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Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Where the Spirit Takes Flight
BPC NEWS BRIEF
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
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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 SUNDAY September 12
- FALL SUNDAY STUDIES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 19
- FALL ACTIVITIES
- WRITERS GROUP every Monday
- BIBLE STUDY 1st Wednesdays
- ELLIS SMALL GROUP 1st & 3rd Thursday mornings
- TROUBLE I'VE SEEN SMALL GROUP 2nd Thursday Evenings
- BOOK CLUB 2nd Tuesdays
- GOD'S ENDURING LOVE for CREATION
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WEEKLY INFORMATION
- Birthdays
- Calendar of Events
- OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- HELPFUL COVID-19 LINKS
LINKS to DOCUMENTS
REMINDERS:
- CHANGES to WORSHIP IN-PERSON POLICIES & PROCEDURES
- PINECREST CAMP FOOD & COCKTAILS Oct 24
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PCUSA DISASTER ASSISTANCE to HAITI
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SUNDAY
WORSHIP
Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Sunday, September 12, 2021
BALMORAL WORSHIP 11:00am
IN BPC's SANCTUARY
Scriptures: Psalm 67
& John 5:1-9
Sermon: "Welcoming the New Season"
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IN-PERSON WORSHIP
Due to the new CDC Recommendations EVERYONE WILL BE REQUIRED to WEAR MASKS, whether vaccinated or not.
SEE BELOW for POLICIES and PROCEDURES.
You will also receive our regular worship email, with the bulletin and link for livestream worship, if you plan to worship at home.
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CIRCLE of FAITH WORSHIP at 8:30am
IN BPC's Fellowship Hall
Everyone is also invited to join the Circle of Faith's return to In-Person worship service! To enter the building, use Office door to the Fellowship Hall.
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You will still receive emails on FRIDAY & again on SUNDAY with links to the the services online access for Worship & a downloadable Sunday Worship Guide.
Previous Worship Services at Balmoral are still available on the
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LIVE STREAM ONLINE WORSHIP |
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Balmoral's service will ALSO be LiveStreamed online for those who want to "be there" but still need to be able to worship remotely. You will receive an email on Friday and again on Sunday morning with a copy of the bulletin and a link to the LiveStream online service. |
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Rev. Carla Meisterman is on Family Leave through Sunday, Sept 12, 2021.
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Rev. Elizabeth Dick will be the Pastor on call while Carla is out. You can reach Elizabeth by email elizabethdick2@gmail.com or by phone or signed text at 314.330.0506
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REMINDER: PASTORAL CARE CHANGES:
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Pastors will be providing pastoral care by phone or by Zoom but will not be able to do home visitation or hospital visitation while the Delta Variant is on the rise. In addition the session voted that there will be no small group gatherings at the church until further notice.
- The Rev. Elizabeth Dick’s gathering of small groups and home communion are cancelled for now due to the Delta variant
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FALL SUNDAY STUDIES
BEGIN Sunday, September 19, 9:45 am
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Fall Studies will run 10 weeks Sept. 19 through Nov. 21
2 classes will be offered:
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Bible Study—
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,
1st & 2nd Thessalonians
Leaders: Clinton Bailey, Stanley Gates,
Cliff Stockton and William Warren
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"Love is the Way"
by Bishop Michael Curry
and Sara Grace
Walk the path of love and learn how to put faith into action. The way of love is essential for addressing the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing the world today: poverty, racism, selfishness, deep ideological divisions, competing claims to speak for God.
Leaders: Kristen Gurlen and Sherry Wilkins
Books are available online from several book sellers, including Amazon, and is available on Kindle and Audiobooks.
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Classes will meet in person. Currently, plans are for one class to meet in the Fellowship Hall & the other class in the Library area.
REMINDER: All participants must be masked at all times!
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OPPORTUNITIES to PLUG-IN
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HERE ARE THE GROUPS ACTIVE for FALL...
And all of these groups welcome and encourage any BPC and Circle of Faith members and friends to join!
All are currently meeting only on Zoom, but will move to in-person meetings when CDC guidelines indicate it is safe to meet.
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WRITER's GROUP:
You don't have to be an accomplished author - anyone interested in capturing new ideas will have fun - you don't even have to share what you write!
Every Monday 2:00pm, led by Ted Pearson
BIBLE STUDY:
Monthly guided Bible Study using Presbyterian Women curriculum ... but it's not just for Women!
1st Wednesday of the Month10:30 am; contact Susie Knight for information
Ellis Small Group
Fellowship, topics of interest, and prayers, led by Glenda & Dave Ellis
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month 10:15 am
BOOK CLUB
Books recommended by group members are discusssed each month. For more information, contact Janice Hill
2nd Tuesday of the Month 1:30pm
Trouble I've Seen Small Group
Topics on Social Justice discussed, led by Kristen & Cliff Gurlen
2nd Thursday Evening of the Month 7:00 pm
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September Book Club will continue their discussion from August on
At Home by Bill Bryson
SEPTEMBER 14, 1:30pm
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Current headlines may be more than we can bear, but the deep cycles of life carry on
by Ken Rummer for Presbyterians Today
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Along the High Trestle Trail, late-summer berries are setting on.
