I didn’t know Timothy Fuerst, but I wish I had. He was a re-nowned economist, who was de-partment chair at Notre Dame and advisor for the Federal Re-serve Bank and many prestig-ious accomplishments before his life was cut short by cancer. However he lived his life fully and it was a life fully immersed in his faith. When he was being interviewed by a campus paper he talked about suffering and faith.

He reflected about the great Eu-ropean cathedrals, specifically his favorite, Chartres, and its’ "amazing stained glass win-dows." They started, he said, as "piles of broken colored glass, all of which seemed useless and with no purpose. But then the Master took these pieces and formed them into something no one could have anticipated ...

So it is with our experiences in this life. Many of these are times of happiness and contentment, but others are filled with great sadness and suffering. But the Master takes all of these pieces, both good and bad, and makes something truly beautiful for

God. Only when the window is done and filled with glorious light do we understand why each piece was needed, why each piece was essential for the glorious whole. It is with this confidence that we of-fer up all our sufferings to Him who brings light to our dark-ness." (Thank you Tom Neumayer for sharing this story with me.

This side of Easter we see that God can take even the crosses of pain and suffering and bring light and hope. We’ve all walked through dark valleys and we have had challenges we could not bear if it weren’t for the hope promised to us through Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Seeing the beautiful faces of those who were baptized emerge out of the waters of baptism on Easter morning we know the power of Christ triumphs. Come celebrate with us on Sunday morning as we continually give thanks to God who redeems us and gives us the strength and guidance we need day by day.

Shalom,

Cindy

God takes the broken pieces and makes beauty

Bon Air Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2071 Buford Road

N. Chesterfield, VA 23235

MAY 2017 Edition

Bon Air Christian Church

Newsletter baccdoc@verizon.net

http://www.baccdoc.org

804-272-6228

Worship Service

8:45 & 11:00

Sunday School 10:00

Casual Service

Saturday 5:00

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Youth Group 2

VBS 2

Bake Sale 3

Craig Springs Camp 3

Bon-Care 3

Gerry Roppe’ 4

Refugee Family 5

Prayer Concerns 5

Thank You’s 6

Story 6

Food Collection 6

Speaking Our Faith 7

CWS & JOY 7

Story 7

Saturday Service 8

Page 2 YOUTH GROUP

More from our visit with Katie Greer, Internet Safety & Technology expert:

All about the Apps

Katie is a fan of social me-dia. In her professional opin-ion, here are her takes on some apps, the good & the bad:

OK apps:

Instagram ~ it’s simple and that’s why kids like it. Par-ents use Facebook, and have ruined that for kids. Hardly any kids have Facebook. In-stagram is where it’s at.

· If your child has a ‘finstagram’, you can tell by clicking on the top bar, it will show multiple accounts, you toggle between them when you have more than one.

· Most of the time, the finsta-gram is pretty innocent. Kids usually use it like a ‘group chat’ just so certain people can view and not everyone/all follows. Sometimes kids use it to ‘keep someone out.’

· You can mute conversations in a ‘direct message’ thread but you cannot delete it.

· Be aware of who your child is following and who is fol-lowing them. Have conversa-tions if 100s and 1000s are following … why? They don’t know that many people.

SnapChat ~ This used to be a sexting app. Not really be-ing used for that any-more. Kids are using it for social reasons.

· You have to know someone’s username OR have them as a contact in your phone to be friends/follow on snapchat, this is good.

· Don’t let kids be fooled that things disappear. Good ole’ screenshot gets a lot of people in trouble.

· You can also set SnapChat up to automatically screen shot any message that comes in! Even when you are not on the app!

These two are definitely the most popular apps amongst teens

The bad apps (and websites) you should take off your child's phones immediately:

These are absolute NO’s!

Omegle ~ live video chat with strangers; easily used to find location. Kids will think it’s OK to turn off the video portion. Still communicating with total strangers. Katie shared a very chilling story about this app.

Monkey (like Omegle, but works with SnapChat to ob-tain your username). This claims to help you 'find new

friends'. You go from one chat to the next to the next. With strangers.

Yellow (Tinder for kids; if you don't know Tinder, it's a no too). Swipe left if you like me, swipe right if you don’t. If you get a match, etc, etc. It’s a NO!

kik (basically, it's messaging with strangers, but it's the worst of them all; it's not housed /based in America, so it doesn't follow laws; it's been used to abduct kids). In Katie’s opinion, kik is the WORST of all of them.

