Update from the Ben Hill Staff:

While there is no specific date for re-entry as of now, there is a task force at work to prepare for the eventual reopening of the church facility. The task force will be led by Dr. Anthony Alford, the Operations Director of the church. A broad selection of Ben Hill members are working tirelessly to define protocols that are in agreement with the direction set by the North Georgia Annual Conference, the CDC, City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, and determined best practices. Additionally, professional medical and infection control personnel and other subject matter experts will serve as great resources to this process. We plan to produce a fully thought out, sound and well understood plan that will create a safe and healthy re-entry process for the church. Please stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) invites you to welcome our new

Associate Pastor

Reverend Brenda Presha .



Rev. Presha is an ordained and licensed minister, and an endorsed chaplain with more than two decades of servant leadership to the church and the community through ministries of Service, Word, Sacrament, Order, Compassion and Justice. She believes that her call is a gift from God to the Church. Rev. Presha has committed her life to the gospel, and to the proclamation of the good news for the transformation of the world.

We also welcome back our returning clergy

Reverend Dr. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor

Reverend Elizabeth Pollard, Associate Pastor

and Reverend Brian Tillman, Associate Pastor

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 

Jeremiah 3:15

During this season, we want to remind you of the benefits of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry is a collection of specially trained lay people who are trained to listen and provide Christian care for people during the most challenging parts of their lives. It is confidential, one on one, and gender specific. Stephen Ministers are assigned to an individual for about an hour a week. This is especially meaningful for individuals who may be alone during the pandemic, who are grieving, who have a challenging health diagnosis, and who are finding it hard to deal with the challenges in their life.

If this sounds like you, please contact us via email: [email protected] and we will be happy to walk along side you. You can also call the church office and ask to speak with Beverly Register or Rev. Tillman.

Are you looking for a way to deepen your understanding of the scriptures? This summer Ben Hill UMC is offering online Bible studies. If you are looking for a way to connect with others, learn something about scripture, and deepen your faith, sign up today! 

Please Note: The Food Bank will be closed Saturday July 4th . 

Due to the upcoming holiday the Food Bank   will not   accept donations 

Wednesday July 1st  and  Saturday July 4th . 

The food bank will  reopen  Saturday July 11th.  Donations will resume Wednesday July 8th and Saturday July 11th (10:30-12:30.)

In an effort to support the growing need for food assistance during this difficult and unprecedented time, the Ben Hill Food Bank is reaching out to our church ministries. If your ministry budget permits, please consider purchasing items in the food donation list below.



FOOD DONATION LIST

Ministries should bring the food items to the Food Bank Drive-Up on  Wed. (10:30am-12:30pm)  or  Saturday (10:30am-12:30pm) . Donating is simple: 1) Place the food in the trunk of your car.  2) When you arrive, call the Food Bank at (404) 344-0618 X 1115 or (404) 314-2241, and someone will meet you to take the food from your car.  All donations are touchless--keeping our donors and volunteers safe.

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE:

PLASTIC GROCERY STORE BAGS

Also, we need (lots of ) plastic bags, the type used at grocery stores. 

MONETARY DONATION

In lieu of donating food items, please consider making a monetary donation by check or online as follows:

CHECK

Make payable to Ben Hill UMC and specify "Food Bank" in note area. Mail to

Ben Hill UMC, ATTN: Food Bank, 2099 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331

ONLINE

Make your contribution at  benhillumc.org/giving . Click "Food Bank" under the  Select a Fund  options.

We are thankful and grateful to ALL BHUMC Ministries, Families and Friends for your support . Your generosity and steadfast support of the Food Bank and the families who depend on the essential services it provides are appreciated, Please let us know if you are able to help by contacting Vicki Callaway at (404) 314-2241 or [email protected].

Sympathy

May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.

Please accept our sincere condolences.

 

Charles and Vivian Gamble (M) on the loss of his mother and her mother-in-law

Hazel Romell Gamble (R)

Bebe Baker (M) on the loss of her brother

Donald Wilson (R)

Vincent and Yonnie Stevens (M) on the loss of his daughter and her stepdaughter

Shenesa Watkins (R)

John Postell (M) on the loss of his sister-in-law

Jackie King (R)

Barbara Lett Jones (R), Jean Lett (R), Chris Lett (R) and Rob Lett (R) on the loss of their father

Robert (Bob) Lett (M)

Norris Tolliver (M) on the loss of his wife and Adam Tolliver on the loss of mother

Louise Tolliver (M)

On Primary Election Day, several polling locations experienced technical difficulties and long wait times. Voter suppression is real and we must continue to be prepared for the 2020 election. Below is a suggested timeline to follow in preparation for November.

#BeReady2020.

July 2020

Register/re-register to vote. A lot of voters are being purged from the system. Make sure all family members and friends have completed theirs. LET’S NOT forget about the SENIORS at home and in nursing homes.

Go out to your BUREAU OF ELECTIONS (BOE) and learn your state's voting laws and timelines. Educate the masses!

August 2020

Make sure you have proper, up to date identification. Check expiration dates, name changes etc.

September 2020

Print a copy of what your voting ballot will look like from the BOE website. Study it, learn more about the candidates and their platforms

October 2020

Determine where your polling location will be and the hours it will be opened. Lines are going to be long and systems may "go down" plan for November 3rd 2020!

#BeReady2020

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms launched the City of Atlanta Senior Food Assistance Program to support seniors with food insecurity during COVID-19 by partnering with meal and grocery delivery organizations. Seniors who reside in the City of Atlanta and are struggling to receive access to food during this time may apply to be a part of this program by completing this survey found  here . You may also contact ATL311 for information or help with filling out the survey by dialing 311 within the city limits or (404) 546-0311.

Specific program eligibility requirements are listed below:

* Completion of the survey does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

What to do if you cannot view the stream

Here are some helpful tips if you should encounter any issues with accessing Ben Hill's Live Stream:

On Sunday mornings, live chat is available on the Ben Hill website if you should encounter issues and need additional help.

New! Tune into the sermon by using Sermon by Phone.

 The Sunday service will be made available at 9:15am on Sundays by dialing in at:

404-767-0796

Links to Connect on Sunday Mornings: