mailing address: Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
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NEWS THIS WEEK
- WORSHIP for SUNDAY, May 8
- SUNDAY STUDIES for SPRING
- BOOK CLUB Tues May 10 at the Hill's
- POTLUCK LUNCH after WORSHIP Sunday, May 22
- NATIONAL DAY of PRAYER Thursday, May 5
- MID-SOUTH PRESBYTERY EDUCATION DAY June 4
- BPC Photos
- Worship Sunday May 1
- Azaleas at the sanctuary door
- SEED Pictures
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WEEKLY INFORMATION
- Birthdays
- Calendar of Events
- CONTACT INFORMATION
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
- BRING FOOD for the FOOD CART
- Give out Hospitality bags
- SIGN UP to be a WORSHIP LITURGIST!
- SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for May 29
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BPC WORSHIP
Sunday,
May 8, 2022
11:00am IN BPC's SANCTUARY
Scripture: Psalm 133 & John 20:19-23, 30-31
Sermon: Resurrection Signs
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NOTE: Rev. Elizabeth Dick will be leading worship this Sunday while
Rev. Gale is attending Ainsley's confirmation. We wish the Gale family a joyous celebration!
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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 still available on the
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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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SPRING 2022,
now through May 22
9:30am
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The Book of Forgiveness
by Desmond and Mpho Tutu
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, along with his daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, offer a manual on the art of forgiveness—helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.
Leaders: Glenda Ellis & Beverly Hooker
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Interrupting Silence
Silence is a complex matter. It can refer to awe before unutterable holiness, but it can also refer to the coercion where some voices are silenced in the interest of control by the dominant voices. It is the latter silence that Walter Brueggemann explores, urging us to speak up in situations of injustice.
Leaders: Frank Carney & Sherry Wilkins
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A Note from
Rev. Mary Gale
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It is hard to believe that we are already in May! It seems that the 6 months I have spent as your Transitional Pastor have flown by. As we continue our journey throughout the Easter season, we are going to take some time to explore and discuss God's call in the life and ministry of Balmoral Presbyterian.
If you joined us in worship on Sunday, you know that as a response to the scripture from the Gospel of John and the sermon, I asked those gathered to focus on two questions. 1) What does it mean for you as a follower of Christ, to be fed in your faith and 2) What does it mean for Balmoral Presbyterian Church to commit to Jesus' commandment of Peter - feed my sheep?.
This reflection on John 21:15-19, helps us to reframe mission and ministry in light of the changes of the last 2 years. We can begin to think deeply about what we need and desire while wrestling with where God is calling us to go and who God is calling us to be.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. We will continue these conversations over the course of May and June in the hopes that our discussion and discernment help lead to a new vision, a new calling, as you prepare for your next pastor.
If you haven't yet, please feel free to jot down your answers to the two questions. You can drop them in my mailbox in the church office, or even email them to me.
Also, please mark your calendars for Sunday May 22nd, when we will be hosting a potluck following worship. There we will have some time to delve into these answers, as well as reflect on our hopes and dreams, fears and opportunities for the future.
As we continue our journey together, we do so knowing that God is with us, comforting and challenging us in equal measure. Let's equip ourselves for that task.
In Grace and Peace
Mary Newberg Gale
Transitional Pastor
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BOOK CLUB for MAY Come be our guest ...
YOU are invited to hear author, storyteller and Balmoral friend, Phyllis Blackstone on Tuesday,
May 10, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Janice & Scott Hill.
It's all part of the Balmoral Book Club, but you do not have to be a book club "member" to attend. Phyllis will open with a story that likely will spur recollections from your own past. She'll also discuss the subject of storytelling and her book "A Storied Life."
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"My Storied Life"
Tuesday, May 10,
1:30 pm with the Author Phyllis Blackstone
There will be light refreshments. Please join us for this special event. If you do not have "A Storied Life" you can purchase it through Amazon. (The Hills address is 2110 Hickory Crest Drive in Memphis.)
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AFTER WORSHIP
SUNDAY, MAY 22
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Bring a dish of your choice & join us for a Potluck Luncheon
after Worship!
It's been 2 years since we could do this and we know you are as excited about getting together as we are!
After lunch, Rev. Mary Gale will lead us in a time in Transitional Visioning discussions
as we create a vision that imagines the future for our congregation.