Elderberries hang purple from red branches, dressed like Red Hat ladies out on the town. Honeysuckle opts for Christmas colors, setting red balls among still-green leaves. And the clustered white berries of the local dogwood carry dark center spots that make them look like manic eyeballs.
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Seeing the berries cheers me up.
The news may be more than I can bear to watch, but a man on a three-wheel bicycle is gathering elderberries for a batch of wine or a few pints of jelly.
The battle against the virus may be losing some ground, but the honeysuckle managed to turn yellow-white flowers into tiny red spheres again this year.
Wildfires may be getting wilder and hurricanes may be getting stronger, but the cardinals that nest in the dogwood thicket have their late-summer pantry well-stocked once again.
Despite disaster and disruption, some of the deep cycles of life continue on.
In Genesis, at the end of the great flood, Noah offers sacrifices to God. The ancient storyteller gives us God’s response with some internal dialogue that concludes with an assurance.
As long as the Earth endures,
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
The news may be more than I can bear to watch, but a man on a three-wheel bicycle is gathering elderberries for a batch of wine or a few pints of jelly.
The battle against the virus may be losing some ground, but the honeysuckle managed to turn yellow-white flowers into tiny red spheres again this year.
summer and winter, day and night,
shall not cease. — Genesis 8:22 (NRSV)
Deep cycles, life and season, continuing on. That’s what I see in the berries along the trail.
I find comfort in the regularity, even if it feels increasingly fragile. When the migrating insect that feeds on a particular flower arrives at the usual stop to find that the flower bloomed two weeks early due to a warming climate and no flower juice remains, the deep and regular cycles begin to lose their grip.
I hear the seedtime verse in Genesis as God’s intention, but not as a guarantee that God will overrule the effects of climate change. Still, checking on the berries, witnessing circles of life beyond my own, I feel less anxious.
The trees are getting in on the act, too. The bur oak near the entrance to the creek trail is going nuts. It’s showing off new acorns already wearing their distinctive caps. Red buds dangle their browning bundles in preparation for the great seed drop. And near the creek, a broken locust branch still nurtures the spiral seed pods children love to shake like maracas.
That locust branch inspires me. It was a major part of the tree, perhaps twisted beyond its strength by the derecho wind a year ago, broken off mid-tree but not cleanly, still connected by living layers of bark. There it is, broken beyond repair, but still bringing seeds to maturity and dropping life into the future.
In a season of much brokenness, I hear an invitation to embrace the steadiness of bushes and the courage of trees. There is still time to offer our best gifts, our acorns and berries, to the world, and to the future.
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The Rev. Ken Rummer writes about life and faith from the middle of Iowa by the High Trestle Trail.
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PHOTO TOP: Bur oak (photo by Ken Rummer)
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PINECREST FUNDRAISER
October 24
at Shady Grove Presbyterian
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CURRENT WORSHIP PROCEDURES |
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Due to New CDC Recommendations regarding the Delta Variant the following will be observed:
- Masks will be worn in the building at all times
- Social Distancing of 6 feet will be observed at all times; please avoid close contact with others, such as hugging or shaking hands.
- Passing of the Peace is eliminated from the worship service
- Pastor will be masked at all times except at the pulpit when she is preaching and leading worship
- Choral leaders will be masked at all times except when they sing or lead liturgy
- Musicians will be masked at all times, except those who play brass or wind instruments
- The congregation will not sing
IN CASE of a SERIOUS EXPOSURE of COVID-19 THAT MAY HAVE AFFECTED Worship Leaders or the Congregation, Sunday Worship may have to be cancelled at the last minute.
IF SO, the CONGREGATION WILL RECEIVE an EMAIL as soon as the DECISION to CLOSE is made, and again the SUNDAY MORNING EMAIL WILL SO INDICATE.
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- NOTE:
- Communion for September has been cancelled
- The full Choir will postpone returning to Worship in September as planned and will re-evaluate as the COVID situation improves.
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PLEASE, FOR THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF,
ALL THOSE YOU LOVE AND CARE FOR,
UNVACCINATED CHILDREN,
AND PEOPLE WHO WILL COME INTO CONTACT
WITH PEOPLE YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH:
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.
BPC COVID-19 Task Force
Scott Hill - Chair
Mary Schmitz, Clerk
Kathy Singleton, Barry Dotson, Beverly Hooker,
Scott Dawson, Frank Carney
To contact the Chair of the BPC COVID-19 Task Force:
Scott Hill - signed text: 901.277.9794
email: hill8910@bellsouth.net
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WHAT TO DO 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 and/or the Health Department's advice.
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And after the earthquake … a sound of sheer silence.
Then there came a voice … that said, "What are you doing here?"
(1 Kings 19:12–13)
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The scale of the disaster facing Haiti after the Aug. 14 earthquake is becoming clearer. The quake and its aftershocks have left almost 1,300 people dead, thousands more injured and an unknown number of people are still missing. At least 13,000 homes were destroyed and roads, bridges and communication systems have been severely damaged. This catastrophe comes on top of Haiti’s ongoing struggles with endemic hunger and poverty, COVID-19 and continuing civil unrest, and as Tropical Storm Grace bears down on the region.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery in the impacted areas through our established local partners and in collaboration with ACT Alliance and its members. The PC(USA), through PDA and together with regional World Mission colleagues, will remain active throughout the entire recovery process, accompanying our partners in the area as they determine long-term program needs and providing financial support for rebuilding and resilience.
The needs for the response will be great. God’s people are once again called on to stand in the "GAP" — Give. Act. Pray.
GIVE. ACT. PRAY.
GIVE: Gifts can be made online, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check, which can be mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
ACT: Learn how you and your congregation can help families who have lost everything in the devastation. Stay informed and like us on Facebook, download resources and share updates with your congregation.
PRAY: As this earthquake continues to cause destruction and loss of life, please pray with us that the communities affected by this event and those offering assistance will be strengthened, have their needs met and be reminded of the hope found in God.
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Chip Ordman (10); Jada Baldwin (14);
Lisa Koffman (16); Mitchell Lucas (19)
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Every Monday
2:00pm Writer's Group CLASSROOM A and/or on Zoom
1st Wednesday of the Month
BIBLE STUDY 10:30 am
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
Ellis Small Group 10:15 am
2nd Tuesday of the Month
BOOK CLUB meets in person in Classroom A and/or on Zoom
The September meeting will ONLY be on Zoom.
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 September 12, 2021
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
NO SUNDAY STUDIES - NEW CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 19
11:00 AM BPC Worship Service in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream
Sunday September 14, 2021
1:30 PM BOOK CLUB on Zoom
Sunday September 19, 2021
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:45 SUNDAY STUDIES: (Fellowship Hall & Library)
- Bible Study: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians
- "Love is the Way"
11:00 AM BPC Worship Service in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream
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PLEASE NOTE: The Church Office will NOT be staffed. Please continue to use your contact lists to reach us! |
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REMINDERS: We must help to keep the SEED children safe!
Please do not enter the SEED area of the building without authorization and be sure to wear masks around the children.
Small Group Meetings in Classrooms A & B must be scheduled with Barry Dotson, barry.dotson@yahoo.com or signed text/cell: 901. 277.1596
Requests for other uses of the property (including the parking lot) MUST prepare a proposal to the BPC COVID-19 Task Force (Scott Hill, chairperson) for review; the task force will review the proposal, then make a recommendation to the Session for consideration.
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WORSHIP, September 5, 2021 |
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Bells of Balmoral
Janice Hill, John Gilmer, Ellie Gurlen, Kristen Gurlen
Director: Lynn Ward
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Choral Leaders
Ted Pearson, Lynn Ward, Janice Hill,
John Gilmer, Ellie Gurlen, Kristen Gurlen
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Prayer of Illumination
Ellie Gurlen
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Song of Solomon
Lynn Ward
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Virtual Communion
"Take Our Bread"
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Click the link below to get current locations for VACCINES:
For COVID-19 TESTING information, go to this link:
NOTE: Several CVS and Walgreen's locations are now currently on the updated list at the link above.
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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 JOHNSON AUXILIARY CLOTHES CLOSET IS NOW BACK in ACTION!
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ALWAYS in NEED:
SUMMER-WEIGHT CLOTHING!
Men's casual shoes - all sizes
(new or gently used)
Men's new underwear - large and XL
Women's shoes (casual) sizes 9 and up
Women's plus size clothing
New women's underwear - all sizes
Toiletry items - new, unopened (trial size are fine)
ALSO - New adult coloring or puzzle books are needed for people waiting at the hospital while their loves ones are being treated.
Your contributions really help and are greatly appreciated!
Place items in the baskets in the narthex hallway.
VOLUNTEERS are also needed!
Contact Beverley Hooker for more information!
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Pastoral Care this week will be supplied by
Rev. Elizabeth Dick 314.330.0506
or email elizabethdick2@gmail.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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We have been keeping reference articles in the Newsletter each week throughout the summer. It's time to take them out, BUT some of these may still be helpful, so we will store them and give you links to them, but eliminate them from the body of the newsletter itself. |
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To access a document, simply click on the link name. The document will then open in your browser as a PDF file!
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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. Carla Meisterman, 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 continue to be submitted via email to Rev. Carla Meisterman (carlam@balmoralpc.com)
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SEPTEMBER 2021
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 calendar is available to you.
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