the blue · the blue review november 2015 ... positive reports for the recently scheduled bluegrass...
TRANSCRIPT
PROFILE IN LEADERSHIP
CHARLOTTE ROBINSON
Church Historian, Librarian,
Facilitator of BRC Book Club,
Covenant Sunday School Class Teacher
The Blue Review November 2015
Charlotte grew up in Brookfield, MO, where her parents were active in the
Methodist Church. Her mother was the Youth Director in the late 1950’s
and extended an invitation to youth from a local black church to attend a
youth meeting. Her church disapproved, but that example taught Charlotte
the importance of welcoming all people into the church. She graduated
from the University of MO, where she met her husband, Dwight. After
Dwight graduated, they moved several times with his job and finally landed
in Kansas City in 1962.
They began attending BRC after a visit from a lay member, as well as the
minister, and became members later the same year. The church was
starting to grow and it soon became the center of their life. Both of their
children were baptized and married at BRC, as well as baptisms for all four
grandchildren here. Charlotte has taught Sunday School for almost 40
years, with help from Dwight for the last 20 years in the Covenant Class.
After some time she noticed the need for an improved library. Under her
leadership, our current library has grown to several hundred volumes.
While serving on the 150th church anniversary committee, she wrote a
church history book and has filled many notebooks preserving the history
of the church.
Like most people, Charlotte has faced struggles over the years. It is the
love of a church family—a listening ear, a hug, support through hard
times—that has sustained her and kept her strong. After 53 years of
membership at Blue Ridge church, she believes we will continue to serve
on this corner for many years to come.
There are times when awe and gratitude
overwhelm us, whether we're seeing a
sunset, watching a child laugh or just
appreciating a special moment. These are
the moments when we just want to thank
O Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
Remember the wonderful works he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he has uttered.
God for the good things in our lives, and praise God for the
amazing world around us. The Book of Psalms is full of
beautiful words that do just that. Psalm 105:1-5 is such a psalm.
(www.beliefnet.com)
Join Us Sunday!
Sunday School 9:00 am
Advent Study 9:00 am (Beginning Nov. 29)
Worship 10:00 am
We have great opportunities in this community for mission and ministry. I hope you share my excitement about
these opportunities and others we can name together in the near future. Remember, God opens the future; we
have the call and the opportunity to walk into that new day.
Grace and Peace,
Tex
816-682-6078
Friends,
I am excited about the future because we are turning Blue Ridge Church around. Our attendance has
been up 20 to 30% and pledges are up $23,000 for this coming year. Even better, we have more pledges
yet to come in. So things are moving in a good direction.
In this turnaround let me share some thoughts about new directions.
First, I would like to see us increase our attendance to 150 in the next several months. Then after that
another 50 to get us around 200 in attendance. If we can move beyond 150, we can then go to two
services. I am aware that many of you find our contemporary service very meaningful and would like to
see it move more in that direction. At the same time, a sizable group of you express interest in a more
traditional service. If we could move to two services, I think it would increase our attendance overall, and
two forms of worship would speak more fully to the entire congregation.
Research shows that congregations grow best when church members invite family, friends, neighbors, and work
associates to go with them to church. In other words invitations to those you have basic relationships with are the
best way to reach out to new participants in worship and potential members.
I ask each of you to engage in this new effort.
Second, we have 10 to 15 young adults who participate in Blue Ridge Church. I am very interested in working
with our young adults to discover the ways that we can be more responsive to our young adults and those in the
wider community. If you are a young adult and would like to work with me on this, please let me know. My phone
number and email address are below.
Third, the demographics around the church indicate that we have a large number of single parents. I would be very
interested in an effort to reach out and be responsive to this group. For example, we could work on a single
parents night out. But I am most interested in being responsive to the expressed concerns and opportunities the
group would identify. Again, are there two or three of you who would like to work with me on this ministry? Please
give me a call or send an email.
Finally, we have a large number of people over 55 years of age in the community around our church. In a very real
sense, part of the future of this congregation rests with older people. While we already have several significant
opportunities in the church for this age group, I am interested to see if there are also new directions we need to
consider and implement. Please let me know with a phone call or an email.
