A NEWSLETTER FOR THE CONGREGATION AND FRIENDS OF BEL AIR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

21 Linwood Avenue Bel Air, MD 21014 • 410-838-5181 fax: 410-893-8363 • info@baumc.com • www.belairumc.org

BEL AIR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

THE S P R E

Sunday Worship Services

Bel Air UMC (21 Linwood Avenue)

Sanctuary8:00 & 9:20 AM ~ Traditional

McComas Hall 9:20 AM ~ “Ignite” Worship

11:00 AM ~ Contemporary

Mt. Carmel Chapel (Wheel & Old Emmorton Rds)5:00 PM ~ Traditional

Sunday Christian Learning

Bel Air UMC (21 Linwood Avenue)

C4 Kids9:20 AM Infants-Grade 5

Adult Christian Learning9:20 & 11:00 AM

February 2018

Message from the Pastor

Church Office Hours Monday—Friday 9:00 am—4:30 pm

CHURCH CLOSED FEBRUARY 19, 2018

NOT A TAME LION

If you’re familiar with The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis, you’ll be familiar with that phrase, “Not a tame lion.” It’s a reference to Aslan, the great lion and the Christ-figure of The Chronicles of Narnia. This great refrain, which pulsates throughout the chronicles, is followed by another, “But he is good.” Can something be wild and good in the same moment? Can something be beyond our ability to understand it and control it, and still remain within our ability to embrace it? This is the paradoxical Christology of C.S. Lewis. This is the nature of God.

God is both a mystery, and a revelation in the same moment. God is both the Creator and Ruler of the Universe, and the friend who draws near and dear to us. The paradox is stunning. And occasionally, unsettling.

For Lent, the 40 days of spiritual preparation before Easter, we’ll be doing a sermon series and Bible study called, Not A Tame Lion, pursuing this theme, following the writings of C.S. Lewis. There is no prerequisite reading, however, you may want to read the book(s), or watch the film, Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. You’re also invited to consider watching the film, Shadowlands, a movie about CS Lewis’ life. Please join us for the study! It’s not a tame study…but it’s a good one.

See you Sunday!Byron

February 2018

The LED Light Fixture Replacement Project is Complete!

Over the past several months, a dedicated, hard-working crew of volunteers took on and completed a task that seemed nearly insurmountable – to replace over 400 fluorescent light fixtures with brand new LED light fixtures in about five weeks (including the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays), in a facility that is in use nearly all day every day, without disrupting church and school operations and events. It is exciting to tell you that the task was successfully completed on Wednesday, 12/27!

This project was made possible through the support of the BAUMC Board of Trustees, REXEL and BGE. Under normal circumstances, the project would have cost about $66,000. However, with the availability of two BGE commercial rebate programs the cost to BAUMC, if completed by 12/31/17, would be about $11,000. Our electricity cost savings is expected to be about $7,000 a year. The scrap metal from the old fixtures (about 6,500 lbs.) and fluorescent tubes (about 1,200 tubes) and ballasts are being recycled.

There are still some punch list items to be completed. There are 34 battery back-up emergency lights to replace and, the light fixtures, which come with occupancy sensors and ambient light sensors, need to be programmed.

To all those who supported and participated in this project a heartfelt job well done and thank you for making this happen!

List of names of LED Lighting Project Volunteers

Corporate Supporters of this Project

Rexel Montgomery Scrap Corp. PODS

Kyle BittleDoug Bonney Byron Brought Joel Caudill Joey Caudill

Lisa Caudill Tony Ciampaglio Al Conway Rick Fling Patrick Graham

Randy HaferJohn Happick Ken ArmstrongDon Mahan Chris McCorkle

Doug McCorkle Chris Pelfrey Rick SchulteLou Sedlak Gary Teter

Did You Know? February 2018

After two years, the trophy for the Hope For Harford’s Homeless Golf Invitational has returned to BAUMC. First won by BAUMC in 2012 and 2015, the team of Butch Langenfelder, George Buckless, Les Grimm and Dave Talbot won the 2017 edition of this tournament. George Buckless has been on all three winning BAUMC teams and Les Grimm has been on last two. The tournament netted $51,000 to help the Welcome One Emergency Shelter help the homeless population of Harford County.

For the next several weeks, the trophy will reside in the Narthex and later will be moved to the BAUMC trophy case. Congratulations to Team BAUMC on a great tournament and for helping those in need.

