messenger - august / september 2012

1 August /September 2012

AwesomeAugust

women’s ministry

summer Review

wednesdAynights

A new Look

nextgenerAtion

August/September 20122

Dear Bellevue Family,

Greetings in the name of Jesus. As I look back over the summer months, I am grateful for all that the Lord has done at Bellevue. He blessed us with an amazing time at CampOutrageous (our version of VBS). More than 3,400 children were enrolled, with an additional 857 workers. During the week 277 children repented of sin, believed in Jesus, and prayed to receive Him as Savior. Our children gave over $10,000 to build a playground for children in Cambodia. Praise be to God for His hand of favor on that very special week!

Our first Great American Family Picnic and Fireworks was a tremendous blessing as well. Thousands attended and many were saved. As Donna and I walked through the crowds, meeting and fellowshipping with the many people who were gathered, we thanked the Lord for the wonderful family of God He has assembled and continues to gather at Bellevue Baptist Church.

We look ahead with anticipation to our annual Awesome August services. Please pray for those who will lead us: Christian humorist Dennis Swanberg; Pastor Fred Luter, newly elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention; Pastor Ken Whitten, former Bellevue staff member; and Pastor Gregg Matte. Join us on Wednesday nights, August 8-29.

Our next Bellevue Loves Memphis (BLM) workday will be Saturday, August 25. These BLM workdays provide a multitude of opportunities to meet practical needs across our community so we can have a platform to share the Gospel with lost people with whom we would not normally come in contact. I pray that you will be with us that morning at 8:00 a.m. to show the people of Memphis that we truly love them and want them to know Jesus. BLM is one of the best ministries we have. Join in and participate!

Donna and I enjoyed our vacation in July. We are grateful to be back. We are ready to join hearts and hands with you as we Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples in Memphis, the Mid-South, and around the world. We start our eighth year with you in September. He has blessed us in the past, and great days are ahead. To God be the glory!

III John 2,

Bro. Steve

A M e s s a g e F ro m Our PAstOr

Love God. Love People. share Jesus.

Make Disciples.


Wednesdays, August 8-29, at 6:30 p.m.Join us as we hear from a lineup of America’s premier preachers and Christian speakers.

Dennis swanberg · August 8dennis swanberg, referred to as america’s minister of encouragement, is a Christian comedian and author who uses his God-given talent to encourage people and reach them for Christ. He speaks to more than 250,000 people each year, has written seven books, and has appeared in 20 video productions.

Dr. FreD Luter · August 15dr. Fred Luter, senior pastor of Franklin avenue Baptist Church in new Orleans, led the effort to rebuild his church and revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods after Hurricane Katrina. In June he became the first african-american president of the southern Baptist Convention.

Dr. Ken whitten · August 22dr. Ken Whitten has served as senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in the tampa area for 23 years. Under his leadership, Idlewild has experienced tremendous growth, including two campus relocations. Ken is also an author and a speaker at conferences and revivals throughout the United states.

gregg Matte · August 29Gregg matte is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Houston; author of multiple books; and founder of Breakaway ministries, the largest college Bible study in the nation. Gregg founded Breakaway ministries as a college sophomore and expanded it from a home-based Bible study to a weekly gathering of more than 4,000 students.

www.bellevue.org/awesomeaugust


CampOutrageous June 4-8 This year’s CampOutrageous, took children on a wild-west adventure that was full of twists and turns. Children enjoyed daily presentations of the exciting stage production, Showdown at Red Rock Ridge, and faithful teachers presented the truth of God’s Word through crafts, songs, and Bible stories. We had 3,424 children and 857 volunteers enrolled. At the invitation on Thursday, June 7, 277 children received Christ and 13 rededicated their lives. God continued to work at the three Family Nights, where 50 children and adults received Christ and 47 rededicated their lives.

