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The Open Door

Bethel Presbyterian Church ~ a community of faith, fellowship, study and service ... Seeking God's peace, justice and love ~

VOL. 34 NO. 11 Marc Sherrod, Minister November, 2006

E-Mail & On-Line Newsletter

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.

**Open Door Index**
From the Pastor	From the Parish Nurse
Session Committee News	Session Meeting Highlights
Monthly News	Notes of Sympathy
Youth News	Remember to Pray for These
Letters & Notes	Birthdays
Prayer Calendar	Special Needs
Memorial Gifts	Thoughts to Ponder
In The Months Ahead...	Calendar

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.

From the Pastor

Editor’s Note: As you are all aware by now, our pastor is on medical leave, seeking medical treatment for cancer. The good news is that finally a course of action has been decided upon, and treatment is scheduled to begin this week. Our congregation remains steadfast in prayer for Marc, Melanie, Caleb, Hannah, Jordan and Eden.

In lieu of the usual monthly message from the pastor which appears on this page, we have printed below a thought-provoking letter from Elder Frank Harris.

Who Will Pick Up the Flag?

Indulge me for a moment and share this bit of imagery. A small brigade of Christian soldiers is moving forward. They have benefited from great and visionary leadership through most of their adult lives. They have weathered one challenge after another—always a small band but an indefatigable one. Many challenges make them afraid, while also showing them a great deal about themselves that is good and the brigade is comfortable. Those they touch with their ministries are grateful. Many are served.

The battle rages on. The ground ahead turns upward. The pace quickens while the direction seems less certain. The fog of uncertainty is all around them. Change comes in many guises. All of a sudden their leader who has carried the banner so well falters and falls, wounded by illness. The brigade is scared. They begin to doubt themselves and their journey. They question. Some want to turn and blame somebody for their misfortune. Some are not so quick to do the usual tasks of the brigade. Simple things are ignored such as ushering, providing flowers for weekly worship. They slow in their willingness to support the brigade and its ministries with their riches. They are slow to volunteer—to teach, to serve as officers, to do the large and small tasks of the brigade.

Who will step forward at this juncture? Who can do all that is needed? What are we going to do? How can we ever go forward again? In the background, however, each hears a quiet voice. It may be a child; it may be someone who asks how the brigade is doing and expresses thanks for past service. It may be one of the youth who asks who will teach me. There is too much for one to do. The ministries must go on. What will we ever do?

The answer is simple but making it happen takes faith. We each will pick up a flag. Where there was perhaps but one flag now let there be many flags each signifying what each of us can do to move the brigade called Bethel forward. Have you found your flag? If not, look about you. There are many, one for each of us in our own way to pick up and carry forward. In doing so we will find a new unity, a renewed purpose, and show our leaders, present and past, that we understand. Bethel is not one or a few people, but each of us doing what we can, when we can, to the extent we can, all that we can.

And why will this happen? Faith. Faith is the constant belief that God will do right. What we need to do is demonstrate our faith—faith not acted upon is no faith. So, we must each act on our own faith, doing things we can do to God’s glory, and together we will achieve amazing results. That is what we have been taught…

Onward Christian soldiers…

Peace,

Frank Harris

Parish Nurse

Wow, October went fast, didn’t it? After our mission time down in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, I am reminded how truly blessed we are. I have often heard it said, whenever we feel blue, we should list our blessings. I invite you to join me in this Thanksgiving month to list our many blessings. It is truly amazing what God has done in our lives.

I suppose you want to hear about our latest mission trip. Well….. Lagniappe Presbyterian Church is located behind a Pizza hut and is housed in an old “football stadium” sized building that used to be a hot tub store. In fact, there is no church sign outside, only a “Water Fun” sign. On Sunday, we worshipped with the local Lagniappe congregation. I think the number of folks attending that day was around fifty. I was happily surprised when I saw our sleeping quarters. We had bunk beds and hot showers- truly a blessing. Lagniappe’s tool shed was quite well stocked with all the tools one could need in our tasks.

Among the college- age kids that worked for two days and the high school kids that worked four days, we roofed, hung and finished drywall, and mucked out houses. We started by getting up from our bunks around 6 A.M. and walking across the gravel driveway to the cafeteria. By 7:30 we were on our way to our work sites. I had the privilege to work with all of our Bethel leader’s groups. So, I hung sheetrock one day, worked running electrical wire and setting up outlet boxes another day, and also had time to finish two rooms of sheetrock at Cassie Massey’s home. Another day, I was running two of our college-aged kids to the local emergency room (nothing real serious). We worked at our sites from 8 A.M. to 5 or sometimes 6 P.M. Mike Kirkland, who had accompanied us on other trips, was our cook. He always had a hot supper waiting when we came in and a great hot breakfast before we left in the morning.

