Highlight for the Week:
Normally, I try to use this highlight to focus ahead. However, before I move there, I want to reflect back on this Lenten Season. It amazes me every year to see everything this church does during lent as we lead ourselves to Easter. Between the Egg Factory, Easter Egg Hunt, Feeding the Salvation Army, beginning a Sunday School class for adults, and balancing all of this while continuing to provide fruitful ministry and administrative leadership. All of this done in the name of living into the vision of Beech Grove UMC,
To be a visible church without walls, strengthening our community by connecting resources to need through partnerships.
I want to celebrate the hard work that has gone into doing mission and ministry for the past 7 (or so) weeks. However, I want to caution us as we move forward. We have just come off a busy time, and I think now we can look to take a breath for a week.
My look ahead “thing” is for this week to be a week of rest and revitalization. This is not a break fro faith, but a chance to let our faith marinate without the busyness of ministries taking over.
For me, I am taking a week of vacation to get some rest and spend time with family. In relation to this I ask that should you have any problems while I am away this week, please reach out to our Lay Leader, Sydney Tabor. I also want to thank former pastor, Keith Moore for coming to preach on April 7. However, as I look at the church schedule for the week, I notice that there is only the usually weekly events of scouting and praise choir rehearsal.
We have an odd week to breath, to rest in our faith, and to reflect on where this journey has led us thus far. This does not mean “no work.” Do what brings you joy, but don’t feel as though not doing is somehow a sin.
Take this week and rest, as you are able.
—
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.
BEECH GROVE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Are you interested in growing a small garden but have no space in your yard? It’s not too late to get started.
Anyone interested in working in the garden and/or having a garden bed of your own should speak to Darryl Yandle or Ali Cunningham.
(Leaders: 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).
The 2024 Easter Egg Factory has been a wonderful success, thanks to our faithful volunteers.
A VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATION DINNER is planned for Saturday, May 4, 5:30 p.m. Volunteers…mark your calendar.
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
Current Series:
“By Which We Are Healed” Eastertide 2024
Series Synopsis:
The Book of Acts offers a historical account of sorts, for many of the activities and encounters in the early church. In a reverse-story arch manner we will dive into many of these stories as we live in this resurrection season.
NEXT SUNDAY: April 7, 2024
Guest preacher: The Rev. Keith Moore
Scripture: Acts 4:32-35
Reader: Cindy Eberwine
Ushers: Cindy Eberwine and Minta Wood
Upcoming Events
The Church Office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1st.
No Coffee at Gather Cafe with Pastor Andrew on Thursday, April 4th.
The Fellowship Hall and hallway areas will be closed on Friday, April 5 for cleaning and waxing. Area should be ready for re-entry by Saturday afternoon, April 6.
Easter Egg Volunteers Appreciation Dinner, is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 5:30 p.m.
Seeking volunteers for Bennett’s Creek Little League concession stand. Sign up sheet available on bulletin board. (Game schedule not posted yet.)
Upcoming Meetings
SPRC Meeting - April 14, 2024, after worship service in the annex
Church Council - May 19, 2024, after worship service in the annex
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
Celebrations at Beech Grove
Birthdays!
Christopher Matson - April 1
Kaed Hartman - April 3
Anniversaries!
Stuart and Ann Doughtie - April 5
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.
Click for Contact Information and Office Hours
Note: The office will be closed on Monday, April 1 for Easter Monday.