NOTE: Many of these apps work on WiFi devices. You don't need a phone connec-tion.

Beware of apps that HIDE other apps! There are about 20 of them out there and available to download.

The Vault (dummy app that looks like a calculator, but is a portal hiding other apps). Look for two calcula-tors on your child's device. If you click on a hiding app, it will require a password.

You can also look at the ‘usage/storage’ in settings and see if there are any apps you don’t recognize. Advice is to google it & see what it is.

Coming soon...

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

DATES: AUGUST 7TH—11TH

TIME: 5:30—6:00 DINNER, 6:00—8:00 VBS

CALL JERUSHA (804) 625-5511

YOUTH GROUP BAKE SALE

BACC Youth—Second Triple Camp Dates: July 23-28 Come join us for an exciting week of fun in a safe, Christian envi-ronment where new friends and old friends come together! The week is filled with a variety of total camp activities such as a dance, talent show, and games. There will be time for small group study, pool-time, crafts, and worship time. Triple camps provide the opportunity to have each individual’s life cross paths with Jesus and other youth and adults from around the region. Bon Air Christian Church pays half of camper’s registration. Please fill registration out & submit with your half ($173.50 / child) to Kelly. Please include your insurance information. Price increases after May 15, 2017 to $347. You can get a paper copy of camp registration or register online: http://www.craigsprings.com/camp-program/register-for-camp/ If you have any questions, please let me know. Kendra

Page 3

Victorian Days Bake Sale ~ all proceeds will go towards Maddie Smith treatment costs

The Youth Group will be doing another Bake Sale this year at Victorian Days on May 13th. All proceeds will go directly to The Smith Family to help with costs associated with Maddie’s treat-ment. The youth group misses their sweet friend! Last year this was a HUGE success and a lot of fun!

We invite all to participate and help with the Bake Sale by providing baked goods! Choose your specialty: cookies, cupcakes, breads, cakes, candies … everything is needed! You can bake as much or as little as you want. All donations are welcome and much appreciated.

Please let Jerusha know if you would like to provide any items. We will need all baked goods dropped off at the church on Friday, May 12th.

Craig Springs Camp

People learn in very different ways. Our 5-week summer series will explore spiritual practices

based on participants’ learning styles. The series is designed for those undergoing grief due to signifi-

cant loss (of family member, friend, job, marital relationship, etc.). The hour-long small group ses-

sions will be held in the Parlor of Bon Air Christian Church, 9:30-10:30AM on Sundays, June 4, 11,

18, 25 and July 2. The spiritual practices will be Christ-centered and will glean insights from Psalm 23

of the Bible.

Which spiritual practice do I find most useful? The participants will be invited to fill out 2 con-

fidential surveys (one in June and one in July) addressing which spiritual practice they have found to

be most useful in their journey of grief (they will not be required to share their personal life stories).

The participants will also discover their specific learning style. The results of the survey will help Je-

rusha in her study. Everyone is welcomed to join this journey and be a part of God’s healing touch.

Kindly contact Jerusha @ (804) 625- 5511 for more info.

June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2 (date change)

BON-CARE!

SPIRITUAL MEDITATION EXERCISES TO FACILITATE GRIEF

Page 4

A Note from Gerry

When I say that Easter is my favorite holiday, I’m often met with looks of disbelief. Let’s face it. Most of the people we meet and greet and spend time with on a daily basis, simply do not go to church regularly and when they do, it is for the “entertainment value”. I like painted eggs and bunnies and jolly old St. Nick, but I love Jesus a little bit more. So when Easter arrives, I’m more than happy. I’m downright exuberant. The Lenten journey was long and somber. And the final days were a test of all of man’s emotions. I can’t even begin to comprehend the pains that Jesus felt. From His triumphant return, to the Tenebrae and all the way through Resurrection Day, His will prevailed...Praise God.

As I write to you my friends, I am still beaming with joy. It’s been about a year and a half since I left Richmond, and quite honestly I think about you all practically every day. I miss you. You were a guiding force in my life for nearly 30 years. Carol and I were married here. Both of my parent’s and Carol’s memorial services were here. And the one constant was Cindy. She handled all three and each one was uniquely inspiring. I plan on sticking around for awhile so Cindy, you’re off the hook.

At BACC, I was a deacon, an elder, the outside property chair, your chef, cook, bottle washer, your President and Chairman of the Board, a member of the choir, gopher, and friend. We’ve been through quite a bit together. From newborns to newlyweds and all the years in between, it’s been one amazing ride. Seeing our church grow both in numbers and in physical size, has been a great joy. It’s hard to imagine Sunday school in the bowels of the sanctuary and congregational fellowship in the hallway and parlor next to office equip-ment. Wow!

