The Vine of Bel Air United Methodist Church

11:00 Worship in McComas Hall

Welcome to The Vine! We’re glad you’re here. We are building something new at BAUMC and as we do,
there are both plenty of questions and plenty of opportunities. On this page you’ll find both — a series of answers to our most asked
questions and a list of ways you can help make this worship community your own. Because we are new, we’re still a little rough around
the edges—we aren’t “perfect” but then again, who is? We are a work in progress and that’s a good thing. So if you’re not perfect and
know God’s not done with you yet, then you’ve found the right place! Come join us as we journey together to become the kind of Christ-
followers we were created to be. Get connected to the Vine! (John 15)

Some things you should know . . .

The Vine team thought you might have some questions about how the service works so here's our best stab at answering them.
where's the order of worship? with everything on the screen, there's no need to be distracted by "what's next?" Live in the
moment and let others guide you in worship - everything you need to worship will be provided. This week will even be a little differ-
ent than last week and next week will be different from this one.
Our Mission—to love and to share
the early bird gets the donut. we want everyone to have a
donut on us, but we also decided to put the donuts away during wor- The mission of The Vine is
ship time (hard to clap your hands and hold a donut) so COME EARLY to love people into a relationship with Jesus Christ
so you won't miss the pre-worship gathering, the cool openings, your and to share all God has given us with our world.
chance to serve, or the donuts!
We are a ragtag collection of surrendered and trans-
coffee anytime! have a cup anytime. we serve only fair trade coffee formed people who love God and others, captivated
(pick up a brochure) so coffee farmers receive a fair price (livable by the idea that this is not about us, but all about
wage) for our American coffee habit. Please consider "pay it forward" Jesus. We are gripped by His story and His heart for
- your coffee donation helps purchase the next person's cup of joe, our community.
which eventually gets back to the coffee farmers.
We are seed-throwers and faith-cultivators, fruit-
children? we value having our kids worship with us. We want fami- bearers and grace-givers, risk-takers and dream-
lies to be together. So your grade school age children will worship sowers, young and old, rich and poor, diverse yet
with you before being dismissed for Kingdom Kidz (or they can stay unified. We link arms with anyone who connects to
with you if you prefer). Register at the Kidz table. For security reasons, the story of Jesus and long for everyone to be con-
your "kidz" can be picked up in room 101 after the service. Pick up a nected to Jesus, the True Vine.
Kingdom Kidz brochure for more info.
visit connect-to-the-vine.blospot.com
prayer. prayer is foundational to everything we hope to accomplish
at The Vine. It centers us and connects us to God and one another. to find out more.
You are invited during times of corporate song or contemplative mo-
ments to light a candle at our prayer stations (candles represent our prayers for those we love.) At the station, you can also fill out a
prayer request knowing that others will also pray for your requests throughout the week (or ask for confidential prayer that only the
pastors see). We also offer prayer after the service for any who need peace, healing or direction. Just look for prayer team mem-
bers stationed near the left wall. If God is nudging you into conversation, don’t hesitate to respond! Listen. Respond. Repent. Re-
flect. An encounter with God is why we’re here.
communion? the United Methodist Church offers an open table to all who hunger for more of Jesus Christ in their lives. You are
welcome to partake of this “sacrament" (sacred mystery). We believe Jesus Christ is spiritually present in this meal, so it's not to be
taken lightly nor without contemplation, reflection, and examination. But that doesn't mean we have to be perfect or have our "act
together" to receive (who is or who has?). The meal is a gift from God and a celebration of God's mercy, so come! Some practical
thoughts . . . We will (most often) be serving by "intinction" - receiving the bread and dipping into the cup. Our servers practice
safe hygiene (washing up). We also offer gluten free elements for those with allergies and individual sealed packets for those who
must avoid any potentially harmful micro-organisms. Parents may choose to serve their children this meal. If unsure, please talk
with the pastor after the service.
The Vine — 11:00 Worship in McComas Hall Today’s text —
Philippians 4:4-9 (NLT)
Today’s Story — ADVENT I (November 28, 2010) . . . There’s a lot of 4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I
talk today in fitness circles that to be healthy you need to “strengthen your core.” In essence, say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone
having a “solid center” helps the rest of your body to function properly. The same could be see that you are considerate in all
said for the church—a healthy church is only as you do. Remember, the Lord is com-
Questions for the Road . . . ing soon.
strong as the people who make her up and espe-
1. Do you think of yourself as upbeat person? cially those who are at the core—servant lead-
even-keeled? a roller coaster rider? or poor, 6
Don’t worry about anything; in-
ers, pastors, teachers and the like.
poor pitiful me? stead, pray about everything. Tell
2. Read Philippians 4:4-9. What does Paul say Today is the first Sunday of Advent—a season of God what you need, and thank him
should bring us joy? What’s the “antidote” preparation that reflects back on Jesus’ first visit for all he has done. 7 Then you will
for worry? to this planet (Christmas) while looking forward experience God’s peace, which ex-
3. Does December fill you with joy? with with anticipation to his promised return. It’s a ceeds anything we can understand.
peace? Paul gives a litany of things we His peace will guard your hearts and
perfect backdrop for the continuation of our
should fix in our thought-life. Reflect on minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
series — @ the Core which is about preparing
this list. As Christmas approaches, are you
willing to keep your mind focused on all the
ourselves to become the kind of church God 8
And now, dear brothers and sisters,
good things about this season? wants us to be and as a result preparing our- one final thing. Fix your thoughts on
4. Do you think it’s possible to live out a joyful selves for Christ’s return. Our task is to be what is true, and honorable, and
and peaceful December? Why or why not? about God’s business (Christ’s commission) until right, and pure, and lovely, and ad-
What will need to change in you to ensure that day. mirable. Think about things that are
the “God of peace will be with you?” excellent and worthy of praise. 9
What will be at our core? - the core values that Keep putting into practice all you
5. IN essence, Paul is calling the followers in
Philippi to focus on worship as a lifestyle will guide us and bind us into a biblically func- learned and received from me—
(who is worthy of our praise?) Do you tioning community? What values will make us everything you heard from me and
think, rather than waiting until the New uniquely The Vine and how will those values be saw me doing. Then the God of
Year, you can make a resolution to live a life lived out in our behaviors that will bear fruit for peace will be with you.
of worship even in this notoriously hectic the Kingdom of God?
season? What will you do? Who can you
Today’s message is Worship Is a Way of Life!
ask to help?
6. Please continue to pray and process
over your decision to send or be sent @ the Core is a SEED.
to our offsite-mission. FAQs and God is infusing The Vine with a unique DNA, the genetic markers that we will need
discernment guides are available at to live and thrive in this place that God has planted us.
the welcome center or go online to God is calling us to be SOWERS—sowers of grace, mercy, hope, love and peace,
http://connect-to-the- sowers of the Gospel.
vine.blogspot.com. We need to reach These are the values that will produce Kingdom fruit in us and through us
clarity over who will be called to stay
in McComas and those called to go Spiritual Transformation (an expectation for all Christ-followers)
offsite. Your completed discernment
card can be brought to the basket at
Outward Focus (a natural response to Christ’s love)
the altar or placed in an offering bas- Worship (a 24-7 Christ-honoring lifestyle)
ket at any time. Empowered Service (all Christ-followers embracing the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit)
Risk-taking (as missional experimenters modeling Christ’s incarnation)
Sharing Community (living out Christ’s call to generosity, simplicity and authenticity)

Next week — @ the Core—Exploring the Values that will Grow Us into Community
— Empowered Service Is Essential