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The Open Door
VOL. 32 
E-Mail & On-Line Newsletter
The following is a list of “Christian Principles in an Election Year,” published by the National Council of Churches, USA. As we near November 2, these principles speak to the core values of who we are as Christians and citizens. (Thanks to the Bethel member who shared this with me!) Christian Principles in an Election Year Our Christian faith compels us to address the world through the lens of our relationship to God and to one another. Public discourse is enhanced as we engage civic leaders on the values and ethics affirmed by our faith. At the same time, religious liberty and the integrity of our democracy will be protected as candidates refrain from using faith-based organizations and institutions for partisan gain. We offer these 10 principles to those seeking to accept the responsibility that comes with holding public office.
Finally, our religious tradition admonishes us not to bear false witness against our neighbor and to love our enemies. We ask that the campaigns of political candidates and the coverage of the media in this election season be conducted according to principles of fairness, honesty and integrity Shalom! Your Pastor,
Pretty leaves and cooler temperatures! It’s great, isn’t it? I hope you are considering attending one of the “Get Fit, Roane County!” programs. I think there is something for everyone. Our November programs are: November 4- Tai Chi with Julie Bunch; November 11- Exercise with Nancy King and Melanie Sherrod (Balance testing will be done), and November 18th- the diabetes educator from Chase drug (Stephanie) in Harriman will be here. Classes start at 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall and are free. Bring your friends! The Flu shot clinic went very well here at Bethel. We had around 140 persons that received their shot in the 2-hour clinic. If you are one who is not in the “high risk” category and did not receive a flu shot, let me explain about protecting yourself and others from the flu. First of all, allow me teach you about transmission of the flu. Influenza is transmitted by direct and indirect contact with influenza viruses, and is easily spread from person to person in large respiratory droplets that become airborne when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta states: “Large droplets don’t remain suspended in the air, and close contact (less than 3 feet) is usually required for transmission. The incubation period is from one to four days and the average is two days. Adults can be infectious from the day before symptoms begin, and they remain so approximately five days after the onset of symptoms. Children can be infectious for 10 days or more, and can shed virus for six or more days before the onset of symptoms. Severely immunocompromised patients can shed influenza virus for several weeks or month.” Transmission of flu viruses also can occur through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Flu virus can survive up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces and less than 12 hours on clothes and paper. As always, hand washing is your best line of defense. Persons should also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and should cover their mouths and noses with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Persons who are experiencing flu symptoms should stay home and not spread their disease by going to work or going on errands. If you are sick and need errands done, please call me at the church- 376-6340 or at home- 376-1685 and I will arrange for errands to be run. As always, to your health ............. Deb
... none listed for this month ... Bethel’s Book Discussion Group will not meet in November or December. We will resume our meetings in January. We meet at 1:30 in the church lounge. Upcoming book selections include:
ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP Christian Ed committee will be sponsoring an Advent wreath-making workshop during the Sunday School hour on November 28, the first Sunday of Advent. The workshop is open to all children’s classes and any adults who would like to come and make an Advent wreath to take home. Please let Karen Schall know if you are interested, so we can be sure to have enough supplies on hand. ALPHA UPDATE
We are right in the middle of our first Alpha Course! In fact, many of us have just returned from a weekend away at John Knox Camp – where we studied about the person, the work, and activity of the Holy Spirit. Talk to anyone who attended and you will find that we not only grew in knowledge – but saw the Holy Spirit at work in wonderful ways! We have “elected” to change the Alpha Course on Election Day…to Monday evening, November 1st…same time – but we will meet in the Choir Room for pizza! Be reminded that we have another Alpha Course set for January. That is the time for you to consider inviting friends, co-workers and family members who want to learn more about the Christian faith. A NOTE FROM YOUR WEB SITE EDITOR Hello Bethel members and friends! Check out our “New at Bethel” page. One of the new programs at Bethel is Get Fit, Roane County, a Diet, Nutrition and Exercise workshop. The program started October 7th and will run for 8 weeks. So you still have time to visit workshops on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Talking about fitness. Bethel is still offering Body Recall, a physical fitness program designed for people over 50. The key for a healthier over –50 citizens is movement, the essence of exercise. Even slow movements will build strength and flexibility; it is