Council News - October 2015
The council meetings of September and October,
2015 continued our discussions from the summer about
current church projects and new directions to pursue in
ministry.
Attendance and giving are both up. Tex would like to
see us reach 150 by Christmas and 200 by May.
Hitting these goals would develop our “critical mass”
for the next stages of Blue Ridge growth – possibly 2
services.
Though we are paying the bills and using less of the
endowment money than we planned, a challenge that still
haunts us is the debt we have from the geothermal
project. We still owe almost $258,000. It’s difficult to
justify “dream” projects like Community Centers,
commercial refrigerators and hiring staff/giving raises
when this obligation is still outstanding. We look forward
to the congregation “stepping up” to the financial
challenges we face and committing faithfully to this
year’s Generosity Campaign.
The Board reviewed and adopted the Trustee
proposal for a Wedding and Building Use Fee Schedule.
Having this schedule gives us better guidelines for the
way folks use our facility. We have also had very
positive reports for the recently scheduled Bluegrass
Group monthly meetings. There are many opportunities
for serving our mission field by having this group use the
church each month – and the music is FANTASTIC!
Tex continues to open up topic areas for us to
pursue in ministry. We gave him the floor and he
addressed the following topics.
1. Youth and Teens serving: KOAM - exactly on
target, also Youth serving communion on 3rd
Sundays. We need to get word out to single
people and single people w/ children, the Parent's
Night Out project - who do we see that is called
to do that?
2. Time for Talking w/ Tex - He sees a need/desire
for guests and friends of the church to have a
time to talk things over after church - whatever is
on their mind. Could be the sermon, the church
or their general faith questions.
3. The Justice Team - no they don't have super-
hero/heroine names or capes. They are
interested in ministry issues dealing with justice
in our society. So far Missy Marcella, Connie
Turnipseed, Bonnie Downs and Deb DeMoss are
talking over issues and planning. I think I saw
Donna Teachman hanging with that group also.
4. Mission collaboration with Woods Chapel - Their
Nicaragua effort may be of interest to folks
looking to participate from Blue Ridge
5. More2 (More Square - http://www.more2.org/)
Tex believes the church should be involved with
organizations that have already established
structures to deal with justice issues. He cited the
pharmacy/medication cost injustices for folks
desperately needing medicine they cannot afford.
As time began to run out, Tex rapidly shared topics in
the following areas:
+ Older people in church - "stalking", Adventures in
Learning, Golden Key, McDonalds
+ "Old People on a Mission" (comparable to Kids on a
Mission)
+ People aged 35-55 - "What are we doing for them?"
+ Time of prayer, relationship building.
+ Mission outpost visiting, perhaps during Lent
+ Website revamp - What can we do better there?
+ Outdoor signage/advertising along Blue Ridge Blvd,
Can we get past "No"?
Previously, we announced the Charge Conference
at Blue Ridge for Nov. 1, but the World Series Game
5 was scheduled for the same time slot. The Charge
Conference was rescheduled to join the Nov. 8
charge conference at First UMC of Blue Springs.
Pastor Parish Relation Committees (PPRC) will meet
from 6-7 pm and the Charge Conference will be from
7-8 pm.
As you might suspect, we have more conversa-
tion to flesh out the areas where we have folks called
to serve. I look forward to serving the Lord with you.
Board meetings are the second Tuesday of the
month. Our next Board meeting will be November 13
at 6:30 p.m.
- Brad Teachman, Council Chairperson
HALLOWEEN 2015
Great fun was had by a l l who part ic ipated in th is
year ’s Trunk or Treat Celebrat ion on Hal loween
night . More than 150 chi ldren were t reated to
candy out of 15 decorated t runks by about 25
vo lunteers. The weather was ideal , everyone was
in good spir i ts and the candy d id not run out!
Thank you to everyone who donated candy,
decorated t runks, or volunteered in any capaci ty!
Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ. For he is going to say, “I came as a guest, and you received me.” Rule of St. Benedict
What does it take to be a good host and welcome guests in a manner that will increase their desire to return?
Seven ways to start the process for all of us include the following:
1 – Invite your guests with a personal invitation.
