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Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Where the Spirit Takes Flight
BPC NEWS BRIEF
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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mailing address: Balmoral Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 17309, Memphis, TN 38187
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NEWS THIS WEEK
- WORSHIP this week October 25
- "Praise on the Parking Lot" a Rousing Success! (Link to YouTube service!)
- Montreat Lilly Grant
- UKirk Concert October 30
- Presbyterian Women Bible Study November 4
- Around Memphis
- Halloween Directives
- New Wave? Spike in #'s
- HALLOWEEN IDEA: Bats & Bonfires at Pinecrest
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REMINDERS:
- Pastor on Call through Nov 8
- Election week November 2 through November 8
- BOOK CLUB November 10
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WEEKLY INFORMATION
- Birthdays
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A Good Read - UPDATE! New book from Barbara Brown Taylor
- Calendar of Events
- OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- BPC Photos
- Worship last Sunday
LINKS to DOCUMENTS:
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ONLINE on YouTube at 11:00 am
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The BUILDING is CLOSED
thru at least NOVEMBER 30, 2020
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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Worship and Sunday Studies
Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Sunday, October 25, 2020
SUNDAY STUDIES 9:45 - 10:45am on Zoom
- How Good People Fight Bias
- Bible Study of Acts & Romans
WORSHIP at 11:00 AM on YouTube
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 & I Thessalonians 2:1-8
SERMON: "Take Heart!" with Rev. Anne Hagler
You will receive an email Friday with details, links to the 2 Sunday Studies classes on Zoom, a link to the YouTube site for Worship, and a link to download the Sunday Worship Guide. You will also receive a reminder & links to the classes & worship service on Sunday morning!
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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KEEP YOUR PRAYER LIST
ALL WEEK!
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As we worship virtually and provide the worship bulletin to people who are not members of our congregation, we want to insure that our prayer requests are kept private and within a circle of trust that understands and respects the confidentiality of the names listed.
Please plan to make the weekly Prayer Concern email your daily prompt for prayer and reaching out to support and encourage the people who have requested our support in prayer.
Thank you for taking time to pray daily for needs that are expressed and needs that go unexpressed. Your prayers are powerful and they are a blessing!
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"PRAISE
in the
PARKING LOT"
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DRIVE-IN WORSHIP SERVICE a RESOUNDING SUCCESS! |
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Rev. Cliff Stockton led the service from the front lawn of the church while worshippers remain in their cars. |
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The service is available on YouTube - click the arrow here to play it!
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Montreat Receives Thriving Congregation Grant
by Lilly Foundation
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MONTREAT, NC - MONDAY, 10/5/2020 -
Montreat Conference Center has received a grant of $995,500 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help develop new initiatives to support local congregations. The program, “Reforming Identity and Agency: Vital Practices for 21st Century Congregations,” is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative.
The aim of the national initiative is to strengthen Christian congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world. Lilly Endowment is making nearly $93 million in grants through the initiative. The grants will support organizations as they work directly with congregations and help them gain clarity about their values and missions, explore and understand better the communities in which they serve, and draw upon their theological traditions as they adapt ministries to meet changing needs.
“Over the last five years, strengthening congregations has become an increasing focal point of our work,” says Richard DuBose, conference center president. “With Lilly Endowment's help, we’ve imagined a broader program and that gives more local congregations and communities the opportunity to participate. This project is deeply aligned with our mission, and we were thrilled to learn of Lilly Endowment's support.”
Montreat’s program will engage 45 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations in a two-year cooperative curriculum to develop a shared theological vision of what faithfulness means in their individual contexts. Congregations will be encouraged to examine and align their core values, convictions, and commitments in an effort to grow their relationship to God, to each other, and to the communities they serve. The program was developed with representatives from the Black Mountain School of Community and Theology.
Montreat Conference Center is one of 92 organizations taking part in the initiative. They represent and serve churches in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Anabaptist, Baptist, Episcopal, evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Restoration, Roman Catholic and Orthodox, as well as congregations that describe themselves as nondenominational. Several organizations serve congregations in Black, Hispanic and Asian-American traditions. “In the midst of a rapidly changing world, Christian congregations are grappling with how they can best carry forward their ministries,” said Christopher Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These grants will help congregations assess their ministries and draw on practices in their theological traditions to address new challenges and better nurture the spiritual vitality of the people they serve.” Lilly Endowment launched the Thriving Congregations Initiative in 2019 as part of its commitment to support efforts that enhance the vitality of Christian congregations.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education and community development. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s grantmaking in religion is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen their pastoral and lay leadership. Find out more at lillyendowment.org.
About Montreat Conference Center
Montreat Conference Center is a private, non-profit, national conference center with roots in the PC(USA). The conference center often is referred to simply as “Montreat” by the more than 30,000 guests, conferees, and cottagers who visit each year. While affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the conference center also readily welcomes groups and individuals outside the Presbyterian church to experience Montreat.
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Montreat has served as a place of spiritual retreat for over 120 years. Each year the conference center hosts dozens of programmed events, hundreds of retreats and conferences, and hosts thousands who seek renewal and rest. We welcome visitors of all races, faiths, and orientation. All are welcome here. Find out more at www.montreat.org.
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Dear Friends,
You are invited to a UKirk Concert on Facebook Live featuring current UKirk Memphis student, Bailey Bigger, and her brother, Wyly Bigger (a UKirk alum of Mississippi State!). Bailey and Wyly are incredibly talented musicians, playing a mixture of folk, blues, and rock and roll. Join us for a night of great music in support of our campus ministry!
The concert will stream on our Facebook page on Friday, October 30th, from 6:30-8:00 PM. Watch and listen here. And please share with your congregations, friends, and families! Thanks for your time and consideration.
-UKirk Memphis
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Presbyterian Women
Invite You to
Join Us for Bible Study on Zoom
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Wednesday, November 4, 10:30 am |
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Read Lesson 2 for the November meeting.
Bring your own snacks to your computer and join us!
New participants are welcome! If did not attend last week and would like to join us, contact Anne Hagler at (901) 628-2104 or email her at anneh6616@gmail.
Assistance on joining a Zoom meeting is still available - see the article at the top of this newsletter and open the document for TIPS in JOINING a ZOOM meeting. If you have trouble logging in to the Zoom meeting,
call or text Kathy Singleton at (901) 734-7193.
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TUESDAY, November 10, 1:00pm on Zoom |
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The Elephant in the Room
by Tommy Tomlinson
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In The Elephant in the Room, Tomlinson chronicles his lifelong battle with weight. He hits the road to meet other members of the plus-sized tribe in an attempt to understand how, as a nation, we got to this point.
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Book Club meets monthly from 1pm to 3pm
on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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IN THE NEWS AROUND MEMPHIS
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Memphis and Shelby County Offers Cautions
on Halloween Activities
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Halloween is not cancelled in Memphis or Shelby County, but some restrictions are being placed on activities:
Not Permitted: Gatherings and events that are not allowed under the current Health Directive:
- Festivals, fairs, parades, large-scale sporting events and large-scale community events unless the Department has approved a site-specific plan for the event.
Some Halloween traditions are fun, but may increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Trick-or-treating may present a risk because it may be difficult for children to maintain social distancing. Trick-or-treating may be made safer by:
- Avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
- Giving out treats outdoors, if possible.
- Setting up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to pick up.
- Washing hands before handling treats.
- Wearing a mask.
“Trunk-or-treating” where children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats poses similar risk to children if they do not maintain recommended social distancing. Following the recommendations listed above may make trunk-or-treating safer.
Safer Alternatives:
- Online parties/contests (i.e. costume or pumpkin carving)
- Drive-by events, including events where individual participants remain in their vehicles.
- Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters that meet the requirements of the current Health Directive.
- Decorating homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations.
- Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
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Health officials warn second wave of coronavirus has started in Shelby County |
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Shelby County health officials are warning people across the Mid-South the second wave of coronavirus has started in Shelby County.
At this time, the most active cases of COVID-19 are in Arlington, Millington, East Memphis, Hickory Hill, Collierville, and Bartlett.
David Sweat, Shelby County Health Department Chief of Epidemiology, said people should be mindful, the second wave has begun.
Alisa Haushalter, the director of the Shelby County Health Department, echoed Sweat’s statement and said though hospitals are not at their breaking points, they are getting overwhelmed.
“Hospital capacity, while we’re not at capacity, is being strained,” Haushalter, said. “Our cases for hospitalizations are increasing in Shelby County, and that’s not only in Shelby County, but what’s happening in the rural communities.”As for the state of Tennessee, it is considered in the red zone with the 16th highest COVID rate in the country.
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“I’m not directly asking the state to issue a mandate. That’s been the governor’s decision thus far and the requests would come from other elected officials. I think our position is the more people we get masking the better,” Haushalter said.
As October winds down, some people may be concerned about Halloween. Haushalter said they are no canceling the holiday, but are asking people to be mindful and safe, so they do not transmit the virus.
Additionally, financial help is being offered to smaller faith based organizations hit hard by the pandemic with a grant called “Our faithful comeback.” The grant is designed to help small places of worship with live stream equipment and setup at no cost to the organization.