We Welcome Our New Council Leaders

Ad Council, Chair Person - Bill SmithAd Council, Secretary - Kathy Shaffer

President, Board of Trustees - Doug McCorkle

Treasurer, Finance Committee - Craig Schmid

SPRC, Chair - Dave Shaffer

Chair, Tiny Tots School Board - Tony Vinciguerra

Thank you, Jim Hudson, Pat Bonney, Ron Hill and Sue Henry for being on our 2017 Council Members. Your dedication to the Bel Air United Methodist church has been appreciated very much!

A special thanks to all our Council members who are continuing their dedication for another year!

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES February 2018

February 2 & 3, 2018Indoor Camp Out in McComas Hall

7 pm

Pack up your tent, sleeping bag, flashlight and your favorite stuffed animal because we’re camping out in McComas Hall overnight. We (adult with kids) gather at 7 p.m. for crafts, songs around the campfire, snacks, tooth brushing liturgy, movie, stories and pancakes in the morning. We all leave by 8 a.m. happy we got to have fun with our friends and family. Sign up outside of Ms. Deb’s Office.

Books & Bites Bookclub 2 opportunities

February 22 - March 22*Adults are welcome to meet in the Library on Thursdays at 2:30 pm - 3:30pm for coffee/tea and snacks with Pastor Deb to discuss The Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. C. S. Lewis, a well-known author and apologist, is best known by people of all ages for his seven volume series entitled The Chronicles of Narnia. As Lewis wrote about the land of Narnia, an imaginary world visited by children of this world, he had two obvious purposes: to entertain the readers and to suggest analogies of the Christian faith.

*Kids are welcome to join Ms. Deb on Thursdays at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm in Room 202 to have food (light supper or appetizers) and discuss the book “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe” by CS Lewis.

In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the fifth book of the series, Aslan tells the children that although they must return to their own world, they can find him there also (Hooper 123). Aslan says, "There I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there". Some of Lewis' readers wonder what the significance of this statement is and begin to search for Aslan here on earth. Hila, an eleven year old girl from the United States asked Lewis what Aslan's name is in this world. His response was this:

As to Aslan's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never been anyone in this world who (1.) Arrived at the same time as Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the great Emperor. (3.) gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.) Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb.... Don't you really know His name in this world. Think it over and let me know your answer!

When Lewis' readers find Aslan in the real world, they will find out that his true name is Jesus Christ. And when this occurs, Lewis is successful at opening a person's heart to accepting Christianity.

WEEKLY HAPPENINGSSundays, February 4,11,18, 25 AMPed (Grades 6-8) 9:45 - 10:30 am Youth Center AMPed is a Sunday School open to all 6th to 8th grade middle school students. Students will stay in worship with their families on 5th Sundays. AMPed students are dismissed from Ignite Worship Service (McComas Hall) following the praise songs (around 9:45 am), or they can start in the Sanctuary service and meet in the youth center at 9:45am.

Sundays, February 11 and 25 Youth Group (Grades 6-12) 6:30 - 8:30 pm Youth Center

All youth grades 6th-12th are invited to join us for youth group. We start with fellowship time, have some snacks, play group games, have a lesson and small group discussion time. Friends are always welcome! Youth group will not meet February 4 or February 18.

Sundays, February 4 *, 11 and 25 Confirmation (8th grade and older) 6:30-8:30pm Youth Center

*** Confirmation will meet from 11am - 12 noon on February 4th Youth CenterConfirmation class is a part of Sunday night Youth Group. Confirmands will be paired with a high school mentor. Contact Ashley (haugha@baumc.com) for more information. SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday, February 10 Saturday School (8th-12thgrade) 11:30am-4pm Agape House

Youth will meet in the youth center at 11:30am. Pack lunch or bring money for lunch. Before leaving, we will talk about the lesson plan for the day then travel down to the Agape House for Saturday School. We will teach a lesson, do a craft and play some games with the kids at the Agape House. We will return around 4pm. Saturday School is for 8th-12th grade youth. Please sign-up on the white board in the youth center or email haugha@baumc.com Wednesday, February 7.

Friday, February 16 Field Trip to Natural History Museum in DC meet at church by 12:45pm

Youth in 8th grade and older are invited to take a field trip to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Bring lunch (or eat before). We will stop for dinner along the way home (School gets out three hours early February 16). The museum is free! Please sign-up by email haugha@baumc.com or text Ashley by February 11.

Sunday, February 18 Snow Tubing/Ice Skating 12pm-7pm

All youth 6th-12th grade are invited to snow tubing! Bring your friends! Meet at church after services in the youth center at noon (eat lunch before or a pack lunch). Tubing will be at Avalanche Express in York, PA. Cost for tubing and ice skating is $28 per person. Skate rentals are $3. Pack dinner or bring money to stop for dinner on the way home. Please sign-up on the white board in the youth center or email haugha@baumc.com by February 14.

YOUTH MINISTRY February 2018

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES February 2018

ANIMATE : BIBLE - Sunday, 1/14- 2/25, 6:30-8:30PM, room 103 (Armstrong) This study is part of a three sectioned adult faith formation series that explores seven big conversations about the Bible. The DVD presentation consists of live-action discussions enriched with dynamic animation to jumpstart conversations including the canon, history, testaments, Gospels, genre, interpretation, and grace. Leader- Deb Lampton

Lenten Study

Not a Tame Lion- A Lenten Course on C.S. Lewis’ Narnia films Tuesdays, February 20-March 20, 7 - 8:15PM, room 202 Author Hilary Brand uses scenes from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and Shadowlands, to open up the Bible for discussion of big Christian themes. This Lenten course is a reminder that God is not to be contained by the constraints and limitations Christians might put on him: “We would all like a religion that kept us within our comfort zone. But just as the Aslan of the Narnia stories is not a tame lion, neither is the Christ of the Gospels always a comfortable savior, saying things that are often unexpected and challenging.” Leaders- Byron Brought, Lynn Boyd, Deb Lampton

Book- $10 , check E-Spire and church worship bulletin for dates when books will be available

BibleStudies

“Thy word is a lamp to me feet and a light to my path.” Psalm. 119:105

Join your church family and friends for a meaningful time together studying God’s word. Register for a class online at www.belairumc.org , by contacting the church office, or by completing the form below to submit to the adult discipleship registration table on January 7 after worship services.

Thank you Grace Team, I appreciate so much the visit and the white poinsettia you gave me in memory of my son, Jim. Thank you so much, Ruth Smithson

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES February 2018

On-going Classes

Sunday Morning Classes

John Packard Memorial Men’s Bible Study - Men of all ages come together to study God’s Word Leader: Doug Dorer, room 115, 7:30AM

Walking With God - Biblical & topical studies are discussed challenging us to live as God’s people in an ever-changing world. Leader: Mark Coughlin, room 103, 9:20AM

Faith in Community - The morning sermon is discussed as members dig deeper into the scripture’s relevance to their personal lives. Co-leaders- Rev. Byron E. Brought and Rev. Lynn Boyd, Library, 11AM

Mid-Week Classes Monday Morning Bible Study - Participants come together in fellowship and study of God’s Word as they grow in faith together. Leaders: Sandy Gorrell & Betty Myers, library, Monday 9:30-11AM

Women’s Bible Study - Women of all ages meet to study selected Bible topics while enjoying a time of fellowship together. Leader: Libby Horn, room 115, Monday 7-9PM

UMW Bible Study - Sponsored by the United Methodist Women, the participants enjoy a time of study and fellowship and welcome men to join them! Leader: Pastor Deb, library, Wednesday, 10-11:15AM

Friday Morning Bible Study - This men’s group has early risers who meet to start their day in God's Word. Leader: Dave Walker, library, Friday, 6:30AM. Registration:

Name ____________________________________________________

Class______________________________

Email address ___________________________________ Phone ___________________

Do you need childcare? ______ If yes, what are your children’s ages? ________________

BibleStudies

Monday, February 56:30 pm Russian Outreach Committee Parlor 1st Monday of the Month

Monday, February 126:30 pm Tiny Tots Board Meeting Office Work Room7:00 pm Board of Trustees Library (2nd Monday of the Month) 7:00 pm Staff-Parish Relations Committee (2nd Monday of the Month) Byron’s Office

RECURRING WEEKLY EVENTS

Monday9:00 am Pass It On Ministry9:30 am Monday Morning Bible Study (L)9:30 am Friendship Garden Club (202) - 2nd Monday10:30 AM Communion @ Brightview - 2nd Monday6:30 pm Young Adults Bible Study (YC) 1st & 3rd Mondays6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 777 (M, 103) or (CR 101, 103 when McComas is not available)6:30 pm Daisy Troop 340 - as scheduled (Rm 127)6:30 pm Girl Scout Troop 2 - as scheduled (Rm 116)6:30 pm Girl Scout Troop 904- as scheduled (Rm 125)7:00 pm Monday Night Women’s Bible Study (115)

Tuesday2:00 PM Communion @ Forest Hill Health & Rehab 2nd Tuesday3:00 PM Communion @ Bel Air Health & Rehab 2nd Tuesday7:00 pm 11am Worship Team Band Rehearsal (Stage)7:00 pm AA / Sisters of Sobriety (Rm 127)7:00 pm GriefShare (115)

Wednesday10:00 am Wednesday Morning Bible Study (L)10:00 am Esther Circle - 3rd Wednesday (Parlor)11:30 am Manna House Soup Kitchen (M)6:00 pm AA - District 28 Meeting 3rd Wednesday (202)6:30 pm DivorceCare (115)6:30 pm Evening Prayer Meeting in the Prayer Chapel6:30 pm Grandparent Support Group 2nd Wednesday (Room 202)6:30 pm Hand Bells Choir Rehearsal (Rm 130)6:15 pm Faith Under Fire Rehearsal (M-Stage)7:00 pm Venture Crew 777 as scheduled Library7:00 pm NAMI/National Alliance on Mental Illness (127) (1st & 3rd Wed)

7:00 pm The Compassionate Friends - 3rd Wednesday (125)7:00 pm Food Allergy Support Group (202) 1st Wednesday Feb / Jun / Nov Please note that February meeting will be in the Youth Center7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (AR 103)7:30 pm NA/Free At Last (CR 101)

Thursday10:00 am Mary Martha Circle (L) (1st Thursday)10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry (P) (2nd Thursday)6:30 pm TOPS Chapter 412 (AR 103)6:30 pm Kingdom Affect Youth Band Practice (YC)7:00 pm BSF International (Rm 202)7:00 pm Cub Scout Troop 777 (M, Classrooms)7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study Fellowship (P)7:30 pm AA / Came to Believe (CR 101)

Friday6:30 am Friday Morning Bible Study (202)8:00 am GAIN Meeting (CR 101) 2nd Friday NO meetings in July & August

Sunday7:30 am John Packard Men’s Bible Study (115)9:00 am AMPed—6th & 7th Graders (YC)9:00 am Morning Fellowship (202)9:20 am C4 Kids (CR 101)9:20 am Walking with God Class (L)10:00 am 11am Band Rehearsal (AR 103)10:45am Youth Choir Rehearsal (AR 103)11:00 am Children’s Choir Musical Rehearsal (CR 101)11:00 am Faith in Community (L)6:00 pm AA / Attraction Rather Than Promotion (CR 101)6:30 pm Sunday Night Youth Group (M, L, YC, 202 115)

Monday, February 207:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting (3rd Monday of the Month) Byron’s Office

Monday, February 267:00 pm Ad Council Meeting Library (4th Monday of the Month)

Committee Meetings

Sunday, February 111:00 pm Mid-Atlantic Thunderbird Club

Tuesday, February 138:30 am Clergy Covenant Group Library5:00 pm Pancake Supper - Benefits the Music Ministry

Wednesday, February 147:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service Sanctuary

Saturday, February 179:00 am Family Food Distribution McComas9:00 am United Way Stone Soup Room 2027:30 pm 777 Webelos “Camp” Youth Center

Sunday, February 186:30 pm Cub Scout Troop 777 - Committee Meeting Room 127

Friday, February 27:00 pm Children’s Christian Center - Parent’s Night Out7:30 pm Children and Family - Indoor Camp Out McComas Hall

Friday, February 225:30 pm * Kids - Books & Bites Room 202

Tuesday, February 62:00 pm That the World May Know Room 202

Tuesday, February 6, 137:00 pm Making Sense of the Bible Room 202

Wednesday, February 77:00 pm New Members Class Room 115

Friday, February 11, 255:30 pm Confirmation Class

Friday, February 16 Field Trip to Natural History Museum in DC meet at church by 12:45pm

Children

Youth

Adult Highlighted Events

Monday, February 19CHURCH OFFICE & Tiny Tots School is CLOSED

Tuesday, February 20SPIRE DEADLINE

Thursday, February 226:30 pm FCCAU Homeless Shelter Board Room 115

Saturday, February 245:00 pm Cub Scout 777 Blue & Gold McComas Hall

Tuesday, February 278:30 am Spire Folding team in the Parlor5:30 pm Serve Dinner @ Welcome One Homeless Shelter

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS FOR THE MONTH

Sunday, February 1811:00 am Youth Group - Snow Tubing in York, PA

Sunday, February 11, 2510:00 am Parents with Pre-Schoolers Small Group Room 1155:30 pm Animate Bible Study Room 115

Tuesday, February 20, 277:00 pm Lenten Study - Not a Tame Lion

Friday, February 222:30 pm * Adult - Books & Bites Room 202

FEBRUARY MILESTONES

We Welcome into the Community of Faith Through Baptism

Please wish a Happy Anniversary to ...

Please wish a Happy Birthday to ...

We are pleased to celebrate the birthdates of those who are at least 80 years young!

We are pleased to celebrate anniversaries of those who have travelled more than 50 years in marriage together!

Leo Thomas SpoenleinSon of Seth and Claire Spoenlein

Aurora Elizabeth ClagueDaughter of Robert and Leah Clague

02/01 - Wilson Gorrell02/02 - Elaine Wilkinson 02/03 - Albert Dukes 02/04 - Dorothy Bell02/09 - Patricia Mikkonen 02/11 - Dorothy Burns

02/12 - Johnnie Albizo 02/20 - Ernestine Aberle02/22 - Nancy Hanna 02/24 - Sarah Bowman 02/24 - Fletcher Ward

Jim & Anne Brown who will celebrate their 58th anniversary on 2/27

BALTIMORE - WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Baltimore Region Leadership DaySaturday, March 10, 2018, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Keynote: Erin Hawkins, General Secretary of the General Commission on Race and Religion

We are called to be One Body, connected in covenant, like a band playing in concert with one another. And like a band, we all come with something special, something different. We all have our own part and our own specialty, which played on its own may be beautiful but is solitary. It is only by coming together that we can create a masterpiece of ministry. For the 2018 Baltimore Region Leadership Day, we invite you to come and join the band! This year we bring you classes geared toward helping each section of our churches work together along with Erin Hawkins the General Secretary of GCORR as our guest speaker, we will work to be the Body of Christ create one beautiful sound.

March 10, 2018 8:30 am – 4 pm (registration opens at 8am)Bel Air United Methodist Church, Bel Air, MDCost: $35 (Includes continental breakfast and lunch)

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church also offers scholarships. The application process lasts until March 7, 2018.

For more information http://www.bwcumc.org/administration/finance/local-church-resources/scholarships/

To apply https://www.gbhem.org/loans-and-scholarships/scholarships/apply

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES February 2018

• BAUMC Church Involvement Scholarship (for graduating high school seniors)

The Bel Air United Methodist Church Involvement College Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who are members of the church and who will be entering the first year of college in Fall 2018. This scholarship award began in 1980 through a gift from Ben and Rachel Tobin; the scholarship continues today as a memorial scholarship. Over the years, many members and friends of BAUMC have added to the Tobin’s original gift allowing the awarding of scholarships each spring.

Applications for the BAUMC Church Involvement College Scholarship will be available mid-February. Watch for announcements in the e Spire for the date when the scholarship application may be obtained.

• BAUMC Church Pay It Forward Scholarship

The “Pay It Forward Scholarship Endowment” provides funding for individuals seeking education beyond high school. This includes traditional higher education, trade school, apprenticeships, or job training/retraining/certifications. Applicants may be:o high school graduates;o GED completers;o individuals currently in the workforce;o unemployed individuals.

While the items listed below are not requirements, preference will be given to:o Individuals attending Bel Air United Methodist Church.o Individuals unable to continue schooling without financial assistance.o Individuals committed to attending a local community college, trade school or apprenticeship program.

Applicants do not have to have stellar academic records, but must demonstrate a determination to attain further education/training.

The Pay It Forward Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Successful applicant(s) will be encouraged to apply for renewal and must show evidence of successful progress in working to complete his/her program.

Recipients of the scholarship are encouraged to financially support the program once established in their careers.

Applications for the Pay It Forward Scholarship will be available mid-February. Watch for announcements in the e-Spire for the date when the scholarship application may be obtained.

Both the BAUMC Church Involvement Scholarship and the Pay It Forward Scholarship are administered by the BAUMC Scholarship Committee Team. For further information on these scholarships, contact Carol Sherman (cwsherm@verizon.net).

PARTICPATION OPPORTUNITIES February 2018

Ash Wednesday ServicesFebruary 14 at 7 PM in the Sanctuary

11:30 AM in Manna House

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER to benefit The Music MinistryTuesday, February 13 - 5 pm - 7 pm in McComas Hall

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 - 11 and children age 4 and under are FREE. Tickets are available at the door and dinners are also available for carryout.

