January 18, 2007

 

Surprise!

 

Among the many blessings in my life, the people with whom I work provide some of the most fulfilling.  Clifford King Harbin, our Pastor, never ceases to be filled with “big picture” vision of Beloved’s future and the trusting, childlike faith that with God all things are possible.  Deb Blackwood, our Deacon, lives her passion for how Christians can transform the world and finds many ways to challenge my preconceptions.  Dan Hood, our Director of Music, blends his deep spirituality and youthful (even though he turns 30 today!) vigor with a musical leadership that helps to make our worship soar.

 

I think the reason the Beloved staff is so harmonious is that each of has a clear sense that God has called us to serve in this place.  Those who have attended Orientation have heard the story of how God made it abundantly clear that this was where we were to go.  At Church Planter’s Boot Camp in Colorado, we just “happened” to meet Deb Blackwood, never knowing that one day she would leave Southwest Florida, move to Charlotte and sense a call to Beloved.  When visiting the Charlotte Church Plant Warehouse 242, we admired the energy of their young worship leader, never knowing that those early worship encounters would lead one day to Dan Hood meeting us for pizza at the uptown Brixx, a subsequent job offer and a growing friendship.  Each was a joyous surprise, orchestrated by our Beloved Lord, who continues to sustain us and (we hope) use us to spread his presence in the world.

 

We shouldn’t be amazed that God isn’t finished with surprises for Beloved.  Clifford and I are pleased to share a wonderful new one with you---Sally Brower has accepted our call to become Beloved’s new Assisting Pastor for Formation.  Interestingly, Sally has had a connection with Beloved from its beginnings…she was attracted to the name as she passed by our original development office in uptown Charlotte, she was present at our daughter Clare’s baptism, she worshipped during Holy Week and Christmas, and most recently she, along with her husband Brent, began worshipping regularly with the Beloved congregation.  Sally is incredibly gifted—an ordained Lutheran pastor with a PhD in psychology, a trained spiritual director and retreat leader, author, and an icon painter among many other talents—and will use these gifts in this (for now) non-stipendiary position to help Beloved adults grow deeper in our faith as we continue to reach outside ourselves to grow in numbers at the same time.  Words cannot express how thrilled we are to have Sally as part of Beloved’s ministry staff!

 

Sally will begin her ministry this Sunday when she presides at the Eucharist.  This is a day not to miss!  Thanks to Dan Hood, a new staff bio page is now up on the web.  To view this page and learn more about Sally and each of your Beloved staff members, click here.

 

J. Derek Harbin, priest

 

Around Beloved…Sunday Christian formation resumes this Sunday.

 

Mothers, grandmothers, and others who are interested in praying weekly for students attending Hawk Ridge Elementary, Endhaven Elementary, Community House Middle, or Jay M Robinson Middle Schools are invited to join a local Moms In Touch prayer group which meets at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church each Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 am.  For more information, contact Donna Elyea, 704.543.0223 or click here. For information about groups praying for other schools, contact Marie at 704.366.3332.

 

Interested in finding a way to read the Bible throughout the year?  Pick up a Bible Reading Brochure from New Life 91.9 in the hospitality area on Sunday.

 

Beloved’s Worker Bees, the youth group for those ages 9-12, will gather for a light meal and Movie Night on Friday, January 26 from 6:30-9pm.  Beloved’s metamorphosis, the youth group for those ages 12-15, will gather for a light meal and Movie Night on Saturday, January 27 from 6:30-9pm.  Bring $3 for food and a friend.  Because Beloved’s youth groups meeting only monthly, please make every effort to clear your calendar and attend your respective evening.  To see the remainder of the school year calendar for the youth groups, please click here.

  

Last Sunday…Attendance: 124; Basket Offering: $3,625

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar This Sunday…Angel Army Team 5 (Captain: Steve Todd; Administrator: Frank Reid; Pastor: Mary Reid; Convener: Tom Friend); Acolytes: Rebecca Berkeley, Kate Copeland, Victoria Floyd, JR West; Altar Bread Baker: Kris Leinenkugel; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Kris Leinenkugel & Bud Moore; Offertory Basket Passers: Joseph Duty, Hannah Friend, Benjamin Lamb, Jeremy Lamb; PowerPoint: Mitchell Harbin; Presenters: Forrest Boylston, Hailey Boylston, Susan Boylston; Reader: Tony Hodgson

 

 

Sunday’s Scripture Readings…1 Corinthians 12:12-31a & Luke 4:14-21

 

 

In our Prayers…Wes Nichols‘ father, Jim, who remains hospitalized…Janie Wooten who is healing from a broken ankle…Michelle Dezzutto‘s sister, Joan…Mike Montagnino recovering from back surgery…Clifford King Harbin who will have surgery on Monday…Elizabeth, Shari Wynn‘s sister…Bob, Lee Frickhoeffer‘s uncle…Phyllis, Linda Mellon‘s mother…Mike, Dick Reif’s brother…Joe, Michele Nichol’s father…Melissa, Donna Elyea’s cousin…Emily, Nancy and Tony Hodgson's granddaughter…Michel, Catherine Atwood’s father…those serving in Iraq, especially Bob, Clifford King Harbin‘s nephew, Jared, Wes and Michele Nichols’ nephew; Ron, Marilyn Doyon‘s brother-in-law...Palmer, Betsy Fox’s teenage cousin…Jessie Powell...Bertie, Bonnie Lowder’s mother…Ed and Jean, Dick Reif's parents…Pat Kitts, friend of Beloved…Mary Ann Ingram, friend of the Scheppegrell family, who has liver cancer…Penny Crawford and Chris Morley as they seek permanent employment...the staff and students of Community House Middle School

 

 

Upcoming Calendar…click here