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Wednesday,
September 7, 2022
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mailing address: Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
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NEWS THIS WEEK
- WORSHIP for THIS SUNDAY
- Circle of Faith Worship at 8:30
- Sunday Studies at 9:30
- BPC Worship at 11
- THANK YOUs
- From the Spargers
- From the VA
- FOCUS on SMALL GROUPS:
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BOOK CLUB meets SEPT 13
- SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
- PC(USA) DELEGATION's REPORT at the WORLD COUNCIL of CHURCHES
- READING SIDEWALKS AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
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WEEKLY INFORMATION
- Birthdays
- Calendar of Events
- CONTACT INFORMATION
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
- BRING FOOD for the FOOD CART
- Give out Hospitality bags
- JOHNSON AUXILIARY NEEDS YOU!
- DONATED BOOKS for the VA
- SIGN UP to be a WORSHIP LITURGIST!
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BPC WORSHIP
Sunday,
September 11, 2022
11:00am
IN BPC's SANCTUARY
Scriptures: Luke 15: 1-10
Sermon: Lost and Found
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SUNDAY STUDIES BEGIN
this Sunday, September 11,
9:30am in Classroom A
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We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor People's Campaign
by Liz Theoharis.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible proclaims justice and abundance for the poor. Yet these powerful passages about poverty are frequently overlooked and misinterpreted.
Enter the Poor People's Campaign, a movement against racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism, and religious nationalism. In We Cry Justice, Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the campaign, is joined by pastors, community organizers, scholars, low-wage workers, lay leaders, and people in poverty to interpret sacred stories about the poor seeking healing, equity, and freedom. In a world roiled by poverty and injustice, Scripture still speaks.
Organized into fifty-two chapters, each focusing on a key Scripture passage, We Cry Justice offers comfort and challenge from the many stories of the poor taking action together. Read anew the story of the exodus that frees people from debt and slavery, the prophets who denounce the rich and ruling classes, the stories of Jesus's healing and parables about fair wages, and the early church's sharing of goods. Reflection questions and a short prayer at the end of each chapter offer the opportunity to use the book devotionally through a year.
LEADERS: Ted Pearson and Cliff Gurlen
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The Bible cries for justice, and we do too. It's time to act on God's persistent call to repair the breach and fight poverty, not the poor. Join us this Sunday in our discussion! | |
CIRCLE of FAITH WORSHIP 8:30am
IN BPC's Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to join Circle of Faith's worship service!
To enter the building, use Office door to the Fellowship Hall.
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We will still send an email on FRIDAY
with the LiveStream YouTube link & Sunday Worship Guide.
Previous Worship Services at Balmoral are also still available on the
Balmoral YouTube channel
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Dona and Derek Sparger acknowledge with grateful appreciation the many ways in which the Balmoral Family has expressed your love and sympathy through your prayers, cards, calls, visits, food, and especially your attendance and comments at Jerry’s memorial service. We have felt truly blessed, supported, and loved through this most difficult time. Thank you very much.
Dona Sparger
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Looking for a good book to read?
Read a good book lately and would love to share it with friends?
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BPC's Book Club may be the place for you!
The Book Club meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm in Classroom A. At the beginning of the year, the group selects a list of books they'd like to read and schedules a month for each book. This month, the Book Club will be meeting next Tuesday, September 13 - see below for this month's selection!
And you're welcome to bring friends!
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BOOK CLUB
TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 13,
1:30pm Classroom A
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We will be discussing the book Seed to Dust by Marc Hamer. Janice Hill and Ted Pearson will co-lead the discussion.
The author is an English vagabond turned gardener, philosopher, poet and artist. This journal will mesmerize non-gardeners as much as those with green thumbs, as Hamer reflects on "the cycles of birth, growth, life and decay in nature . . . and the mysteries of being alive."
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SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! | |
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Balmoral needs volunteers to serve at the Soup Kitchen at First Presbyterian Sunday, October 9th. Volunteers will leave during Worship, car pool downtown together for lunch at Westy’s, serve lunch and clean up, then carpool back around 3:00 pm back to the BPC parking lot.
If you are interested in being a volunteer,
sign up via text to Scott Dawson at 901.849.1685.
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WCC Convenes in Germany This Week ...
the PC(U.S.A.) delegation will take an active role
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Nearly two dozen representatives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are in Karlsruhe, Germany for the next few weeks for the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. The council represents more than 580 million Christians worldwide, representing 325 churches from 120 countries. In addition to the PC(USA), other denominations include Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican, Reformed churches, as well as other independent churches.
