A Safe Sanctuary Church

 

The Bearings

 

Bearden United Methodist Church

4407 Sutherland Avenue

Mail:  P. O. Box 11065, Knoxville, TN  37939

 

Tom Seay, Pastor

 

                                                                                                             December 19, 2006

                                                                                                             Vol. 56, No. 43

 

                      

                       WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE!

                               January 3, 2007

                 Dinner:  5:30 p.m.; Program: 6 p.m.

                               

We will resume Wednesday Night Live! on January 3, 2007 with Dr. Fred Dearing as our guest who will

present a program on Sudan.  Dr. Dearing was with

Pastor Tom on the team last April in Sudan.  The

youth are going to serve the meal at 5:30 p.m. –

“Breakfast at Bearden.”

 

 

                                  SYMPATHY

 

Sincere Christian sympathy is extend to Darryl, Linda,

Chris & Nick Millis on the death of Darryl’s brother,

David Millis of Waterport, NY, on December 6, 2006.

        

 

           Contemporary Worship Service

 

Our first Contemporary Worship Service, An Evening

of Jubilee, will be on Sunday, January 21st at 6:30 p.m.

in the Fellowship Center.  An Evening of Jubilee is an alternative for:

 

~  those who like to attend more than one type of

    worship on Sunday

 

~  for those who prefer informal, praise and worship

    service

 

~  for those who are unable to attend a Sunday

    morning service.

 

If you have never attended a contemporary worship service, we encourage you to attend. The service is all about gathering together as a community to celebrate Christ through song, communion, prayer, and God's

word.

 

 

                             NEW ARRIVAL

 

Jeanie & Jeff Keith announce the arrival of their son,

Jackson Ray, born Dec. 5, 2006.  Jack is the little

brother of Tyler Keith and Patrick Moffatt; the grandson

of Ron & Katy Jeffers; and the great-grandson of Dot

Jeffers.

 

 

                      CLOSING THE YEAR …

 

Contributions may be posted to your 2006 record if

your check is dated no later than December 31, postmarked (if mailed) no later than December 30, and received by January 6.  Cash contributions must be received by December 31.  Please use your yellow envelope for 2006 contributions and your green

envelopes for 2007; otherwise, clearly mark the year

of your contribution on your check or pew envelope. 

 

Please pick up your offering envelopes in the

vestibule between the sanctuary and the education wing.

 

 

                      

 

 

 

                                  FROM THE PASTOR

 

Christmas thanks! 

On behalf of the entire staff I want to say “Merry Christmas” and express a GREAT BIG THANKS for you as people of God and for the very nice Christmas love gifts!!!!!

 

Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is one of the beautiful times in the life of a church.  This year, same as last year, we will have a 5:00 p.m. service that is geared to the families.  I will be doing the message in four parts.  The first three will be designed for the children with short music interludes, followed by a short adult word.  There will be no nursery at either service.  We want each family to sit together.  I will not be calling the kids up front.  Parents, please bring a penlight for use during one of the children’s messages.  Our choir will be present and we will have candles at the end of the service.  Note:  We will really need you to help keep the kids as quiet as possible knowing that “kids are kids” and that silence is impossible.

 

The Second Service will be at 11:00 p.m.  This service is much more traditional and is one of my very favorite events.  I do not feel like I’ve had Christmas unless I’ve gone to late Christmas Eve worship.  We will have the candles and my son Ryan (classical guitar) will assist our music ministry’s usual beauty.

 

These are great events to invite friends and family to attend with you.  Blessings,

                                             In Christ,

                                             TLS

 

 

                                

                               ADVENT OFFERING

 

This year our advent offering will be divided between the Hope for Sudan and Habitat for Humanity missions. Your Advent gift will provide benches for the school children in Yei, Sudan and provide supplies for a Bearden Habitat for Humanity Work Day. We are called to minister not only at home but also to love and care for God’s children in other nations. One way to minister to God’s children and to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ is by giving to the Advent Offering.  If writing a check, please designate on the check, "Advent Offering".

 

                               IN APPRECIATION

 

Ellen’s family and I would like to express our sincere appre-ciation and gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, cards, concerns, and memorials we have received since Ellen’s passing.  This has been a difficult time for us all and we are thankful for all you have done.

 

                                    In Christ’s Love,

                                    Lee Raines

 

 

                       KIDS FOR CHRIST CHOIR

 

Children K-5 that participated in Christmas performances at West Town Mall and the church musical performance on Dec. 13, are invited to the KFC Cast Party on Wednesday, Dec. 20.  We will leave the church at 5:30 p.m. for Events at Sherlake and will return at 7:30 p.m. for parent pickup.  Children must have participated in both performances just as last year. 

BEARDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

P. O. Box 11065

Knoxville, Tennessee  37939-1065

Telephone (865) 588-6562; Fax (865) 588-6989

E-Mail: info@beardenumc.org

Web Page: http://www.beardenumc.org

 

Tom Seay, Pastor   tom@beardenumc.org

Bill Balch, Minister of Counseling, 558-8150

Donna Lewis, Director of Children & Family Ministries

donna@beardenumc.org

Shea McClure, Director of Youth Ministries & Recreation shea@beardenumc.org

Janice Blair, Church Secretary  janice@beardenumc.org

Nan Proctor, Financial Secretary  nan@beardenumc.org

Barry Wallace, Director of Drama

Jennifer Somerville, Dir., Early Enrichment Program, 588-1492

Lisa Counts, Dir. After School Care Program, 588-6717

 

 

                         CHURCH CALENDAR                     

           

Thursday          December 21

10:30 AM           Leisure Time/New Timers Group,

                          covered dish brunch, parsonage

11:00 AM           Senior Aerobics, Fellowship Center

  7:00 PM           College Age Bible Study

Saturday           December 23

10:00 AM           Team 4 prepares & serves lunch at

                           Volunteer Ministry Center.

Sunday             December 24

  9:00 AM           Worship

10:00 AM           Sunday School

11:00 AM           Worship

  1:00 PM           Christmas Eve Luncheon,

                           Fellowship Center

  5:00 PM           Family Worship, Candlelight Communion

11:00 PM           Traditional Worship, Candlelight

                           Communion

Monday             December 25 & Tuesday, December 26

                          The Church Office will be closed.

Wednesday      December 27

  7:30 PM           Chancel Choir will not meet.

Thursday          December 28

11:00 AM           Senior Aerobics, Fellowship Center

         

 

 

Office Schedule

 

      December 25 & 26    Church Office Closed

      December 27            Church Office Open –

                                        Counting Team will be in.

      December 28 & 29    Church Office Open

      January 1                  Church Office Closed

      January 2                  Regular Church Office

                                        Schedule

 

        The pastor will be off Dec. 27 and 28.  He can

        be reached at home, 693-8219, or on his cell

        phone, 599-8419.

        

     

 

                                      

 

24—Bob Henry & LeAnn Turner

25—Amanda Kirkman

26—Herbert & Marguerite Walch

27—Andy Rodgers, Gene & Ann Perry

28—Sydney Rowell, Don & Kellie Armstrong

29—John Allen Broyles, Pat Worley

30—Ann Beaver, Barry Wallace

31—Sky Everett, Lexie Everett, Pierce Everett,

       Wade Mitchell, Meredith Petrozzello, Bob Pletz,

       Brian Tankersley, Dave Tidwell, C. E. Walters,

       Mark & Darlene Bledsoe, Leigh Cheek & Mike Davis

 

            

Non-Profit Org.

                                                                 U.S. POSTAGE

                                                                               PAID

                                                                      Knoxville,TN

                                                                      Permit No. 39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

                              WE SUPPORT BEARDEN

 

By Our Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . For Our Church Family

    

By Our Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For December 10

     Worship      9:00 A.M.          109      Sunday School        187

                      11:00 A.M           180      Total Worship          289

 

By Our Presence . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .  For December 17

     Worship      9:00 A.M.          126      Sunday School       209

                      11:00 A.M           188      Total Worship         314

 

By Our Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For December 10

     Operating              $ 12,741.00         Sunday School    98.75

     Carpet                             40.00         Building               75.00

     Advent                           520.00         Music                  50.00

     Tape Ministry                    2.00         FISH                    27.00

     Memorial                         25.00         Costa Rica        208.00

     Staff Christmas             880.00         2007 budget      500.00

     Interfaith Hospitality Network                                        20.00

TOTAL:  $ 15,211.75

 

By Our Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For December 17

     Operating              $ 30,133.49         Sunday School    93.75

     Carpet                           120.00         Building               20.00

     UMCOR                        100.00         FISH                  232.00

     Staff Christmas             800.00         Costa Rica          59.50

     Memorial                         10.00         Music                   45.00

     Advent                           232.94         2007 budget      420.00

     Ft. Sanders Foundation – Fellowship Center               30.00

TOTAL:  $ 32,296.68

 

As of December 18, 2006

Received YTD                                                       $693,205.12

Expenditures YTD                                                 $677,318.83

Annual Budget                                                   ($1,577,243.00)

Building Loan Balance                                        $1,615,940.99

 

      Carpet Fund:    Goal            $30,000      500 yards

                               Received     $27,667     461 yards      92%

                               Needed        $ 2,333

 

By Our Service . . . . . . . . . .  .  . . . . . For December 24

Ushers   9:00—Lee Sherbakoff (lead), Audrey Carroll,

                         Joe Cox, Robert Hahn

             11:00—Fred Johnson (lead), Greg Blackmon, Dick

                         Broyles, Ken & Tammy Knight

Acolytes 9:00—Will Walker

              11:00—Chris Cantor, Craig Wallace

Coffee Stewards—Searchers Class

Altar Flowers—Dale Copeland

 

By Our Service . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . For December 31

Ushers   9:00—Bob Smith (lead), Ralph Beeler,

                         Wade Mitchell, Brent Pendergast

             11:00—Haynes Smith (lead), Ann Beaver, Mark

                         Bledsoe, Nancy Counts, Bob Fuller

Acolytes 9:00—Mattea Sanders

             11:00—Lauren Love, Hannah Thomas

Coffee Stewards—Searchers Class

Altar Flowers—The Burns Family

 

 

 

HOLIDAY  SCHEDULE

 

Caroling.  Whether you are a singer who sings solo, or so-low, you can help make a joyful noise and bring smiles to those who hear.  Plan to be part of the caroling group, Wednesday, Dec. 20th.  Meet to leave from the church at 5:45 p.m. and plan to follow caroling with eating (“out”) together!

