ANNOUNCEMENTS
April Meetings
Mission Committee April 7 7pm
Session Meeting April 14 7pm
Presbyterian Women's Circle April 8 10am
Choir Practice Every Monday 7pm
Presbyterian Women News
The Presbyterian Women of Bethesda and McElwee Chapel met in the fellowship
hall on March 11. Following an Easter devotion by Norris Burke the group
discussed Chapter 3. The Judean Wilderness Psalm 23. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures” “…there were no green pastures in Israel at that time… there were only small patches of grass in the Judean wilderness, barely visible except late in the day when the setting sun caused them to reflect light …the shepherd’s job was to
lead his sheep to these life-giving spots so they would be given exactly what they needed.” Christ, our shepherd leads us to those life-giving places in our lives.
Following our book lesson, the meeting continued with business; secretary’s minutes read and approved, treasurer’s report given. Several thank you notes were read and donations received were recognized. Donations from the group are to be sent to the Medical Benevolent Foundation and the Children’s Home of the Highlands. Clothes were bought for the clothes closet at FES as well a donation to the Spring Book Fair for indigent students.
The group decided to make a donation to the Blanket Fund rather than canvas the congregation for funds. Flowers and/or plants were bought and delivered to various grieving or ill individuals.
The Youth Blanket Making project is temporarily on hold, although materials have been purchased. Boxes will be placed in both Bethesda and McElwee to collect
needed laundry and personal products to be donated to Project Horizon.
The PWs will purchase chicken for Café with a Smile on March 22s potluck celebration and reception for Malcolm Brownlee. Future Café with a Smile will be the last Sunday of the month.
The meeting concluded with the Circle Prayer.
“The Twenty-Third Psalm is a beautiful example of God’s provision for each of us. He promises He will take care of
us. He expects us to trust Him, and He gives us just what we need when we need it. In other words, “we live by
faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is what leads to the eventual restoration of our souls.!
March Committee Reports
Session Committee Report
Worship – Mary Helen Nicely
1. March head usher is Mary Helen Nicely. May head usher will be Kenny Mohler.
2. Communion was served at both churches on March 8 th . Next Communion will be Easter.
3. Good Friday Service at Ebenezer Methodist Church April 3 rd at 6:30 pm.
4. Easter Sunrise Service will be April 5 th with the Rev. Gary Riley.
5. Ministers for March – May
Bethesda McElwee
Apr. 5 th Rev. Malcolm Brownlee Ben Nicely
Apr.12 th Rev. Bill Klein Sandra Hayslette
Apr.19 th Mike Adams Rev. Stephen Renalds
Apr.26 th Sandra Hayslette Sandra Hayslette
May 3 rd Rev. Mikey Kirkland Rev. Mikey Kirkland
Old Business –
1. Elder Mary Helen attended RC Board of Supervisors meeting on March 9 th . The Board discussed
changes to Electronic Sign Ordnance. The Board will ask the county Planning Commission to study
the current ordinance and return with a recommendation to the Board.
2. There will be a manse inspection this Thursday by Property Committee chair and a church member.
They will present a report at the next Session meeting.
New Business –
1. Joy McDonald, a great niece of Betty Anderson, has requested permission to donate, plant, and care
for a plant or small shrub in memory and honor of Mrs. Anderson. Suggested spot would be in front
of the stain glass between the church and office. Elder Kenny Mohler will contact Elder Gwen
Whitmore for more information.
2. Elder Mohler presented a request from the “24473 Working Group”. This organization is making
plans to reopen the old store in Rockbridge Baths. The plans include a convenience store, place for
people to meet and greet and possible museum for Rockbridge Baths similar to the Brownsburg
Museum. A great deal of work on the building needs to be done. Items such as water, septic,
electrical, etc. will have to be addressed before it can reopen. The Group is planning to apply for a
grant from T-Mobile Hometown Grant to secure funding for the project. The Group is requesting
Bethesda present a letter of support in the effort to secure the grant. Elder Mohler with 2 nd by Elder
Nicely moved to have the Clerk of Session draft a letter of support to the Group. After discussion
the motion passed.
Announcements –
1. The next Session meeting will be April 14 th .
2. Rev. Brownlee announced that this is probably the last meeting that he will moderate. He and
Session have not heard from Shenandoah Presbytery in regards to the appointment of a new
moderator. The clerk was instructed to be in contact with the Presbytery for information of a new
moderator. During discussion the possibility of Rev. Brownlee continuing as Moderator. He has
agreed to one a month pulpit supply at Bethesda and McElwee. If it works the Session meeting will
be moved to the Sundays, he is at Bethesda and McElwee. Such meeting would be after morning
worship. If this arrangement works the next Session meeting may be May 17 th . After word comes
from Presbytery the clerk will inform the Session of the plans.
Sharon Arbuthnot presented an update on the work to the church’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. The committee has looked at other churches, local, state, national policies. There will probably be background checks that are
needed with certain costs involved. Considerable discussion revolved about the process. After more study is
completed, the committee will report back to the Session.
Committee Reports-
Christian Education/Youth Group – Gwen Whitmore
1. Café with a Smile donation were $245. Following expenses a donation of $175 will be made to the
For Dept to support termite damage repairs.
2. Joint Youth Collective meets each 3 rd Sunday. Participants are Bethesda, New Providence, Timber
Ridge, and Mount Carmel.
3. March 1 st you will hike the Laurel Run Trail.
4. April 10-12 Youth camping trip to Lake Robertson.
5. Tentatively April 24 th Praise and Worship Service instead of talent show. A free will offering will be
collected to support a possible trip to PA.
6. Planning a possible July trip to see Joshua at the Sight and Sound Theater and Hershey Park.
McElwee Chapel – Donna Runkle
1. Easter Egg Hunt will be April 4 th , 1 -3pm
2. Have checked into Wi-Fi service at Chapel. $300 to hook up with BARC and a monthly charge of
$125. Will continue to check other providers.
Member Care – Kelly Cox
1. No Report
Missions – Brandan Huffman
1. There was a large group for Friday night’s Hotdogs and Bingo. A good time by all.
2. The men of the church will cook for Easter Sunrise Service.
3. 21 people attended the Valentine Dinner for singles.
4. The Mother Daughter Dinner will be May 9 th .
Personnel – Mary Helen Nicely
1. No report
Property – J.B. Graham
1. Sammy Cash, who mows the cemetery and church grounds, is requesting a contract for the
upcoming season. The Cemetery Committee pays Mr. Cash with the church reimbursing the
Committee for the church’s part. The Property Committee will meet with the Cemetery Committee
to come up with a contract.
2. Work is continuing with the handrail replacement at the roadway steps.
3. The light that shines on the stain glass window behind the choir loft has gone out. It is very difficult
to replace. The Session decided to wait and see if anyone notices the light being out. The church may have to hire someone to replace the light in the future. Since there are no night services there
seems to be no need for the light.
Stewardship – Mark McKissick
1. No report