Middle School Camp June 11-15 Grades 6-8 traveled to Horn’s Creek Resort in Ocoee, Tennessee, and 191 students enjoyed exciting worship and small group time, as well as tons of fun. Students took advantage of the water park; 1,000-foot zip line; paintball; ropes course, and climbing walls. This year’s camp speaker was Jeremy Lee, and worship was led by the Jeff Hindman Band. Twelve students made the decision to follow Christ.


High School Camp June 26-30 After getting off to a late start because of Tropical Storm Debby, almost 200 students in grades 9-12 went to Panama City Beach, Florida. They enjoyed inspiring worship, small group time, recreational activities, and leisure time at the beach and pool. Speaker, Jay Ridenour of Name-sake, brought challenging messages from God’s Word. During the week two students accepted Christ.

Jerusalem Project July 8-13 Jerusalem Project, a local missions project, engaged more than 250 students in grades 6-12. Students spent their nights in the Gym and served communities in Memphis each day. They directed backyard Bible studies, performed building maintenance and landscaping, and led Vacation Bible School. At Impact Ministries students also served in the thrift store and food pantry and held a car wash. At Bellevue Arlington students taught children how to play basketball and soccer.

Camp SonQuest July 9-13 Campers who had completed 4th or 5th grade spent a week at The Grove in Cordova learning about “Jesus, Name Above All,” with camp pastor, Michael Pritchard. When campers weren’t learning about the names of God, they enjoyed fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, crafts, basketball, and songs. Forty 4th and 5th graders accepted Christ, and 26 more rededicated their lives to Him.


this fall adult Life groups will study the book of ephesians,

beginning september 9.

Are you ready to take the next step at Bellevue?

discover what Bellevue believes, who we are as a church, where our church is headed, and how you can get involved.

JOIN

&Bro. steve russ Quinn

Sundays, beginning September 98:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall


the fall semester begins september 5.

You’ll find ways for each member of your family to come together with the Bellevue family to fellowship, worship, grow, and serve.

wednesday nightsat

2O12

fall

Look for the complete wednesday nights at Bellevue schedule in your mailbox after August 23.

1 Corinthians, Dr. Joe Jernigan old testament, eric Brand

Love God Track go deeper in your relationship with god by loving him with your whole heart and mind through daily worship, prayer, Bible study, and scripture memorization.

Love People Track see lives transformed as you love others—aging loved ones, children, spouses, even those people who are hard to love—as Jesus loves.

Make Disciples Track Focus your thoughts on the truth of god’s word, develop a Christian worldview, and guide others into a mature walk with Christ.

Share Jesus Track Learn to easily and effectively share the gospel with your children and neighbors, while learning about the history, beliefs, and impact of islam, hinduism, and Mormonism.

• Fellowship supper

• Children’s worship for ages 4 years-5th grade: K-wOw 100.4 (Kids worship On wednesday)

• student worship for grades 6-12

• College worship

• Young Adult singles

• Bellevue Choir and Orchestra

• women’s Ministry

• Men’s Fraternity and success+Plus

• home Point “Building Faith at home” Classes

• Care groups

• track Classes

opportunities include the following:

bible track

love

sharetrack

love

make

BIBLE

love

sharetrack

love

make

BIBLE

love

sharetrack

love

make

BIBLE

love

sharetrack

love

make

BIBLElove

sharetrack

love

make

BIBLE


“soul” BenefitMy journey to Bellevue began in the summer of 2009 when my marriage of 11 ½ years finally fell completely apart. Although I was saved at a young age and brought up in a Christian home, I was not attending church on a regular basis at the time. Being 30 years old and out on my own for the first time in my life was extremely scary for me, especially with no family in the area. My kids were the only reason I was determined to make it through.

When I decided to get my children back in church, it was solely for their benefit and not mine. In my mind I was a complete and utter failure at living the Christian life and had basically given up. Once attending church again, my heart began to change. One verse that really struck me while attending a divorce care class was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Sometime around August 2010, I found myself on Bellevue’s website where I learned that there was a Sunday morning Life Group dedicated solely to single moms. The idea of actually finding a place where I fit in within the church was appealing to me. Once I finally worked up the courage to attend, I knew that this was where I belonged. Knowing there were other people who had been through some of the same struggles and were continuing to live out their faith inspired me to do the same.

The first Sunday I visited Bellevue, Suzan Watson, the teacher of the single mom’s Life Group, invited me to come to The Source. The next event was coming up very soon, and I decided to attend. I have been going back ever since. It is truly amazing the things that I have learned about the nature of our God from Suzan and this ministry. The most important of which is that God always welcomes His children back no matter where they have been or what they have done.

“For I know the plans I have for you declares

the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to

harm you, plans to give you hope and a

future.” Jeremiah 29:11NIV®

Friday, August 17, at 6:30 p.m. in room F241/243The event and childcare are FREE, but you must register by Sunday, August 12, at www.bellevue.org/thesource!

“You are my refuge and my shield; Your Word is my only Source of hope.” Psalm 119:114

COME ON IN...AND ExPERIENCE

THE SOuRCE!

Are you in need of refueling, revitalizing, and renewing? Enjoy

a night of food, fun, and fellowship designed just for YOU!

THE SOuRCE for Single Moms

Noella Moss with her children, Nathan and Miranda.

-Noella Moss


BELLEVuE ONLINE

ACCESS BELLEVuE ON THE GO Be on the lookout for Bellevue’s native iPhone, iPad, and Android Apps that are currently in development and will appear in the App Store soon. Bellevue desires to offer user-friendly applications that assist its members and non-members alike in anything from registering for events to submitting a prayer request to watching sermons live and sharing all of these with their friends on social media.

On July 10 Bellevue launched its new website with a sleek look and more user-friendliness than ever before. Now visitors can easily access upcoming events, biblical resources, weekly sermons, and more! Bellevue’s

main website has also added quick links to Bellevue Arlington and the Student Ministry websites. But that’s not all.

Each webpage has built-in sharing tools, making it easy to share events or sermons on social media like Facebook and Twitter, as well as e-mail. Bellevue’s new website is also search engine-friendly, making it easier for visitors to find information by simply typing in what they are looking for. The navigation of this website will continue to evolve and improve over time.

The new Bellevue.org also provides each department with easy-to-use tools and resources to help minister to the community.

Visit us online at www.bellevue.org.

A NEW LOOk


GenerationNext

BELLEVUE’S COMMITMENT TO

the

Student Area update Bellevue’s Student Ministry exists to lead students in grades 6-12 in becoming authentic followers of Christ by focusing on community, disciple-making, and action. For more than 15 years, though, students have been meeting in various parts of Bellevue’s campus. On Wednesdays, Middle School meets in The Edge, High School in the Gym. Students are a vital group, and they have long needed a centralized meeting space and point of ministry, a place to call their own.

As part of the 2011 Love Offering, Advancing Our Mission, Bellevue introduced plans for a state-of-the-art High School area on the third floor. Thanks to the Bellevue family’s faithful giving, construction began this spring.

Renovation of the old space includes a large gathering room with three large video screens and a sound booth, a smaller gathering room with a stage for seating or acoustic music, a café, and a gallery to showcase the artwork of Bellevue’s gifted students. The Crossing, one of the previous gathering rooms, was long and narrow, making assemblies difficult. The plans for this ministry-centered area converted The Crossing into classrooms, a more practical use of that space. The Edge, the Middle School assembly room adjacent to the High School area, was also renovated.

Construction wrapped up the last week of July—on time and on budget—and the Student Ministry team began getting the renovated areas ready for students to enjoy. The team held a leadership meeting in the High School space on Sunday, July 29. The new Middle School and High School areas will officially open to students on Sunday, August 5.

The need to reach students with the Gospel is urgent, and Bellevue’s Student Ministry influences more than 1,600 Middle School and High School students. This exciting new area will provide them with the unified meeting space they need to grow in their relationships with each other and the Lord, while also inspiring them to invite their friends to worship, learn, and grow.