When I became too ill to work, I nearly died on 3 occasions. The Disability Board denied my claims 3 different times and my medical bills soared. I became uninsurable and my money was no longer mine. It was you, my dear friends and family at BACC who helped me out until an administrative judge ruled in my favor. Without your loving help, I really don’t know where I would be today. I asked that any aid would come to me anonymously. I could never thank you enough. I am still awestruck by your generosity.

Perhaps the most bitter sweet day of my life was on Saturday October 31, 2015. Before my regular Saturday service, Cindy asked me to meet with her at BACC. We met alright but there were a bunch of others there who surprised me with a bon voyage party. For the first time in quite awhile, I truly felt loved. Between the tears and hugs, Charles Stevens (thank you so much) played paparazzi and Cindy read and presented me a poem of kindness, grace, and safe travels. I still am humbled by the love of you wonderful people.

I am enjoying my new home and the healing warmth of the Gulf Coast. I have restored my house and furnished it to fit my specific needs. For the first time in many years, I can proudly say that I once again am a homeowner. I hope to return to Richmond a couple of times each year and should you be in the Tampa/Sarasota area give me a call. (804)503-9074

ps...Two bonus tidbits. My sister Evelyn lives right around the corner and we’re getting along better than ever. The sunset photo is my view from about a minute away at our pavilion and fishing dock. The Gulf of Mexico is only a short 20 minute drive. Cowabunga! With open arms I bid you peace….Amen

Gerry Roppe’

(804) 503-9074

Page 5 Sitina, Abdi and Ahmed have been in the United States for one year! Sitina will start a full-time job in early May in housekeeping at the DoubleTree Hotel off Midlothian Tpk and contin-ue helping in the BACC nursery on Sunday morn-ings, taking care of our little ones. Abdi practices driv-ing whenever he has the chance and hopes to get his

REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE

PRAYER CONCERNS

Praying—Lifting these dear ones into the holy light of our loving God. May you feel the warmth of our love and know that you are ever in our thoughts and prayers. Please pray for: Traci Eagle, Shirley Acree and Chris Bates who contin-ue to undergo treatment for cancer.

Nancy Jeffries who under-went neck surgery.

Becky Havell’s mother who is at Johnston Willis.

Dot Nuckols Mary Ann Casdia’s sister, who has cancer

Our prayers continue with: Shirley Heath Cathy Wheless Harriet and Dan Griggs Jane Washington Maddie Smith Bob McGowan Dot Bennett Lewis Bell Robin Lorraine Carnell Teachey Arlene Bythe’s cousin,

Terry Tynan and her friend, Donna Leake Steve Kline’s friend, Ed Winfield Rhonda Ringel’s friends, Hailey Lane and Harrison Zierenberg The Landergan’s friend, Dan Bickett Steve Goff’s friend, Beth Ann Moter Duke Dale’s sister, Leslie Pete Landergan’s friend, Meredith Britton Dawn Mooney’s sister, Debbie Roben Shea Hollifield’s friend, Denise Ambrose Steve Blythe’s cousin, Brandon Clements Lynn Sarvis’ brother in law, Tom Umphress Susan Baum’s friend, Geri Diane Clark’s brother, Dennis Julie Bock’s friend, Theresa Robertson Frances Atherton’s moth-er, Bettie Miles Gerry Roppe’ The Ver Beek family friend, Sue Nagy Guy Barker’s brother-in-law Tom Mayfield’s friend, Mickey Denke

Special Birthdays

Mary Elizabeth Jonas

May 1st, 97 years young

Estelle Jeter Bourne

May 7th, 96 years young

Congratulations to Ray and Alice Beasley upon their 76 years of wedded bliss. Ray just turned 94 and Alice will

be 94 on May 21st.

If you would like some-one added to our prayer list or recognized for a special birthday, please contact Kelly at 804-272-6228 or email her at baccdoc@verizon.net

license over the sum-mer. Ahmed is enjoying playing varsity soccer at James River High School. Both boys are looking for summer jobs. All three will soon submit applications for Green Cards. This is the next step that will allow them to stay in the US on a permanent basis. The application pro-cess is complex and Com-

monwealth Catholic Charities will assist them with the pro-cess. The past year has been one of many changes and challenges for Sitina, Abdi and Ahmed. We continue to provide them with love, sup-port and other assistance as they settle in to their Ameri-can lives.

