News & Events
 

Newsletter Online Edition
May 5, 2007

Proclaiming and practicing a Christianity that is both faithful to the Gospel and responsive to today's world.

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Walking with Power
By Leigh Bond

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.––Acts 2:1-4

A story is told about an Anglican bishop who was invited to preach at a Christian conference in England. For many weeks he did not respond to the invitation. Finally, the corresponding secretary for the conference wrote this insistent note: “We must know if you are coming. We need to make our plans.” The bishop wrote back that he was “waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the matter, and he would let them know his decision in four weeks.” The exasperated secretary fired back this letter: “Bishop, please don’t bother. Cancel the invitation. We are not interested in having anyone speak at our conference who lives four weeks away from the Holy Spirit.”

This coming weekend we will hear the story of Pentecost, often described as “the birthday of the Church.” As we listen to the text from Acts 2, we will quickly discover that the disciples who gathered in Jerusalem were not “four weeks away from the Holy Spirit”—they were “in the eye of a spiritual hurricane!” They experienced the power and presence of God in amazing ways! They heard a sound like the rush of a violent wind! Tongues like fire rested on each of them! They began to speak in other languages! Witnesses “from every nation” didn’t know what to make of it! Some accused the disciples of being drunk. Others were bewildered, amazed, and astonished! They heard “their” languages being spoken. Somehow, this incredible event was for them! Peter confirmed their assumptions! Standing before them, he boldly provided the historical and scriptural background for what was happening. Then he offered the invitation: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!” This Pentecost party was for everybody—men, women, young, old, slaves, free—everyone! And thousands of people said “Yes!” to God’s invitation through Peter.

I believe that the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is still available today. God is still offering the invitation to receive the power of Pentecost to “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord!” This weekend during worship, we will hear the story told in many languages. We will celebrate the gift of the Spirit and the birthday of the Church. We will wear red, which is the liturgical color for the day of Pentecost and which reminds us of the “fire” of the Holy Spirit. We will reflect on what this final passage of the “Via Lucis” means for us and Beargrass and for our work and witness in this world. So don’t miss this! And don’t miss opportunities to invite someone to join you for worship!

Refugee Informational Meeting
By Robin Brown

Please join us for an informational meeting about hosting a new Refugee Family at Beargrass. We will gather on Monday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. We can use help at many levels, which includes setting up a new apartment, gathering furniture, clothing, setting up the kitchen, grocery shopping, and an initial meal. We have very limited transportation needs. We’ll need visitation, and someone to help with banking, too. We will work with Kentucky Refugee Ministries again. Last year’s family, the Alors, are doing wonderfully in Louisville.

If you can be part of this very rewarding ministry, we can use your help in very small ways, too. Please join us.

Early Morning Bible Study
By Dick Mortberg

There will be no Wednesday Early Morning Bible Study on May 7. We will resume on May 14 with a new eight-week study entitled “Good and Evil.”
Where is God when terrorists attack or when massive tsunamis sweep away thousands of people? When children die from cancer or our sweet grandmothers lose their memories of us, we want to know if God knows what is going on––and if God really cares. We want to know why God doesn’t redirect a destructive hurricane or do something to prevent a famine or let the police find a serial rapist before another victim suffers.

When we turn to the Bible, we find some startling news! Evil is a very real force in our world and in our lives, but God is not surprised by evil. When disasters happen, God is there. God is not the source of evil, but sovereignly rules over a world that chooses to ignore him. We also discover that God can take the worst event and bring good from it.

We will explore some of these issues of good and evil in this study. Study guides are available in the church office for $6.30.

Disciples Women Book Club
By Stacy DeCoste

The Disciples Women Book Club will met on May 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 202. They will be reading When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka.



Celebration on Mother’s Day!
By Leigh Bond

This year will be one of the rare times that Pentecost and Mother’s Day fall on the same day! From one perspective, this “coincidence” has some significant meaning for us as we celebrate “the birth of the Church” and God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples (read Acts 2). We’ll have a number of special things going on in worship, including the reading of Acts 2 in various languages (or “tongues”). We’re inviting everyone to WEAR RED, which is the liturgical color for the day.


Sharing: Multiplying by Dividing
By Stephen Freyer

Linda had been teaching three-year-olds in Sunday School for nearly 20 years. It was time for her to hand over the reins. In explaining her methods and ideas to the new teacher, a "young adult" taking over the class, she smiled and gentley said, "At this age, all you can really teach is, 'Jesus loves you,' and 'You have to share.' That's not a bad lesson plan for any age group in Sunday School. Adults know, but sometimes forget, the wonders of God's math. By sharing what we have, dividing it in effect, we actually see it multiply––often with amazing results.

This year, through the Pentecost Offering, we have the opportunity to take part in that witness. Through the Pentecost Offering, we support the New Church Ministry of the Disciples throughout the United States and Canada, and right here in our region. We help in the recruiting and training of New Church planters, and we share in the fruits of their ministry, bringing God's message to new places and new communities. We Share the Chalice," and multiply the love. Thank you for caring and sharing in the Pentecost Special Offerings on May 10/11 and May 17/18.

New Member Party, May 18, 10:00 a.m.!
By Leigh Bond

All adult new members who have joined the church family since 2006 are invited to a party in Chalice Hall on Sunday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Straub and I will take some time to celebrate your presence and participation in the church family and “see how things are going.” Please plan to attend!