Photography by Jordan Finney, one of Bellevue’s students Jordan is a member of Bellevue Arlington. He plays guitar in the Worship Band on Sunday

mornings and on Wednesday evenings at the Appling Road campus for Student Worship.


GenerationNext

BELLEVUE’S COMMITMENT TO

the

Next Generation MinistryIn June Bellevue launched the Next Generation Ministry to minister to and guide ages 4th grade through college as they become authentic followers of Christ. Under the direction of Jason Pyron and a team of dedicated ministers, Next Generation—four separate ministries in one—will focus on the crucial age groups of 4th and 5th grades, Middle School, High School, and College as they transition to the next level in their lives and relationships with Christ. Jason and the Next Generation team envision building a foundation that will keep 4th and 5th graders and students plugged into church, growing in their relationships with Him, and making a Kingdom impact by serving outside our church walls during these pivotal years.

M i n i s t r y t e A M

Jay Stephenson, Bellevue’s Middle School Pastor, stepped into his new role Sunday, July 1. Jay came to Bellevue from First Baptist Church, Dyersburg, where he served as Minister of Discipleship and Administration. He has served on the Youth Evangelism Conference Advisory Panel and as camp pastor for week-long student camps, and he led Dyer Baptist Association’s student VBS training. At Bellevue Jay will create an environment that will help Middle School students grow in their walk with Christ while transitioning from 5th grade into Middle School and from 8th grade into High School. He will also help parents become the primary disciple-makers. We pray God will bless his ministry at Bellevue and use him to make an eternal impact in our students’ lives.

Jay StephensonMiddle School Pastor Watch the Next

Generation Video

Join families from over 20 churches for worship, learning, and understanding God’s vision for families.

saturday, August 18, in the worship Center 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. (doors open at 8:00 a.m.)

Keynote speakers:

BriAn HousmAn, founder of Awake to Life Ministries

Andy sAvAge, teaching pastor of highpoint Church in Memphis

disCover your FAmiLy’s purpose!Learn more and register at www.bellevue.org or at the events registration Center in the west Lobby.

and more!

music by Christy nockels and breakout sessions for parents and students.

$50 per family when you use code “Bellevue” to save $15! (includes up to two parents and as many teenagers as you have in grades 6-12, journal, and lunch)


Each summer, children at Bellevue have the privilege of attending CampOutrageous to learn about Jesus through fun and exciting crafts, shows,

games, and stories. More than that, our children are able to attend church with their families each Sunday and freely worship and learn about the one true God. But in the northern regions of Nicaragua, such privileges are few and far between.

Thirty Bellevue High School students ventured to Nicaragua June 11-18 to reach out to children in the areas of Pantasma and San Rafael, municipalities of Jinotega. Their goal was to serve the community by hosting Vacation Bible School for elementary-aged students twice a day because children there typically attend school from 8:00 a.m.-noon or noon-4:00 p.m.

“We were able to actually go into the school in Pantasma and do activities, crafts, and lessons with hundreds of students at the same time,” said Brian Foley, Student Ministry chaperone. “The principal was very open to us coming in.”

It was clear to Bellevue’s students that God’s hand was on them because in these areas of Nicaragua, there is intense Catholic opposition. “The first day, we arrived at the school that Brian and Mario Maldonado had tried to get into for three years and the principal had always said, ‘No.’ But this year when we arrived, by the grace of God, the principal said, ‘Yes!’” marveled Maddie Hutcheson, 11th grade student. The school opened its doors for Bellevue students to minister to about 250 children ranging from grades 1-5 for the first part of the day and then to the sixth grade children for the second part of the day.

OpeningDOOrS ThrOugh

Jinotega students played with sidewalk chalk.

Children show off their butterflies made of coffee filters.

VBS


Bellevue students helped children with crafts like making butterflies out of coffee filters and painting wooden crosses, and they played games like Simon Says and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. Most importantly, our students shared Bible stories and used EvangeCubes to share the Gospel in every possible moment to witness to these children. “It is so awesome to see these kids love on us and put complete faith in us when they don’t even know who we are and have to listen to us through a translator,” commented Maddie. “Every day we were welcomed with a big ‘Hola!’ and tons of hugs and kisses on our cheeks. The kids’ precious spirits made us love what we were doing and gave us the energy to keep going.”

