BPC NEWS BRIEF
Wednesday,
January 19, 2022
mailing address:  Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
NEWS THIS WEEK

  • WORSHIP & SUNDAY STUDIES for SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

  • ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING January 30
  • Reports from Outreach, Formation & HR Team

  • FREE COVID-19 AT HOME TESTS

  • RESCHEDULED EVENTS:
  • MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., CELEBRATION rescheduled to FEB 20, 3:00pm
  • PRESBYTERY EDUCATION EVENT postponed until June 4, 9-2 at Farmington (Reservations required)


  • BPC Photos
  • Worship, Sunday, January 16
  • SNOWY SUNDAY!
  • Just for Fun...
WEEKLY INFORMATION
  • Birthdays
  • Calendar of Events
  • OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • WORSHIP IN-PERSON POLICIES & PROCEDURES

REMINDERS:
  • BPC POLICY on CHURCH CLOSINGS for WEATHER

BPC WORSHIP

Sunday, January 23, 2022


11:00am IN BPC's SANCTUARY

Scripture: Corinthians 12:21-31 & Luke 4:14-21
Sermon: The Year of the Lord’s Favor

CIRCLE of FAITH WORSHIP at 8:30am
IN BPC's Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to join Circle of Faith's
In-Person worship service! To enter the building, use Office door to the Fellowship Hall.

Bible Study of Matthew led by Clinton Bailey, Stanley Gates,
Cliff Stockton and William Warren.
Please read Chapters 5 & 6 for this week.
Meets in Classroom A.
Book Study of "His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis" 
by Jon Meacham; led by Cliff Gurlen and Audrey Davis.
Meets in the Fellowship area
We will still send an email on FRIDAY with the Sunday Worship Guide & a link to the LiveStream on YouTube. 

Previous Worship Services at Balmoral are still available on the 
REMINDERS
EVERYONE IS REQUIRED to WEAR MASKS, whether vaccinated or not, and is asked to keep Social Distancing.
SEE BELOW for POLICIES and PROCEDURES.

WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!

REMINDER: BALMORAL'S INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
When the weather is bad, BPC's Policy is as follows:

DURING the WEEK:
If the Shelby County Schools are CLOSED for Weather reasons, Balmoral will also close the church and any activities for the day.

ON SUNDAY MORNING:
The BPC staff will monitor conditions Saturday evening and early Sunday mornings and will notify everyone by an email if the Church will be CLOSED and classes & Worship cancelled.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL SUNDAY MORNING BEFORE YOU COME to CHURCH when the Memphis area is under a Winter Advisory.

If you would also like to receive a text when the church will be closed
on Sunday morning , contact Kathy Singleton by email ksingle2@bellsouth.net or by signed text to 901.734.7193 with your name & mobile number and we will contact you by text to notify you.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
for the
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
after worship Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022
The purpose of the meeting is to elect two members to serve on the Nominating Committee that will present a slate of Elders for the Session Class 2025; Ted Pearson has been elected by the Session as the Chair of the committee. There will also be a brief update on the 2022 plans. Materials for the meeting will be distributed before the meeting in the Newsletter for your review, along with the link to the Zoom meeting. The meeting is planned to be very brief.
 
If you will be unavailable to attend the meeting, you may submit any nominations to Rev. Mary Gale before the meeting by text or email and your nomination will be added to the list of nominations.
2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
2022 PLANS for your review for the Congregational Meeting
From the OUTREACH Committee
January 2022
 If you are looking for an active and meaningful service project in the community, I would strongly encourage you to join our mobile pantry team on the 1st and 3rd Thursday every month. We provide two weeks of food to over 500 families. Just talk to any member of our team (William, Fran, Barry, Janice, Beverly, or Scott)

 A big thank you for the overwhelming congregation response on the clothing tree this Christmas. First Presbyterian was thrilled at the ability to restock the clothes closet. Those clothes, jackets, shoes and sleeping bags are already making a difference for the marginalized in our community.

 Mike Singleton would like to give thanks for our continued financial support. It is truly the difference in having or not having a Boy Scout Troop. On the good news front, one young man from Troop 361 just received a full ride college scholarship!
 
Our Mexican water mission partners are praying for the enc of the pandemic so we can join them in the field again. In the meantime, our financial support continues to change lives for the better.
 
Route #1 for Meals on Wheels keeps chugging away every Tuesday. Our hands and financial support helps keep this vial ministry alive and well.
 
In closing, we are all longing to “get back to normal”. In the meantime, we are striving to hear God’s call and assist our brothers and sisters in need.

The Outreach Team
From the FORMATION Committee
& the Human Resources Team
Committee Members: Beverly Hooker, Renee Mitchell, John Gilmer, Leiza Collins, Cathy Bailey, Glenda Ellis, Becky DeLoach, Mary Schmitz, and Cliff Gurlen

2021 Actions:
  • Moved Thomas Bergstig’s final virtual video production until February, 2022.
  • Offered Sunday Studies options for all months except June, July and August.
  • Maintained contact with all church members as assigned to Session members.
  • Supported weekly zoom meetings for the following groups: Writers’ Group, Book Club, Glenda Ellis’ Group, Presbyterian Women and “Trouble I’ve Seen” group.
  • Interviewed and hired Rev. Mary Newburg Gale as Transitional pastor effective November 28,
  • Interviewed and hired Rev. Elizabeth Dick for pastoral care.