Along with my other jobs, I did manage to take some pictures. I hope to share these with you soon. In addition, I did deliver our donated blankets to George Bates who works for the Presbytery Disaster Relief in the Mississippi Synod office. He was delighted to receive them. I want to thank our crew chiefs from Bethel: Dave Nippert, Frank Jones, Jim Schall, Duie Swicegood and our crew chief from Luminary United Methodist Church: Bill Carothers. I also want to thank Mission Outreach for giving us $500.00 on our expenses and, of course, all of you who prayed for safety in this mission.

As always, to your health ...

... Deb

Session Highlights

[A reminder: session meetings are always open for members to attend unless the session votes to go into executive session per Robert’s Rules of Order; the minutes of the session are available, by appointment, for review in the church office]

•	... none reported for October ...
• • • • •

Special Needs

... none reported this month ...

Monthly News

Super Saturday Series to resume in November

November 4^th 10:00 AM – Fellowship Hall Bethel Presbyterian Church

This will be an informal gathering, refreshments are provided.

Phil Walsh will be leading the discussion, which will be a continuation of his earlier talk on a SECURE energy policy.

The previous discussion described the components of a SECURE energy policy vitally needed to replace our current one component (maximum short term profits) system. This discussion will summarize measures that individuals, local, state and federal governments can implement to facilitate the SECURE policy in a reasonable time.

We hope that attendees will bring their own ideas to the discussion in one or more of the following areas:

1. enhance energy security
2. minimize environmental impact
3. enhance conservation
4. enhance energy undependence
5. maximize use of renewable resources
6. maximize economic benefits for everyone

Energy saving tips may be found at eere.energy.gov/consumer/ or energyright.com or enter gasoline saving tips on the web

5^th Annual Women’s Retreat at Camp John Knox

November 3-5, 2006

Autumn...a time for the pure and simple pleasures of changing leaves, hayrides, & harvest. Celebrate God’s colorful season at the John Knox Center.

Join us for a relaxing weekend where you can look forward to a time of spiritual renewal, delicious food, and great conversation surrounded by friends old and new.

Enjoy a relaxed schedule that offers valuable opportunities to build quality relations...with God...and with one another. You can customize your experience by choosing program options to fit your style or spend the day curled up with a book. There is also time for rest, reflection, and appreciation of God’s creation on your own.

Keynote speaker will be Sonya McAuley-Allen, and program options include massage therapy, manicures, watercolor painting, Pilates, and a nature walk. Cost for the weekend, which includes sleeping accommodations and all meals and snacks, is $100. You may register online at www.johnknoxcenter.org – click on “Calendar of Events.”

Did You Know?

Ray and Lucy Wolfenbarger passed along some information regarding the services the Masons provide for families with loved ones at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.

Ray has been a Mason for over 50 years. Currently, the Masons in Oak Ridge have a hospitality house across the street from Methodist. They stock it up with food and anyone (you don't have to be a Mason) can go over there and take a break from the hospital. They also have shower facilities and it is possible to spend the night if you need to.

Ray also has access to medical equipment--beds, potty chairs, feeding trays, wheelchairs, etc. for anyone who needs them.

Lucy would like to spread the word because most people do not know that this service exists for patients and families at Methodist.

The Wolfenbargers’ number is (865) 482-5404. They live in Oak Ridge.

Available

Liz Singley has a power wheelchair that she would like someone to get some use out of. If anyone is interested, please call Liz at 865--274-3550.

Allergy Alert

Please continue to remember that two of our children have severe allergies to nuts, especially peanuts (even peanut oil!) If you bring food to church for family night suppers, fellowship Sundays, etc., PLEASE be sure to label the items that may contain nuts.

Knoxville Choral Society

Dianne Griffith invites you to a program of sacred music presented by the Knoxville Choral Society at Pellissippi State Technical Community College’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 18, 8:00 p.m.

Works include Te Deum by Mark Hayes and Requiem by K. Lee Scott.

Tickets $15, available at the door.

Purchase tickets online at Knoxtix.com or by calling (865) 523-7521.

Dianne also has a few tickets.

Session Committee News

STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE REPORT
Financial Report 1/1/06 to 9/30/06

*Undesignated Income	$164,281.29
Less Budget Expense	175,693.59
Deficit	($ 11,468.60)

*Undesignated Income includes undesignated giving, rental house, Mid-East rental income, and checking account interest.

Mission and Outreach

Christmas Baskets

Beginning Sunday, November 12, the Angel Tree will be in the back of the sanctuary. There will be a limited number of children on the tree at this time but more names will be added through December 10 or until we find sponsors for all the children.

After selecting a name, please tear off the back angel and leave it with the Mission Outreach member who will be assisting and keeping track of children and sponsors.

Please return all wrapped gifts to the church before Tuesday, December 12 for distribution Saturday, December 16. If possible, please put all the gifts for each child together with the angel. Each angel will have a number and letter. The number represents the family and the letter represents the child in that family. Also on each angel will be a list of clothing items and sizes for each child as well as a suggestion for a toy/book/CD/DVD/etc. Please check each item purchased. There is no obligation to buy everything the child wants.

