The year 2000 began with not with the loud bang everyone expected as computers, electrical power, supply lines and other such life threatening disasters not happening at all. Thankfully the new millennium (well, not technically if you're a math person) begins a new era for the Young Adults at Bearden UMC.
In the year 2000, Jim Pollock puts his efforts into creating a new Sunday School class for young married couples. The class is a huge success and soon grows beyond the library, where they began. The Sunday School room shuffle begins with this new and exciting class meeting in the newly restored (a couple of coats of paint by two professional painters--well, it was Jim and Michael, but they certainly looked professional with all the paint on them!
In the year 2000, Bearden celebrated 50 years. We were treated to a series of Sundays featuring all the living pastors returning to lead worship. And in fine Methodist tradition, we followed each service with a wonderful meal. ("If you feed them, they will come.")
The only sour note on the celebration of 50 years was the news that Dr. Bob Walker passed away several weeks before he was scheduled to come and speak. Our group would never have got started without his vision and wisdom to see that this group was needed. He will be sorely missed, but we know that he has gone to a better place.
In other news, the Bearden softball team puts together a winning record! Yes, we go 5-3 over the season with some impressive performances from both old and new team members alike.
One of our members, Whitney McKenzie, graduates from the University of Tennessee and secures a job in Mississippi. We are sorry to see her go but she does return for visits from time to time that are very welcome.
The group attempts our "Dinner & A Movie" program. We discuss Biblical themes based on such films as "The Green MIle" and "The Searchers." Laughlin Smith opens up her home to us and feeds us a great meal of lasagna to help kick-start this program.
Rich joins the Bearden Bells with Michael, Barry and Laura. The annual Christmas playing of the bells is a success.
Cindy continues to work hard at seminary. Debby is off in Kansas working on her graduate degree. Bob is, well, Bob. John moves back to town and settles into Knoxville. Jennifer gets a new job.
The Vols stumble early against Florida in one of the most controversial plays of the year. (It was NOT a touchdown, despite Florida fan's and the ref's delusions that it was). They get back on track just in time to win their last six games and then make it to the Cotton Bowl to face Kansas State. Several football watching parties are held throughout football season.
Michael is forced to make a choice on Monday night in October when the Titans play the Redskins. He chooses the team he loves most--The Redskins. But they still lose. Dang nabbit.
As the year comes to a close, rumors of a new Young Single Sunday School class begin to swirl. Anticipation builds and prayers are offered for this new class.
The year 2000 has been one of great change for the Young Adult Group at Bearden. And as we continue to grow forward, we look forward to the year 2001 with great anticipation.
The Year 2001
If I were really, really crazy I'd go and find the music from 2001 to play here.
The new year begins. The new Young Singles Sunday School class kicks off. Our new teacher is none other than softball team member, Stan Love. He and his wife Fran open up their home to us for a kick-off party. Then, the next Sunday the class begins with 13 members. We hope for great things for this class in the future!
At the party, Michael informs everyone that softball is not an option.
We get together to watch the Super Bowl. It's not an exciting game, but the kick-off to Survivor 2 is great.
If you want to see some of the other history of our group, Click Here and you can read all about it!
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