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Dishes for lunch can be brought before worship/Sunday studies and placed in the kitchen area.
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CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED!
If you are willing to stick around to put the kitchen area back in ship-shape, please contact Fran Shannon by email pfshannon@comcast.net or by signed text to 901.482.6103
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Ancient advice is more than a catch
by Jodi Craiglow | Presbyterians Today
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Even though it doesn’t appear in the Book of Order — I looked — perhaps there’s no phrase, for better or worse, that sums up Presbyterianism than “decently and in order.” If something exists in our life together, we Presbyterians have a committee and — if we’re really on our game — an acronym for it. However, there’s an important reason for our fascination with process and structure: We value shared governance.
But communal discernment can get messy quickly. The Apostle Paul knew that. He penned our favorite phrase in his first-century missive to the church in Corinth, which was just as much a hot mess as we are today in the 21st century. The Corinthians were extraordinarily diverse ethnically, linguistically, politically, financially, professionally, educationally and religiously, and they unsurprisingly faced major community-building challenges.
In the letter we know as 1 Corinthians, Paul used many examples to demonstrate that glorifying God and edifying each other often entails getting our own egos and sense of privilege out of the way.
While the phrase “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40) specifically comes in a discussion about exercising spiritual gifts during worship, when seen in the context of the entire letter, it’s applicable — and essential — to all areas of our life together as Christians.
Looking into the Greek, we can see that the term Paul uses for “decently” brings notions of appropriateness, respect and dignity. “Order” speaks to the stability and reliability of military regiments. Remembering that Paul is writing to political officials and day laborers, functionally illiterate folks and trained scholars, I suggest that he’s trying to teach these lessons:
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Respect the people God has put in your community. Get to know them for who they are and meet them where they are.
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Do everything you can to facilitate people’s spiritual gifts in their full variety. And, conversely, use your gifts in constructive ways. To cherish the gift is to love the giver.
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Remember that the primary purpose of Christian community is the enrichment of our relationships with God and with one another. Keep the main thing the main thing.
As General Assembly is upon us (or as I like to think of it, “Politypalooza”), these lessons come into sharp focus. While it may appear that we’re quibbling over “wills” and “shalls,” our commissioners, advisory delegates, advocates and corresponding members are called to clear the way logistically so our congregations can better focus on worship, fellowship and service.
Now, can we Presbyterians get carried away and focus so heavily on decorum and procedure that we miss the reason behind it? Oh, yeah. And can we use that decorum and procedure to erode community instead of building it? Sometimes, we can unfortunately. But that’s where Paul’s wisdom comes in.
So, if you find yourself engaged in decision making with other Presbyterians, remember we believe in doing things “decently and in order,” which means: Use your power to embrace and respect everyone God has put into your community.
Empower them to engage their gifts fully and constructively — even if they’re not what you expect. And above all, keep the main thing the main thing: Love God and love one another.
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“Throughout our history, Americans of many religions and belief systems have turned to prayer for strength, hope, and guidance. Prayer has nourished countless souls and powered moral movements — including essential fights against racial injustice, child labor, and infringement on the rights of disabled Americans. Prayer is also a daily practice for many, whether it is to ask for help or strength, or to give thanks over blessings bestowed.” (2022 Presidential Proclamation)
Many people of faith celebrate National Day of Prayer, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Anyone of any faith can participate, and do! In fact, over 40,000 prayer gatherings are held every year—at churches, courthouses, mosques, synagogues, temples, and schools—which means millions of people are in prayer on this day.
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For more information, History, and suggested activities,
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Dear Friends,
"Everything has changed." "Things will never be the same." Over the course of the last two years, we have heard these or similar words spoken around our churches. These words are true. The pandemic has fundamentally shifted how we have to think and "do" church. Some of these changes have been hard, and some may have actually provided new life and new energy.
On Pentecost weekend we will celebrate the gift of the Spirit, the giver and re-newer of life. In that same Spirit, we invite you to join us on June 4th, 2022 from 9:00-1:00 for the Presbytery of Mid-South Education day. We will be exploring how to be a vital church in a post pandemic world. We are excited to have the Reverend Dr. Jan Edmiston, former co-moderator of the 222nd General Assembly as our keynoter. Jan has a passion for thinking about new and creative ways to do church ministry.
I hope you will join us. Please feel free to share this event with others around your church. Registration and brochure information is attached to this email.
