UPCOMING EVENTS

BELMONT WEEKDAY SCHOOL OPENINGS - The Weekday School currently has openings for our fall session beginning August 30. We serve children 9 months to 5 years old. If you or someone you know is interested in our program, please call 383-0886. We are happy to answer any questions you have or to set up a tour of our facility. Thanks.

BEGINNING SPANISH CLASS OFFERED AT EDGEHILL UMC -   Edgehill UMC has invited interested Belmonters to participate in a 10-week beginning Spanish class that will meet at 1414 Edgehill Avenue on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They hope to start before the end of August. The cost  depends on the number of students, but will be around $144, thanks to a $2000 grant from the Tennessee Conference. The curriculum is based on Destinos (go to learner.org/resources/series75.html for more information) and will be taught by Lisa Pasto-Crosby (languageaccelerated.com). To register, contact Sally Wingate at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 615-496-9051.

BELMONT’S E-CENSUS - In an effort to be good stewards of the church’s financial resources and the environment, Belmont is holding a fall e-Census. You might be surprised to find that it costs almost $950 to do a mailing to all church families. These costs, coupled with the environmental impact of the paper used for mailings and fuel used for postal delivery, has led Belmont to consider ways in which we might reduce the church’s financial burden and our environmental footprint by enhancing our electronic communications. Given the large number of church families that have access to e-mail, we’d like to update our e-Census by August 31. Of course, Belmonters who do not have e-mail access will continue to receive communications in a traditional way. Please take a moment to update your desired e-mail address through the attendance pad on Sunday mornings or by sending an e-mail to the church office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT BELMONT (WNAB) FOR SEPTEMBER 1 – Program: Creative writing class, room 122; Photography class, room 124. Schedule: 5:15-6:00 p.m., meal served in Community Center; 5:45-5:50 p.m., birthdays, children leave for program; 5:50-6:00 p.m., announcements, joys & concerns, and prayer; 5:45-6:00 p.m., infant/toddler childcare (room 111); 6:00-7:00 p.m., programs. Reservation Reminder - All meal reservations, cancellations, or additions must be made by 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Make your reservations by calling the church at 383-0832 (ext. 49 after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends) 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: Roast pork loin, mandarin oranges, candied almonds salad, rice pilaf, sautéed green beans, rolls, strawberry shortcake parfait. Vegetarian option is available upon request (indicate this option when making reservation). Pricing:  children age 3 and under: FREE; children ages 4-6th grade:  $4; youth & adults: $8; seniors (70 and older): $6; family maximum: $28.

REPORTER PUBLICATION CHANGE -     Our church newspaper will be published only nine times (every other week, except during November) during the months of September, October, November, December, and January. Belmont households, therefore, will not receive a church newspaper on the following dates: September 3, September 17, October 1, October 15, October 29, November 19, December 3, December 17, December 31, and January 7. If you have questions, please contact Angie Slade at 383-0832, ext. 23 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

AFRICA UNIVERSITY PRESENTATION -  On Sunday, September 5, during Sunday school hour, Angella Current-Felder will make a presentation about Africa University in the Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend. Mrs. Current-Felder served as the agency liaison for the Africa University Endowment Fund Campaign and provided technical and programmatic support to the AU Board of Directors until her recent retirement. In February 2001, Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee published Angella’s book, Breaking Barriers: An African American Family and the Methodist Story available at Cokesbury bookstores.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING -     The church and its offices will be closed on Monday, September 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  Please plan your schedules accordingly and contact Angie Slade at 383-0832, ext. 23 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need to reschedule a meeting or event.

TRY THE CHOIR NIGHT - The Sanctuary Choir invites you to try the choir in their annual rehearsal event “Try the Choir” night on September 8. You are, of course, welcome to continue singing with the ensemble on an extended basis, however this particular night offers an opportunity to try the choir with no strings attached. For more information, contact Gayle Sullivan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 615-383-0832 ext. 29.

METHODISM CLASS TO BE OFFERED - If you would like to learn more about the United Methodist Church and Belmont UMC, you are invited to attend the Methodism Class.  This class is open to newcomers, regular attenders, long-time members, and others interested in learning more about basics of life as a Belmont United Methodist believer.  The next Methodism class will be offered during the Sunday school hour on the four Sundays beginning September 12 from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the Iris Room.  Ken Edwards, Linda Johnson and Lisa Gwock will be leading the sessions.  For more information, to contact Lisa at 383-0832 ext. 24 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY - Financial Peace University (FPU) is designed to teach you how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth. In class each week, you will watch the video lesson and participate in discussion groups. Katherine Grant, a Financial Peace University graduate and advocate, will be leading this 13-week class. The class will meet from 3:00—5:00 p.m. on Sundays beginning September 12. The cost of the class is $100, which includes the member kit. For more information, visit: daveramsey.com. To register, contact Lisa Gwock at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 383-0832 ext. 24.

ADDITIONAL FAITH FORMATION STUDY OPPORTUNITY FOR FALL – Disciple 1: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study will be led by Frank Moore and Doug Hagler on Sunday afternoons, 4:30-7:00 p.m., beginning Sunday, September 12.  (Course cost $35) This class is a thirty-four week survey course of the entire Bible and is the suggested pre-requisite for all of the other long-term Disciple courses.  The study features small-group discussion of Scripture based on careful study and preparation and is aimed at transformation, not just information.  For more information or to register, contact Lisa Gwock at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 615-383-0832 ext. 24.

