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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For this Lenten season, BHTI is hosting a Lenten Study Session, featuring the book "I'm Black, I'm Christian, I'm Methodist". All discussion sessions will be offered virtually and provide you with the opportunity to participate.
There will be 3 discussion sessions - each on a Saturday from 11AM - 12:30PM, as follows:
February 20th
Chapters 1 -2
March 6th
Chapters 3 - 6
March 20th
Chapters 7 - 10
If you have any questions please contact Eddie Phillips at eddlph@gmail.com or 678-787-4117. To register for the study session please click on the link below.
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Milkshake and the Milkshake Quintet (MSQ) will bring us the best in smooth jazz and gospel music. World-renowned trumpeter and flugelhorn player, Milkshake has traveled the world and played with the likes of Dizzie Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis. Experience the music for yourself by joining us that evening. Let the smooth, soothing sound of Milkshake and the MSQ take you away to a place of relaxation, exhilaration, jubilation and celebration.
The concert will be available on Altar Live. You can watch the concert with others in your row, and then after the concert, you can move from table to table, meeting new people and engaging in conversation. It’s just like a virtual Fellowship Hall!
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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 11am – 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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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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Directories can be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Directories are only available to members that took a photo for the directory through Life Touch last year. Only one directory is available per family. If we have additional directories at the end of the distribution, we will announce in an e-blast and they will be available for only $5.00.
When picking up a directory, please enter off of Austin Road and drive through the Staff Parking Lot. Stop at the end of the ramp underneath the awning. Please do not get out of your car. A volunteer will ask for your name and bring the directory to your car. We are here to serve! Please contact Jean Brown at 404.344.0618 x1104 or jbrown@benhillumc.org, if you have any questions and/or concerns.
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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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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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Tim Kephart. "Kemp Announces Mass Vaccination Sites", CBS News 46.
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Governor Brian Kemp announced Thursday the state would be deploying more vaccines, opening new sites, and possibly expanding who can get the vaccine soon.
Governor Kemp said that in the next two weeks, the state will be looking to revise the list of who is eligible for the vaccine in the next two weeks. This is being done due to a gradually increasing supply of vaccines from the federal government and better guidance over vaccine supply over the last month. But Kemp continued by announcing another new part of the fight against COVID-19.
Along with the four sites, the state released a new website to allow for Georgians to signup for a vaccine, even if they’re not in the eligible group yet. The site, MyVaccineGeorgia.com, will work with the new mass vaccination sites for those who are eligible. Appointments must be made for the mass vaccination sites before you can get vaccinated. However, for those who aren’t eligible yet, you can still register and when you are able to get the vaccine the state will contact you.
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Ben Hill Family, we made it through 2020 and thought 2021 would have to be better. With the Covid 19 pandemic death numbers rising and everything else going on in our nation and the world, we find that we are not taking care of ourselves and we must do better! The focus of medical discussions in America has largely turned to the causes, symptoms, deaths, and cures for COVID-19.
WE have lost sight of what remains the greatest causes of death in the country–heart disease and cancer. As a matter of fact, people are less likely to go for care and diagnoses of these illnesses, due to fear of infection. The American Heart Association warned about the problem. Deaths from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes actually spread as COVID-19 did. The dangerous health effects and deaths of these diseases did not go away. But, in many ways, they were put on the back burner.
In 2020, the CDC posted that cancer killed 599,108 Americans, but Heart disease killed 647,457. Some of the risks for COVID-19 deaths and the two others are common. People who are older are at greater risk along with those who have heart problems, respiratory issues, and are obese.
The Differently Abled Ministry wants you to Power Up 21!
Kick-off your 2021 by joining the Go Red for Women Healthy Heart movement. The American Heart Association will celebrate healthy heart month all of February. Go Red Day is TODAY! Add some red to your outfit and your red dress pin, if you have one, to spread awareness wherever you go. Please consider making a generous donation to the American Heart Association through our Ben Hill Giving Portal. You could save a life!
We invite men and women to take care of your health every day:
- Take care of your health by not focusing only on Covid19
- Control your political stress level
- Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water
- Add more prayer and meditation into your life
- Continue to have a positive attitude
- Remind friends and family to get their physical and mental check-ups
- Get active every day
This week, take a look back at the Health and Wellness series from 2020 and get moving!
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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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