The assembly normally meets every eight years and was initially scheduled to meet two years ago. However, because of the COVID pandemic, the gathering was delayed.
More than 4,000 representatives are participating under the theme of “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity."
The gathering will focus on a number of issues including the environment, Israel-Palestine, gender justice, the conflict in Ukraine as well as violence in other parts of world, such as Myanmar and South Sudan.
Here are several articles that are of interest :
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Continuing a pilgrimage
of justice and peace –
an interview with
the moderators
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A young delegate to the WCC celebrates inclusion
and pushes to give others the chance to be seated
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WCC press conference with the spokesperson for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine | |
‘I believe very firmly as a Muslim that Christ’s love was meant for me too’ | |
The Waterfall Tapestry of Solidarity and Resistance at the WCC 11th Assembly | |
READING SIDEWALKS AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | |
This is the Way
Presbyterians Today September 7, 2022
by Ken Rummer for Presbyterians Today
Special to Presbyterian News Service
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Fortune tellers read palms. Ancient Etruscans read the livers of sheep.
I’ve been reading sidewalks.
Dark purple splatters? Evidence of a mulberry tree nearby. BB-sized rounds crunching under foot? Choke cherry pits. And that gray, leaf-shaped stain, like the shadow of an object vaporized by a space alien’s destructo-beam? The calling card of a silver maple tree.
When I tripped on the sidewalk as a child, adult voices admonished, “Watch where you’re going.” It’s still good advice. And not just for hazards like shifted slabs and abandoned scooters. Watching where I’m going helps me notice other things, too.
That dark spot of dirt centered on a sidewalk crack means an ant colony is living and working under the concrete. That bright line of yellow spray paint warns of a gas line passing beneath the walk. And that scattering of cracked corn says the neighbor has put out fresh feed for the wild ducks.
In my youth, Simon and Garfunkel sang about finding prophetic words written on subway walls (“The Sound of Silence,” 1964). Could the same thing be possible with sidewalks?
I’ve seen words chalked on the walk, cheers of encouragement for the distance runners who train on this path. Are there any messages here for me?
I think I’m seeing, not in chalk but in Spirit marker, “This is the way. Walk in it.”
The words seem vaguely familiar. Something from the Bible? As it turns out, yes. The words echo a prophetic oracle preserved in the Book of Isaiah. They show up there as a future whisper in the ear.
“This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21).
A person facing a big decision might hear that as an answer-to-prayer word of guidance. But in my situation, it feels more like a blessing, a confirmation of decisions already made.
I think back to the choices around retirement, like when is it time, and where will we live, and how much will it cost, and what will I do if I’m not doing what I’ve been doing for 40 years. Big decisions.
But now, five-and-a-half years into retirement, I find that those decisions have lived well. My life has settled into a pace and a direction along mostly familiar paths, but with enough detours and adventures to keep things interesting. And I am feeling at home in this new territory, unexpectedly content.
“This is the way,” and I am on it. As an old Celtic journey-prayer puts it, “I on Thy path, O God. Thou O God, in my steps.” (Esther De Waal, “The Celtic Way of Prayer”).
I offer that prayer to you for wherever you find yourself on your journey. It’s a prayer for help in finding and following God’s path, and a prayer for God to walk with you, so closely as to leave but one set of footprints together.
“I on Thy path, O God. Thou O God, in my steps.”
Ken Rummer, a retired Presbyterian pastor, writes about life and faith from the middle of Iowa by the High Trestle Trail. To view other posts by this writer, go here.
IMAGE: “Leaf Print on Sidewalk” (Photo by Ken Rummer)
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/this-is-the-way/
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LITURGIST SIGNUPS
We have LOTS of open slots for Worship Liturgist volunteers. Use the button here to sign-up!
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Choose the Sunday(s) you are available to serve. All materials you need will be sent to you for that week!
(Contact Rev. Mary Gale if you have questions or need help signing up.)
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OPPORTUNITIES for OUTREACH | |
STEWS & MEATY CHILI
are on the MENU FOR THE
FOOD CART!
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St. Luke Methodist Food Pantry needs stews or Chili with meat! Add a can or two to your grocery list this week for the
Food Cart!
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HOSPITALITY BAGS
ARE AVAILABLE NEXT to the FOOD CART -
PICK SOME UP!
You can also pick up Hospitality Bags to donate to those you pass along the road who are in need.