 

Leisure Time/New Timer Group.

 The New Timers are invited to the parsonage on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. for a covered dish brunch followed by a trip to see the movie, “The Nativity.”  Remember to bring a dish because

Pastor Tom’s best dish is “Wheaties.”

 

Christmas Eve Luncheon.  Kate Linsner

is hosting a Christmas Eve luncheon after the 11 o’clock worship service on Sunday, Dec. 24th (1:00-4:00 p.m.).  Anyone is welcome, no need to bring anything, and those who are unable to be with family this Christmas are especially encouraged to attend.  Call Kate at 659-0901 to RSVP.

 

Christmas Eve - Holy Communion.  There will be special services of candlelight communion on Christmas Eve.  Please plan to be present at one of the two scheduled services, at

5 p.m. or at 11 p.m.  A nursery will not be available for either service.

 

Leisure Time/New Timer Group.

On January 4 at 11 a.m. you are invited to an “After New Year Celebration” covered dish at the home of Wanda Moody, 705 Broome Road.  We will enjoy a program of song by Rev. Tom Reed.

 

***********************************************************

 

 

Contemporary Worship Service Needs

 

 

We are still looking for help with a few specific needs.

 

1)  We need people to help cut felt for the creation

of our decorations (contact Marty Rodgers,966-1743).

 

2)   We need another percussionist.

 

3)   We need people who play other instruments

such as the flute, etc.  Musician practice for

the January service will be January 18 at

7 p.m. and January 21 at 5 p.m.

 

If you have conflicts with these practice dates, please consider being a part of the February service. 

Please contact Charla Sherbakoff at charla@sherbhomes.com or 450-5078 if you can fill one of these needs!

 

 

CARPET

 

We have approximately 450 yards of carpet purchased on the sanctuary.  If you have not yet purchased a yard and would like to, please make your contribution no later than Dec. 24.  If you registered early for a yard/yards and have not

written your check, please do so by Dec. 24.  We want to begin very quickly after the first of the New Year.

 

FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER

 

Total Calls Received                                                30

Number of Food Deliveries Made                            29

Number of Food Requests Picked Up at Church       1

No. of People Helped (62 adults; 83 children)       145

No. of Bearden Volunteers (17 adults; 17 Youth)    34

 

FISHfact:  November’s FIShfact named several folks who have recently “stepped up” to help us deliver food to needy people.  This month our team was really short-handed.  Several of our “regulars” weren’t available – illness, out of town, working, Dale Magnuson’s ailment/retirement, and Dale Copeland’s moving to Iowa.  With only 13 workers on Dec. 6th (our 4-month worker average was 19) we had to disconnect the phone after receiving 30 requests for food (our 4-month client average was 36.25).  The only good news was that we fed about as many people, because there were many more large families calling for help.

 

Joe Burns and Roger Frey teamed to deliver food to 13 addresses, and they had to make two trips from the church to carry 24 sacks, plus bread, diapers, soaps, etc.  People in our community call for help, and we need help helping them.  We don’t want to overwork Joe and Roger.  Can’t you give us two hours on Wednesday, Jan. 3rd?  (The Sugar Bowl’s

a night game).  Contact Charla Sherbakoff.

 

 

 

HOLSTON HOME

 

Each of us can make a small difference in the life of a child at Holston United Methodist Home for Children.  All of us together can make a very large difference.  You can help to transform the life of a child who needs to experience love, forgiveness, and whole-ness.  We will receive a special offering on Dec. 31st to support this vital ministry.  Please be prepared to give generously.

 

What makes Christmas “happen” for you?  Where does the joy of the season come alive in you?  Is it in the carols?  The celebrations?  The candlelight services?  The music of the Advent season?  Perhaps you find it in the shopping and gift-giving.  Maybe you see the love of the season in the sparkling eyes of a child or feel it in a loved one’s hug.

 

Whatever it is, during this holiday season with all its frenzied festivities, stop and remember that night in the stable, those mingled smells of animals and hay, that pain and subsequent joy in the birth of one small child.  Breathe deep and feel with Mary, with Joseph, the shepherds, the angels.  Feel the birth of Jesus.  What is it to experience such joy, such peace?  Verbally express to someone close to you what the birth of Christ means to you at this point in your life.  Be joyful!  Experience God’s love and peace.

 

                                  --anonymous