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The Open Door
VOL. 32 
E-Mail & On-Line Newsletter
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances . . ." (I Thessalonians 4:16-18) The month of May has been a time of great rejoicing for me and the Bethel congregation. Early in the month, I successfully defended my thesis for the ThD degree at Harvard Divinity School, entitled, "That Great and Awful Change: Death and Practical Theology in the American Northeast, 1700-1900." I want to thank everyone who supported me in the process of completing this degree, especially members of my family. Harvard's commencement is June 10, so please let this serve as an invitation to all of you to share in my joy. Late in May, Bethel had other causes for thanksgiving: a wonderful youth Sunday worship service and an afternoon concert of sacred music presented by Dianne Griffith, Mary Ann Hensley, and Caleb Sherrod. Also that day we had two successful fundraising trips for next month's mission trip to New Mexico – an afternoon car wash sponsored by the youth and an evening dinner, at which over $800 was raised in support of this trip. We have 22 people going to do repairs and work with the children at the El Centro de los Ninos Child Development Center in Tierra Amarilla, a small community in northern New Mexico near the Colorado border. I am excited about this trip, and all of us who are being sent out from Bethel deeply appreciate all the support you have given to us. There will be a commissioning service for these participants on June 13 that the Reverend Bill Shenk will lead in my absence that Sunday. And to top off the month of May, we gather this Sunday to celebrate one of the high feast days of the Church, Pentecost, that outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem upon the earliest participants in the Jesus movement. We encourage you to wear red to help us mark this holy occasion when the Church was (and is) filled with new life and the joy of new possibilities. May that same Spirit which transformed Babel's confusion into the gift of many languages continue to move us into God's preferred future as seek to be found faithful stewards of the mysteries of God's grace. May the peace of Christ be with you!
Happy June to you! Although June is usually associated with brides, it can also be associated with bathing suits and summer clothes. When I was a teenager I adored summer, after all you do have a three-month break from school, swimming and outdoor activities. Now I dread stuffing myself into a swimming suit and scrutinize my too-small last summer's clothes. I too, have been noticing the diets in the headlines. In browsing diet styles, one popular one is the low fat, low cholesterol diet. One of the articles on diet that captured my attention was in the Journal of the American Medical Association. There was a study done this year that found that the cardiac risk factors of diabetes, hypertension, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol), smoking, and obesity could affect kidney health. Eighteen and a half years ago, 1,223 men and 1,362 women agreed to be part of a test group. After 18.5 years, 244 subjects developed kidney disease. Each of the cardiovascular risk factors studied increased the subjects' risk of kidney disease. For instance, diabetes more that doubled the risk, obesity increased the risk by nearly one-quarter, and smoking increased the risk by more than 40%.As you are aware, I will be conducting a diet workshop in the fall. I will be coordinating my efforts with Rev. Pat Harvey who is in charge of the small group ministries here at Bethel and my steerage committee. We are planning to start in September with three workshops: one will be a class comparing different diets such as Atkins, Dr. Phil's, the glycemic Index, Mediterranean, and the South Beach diet. The second program will be taught by Nancy King and Melanie Sherrod and will concern exercise for health. The third program will be taught by a dietician who will help us make up our healthy menus. These programs are for all ages. In addition, I will be conducting an all-youth diet workshop. I am finding some fun and exciting programs just for the youth. I am looking forward to this workshop and I hope you will join me in attending. I will post the exact starting date as fall approaches.As always, to your health
... none listed for this month ... Monthly News
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NO. 6|
THE ALPHA MINISTRY
What is the point of life? What happens when we die? What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today? How do we deal with guilt? If you would like to explore any of these questions, then Alpha is for you! Starting in September At Bethel Presbyterian Church Next Month – What is Alpha? |
SAMUEL AND MONICA WAMBUGU UPDATE
They have had to reschedule their trip to the U.S. until fall of this year. They report that1st Presbyterian Church in Knoxville has given them a dedicated gift of $850.00 toward purchase of land to grow food on. Their crop includes kale, carrots, spinach, potatoes and cabbages. This year they have an abundance of this crop So they sold the surplus and got money for cooking oils, meat, firewood and fruits.
Samuel writes that there are still problems like paying their teachers a fair amount (right now they are paid $100.00, when their counterparts in Kenya get $350.00). Samuel and Monica ask for your prayers for Kenya, Grace School and the struggles of the Kenyan economy.
THIS IS THE MESSAGE FROM THE Rea EVENING CIRCLE
The REa Circle has just begun a new study using the book, "First Comes Faith" by W. Frank Harrington. Frank Harrington was pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta for more than 25 years until his death in March of 1999.
