Highlight for the Week:
THE WEEK IS HERE
It is hard to encapsulate just what this week means in the overall theme of our faith journeys. It is a week unlike no other experienced throughout the year.
I have often been accused as a Christian, of favoring Christmas over Easter as a holy day in the Christian tradition. I retort back that there should never be a sense of favoritism within the practice of our tradition. However, it is in knowing the role that each of them play within the story of understanding our God.
The story of Christmas invites us to recognize that God is wholly a part of creation. God did not just create, but God wants to be involved in our lives. When we encounter Easter, that tells us that God loves their creation so much that not only are they willing to take on human form, but God will take on the worst of what humanity can impose upon them.
Easter completes the story of Christmas in a way. Holy Week fulfills the event of the incarnation, as we see that it is not that God comes and usurps or destroys that which has been created. Rather, God is placed at the mercy of creation, and they experience creation as the rest of us do.
As I mentioned in worship, despite the hindsight of scripture, we have the opportunity each and every year, to experience the events of the Gospel as if they are happening NOW. We encounter the betrayal, the beatings, the judgments, the hangings, and most of all the grief. We are called to encounter the hope and promise.
As we move through this week, look for those moments of faith carrying you through, and experience the story as one who is living. Not as something that happened, but something that is happening.
Join us for our service this week as we observe the final events, leading to Jesus’ death, and come and celebrate the day that hope was realized.
—
BEECH GROVE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Spring is here! Are you interested in growing a small garden but have no space in your yard?
Anyone interested in working in the garden and/or having a garden bed of your own should speak to Darryl Yandle or Ali Cunningham.
SALVATION ARMY MEAL
Our next scheduled meal is Thursday, May 30th. We will also meet on May 29th to prep for the meal. This effort is a labor of love to our Suffolk neighbors in need.
Contact Christopher Matson at 757-404-6600 for information.
RECYCLING
Cindy Eberwine reports that we have a “pre-campaign” head start of plastic collected. Keep saving plastic! Our next project will be announced.
To learn more about our collection efforts and needed plastics, click here.
BLESSING BOX
Items most needed are canned meats, vegetables, peanut butter & jelly. (Please bring food items in plastic or aluminum containers. Paper or cardboard packaging tends to draw bugs into our Blessing Box.) You may place these items directly into the Blessing Box near the street in front of the annex as you are able.
PRAYER SHAWLS
Consecrated Prayer Shawls are available for those in need of comfort and prayer. Those who are submitting names for the prayer list may want to consider gifting your person(s) with a comforting shawl. Call the church office at (757) 538-8353 if you would like to pick one up.
SUFFOLK WINTER SHELTER EXTENSION
Beacon of Hope (Suffolk Shelter) has enough money left from their city grant to extend the hotel shelter program for Suffolk’s homeless citizens for a few more weeks!
They are hoping to continue until the end of April, which means they are seeking churches to provide meals beginning next week (April 1-7).
If you would like to help provide meals for any of the weeks in April, or even for half a week, please contact Cheryl Griffin (757-304-2883) or the food coordinator, Karla Sanchez (757-254-7097). (A MEALS GUIDELINE is available in the church office.)
(We request that if your group’s meeting deviates from the stated cycle, please notify the church office so your listing is accurate each month.)
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Meets Monday, April 8 (2nd Monday of each month)
For information, contact Carol Vernon (757-692-5073)
WOODBURNING WORKSHOP
Meets Wednesday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m. (2nd Wednesday of each month.)
To participate or for more information, call Darryl Yandle (757-620-2078).
SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP
Meets Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m.-10 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Contact Katrina Coggins (757-285-8491) to register and for more information.
THE FOODIE GROUP
Meets Wednesday, April 17th at 6:00 p.m.
No matter your cooking skill level, this group is open to ANYONE with an interest in or a passion for food.
Contact Ali Cunningham (503-468-9067) or ajcunningha2@gmail.com for information.
SINGLE ADULTS GROUP: Single Still or Single Again!
Meets Saturday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m. (3rd Saturday of each month.)
For details, contact Cindy Eberwine (757-291-9888) or Carol Jones (757-672-3466).
CARD-MAKING WORKSHOP
Meets Tuesday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon (Last Tuesday of each month). Learn how to make beautiful handcrafted greeting cards. (3 cards for $15.)
RSVP to Brenda Bell (757-338-4586).