Disciples Women (DW) Memorial Service

The Disciples Women cordially invites family members and friends to the DW Memorial Service that will honor their loved ones.The service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Conference Room. This memorial service will celebrate the lives of those who have meant so much to us who have passed away April 30, 2007 through April 30, 2008. Call the church office at 896-1161 to let the church office know how many of your family members and friends will be able to attend.

Officer Joe Peters’ Bear Patrol
By Jessie Ewing and Carol Smith

Another year has passed and we are coming up on May which is “Bear Patrol” month for Beargrass. So once again we are asking everyone to bring a small stuffed animal and drop it off in the Agape Classroom (202) and we will make sure that it is delivered to Officer Joe Peters to be distributed to children who may need a friend in time of distress. Joe has told us stories of many children who have been blessed with your gifts of love and compassion. Last year we collected over our expectations and we know that Beargrass can do it again. We look forward to seeing little animals of all shapes and kinds lurking around the room. Thanks, Beargrass, for your support.

Elder Training, Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.
By Leigh Bond

All elders—new, returning, and those going on sabbatical—are urged to attend an elders’ training session on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the Fellowship Hall. Your presence and participation will be very important. A part of our discussion will include some proposals for some significant changes in the role and responsibilities of our elders. Dr. Gary Straub will facilitate the ession. As many of you know, he has expertise in this area and has written a book titled Your Calling as an Elder.

The Solid Rock Café
By Meg Blackwell

The children’s choirs are preparing to welcome us into The Solid Rock Café for an evening of fun. The Spring Musical will teach us the importance of leaning on God and Jesus as our “Rock.” The children will find there is no better recipe for life. You won’t want to miss this great opportunity. The musical will be performed on Sunday, May 18, at 6:30 in the evening.


“The Joyous Singers” to Sing at Beargrass!
By Leigh Bond

Beargrass will be blessed by the presence of “The Joyous Singers” choir, which will sing in our sanctuary on Saturday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m. Under the direction of Clarise Fuller, the forty-member choir will present a number of favorite hymns during the worship service—so we’ll get a “sermon in songs!” A love offering will be received to support the ministry of the choir in the community. Bring a friend!

Farmers Market Returns!
By Bob Callander
A farmers market is a place to find fresh locally-grown produce. A “great” farmers market is a place to connect with neighbors, visit with friends, listen to music, talk to farmers, and . . . find fresh locally-grown produce. The St. Matthews market hosted by Beargrass promises to be as much an event as a market.

At 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, and each Saturday thereafter through September, over fifty local producers will truck their products to Beargrass from thirteen counties in central Kentucky and southern Indiana. They will display and sell vegetables grown in their fields or baked goods from their kitchens. Come and experience the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of a high-energy market right here at Beargrass in the “Heart of St. Matthews.”

Save the Date For Repair Affair 2008!
By Clayton Farris and Jeremy Angermeier

 The 2008 Repair Affair will be June 14. Repair Affair mobilizes resources and volunteers to make repairs on homes owned by elderly or disabled low-income homeowners. On event day support volunteers produce The Breakfast of Champions––a great way to start an important day. Our goal will be to help as many homeowners as is possible . . . and everyone is welcomed and needed. Watch for more information!

Hospitals: (as of April 30)
Baptist East: Margie Wepf, Hugh Jackson, Dee Carter,
Lela Hart (Jeff Hart’s mother)
University: Susie McCarty
Kindred: Nita Moberly
Audubon: Shirley Smith

Concerns:
*Margaret Buisson is home from the hospital. Her address and phone number are: PO Box 197029, 40259, 897-0375.

*Shellie Cheatham is home from the hospital. Her address and phone number are: 7311 Arrowwood Rd., 40222, 423-0537.

*Tommy Tingle, Tony Clark, Bea Barner, Gail Smith, and Doris Hull Wilson are receiving treatments for cancer.

Piano Lesson Openings. Anthony Ransom has room for some more piano students. He can be reached at aransom01@insightbb.com or (812) 653-0284.

Piano Studio Openings. The Studio of Denise Whittington has openings for piano lessons. Please call 386-8010 or email dbwhit33@hotmail.com for more information. "The arts need to become central in the education of our children. It is fact that the study and performance of music develops motivational, intellectual, spiritual, and social skills, as well as a sense of personal satisfaction and self-esteem." —Margaret McElwin Kemper, Past-President, American Guild of Organists

*Call Dr. Dan the Handy Man for all your handyman needs. Just call me! Dan Coddington, 558-2722. drdan_1998@yahoo.com. "You Break It, I'll Fix It."

 *Call David Holdcraft for all your Painting, Drywall Repair, Wallpapering Needs. 10 year experience and insured. Cell: 502-594-9885.

*For Wedding Photography check out Renee Werner at (502) 314-4042 or wernerweddingphotography.com. (Note: Renee is a friend of Shirley Stanford and Shirley is very impressed by Renee's work. Shirley wants to let her Beargrass family know about Renee's talent.)

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This Week in Worship

May 10/11
Walking with Power
Acts 2:1-21
Dr. Leigh Bond, Preaching

5:30 p.m. Saturday
Service in Chapel

8:45 a.m. Contemporary Service
Beargrass Praise Team

11:00 a.m. Traditional Service
Beargrass Choir