2022 Goals:
  • Continue to offer Sunday Studies classes
  • Continue connectional Session contact lists
  • Post online and publicize Thomas Bergstig’s third video about Balmoral’s Outreach efforts
  • Maintain Sunday Studies and Sunday Worship services virtually
  • Pray for continued opportunities to worship together at church 
In Next week's Newsletter:
Operations Committee & the Financial Report

FREE COVID-19
AT-HOME TEST KITS
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Starting yesterday, Jan. 18, Americans can order 4 FREE at-home COVID-19 test kits from the government, in an ongoing effort to curb the latest, record-breaking coronavirus surge.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

You can visit https://www.covidtests.gov/ to order their free at-home tests or go directly to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) order form here: https://special.usps.com/testkits.
(The government says that a phone number will be set up soon, so that residents can order their tests via the phone, but it is not yet available. When it is published we will publish it in the Newsletter.)
The website is easy to use - simply enter your name and home address. You will get an order confirmation number (and they will email the confirmation # if you enter an email address.)
CHANGES in PLANS,
THANKS to the WEATHER & OMICRON
Last Sunday's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was postponed due to inclement weather and will now be held on Sunday, February 20.

And the Presbyterian Event on Church Vitality, originally scheduled for January 29th, has also been postponed due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The event will now be held on Saturday, June 4th and will be part of our presbytery Pentecost celebration. The Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston will still be our keynote speaker, and the theme will remain focused on church vitality in a pandemic world.

Below are the new dates!
 The Presbytery of the Mid South
and
The Greater Memphis Area Chapter
of the
National Black Presbyterian Caucus
 
Invite You to Join Us For Our
 
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION
 
Sunday, FEBRUARY 20, 2022
3:00 o’clock pm CST
 
Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church
1005 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38116
This is a Presbytery wide celebration. 
 
Natalie Toombs, Regional Representative,
Mid-South Region of the National Black Presbyterian Chapter
 
Live Streamed on Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church Facebook page
Mid-South Presbytery Education Day 2022


KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Jan Edmiston,
General Presbyter of Charlotte NC Presbytery






FOR MORE INFO:
Kathrine Getske (19), Jerry Sparger (19),
Janie Pearson (21), Dorothy Stockdale (21),
Janice Hill (23), Amber Baldwin (23),
Glenda Ellis (29), Bob Kaiser (29) 
 
Every Monday
2:00pm Writer's Group CLASSROOM A and/or on Zoom

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
in Classroom A

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
COLONIAL PARK FOOD DRIVE
Sunday, January 23, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  • Bible Study meets in Classroom A
  • "His Truth is Marching On" meets in the Fellowship area
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream

Saturday, January 29, 2022
Presbyterian Event POSTPONED until June 4th

Sunday, January 30, 2022
8:30 AM Circle of Faith Worship in the Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM SUNDAY STUDIES: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  • Bible Study meets in Classroom A
  • "His Truth is Marching On" meets in the Fellowship area
11:00 AM BPC Worship in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream

Sunday, January 30, 2022
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
After BPC Worship in the Sanctuary & on LiveStream
PLEASE NOTE: The Church Office will NOT be staffed. Please continue to use your contact lists to reach us!
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.

BPC PHOTOS
WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Linda Warren on piano
Fran Addicott directing the choir
Choir
Kristen Gurlen, Robin Ashworth, Becky DeLoach, Lynn Ware, Pete Addicott, Ted Pearson, Clinton Bailey, Erich Shultz, Robin Van Nortwick, John Van Nortwick
Fran Addicott, guest director
SNOWY SUNDAY MORNING!
Some of us got a little, some out east got 3-4 inches.
North Mendenhall barely a trace
Hacks Cross Rd 3 inches
ABOVE: At Balmoral
BELOW: The Lucas Family in Olive Branch
ABOVE: Mitchell, Amanda, and James get big sleds,
while Lori and Rose share the small one
BELOW: Rose makes her very first snow angel;
obviously, though, Amanda is already a veteran at building a snowman!
COLONIAL PARK FOOD DRIVE
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

CLOTHES DRIVE
for
JOHNSON AUXILIARY
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
  • 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!

CONTACT INFORMATION
Pastoral Care this week will be supplied by Pastoral Care Intern Rev. Elizabeth Dick 314.330.0506
       or email elizabethdick2@gmail.com
You may also reach out to our Transitional Pastor
Rev. Mary Newberg Gale at 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. 
CURRENT WORSHIP PROCEDURES
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. Greet each other with elbow bumps instead!
  • 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
NOTE that CONGREGATIONAL SINGING restrictions have been REMOVED! The Congregation invites all vaccinated, masked worshippers to join their voices!
UPDATED 12/2021:aa
The Session approved motions from the BPC COVID-19 Task Force the following changes to Balmoral's procedures:
(1) The congregation is permitted to sing, but must wear masks;
(2) the choir is no longer limited to 12 singers, but all must wear masks;
(3) sharing the peace is permitted, but the congregation must be masked and socially distanced;
(4) communion may resume, with details worked out by Rev. Gale and the worship team, followed by approval by the Covid-19 Task Force;
(5) fully vaccinated church officers and volunteers may resume use of the church office, continuing to follow protocols (masked and distanced) and using only a direct path to and from the office from the entrance closest to the office;
(6) As we begin to lift restrictions, the Session encourages unvaccinated individuals to remain safe by joining us on live-stream rather than worshipping in person.

NOTE: Since the church office will NOT be manned and the outside doors remain locked, those needing access to the church office will need a key or be with someone who has a key. Please continue to stay vigilant about keeping the SEED children safe by avoiding going into their area. Thank you!
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: hill8910@bellsouth.net
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.
  • 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.
  • Prayer Concerns should be submitted via email to Rev. Elizabeth Dick (elizabethdick2@gmail.com) with a copy to Kathy Singleton at ksingle2@bellsouth.net.
JANUARY 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.