Highlight for the Week:
As we reflect on community together, and connecting that to the life of the local church, I want to remind us all that we are a part of a larger denomination that is the United Methodist Church. This connects us together with United Methodist Churches across the creation. This gives us opportunities to form relationships we could never imagine possible, sheerly by remaining connected to a body, that fosters a culture of mission and connection. However, as I write this highlight, we look ahead to division that has gripped this denomination.
I am sure many of you have seen or heard of many of the disaffiliations that have taken place across the United States, and the disagreements that have entangled the denomination centered around matters of human sexuality and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. Of course by even mentioning this I am sure I have lost some of you, but I would ask that you stick with me.
As your pastor, I have sought to be a centering beacon of community (as discerned through the vision God placed on our hearts) for all persons who come through the door of this church. I know that we do not always agree on everything, and I think especially in our society it is impossible to do so. However, I do think we can have love for one another as we engage intentionally with one another in this community we know as Beech Grove UMC.
In his sermon while I was on vacation, Pastor Keith talked about working through disagreements and how we can stay committed together in community despite differences of opinion. I appreciated his words and wanted to echo some of my own, as we will see the denomination of which this church is a part, portrayed in various different lights in local, national, and even international news, as delegates from United Methodist Conferences all over the world gather in Charlotte, NC April 29-May 3 (just a couple of weeks away).
As this gathering takes place, please remember that Beech Grove is a community that loves and cares for one another, and we seek to be that for all who are a part of this community and all who may join it. I also invite you into conversation, especially where you may have questions. You may see news reports or articles written, and sometimes they may not capture the whole story. Know that, as your pastor, I will present to you the facts of what is happening and even any impacts it could have upon this community.
I commend this PDF Letter from our Bishop, Sue Haupert-Johnson addressing some of the information you may have already heard in relation to matters and issues that this General Conference will most likely handle. Also find the links below that lead to the Virginia Conference’s YouTube Channel, where they spend many videos breaking down General Conference and all the things that will happen over those 10(ish) days in Charlotte.
Lastly, please know that no matter what happens, I love each and everyone of you as the child of God you are. Never forget this!
In his sermon entitled “Catholic Spirit,” John Wesley preached (read the whole sermon here),
But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection. Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.
It is in this spirit of Christian love that we all journey this road together, as we learn and grow in that love through God’s Word.
—
UMW ANNUAL CHICKEN SALAD LUNCHEON
This favorite event is anticipated annually by many in the Driver/Bennett’s Creek community.
The luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $12 each.
Reservations are requested for groups of 4+ by Wednesday, May 1st. Call or text Jo Ann Brooks at 757-717-6681. Individual or small group walk-ins are welcome.
Dine-in or take-out meals available.
Proceeds go to fund various U.M.W. outreach ministries and donations.
PRAYER SHAWLS
We were able to donate 12 lovely prayer shawls for our General Conference in April. (They have requested a total of 250 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.
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 a list of needed plastics, click here.
SALVATION ARMY MEAL
Our next scheduled meal is Thursday, May 30th. We will meet on May 29th to prep, then we cook and serve on May 30th. This effort is a labor of love to our Suffolk neighbors in need.
Contact Christopher Matson at 757-404-6600 for information.
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.
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.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2024
Mark your calendar! VBS is scheduled for Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 11.
This year’s theme is: CAMP FIRELIGHT
Vacation Bible School Sunday is Sunday, July 14th.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Our next scheduled blood drive is Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
(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.)
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).
WOODBURNING WORKSHOP
Workshop may go on hiatus this summer. Contact Darryl Yandle.
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month.
For more information, call Darryl Yandle (757-620-2078).
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Meets Monday, May 13 (2nd Monday of each month)
For information, contact Carol Vernon (757-692-5073)
SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP
Meets Saturday, June 8, at 10 a.m.-10 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
No May workshop
Contact Katrina Coggins (757-285-8491) to register and for more information.
A VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER is scheduled 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 21, 2024
Sermon theme: “The Cornerstone”
Scripture: Acts 4:1-12
Reader: Minta Wood
Ushers: Cindy Eberwine and Minta Wood
Upcoming Events
Coffee at Gather Cafe with Pastor Andrew on Thursday, April 18th, 9:30-11:45 a.m. 2125 Starmount Pkwy #109, Chesapeake, VA 23321
Easter Egg Factory Volunteers Appreciation Dinner, is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 5:30 p.m.
UMW Chicken Salad Luncheon - Wednesday, May 8, 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
$12 each. Reservations for groups of 4+ needed by May 1. Walk-ins welcome!A Sign-up sheet for volunteers for Bennett’s Creek Little League concession stand is available on the bulletin board. (Game schedule has not been posted yet.)
Pastor Andrew was made aware of a desire to start a Kiwanis Club that reaches out to the Northern Suffolk Area. If you are interested in being a founding member of this chapter there is an interest meeting at 6:00 p.m. TONIGHT, APRIL 15 at the Taylor Bend YMCA, 4626 Taylor Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23321.
Upcoming Meetings
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!
Melissa Bartholomew - April 15
Anniversaries!
Todd & Shary Zirkle - April 19
News From the Virginia Annual Conference
Sunday, April 21, 2024 will be “Announcement Sunday” for all 2024 Clergy Appointments. This is following the precedent set last year of sharing all appointments on one Sunday.
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.
If you did not see it above in Pastor Andrew’s Highlight you are invited to read this statement from Bishop Sue regarding disinformation as we head towards General Conference. Click Here
For more information from the Virginia Conference, see the weekly Advocate and view and subscribe here.