“The Marriage Works Conference “ previously held at BAUMC for the past two years will be held on March 10 for all couples interested in enhancing their marriages. This conference has been very well received by participants and is anticipating another successful venue.

For more information or to register, please visithttp://www.marriageworksmd.org/events

Saturday, March 10, 20189:00 am - 3:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall1100 Philadelphia Road Joppa, MD 21085$40 for individuals and and $80 per couple

(Cost includes light breakfast and lunch)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The service focuses on both themes, helping us to realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins.

It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday service to burn to produce ashes for this service. Sometimes a small card or piece of paper is distributed on which each person writes a sin or hurtful or unjust characteristic. The cards are then brought to the altar to be burned with the palm branches. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins.

— Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES February 2018

GRIEFSHARE session begins TUESDAY, February 6 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Room 115. Please consider joining us.

GriefShare takes us through 13 weekly sessions and includes a workbook ($15), video presentation and discussion time where we share one another’s heartache. Christ is at the center of every class and discussion. He is our ultimate “burden bearer.”

DivorceCare will begin on Wednesday, February 14 at 6:30pm in room 115.

DivorceCare is a structured 13-week class and support group to guide participants through the healing journey associated with recovery from separation and divorce. The only cost is $15 for the workbook. The class is open to all members of our community experiencing separation or divorce. For more information, please see the DivorceCare web site, www.divorcecare.org, or contact Chuck Heatwole, 410-836-2947.

theSave Date

Volunteers needed for March 10 Baltimore Washington Leadership Day

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES February 2018

ª January Apologies ... Our blood drive on January 8 had to close early due to inclement weather. We extend our sincere apologies to all donors who weren’t able to give due to the early closing and especially those who showed up only to discover the blood drive had closed. The blood drive personnel are obligated to follow the church schedule, including weather-related closings.

ª January Results ... Despite the early closing, our January Blood Drive netted 30 units of blood. Our heartfelt thanks to each and every donor.

ª March Blood Drive ... Our next blood drive will be Monday, March 12. Appointments can be scheduled on the sign-up sheet located across from the church office. Walk-in donors are also welcomed.

“I learned a lot as a Tiny Tot!”

* Now registering for the 2018-19 school year. *

Tiny Tot School is an outreach program of BAUMCoffering preschool programs providing socialization and kindergarten readiness for children age 2 through 5

year olds.

For more information visit our website: tinytotsbelair.comCall or email to schedule a tour.

Phone: 410-838-6399 E-mail: tinytots@baumc.com

Tiny Tot School

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 21

Bel Air, MD 21014

The e-Spire, a weekly update of information, devotions, upcoming events and activities is distributed via e-mail. If you would like to receive the e-Spire, please send your e-mail address to wolfl@baumc.com.

CONFERENCE STAFF

Bishop - Rev. LaTrelle Miller EasterlingDistrict Superintendent - Rev. Ann Laprade

BEL AIR UMC STAFF Lead Pastor - Rev. Byron E. BroughtAssociate Pastor - Rev. L. Lynn BoydDirector of Children & Family Ministries -Rev. Deb Lampton Director of Youth Ministry - Ashley HaughDirector of Music/Chancel Choir Director - David TramontanaChurch Administrator - Tony CiampaglioDirector of Young Adult Ministry - Christopher PelfreyBookkeeper - Penny BuranenAdministrative/Congregational Care Asst. - Debbie AtteberryAdministrative Specialist - Lisa Wong WolfAdministrative and Youth Ministry Assistant/Wedding Coordinator - Cheryl FirthFacilities & Maintenance Manager - Rick SchulteHospitality Coordinator - Alice Archeraaarcher@comcast.net

E-mail for BAUMC Staff: last name first initial @ baumc.com (ex: broughtb@baumc.com)

SUBMISSIONS FOR MARCH’S NEWSLETTER

Do you have an event or article you’d like to see in MARCH’s edition of the SPIRE? Send them to wolfl@baumc.com and atteberryd@baumc.com by 12 noon, Tuesday, February 20th.

If you are receiving an electronic copy of the Spire and prefer to have one mailed to your home or if you are receiving only a hard copy and would like to see the SPIRE newsletter in color, please e-mail Lisa Wolf at wolfl@baumc.com or visit our web-site www.belairumc.org

Current addressee or

Volunteers in Mission (VIM)Soup Sale - February 4

VIM will be selling soup on Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, between services.