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Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Where the Spirit Takes Flight
BPC NEWS BRIEF
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
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mailing address: Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
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NEWS THIS WEEK
- CELEBRATION for SCOTT DAWSON'S FAMILY TODAY in COZAD, NEBRASKA
- CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY with CIRCLE of FAITH'S LIVE WORSHIP
- WORSHIP for SUNDAY MAY 2, 2021
- 2021 MUSIC CONFERENCE at MONTREAT Informational Webinar, May 6, noon CDT
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FIFTY DAYS of EASTER: aaaaaaaaaaa The Power of the Spirit's Wind
- AROUND MEMPHIS
- MASK DIRECTIVES CHANGING
- MEMPHIS NUMBERS STEADY
- MEMPHIS SHOT-FOR-SHOT SWEEPSTAKES - win a car with your vaccination card!
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REMINDER: Tickets Available for INTO the WOODS: Musical at the Drive-In with a Gurlen on screen
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WEEKLY INFORMATION
- Birthdays
- Calendar of Events
- OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- Building Information
- BPC Photos
- Worship last Sunday
LINKS to DOCUMENTS:
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CELEBRATION for SCOTT DAWSON'S FAMILY |
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Nearly 70 years ago, Cozad, Nebraska, native Captain Robert Laier went missing in Korea after his F-86 fighter was shot down during the Korean War.
Captain Robert Laier was Scott Dawson's uncle, husband of Scott's father's sister and his dad's best friend.
Now, his hometown is honoring him with a monument right in the heart of the town.
“Whereas the city of Cozad wants this area to honor not only Robert Laier and his ultimate sacrifice, but all the veterans that have served the United States of America, now therefore, I Marcus Kloepping do hereby recognize May 4th as Robert Laier Day in the city of Cozad." Cozad mayor Marcus Kloepping said.
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Robert Laier’s plane went down after an encounter with A Soviet MiG on June 19th of 1951. He was originally declared missing in action, His body was never found and in 1954, he was declared dead.
Now everyone who passes through Cozad can learn the story of Robert Laier.
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Scott and Kay Dawson were able to be in Cozad for the unveiling.
"Great event and quasi family reunion," Scott said. "The Covid rate here is less than 1 per 100000." Cozad feels back to normal!
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Please join us for
COFCC Mother's Day Service
Sunday, May 9, at 9am
in the Balmoral Parking Lot LIVE!
Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Felecia LaVant, Associate Minister at Central Baptist Church.
You may remain in your car and listen on your FM radio or you can bring your own chair to sit outside with your mask, socially distanced.
We will also broadcast the service via our normal zoom link.
We look forward to seeing everyone and
Happy Mother's Day to All!
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SUNDAY
WORSHIP
Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Sunday, May 9, 2021
BALMORAL WORSHIP at 11:00am on YouTube
Scriptures: Psalm 98 (selected verses)
& 1 John 5: 1-6
Sermon: "A Conquering Faith"
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SUNDAY STUDIES at 10:00am on Zoom
Join with members & friends of BPC and Circle of Faith
for either one of our two classes available:
> On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity & Getting Old by Parker Palmer
> Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
by Anne LaMott
(see more information about these classes below)
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CIRCLE of FAITH WORSHIP at 9:00am
LIVE from the parking lot at BPC and on Zoom
Everyone is also invited to join the Circle of Faith service. The link will be listed each week in the ONLINE EVENTS calendar in this Newsletter!
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You will receive emails on FRIDAY & again on SUNDAY with a link to the YouTube site for Worship & a downloadable Sunday Worship Guide.
The Idlewild service will also still be available at 11:00 am on the radio at 96.1 FM or you can go online to the Idlewild Livestream broadcast at
Previous Worship Services at Balmoral are still available on the
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2021 MUSIC & WORSHIP CONFERENCE at MONTREAT |
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Are you interested in attending the Music & Worship Conference at Montreat this year?