2 – Arrive early to make sure everything is ready for the guests’ arrival.
3 – Greet the guests warmly at the entrance and escort them to the sanctuary and to their seats.
4 – Assist guests in understanding what is taking place (order of worship, communion procedure, etc.).
5 – Anticipate and answer as many questions as possible in advance, so guests do not have to ask.
(Do they have any questions?)
6 – Do something extra to make your guests visit special.
7 – Walk guests to the door and invite them back.
Someone welcomed each of us to church and to God while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). When we extend
a hand of welcome to guests, believers and nonbelievers, we are extending God’s hand. When we welcome
guests to our church, we open the possibility that they will welcome God into their lives. From Beyond the First Visit by Gary L. McIntosh
Communion for Our Homebound Members
After talking with Pastor Tex about some of our members who could not be in church to take communion, I have
been taking the bread and juice to a couple who were very regular in attendance, before illness made that too
difficult. After church I have lunch, then come back and get the elements left from the morning service, and take it
to their home. I call before going, to make sure the time is good. I think there are other homebound who would be
interested in having communion once a month in their home. It takes no special skills and I would be happy to
show you how to do that. It has been an uplifting ministry for me, and I really believe it is for those I have served,
as well. Can you help with this ministry?
Volunteers are also needed for:
Sunday morning communion preparation, set up and clean up
Changing paraments seasonally, for holidays and funerals
Picking up those who can no longer drive to church on Sunday and for special services and events
If you are interested in any of these ministries, please call and leave a message on my home phone, 816-373-2237,
or email at [email protected]. Sue Klotz
It may seem early to be thinking of Christmas, but it is not too early to reserve a December date for decorating the
church for the holidays. Please join us on Saturday, December 5, at 10 AM to put ornaments on the big tree,
hang wreaths, and put out the nativity scene. We need some younger people to climb the ladders in order to put
the star and other ornaments near the top of the tree. There is plenty to do even for those who can only reach the
lower limbs of the tree. We will have some hot drinks and doughnuts to keep up our energy!! It is a great time of
fellowship so come and join the fun. If you have questions, please call Charlotte Robinson at 816-353-4946.
ADVENT STUDY TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 29 LEADER: PASTOR TEX SAMPLE
The Christmas story we know so well is really a compilation of accounts found in each of the
Gospels. Although the four books present the event somewhat differently, each of them leads us
on the Advent journey of preparation for Christ’s coming. Awaiting the Already takes us on a tour
through the Gospel narratives, showing us what parts of the Christmas story come from which
Gospel, and helps us to recognize that each Gospel writer invites us to encounter a fresh experi-
ence of the birth of Christ. Books will be available for purchase ($8 book/shipping) Nov. 8-29 at
the church. Classes will be held in the Dining Room, 9:00-9:45 am on Sunday mornings.
Week One
Nov. 29 Jer. 33:14-16
Nov. 30 Romans 10:9-18
Dec. 1 Luke 10:21-24
Dec. 2 Matt. 15:29-37
Dec. 3 Matt. 7:21, 24-27
Dec. 4 Matt. 9:27-31
Dec. 5 Psalm 147:1-6
Week Two
Dec. 6 Luke 3:1-6
Dec. 7 Isaiah 35:1-10
Dec. 8 Luke 1:26-38
Dec. 9 Psalm 103:1-4,8,10
Dec. 10 Isiah 41:13-20
Dec. 11 Isaiah 48:17-19
Dec. 12 Rev. 11:19a; 12:1-6a
Make room in your heart and in your busy days throughout Advent for a few minutes each day reading scripture and praying, in preparation
for the Savior who is to come.
Week Three
Dec. 13 Philippians 4:4-7
Dec. 14 Num. 24:2-7; 15-17a
Dec. 15 Matt. 21:28-32
Dec. 16 Luke 7:18b-23
Dec. 17 Gen 49:2, 8-10
Dec. 18 Matt. 1:18-25
Dec. 19 Luke 1:5-25
Week Four
Dec. 20 Luke 1:39-45
Dec. 21 Zeph. 3:14-18a
Dec. 22 Luke 1:46-56
Dec. 23 Luke 1:57-66
Dec. 24 Luke 1:67-79
Dec. 25 John 1:1-18
The barrels have been delivered
from REAP and are waiting to be
filled with Christmas gifts for
needy families. Gifts should be
new and unwrapped. Please pick
up a list of ideas that is clipped to
the barrels. December 6th is the
deadline for donations of gifts.