(And bring donations for more bags - bring bottles of water,
And bring donations for more bags - bring bottles of water, boxes of raisins or other dried fruit, granola bars, cheese crackers (NO PEANUT BUTTER!!), clean socks - when you see someone asking for a handout, hand them a Hospitality bag!
URGENT NEED: WE ARE OUT of BOTTLED WATER and SOCKS for the HOSPITALITY BAGS! Please bring what you can!
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IF ANYONE IS CALLED TO SERVE....
We work every 1st and 3rd Thursday.
Colonial Park UMC
5330 Park Ave
CONTACT SCOTT DAWSON for more INFORMATION
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THE VA WANTS YOUR BOOKS!
GENTLY USED BOOKS WANTED!
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The VA has a need, a big one, that won’t cost you any money! We need books!! Books in good condition! BUT we need to be a bit picky….
No books that smell of cigarette smoke, no books that have been sitting in open boxes in someone’s garage or attic gathering dust and/or bugs. We need books of many genres, fiction & non-fiction: histories, mysteries, DIY, westerns, biographies, cookbooks, etc. We’ll take some romances, but most of the folks here aren’t big on the Harlequin variety!!
The VA ALSO NEEDS:
We are in desperate need of the following items:
- T-shirts, sizes M and 2XL
- Sleep pants/lounge pants, summer weight, sizes 2XL and 3X
- Deodorant, men’s
Of course, we always need all sizes of underwear, t-shirts, sleep pants, but we are either out of or down to just a few of the items listed above. And we get requests daily!
Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated.
Karen Pilkington will be collecting the books & clothes – bring them to church in bags or boxes and leave them next to the Food Cart and her DAR chapter will see that they get to the VA.
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CLOTHES DRIVE
for
JOHNSON AUXILIARY
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JOHNSON AUXILIARY NEEDS YOU!
Jogging pants -- men & women(all sizes), and T-shirts are in short supply at Regional One right now.... Your donations are needed!
Can you help?
Bring your donations and place them next to the Food Cart!
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Men’s Clothing:
- Men’s Casual Shoes (athletic-type shoes) /Slippers (with backs) (All sizes needed)
- Men’s Jackets and Hoodies (all sizes) & gloves
- Men’s Casual Pants—Waist Sizes (All sizes needed, but particularly need sizes 30-36 waist and sizes 44 and up waist)
- Men’s Casual Pants—Sweatpants (All sizes)
- Men’s Casual Shirts—long sleeve (All sizes needed, but particularly need sizes XL and up particularly big and tall sizes); button down the front and pullover
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Men’s underwear and socks (Must be new)—(All sizes)
Women’s Clothing:
- Women’s sweatpants—all sizes needed
- Women’s underwear and socks (must be new); all sizes needed
- Women’s hoodies/casual outerwear (all sizes needed, particularly plus sizes); gloves
- Women’s casual shoes (athletic-type) /slippers (with backs)—Sizes 9 and up
Other Clothing Related Needs:
- Umbrellas
- Rainwear such as ponchos (unisex, preferred)
If items have been previously worn, they must be clean, odor-free, stain-free and not in need of repair.
Your contributions really help and are greatly appreciated!
(Place items near the Food Cart in the narthex hallway.)
VOLUNTEERS are also needed!
Contact Beverley Hooker for more information!
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SEPTEMBER
Karen Pilkington (7), Chip Ordman (10), Jada Baldwin (14),
Lisa Koffman (16), Mitchell Lucas (19)
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Sunday, September 11, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sunday Studies Begin for Fall in Classroom A
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Wednesday, September 13, 2022
1:30pm BOOK CLUB in Classroom A
Sunday, September 18, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sunday Studies in Classroom A
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Sunday, September 25, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sunday Studies in Classroom A
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Sunday, October 2, 2022
World Communion Sunday
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sunday Studies in Classroom A
11:00 AM BPC Worship & Communion
in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream
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MUSICIANS
Leiza Collins, piano; John Gilmer, cello; Lane Pellew, violin
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ANTHEM "Shalom"
Leiza Collins, piano; Lane Pellew, violin
John Gilmer and Linda Warren, vocalists
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Pastoral Care is supplied by Pastoral Care Intern Rev. Elizabeth Dick 314.330.0506
or email elizabethdick2@gmail.com
and our Transitional Pastor
Rev. Mary Newberg Gale 913.481.7427
or email mngale@balmoralpc.com
Session members are your primary contact for ongoing communication. Here's the current contact list:
Lori Blackwelder .... (901) 262-8282 ............... LORIEB1165@yahoo.com
Leiza Collins ........... (901) 246-5031 ..................... leiza1016@gmail.com
Barry Dotson .......... (901) 277-1596 ............... barry.dotson@yahoo.com
Janice Hill ............... (901) 826-9747 ................... janicehill81@gmail.com
Beverly Hooker.........(901) 496-1241 ......................... bev.h@earthlink.net
Ted Pearson home: (901) 754-9796 ................... pearsonteda@aol.com
...........................cell: (901) 486-6117
Karen Pilkington......(901) 262-5810 ............karenlpilkington@gmail.com
Erich Shultz ..............(901) 268-4951 ...................emshultz@bellsouth.net
Linda Warren............(901) 573-2654..............emighwarren1947@gmail.com
(NOTE: Many of these Session members work during the day, so you may want to text them or email them.)