In Christ,
Rev James L Gale Jr
Executive Presbyter
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Volunteers are now manning the church office!
There will be someone in the office Monday through Thursday to answer the phone and greet visitors,
The outside door will be unlocked while the office is open.
(NOTE: The inside door may be locked at times for security reasons, but the office workers can let you in -
just knock on the door or ring the bell.)
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SOUP KITCHEN
SIGN-UPS
for Sunday, May 29
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The Soup Kitchen at First Presbyterian is back in business and Balmoral will be participating again! Our turn to serve as hosts is Sunday, May 29, and we need volunteers!
We'll leave a little early from Worship, leaving the parking lot at 11:50am and carpool downtown for lunch together at Westy's on Main Street. We will be working at 1st Pres from 1:30 until about 3:00, then return to BPC.
If you are interested in signing up, send a signed text to Scott Dawson 901.849.1685.
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OPPORTUNITIES for OUTREACH |
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DONATIONS! DONATIONS! LET'S FILL IT UP!
Now that we can donate food again to the
St. Luke Methodist Food Pantry, let's fill it up!
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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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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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Lee Waltz (5); Fran Shannon (6); Dee McGuire (7); Jessica Orians (12); Clinton Bailey (23);
Casey Gurlen (26); Janet Smith (26);
Shirley Vosburg (29); Phil Shannon (30);
Noah Mercer (31)
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Every Monday
2:00pm Writer's Group CLASSROOM A and/or on Zoom
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY
12:30pm CHAIR YOGA in CLASSROOM B
1st Wednesday of the Month
BIBLE STUDY 10:30am in Classroom A
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
Ellis Small Group 10:15 am
2nd Tuesday of the Month
1:30pm BOOK CLUB in Classroom A
2nd Thursday Evening of the Month
7:00 pm Trouble I've Seen Small Group
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
COLONIAL PARK FOOD DRIVE
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Sunday, May 1, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES for Spring Begin:
- "The Book of Forgiveness" by Desmond Tutu and Mpho
- "Interrupting Silence" by Walter Brueggeman
11:00 AM BPC Worship & Communion in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Monday, May 2, 2022
Officer Training 6:30pm Classroom A
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
PW Bible Study
10:30am in Classroom A
Sunday, May 8, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES for Spring Begin:
- "The Book of Forgiveness" by Desmond Tutu and Mpho
- "Interrupting Silence" by Walter Brueggeman
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Monday, May 9, 2022
Officer Training 6:30pm Classroom A
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
BOOK CLUB, with author Phyllis Blackstone
10:30am at the home of Janice & Scott Hill
2110 Hickory Crest Drive, Memphis
Sunday, May 15, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES for Spring Begin:
- "The Book of Forgiveness" by Desmond Tutu and Mpho
- "Interrupting Silence" by Walter Brueggeman
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Monday, May 16, 2022
OUTREACH COMMITTEE 5:30pm Classroom A
Sunday, May 22, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES for Spring Begin:
- "The Book of Forgiveness" by Desmond Tutu and Mpho
- "Interrupting Silence" by Walter Brueggeman
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary
& on LiveStream
Sunday, May 22, 2022
POTLUCK LUNCHEON after Worship
TRANSITIONAL VISIONING DISCUSSION
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BPC PHOTOS
Worship from Sunday, May 1
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Call to Worship
Liturgist Kristen Gurlen
& Rev. Mary Gale with her daughter Fiona
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Choir with John Gilmer directing & Leiza Collins on piano |
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AZALEAS in BLOOM at the SANCTUARY DOOR |
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Flowers in bloom on May 1 thanks to Robin Ashworth's photo |
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Thank you to Barry Dotson for these SEED photos! |
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CLOTHES DRIVE
for
JOHNSON AUXILIARY
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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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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
Becky DeLoach ...... (901) 489-3369 ............. BeckyMD2905@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
Erich Shultz .............(901) 268-4951 ...................emshultz@bellsouth.net
John Van Nortwick (901) 605-2907 ............ jvnortwick@cornerstone-
systems.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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NEW POLICIES for WORSHIP & BUILDING USE
effective March 6, 2022
Now that the latest surge has passed, Balmoral is REMOVING many of the restrictions:
- 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 |
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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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MAY 2022
online church 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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