In addition to hosting Vacation Bible School for the children, Bellevue students canvassed neighborhoods of both municipalities. “God is really moving in Pantasma. We started praying and getting to know people. We shared the Gospel with people,” said Pastor of Bella Vista, Mario Maldonado.

During this door-to-door witnessing, students experienced a culture shock. “I realized that not only do these families survive on very little, it would not be uncommon to find farm animals such as a pig in their kitchen,” Maddie explained. “And their faith is rooted strongly in Catholicism. When we had the chance to witness to someone, they were either a non-believer or Catholic.”

Mario explains that the Student Ministry’s trip to Nicaragua was an extension of Bellevue’s current Jinotega Missions Project, started by the Single Adults Ministry. Before Bellevue began working in Jinotega, there were no Baptist churches present in the area. “We took the challenge to plant one church in each municipality. Municipalities are like our counties, and Jinotega has eight of them,” he went on to say. “The roads in Jinotega are very hard to travel on, and it takes a while to get from one city to the next, so it has not been as accessible to plant churches in northern Nicaragua.”

As of today Bellevue has helped plant six churches in six municipalities of Jinotega. “There are two more places that we would like to plant churches: La Concordia and El Cua. We have been praying for these two, but it has been difficult to find open doors. But God is faithful, and we don’t want to force it—we have seen God moving in this area,” said Mario.

Through this trip, God moved in the hearts of Nicaraguan children and families, but also in the hearts of our Bellevue students. “This trip changed my life,” said Maddie. “Before I went on this trip, I was just living an average Christian life. I prayed and felt like I loved Him, but I was not really growing. In Nicaragua it was hot; we had to be flexible. Sometimes we had no strength; we got sick. But I saw the power of prayer and watched Him meet our needs day after day. I experienced the faithfulness of our great God, and I know He was the only one that gave us strength, courage, and endurance on this missions trip.”

We pray that God will continue to move in Jinotega and further Bellevue’s efforts to plant more churches in the area so that these children and their families will be able to come together in a place to worship the God who meets all of their needs and offers hope when there seems to be none.

Bellevue plans to return to Jinotega October 13-20. If you feel God calling you to minister in this area, please contact International Missions at (901) 347-5540.

Bellevue’s Student Ministry team that made the trip to Nicaragua

Students show off their newly painted wooden crosses.

Jinotega students with their faces painted


Power Church: Reclaiming God’s Power Through Prayer and the Gospel b Donna Gaines where is the god of Acts? he is here and he is still moving. Join us as we discover god’s plan for the church, as revealed in the book of Acts and through Paul’s letters, and its relevance to our lives today.

tuesdays, september 11-november 13, 9:30 a.m. wednesdays, september 5-november 14, 6:30 p.m. thursdays via video, september 13-november 15, 9:30 a.m.

Faithful Women b Dee Weddle, Vicki Wilson, and Jamae Zarshenas senior Adult women are invited to enjoy James MacDonald’s video series Gripped by the Greatness of God, plus special events and ministry opportunities.

tuesdays, september 11-november 13, 9:30 a.m.

Spanish Language Bible Study b Namy Medina Join other women from various spanish-speaking countries to study god’s story as it is revealed through his word in your native language.

tuesdays, september 11-november 13, 9:30 a.m.

MOMS b Jean Stockdale Partner with god in the holy occupation of Christian mothering, apply practical lessons from the life of the prophet elijah, allow god to release fresh fire on your life by walking with him in faith, and receive encouragement as you guide the next generation.

thursdays, september 13-november 15, 9:30 a.m.

International English Classes b Dee Weddle and Shawn Fye this class designed to teach internationals conversational english skills uses the Bible and english as a second Language materials.

tuesdays, september 18-December 11, 6:30 p.m. (co-ed) wednesdays, september 19-December 12, 9:30 a.m. (women only)

Sewing for Children b Linda Johnson Receive hands-on training in smocking and sewing, along with encouragement from god’s word.

thursdays, september 13-november 15, 9:30 a.m.

