I look forward to joining you in worship this coming Sunday. It is the first Sunday and we will be observing Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper). Please be prepared for our virtual time together by having appropriate elements that represent the body and blood of Jesus (bread/cracker and juice). Let us continue to hold each other in prayer during this time of great challenge. May we be encouraged and strengthened by meditating and taking the sobering words of scripture to heart found in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Thomas
Let's Stay Connected
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:
  1. Try a different Web browser. Most browsers should work but if your web browser is not showing the stream, try a different one. 
  2. Try going to the Ben Hill UMC Facebook Page and view the Live Stream there.
  3. Try the phone app. If you do not have the Ben Hill app, download it from your app store and view the steam from there.
  4. Access StreamingFaith.com as another option to view the 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:

Links to Connect on Sunday Mornings:


Complete the Return to Church Survey
Have you taken the Ben Hill UMC survey? Your feedback is important. This survey includes several questions about your current feelings regarding a return to regular church activities. This survey is  not an indication of when we will return  to gathering in-person but simply a method for our evaluation and strategic planning for the future. Please complete this survey and provide your honest feedback. The survey will close on June 12th. Please be sure that your voice is heard.
There's still time to register for VBS! Join us this summer for a virtual vacation bible school beginning June 22nd through June 26th . VBS at Home kits will be provided to families that register by June 12th. We are excited to bring new activities geared towards families and children alike. We cannot wait to see you and try something new! Follow the link below for registration. Please e-mail Kristan Jones-Scales with questions at [email protected]. Participation is free for all.

Register TODAY to participate
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! 
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
  • Breakfast Food -- Cereal, Grits, Oatmeal 
  • Boxed or canned Milk 
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruits 
  • Canned Meat
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Loafs of Bread 
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.


Relatedly, we would like to thank the Wedding Ministry for their recent donation of $150 worth of groceries and the Red Hat Society for their recent donation of $100 worth of groceries. They both would like to challenge other ministries and church support groups to do the same or more, or whatever they can. ALL donations are greatly appreciated!

We are grateful for your generosity and steadfast support of the Food Bank and the families who depend on the essential services it provides. Please let us know if you are able to help by contacting Vicki Callaway at (404) 314-2241 or  [email protected] .
It's Time to Celebrate the Dads
We want to feature fathers on our Live Stream service on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Send photos of you, your father, sons, and father figures in your life. We even encourage families to send video messages of their children wishing their father a Happy Father's Day. Please limit your submissions to no more than 3 photos. It's important that we celebrate and acknowledge all Fathers- no matter their background or stage in life. Please submit your photos and videos to Kristan Jones-Scales at  [email protected]  by Wedneday, June 17th at 5pm. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Visit the Prayer Wall
God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, health threats, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. Follow us on social media to see a daily prayer focus to bring us together in prayer. You can also add your prayer requests to the the live prayer wall on the Ben Hill website. Pray God's glory across the earth.
Calling All Children and Youth
We want to send some cheer to the residents of  Arbor Terrace at Cascade . They have been impacted significantly by the virus and could use some of our kind words and artwork to spread some cheer. Please create art, write letters, or create a video that we can share with the residents. All pieces can be e-mailed to Kristan Jones-Scales at [email protected] and will be hosted on our website. We can't wait to see your creations.
Sympathy
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
 
Drs. Ed and Anne Wimberly (M) on the loss of her uncle
Gene Paul Wilson (R)

Words of Appreciation

Thank you for your sympathy, support, & prayers through this difficult time. We are grateful for friends like you in this time of sorrow.

Love,
The Family of Donald Jones Jr.

Health Resources and Community Events
Approximately 40 Election Day polling places will change for voters in Fulton County for the June 9 Presidential Preference Primary, General Primary, and Special Election. A full list of precinct changes is available for download here .

Fulton County is encouraging all voters to cast their ballots through absentee ballot by mail due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing rules. Some polling locations changed due to date conflicts after the Election Day changes.
Numerous changes will impact the upcoming June 9 election. Read on for important updates. 
KEY DATES
Today is the l ast day for early voting and the last day to request an absentee ballot
Tuesday, June 9 - Election Day
Tuesday, June 9 - All absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m.
Join the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women and Project Transformation North Georgia for a FREE live webinar about how you can help children succeed by interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline on Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 10:00 - 11:15 AM EDT. To learn more and to register, click the link below.
Senior Food Assistance Program
vegetable_basket.jpg
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:
  • Reside in the City of Atlanta;
  • Age 60 or older;
  • Low income (household income at or below 80% of the AMI);
  • Not participating in any other senior food assistance program and meet one of the following criteria:
  • Unable to leave home;
  • Unable to prepare meals for themselves; or
  • Unable to procure or utilize commercial home delivery services.
* Completion of the survey does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Men's Health Month
One of our focuses for June is  Men's Health month . According to  WebMD , the top health threats for men are:

1) Cardiovascular Disease
2) Lung Cancer
3) Prostate Cancer
4) Depression and Suicide
5) Diabetes

African American men appear to be at higher risk for these diseases/issues. Please click on the link below to find out more information about the impact of these diseases on men and the potential for prevention and better health care:


In addition, studies show that  COVID-19  is taking a greater toll on men as well. Researchers have reported that men are more likely to suffer severe effects of the disease. Studies also show that in some cases, the cause could be behavioral. Click on the link below to find out more about how and why COVID-19 may impact men more severely:

Census 2020 News
Due to COVID-19, the Census Bureau is adapting or delaying some operations to protect the health and safety of staff and the public. Visit the Census Bureau website for a full list of updates. 

Self-Response (Online, Phone, Mail-in) | Planned: Mar 12 – Jul 31|
Revised: Mar 12 – Oct 31

Nonresponse Follow Up (NRFU) |Planned: May 13 – Jul 31 | Revised: Aug 11 – Oct 31

Be Counted!
Answer online at www.2020census.gov
Answer by phone at 844-330-2020 (eng)