THE
BEACON
JUNE,
2008
THE
BEACON
JUNE,
2008
THIRTEEN EASY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS
Reduce Your Driving Costs by
25% or More
8. Save fuel by combining errands into
one trip and avoid backtracking when
ever possible.
Wasteful driving habits can
double your fuel consumption. Develop
gas-saving habits, such as:
9.
Always accelerate gently.
10.
Watch traffic ahead of you so you can
anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops.
off the gas pedal instead of approaching
at full speed and slamming on the
brakes. It takes 20% more gas to
accelerate to normal speed from a full
stop than it does from four or five
miles
per hour.
12. Don’t drive too fast or too slow. It takes
20% to 30% more gas to drive at 70 mph
than 50 mph.
13. Maintain a steady speed on the
highway. Avoid getting stuck behind
slow cars where you have to slow down
to their pace and then speed up to
pass.
By Jeremy Wohwinkle
Your Guide to Financial Planning.
Kayla Lewis and William
Matlock were united in marriage at
IT’S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TIME!!!!
This year
our church is bubbling with excitement as we explore Power Lab. Power Lab
provides fun, memorable Bible learning activities for kids of all ages. Each
day, kids will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, nibble Test
Tube Treats, take on a Daily Challenge to share Jesus’ amazing power in their
lives, experience electrifying Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies
to remind them of God’s Word, and
create
Bible Point Crafts they’ll take home and play with all summer long.
So mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 8th through Friday, July 11th 6:00 pm-8:30 pm and
Saturday, July 12th 4:00 pm-6:00 pm with a finale picnic for everyone
Saturday at 6:00 pm. We encourage all family members to come join the fun!! We
hope Power Lab will get everyone
fizzing with excitement about Jesus in our community!!
Registration
will begin June 1st following the 8:30 am and 11:00 am services and continue
through July 5th. School Care children can register with Margarita Burton.
Evening
meals will be available Tuesday through Friday beginning at 5:15 pm. The cost will be $1.00 for children
and $3.00 for ages 12 & up.
Come join us for an exciting
adventure at Power Lab”
Do you
have questions or are you willing to volunteer & help out? Call Elaine Layland at 946-0202 or Karen
Procter at 945-5506.
Elaine
Layland & Karen Procter
BIBLE
KNOWLEDGE 
1. Where in the New Testament is the
coming of the Holy
Spirit?
2. What is the
name of the event on which
the Holy Spirit arrived?
3. How did the
Holy Spirit arrive?
4. Which of the
twelve apostles gave
the first sermon after
receiving the
Holy Spirit?
5. How many were
saved and baptized after
hearing the first sermon?
6. Which apostle
performed the first
healing/miracle?
7. Who was
chosen to replace Judas Iscariot?
8. How many days
after Jesus’ resurrection
was
His ascension?
9. How many days
after Jesus’ resurrection
was Pentecost?
10.How many days
after Jesus’ ascension was
Pentecost?
Please remember
to send your Q and A for future Bible Knowledge to me at waynebiddix@triad.rr.com. Thanks and Grace and Peace to you!
See Elaine
Layland or Karen Procter.
BIBLE KNOWLEDGE
(Answers
to April’s questions)
1. What book of the New Testament records
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount? Matthew
(Matthew
5-7)
2. What book of the New Testament records
Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain? Luke (6:12-49)
3. Who gave the most extensive account of
Jesus’ birth? Luke
(Luke 2:1-2
4. Why did Mary name her son “Jesus”? The
God-sent
angel, Gabriel said, “…and you
are to give Him the name Jesus.” - Luke
1:31
5. John the Baptist came preaching in the
wilderness of
river? The
6. How long did Jesus fast in the wilderness
while He was being tempted by the devil?
Forty
days and forty nights – Matthew 4:2
7. When Jesus went to Peter’s home, what did
He find and what did He do? Peter’s
mother-in-law
was sick with fever and Jesus
healed her
- Matthew 8:14, 15.
8. How much food did Jesus have to feed five
thousand people? Five loaves of bread and
two fish –
Mark 6:38, 41
9. To whom did Jesus say
“all things are possible?” “…to him who
believes.” –Mark 9:23 10. What are
the two greatest
commandments? “… ‘And you shall love
the Lord with all your heart, with all your
soul, with
all your mind, and with all your
strength.’ This is the first commandment.
And the
second is like it, is this: ‘You shall
love your
neighbor as yourself.’ There is no
other
commandment greater than these.” -
Mark 12:29-31
Thank you, Ann Carr, for
April’s questions and answers.
Please remember to send your
Q and A for future Bible Knowledge to me at waynebiddix@triad.rr.com. Thanks and Grace and Peace to you!!