In addition to the food baskets and items for the children in the families, the Mission Outreach Committee plans to provide a smaller food basket for approximately 10 elderly families. If you would like to contribute hygiene items, such as combs, brushes, toothbrushes, etc. to be included in these baskets, the MO committee would appreciate it.
Also, the MO committee would like to include a small gift such as a flannel, knitted or crocheted afghan, booties or soft hat for people who might not be too active and chill easily. Handmade items would be perfect and a great way to use that left over material and yarn.

In addition to monetary contributions for food, we need shampoo, bath soap, bubble bath, dishwashing soap, combs, toothpaste, toothbrush (adult and child) and other items not covered by food stamps. These will be divided among the families.

Volunteers are needed for set up Friday afternoon, December 15. Please let Jane Walsh know if you can help.

Hands of Mercy

The members of the board and the volunteers of Hands of Mercy wish to thank everyone who has donated to our food bank.

We especially appreciate the monetary donations. With these donations we are able to purchase the necessary foods on our list. We are also a tax-free organization that buys in volume. Piggly Wiggly and Food City often sell us cases of food at cost.

From January 1^st to December 31, 2005 we served 5955 clients of which 1950 were children and 694 were senior citizens. From January 1^st to September 30^th, 2006, we have served 5371 clients, of which 2012 were children and 714 were senior citizens.

Due to the high cost of flour, sugar and cornmeal, and the fact that “modern women” do not cook from scratch, we have our revised our list slightly:

Primary List Secondary List
Corn meal muffin mix Green beans
Rice Corn
Dried beans Green peas
Pasta Macaroni & cheese
Pasta sauce Soup
Peanut butter Meat products – Spam
Cereal Beef stew, etc.
Crackers Tuna
Bread Fruit
Dry milk

(P.S. Hands of Mercy hopes to have a float in the annual Christmas parade – a nativity scene made from cans and boxes. Please save your empty, clean cans and bring to Bethel’s resource room, or give them to Teresa Hettrick when you see her.)

Youth News

We have several exciting things happening with our Bethel youth in the near future. The second week in November (the 12th), our youth will be hosting several guest musicians, who will perform during the worship service. During this time of need at Bethel, I’m proud to say the youth will be leading the service that Sunday. It should bring a much needed smile, so if you can make it, let’s fill the church and welcome our musical guests!

Also, Christmas is getting closer each day, so we will start practicing our Christmas play the first week in November. The play we are doing this year will be more traditional than last year’s was. I hope to fill most of the parts with the youngest children in the church. With God’s help, there will be lots of little angels this year! Participating in a Christmas play is a great way to become part of our youth group. We share snacks and lots of laughs, and I always make sure there is fun Christmas music playing to keep the mood bright! There will be something for all to do, so I hope to see everyone’s children, and grandchildren, there when practice begins. We’ll be needing a little help from the parents too, especially those with nerves of steel. LOL :)

I’ll be sure and let everyone know exactly when that will be.

May God bless and protect you as we begin to prepare ourselves for the seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent.

Greg Murr

Memorial Gifts

... none reported for October ...

Notes of Sympathy

... none reported this month ...

In The Months Ahead...

From Berea College comes the following:

Applications for the winter session of the New Opportunity School for Women are now available.

The school is a free educational and career explotation program for women in a period of transition in their lives or who wish to clarify their personal strengths and aspirations.

It provides an opportunity to meet other women and to support one another during a three-week new learning experience.

The upcoming program will be Feb. 4-24, 2007 on the Berea College campus in Berea, Ky.

Application deadline is Nov. 30.

Requests for applications and additional information should be addressed to the New Opportunity School for Women, 204 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403, or by calling (859) 985-7200.

Whitestone Singers

The Whitestone Singers will be appearing at Whitestone Inn on December 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. Folks who wish to hear them should confirm the dates when they make reservations.

Book Discussion Group

There will be no meeting in November for Bethel’s book discussion group. We will meet on December 7 for an early Christmas celebration at Joni Morgan’s home. Everyone who enjoys good fellowship and a lively discussion is invited to attend. For this meeting you should bring: a book (new or used), gift wrapped for a gift exchange, a salad or dessert to go with Joni’s soup, and ideas for books you’d like to discuss in the coming year. Joni will be furnishing maps to her house in the near future.

Lecture Series at Walker Academy

Joni Morgan writes that Frederick's school is offering a series of lectures that some of our congregation might be interested in. The topics are quite varied; there's "something for everyone". It's also Joni’s understanding that these lectures count for continuing education points for teachers.

The lectures are normally held on the second Tuesday of each month at Walker Academy. The school is located on Lovell Road one mile north of I-40, on the right hand side of the road. Please note that there is a $5 admission charge to help cover speaker expenses.

November 14: "Coming in Under the Radar: Why Story Telling Matters to Adults"

Kathleen Mavournin, Ph.D., Professional Story Teller