Wholly Holy: Disciples in the Making b Jean Stockdale Learn from a master teacher how to study god’s word using the book of 1 Peter. experience the reality of victorious living even in the midst of crisis or conflict by digging into the apostle Peter’s instruction book.

tuesdays, september 18-October 23, 6:30 p.m.

Secrets Savored b Dianne Dougharty this mentoring program equips young women through practical homemaking tips and spiritual insights.

Classes begin the week of september 18. times and locations to be announced.

FALL SEMESTER 2012

Online registration begins Monday, August 1. to register and for more information, visit our website,

www.bellevue.org/women.

MEN’S MINISTRY FALL 2012 if you’re like most men, it’s easy to lose

your way in the frenzy of constant pressure and relentless responsibilities. Can life be an adventure again? Absolutely!

Join Drew tucker for “the great Adventure” wednesday evenings or thursday mornings. You will be revived, refocused, and challenged to live life with adventure.

wednesdays, september 5-november 14 6:30 p.m. in room F241/243

thursdays, september 6-november 15 6:00 a.m. in room F241/243

Life and Leadership series wednesdays, september 5-november 14 6:30 p.m. in room w125

gain insight and understanding from business leaders and entrepreneurs who have lived out their faith while faced with tough issues.


school BAckpAck giveAwAyaugust 4

promotion sundAyaugust 5

Awesome Augustaugust 8, 15, 22, 29

soul mAte live august 10 the source august 17 360 FAmily conFerence august 18

Forerunners luncheonaugust 20, september 17, October 15

Bellevue loves memphis workdAy august 25

pArent’s dAy And next generAtion open house august 26

lABor dAy holidAy (church oFFices closed)september 3

wednesdAy nights At Bellevue FAll semester Beginsseptember 5

women’s ministry dinner theAter september 6

next generAtion revivAl september 9-12

hillsong live in concertseptember 17

FAll FAmily cAmpoutseptember 28-29

the source, A night At the popsOctober 5

soul mAte liveOctober 19

Jesus loves memphis workdAy And prAyer rAllyOctober 27

FAll FestivAlOctober 31

$5 off OR $10 offa purchase of $25 or more a purchase of $50 or more

Receive $5 off your next purchase of $25 or more or $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more (pre-tax) at the Bellevue Bookstore. One coupon

per transaction. Not valid with any other offer or discount.

Offer Expires 9/30/12.

Volume 52, Number 4Messenger (USPS No. 019-669) is published bi-monthly by Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Road, Cordova, TN 38016, (901) 347-2000. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cordova, TN 38016, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to, Bellevue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1210, Cordova, TN 38088. q 2012 by Bellevue Baptist ChurchAll Scripture References are NASBt unless otherwise noted.

7:30 p.m. b doors open at 7:00 p.m.in the Fellowship hall

this event for young couples offers an evening full of great music, creative skits and videos, a relevant message for a healthy marriage, and desserts and coffee.

Childcare for ages birth-11years is available for $6 for one child or $10 for two or more.

Learn more and register at www.soulmatelive.comThis event is free!

Friday, augusT 10


saturDay, august 25Join the Bellevue family as we share God’s love with memphis. there is a way for each member of your family to serve and reach our city.

meet in the Fellowship Hall at 8:00 a.m.

this collaboration of memphis-area evangelical churches will lift up the name of Jesus throughout our city in a huge way!

Volunteers will participate in a variety of community projects all over the city. everyone—whether you serve on a work project or not—is

invited to a prayer rally and lunch at tiger Lane after the projects.

Be a part of this exciting event and make a difference in memphis.

to learn more about this event and how you can be a part of showing Jesus’ love to memphis,

visit www.jesuslovesmemphis.org.

saturDay, OctOber 27

www.bellevuelovesmemphis.org

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messenger - august / september 2012

Documents

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