COME
VISIT OUR CHURCH LIBRARY
I have added some new books
to the shelves. Our library is loaded
with great books on parenting, grief, death, health issues, women's interests,
and prayer, to name a few.
The library is located (Room
202) in the room at the top of the stairs by the church office. At the
top of the stairs, go straight ahead, turn right and room 202 is just on you’re
left.
Need children's books?
Go past the library, turn left and you will find the cart on your left. Just around the corner across from the
nursery are white shelves that hold books for the youth and children's.
Donations and suggestions
for purchases are greatly appreciated.
LouAnn DiMarco
About
YOUTH AND CHILDREN
Join the summer fun as we
spruce up your church walls. We will be doing a variety of art depicting
our faith, scripture and Bible stories this summer. Look for our
creations to be displayed throughout our church. OOOOOO La La! Adults
interested in assisting, please see
LouAnn DiMarco.
LAY
LEADER LINKS
Grace and Peace to all from
our risen Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ, Amen!
I want to dedicate this
“link” to say thank you to Roland and Emilie for their service and friendship
to all at Brookstown. Roland and Emilie
will leave us after four years of service and for the second time have
become a vital part of what makes Brookstown a Beacon.
The Apostle Paul encourages
us in Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to
one another in brotherly love. Honor one
another above yourselves.” Roland, you
and Emilie are the epitome of this scripture.
We, as individuals and congregation would be wise in following this
example you two have exhibited. Roland,
thank you for the calming and loving spirit you have brought to many stressful
situations in the countless hours of visiting the sick and home-bound and in
the passing of loved ones. You are truly
a comfort in difficult times. Thank you
for making it a priority to become involved with the youth and to get to know
them personally; you even joined them on a mission trip. Believe me they will
remember that their pastor was there!
Finally, thank you for being a voice of reason and gracefulness during
this difficult era at Brookstown.
Emilie, thank you for all
the Christ-centered children’s messages you have shared. Our children are like little sponges and will
absorb the messages you presented. Thank
you for your tireless efforts in any endeavor you undertake. Do you ever sleep? Your willingness to always serve and “can-do”
attitude with a smile gives testament to the God-spirit that lives in you. Thank you!!!!
On a personal note: Roland,
thank you for the time you have spent with me discussing issues of theology and
doctrine. I value your wise
counsel. Also, for visiting my mother
during her hospital stays. That means
more than you will know. Emilie, thank
you for your continuous prayers over my mother and your overall heart-felt
concern.
I would be remiss if I left
out the Barnhardt girls. Christin, Mary,
Sarah, and Rebecca, thank you for being a part of our family and for allowing
us to become a part of yours. You all
have truly been a blessing to us!
Roland and Emilie, this is a
very small expression of gratitude for your service and friendship to all of us
at Brookstown. Thank you for using and
sharing your God-given gifts and talents in leading Brookstown in His ministry. We will not say good-bye as that has an air of
finality. So, so long for now, my
friends, as we will see each other again and God-speed as you both continue in
ministry.
Again, thank you!!!!!
Grace and Peace,
Wayne Biddix
Servant
REFRESHMENTS
Refreshments
after the worship service will resume this month and will continue through
September. Please watch the newsletter
for your assigned time to serve.
Please
make 2 gallons of tea, lemonade, Kool Aid, etc.
The additional supplies you will need are: the beverage cart, smallest drink cups, and a
trash can. You will need to leave church
early (during the last hymn) and set up outside. If the weather is inclement, please serve the
refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.
If
you can not fulfill your duty on the assigned date, please have someone take
your place or call Kay Lasley at 945-3029.
YOUTH NEWS
By the time
you get this newsletter, school will almost be out. Every one of you is anxious to hear that last
bell ring and know that the stress of exams and final classes is finally over. What has seemed like endless weeks of too much
school work, tons of tests, and no real ‘free’ time has finally ended. A couple of verses immediately come to mind,
and I want to share those as we prepare our minds and hearts for the end of the
school year, the beginning of summer, and the mission trip ahead.
“Likewise
the Sprit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. “ (Romans 8:26) Have you ever thought of the
special relationship that the Holy Spirit has with us, with ‘sighs
too deep for words’? Have you
ever released a ‘sigh too deep for words’?
The end of the school year comes to my mind! Know that your prayers are heard and felt-
literally, and are interceded with the deep conviction of one who is with God
and who brings our deepest emotions and struggles to God. Praise be to GOD! No prayer is too small, no incident too
insignificant, or too huge! Would you
share what is happening with your best friend?
Get the connection? Jesus, the
Holy Spirit, GOD, is there for you and wants to be your best friend, through
the difficult times and through the celebration times.
Another
verse that I can’t help but think of is Ecclesiastes 3:1. “For everything there is a season, and a time
for every matter under heaven…” While
the season for working hard in school is closing, another season is opening –
SUMMER – and a time of rest and play. It
is very important to let your mind and body rest when it needs to, and I can
bet you are thinking the time is NOW!
You are right – it is time to rejuvenate your energy to do HIS work –
with JOY! As we head into this season of
rest, mission work, and fun, use those first moments of sunshine in the morning
to lift a prayer of thanks for all of your blessings, remembering those in
need, and those that we will be meeting.
May was a
whirlwind of fundraising and mission work! Thanks to your hard work and the
generous spirit of our church family, we have reached our fundraising goal –
and beyond! I must admit that raising
$11,000 in January seemed like a mountain to be climbed. A HUGE MOUNTAIN. Little by little, day by day, you all have
been faithful and our needs are not only met, they are surpassed! Every single person contributed in some way
that was meaningful.
Before we
head out on our big adventure, let’s rest our hearts as we listen to Leo
Rucker, an amazing artist, who will share his testimony with us on June 6 when
we visit ‘First Friday Gallery Hop’. I
think there is some water fun in your future, too.
You are
living the life that He calls you to live, helping others and reaching out at
home and beyond. Brookstown United
Methodist Youth – you ROCK! I praise GOD
every day for you and for your families…Summer… here we come!
Be BLESSED!
Benita VanWinkle, Youth Director
Welcome to Lou Brown, our newest member, who was received on
May 4 by Transfer of Letter from Lincolnton UMC, in
SCHOOL AND SUMMER CARE NEWS
The purpose of the School
is:
·
To provide a
Christian atmosphere.
·
To provide an
enriching experience.
·
To give each
child loving care.
·
To help develop
a positive self-image.
·
To teach respect
and friendship with others.
·
To provide a
safe and happy place.
Brookstown is gearing up for
the summer!
The program runs all day,
from 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
Each day of the week, the children go on a field trip. There are all day trips, too, to Carowinds,
Hiddenite, and the NC Zoo in
Margarita
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Sarah Barnhardt, daughter of Roland and
Emilie Barnhardt, graduated from
Katie Biddix, daughter of Wayne and
Doris Biddix, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General
Science and Minors in Psychology and Geography from
Katie is the grand-daughter of Ann Carr and the late Coy Yates.
Elisha Yost, daughter of Spencer and
Denise Yost, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information
Management from
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Jennifer Carr, daughter of Sandy
Tysinger and David Carr, will graduate from
Brittany Chandler, daughter of Misty and
Tim Chandler, will graduate from
Joshua Powers, son of Paul and Karen
Powers, will graduate from
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GRADUATES
The late singer John
Denver once gave a commencement speech at his old high school. “The best thing you have to offer the world
is yourself, “he said. “You don’t have
to copy anyone else. If you do, you’re
second best.”
He recalled how, after
high school, he went to Texas Tech intending to become an architect. “But I
quit to become a singer, “he said. “Not one person said I was doing the right
thing. But I knew, deep down inside, I
was born to sing to people. Singing is
the most joyful thing in the world for me.”
“It’s what’s inside you
that counts. And if it’s not what you
want to do don’t do it. Listen to
yourself. You’ll always know what’s
right. Listen to that voice. That’s how you’ll find success as a human
being. Don’t be afraid
to be who you are.”
Adapted from The SourceBook of Wit and Wisdom
COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES REPORT (5-4-08)
A
Praise be to God! In what area do you see yourself working?
The meals served
at Green Street Methodist and for the Confirmands (and family/Friends in Faith)
went well. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship
and information that this provided our newest members.
The GO Club
(“Guys Only”) is planning a trip to a Warthogs game. Bravo to Wayne Biddix and Dave DiMarco for
creating this Christian atmosphere and fellowship for our leaders of
TODAY! (Thank you, Lou Brown for
reminding us that these are not the future church, but our
The
Evangelism Committee is contacting absent members and is planning a special
program July 23 after the Fellowship Meal.
The Book of
Acts is our new Bible study on Sunday evenings at 7:00. Prayer
On Wed-nesday meets at 6:30. Share the scripture and prayer concerns
for 30 minutes and pray for our church and those around us. You’ll be glad you came!
A new
church website may be on our horizon, along with a way to reach out to our
college- age members. Anyone willing or
able to help with this, please contact John Jameson or Shannon Craft. We are looking to add blogs, a youth page
with photos, an interactive calendar and lots more! What would you like to see here?