VOLUNTEER  FOR  HABITAT - A group of BUMC volunteers is being formed to help build a Habitat home on Sunday, September 19. Belmont has been a church home for 100 years, and this an opportunity to help provide a home for a deserving family.  To volunteer or ask for more information, please e-mail Bob McCutchan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Plans need to be firm by August 31.

CARE PARTNERS AT YOUR SERVICE! - This summer, a new ministry team called Care Partners was formed. Care Partners are trained Stephen Ministers and other laypersons who care for people facing crises or challenges with a ministry of listening, presence, and practical help. If you feel called to this ministry or would like to learn more, we welcome you to join us! Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 21, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Linda Johnson, Associate Pastor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 383-0832, ext. 25 or Laura Rosser, 834-6345 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Most importantly, we ask that you let us know as needs arise in your own life or in the lives of those you love, so that we might offer assistance and companionship.  

NASHVILLE AIDS WALK - The Nashville AIDS Walk mobilizes people of all ages to help fight HIV/AIDS locally. The event takes place on Saturday, October 2, culminating fund raising outreach during August and September to benefit Nashville CARES, Middle Tennessee's leading HIV/AIDS prevention and social service agency.  Nashville CARES invites you to sign up as an individual or organize a team. It's easier than you think to ask friends, family and colleagues to give, since many people wish to help, but haven't known how. Or, simply contribute in support of someone else who is participating! To join the effort, or to give, visit www.NashvilleAIDSWalk.com -- or contact Susan Kastan at 615-259-4866 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

32ND ANNUAL ALL-CHURCH RETREAT -   One of our favorite times of the year is around the corner:  Belmont’s All-Church retreat. Mark your calendars, make your plans, schedule time off from work, sign out from the soccer game, call the dog sitter, do whatever you need to do to join us on the mountain in Beersheba Springs October 15-17. The 32nd Annual All-Church retreat promises to be another relaxing, rejuvenating weekend filled with time spent deepening our connection to Christ, to nature, and to each other. Retreat brochures will be available soon and registration begins Sunday, September 26. Look for details about the wonderful lineup of leaders for adults, youth, and children in upcoming issues of the Reporter.

FIVE-DAY ACADEMY FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION -   The Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation is for clergy and laity hungering for spiritual growth and seeking renewal and enrichment. The purpose of the Academy is to provide a place to discover a longing for God. For some, this may be a kind of renewal. For others, it may be a new exploration into deeper aspects of Christian spirituality. This Academy will be held on October 17-22 at Camp Garner Creek in Dickson, TN. The cost, which includes lodging, meals, and programs, is $420 (before August 1) and $450 (after August 1). This event is sponsored by the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences and the Nashville Area Clergy Orders and Fellowship of the UMC, in partnership with The Upper Room Ministries. For a copy of the brochure and registration information, contact Lisa Gwock at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 615-383-0832 ext. 24.

FLOOD RESPONSE UPDATE: Belmonters' response to church members heavily affected in the May flood was wonderful. People rescued what could be rescued and offered storage until items were needed again. The good news is some of our flood victims are nearing the time when they need what was salvaged. The problem is, in the confusion and overwhelming emotions of May, people aren't sure what was saved and where it is. If you are one of the good Samaritans who have been storing items, please contact the owners and let them know what you have. Thank you again for all you have done.

WANTED: SHEPHERDS - to guide Golden Triangle Fellowship members around the  cliffs and valleys of our medical system. Two children and two adults need help with scheduling, transportation, reminding, and attending medical appointments that could address conditions needing serious medical intervention. It’s the kind of commitment we would make to our children or parents. Please call Linda Fields for ways to help: 585-6092

THE ALDERSGATE CLASS SAYS “THANKS!”  - The Aldersgate Sunday school class would like to thank everyone for their donations to the school clothing drive.  With your support, over 60 children in the Golden Triangle Fellowship received three new school outfits and a pair of shoes.

REPORTER SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS  - If you receive the printed version of the Belmont United Methodist Reporter at home, it is time to renew your subscription. The cost is $20 per year. Please make the check out to Belmont UMC and put “UMR subscription” in the memo section. This will continue your home delivery of the Belmont news as well as Tennessee Conference and national editions.  The email version is available at no cost.  Contact Angie Slade at 383-0832, ext. 23 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you wish to receive it via email.

HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT, EVENT, OR INSERT YOU WANT ADDED TO THE BULLETIN?  - If you have a ministry announcement you would like included in the bulletin, an event you would like listed on the bulletin calendar, or would like to schedule an insert, please contact Lindsey Grissom at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

TO SEW A FINE SEAM - isn’t a necessary skill. Members of the Golden Triangle Fellowship are making a quilt in their weekly sewing class at Mu Dah’s Turtle Creek apartment. They need your help. If you can use a sewing machine and give basic sewing directions, they would love your help. Can you volunteer once a month on Saturdays, 10:00-12:00? To volunteer as a teacher, please contact Beverly Lovell, phone 834-7058; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To get directions to the class or to gather, contact Judy Isenhour, phone 627-8258.

MAKING BELMONT UMC A WELCOMING PLACE -  Andrew Ministry is the ministry that focuses on intentionally welcoming people to Belmont UMC. This ministry introduces newcomers and new members to the programs and activities of Belmont United Methodist Church. Andrew Ministers serve one Sunday morning a month welcoming newcomers in the either foyer before Sunday school or in the narthex following the 10:30 worship service. They serve a vital role, not only in providing information about ministries, but also in helping people find their way around Belmont. Is God calling you to this important ministry?  For more information on how you can become an Andrew Minister, contact Lisa Gwock at 383-0832 ext. 24, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .