BPC NEWS BRIEF
Wednesday,
February 2, 2022
mailing address:  Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
NEWS THIS WEEK

  • WORSHIP & SUNDAY STUDIES for SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6

  • REPORT from the ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
  • Reports from Session Teams
  • Election of Elder Nominating Committee members

  • NOMINATIONS for ELDER CLASS of 2025

  • CHAIR YOGA is BACK!

  • BOOK CLUB: Tuesday, February 8

  • CONGRATULATIONS to New Spark Performing Arts students as 2022 National Award Winners

  • FEBRUARY is BLACK HISTORY MONTH
  • Events Around Memphis
  • PCUSA Hosts Forums “Resiliency to Recovery”

  • BPC Photos
  • Worship, Sunday, January 30
WEEKLY INFORMATION
  • Birthdays
  • Calendar of Events
  • OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • WORSHIP IN-PERSON POLICIES & PROCEDURES

REMINDERS:
  • BPC POLICY on CHURCH CLOSINGS for WEATHER
  • 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 WORSHIP

Sunday, February 6, 2022


11:00am IN BPC's SANCTUARY

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 & Luke 5:1-11
Sermon: Called by God

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 and William Warren.
Please read Chapters 9 & 10 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!
(if you need a new Name Tag, please send an email to the church office at balmoral@balmoralpc.com)

REPORT from the ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022
Lisa Kroener and Phil Shannon were elected to serve on the Elder Nominating Committee with Ted Pearson, Chair. The Nominating Committee is tasked to present a slate of Elders for the Session Class 2025 for consideration by the Congregation. (See below for information about submitting names for the committee's consideration.)
2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
2022 PLANS presented at the Congregational Meeting
PRESENTED by Mary Schmitz: The Operations Committee is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, IT/Sound/Virtual Worship, and Buildings and Grounds, and the COVID taskforce. Committee members are Art Hall, Dick Vosburg, Mary Schmitz, Cliff Gurlen, Fran Shannon, Barry Dotson, Lisa Koffman, Scott Hill, Lorie Blackwelder, and Erich Schultz. Rev. Mary Gale is an un-official member of the committee. These folks do a fantastic job, and do tireless work keeping the church functioning in a tip top manner.

This past year we accomplished the following:
  • Re-sealed the parking lot
  • Managed the church’s COVID safety
  • Provided virtual worship and production on You Tube during COVID
  • Provided live-stream worship
  • Made several A/C and plumbing repairs, particularly when pipes froze last winter
  • Put a new video security system in the church
  • Produced a financial surplus during a tough year

In 2022 we plan to accomplish the following:
  • Support the search for the permanent pastor
  • Complete 2 videos: Circle of Faith 10 year anniversary at BPC, and a 50 Year BPC anniversary video
  • Maintain service during COVID
  • Add parking lot video cameras
  • Balance the church’s financial needs with available giving

Thank you for your support!
PRESENTED by SCOTT DAWSON: OUTREACH Committee:
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 end 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.
PRESENTED by Becky DeLoach: 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 
SIGN UP to SERVE
as a LITURGIST for WORSHIP!
Now that we are back in-person for Worship, it’s time to go back to having a volunteer each Sunday to serve as the Liturgist with the Rev. Mary Newberg Gale to lead our service. Liturgists lead parts of the service on one Sunday, such as some responsive readings, one of the Scriptures, Passing the Peace, and other parts of the service. Rev. Gale will provide the script for the Liturgist’s sections. If you are interested in participating in Worship for a Sunday, please contact Rev. Gale at mngale@balmoralpc.com or send her a signed text to 913.481.7427. You will be contacted to schedule a convenient Sunday for you!
NOMINATIONS NEEDED for
3 ELDERS for the SESSION CLASS of 2025
The 2022 Nominating Committee will begin working together to discern the names of three members who are called as Ruling Elders in the Session Class of 2025.
 
You are able to make nominations by email or text as indicated below. We will need one person to serve on the Outreach Committee, one person to serve on the Operations Committee and one person to serve on the Formation Committee.  
 
