyce Law Kitchen Fund) stands at $14,481.06. Total Building Fund Pledges and cash is $404,020.64. As we receive the report from the architect and begin to approach the Presbytery and other financial institutions, not only will our pledged amount be important but also our progress toward meeting the amount pledged. As we progress through the remainder of 2006, please be prayerfully mindful of your pledge. Christian Education Sunday school teachers needed for K - 6 . Anyone willing to teach a section (usually 3 to 4 weeks) after September, please contact Denise Martin at church or 376-6605. This is always a rewarding and learning experience for everyone willing to serve our youngsters. Add to your calendar: Presbytery picnic will be at John Knox on Spetember 16. There will be an overnight retreat and service project on the 15th for the teenagers. Please look for registration soon! High School and Middle School retreats will be in October at John Knox - more information next month ! You may not know, but Presbytery's Adult Youth Council was recently depleted to 2 brave men, with Bill Kee of Seymour taking the helm. Thanks so much, Peace, Love, and Understanding, Our deep thanks for the efforts of Greg Murr, members of the youth group, and many adults in the congregation who assisted with the various festivities hosted by Bethel during July 3-4. Given the success of this inaugural event, we look forward to this becoming an annual music celebration that Kingston will support and anticipate as a mid-summer treat!
 ... none reported this month ... Roane State Community College’s Continuing Education Department Is Helping Fill A Pressing National Need The Department of Labor projects that Americans will need 433,000 more personal care and home health aides to provide home-based and private duty services in 2008. This will be a 58% increase. This fall our Continuing Education Division for Health Sciences will be offering a personal care attendant training program. The 30-hour training program provides comprehensive standardized training and prepares students to enter the Health Care Workforce quickly, armed with the skills they need. The Department of Labor states that personal and home care aides are in the top 20 fastest-growing occupations. Subjects being taught include:
Please contact Rebecca Calfee or Continuing Education/Knoxville Campus for more information at: www.roanestate.edu/noncredit/healthsciences or call us @ (865) 539-6904 Letters & Notes Thank you! Good people will be remembered as a blessing .....Proverbs 10:7 Dear Debbie and Friends, Thank you so much for allowing me to accompany you on your mission trip to Bayou la Batre, AL. I truly enjoyed engaging in Christian service with you and getting to know everyone of you. May God bless each and every one of you!
Hi Everyone! I hope your summer is going well and you haven't melted in the heat. I am currently planning the Family Picnic on Sept. 17 of this year and would love to have a Bluegrass Band as part of the entertainment. I am hoping to find a band that would play two 30 minute sets during the hours of the picnic from 2-5 pm. Of course I am looking for low cost or volunteers. Please ask around in your congregations, there are many talented folks in our midst. Please contact me either by e-mail or phone (865) 466-8527 if any one comes to mind! Thanks, Bri Payne, Program Director
“With the witness of scripture, the ecumenical creeds, and the Reformed confessions and liturgies, we speak of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Presbyterian Church (USA) affirms and values this way of speaking of the triune God, resisting any tendency to discard or diminish it.” With these words, the study paper entitled “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” sets the anchor for the denomination firmly in scripture and our confessions and states clearly that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the standard and accepted names for the Trinity. This 34-page report (www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/issues/trinityfinal.pdf) goes on to explore the many ways that faithful Christians may speak of the Triune God. At the biennial General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Birmingham this summer, the commissioners voted to receive this paper and commend it to the church for study, with study guides, and to make liturgical resources available to our churches based on the paper. The Trinity is a concept of God that is not reducible to sound bites or to a daily newspaper column, much as some folks might like it to be. One of our commissioners to this recent General Assembly commented that if folks are looking for a quick and simple explanation for theology, the Presbyterian church might not be the right place for them. We take time to study the Word of God, to examine the life of Christ and to discern the will of the Holy Spirit for our lives today. It is a rewarding and fulfilling experience and one that brings a depth to our faith that cannot be found in newspaper articles, no matter how many column inches may be devoted to the topic. Kathleen Parker (Will churches accept the “whatever” catechism? July 5, 2006, News Sentinel) has chosen to single out one small section of the report to hold our church up to public ridicule, apparently in the name of anti-feminism. Exactly why she has done that is unclear but we welcome the attention in any case. It gives us the opportunity to The images that Ms. Parker finds most distressing are those of God as feminine. She is not alone in that distress, even among Presbyterians. Not all Presbyterians like this report, not all Presbyterians support this report and it is NOT a report about what we believe. It was a report that was received by the General Assembly, not adopted, and as such it is only a study paper for our continued conversation about God. Thanks be to God that we have been given that ability to reason together, to study and explore God’s word and to be led by the Holy Spirit in all that we say and do. We welcome any who would like to take that journey with us into our congregations, into worship and into a life in Christ. In this year when we Presbyterians celebrate 50 years of ordaining women ministers (still a controversial concept in many denominations), we welcome the discussions that reports like this one bring for any conversation about God will be a blessing to the church and God’s people. There are instances in scripture where God is variously described like a “compassionate mother” or “beloved Child,” and John Calvin reminds us that God “has manifested himself to be both…Father and Mother.” The image that God can be described in a number of ways, while retaining the anchor of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is not a new one to Presbyterians or Christians. Putting it in writing as the study committee has done has caused some consternation both inside and outside the church, and that conversation is a healthy one. It will force us to examine our beliefs and make them stronger, more resilient, more able to withstand the forces that do attack us in our walk with God. Ms. Parker seems to say that we shouldn’t be talking about this at all because it gives the “fundamentalists” (her words) more power if we are weakened as a denomination by this conversation. I would hope that just the opposite will happen, that ideas like this will open dialogue among Christian peoples and that from such discussions will emerge a stronger faith in our Triune God…Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To God be the glory. Steve Benz
Bethel Family Prayer Calendar - August, 2006 The members and regularly attending friends of Bethel are assigned to elder care groups. Each month in the newsletter for your prayers, we publish the list of one or more elder care groups. The elder’s name and phone at the top of the list are listed as a reminder of their role in nurturing and supporting those who belong to Bethel. You should feel free to contact your elder or the pastor if you have a particular spiritual need or other matter that needs to be brought to our attention. (*Non-member ^Shut-in +Inactive)
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Margaret Murr