STAY VIGILANT!
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Bats and Bonfires
at Pinecrest
Friday, October 30 6-9pm
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Make a functional bat house with your family and celebrate the importance of bats. Learn more about what makes them special and why they need our help! Enjoy a night out at Pinecrest with a hot dog dinner and s’mores around the bonfire.
Includes dinner, bat box kit, and instructor
$100/Family up to 4 people $8 additional people
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Rev. Carla Meisterman
will be out of the office
Monday, October 19 through
Sunday, November 8, 2020
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Rev. Anne Hagler will be the pastor on call.
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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
November 3,
2020
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Balmoral will again be a voting site for the Presidential Election.
For the safety of voters,
Balmoral will be OPEN ONLY to
ELECTION PERSONNEL and VOTERS
and cleaning crews after the election
from MONDAY, Nov. 2, through SUNDAY, Nov. 8
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The church building will be closed to The SEED Program and all worship recording from Monday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 for the week of the election. Scott Dawson is handling all the details for the election. The fellowship hall area will be completely cleared except for what the election commission requests to be available. Preliminary Election Commission plans are for voting machines to be placed in the fellowship hall, voters to enter using the doors near the office and depart the side door of the fellowship hall after they vote.
After the election, a thorough cleaning will be conducted throughout the church building in preparation for the return of the SEED program on Monday, November 9.
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Heather Baldick (23), Eleanor Thomas (29),
Fran Addicott (31), Bill Thomas (31)
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A Good Read...
Looking for something new to read while we are staying home? Here's are some books recommended by BPCers!
NON-FICTION:
As a preacher, Taylor has traveled the country as a guest preacher, sharing her gift of observation and her hope of seeking common ground. In Always a Guest, readers will find a collection of Taylor’s stories and sermons that showcase her gentle wit as she explores faith in all its beauty and complexity. Packaged in a beautiful hardback cover, this book is an ideal gift!
Also available on Amazon.
PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Anna Pigeon's mystery series by Nevada Barr (Fiction)
- The Guardians by John Grisham (Fiction)
- Deborah Crombie's mystery series with Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. Book I: A Share in Death. (Fiction)
- Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone. (Fiction)
- Jeanine Cummins' American Dirt. (Fiction)
- Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate (Fiction)
- Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace. (Non-fiction)
- Before and After by Judy Christie & Lisa Wingate. (Non-Fiction)
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Educated by Tara Westover. (Non-fiction)
- Boom by Tom Brokaw. (Non-fiction)
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. (Non-fiction)
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The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede (Non-fiction)
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The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer (Non-fiction)
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Set My Heart to Five by Simon Stephenson (Fiction)
Have you found a good book recently? Send it to us so we can share!
Kathy Singleton 901.734-7193
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THE CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL AT LEAST
November 30, due to the COVID-19 Emergency &
Safer-At-Home Executive Order.
The Session will meet again in November to update plans for Advent.
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ONLINE
EVENTS
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 & 3rd Wednesday
6:00 pm Small Group via Zoom
2nd Thursday Evening of the Month
7:00 pm Trouble I've Seen Small Group
Now through Sunday, November 8, 2020
Rev. Carla Meisterman Out of Office
Rev. Anne Hagler is on call
Sunday, October 25, 2020
9:45 - 10:45 AM Fall Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM Worship Service via YouTube
with Rev. Anne Hagler
Sunday, November 1, 2020
9:45 - 10:45 AM Fall Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM Worship Service via YouTube
with Rev. Anne Hagler
Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 8, 2020
Building CLOSED for everyone except Election Personnel and Voters,
followed by building remediation cleansing.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
10:30 am Bible Study with Presbyterian Women
Sunday, November 8, 2020
9:45 - 10:45 AM Fall Sunday Studies on Zoom
11:00 AM Worship Service via YouTube
with Rev. Anne Hagler
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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
The current Session members have been re-aligned to be your primary contact for ongoing communication. Here's the new contact list:
Don Lamb ............... (901) 754-5530 ............................ [email protected]
...........................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 [email protected] or by phone or text to (901) 734-7193.
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BPC PHOTOS
..
BPC Worship
Sunday, October 18, 2020
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PRELUDE
"Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
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"O, That I Had a Thousand Voices"
Above: Guest musician Susan Spain on trumpet & Leiza Collins on piano
Below: John Gilmer, Linda Warren, Connie Pride, & Erich Shultz
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Hymn # 726 “Will You Come and Follow Me”
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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 [email protected] 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 ([email protected]) or on a Prayer Request form in the Friendship Pads and placed in the offering.
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OCTOBER 2020
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 2020 calendar is available to you.
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