Congratulations! YOU helped make this year’s Easter Egg Factory a big success.
A report on the factory’s income and proceeds will be announced as soon as possible.
WEEKLY SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE:
9 a.m. - Adult Sunday School in the Annex
10:00 a.m. - Coffee Fellowship in the fellowship hall
10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (or join virtually: click here)
Children’s Sunday School is offered during worship after the Children’s Message
HOLY WEEK SERVICES:
Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m.
Sermon theme – “The Towel and the Table”
Scripture – John 13:1-20, 31-35
At the end of the service, we will strip the altar.
Easter Season Series - “By Which We Are Healed”
NEXT SUNDAY: March 31, 2024
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE, 6:30 a.m.
Sermon theme: The "Empty” Tomb
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
All are invited to stay for a Sunrise Breakfast in the fellowship hall after the Sunrise Service (about 7:30 a.m.)
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, 10:30 a.m.
Sermon theme: "Jesus Commands"
Scripture: Acts 10:34-43, John 20:15-18
Reader: Paul Smith
Ushers: Paul Smith and Ruth Shumate
A special “Thank you” to all who purchased Easter lilies to adorn our sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. You are invited to take them home with you at the end of the service.
Upcoming Events
The Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 30, 10:00 a.m.
Candy is needed! Please bring in candy to fill the Easter eggs (see Shary Zirkle). There is a sign up sheet on the hall bulletin board for volunteers for games, crafts, food, and assisting with the “hunt.”
Also seeking volunteers for Bennett’s Creek Little League concession stand. Sign up sheet available on bulletin board. (Game schedule not posted yet.)
Holy Week Services and Events
Maundy Thursday Service, March 28th, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt - Beech Grove lawn, Saturday, March 30, 10:00 a.m.
Easter Sunrise Service, March 31st, 6:30 a.m. followed by . . .
Sunrise Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall (at about 7:30 a.m.)
Easter Morning Celebration Worship, March 31, 10:30 a.m.
Upcoming Meetings
SPRC Meeting - April 14, 2024, after worship service
Church Council - May 19, 2024, after worship service
New Financial Reimbursement Policy
If you have made a purchase for the church and need reimbursement, please complete an “Expenditure Request” form and attach your receipts. These forms can be picked up from Bette Moore, Outreach Treasurer; Chris Matson, Church Treasurer; Jason Bartholomew, Finance Chair; or the church office. You will need to get this form signed by either the pastor or the chairperson of the area it will come from.
Submit your completed form to Chris Matson, Church Treasurer.
Thank You! — Jason Bartholomew, Finance Chair
News From the Virginia Annual Conference
Beginning July 1, Rev. Beth Givens (currently serving Haygood UMC in Norfolk) will be the new District Superintendent for the Coastal Virginia District. Read more here
The 2024 Virginia Annual Conference Session is scheduled for June 20-22, 2024 in Hampton, VA at the Hampton Convention Center. Yvonne Matson is our church’s representative at the Annual Conference, but Conference sessions are open for anyone to attend. Bishop Sue has released more information about the 2024 Annual Conference, click here for more information.
All God’s Children Camp - A ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference, All God’s Children Camp is a weeklong overnight camp for children ages 7 to 12, with an incarcerated parent. They are in need of mentors for this summer’s camps. For more information and dates to volunteer, click here.
United Methodists from all over the world are traveling to attend General Conference in Charlotte, NC from April 23-May 3, 2024. Psalm 46:10 sets the theme for this important gathering: “…and know that I am God.” In all we do, God guides our every decision. The gathering is expected to attract about 5,500-7,500 people. You are invited to serve as part of our Welcome Team during General Conference and offer gracious hospitality to our guests. Learn more...
The Virginia Annual Conference has done a video series, exploring several topics around General Conference. We have shared a few of them here, but would encourage you to watch/listen to all of them. Click here to watch the videos and learn about our global denomination.
For more information from the Virginia Conference, see the weekly Advocate and view and subscribe here.
Celebrations in Beech Grove
Birthdays!
Laine Magrisi - March 31
Kenny Hartman - March 31
Christopher Matson - April 1
Kaed Hartman - April 3
Anniversaries!
Stuart & Ann Doughtie - April 5
Click for Office Hours and Contact Information
Note: The office will be closed on Monday, April 1 for Easter Monday.