The Belmont Reporter 

Worship Services
Reflections
Church Family Focus
2005 Administrative Board
Jim Strickland Announces Retirement
Giving Campaign Update
Youth Ministry Serves Community
Advent and Christmas Music
Winter Learning Season Begins In February
Music Schedule
New Members
Baptisms
Wednesday Night At Belmont
Youth Notes
Children’s Corner

Worship Services

Baptism of the Lord
January 9, 2005

John Collett, preaching

8:15 a.m. - Communion in the Chapel
9:15 a.m. - Sunday School
10:30 a.m. - Communion in the Sanctuary

Scripture Lessons:
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17

Sunday School classes collecting the offering for January include:
Harbison Fellowship, Genesis, Friendship and Grades 7 and 8

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Reflections

By Alison Schmied

Each year the Christian calendar takes us through Jesus’ life from his birth at Christmas through his life and ministry to his death and resurrection at Easter. On January 11, we celebrate the baptism of the Lord. John was preaching repentance and offering baptism in the Jordan River as a symbol of cleansing from sin. Jesus presents himself as a candidate for baptism (Matthew 3:13-17).

In an exchange reminiscent of Jesus’ insistence on washing his disciples’ feet rather than having his own feet washed, Jesus insists that John allow him to take the lower position, the role of the one humbly asking for baptism.

Baptism is about taking a new role, being defined by a new identity. Identity is as important today as it was 2000 years ago. Some teens assume identity via fashion or membership in certain groups or cliques. Many adults understand identity according to job, marital status, political affiliation, or which schools one’s children attend. Deep down, we need to be reminded that there is something more important that defines us.

As soon as Jesus is baptized, a voice from heaven declares Jesus’ identity, making clear to the rest of us what John the Baptist already knew: “This is my child, the beloved, with whom I am well-pleased.”

As we remember the baptism of the Lord this year, may you hear God’s acceptance as clearly as the voice heard at Jesus’ baptism: “you are my child, the beloved, with whom I am well-pleased.”

Remember your baptism, children of God, and be thankful!

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Church Family Focus

As of December 29, 2004

In the Hospital
Yeshumnesh Feyisa – Baptist Rehab

Memorials
NENA BAGWELL
Donors:
Michelle & Tom Bagwell

JOHN DABBS
PAUL HOOD
Donors:
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth R. Davis

IN HONOR OF
THE MARRIAGE OF:
SUE & HERB MATHER
Donors:
Marie & Lloyd Wright
Barbara & Nicho Young
Christian Fellowship Homebuilders Club

IN HONOR OF:
ERIK NEELY
Donor:
June Neely

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2005 Administrative Board

Hayne Hamilton, Administrative Board Chair

Bill Cooper, Administrative Board Vice Chair

Secretary - Betty Jane Taylor
Church Lay Leader - Hugh Wright
Past Chair of The Administrative Board - Dianne Gore
Chair of Staff Parish Relations - June Batsel
Chair of Finance - John Pearce
Chair of Trustees - To be elected
Chair of Belmont Trust Fund - Kim Hawkins
Chair of Weekday Ministries Team - Jeanie Rutland
Coordinators of Ministry Council:
Sending - Bobbie Thomas
Enabling - Bill Cooper
Reaching - Mollie Henry
Nurturing - Sandy Seidel
Chair of Children’s Ministry Team - Doug Hagler
Chair of Youth Ministry Team - Joan Cato
Chair of Young Adult Ministry Team - Emily Watson
Chairs of Senior Adult Team:
Tina Hazelwood
Mary Jo Irby
Barton Pepper
Judy Stubbs
Chair of GOLD (Gift of Life Discovery) - Beverly Job
Chair of Spiritual Formation Ministry Team - Carol Brown
Chair of Education Ministry Team - Cindy Caldwell
Chair of Library Board - Pat Gannis
Chair of Outreach Ministry Team - Susan Utley
Chairs of Evangelism Ministry Team - Ellen Dahnke & Bob Townsend
Chair of Worship Ministry Team - Susan Bradford
Chairs of Fellowship Friend Ministries - To be elected
Chairs of Congregational Care - Susan Fouche & Jeanne Pride
Chairs of Neighborhood Care Groups - Susan Fouche & Jeanne Pride
Chair of Communications - Wayne Wood
Chair of Family Life Resource Ministry Team - To be elected
Chair of Wednesday Night At Belmont (WNAB) - Brian Warford
Chair of Music Ministry Team - Larry Beasley
Chair of Homeless Ministries Team - Pat Nevill
Chair of Edgehill-Belmont Partnership - Bob Seidel
Chair of Archives & History Ministry Team - Ed Batsel
Chair of Multicultural Ministries - Kathleen Figaro
Chair of Transportation Ministry Team - Gil Shumaker
Coordinator of Ministries of Love & Justice - Carmen Lile-Henley
Chair of Stewardship Ministry Team - Linda Henson
Coordinator of Stephen Ministry - Holly Brown
Coordinator of Advocacy - Joe Boyd
Coordinator of Disciple Bible Study - Ed Batsel
Lay Members to Annual Conference:
Chris Steele, Betty Jane Taylor, and Foye Webb
Alternate Lay Members to Annual Conference:
Mary Uhles, Jim Fitzpatrick, and Hugh Wright
Church Treasurers:
Hugh Wright
Merry Maney
Marbut Glenn Gaston
Bill Gray
Chairpersons of Properties Committee - Bryan Seely & Nancy Wahl
Membership Secretary - Arnell Willis
President of United Methodist Women - Virginia Kessen
Presidents of United Methodist Youth - Allison Duke and Liza Hoos
Superintendent of the Sunday School - Marie Nowell
Representative from Homeplace, Inc. Board - Mary Walker
Representative to TNT (Tying Nashville Together) - To be elected
Community Relations Coordinator - Herb Mather