Our
Children’s Coordinator
+++Is
looking for new art done by our children for our hallways. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Illustrate it for LouAnn DiMarco.
+++Has lots
of new books for the summer. Check out
the library cart upstairs!
+++Put July
8-12 on your calendar for Power Lab,
our VBS fun! Junior High Youth will have
a special week of ‘Spiritual Gifts’, and the Senior
Youth are invited to help with our children and programming.
+++June 1 will
be a Sunday School Enrichment Session.
What does that mean? Come to the
Fellowship Hall on June 1, from 9:30-9:45 and join in praising God with our
voices and a Sunday School “Mixer”.
+++Mark
your calendar for July 4th– a day to celebrate our nation’s freedom and
Brookstown’s newest family! Join our meal
to welcome Chip and Kathy Webb and their family to our congregation.
There are
opportunities to work at the Food Bank on the 2nd Saturday monthly. Please pray about this time to help
others. Don’t forget to bring the Item
of the Month for our baskets in the narthex and the Fellowship Hall.
Wonderful
opportunities for fellowship:
+++June 13
(rain date, June 20) marks our First Community Movie Night on the
lawn! Bring your blanket/lawn chair and
join BUMC for a time of entertainment/ discussion of a Christian movie.
+++September
26-27 will see our church going on an intergenerational mission trip to
Our youth
group takes their mission work (and their fun!) seriously.
+++They
baked dog cookies to raise funds for the Humane Society.
+++They
worked at Habitat for Humanity and
THANK YOU, BROOKSTOWN!
The group reached their fundraising goal of $10,500 for the
With all
this excitement, you might think all the mission work is done or taken care of
– not so! Once again, in what area do
you see yourself working? There is always room for another set of
hands, another cheerful heart to help.
Please pray about all of our
mission work and how YOU can be a part of this important work!
Be blessed!
Benita
VanWinkle, COM Chairperson
BEACON BITS
A Right Time for Everything
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time
for everything on the earth:
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your
losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 (The Message)
The time has come for a
change of pastors at Brookstown, and I trust it is a right time. A good part of that depends on how we move forward
from this time into the time God is preparing for us.
In his book, A Change of
Pastors, Loren Mead reflects on how a change of pastors can affect change
in a congregation. There are many things to consider. Reading this book will
help you identify more of them.
Two important thoughts to
consider are: “This is a time in which some things can change, if we
choose to make it happen. And … church
renewal is an extraordinary gift from God. It comes where it will and when it
will if we open ourselves to it.”
Coming back to Brookstown
after eighteen years away has been a blessing for my family and me. Precious
memories from our first time here have been added to during these past four
years. Thank you for allowing us the great privilege of breaking the bread of
life with you, both you who we knew from earlier years and you we have come to
know and love more recently!
We have experienced God’s
grace in countless ways with all you good people, and we will always be
thankful. Significant events have taken place in the life of this community and
in your lives and ours. There are many more to come, and God will bless us in
them all!
Chip Webb will be taking on
the pastoral duties of this church. Chip and Kathy and their daughters will
come to love you as you will come to love them in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. As you make the most of the opportunities to work and celebrate life
with your new parsonage family, this will prove to be another right time.
Roland
Barnhardt
CRISIS
CONTROL WISH LIST PEANUT
BUTTER Put in the basket IN THE NARTHEX OR FELLOWSHIP HALL
CRISIS
CONTROL
WISH LIST
PEANUT BUTTER
Put in the basket
IN THE NARTHEX
OR FELLOWSHIP HALL
SPECIAL SERVICE IN JUNE
Acolytes
June 1 Michael
Barajas and Kaila Davis
8
Aubrey Apperson and Emily Jameson
15 Erin
Jameson and Evan Lowrance
22
Kendra Davis and Paul Lasley
29
Flowers
June 1 T.
Lasley 8
15 S.
Craft 22 B. Brown
29
Greeters-Wayne
and Doris Biddix
Nursery
June 1 Leshia
Bailiff
8
Darlene Davis
15
22
&29 LouAnn DiMarco
Refreshments (8:30 AM)
June 1 LouAnn
DiMarco 8 Karen Powers
15
Elaine Layland 22 Sandra Snarski
29 Pam
Steppe
Refreshments (11AM)
June 1 R.
Gilstap and R. Lasley
8
15
Jerry & Catherine White
22
29
Mark & Darlene Davis
Ushers-Bobby
Macemore*, David Fulton,
Bill
Brown, Bill Lanier
Worship Leaders
June 1 Pam Steppe
8
Bruce Bailiff
15
David DiMarco
22
29
Stan Crews