e-Note from Martin - Mar 6

Dear Church Family, This week's e-note addresses the following subjects: Share the Spirit Project 3:45 General Conference Help Needed The Clip Thank You Share the Spirit: Since I'm still new to BUMC, I keep experiencing many "firsts." Last weekend was my first "Share the Spirit" auction and dinner which supports our youth choirs and summer youth mission work. Once again, I was highly impressed by our youth, their leaders, and our congregation.

Thanks to all of you who made this special event possible.

Project 3:45: We're two months into our 2012 church-wide daily Bible reading plan, "Project 3:45." Hopefully you've been keeping up with your readings and enjoying the journey through the Gospel of John and the book of Acts. We'd like to know how many people are participating in this important spiritual discipline with us. For a short three-question survey about Project 3:45 please click here.

General Conference: As the United Methodist Church prepares

for General Conference (the official decision making body of the UMC that meets every four years), our denomination is requesting that we pray for this important event. In partnership with The Upper Room, a General Conference Prayer Support Team has planned a "50 Days of Prayer for the General Conference" emphasis, including an e-publication, email subscription and downloadable PDF. For more information, please click here.

Help Needed: Thankfully, Tennessee mostly escaped devastating damage from last week's storms. However, significant damage was done at Kingston Springs and Dodson's Branch. The Tennessee Conference is reaching out to these communities. They especially need large tarps, at least 20 feet by 30 feet, and are collecting them at the Conference Office. There is also a volunteer work day scheduled for this Saturday. Financial offerings are also being collected. For more information about how you can help click here.

The Clip: If you were at worship on the weekend of February 2627, you know that we showed an edgy video clip during the services. Some of our members affirmed it, others expressed concerns. I've carefully and prayerfully listened to your feedback.

This experience has provided me an excellent opportunity to learn more about the good people and unique culture of BUMC. Please pray for me and our other worship leaders as we attempt to craft balanced worship services that glorify God, affirm the Gospel of Jesus Christ, meet the needs of our diverse congregation, and speak to our guests.

Thank You: Over the past few months, our congregation has been faithful in so many ways. Large numbers of our members are engaged in important ministry every day of the week. Many of you are participating in our Project 3:45 Scripture reading plan.

Giving is up. Worship and group-life attendance have

significantly increased. You are inviting guests and many of them are becoming members. Positive energy is all around. We're off to a great start for 2012. I deeply appreciate your faithfulness to God and BUMC. Finally, it was good to receive the following fourteen new members: Charlie, Susan, Jordan, Camille, Austin and Margaret Anne Hannon; Mike, Casey, Parker, Jackson and David Burgdorf; and Michael, Jaclyn and Madelyn Havens. Welcome to our church family.

I hope to see you this weekend for the worship of God and group-life connections. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCK AHEAD ONE HOUR ON SATURDAY NIGHT! In Christ’s Love and Service, Martin