also a great stress reliever. Come join us in the Fellowship Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 – 10 a.m. Visitors and friends are always welcome. You can contact me via e-mail by clicking HERE and selecting "Bethel Web Site Editor" from the pull-down list. Thank you very much. Marianne SITUATION REPORT Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has provided $10,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds for survivors of the Beslan school disaster. Funds are being used to purchase much-needed medical equipment for hospitals in North Ossetia, where wounded victims of Beslan are undergoing treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Funds will also be used to support a five-day seminar to train those who have direct contact with the child and adult victims of Beslan - pastors, Christian educators, and health care providers. The seminar is cooperatively organized by the Baptist Union, the Narnia Center (the ministry of mission coworker Donald Marsden in Moscow), Russian Ministries (a parachurch organization based in Wheaton, IL with extensive outreach in Russia), and others. The seminar, planned for December 2004, will be conducted by Phyllis Kilbourn, a widely respected author/Christian educator on issues of war, children at war, and the psychosocial recovery of victims of war and violence. Those wishing to respond financially may do so by designating gifts for
OFFICERS TO BE NOMINATED Bethel’s Committee on Nominations will be placing the following names before the congregation for election to the class of 2007: The Congregation’s Committee on Nominations will place in nomination the following to the session class of 2007: Laura Dailey, Denise Martin, Carolyn McNew, Amber Jacks, and Alfred Rybka. (Note: new responsibilities at work necessitated Jerry Harvey withdrawing his name from nomination; the committee will place Alfred in nomination instead). In addition, Ken Dungan will be nominated to serve as a trustee. As always, nominations may be made from the floor, so long as the person being nominated has granted his or her permission prior to the meeting. The date for this congregational meeting will be November 14. Thanks to those who have served on the Nominating Committee: Mark Banker (chair) and Frank Harris from the session, and Laura Dailey, Dan Hyder, and Denise Martin from the congregation. MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY AVAILABLE The Mobile Mammography Unit will be in Roane County on Monday, November 15th at the Roane County Health Department. This screening is done by the Thompson Cancer Survival Center and will be filed with your insurance carrier (by them). The mammograms last about 10-15 minutes. There are still appointments open for November 15th from 1:10 P.M.- 2:30 P.M. To make an appointment, please call the Thompson Cancer Survival Center at 541-1312. ITEMS OF INTEREST... Host/Hostess for November Fellowships Fun Lunch, Tuesday, October 9th: Edith Miles, Marianne Shadden Fellowship Sunday, October 14th: Denise Martin and Senior Highs Fellowship Supper, Wednesday, October 17th: Jane Pickel and Steve and Amber Jacks The Advent Season is almost upon us. The first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 28th. We’ll begin with a wreath-making workshop. Hanging of the Greens takes place on Dec. 5th – signup sheets will appear in upcoming Sunday bulletins. The children and youth will be hard at work on this year’s Christmas pageant. Stay tuned! Need a little help? Boys For Hire! Bram Hyder and Shawn Hart are available for odd jobs. If you have something that they could do, please call Bram at 376-1685 or Shawn at 376-3251. Books still needed… We are still collecting new or gently used books for the Women’s Shelter in Roane County and for the Head Start Program. Girl Scout Troop 435 is participating in a READING ROCKS community service project to supply books for children ages 6 months to 14 years old and for women served by the shelter and Head Start. Please help support the love of books and improving literacy. If you have books to donate, please talk to Amy Coen. ALINE TERRY TRANSPORTATION If you have a transportation need please call Deb Hyder at 376-6340. Persons who are agreeing to drive should turn in their mileage to Debbie Hyder monthly so we can keep the Aline Terry Transportation Fund. Currently, persons are transporting Bethel members but not turning in their mileage for re-imbursement. If you choose, you may donate your re-imbursement back to Bethel. CIVIL WAR PROJECT AT KINGSTON LIBRARY The Kingston Public Library has received a Jane Pettway Grant. The grant funds will be used to promote a Civil War project in which the role of Roane County in the war will be explored. The community is invited to several events beginning with an Open House on November 13, 2004 beginning at 10:00 A.M. and continuing on into the afternoon. Come and tour a museum like exhibit featuring the role of women and family, slaves, reconstruction, troop movements throughout Roane County, and notable figures of the period. There will be Civil War artifacts on display. Re-enactors will be on hand to model clothing and living conditions of the time. The movie, The Red Badge of Courage, will be shown in the afternoon and will be followed by a discussion group. There will be something for the whole family throughout the 5 month long program, including weekly movie and book discussion groups, A Civil War Christmas event, scheduled for December 18th with the Civil War period band, Un-Reconstructed providing period music and hosting a ball at the Kingston Community Center. Activities for youth