Keep in mind that ANY Balmoral member who is healthy will most likely be happy to help you in case of need as well!
To contact other members, the most-current contact information is available by requesting a copy of the BPC PHONE DIRECTORY from Kathy Singleton by email ksingle2@bellsouth.net or by phone or text to (901) 734-7193.
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POLICIES for WORSHIP & BUILDING USE
- Wearing a mask in the church building is optional.
- Social distancing is still encouraged.
- Individuals exhibiting symptoms of illness are asked to not enter the building.
- Unvaccinated individuals are asked to wear a mask, including members of community organizations that use the building.
- Should a surge in Covid-19 infections prompt the Shelby County Health Department to recommend indoor mask-wearing and social distancing, the task force will convene to decide how to react.
- Members who test positive for Covid-19 are asked to notify Rev. Elizabeth Dick, who will notify the congregation so members can decide how to respond.
- To keep the SEED children as safe as possible, the procedures controlling the old end of the building will remain unchanged, except when there is a need for someone to pass through the SEED area.
- Individuals may bring only water into the sanctuary; food and drink is permitted elsewhere.
- Passing plates to collect the offering is permitted.
- The SEED children and staff are allowed to use the new hallway to access the playground and the main bathrooms.
- The drinking fountains are no longer off limits.
- The kitchen is no longer off limits.
- Collections for the Food Cart may resume.
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Small Group Meetings in Classrooms A & B must be scheduled with Barry Dotson, barry.dotson@yahoo.com or signed text/cell: 901. 277.1596 | |
THIS ISN'T ENTIRELY OVER YET, HOWEVER!
PLEASE, FOR THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF and ALL THOSE YOU LOVE AND CARE FOR:
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of illness (EG: sinus infection; flu like symptoms; sore throat; fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea) should consider contacting your Healthcare Provider and let them know you may have been exposed to a breakthrough case of COVID-19 to a fully vaccinated person.
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE CHURCH
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS
Thank you for continuing to observe the ever-changing policies as we navigate the pandemic together.
To contact the Chair of the BPC COVID-19 Task Force:
Scott Hill - signed text: 901.277.9794
email: sphill1946@gmail.com (NOTE his new email!)
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IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO OR HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID
Contact: The Reverend Elizabeth Dick 314.330.0506 or elizabethdick2@gmail.com
Let Elizabeth know when you were last in church; Give permission for notification to the congregation; Get Tested, if you have not already been; Contact any person or persons you have been with and follow with your doctor's advice.
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- Newsletter Articles & Photos should be emailed to Kathy Singleton at ksingle2@bellsouth.net no later than Monday at noon for the week you want the article in the news.
- Bulletin Information should be emailed to Rev. Mary Gale, with a copy to Kathy Singleton, no later than Monday noon the week before the Sunday you want the information to appear.
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Prayer Concerns should be submitted via email to Rev. Mary Gale (mngale@balmoralpc.com) and/or Rev. Elizabeth Dick (elizabethdick2@gmail.com) with a copy to Kathy Singleton at ksingle2@bellsouth.net.
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SEPTEMBER 2022
online church calendar
Click HERE for the BPC Calendar
The calendar will take a few seconds to load and, once it opens, you will see the month that we are currently in. To see the next month's calendar, click on the arrow pointing down - it is just to the right of the name of the month. Once you click on that arrow, an icon will appear with all the months of the year listed. Click on the month that you want to see. To see a specific date, click on the number of the day you would like to see. The entire 2021-2022 calendar is available to you.
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