Make a needy family’s Christmas
one to remember!
EVEning Circle First Monday
Unit Meeting Second Wednesday
Priscillas Third Wednesday
Mission Team Fourth Wednesday
Connecting Hands Fourth Wednesday
For more information, please contact:
Sandy McConnell at 816.224.4603 or
REAP Pantry, 1st Sunday
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Every Tuesday, 10 am
Women’s Bible Study, 1st & 3rd Thursday, 10 am
Hartman Breakfast, 1st Thursday at Ginger’s, 8 am
Council, 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 pm
Book Club, 2nd Tuesday, 7 pm
Golden Key, 2nd Thursday at Noon
Grief Care, 3rd Wednesday at 10 am
ONGOING EVENTS
Special Days and Holidays November 29 First Sunday in Advent
Advent Study begins, 9:00 am
December 1 World Aids Day
December 5 Hanging of the Greens, 10:00 am
December 6, 13, 20 Sundays of Advent
December 21 Winter Solstice
December 24 Christmas Eve
Worship: 7 and 11 pm
December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
December 21 Watch Night/New Year’s Eve
January 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY 2016
January 3 Epiphany Sunday
January 10 Baptism of the Lord
iInvite
Invite people to church.
Invite people to Jesus.
From the Hospi tal i ty Committee
Thank you to You – who have extended the
gracious love of Christ by sharing food snacks in
the Blue Café and/or by serving as our welcomers
(greeters) on Sunday mornings! It is so nice to be
welcomed with big smiles and yummy treats. We
would also like to say thank you once again to our
steadfast Connectors who serve as hosts to our
new guests: Phyllis Harrel, Beverly Scalet, Edna
Scahill and Charlie Hulse. Opportunities to serve as
Connectors, greeters or to share food snacks are
always available. We invite you to sign up at the
Welcome Center in the Blue Café area.
KANSAS CITY BLUEGRASS
MUSIC CLUB
December 4; 7:00 pm
Fel lowship Hal l
10 WAYS TO LOVE
1. Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)
2. Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)
3. Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)
4. Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
5. Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)
6. Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
7. Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
8. Trust without wavering. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
9. Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)
10. Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)
Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church 5055 Blue Ridge Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64133
Blue Ridge Blvd. United Methodist Church 5055 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64133
www.blueridgechurch.org
Tuesday -Thursday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tex Sample Pastor
Direct: 816-682-6078
Kevin Hershberger Director of Worship Arts
Sarah Jarvis Financial Secretary
Peggy Simpson Church Administrator
Church Office: 816-353-1435
Church Fax: 816-353-8770
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE: On Monday before
Thanksgiving (Nov. 23rd) at 7:00 p.m., you are invited to a
casual, family-friendly service of Thanksgiving with our
Raytown neighbors of all faiths. It's a wonderful opportunity
to share in a time of gratitude with people of other faith
communities. And then there's always great refreshments
afterwards! Everyone is encouraged to bring a sack of
groceries (non-perishables) for those in our community
who are hungry. REAP, 9300 E 75th St., Raytown, MO.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES All services will be led by Pastor Tex Sample
NOVEMBER 29, First Sunday in Advent
The Common Good
Jeremiah 28:4-11 & Galatians 6:7-10
DECEMBER 6, Second Sunday in Advent
The God Who Pitches Tents, Luke 3:1-6
DECEMBER 13, Third Sunday in Advent
The Nitty Gritty God, Matt. 3:1-6
DECEMBER 20, Fourth Sunday in Advent
Duke’s Dining Room Table, Matt.1:18-25
DECEMBER 24: CHRISTMAS EVE
7:00 pm Wonderful Child
11:00 pm The Manger God
Candlelight Communion
DECEMBER 27
Christmas Blues, Matt. 2:12-23
JANUARY 3, Epiphany Sunday
By Another Road, Matt. 2:1-11