Cathy Law

Page 6 THANK YOU

Dear BACC,

I wish to express my heart-felt thanks to my family at BACC, especially the JOY GROUP, for your prayers, cards and good wishes dur-ing my recent hospitaliza-tion for pneumonia. The power of prayer is a beauti-ful thing.

Jean Neumayer

Dear BACC, I want to express my ap-preciation for all of the prayers, cards and visits from all. With the power of prayer, I am now cancer free. Nancy Roper

Dear BACC, I just want to take a moment to thank my beautiful church and church family for all the encouraging words and pray-ers given to me and to my family during my recent hos-pitalization for cancer. I am truly blessed that God has surrounded me with the best! I love you all so much! Traci Eagle

FOOD COLLECTION FOOD COLLECTION

Please don’t forget the folks who are depending on Bainbridge Community Ministry for part of their monthly food supply. Bainbridge is a well run organization and applicants are thoroughly checked out before assistance is given.

Current needs are beans, rice and similar non-perishable grain products. Thanks for your help in keeping our food boxes filled

Charles Stevens

“MY MOM”

This reflection was written by Bill Heath in honor of his mother, Mae Batkins, who passed away in 1988. My mom was an awesome woman. She took me into her arms, then into her home, and most importantly, she took me into her heart. She fed me and clothed me. She nur-tured and taught me. She shouted angry words at me, and she would have fought Satan himself for me. She hugged me tightly, she kissed my wounds, real and imaginary. But most importantly, she loved me without bounds. At the end, we learned our faults were small compared to our love. There are no words to describe Mom’s impact on me, and the influence she continues to wield. Mom, I loved you then, and I love you even more today! Your son, Bill

Bainbridge Community Ministries

1400 Perry St, Richmond, VA 23224

Page 7 SPEAKING OUR FAITH

What do we believe and what difference does it make? We hope you will attend our Speaking Our Faith Series on Wednesday evenings in May, begin-ning at 6:30. Some folks are gathering to eat din-ner prior to the sessions at River City Diner at 5:00 if you'd like to join the din-ner group please contact Kitten Whitlow so she can make reservations. Here are some things we

will be talking about on Wednesday evenings: Why is it so hard for us to talk about faith? How is it that each of us knows God -- and who is the God whom we know? How are we to live in re-sponse to our relationship with God? And what kind of statement can each of us make about the state of our faith today -the kind of relationship we

have with God right now? Some of us are afraid; some are uncomfortable; some are not even sure what it is that we really believe. But our baptisms says we are to “proclaim by word and exam-ple the Good News of God in Christ.” Speaking Our Faith can help us figure out what words will work for each of us as we make that proclamation.

JOY

Crab Louie's here we come!! Tuesday, May 16th, 1:00 PM. Our end of the year luncheon. Separate checks, $14.95, Banquet menu.

To reserve your place, call Laura Hollis, 804-320-3466, or email, Lollihol-lis@verizon.net by May 10th.

See you there!! Laura

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 6:30—Speaking Our Faith May 4th—7:00 CWF Night Group May 9th—10:30 CWF May 10th—6:15 CWF Salad Group May 13th—Victorian Days & Youth Group

Bake Sale May 14th—Mothers’ Day May 16th—Joy Group May 21st—Board Meet-ing May 28th—Summer Worship Schedule Begins at 9:15 & 10:45

May 29th—Memorial Day June 11th—Picnic and Graduate Recognition

Our Saturday evening casual service is alive and well. Start-ing at 5PM, we have an infor-mal worship service which parallels the Sunday morning services. If you can’t get to our Sunday services, please come to our Saturday evening service. We

all benefit from our weekly religious inspiration, and the week is not complete without church participation. See you there!