In-person, online, or haven't decided yet?
Here's your chance to check it out!
A webinar for asking questions how it will be designed in this still-not-normal world!
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The Power of the Spirit Wind |
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Time for the dust within to be kicked up |
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by Donna Frischknecht Jackson APRIL 22, 2021
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I stared out of the kitchen window watching a late spring thunderstorm roll in and kick up the dried leaves yet to be cleaned out of my garden beds. I was enchanted with how the wind seemed to be choreographing the leaves in a frenzied, yet freeing, dance with Mother Nature. As I watched, I prayed — deeply and urgently — asking for the Holy Spirit to be in my life like the wind outside: “Rushing wind blow through this temple, blowing out the dust within, come and breathe your breath upon me.” If the words to my prayer sound familiar, it’s because they are from Keith Green’s song, “Rushing Wind.” (see article below for the song and lyrics.)
Before I started seminary, a boyfriend dropped off a box of cassette tapes filled with Green’s music. He didn’t want them anymore, stating they were from his more “evangelical” days. Green was a contemporary Christian musician in the ‘70s whose earthly life was ended in 1982 by a plane crash. I not only embraced the box of cassette tapes, but also Green’s witness of faith and trust. So powerful was the message in “Rushing Wind” as it asked for the Spirit to not only blow the dust within, but to help me surrender and “take me where you want to go,” that I had it sung during my ordination service.
Even at the start of my call to ministry, I knew I never wanted to be trapped in the parish doldrums: those windless waters of maintaining the status quo and pleasing those in the pews rather than pleasing God. Windless waters might sound safe, but let’s recall the fear that sailors of old felt when they were in a doldrum. They knew if the wind didn’t start blowing and set them sailing soon, death would be certain.
As I watched the leaves dance outside my window, I realized I was in need of my own rush of fresh wind. I was tired, which wasn’t unusual as a year of ministering in a pandemic has had all of us stretching to new heights and plummeting to new lows. But what I didn’t expect was how the incessant barrage of challenges and changes had kicked up the dust of memories about why I answered the call to ministry. I wasn’t alone. A long overdue phone call with a friend revealed that she, too, was questioning if she is living her call authentically. We joked about when we get to the pearly gates if God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” or ask us, “What happened?”
Soon after that phone call, I began noticing my Facebook feed had at least one announcement per day of a minister leaving their current call for another church, nonparish ministry or to start their own worshiping community. My tax preparer, whose client roster includes clergy from all different denominations, confirmed my growing suspicion: The Holy Spirit wind is blowing, leading many to reconnect with what called them originally to ministry. I began wondering if the pandemic has been a time of deep soul-searching and, ultimately, personal growth. And, if so, how many congregations and pastors, grappling with so many challenges and tough decisions, have grown together? How many more have grown apart?
The pandemic is not just a health crisis. It is a political crisis, raising issues beyond when and how to worship in person again. It has asked the body of Christ to reclaim its prophetic voice. It has revealed that mission is more than just dropping a can of soup in the church’s food pantry basket. It has shown us the inequalities within our own communities: those without internet access for their children to learn, those without proper health care and those attacked and killed because of skin color or gender identity.
The pandemic has also revealed the tension between those in the church who want to sail and those who prefer the doldrums. Some people have caught a vision of the “new” thing God is doing. Others have simply chosen to ride out the new thing and are reverting back to what is familiar. I have seen this in my own church as the familiar elements of worship are creeping quickly back into our Sunday services. More music and singing are edging out that beautiful quiet time the pandemic has gifted to us. I do think it is harder now to lead a congregation than it was at the start of the pandemic, because now the struggle of committing to living into the new ways God has shown us begins. And it is a struggle because we are entering this phase still worn-out from the pandemic itself.
The Holy Spirit wind is blowing and picking up velocity. There is nothing to fear, though. The wind might be frenzied, but it is freeing! And the dance the Spirit wind is choreographing in life is indeed enchanting.
