The Vine
The Newsletter of Bellaire United Methodist Church ISSUE 52.3
February 10, 2016
This issue of The Vine goes to print on Ash Wednesday, and many of you will have attended an Ash Wednesday worship service here at Bellaire UMC by the time you read this article. Nowhere does scripture mention Ash Wednesday, but our observance of this day indeed has scriptural roots. Ash Wednesday echoes the Old Testament call to sackcloth and ashes as a visible sign of repentance and desire for change. We mark our foreheads with ashes as a reminder that life is fragile and transient--that it is like dust. Theologian Joan Chittister speaks of Ash Wednesday’s call to repentance like this: “We don’t have enough time to waste time on nothingness. We need to repent our dillydallying on the road to God. We need to regret the time we’ve spent playing with dangerous distractions and empty diversions along the way. We need to repent of our senseless excesses and our excursions into sin, our breaches of justice, our failures of honesty, our estrangement from God, our savoring of excess, our absorbing self-gratifications. We need to get back in touch with our souls.” Ash Wednesday--indeed all of Lent--is not about repentance or self-denial for their own sake. It is about much more than that. This is a season for us to open our hearts one more time to the Word of God in the hope that, this time, we might allow ourselves to become new as a result of it.
An invitation to Lenten discipline.
What will you do to mark this holy season of Lent? Throughout the centuries, Christians have observed Lent through certain practices of discipline or self-denial. For us today that could include taking on the practice of daily scripture reading and daily prayer. I invite you to join with me in daily readings and prayer throughout these six weeks of Lent. In our Sunday morning worship bulletins, we will include a reading plan for the week ahead as well as some options for guided prayer. We’ve just spent four weeks exploring the letter to the Philippians in which Paul calls us to unity and to “be of one mind.” What an opportunity we have during Lent to be united in our study of scripture and our life of prayer. I pray that God’s grace will abound in our church this Lent and that each of us will experience God’s power and presence in ways that transform us and lead us deeper into holiness. If there is anything that I can do to be helpful to you on this journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me. In Christ, Pastor Seann
Lenten Dinners Wednesdays During Lent Beginning February 17 Join us on Wednesday evenings for dinner and conversation at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Pastor’s Bible Study
February 17-March 16 | 7:00-8:15pm | Chapel If you want to be part of a short-term study this Lent please consider joining Pastor Seann on Wednesday evenings for Bible study, beginning February 17th. Each week, we will dig into the scriptures from the previous Sunday, spend time together in prayer, and close each session with Holy Communion. For more information or to sign up, contact Pastor Seann at sduffin@bellaireumc.org or (713) 666-2167.
Stay Connected!
Make sure you get updates from Bellaire UMC. Sign up for weekly emails by contacting Pastor Seann at sduffin@bellaireumc.org. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/bellaireunitedmethodist
SAVE THE DATE! Blessing of the Animals Saturday, April 9 | 2:00-4:00pm Contact Steve at steve@roveroaks.com for more information. Vacation Bible School June 13-17 Early registration is from March 1-April 1. Contact Margaret at mmiller@bellaireumc.org for more information.