New At Large Members (Class of 2007)

Ben Adams
Laura Andrews
Jim Barrick
Margaret Behm
Jim Bradford
Rachel Chamblin
James Chamblin
Amy Cooper
Lee Craft
Mark Dorminy
Phil Duke
Katherine Esquivel
David Esquivel
Polly Fessey
Thelma Frazier
Richard Fulk
Gary Hawkins
Berry Holt
David Jarvis
Tandy Jarvis
Mark Kennady
Mary Kennady
Gerald Kirksey
Susan Kirksey
Stephen Mallett
Sue Council Mather
Betty Moore
Peg Morris
Dale Plummer
Paula Pow
Ruth Randolph
Ray Randolph
Jack Rubey
Susan Savage
Barry Steele
Mila Truan
Bill Truan
John Wagster
Lynda Wagster
Robert Wahl
NancyYoung
Elmer Young

A complete listing of At Large members can be viewed online at
www.belmontumc.org/adminboard.htm 

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Jim Strickland Announces Retirement

Jim Strickland

Jim Strickland, our Director of Program Ministries for almost twelve years, has notified the Staff-Parish Relations Committee of his retirement at the end of this conference year in June of 2005. Celebrating his 63th birthday on January 6, 2005, Jim decided it was time to conclude a 38-year career in Christian education and program direction with the United Methodist Church. While Jim’s decision represents a significant transition for our congregation, we celebrate his long ministry and new horizons.

Jim joined our staff in April of 1993 as Program Director after a term as Executive Director of Christian Educators Fellowship. He has been responsible for leadership for the Ministry Council, Christian education, the Sunday School, Wednesday Night at Belmont, the annual All-Church Retreat, Confirmation, and has helped lead the Sunday liturgy. Jim has also given leadership to the Disciple Bible Study program and has taught many series.

Jim’s ministry has included service with large congregations in the TN Conference, Houston, TX and Ashville, NC. Fortunately for Belmont, Jim and Starr plan to remain active as members of our congregation.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee will begin a thorough study of our future staff deployment and, in dialogue with the congregation, determine how best to staff the ministries of the church. The SPRC will conclude the study by mid-February and begin a search process for Jim’s replacement.

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Giving Campaign Update

As of this writing, 384 Belmonters have estimated giving
in the amount of $1,014,375 toward the funding of ministries for 2005.

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Youth Ministry Serves Community

The youth of Belmont spent the season of Advent in service to the community of Belmont and beyond. Starting on December 4, the youth hosted Parents’ Night Out (PNO) for families of our church, the Weekday School and the larger community. We hosted over 30 children, made crafts, played games, laughed, and built stronger relationships.

The following Sunday, the youth then took the money raised and went Christmas shopping for a family in our congregation that might not otherwise have presents under the tree. The youth shopped with great enthusiasm, as well as intention and compassion. For the past two years, youth have supplemented the PNO proceeds with their personal money in order to get just the right presents. The youth group then wrapped the presents and prayed for each member of the family.

Also, this season youth and their families responded with incredible generosity to an invitation to fill backpacks as presents for our Room in the Inn guests who were with us on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Within 24 hours of receiving the invitation, a dozen families had responded with gifts of socks, gloves, boxer shorts, sweatshirts, chapsticks, tissues, phone cards, cookies and even Santa Hats! Their generosity was humbling.

I hope that you each benefited from the pecan sale this year as well! The sale this year was wonderful - pecans flew out of the church. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the youth, their ministry and mission.

All this “doing” would be for nothing if there were not time for reflection and an appreciation of the true reason for the season. So this year we attended a contemplative Advent service sponsored by the West Nashville and Blakemore UMC youth groups. We joined over 100 other youth to hear Scripture read, sing together, and pray together. And finally, the Open Door Singers were blessed and blessed us all through their ministry of music and worship.

Belmont’s Youth Ministry has so much to be thankful for this year. Please pray for the young people of this congregation and encourage them as they walk faithfully on their journeys of discipleship.

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Advent and Christmas Music

Congratulations to the many participants in Belmont’s music ministry who shared their gifts and talents so worshipfully during the Advent and Christmas season. Over 180 musicians in our congregation volunteer their time and talents extensively to make music together for this festive season and throughout the year. Thanks especially to the Sanctuary Choir, Open Door Singers, Chapel Choir, Carillon Ringers and instrumentalists for a very memorable Feast of Lights and to the Carillon Ringers for a full concert of Christmas handbell music.