"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God." — 1 John 4:7
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Consider how the Holy Spirit might be blowing through Balmoral as our congregation re-opens and moves forward toward new beginnings....
What are BPC's "windless waters?"
What "rushing winds" is the Holy Spirit stirring in our midst?
Have we grown together in this year of chaos? If so, how do we foster its continuing?
Or have we grown apart? If so, what can we do to bind us all together?
How is God giving us a "new vision and "asking us to sail?"
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Click the PLAY button to hear Keith Green singing "Rushing Wind"
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Rushing wind blow through this temple,
Blowing out the dust within,
Come and breathe you breath upon me,
I've been born again.
Holy spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go,
Plant me by your living water,
Plant me deep so I can grow.
Jesus, you're the one, who sets my spirit free,
Use me lord, glorify, your holy name through me.
Separate me from this world lord.
Sanctify my life for you.
Daily change me to your image,
Help me bear good fruit.
Every day you're drawing closer.
Trials come to test my faith.
But when all is said and done lord,
You know, it was worth the wait.
Jesus, you're the one, who set my spirit free,
Use me lord, glorify, your holy name through me.
Rushing wind blow through this temple,
Blowing out the dust within,
Come and breathe you breath upon me,
For I've been born again.
Songwriters: Keith Gordon Green / Melody Green
Rushing Wind lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
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"INTO the WOODS"
at the Drive-In
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Come see one of your favorite Gurlens on the big screen at the Summer Avenue Drive-In! |
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One showing only on May 20th! Tickets will go fast, so get your ticket now using this link. And while you're online, check out other ways you can support this fabulous children's community theater group!
See you at the Drive-In!
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SUNDAY STUDIES
for SPRING
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Spring Studies begin Sunday,
April 11, 10:00am.
The classes will run through May 23.
Two classes will be offered:
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On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old
by Parker Palmer
A beautiful book of reflections on what we can learn as we move closer to "the brink of everything." Drawing on eight decades of life -- and his career as a writer, teacher, and activist --
Parker Palmer explores the questions
age raises and the promises it holds.
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Leaders: Jan Kaplan and Ted Pearson
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Almost Everything:
Notes on Hope
by Anne LaMott
When life is at its bleakest--when we are, as she puts it, "doomed, stunned, exhausted, and over-caffeinated"--the seeds of rejuvenation are at hand. "All truth is paradox," Anne Lamott writes, "and this turns out to be a reason for hope."
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Leaders: Beverly Hooker and Mary Schmitz
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Both books are available from Amazon and Thriftbooks.com
There are also multiple copies at several branches of the Memphis Public Library
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IN THE NEWS AROUND MEMPHIS
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MASK MANDATES CHANGING AGAIN?
About one-third of adults in Shelby County are still vulnerable to COVID based on an analysis of hundreds of blood samples doctors ordered in April for standard diagnostics work. So the area has about the same number of people vaccinated as those who have no COVID antibodies
But late next week, it’s very likely masks and the strict rules about separation in places of business will be left to one’s best judgment. According to Dr. Bruce Randolph “It doesn’t mean that everything is OK, it’s safe to go back to normal, doing things we used to do pre-COVID. That’s not the case. What we’re saying is that we still recommend some things. So we are moving from requirement to recommendation,” he said last week and again Tuesday, May 4, in the public health advisory committee. If approved, the new health directive will be issued Wednesday, May 12, and will go into effect on May 15.
STAY VIGILANT,
even if you are fully vaccinated!
In an effort to increase the number of completed vaccinations, the city has decided some novel enticements - see below to win a car!
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Click the link below to get current locations for VACCINES:
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NOTE: The Daily Memphian provides all COVID-19 related information free of charge at these links as a service to the community.
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Getting your vaccination shot isn't just your best chance at staying safe and healthy, you'll also get a shot at winning a brand new vehicle of your choice! There's a Chevy Camaro, Chevy Colorado, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima or any similar vehicle of equal or lesser value up for grabs!
