Pastoral e-Note may 21

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Included in today's e-Note: Pastoral note from Rev. Dietrich "Deech" Kirk, Executive Director of CYMT: * Like Jesus: Treasure, Focus and Allegiance

A message from our Executive Director, Leslie Hotzfeld: * Staff Change * Disaster Response * BUMC to host Annual Conference Dear Friends in Christ, Sunday, we said goodbye to our dear friend and pastor Reverend Kaye Harvey. For the past 10 years, Kaye and Brentwood UMC have journeyed together. She has been the presence of Christ for so many of us in difficult times. If you were not able to attend one of our services this weekend, I hope you will listen to Kaye's sermon on Living Like Jesus: Do not Worry. Kaye testifies to God's presence and how Brentwood UMC blessed her as she has walked through the most difficult time in her life. You can listen to it here.

This week in worship, we will continue our series called "Like Jesus," where we take a look at what it means to Live Like Jesus through a study on the Sermon on the Mount. This week brings us to Matthew 6: 19-24 as Jesus takes on the issue of money. Jesus and the Bible have a lot to say on the topic of money.

As people who seek to live Like Jesus, what are we called to do with our money? How does money impact discipleship? My sermon "Treasure, Focus, and Allegiance" will invite us to reflect on our treasure, focus on Christ, and submit to God's authority. Finances are the number one cause of stress in our country which is also true at my house. I know its a holiday weekend, but I hope you'll make an effort to be here as we look at this important topic that impacts all of our lives.

Please be in prayer for the group of college students who are on a choir tour/mission trip this week in Texas.

We want to celebrate graduation of 9 youth ministers from the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT) and Memphis Theological Seminary this weekend. They are the first group to graduate with a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry. CYMT was founded by Brentwood UMC and First Presbyterian Church Nashville. We have now graduated 30 youth ministers and have 32 graduate residents currently in the program having served over 50 churches. To learn more about CYMT visit http://www.cymt.org.

Serving Christ, Dietrich "Deech" Kirk Message from our Executive Director Dear friends, There is some important information I want to share with you regarding a staff change, Annual Conference and disaster response.

I want to let you know that Rev. Rachel Peavyhouse-Fay will be leaving our staff the end of this month. Rachel has served in our Congregational Care ministries, and has ministered to our congregation with love and care during her time here. Rachel has decided to follow her call to full time ministry as a clinical pastoral therapist/counselor, and will be exploring opportunities where she can develop her vision for ministry. While we are sad to see Rachel go, we offer our prayers and best wishes to her as she continues her

ministry. We will be honoring Rachel in each of our worship services this coming Sunday. I know you join me in saying "thankyou, Rachel, for all you have meant to us".

We are all praying for the people affected in Oklahoma by the devastation and loss of life brought on by the recent tornadoes. If you would like to make a financial contribution, make your check out to BUMC and indicate Disaster Relief on the Memo line. If you are interested in being a part of a team going to the area, please contact Mike Dennison at mdennison@bumc.net.

We are honored to host the TN Annual Conference again this year June 10 - 12. With the theme of Expecting Greater Things, over 1000 United Methodists will gather to worship, study scripture and do the work of the church. Please join me in pray for this conference and those attending. As hosts, there are many opportunities to serve as we provide hospitality to our guests. Click here to learn how you can be a part.

In ministry together, Leslie