2009 Emory Announcements

JOYFUL PARTNERS IN MINISTRY We are thrilled to announce that at last Saturday's Ellicott City Parish Charge Conference, Bethany UMC and Emory UMC unanimously approved the Parish Covenant Agreement, joining Bethany's and Emory's ministries. The covenant agreement states The Ellicott City Parish is therefore formed to enhance and increase the effort to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to improve the quantity and quality of ministries to the community and to maximize the stewardship of the abundance God has granted to the Ellicott City Parish. Each church will maintain its own administrative, financial and legal responsibilities and obligations under the guidance of the pastors. However, each church will contribute to mutual ministries and projects as each is able.

Survey of Interest
The Nominations Committee of the Baltimore Washington Conference would like to invite clergy and laity from across the Conference to complete our “Survey of Interest” in serving on our various boards/commissions/committees and councils. If you are interested in serving on a board/commission/committee or council, please click on the below link and you will be directed to the survey. Nomination survey

IMPACT Youth Ministry ~ One of the ministries of Bethany UMC is the IMPACT Youth Ministry. All youth in the 6th through 12th grades are welcomed to attend. Their meetings are held every Sunday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A snack supper is provided for $2. A complete schedule of their events is posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. For additional information, please contact the Youth Pastor, Carrie Larsen at 410-465-2919 or e-mail her at Carrie@Bethanyum.org.

Be Well! Stay Healthy in Flu Season ~ There is a “drive-in” flu vaccination clinic being offered today 10/04/09, at the Howard County Health Department on Columbia Gateway Drive from 10am-2pm. This is the seasonal flu vaccination. All of those over the age of 50 should plan to get this vaccine, as well as those who work with the elderly or children, and those with compromised immune systems. If you receive this vaccine now, it will carry you through the spring flu season. It is also offered, while supplies last, at area walk-in clinics like the Minute Clinic at Target and CVS, and most likely through your personal physician. Directions for the “drive-in” clinic being held today: Take Route 175 East to Columbia Gateway Drive and follow the signs.

The H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine will be available in the next few weeks. Those born after 1957 should plan to get this vaccine: 1957-58 had a similar swine flu outbreak, so those born in 1957 are likely to have immunity to H1N1. The H1N1 vaccine will be offered to all Howard County Elementary, Middle and High School students who have release forms from their parents, and will be offered also at 103 vaccination clinics which will be held at designated sites.

In the meantime, please wash your hands - often!. Hand-washing is the best way to prevent the spread of any illness, including the seasonal flu and H1N1. Use warm water and soap, and scrub your hands, between your fingers and your fingernails for 15-20 seconds - about the amount of time it takes to sing “the Alphabet Song” or “Happy Birthday” two times through. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

If you have flu-like symptoms: fever of 100 deg or above, sore throat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, please stay home and take care of yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking anti-fever medications (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.). Tamiflu can help treat the symptoms, but does not cure the flu. Please stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.