This giveaway is open to any Shelby County residents age 18 or older at the time of entry.
We'll confirm eligibility with your immunization record card,
so make sure you hold onto it!
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In an effort to increase vaccinations in Shelby County, the city is offering everyone who is vaccinated a chance in their sweepstakes for a car!
or by calling 901-222-SHOT.
All entries must be received by 11:59pm on 5/31/2021.
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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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Lee Waltz (5), Fran Shannon (6), Dee McGuire (7),
Jessica Orians (12), Clinton Bailey (23), Casey Gurlen (26),
Janet Smith (26), Tom Kernan (28), Shirley Vosburg (29), Phil Shannon (30), Noah Mercer (31)
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ONLINE
SUNDAY WORSHIP LINKS
Every Monday
2:00pm Writer's Group via Zoom
1st Wednesday of the Month
Bible Study with Presbyterian Women 10:30 am
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
Ellis Small Group 10:15 am
2nd Tuesday of the Month
BOOK CLUB meets via 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, May 9, 2021
9:00 AM Circle of Faith Worship LIVE in the BPC Parking Lot or on Zoom
10:00 - 11:00 AM Spring Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM BPC Worship Service via YouTube
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
1:30pm BOOK CLUB on Zoom
Sunday, May 16, 2021
9:00 AM Circle of Faith Worship on Zoom
10:00 - 11:00 AM Spring Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM BPC Worship Service via YouTube
Sunday, May 23, 2021
PENTECOST SUNDAY
9:00 AM Circle of Faith Worship on Zoom
10:00 - 11:00 AM Spring Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM BPC Worship Service via YouTube
Installation & Ordination of Elders, Class of 2024
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ONLINE on YouTube at 11:00 am
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The BUILDING is CLOSED
UNTIL MAY 31, BUT
BALMORAL is OPEN !
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Our Session is committed to providing worship during the pandemic that reaches everyone. Those of you who do not have computer access or SmartPhone access, Idlewild will continue to broadcast all of the worship services on the radio 96.1 FM.
Stay at home! Stay Safe!
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REMINDER: Everyone who comes onto the BPC property MUST WEAR A MASK, including those who are only in the parking lot. NO ONE is allowed in the building without authorization.
We must help to keep our Worship team and the SEED children safe!
Requests for use 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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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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Pastoral Care will be supplied by Rev. Carla Meisterman
and by Rev. Anne Hagler as a backup.
Rev. Carla Meisterman 901.235.1014
or email carlam@balmoralpc.com
Rev. Anne Hagler 901.628.2104 or anneh6616@gmail.com
The current Session members have been re-aligned to be your primary contact for ongoing communication. Here's the new contact list:
Lori Blackwelder .... (901) 262-8282 ............... LORIEB1165@yahoo.com
Cathy Bailey ........... (901) 481-6395 .............. catbailey2017@gmail.com
Frank Carney ...........(901) 337-4917 ............. fcarney@evanspetree.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
Don Lamb ............... (901) 754-5530 ............................ fbslamb@aol.com
Ted Pearson home: (901) 754-9796 ................... pearsonteda@aol.com
...........................cell: (901) 486-6117
John Van Nortwick (901) 605-2907 ............ jvnortwick@cornerstone-
systems.com
(NOTE: Many of these Session members are working 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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BPC Worship
Sunday, May 2, 2021
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Prelude "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"
Leiza Collins, piano
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Musical Offering "And Can It Be?"
John Gilmer, Pete Addicott, Linda Warren, Erich Shultz,
Fran Addicott, William Warren, Clinton Bailey;
Leiza Collins on piano
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Choir with John Gilmer and Fran Addicott on cello |
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Communion Music "Kum Ba Yah"
Leiza Collins, piano; Linda Warren, recorder;
Fran Addicott, guitar; John Gilmer, cello
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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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MAY 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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