Come join us for an hour of study the second and fourth Sunday of each month. We meet in the room under the sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. Carol Brown is leading this thought-provoking study. We study two chapters every meeting so we will finish the book by September. The community project we are supporting is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for children ages birth until age 5. Any child who is signed up for this program receives a book each month for 5 years. The cost per child is $27. Everyone is welcome to give a donation designated the Imagination Library.
Remember, too, that on Sunday, June 6th there will be a luncheon with both women's circles following the church service. Bring a salad or dessert. This is the Birthday Offering celebration of the women's circles of the PCUSA. All members of the congregation are invited to this pot luck salad and dessert luncheon.
BIRTHDAY OFFERING
Bethel's Presbyterian Women (PW) host a joint meeting and pot luck lunch on Sunday, June 6th, after church services. The meeting celebrates the PW Birthday Offering. The Birthday Offering began in 1922 when each woman was asked to donate the number of pennies in her age (or a dollar if she wished her age to remain anonymous) and the funds were given to mission projects. The tradition continues and the offering received today supports up to five large projects selected each year by the Creative Ministries Offering Committee. A list of the 2003 projects is available on-line at http://www.pcusa.org/pcusa/horizons/HrznJnFb03/Bday2003.htm
SPIRITUAL GIFTS DISCERNMENT MINISTRY INITIATIVE
Check out our gift box on the fellowship hall bulletin board. Watch this area for new and interesting Gifts information.
The next Spiritual Gifts Discernment Ministry meeting will be Tuesday, June 8 at 7:00 P.M. We will be reviewing a draft report with recommendations for a spiritual gifts program within the Bethel congregation. The report will be submitted to Session after review.
The Evangelism Committee wants to invite every member of the church to consider attending the upcoming Alpha sessions that begin in September. Alpha is a 10 week course with one fellowship weekend where we will explore Christianity in a non-threatening setting.
Many people are turned off the word Evangelism because they think of "Bible-thumping", "door-to-door", "guilt-producing", or even "fire and brimstone". But in YOUR life who brought you to Jesus? Probably it was someone who was "faithful" "caring", "concerned:, and "loving". These were the real "evangelists" in your life and we can be this kind of evangelist, also. We all can be evangelists by living our faith as much as telling about it.
NEWS FROM PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL
Thanks to the folks who assisted in Work Day. Thanks to Jack Stackpole, Ann Robertson, and Ruth Brownell for their green thumbs in planting flowers. The Buildings and Grounds Initiative Committee has begun regular meetings with Chris Malone of Foxhollow Goodson to address concerns about our property and buildings discussed during visioning. To date we have met with him twice. He has inspected our buildings and we have provided him with a list of our programs, ministries, attendance and basic financial information. A meeting is scheduled on May 24 for a discussion of the above information. More to follow. Keep us in your prayers as we continue this work.
NEWS FROM PARISH LIFE
We are issuing an invitation: As you may know, our pastor will graduate June 10 from Harvard Divinity School with a Ph.D. Parish Life will host a reception in Marc's honor on Sunday, July 18, in our Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited.
Congratulations, Dr. Marc! We are very proud of you..