will also be scheduled throughout the project. The community is invited and encouraged to attend this detailed look at our area’s history. The library is also looking for Civil War period artifacts to display at the library during the event. If you have something you would like to display, or if you have any questions about the project please contact Steve Jacks at 376-9905. OPEN HOUSE AT MARYVILLE COLLEGE Distinctive programs that promote “learning by experience” will be highlighted for prospective students and their families during Maryville College’s Open House, scheduled for Nov. 13. While the day’s itinerary includes campus tours and sessions explaining the academic program, attendees will also get a glimpse of unique programs and opportunities including study abroad, the Center for Calling & Career, Mountain Challenge, volunteer services, non-profit leadership development, athletics and the College’s equestrian team. While there is no charge for Open House, reservations are required and may be made by calling 865.981.8092 or 1.800.597.2687, or by e-mailing the Admissions Office at admissions@maryvillecollege.edu. DISBURSEMENTS TREASURER WANTED It is with deep regret that the Stewardship and Finance Committee accept the resignation of Brenda Bunch as our disbursements treasurer; and we appreciate the excellent job she has done. She regretfully feels she cannot continue in this capacity at this time. She assured us she would not abandon us, but she would appreciate being relieved of these duties as soon as possible. November 14 is Stewardship Sunday, at which time you will be asked to commit your time, talent, and gifts to the church. Why not beat us to the punch and offer your services now? Brenda was kind enough to set some guidelines as to what abilities would be desirable in performing the duties of the disbursements treasurer. Please read this article all the way through before making your decision. The following are not mandatory but desirable:
If we have difficulty finding someone with the accounting knowledge outlined above; someone with good computer skills can write checks and record deposits on the Quickbooks system, and then have an accountant do a periodic review, run reports, and prepare tax forms. Brenda Bunch and Nancy Landers will be happy to help our volunteer in any way needed. We have been fortunate to have Chuck and Brenda, professional accountants, work with our financial system. However, remember that Nancy Landers (who is an engineer) was our disbursements treasurer for years and did an excellent job. If you are interested in serving the church in this capacity, please contact Chris Badger at 376-6714 or badgerc@bellsouth.net.
MISSION OUTREACH Christmas is quickly approaching and the Mission Outreach Committee is busy preparing for the 2004 Christmas Baskets distribution. We need your help. 1. Sponsor an Angel. The Angel Tree will be set up again this year in the back of the sanctuary Sunday, November 21 - December 5, 2004. The name of each child and a wish list will be printed on each angel. Sponsors can choose one or more angels needing presents. We would like to have the gifts at the church no later than Monday, December 13. Each gift should be wrapped with the child's name and number clearly indicated. 2. Donations to the food baskets. Each family will receive a food basket which will contain either a turkey or chicken as well as enough food for the family's Christmas dinner and several more meals. If you would like to contribute to the Christmas Basket fund, please indicate this on your check. The families will be invited to the Fellowship Hall Saturday, December 18th to pick up the food baskets and gifts. With your help, we hope to help approximately 30 families with Christmas this year. PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE We will travel to the Playhouse to see TWO BY TWO on Sunday, November 14th, 2:30, leaving Bethel at 2 p.m. Please make checks payable for $19 (11 for kids) payable to Marianne Shadden. Mark your calendars to attend our annual Christmas Dinner (potluck), pageant and party on Wednesday, December 15th, starting at 6:30. After dinner, we adjourn to our sanctuary for the Christmas Play and then back to the Fellowship Hall for cookies and punch. Our Christmas Carolers will meet at the church on Sunday, December 19th at 4:30 p.m. After the caroling, the carolers are invited to the Hettricks for refreshments. Watch for details in December Open Door. We had a lengthy discussion about a new Church Directory for Bethel members and friends. Our last directory was made in March 2002 and we fell that it is time for a new one. We have talked to Mona Touchstone on Wednesday, October 13th (Marianne, Ruth Ann, Edith and Debbie). What she showed us was very impressive. Mona works for Life Touch. Life Touch is providing the directories at NO cost plus, every family photographed will receive a complimentary directory and an 8 x 10 portrait. Tentative date for the picture taking is August 15, 16, 17, 2005. Watch for details in upcoming newsletters. Parish Life want to thank all of you who helped with food, drinks, decorations and cleaning up for our dinner on Sunday, October 3 in honor of Samuel and Monica Wambugu. You always come through for us and we appreciate all of you very much.
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Bethel Family Prayer Calendar - November, 2004
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NO. 11
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MARK BANKER (06)
+Choate, Doug |
CHRIS BADGER (06)
Barber, Doris |
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