Outside of Belmont, the Celebration Ringers shared in a time of Christmas cheer with the residents of St. Paul’s Retirement Village and the Carillon Ringers with the residents of the McKendree Retirement Village.
For several years, the Sanctuary Choir has contributed in less musical ways to the needs of our community. This year the choir helped to support a family in need by purchasing clothes, grocery gift cards and other gifts for them. They also contributed $335 for music camp scholarships for students of the W.O. Smith School.

Thanks to the Belmont congregation for so often extending your words of gratitude and appreciation to the many musicians who volunteer their time and talents so freely. We are indeed blessed to have the interest, concern, prayer and resouces available to make this vital ministry a blessing to those in and outside our church walls.

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Winter Learning Season Begins In February

Who We Are Is How We Pray is the theme for the five-week 2005 Winter Learning season, which will be under the leadership of Mary Lou Redding. The Tuesday evening event will begin on February 1, 2005, and continue through March 1, 6:30 p.m. in Parker Hall. The registration fee is $15 per person and may be paid at the first session.

Using Daniel Wolpert’s book, CREATING A LIFE WITH GOD, Ms. Redding will guide the participants through a look at how we pray by looking at ancient and new prayer traditions, music as prayer and guided meditations as a new form of prayer.

A former college professor and a popular retreat and seminar leader on prayer, journaling and spirituality, Mary Lou Redding is an accomplished writer and has received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the National Educational Press for her children’s story, PRISONERS OF WAR.
For more information, obtain a brochure available in the church display racks or contact Jim Strickland at 383-0832, ext. 24. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience prayer in a new and different way.

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Music Schedule  

Sunday, January 9
10:00 Sanctuary Choir, warm-up
10:30 Sanctuary Choir
3:30 Wesley Ringers rehearsal
4:30 Open Door Singers rehearsal

Choirs resume
Interested in participating in Belmont’s music ministry?
Here’s our beginning of the new year schedule:
Sanctuary Choir (resumed January 5)
Jan. 7-8 Carillon Ringer’s retreat
Sunday, January 9, 3:30/4:30 Youth Wesley Ringers/Open Door Singers
Wednesday, January 12, 6:15 Children’s Choirs
Wednesday, January 12, 6:25 Orchestra
Thursday, January 13, 12:30 Celebration Ringers
Wednesday, February 16, 5:00 Children’s Chimes

To visit the Music Ministry's web page, click here.

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New Members

To visit the New Members web page, click here.

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Baptisms

To visit the Baptisms web page, click here.

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Wednesday Night At Belmont

January 12, 2005

Schedule:
5:00-6:00pm
Meal Served/ Parker Hall
6:00-6:10pm
Announcements, Blessing & Hymn Sing
6:15-7:00pm
Infant/Toddler Childcare, Room #111
6:30pm
Learning Tracks
6:15pm

Reservation Reminder - All meal reservations, cancellations or additions must be made by 9:00am on Monday. Make your reservations by calling Anne at 383-0832, ext 15; the reservation line at 383-0832, ext 49; or signing the attendance registration pad during the Sunday morning worship services. Reservations may be made weekly, or you may request a permanent reservation.

Menu: Poppy seed chicken, winter broccoli bake, sweet potato casserole, salad, rolls, and assorted pie tarts (youth and adults); Pig in blanket, grapes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chex mix, and oatmeal raisin cookies (children).

Pricing:  Children age 3 and under: FREE; Children ages 4-11 $3.00; Youth & Adults $6.00; Senior Citizens (age 65 and older) $5.00; Family $24.00.

Special Program for January 12 - Bishop Joe Pennel will begin a three-week series, The Inner Experience: Reflections on Prayer and Contemplation in room 124.

Upcoming Programs: The month of February will bring some very unique opportunities including our traditional observance of Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season for Christians, and two unique Learning Tracks offered by John Collett on “Public Policy and Our Responsibility” and two courses on “Resilient Families” and “Depression” with leadership coming from the Pastoral Counseling Center of Tennessee.

To visit the WNAB web page click here.

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Youth Notes

Youth ministry at Belmont is for any teenager in grades 7 - 12. We gather to grow in discipleship through Christian education, spirtual formation and fellowship (lots of fun).

Sunday, January 9
United Methodist Youth, 5:30 - 7:15pm.
GAME NIGHT-Bring your friends and come to have fun and celebrate a new year!

Wednesday, January 12
WNAB - Youth Bible Study, 6:15 - 7:15pm, 3rd Floor.

Friday - Saturday, January 14 - 15
Youth Bell Retreat - more details on the way...

To visit the Youth web page, click here.

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The Childrens' Corner

Child Care Ministry
10:20-11:40 am
January 9

Infants – Room 115
SS – TBA
10:30am - Melissa Eckert

Toddlers – Room 111
SS – Vicki Tench
10:30am - Martha & Claire Ballew

Nursery 2 – Room 110
Susan Savage

Nursery 3 – Room 112
Katherine Esquivel

Nursery 4& 5 – Room 114
EnaShea & Chris Kohler

Kindergarten – Room 116
Mollie & David Henry

To visit the Children's web page, click here.

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