Highlight for the Week:
We have hit somewhat of a lull in a lot of the ministry we are doing as we ramp up towards a busy May and a somewhat full summer. Therefore, I want to focus this space on helping to give voice to something that many engage in each week, but often can be taken for granted when it comes to ensuring it happens.
That is Worship
Many of you come to worship or engage with us virtually and we give our deepest gratitude for making this community part of your spiritual rituals. However, sometimes the behind the scenes work can often be missed. We give thanks for several volunteers who help with worship each week. From ushers and scripture readers, to our choir, fellowship organizers, communion stewards, livestream people, children’s church and nursery volunteers, and for those who ensure flowers are in the altar area.
We are looking for more folks who can help us in these many worship areas. This can help to ensure that those who lead all have an opportunity to serve and opportunities to worship without serving during worship. We have schedules that call individuals to take a month of service at a time or to take specific weeks during each month, and always we are mindful of when you aren’t able to serve.
We would love for you to consider serving as a part of the awesome group of volunteers who help to make worship and all the other surrounding areas connected to worship continue to thrive.
Right now, especially, we are looking for people who would be willing to serve on our “tech team” (helping to ensure the livestream is running), our children’s ministry (both children’s church and in the nursery), with our flowers, and with our coffee fellowship time. We are even willing to help train you if you don’t think you have the knowledge and get you comfortable with wherever you feel God leading you.
Please email, call, or talk to me if you would be interested in serving in one of these areas.
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TODAY IS “EARTH DAY”
Do something to bless and enrich our environment. We don’t all have to “plant a tree,” but we can find many ways to be a caregiver to God’s creation.
UMW ANNUAL CHICKEN SALAD LUNCHEON
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.
This favorite event is anticipated annually by many in the Driver/Bennett’s Creek community. Dine-in or take-out meals available.
Proceeds go to fund various U.M.W. outreach ministries.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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)
May is Chicken Salad Luncheon month! May 8th, 11:30-1:30!
For information, contact Carol Vernon (757-692-5073)
THE FOODIE GROUP
Meets Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. (note date change)
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, May 18, at 5:00 p.m. (3rd Saturday of each month.)
For details, contact Cindy Eberwine (757-291-9888) or Carol Jones (757-672-3466).
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. - Morning 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 28, 2024
Sermon theme: “What is Stopping ME?”
Is there a reason that Philip shouldn’t baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch? Probably, but there is no hesitation in the passage as they stop and head to the water. We learn that in this manner of connection and relationship, our role is to be the ones to welcome. Relationship lays the foundation for Philip to baptize the Eunuch. How are our relationships through life leading to the true offering of salvation, and how do we often get in the way of it?
Scripture: Acts 8:26-40
Reader: Minta Wood
Ushers: Cindy Eberwine and Minta Wood
Upcoming Events
No choir rehearsal on Thursday, April 25th.
Coffee at Gather Cafe with Pastor Andrew on Thursday, May 2, 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, contact Pastor Andrew for more information on how to get involved.
Upcoming Meetings
Nominations Committee - Sunday, May 5, after worship service in the annex.
Church Council - Sunday, May 19, 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!
Debbie McIntosh - April 24
Anniversaries!
None this week
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, various volunteers, prayer partners, supplies and more for this summer’s camps. For more information and dates to volunteer, click here.
General Conference 2024 - Pastor Andrew has collected some resources and information in a post for you to see and follow the General Conference as it takes place over the next 2 weeks.
For more information from the Virginia Conference, see the weekly Advocate and view and subscribe here.