If you would like to nominate a person or persons to serve in the Class of 2025, please speak to the chair of the 2022 Nominating Committee, Ted Pearson, or send the information about your nomination to Ted by email pearsonteda@aol.com or by phone or text him at (901) 486-6117. There will also be forms for nominations in the bulletin & on the back sanctuary table that can be filled in and placed in the offering plate.
 
For each Nomination, please provide the following Information: 
  • NAME of the person to be considered for the Class of 2025
  • COMMENTS (optional)
  • YOUR NAME
 
If you have questions about the process for nominations, please contact Ted Pearson, Lisa Kroener, Phil Shannon, or Rev. Mary Gale.
The Role of a Ruling Elder
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government
of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons
with particular gifts to share in discernment of God's Spirit
and governance of God's people. Accordingly, congregations should
elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated
skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. 
Ruling elders...are chosen by the congregation to discern and 
measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and 
nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching 
elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and
discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation
 as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.
When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully 
as members of the session. When elected as commissioners 
to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the
same authority as teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office.
Book of Order, G-2.0301 _____________________________________________
 
Please speak to the person you nominate before placing their name into nomination to express your belief that they are called to serve on Session.
Members of the Current Session Classes

CHAIR YOGA is BACK!
Join Lynn Ward as we begin chair yoga classes at Balmoral. Each session will begin at 12:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Please enter the church by way of the sanctuary door. We will meet in the sanctuary by the windows. The Covid Task Force has asked that all participants wear masks and maintain a six-foot distance from each other. Contact Lynn at 901 600-5397 or email her at lward904@aol.com. Classes will start Thursday, February 3, 2022 (weather permitting).
Everyone is welcome!

NOTE: At this writing, Memphis is under a Weather Advisory for this Thursday for an ice storm. If the Shelby County Schools close Thursday, the Chair Yoga class for Thursday, Feb 3 will be cancelled, per the BPC weekday closing policy. If that happens, we'll see everyone for Chair Yoga next week!
BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
1:30pm in Classroom A
Epiphany: Stories
Each of these novella-length tales focuses on an epiphany--a revelation born of an unlikely interchange.
Ferrol Sams displays the warmth, humor, and wisdom that have delighted readers and earned him many a comparison to Mark Twain.
Cathy Bailey will lead the discussion.
COMING IN MARCH: A Century of November,
by W.D. Wetherell. Led by Ted Pearson on Tuesday, March 8.
NEW SPARK PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS
Win National Award at 2022 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta
Students from local New Spark Performing Arts (NSPA) in Memphis won a Freddie G award for Excellence in Ensemble Work, among other recognitions, at the 2022 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta (JTF Atlanta). The 2022 JTF was held online and in-person in January, and the festival brings together troupes from all over the world to celebrate student-led musical theater.

Among the participants were our own Casey and Eli Gurlen! 
Casey is part of the stage crew and Eli participates through acting, singing, and dancing. Musical theater helps bring students of various art disciplines together to create one wholesome package. Acting, singing, and dancing intersects with lights, sounds, and visual art in the form of costumes, projections, sets, and backdrops. “We have the chance to experience being stage crew members, choreographers, music directors, and more so early on,” says Sadie, an NSPA student. “Not only does this expand the range of people who come work with us, but it also shows that there is a place for so many different skills and interests in the theater industry.”

For more information on New Spark, visit newspark901.org

FEBRUARY is
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month Events across the Mid-South
The Mid-South is known for its rich history and culture.
This month, the country honors Black History and FOX13 has compiled a list of events happening in the Mid-South.
(Blue underlined words in this article are links to more information about these evets.)


National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum will hold the virtual book talk. Guests will discuss “Race Against Time,” (2020) that is a story that details what led to four of the most infamous killings during the days of the civil rights movement—Medgar Evers, the firebombing of Vernon Dahmer, the 16th Street Church bombing in Birmingham and the Mississippi Burning case. The event is on Feb. 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can register for the event here and for more, contact Ryan Jones at 901-521-9699.

Black History Month at the Stax Museum
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music will host a free in-person event, the world premiere of “Soul of America: An Evolution of Black American Music.” The event is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stax Museum on Feb. 3. You can register for the event HERE.
Stax will be hosting free streaming of two films on Feb. 15 for those who register:
“Soul of America: An Evolution of Black American Music and “Magnetic South: All Signs Point to Soulsville USA.”