Worship During Lent
Join us Sundays at 9:00am or 11:11am as we walk together through the holy season of Lent. The Contemporary Worship service is at 9:00am, and for these six weeks of Lent, our International and Traditional Worship services will come together at 11:11am in the Sanctuary for a unique Sunday morning worship experience. Here’s what you can expect. Sunday, February 14 Luke 4:1-13 Pastor Seann Duffin preaching Sunday, February 21 Luke 13:31-35 Pastor Seann Duffin preaching Sunday, February 28 Luke 13:1-9 Pastor Jim Love preaching Sunday, March 6 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Pastor Seann Duffin preaching Sunday, March 13 John 12:1-8 Pastor Jim Love preaching Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Pastor Seann Duffin preaching Thursday, March 24 Maundy Thursday | 7:00pm John 13 Pastor Elizabeth Duffin preaching Friday, March 25 Good Friday | 7:00pm John 18:1-19:42 Pastor Jim Love preaching Sunday, March 27 Easter 6:30am, 9:00am, 11:11am John 20:1-18
Have a Heart for Others Dinner and Live Auction Saturday, February 20 | 5:00-9:30pm
Join us for this evening of great food and great fun! Along with the Fall Fun Festival, this event raises money for area charities and serving ministries of Bellaire UMC. From caring for the elderly with Alzheimer’s to feeding the hungry, these vital funds make a difference in our community! Here are some of the items that have already been donated for this year’s live auction: • Colorado Vacation Home
• Murder Mystery Dinner for 12
• Hill Country Vacation Home
• 2 Tickets to NCAA Basketball Semifinal
• 2-Night Stay at Galveston Condo
• T Shirt Quilt
• Autographed George Foreman Boxing Gloves • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Tickets
• BUMC Parking Space • Dinner and 2-Night Stay at Spindletop
• Houston Dynamo Tickets & Dinner
• Gumbo Dinner for 10
• 6-Night Stay at Rover Oaks Pet Resort
• Glass Beaded Cross
• Fajita Dinner for 14 • Greek Dinner
• Chocolate for a year • I Fly Tickets
• Desserts for a year
• Portraits by Natural Expressions Photography
• Houston Astros Tickets
• Ladies’ Night Out
• Spode Christmas China Set & Hutch • Hand-Made Irish Quilt
• Mens’ Night Out • Youth Car Wash
So come out, have a great time, and party with your church family for a good cause! If you are able to help out in any capacity however small, please contact Fay Peters at 832-524-8173 or email at adafay1944@yahoo.com.
UMARMY 2016
June 26-July 2 Calling all students! (And adult volunteers!) This summer our Student Ministries Team will travel to Orange, Texas for our UMARMY Mission Trip. We had a great turnout last year, and we are expecting an even greater response this year. The trip is open to all youth who will be entering 9th grade or above as well as adult volunteers. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and be a part of God’s work in the world. Contact Jordan Payne at jpayne@bellaireumc.org with questions or to register.
Registration for 2016-2017 Begins Soon School for Little Children (SLC) has been a ministry of Bellaire United Methodist Church to young children and their families for over 60 years. SLC offers a Mother’s Day Out program and a preschool program. Both are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. (This is the accreditation division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.) The following Classes are available for children:
AGE BY SEPTEMBER 1
DAYS CLASSES MEET
HOURS
Four years old (as of 9/1/16)
Wednesday-Thursday-Friday (3-day) Monday through Friday (5-day)
9:00—12:00 9:00—12:00
Three years old (as of 9/1/16)
Monday-Tuesday (2-day) Wednesday through Friday (3-day)
9:00—12:00 9:00—12:00
Turning three (between 9/2/16 and 1/31/17)
Monday-Tuesday (2-day) Wednesday through Friday (3-day)
9:00—12:00 9:00—12:00
Mother’s Day Out (15-30 months as of 9/1/16)
Monday and Tuesday (1 1/2 days) (9:00—12:00 Monday AND 9:00—2:00 Tuesday
*Wednesday and Thursday (1 1/2 days (9:00—12:00 Wednesday and 9:00—2:00 Thursday) *Children in this class are two years old as of 9/1/16) ALL REGISTRATIONS (PRIORITY AND NON-PRIORITY) will be processed by drawing on March 1. Currently enrolled children and church members will have first priority. Applications may be submitted to the School for Little Children office, either in person or by mail, any time before 12:30 on Monday, February 29. Applications will be online at www.bellaireumc.org no later than February 15th. Check the SLC page on the church website for more information. Tours of the center are conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. To schedule a tour, please call the School for Little Children Office at 713-666-1111.
