Remember when you believed you could change the world? This past weekend many of you did just that. Change the World Sunday proved to be an amazing experience for so many and since we received so much positive feedback we decided to share some of their comments.

I have been attending BAUMC for 7 years and take great pleasure in giving in the service of the Lord. Last year my husband and the father our two young children died. Until then, and the long days since, I had not learned the graceful practice of humility. Last Sunday a group from BAUMC came to my house trimmed trees, bushes, and my overactive pride. My house and land look amazing. Even more amazing perhaps was that the members of BAUMC gave me a gift in teaching me to be humble and gracious. A practice the Lord has been trying to teach me for years. Bless the Lord I am humbled.

Katherine

I have been doing nothing but telling everyone about the wonderful experience we had here at HWES on Sunday.  I feel Bel Air Methodist Church is well on their way to start to CHANGE THE WORLD.  You must be really proud of the great job that your group did for our buildings and campus.  It  has set a great example for others to see what can be done when we all work together.

A church is not a building with a roof and walls - it is instead what has been provided to  us -  people serving, loving and sharing with others so we can make a difference.

Thanks again and please keep us in mind for this event again next year.

With pride,

Mr. Dale Hunsinger

Principal

Dear Barry,

It was a joy to be able to participate in the Change The World event. I had the privilege to team up with Barrett and Bob in a Laundry Mart Ministry. Through the generosity of our congregation and changing some of our folding money for quarters, we were able to pay for several people to wash and dry their loads of laundry. During the time the clothes were in the machines we were able to chat with the folks and tell them who we were and why we were there.  Barrett had brought some danish pastries so we were able to offer them as an icebreaker.

Most of the people were receptive to our gift; others asked us to give the money to those who they felt needed it more. Much like God's gift to us some people have difficulty receiving it.

One lady told us that she did not want us to pay for her wash but she said she had other needs. When asked what they were she told us her troubles. At the conclusion of her story we asked if we could pray with her and she was very receptive to and grateful for prayer.

Another fellow did not speak or understand English and at first was somewhat frightened that someone would be paying for his wash, but as we used signs and hand motions we conveyed our intentions and then he was delighted with our gifts.

I think we were able to represent Jesus and His Church by bringing a bit of "Sonshine" to these people as they went about their everyday tasks. We give all praise and glory to Him.

Grace and Peace,

Al

What a great day made even more special being able to work side by side with my 3 boys! It was so nice to see them so involved and enthused. Everything was well organized and I'm sure all involved share my gratitude for all the hard work. Oh yeah....a special thanks to God for the great weather!!!

Jeffrey

Hi Barry,

Group 22 went to the YMCA in Abingdon.  We had 11 in our group, adults and children, some I knew, some I did not.  We thought we were going to be cleaning inside with light gardening outside, but when we got there, they had decided to have us concentrate on the outside.  That was no problem, as they provided most of the necessary tools for the job.  We were basically getting their landscape beds in shape so that mulch could be spread sometime this week.  The group worked well together and seemed to enjoy the task, well at least no one quit on the spot.  We were right in the parking lot so lots of people going in and out saw us working.  I did get the opportunity to talk with one couple who just joined and are new to the area.  I explained what we were doing and talked to them about the church as they said they would like to find a church.  While my cards were not on my person (they were in the car which was at Walmart to buy more shovels) I was able to give them the church website and tell them where we were located etc.

In closing, I would like to say that the event seemed to be very successful and was extremely well organized.  I would like to see the church do that event at least 2 times a year, if possible.  Everyone I have talked to thought it was great.

Thanks.

Linda

Barry,

Oh Yes!  The Baby Shower for Alpha's Glory was a HUGH success.  We had around 25 people attending.  Many others who were involved in activities elsewhere brought gifts.  We collected 2 carloads of beautiful baby items, such as blankets, diapers, bibs, a bathtub, diaper bags, clothing, etc.  We had a speaker from the pregnancy center, Linda, a member of our congregation who shared information and presented a video of some of the babies who have been born and have  appreciated the resource, as well as the volunteers who give their time and counseling.  Many questions followed the presentation.  It was very informative.   We also played games and enjoyed refreshments of cake and punch.

On Monday morning I, along with Sharon and Vicki visited the center in Aberdeen and delivered the gifts.  We were also given a tour of the center.  They were very appreciative and grateful.  This is a wonderful ministry with Christ centered values and Bible studies for many of the mothers and dads participating.

It was a wonderful day for all!

Phyllis