Reopening Survey
In an effort to conclude the development of the plan for the initial re-opening of the church, a second congregational survey has been designed and will be conducted from April 5 through April 23. This survey will be used to help us gain an understanding of congregational attitudes and behavior during the time of the pandemic and assist us in making certain that our efforts will create the safest and most up-to-date precautions to assure a healthy and safe environment when we return. Your help is solicited and valued. Please keep an eye out for the survey and take the time to respond. Thank you for your help.
The Task Force on Re-Opening
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Dorothy Irene Height was born on March 24th, 1912 in Richmond, Virginia. Her family later moved to Rankin, Pennsylvania where she excelled as a student. Height eventually received a scholarship to attend college. In 1929, she was admitted to Barnard College but was not allowed to attend because the school did not admit African Americans. Instead, Height went on to graduate from New York University where she received a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in psychology. Her first job was as a social worker in Harlem, New York. She later joined the staff of the Harlem Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). In no time, Height became a leader in the local organization. She created diverse programs and pushed the organization to integrate YWCA facilities nationwide.
During a chance encounter with African American leader Mary McLeod Bethune, Height was inspired to begin working with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Through the NCNW, Height focused on ending the lynching of African Americans and restructuring the criminal justice system. In 1957, she became the fourth president of the NCNW. Under her leadership, the NCNW supported voter registration in the South. The NCNW also financially aided several civil rights activists throughout the country. Height was president of NCNW for 40 years.
On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Dorothy Height took a seat on the speaker stage at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. She was surrounded by most of the famous civil rights activists. Although she was not scheduled to give remarks, Height had rightfully gained her place among these prominent leaders.
In addition to her work in the United States, Height traveled extensively. She served as a visiting professor at the University of Delhi, India and with the Black Women’s Federation of South Africa. For all her efforts during the Civil Rights Movement, Height was awarded and recognized by many organizations. In 1989, she received the Citizens Medal Award from President Ronald Reagan and in 2004, Height was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The same year, Height was inducted into the Democracy Hall of Fame International. She also received an estimated 24 honorary degrees. On April 20th, 2010, Height passed away at the age of 98. Her funeral was held at Washington National Cathedral.
Norwood, Arlisha. “Dorothy Height.” National Women's History Museum, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/dorothy-height.
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What is Lent? The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lengten,” which simply means “spring” — when the days lengthen and new life springs forth. It is a time in which we anticipate the victory of the light and life of Christ over the darkness of sin and death. The season of Lent is a time of prayer and contemplation in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. This year, we are sharing a Lenten Devotional by Redeemer Church and Ministries. You can read the daily devotions by clicking the link below.
Join the Ben Hill Prayer Ministry for a daily prayer call at 12pm during Holy Week, Sunday, March 28th thru Saturday, April 3rd. Each call will be led by our clergy. Call-in on the Prayer Line: 712-770-4936 Passcode: 627746
Sunday, March 28- Rev. Brian Tillman
Monday, March 29 – Rev. Elizabeth Pollard
Tuesday, March 30 – Dr. Anthony Alford
Wednesday, March 31 at 11 am – Min. Meisha Brown
Thursday, April 1 - Rev. Brenda Presha
Friday, April 2 - Rev. Paul Easley
Saturday, April 3 – Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas
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Calling all kids Kindergarten through 6th grade! The Children's Ministry is hosting a virtual Easter scavenger hunt. This year, you'll need your Bible to find all the hidden clues. Click the link below to complete the scavenger hunt. If you complete the hunt and get all of the answers correct, you will win a gift card! Gift cards will be e-mailed to you directly. Entries are limited to one per person and you MUST be 12 years old or younger to be eligible. Entries will be accepted starting today, Friday, March 20 through Friday, April 2 5pm EST. |
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Communion PODS will be distributed at the church on
Saturday, April 3rd
from 10am to 12pm
The Worship Committee and Ushers will be at the church to serve you. Please pick up enough PODS for your family’s use. The PODS are only to be used for Resurrection Sunday.