An Invitation to Join the Sunday Morning Welcome Team The apostle Paul found it important to begin every one of his letters to the churches with a greeting of grace and peace sent from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that Bellaire UMC is a very warm and welcoming church and “Welcome” is a key part of our vision moving forward. For that reason, we are re-vitalizing our team of Greeters on Sunday morning. We want to extend a warm welcome of God’s love, grace, and peace to all who come to worship here. Our goal is to equip a large number of people from our congregation to serve in this important role. There’s no experience necessary, and you can sign up for the Sundays that work for you. It’s simple. It’s easy. And it’s important! If you would like to serve on the Sunday Morning Welcome Team, please contact me at steve@roveroaks.com or 713-703-1093. In Christ, Steve Smith, Lay Leader
Opportunities to Serve
• Sort canned goods at Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month | 2:00-4:00pm Just come to 3434 Branard Street. It’s lots of fun and makes a real difference! • Assist with Bible study at SEARCH Every Tuesday | 10:00 to 11:00am Contact Barbara Nowotny (barbara@nowotnycpa.com) for directions or more information. Assemble Easter Baskets • Wednesday, March 16th | 5:30pm | Room 123 Join us as we assemble Easter baskets for 24 foster kids from our community. • Volunteer at the CPS Prom Event on Saturday, April 2nd You’ll help foster kids select a Prom dress or suit, shoes, and other items. Without this event, these kids would not be able to afford to go to their prom. • Help Plan SEARCH Craft Day. We’ll be helping the residents with simple sewing projects, hems, knitting, and crocheting. Do you have an idea for an easy craft? Please share it with us. • Clip Boxtops! They’re on cereal boxes and many other items you routinely purchase. Each is worth a dime and they add up quickly! The proceeds go to Cunningham Elementary, a Gulfton-area school. These projects are sponsored by BUMC’s Community Outreach Group. For more information, please contact barbara@nowotnycpa.com. Please join us at any of these activities. Also, we’d love to have you at our planning meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 in room 123. We love new members!
Bellaire Prays for
Sunday Schedule
These are the names on our weekly prayer list for the first week of February. We invite you to join us in praying for these individuals and groups. Lynnelea, Mollie, Anita, Kelley, Ellie, Leslie Kay, Debra, Beth, Marcella, Riley, Cleta, Charles, Robert, Chelsea, Thomas, Hope, Eugene, Betty, Bellaire High School Staff and Students, Jeffrey, Casey, Larry, Geraldine, John, Helen, Jose, Becki, Bellaire UMC pastors, staff, leaders, and members, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Nick, Cathy, Jake, Clara, Georganne, Stephanie, Van, Janet, Russ, Laurel, Katie, Roger, Jon & Carla, Barbara, Hollie, Marcella, Pat, Ashlea & Dustin, the Emfinger family, Norma, Paul, Michael, Richard, August, Emma, Luke.
9:00am 10:05am 11:11am
Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary All ages Sunday School Classes Combined Worship in the Sanctuary (for Lent and Easter)
Wednesday Schedule
4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm In the hospital: Mary Ann C. (Memorial SW), Johanna T. (Barton House Hospice), T.K. K (Methodist), Diane 7:00pm 7:00pm M. (St. Luke’s) 7:00pm
Bible Study with Pastor Love, 123 God’s Children Sing Fellowship Dinner, Fellowship Hall Junior High Ministry, Youth Center Community Service Group, 123 Kids’ Choir, 232/208 Youth Food & Fellowship, Youth Center Pastor’s Bible Study, Chapel Prayer Partners, 131 Senior High Ministry, Youth Center Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
Financial Update & Faithfulness The work of ministry happens at Bellaire UMC because of your faithfulness in worship, service, and giving. Here is a brief overview of our giving and worship attendance so far in 2016. 2016 Giving to Date $ 84,724 Average Worship Attendance: 315 2016 Expenses to Date $117,764 Contemporary: 113 | Traditional: 128 | International: 75 Difference - $30,040
You can support the ministry of Bellaire UMC by giving in person on Sunday, by mailing your gift to the church office at 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401; or by giving online at www.bellaireumc.org/giveonline.
4417 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, Texas 77401 www.bellaireumc.org 713-666-2167 Bellaire United Methodist Church
THE BELLAIRE UNITED METHODIST NEWSLETTER USPS 048-820 is published semi-monthly by Bellaire United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Bellaire, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address change to, The Bellaire United Methodist Newsletter, 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401, 713-666-2167; FAX 713-663-6397. Second Class Postage Paid at Bellaire, TX 77401