Belle Meade United Methodist Church January 6, 2016The Spire

Recently, as my friend Adam and I were talking about my upcoming move to North Carolina, he said “So Mark, what do you want to leave behind when you move? The question stopped me dead in my tracks. And I have replayed this question over and over in my mind the past couple of weeks. Adam was suggesting that I need to be intentional about how I want to live my life when I move.

The question that Adam asked me is a good question for all of us. As we begin a new year, we each have the opportu-nity to be intentional about what we want to “leave behind,” as well as what we want to “take with us.”

As I’ve pondered this question, I’ve come up with several things that I want to leave behind:

Fear – I want to let go of my habit of being afraid to risk. Instead, I want to take chances by trying new things, initiating new relationships, living authentically, and trusting God more fully.

Busyness – I want to leave behind the habit of constantly staying busy. Instead, I want to allow time and space for quiet, and for experiencing God in nature, in relaxation, in relationships, and in giving of myself to others.

Never being satisfied – I want to change my habit of almost always feeling like every situation could be better, if only … (fill in the blank). Instead, I want to focus on the positives, and rejoice in the ways in which I can see God’s pres-ence in every situation, and in every person.

My list of what I want to take with me includes several things that I have been working on in my life:

Faith – I want to live each day trusting that God loves me, and is with me, no matter what. And I want my faith to continue to have room for questions, for growth, and for maturing.

Joy – I want to live a life of joy, which is deeper than “happiness” when things go well. Joy is rooted in gratitude and faith in God. And I have found that it must be worked at intentionally, just like other good habits.

Gratitude – I want to live each day being grateful to God for the gift of life, the gift people who care about me, and the gift of being able to make a difference in the world.

I also take with me, as I begin this new year, tremendous gratitude for the privilege that has been mine to be a part of Belle Meade United Methodist Church. Thank you for your love, support, and for the many opportunities that you’ve given me. I have been blessed to be a part of this very special place. The amazing people of this church have been a gift of God to me, and I am grateful beyond words.

So, as you begin a new year, what do you want to leave behind, and what do you want to take with you? Answering these two questions, I feel certain, can honor God, and can make all the difference in the world in your life this coming year.

With great love and gratitude,

New BeginningsMark Acker

NEW DINNER GROUPSWe are created for connection. Start 2016 off right by connecting with your church family over a shared meal. Din-ner groups of 8 will meet together monthly over the next 4 months in one another’s homes. The schedule is set by the group and the location changes each month. The host provides the main dish, the other members bring a side or dessert. Groups are forming now through January 17. For more info, email kristin@bellemeadeumc.org or call 615-364-4739.

NEW WEEKLY SMALL GROUPSWhat: Vanishing Grace In this study of Philip Yancey’s book, participants will discover the desperate need our world has for grace, and how Christians can truly make the gospel good news again. Wading deep into the transformative power of grace, you will hear illuminating stories of how faith can be expressed in ways that disarm even the most cynical.When: Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, beginning January 12 - February 23 (7 weeks) Who: Led by Kinny CosnerWhere: Room 123Cost: $10Contact: Laura Zabaski at laura.zabaski@stgeorgesnashville.org

What: The Gospel of John Who is Jesus in John’s gospel and how does he matter to our lives? Join us as we read Scripture together, learn together, and discern how Jesus brings light into our daily lives. When: Wednesdays, beginning January 20 and continuing during Lent Who: Led by Kristin Clark-Banks and Brady BanksWhere: Room 123; 6:00-7:00 p.m. Cost: Free. Please bring a Bible to class. Optional resource is Adam Hamilton’s book, John: The Gospel of Light and Life, available for $13.00Contact: Rev. Kristin Clark-Banks at kristin@bellemeadeumc.org

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS What: Exodus When: Sundays, 9:15-10:15 beginning January 10 and continuing through Lent Who: Led by Brian SigmonWhere: Room 207Cost: Free. Please bring a Bible to class. Contact: Brian Sigmon at bosigmon@gmail.com

YOUTH BIBLE STUDYWhat: The Story of GodWe will see how each story in scripture connects to the larger story of God’s redemptive work with humanity and the world. Rather than “studying” these stories, we’ll use our imaginations to enter into each story to imagine what it would have been like to be there as the story was happening. This leads us to discuss the questions the surface as we actively and imaginatively listen to the story. When: Wednesdays 6:15 -7 pmWho: Led by Rev. Kelli HamiltonWhere: Youth LoungeCost: FreeContact: Rev. Kelli Hamilton at kelli@bellemeadeumc.org

Welcome New Members The Sheffields

Wednesday Night Dinners Begin Again on January 13We’ll start the new year off with supper served beginning at 5:00 pm and afterwards Trivia for all ages. Sign up on the worship attendance pad, call the church office at 615.352.6210 or email bdemerritt@com-cast.net to make your reservation. First time guests eat free; adults $8; children 5-11 $4; under age 5 free.

MARTHA GAINES RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONBelle Meade Children’s Center is celebrating the career and retirement of Martha Gaines with a reception in Fellowship Hall on January 17 immedi-ately following the 10:30 service. Everyone is invited to join us in thanking her for more than 40 years of service.

To the Congregation of Belle Meade Church,The words of the master when He said “Love one another as I have loved you” have come through to me loud and clear as this congregation has expressed this love to me with cards, letters, the visits, phone calls, gifts and words.

You have given me the greatest gifts and I am so thankful to you all. My prayer is that we continue to love one another as we work together building his kingdom here.

Lem Tanksley

Reception for Mark Acker, Sunday January 10Join us immediately following the 10:30 worship service next Sunday in the Fellowship Hall for a reception honoring Mark Acker’s service to Belle Meade UMC.

Prayer Concerns

The church prayer list cannot be included on our website due to privacy issues.

You can find the list in the church bulletin

or in the e-mail newsletter.

If you would like to receive the newsletter

by e-mail please contact the Communications Administrator,

Anna Margaret Miller, atthe church office at 352-6210

or sign up at the church website,

www.bellemeadeumc.org, under the newsletter

and events page.

Mosaicsa ministry of Belle Meade United Methodist Church for adults 55+

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. Postage PAIDNashville, TNPermit No. 1002

Place Mailing Label here

Belle Meade United Methodist Church121 Davidson Road, Nashville, TN 37205www.bellemeadeumc.org(615) 352 - 6210

This Sunday8:30 am Worship in the ChapelA relaxed worship experience with traditional

elements and Holy Communion.

8:45 am - Holy Communion in the SanctuaryA 15-minute time of communion with prayers and liturgy.

9:15 am - 10:15 am Sunday School for all ages

10:30 am Worship in the SanctuaryA traditional worship service with music by

Belle Meade Choir and Instrumentalists

Pledge UpdateTo date we have received pledges totaling $821,396 from 213 giving units. If you haven’t filled out a 2016 ministry budget pledge card, please do as soon as possible. Cards are available in the sanctuary, chapel, and church finance office. Contact Barbara DeMerritt if you have questions at 615.352.6210 or bdemerritt@comcast.net.

Mosaics Quarterly Lunch Program January 19On Tuesday, January 19th at 11:30 am Mosaics will present a musical program with Margaret Williamson and Linda Ford. After lunch we will go to the sanctuary for the program including such pieces as "Tea for Two," "Syncopated Clock," and the "Theme from Exodus." They will also play several sacred pieces and an organ/piano duet. Linda promises "it will be a good and fun program." Linda taught at the Belmont University Music School for 32 years and we all remember the fine piano and organ duets that Margaret and Mark Acker have played over the years. Make your reservation by signing up at the desk located at the entrance of the administrative wing. Lunch is $10.