DRIVE-BY INSTRUCTIONS:
Please enter off Austin Road (BLUE LOT) drive to the awning, pick up desired pods for your family and exit on to Fairburn Road.
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It’s our turn to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated! It’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t know COVID-19 existed. Now when people say “virus,” we know what they mean. The impact of COVID-19 on our lives, our activities, and our freedom has affected us all. The responsibility is ours, as a community, to help stop this virus. Join us in protecting yourself, your family and friends, and our community by getting vaccinated.
We want everyone in our community to be safe and get back to hugging each other and shaking hands with our neighbors. We all play a part in this effort, and you are key. Please sign up to get your COVID-19 vaccination at Ben Hill United Methodist Church on April 5th. Appointment slots will be available from 9:50am-12:50pm. We are partnering with Briarcliff Pharmacy to provide the Pfizer vaccine. Time slots are limited.
On April 5th, we will only offer the first dose. The second dose will be available on April 26th. Second dose appointments will be scheduled automatically for all April 5th participants for the same time on April 26th.
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Since 2010, a project in Atlanta, GA, called Coins of Hope Ministries, has assisted the rural community of Mpoyi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with over $40,000 in donations to relieve hunger and provide access to education. Working with Ben Hill United Methodist Church, we have made summer trips to offer summer school to students and sponsored students by paying their school fees for several academic years. Your contributions enabled these students to pursue their dream of an education!
Our goal now is to raise $5,000 for:
Essential accommodations – outdoor kitchen and stove, toilets and showers - for visiting professionals taking solar cookers and water disinfectants to Mpoyi, to curve widespread intestinal and respiratory diseases.
The brainchild of Dr. Tshilemalema Mukenge, who is from this region of DRC, Coins of Hope focuses on community empowerment given the reality that the community of 6,300 people has no access to clean drinking water, 90% live in poverty, and parents cannot afford to send children to school. Only 50% of children attend school. Your sacrificial donations to Ben Hill for Coins of Hope can be accepted online or by check, from March through May. If you have questions or concerns, contact T. L. Mukenge 404-767-2028.
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This past year we have learned to worship, serve one another, and meet the needs of our community in all kinds of new ways. Many of us have felt the loss of being physically present together. Some of us may have found some unexpected benefits to our new ways of gathering. But we are reminded that the church has always been bigger than a building.
Recently, we launched a new way to make our online worship and fellowship even better, more engaging! It’s easy to use -- if you’ve already mastered videoconferencing, you’ll find this about the same level. The platform is called Altar Live. If you are able, please try watching the service on Sunday here or join us after service for fellowship by using the link below and just take a look around. You may want to get dressed just in case you sit down with someone but feel free to let others know and let me know your experience. We'll be working to introduce the platform to our ministries and plan on how we use it for discipleship and fellowship for our members.
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ATTENTION: The Food Bank will be closed during Holy Week,
March 29-April 3.
Donations and distribution will resume the following week.
In an effort to support the growing need for food assistance during this challenging and unprecedented time, the Ben Hill Food Bank is reaching out to our church ministries. If your ministry budget permits, please consider purchasing items in the food donation list below. The highlighted items are needed most.
The Food Bank is in URGENT need of canned goods and plastic bag donations.
FOOD DONATION LIST
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Breakfast food- cereal, grits, oatmeal
- Boxed or canned milk
- Canned Vegetables/peas/beans/corn
- Canned Fruits
- Canned Meat
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- Rice/mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Tomato sauce
- Loaves of Bread
- Peanut butter and jelly
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Ministries should bring the food items to the Food Bank Drive-Up on Wed. (10:30am-12:30pm) or Saturday (10:30am-12:30pm). Donating is simple: 1) Place the food in the trunk of your car. 2) When you arrive, call the Food Bank at (404) 344-0618 X 1115 or (404) 314-2241, and someone will meet you to take the food from your car. All donations are touchless--keeping our donors and volunteers safe.
