ANNOUNCEMENTS of Ministry

Ash Wednesday, February 22 - Join us in the Big Room at 7 p.m.
Ash Wednesday is the start of the Lenten journey of 40 days that takes the church to the eve of Easter. Although the mood is somber and penitential, Lent is not primarily about the suffering of Jesus on the cross. Rather, Lent is about identifying with and accompanying those who are being driven by the Spirit to make the wilderness journey– toward baptism, toward reconciliation, or toward vocation. On this night, let us face our own mortality and confess our sin before God and this community. And let us celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season in the light of God’s redeeming love and grace.

Evening Prayer Services - begin this Friday, February 24
Fridays, through April 6, in the Big Room: 5:30 service, 6:15 soup
Join us for an Evening Prayer Service featuring contemplative prayer and music, Holy Communion and meal. The Friday evening service offers a space to contemplate our neighborhood through Jesus's eyes, and connect to neighborhood ministries through prayer.

What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty - Part I
Sundays at 9:30 a.m., February 26- March 25, Cobb-Falk Room
To better relate to our non-middle class neighbors, we need to know the differences, strengths, viewpoints, values, life experiences of folks from different economic levels. What are the hidden rules of churches? How can EUMC family better welcome and incorporate those who, because of limited resources, experience life differently from many of us? Join us on Sundays beginning February 26!

Edgehill Hike: Saturday, Feburary 25 - BARFIELD CRESCENT PARK: WILDERNESS TRAIL
2.7-mile-loop rated moderate
Leaving at 8:30 a.m. from the Target parking lot (IH24 and Bell Rd) to drive to 697 Barfield Crescent Rd, Murfreesboro. Points of interest include karst topography (limestone outcropings) a 600 foot wall overlooking Murfreesboro and the Stone River believed to be built by Confederate General Bragg who was camped there prior to the Battle of Murfreesboro, sink holes and a view of the Stone River rapids.
RSVP: Pam at 615-668-1948 or pfreeman126@gmail.com

All Church Chili Luncheon featuring Nancy Crutcher - NEXT Sunday, February 26
The Ministry Development Team invites everyone to enjoy chili with family and friends immediately following the 2^ndservice at 12:30 p.m. in the Big Room. We are excited to feature Nancy Crutcher, Director of Neighborhood Ministries, who will share her experiences about developing relationships with our neighbors. We will also hear updates on ministries that were birthed in 2011. Please sign up in the Big Room to attend lunch. (If you are interested in making chili, cornbread or cookies, please see those sign up sheets too.) Mark you calendars and plan to attend! If you have questions contact Linda Kowatch at (615)485-6126 or lindakowatch@yahoo.com

Items Needed for EUMC College Students
Edgehill Knitting Group is putting together care packages for EUMC college students to be mailed at the end of the month. We've made hats and other knitted items but also need donations of healthy snacks! Suggestions: microwave popcorn, trail mix, nuts, raisins, hot chocolate, etc. Donation box is in the Big Room.

Community Film Screening - Sunday, March 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Belmont United Methodist Church will host a public film screening of Out in the Silence. This film tells the story of a small American town confronting a firestorm of controversy ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement and the brutal bullying of a gay teen. The gripping documentary will challenge us to consider ways in which our differing opinions and values often divide our communities. A panel discussion and time for audience questions and response will follow the screening. It is our hope to foster honest and holy dialogue in which different points of view can be exchanged in community. Co-sponsored by Belmont UMC’s Reconciling Ministries Team and Nashville Area Reconciling Ministries (NARM). For more information contact Rev. Pam Hawkins: pam@belmontumc.org.

FreeStore Updates
Donation Times: Mondays from 7-9 a.m. or 6-7 p.m., Saturdays from 7-9 a.m.
Volunteer: There are now more opportunities to volunteer- please see the changes on the sign up in the Big Room.