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youth speak
Marvelous May May was jam-packed with activities in the community and at Bethel. The month was filled with band and choral concerts, graduations, band trips, visits to other churches in our area and Youth Sunday. Youth Sunday, which was held on May 23rd, was a true testament to the way in which the Lord is working with and through the fine youth of our congregation. From the sermons, to the hymns, to Children’s time, to the bulletin cover, the Spirit of the Lord was at Bethel. The Energizers were excellent! Thanks to Rev. Sherrod for directing the youth, and thanks to all the youth who participated in one way or another to this special day in the life of Bethel. As if May 23rd was not already busy enough with Youth Sunday, the youth continued on with a car wash to honor a 2003 Time and Talent Auction commitment and many of you were very happy to have the youth wash your vehicles. We might need to do this more often. :) The congregation at Bethel and the community were treated to a very special evening of music on May 23rd. Diane Griffith, Mary Ann Hensley, and Caleb Sherrod delighted the crowd and filled the sanctuary with beautiful music. Thanks to each of you. Are we not blessed at Bethel to be surrounded by so much talent? Following the recital many enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by many who will be participating in the New Mexico mission trip in June and supervised by our own Nelda Toon. All contributions received from the recital and the dinner will be utilized to support the mission trip. Thanks to all who helped, and to all who contributed! Cheers! Corey Preston was applauded for being on the A-B Honor roll for the 2nd grade for the year. Ryan Preston was also an honor roll achiever this school year. Frederick Morgan recently participated with the Oak Ridge High School ninth grade orchestra in a nation-wide competition. He thinks the best part of the competition was that the kids had a 3-day pass to any part of Disney World! However, we are sure his teacher was equally pleased that the orchestra took 2nd place in the competition (missing first place by only 3/10th of a point!) Frederick enjoyed the nighttime “Illuminations”, a light and fireworks show, as well as being able to tour the park at his leisure. He has played the cello with the orchestra since 4th grade and recently branched out into piano and keyboard. Julie received a medal from Kingston Elementary for being on the A Honor roll in the 2nd grade. Julie was also one of 12 winners for Reading Olympics for the 2nd grade. She was one of seven students out of 132 who received a blue ribbon for perfect attendance. Good job Julie! Eden Sherrod will be participating in Carson Newman College’s summer music camp at the end of June. Hannah Sherrod and her doubles partner, Amy Smith, will be participating in the Tennessee High School Tennis Championship in Memphis. Hannah has also recently competed and won the position of drum major for the Roane County High School marching band. Way to go Hannah! As if she is not busy enough, Hannah will also be seen at the Kingston Community Center pool this summer as a lifeguard. Caleb Sherrod has decided to attend Indiana University in the fall. Jordan Sherrod recently was selected as a member of the Roane County High School Color Guard. All of the Sherrod clan are looking forward to a trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts in June to watch Dad (finally) graduate! Congratulations! * Looking Ahead to June * No school, old friends, new friends and a chance to travel, what better place to be this summer than Bethel. It’s time for Summer Sunday School. June 6th will mark the beginning of the summer session of Sunday School for children and youth. As in the past, we will be having combined classes. This year we’ll be learning about what Presbyterians are doing in mission throughout the world. Using the “We Believe” materials and the new Children’s Mission Yearbook, we will use games, stories, crafts, food, and fun as we explore God’s Call to “Go into the World.” In July, we’re expecting a visit from Sam and Monica Wambugu, our friends from Kenya who run the Grace School there. We’ll be building our Vacation Bible School around their visit and hope to provide lots of opportunities for the whole congregation to learn more about their country and mission work there. Sounds exciting! Please refer to the Sunday bulletin for more information on exact dates of Vacation Bible School. Lastly, let’s not forget the youth and adults who will be traveling to New Mexico from June 16th – 23rd. Keep the group and those they will serve in your thoughts and prayers.
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Mary Woodall:
Judith and Peter Keim
Donald Woodall
Terry & Charity Robbins
Jack & Sue Muecke
Doris Ann Parkinson
Kay Michener
Betty Ulrich
Doris Barber
Nancy & Clay Landers
River System Operation & Environment of T.V.A.Nell Skinner:
Jack & Sue Muecke
Miss Dot's Hunger Fund:
Ruby and Gordon Fielden
Joyce Law:
Vernon Law for kitchen renovation
Notes of Sympathy
... none reported this month ...
I wish to THANK EVERYONE for all the PRAYERS, cards, calls and well wishes that I have received since my surgery. You are all sincerely appreciated.
THANK YOU ......Henry Tulley
We just want to express our appreciation for all the kind words, the meal, the thoughts and prayers of everyone in remembering our mother. We want to give a special thanks to Bill Shenk, Mary Hensley, and Deb Hyder for all their help.
The family of Mary Woodall.
Thank you for the many cards and gifts I have received. Thank you for your support that never fails.
Bram Hyder
... none this month ...
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) |
| Muriel McKonley (sister of Jean Young) |
Rae-Inn Nursing Home (Geneva, Ohio) |
| Frances McPheeters | Baptist Healthcare Center |
| Betty Brown | Alpharetta Healthcare Center |
| Evelyn Waldrup | Harriman Health Care |
| Ella Winsbro | Harriman Health Care |
| Roberta Cash | Rockwood Health Care |
| Joan Pemberton | Wellington Place – Kingston |
HOSPITAL |
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| Carole Jane Row | Methodist Medical Center |
| Tora Phillips | East TN. Children's Hospital |
AT HOME |
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Addie Wreath Hunt, Christine Woods, Al & Dot Davis, Florence Simmons, Ruth Moutoux
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Bethel Family Prayer Calendar - June, 2004
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.
1 -
Doris Barber |
7 -
John Billings Patton
Linda & Travis Brown |
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14 -
Linda Choate |
21 -
Jean Young
Al & Dot Davis |
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28 -
Dana Hensley |
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