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE:
PLASTIC GROCERY STORE BAGS
Also, we need (lots of ) plastic bags, the type used at grocery stores.
MONETARY DONATION
In lieu of donating food items, please consider making a monetary donation by check or online as follows:
CHECK
Make payable to Ben Hill UMC and specify "Food Bank" in note area. Mail to
Ben Hill UMC, ATTN: Food Bank, 2099 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
ONLINE
We are thankful and grateful to ALL BHUMC Ministries, Families and Friends for your support. Your generosity and steadfast support of the Food Bank and the families who depend on the essential services it provides are appreciated. Please let us know if you are able to help by contacting Vicki Callaway at (404) 314-2241 or vcallaway@aol.com.
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The Prison Ministry would like to send cards, words of encouragement, to those who are currently incarcerated. Perhaps you have a loved one or know of someone who would appreciate receiving a card. The Prison Ministry offers a safe nonjudgmental space to seek prayers and support. Please contact Gloria Parker, gloriaparker3790@comcast.net or Cynthia Holland at cythinam@msn.com with the name and mailing information of your loved one.
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The Prayer Ministry will host Corporate Prayer every Wednesday from 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm. Weekly Corporate Prayer will feature a prayer of thanksgiving, a reading from the Upper Room Daily Devotional, and intercessory prayer. We will be inviting Clergy and Laity to pray the intercessory prayer.
To attend Corporate Prayer, please call: (712) 770- 4936, Access Code: 627746. When calling in, please mute your cell phones. If you call in on a landline please turn the volume down on televisions, radios, etc. We look forward to everyone calling in and praying together. To submit Prayer Requests, please visit: benhillumc.org.
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During this season, we want to remind you of the benefits of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry is a collection of specially trained lay people who are trained to listen and provide Christian care for people during the most challenging parts of their lives. It is confidential, one on one, and gender specific. Stephen Ministers are assigned to an individual for about an hour a week. This is especially meaningful for individuals who may be alone during the pandemic, who are grieving, who have a challenging health diagnosis, and who are finding it hard to deal with the challenges in their life.
If this sounds like you, please contact us via email: annex@benhillumc.org and we will be happy to walk along side you. You can also call the church office and ask to speak with Beverly Register or Rev. Tillman.
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Sympathy
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Laverne Tannehill-Jenkins (M) on the loss of her former spouse
Fernando Tannehill (R)
Carol Carter (M) on the loss of her cousin
Earlene Q. Tuft (R)
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Community Events and Resources |
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Senior Food Assistance Program |
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Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms launched the City of Atlanta Senior Food Assistance Program to support seniors with food insecurity during COVID-19 by partnering with meal and grocery delivery organizations. Seniors who reside in the City of Atlanta and are struggling to receive access to food during this time may apply to be a part of this program by completing this survey found here. You may also contact ATL311 for information or help with filling out the survey by dialing 311 within the city limits or (404) 546-0311.
Specific program eligibility requirements are listed below:
- Reside in the City of Atlanta;
- Age 60 or older;
- Low income (household income at or below 80% of the AMI);
- Not participating in any other senior food assistance program and meet one of the following criteria:
- Unable to leave home;
- Unable to prepare meals for themselves; or
- Unable to procure or utilize commercial home delivery services.
* Completion of the survey does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
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What to Expect After Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine |
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COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. |
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What to do if you cannot view the stream
Here are some helpful tips if you should encounter any issues with accessing Ben Hill's Live Stream:
- Try a different Web browser. Most browsers should work but if your web browser is not showing the stream, try a different one.
- Try going to the Ben Hill UMC Facebook Page and view the Live Stream there.
- Try the phone app. If you do not have the Ben Hill app, download it from your app store and view the steam from there.
- Access StreamingFaith.com as another option to view the live stream.
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On Sunday mornings, live chat is available on the Ben Hill website if you should encounter issues and need additional help.
New! Tune into the sermon by using Sermon by Phone.
The Sunday service will be made available at 9:15am on Sundays by dialing in at:
Links to Connect on Sunday Mornings:
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