Tone Memphis
Visitors will see artwork from Kevin Brisco Jr., who will present “You Can Dance Underwater and Not Get Wet,” an exploration of dance as a means of performance, escape, retreat, and rebellion. Rahn Marion, a painter, sculptor, and installation designer, will present “Ecce Homo (Behold a Man),” where he reimagines ancient stories and mythologies through the B-lack male figure, drawing references from medieval composition and folklore. This event is free on Feb. 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Lamar Avenue.

Hattiloo Theatre
“The Mountaintop,” written by Memphian and playwright Katori Hall, will play the reimagined the events on the night before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, following the delivery of his memorable “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Visitors can watch the play for $25 to $35 from now through Feb. 13.

Benjamin L. Hooks Library
Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA) will hold the fifth annual “Our Stories Matter” African American read-in.
The event will include readings by Erica Martin, author of “And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems.” Visitors can hear and read poems selected by Martin.
The event is on Feb. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and it is free.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to Host Forums Recognizing Black History Month
by Gail Strange | Presbyterian News Service
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be holding a special online worship service at 9 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Feb. 9 to commemorate and honor Black History Month.
The theme for the 2022 celebration is “Resiliency to Recovery.” The theme observes the strong resiliency of the African American community from a historical to present-day perspective. It examines African Americans’ ongoing ability and need to survive while continuing to fight for justice and equality.

In addition to the service, the African American Intercultural Congregational Support Ministries will host three forums to give participants an opportunity to go into a more in-depth conversation around the topics of resistance, rest, recovery, and reparations which are the supporting pillars of the theme of the worship service. The forums will be held at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 10 and 24 and at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 17.

The speaker for the Feb. 10 forum will be the Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, the pastor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is particularly passionate about healing the wounds of religion and dismantling racism and is a strong advocate for social justice.
“In one respect, Black survival amidst the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and disenfranchisement is a testament to the strength of Black people,” said the Rev. Michael Moore, associate for African American Intercultural Congregational Support. “On the other hand, this stereotypical trope of Black people being able to endure great suffering through generational traumas lends to the notion that Black people are somehow non-human or the historical antedate three-fifths of a person.”

Moore says there is a burden of “Blackness” while living in America. According to Moore, this burden tells another story of chronic heath disparities that need to be addressed systematically, individually and communitywide.
“Diabetes, kidney disease, strokes, higher blood pressure levels, asthma, cancer, and the highest infant mortality rates are glaring indicators for the need for political pressure, education, awareness and change in the managed care system,” Moore said. “We are still dealing with the effects of systemic and structural racism as a health crisis These are just as important or maybe more in these times of backlash, struggle, and the new reality of COVID-19.”
“While we’re highlighting these issues during this celebration, it should be noted that Black History is so much more and goes far beyond the month of February,” Moore said. “These life-impacting issues of Black health and mental wellness need to be addressed all year long.”
“So, at this time we want to encourage Black, Indigenous and People of Color with the message that we must remain resilient and resist the forces of injustice, but develop new coping skills of rest, self-care, recovery and repair for self, family, and community,” Moore said. “We hope and pray that Black History Month will not only be a time of great pride but a time to take action in the community for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.”
The Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery
The Rev. Michael Moore
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.)
RE-SCHEDULED
 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:
BIRTHDAYS
Pete Addicott (8),
Jane Rousseau (10), Rick Pride (24), Art Hall (25), Emmy Orians (27), Rosie Schmitz (28) 
 
Every Monday
2:00pm Writer's Group CLASSROOM A and/or on Zoom

EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY
12:30pm CHAIR YOGA in the Sanctuary

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, February 6, 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, February 13, 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

TUESDAY, February 15, 2022
1:30pm BOOK CLUB in Classroom A
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 30, 2022
(NOTE: Technical Difficulties caused the YouTube broadcast to end in less than 10 minutes. We apologize that our remote viewers missed a wonderful service!)
Moment of prayer for former BPC pastor Bill Jones,
who passed away Friday, January 28.
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.

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.
  • 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.
FEBRUARY 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.