Saturday Casual Service

2071 Buford Road

N. Chesterfield, VA 23235

Phone: 804-272-6228

E-mail: baccdoc@verizon.net

Website: http://www.baccdoc.org

Bon Air Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

Senior Minister:

Cynthia Stratton

Assoc. Minister

Jerusha Moses

Organist & Choir

Director:

Vickie Brooks

Secretary:

Kelly Edwards

Nursery Attendants:

Sitina Yusuf

Alice Stitzer

Easter Morn 2017, six beau-tiful butterflies were released into the sky and eight of our beautiful children publicly declared faith in Jesus through the symbol of bap-tism. (From Left to Right) Joshua Michael Brink Logan Gabriel Walizer Lilly Marie Ver Beek Reese Monroe Blanchard Jason Ray Williams Rev. Cynthia Stratton Logan Joseph Blanchard Dylan Franklin Brooks Lillian Grace Parker

NEW BEGINNINGS...NEW LIFE...HOPE

You’re invited to the year-end

Sunday School Teachers, Youth Leaders,

Worship and Wonder Storytellers & Helpers

Appreciation

POT LUCK BREAFAST Where: Fellowship Hall

When: Sunday, May 21st Time: 9:45AM to 10:15AM

MAY 7, 2017 Elders: Doug White, Paula Craft Deacons: 8:45 (P) Sam Herrin, Tammy Rucker 11:00 (P) Zachary Moon, Cathy Law, Tim Vaden, Ellen Moon Worship Leaders: 8:45 Brenda Kidd 11:00 Susan Baum Acolyte: 8:45 11:00 Worship & Wonder Storyteller: Hannah Moon Worship & Wonder Helper: 8:45 11:00 Martha Seemiller Ushers/Greeters: 8:45 Sandy Logan 11:00 Arlene Giffell Offering: Rose McCaferty, Jim McCaferty MAY 14, 2017 Elders: Jamie McDonald, Tom Snodgrass Deacons: 8:45 (P) Joe Smith, Caitlynn Collins 11:00 (P) Kris Shouldice, Whitney Graham, Jerrell Todd, Aidan Novak Worship Leaders: 8:45 Steve Scott 11:00 Samantha Seemiller Acolyte: 8:45 11:00 Logan and Reese Blanchard Worship & Wonder Storyteller: Barbara Bancroft Worship & Wonder Helper: 8:45 Lena Neal 11:00 Rose McCaferty Ushers/Greeters: 8:45 Sandy Logan 11:00 Martha Seemiller Offering: Arlene Giffel, Laura Hollis MAY 21, 2017 Elders: Jamie McDonald, Shea Hollifield Deacons: 8:45 (P) Sandy Collins, George Smith 11:00 (P) Laura Hollis, Sean Hylton, Jake Ver Beek, Allison Landergan Worship Leaders: 8:45 Cassie Price 11:00 Charlie Ver Beek Acolyte: 8:45 11:00 Worship & Wonder Storyteller: Gail Macfadden Worship & Wonder Helper: 8:45 11:00 Martha Seemiller Ushers/Greeters: 8:45 Jim and Faye Lester 11:00 Offering: Jean Dowdy, Jean Turlington MAY 28, 2017 Elders: Joe Bancroft, Steve Goff Deacons: 9:15 (P) Madison Arthur, Claire Deitch 10:45 (P) Emily Rush Moore, Karson Clark, Cecelia Bingenheimer, Charles Stevens Worship Leaders: 9:15 Brenda Kidd 10:45 Acolyte: 9:15 10:45 Worship & Wonder Storyteller: Worship & Wonder Helper: 9:15 10.45 Ushers/Greeters: 9:15 10:45 Offering: Barbara Bancroft, Kris Shouldice (P) denotes communion preparation

SERVING SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Regional

Constitution

& Bylaws

Committee

2

3 8:00 Men’s

Breakfast

6:30 Speaking

Our Faith

7:00 AA, ACA

4

7:00 CWF

Night Group

5

6 5:00 Worship Service Flock Feeds Homeless Shelter

7

8:45 & 11:00 Worship Services

Youth Group

8

9

10:30 CWF

7:00 Choir

Practice

10

8:00 Men’s

Breakfast

6:15 CWF

Salad

6:30 Speaking

Our Faith

11

12

13

5:00 Worship Service

Victorian

Days

14 8:45 & 11:00 Worship Services

15

16

7:00 Choir

Practice

1:00 Joy Group

at Crab Louies

17

8:00 Men’s

Breakfast

6:30 Speaking

Our Faith

7:00 AA, ACA

18

19

20

5:00 Worship Service

21 8:45 & 11:00 Worship Services

Board Meeting

Youth Group

22

23

7:00 Choir

Practice

24

8:00 Men’s

Breakfast

6:30 Speaking

Our Faith

7:00 AA, ACA

25

26 27

5:00 Worship Service

28 9:15 & 10:45 Worship

Services

Summer schedule

begins

29

Memorial

Day

30

31

8:00 Men’s

Breakfast

6:30 Speaking

Our Faith

7:00 AA, ACA

MAY

2017