December 2012

Berkeley BUZZ
Berkeley United Methodist Church
Celebrating 40 years, 19722012

P A S TO R S P E R S P E C T I V E
This Christmas season, Ive been reading a devotional book entitled God Is in the Manger, a collection of writings by the German Christian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945). He spent his last two Christmases, in 1943 and 1944, in Tegel prison; he died at the Flossenburg concentration camp on April 9, 1945, executed for his part in the conspiracy to overthrow Hitler. His opposition to the godless Nazi philosophy sprang from his deep Christian faith; as a Lutheran pastor and seminary professor, he called the church to stand for God and to resist tyranny. As he faced his first Christmas in prison, he wrote to his fiance: I think were going to have an exceptionally good Christmas. The very fact that every outward circumstance precludes our making provision for it will show whether we can be content with what is truly essential. I used to be very fond of thinking up and buying presents, but now that we have nothing to give, the gift God gave us in the birth of Christ will seem all the more glorious. The poorer our quarters, the more clearly we perceive that our hearts should be Christs home on earth. These words resonate with me. I like to think about giving gifts, including gifts to neighbors in need who are Christ in our midst; but am I receptive to the gift God wants to give me, and you, and all the worldthe Savior, Christ the Lord? I ponder where to locate the tree and the decorations in the new house; but does my own heart have room for Christ to be at home? In prison, Bonhoeffer had nothing to distract him. We can be so distracted and overloaded in December that we miss the wonder of Gods glorious gift. For you this Christmas season, I pray that you and I will receive the gift God wants to give, that you and I will make room in our hearts for the Christ child to enter in. Five centuries ago, the German reformer, Martin Luther, wrote: There is such richness and goodness in this Nativity [the birth of Christ] that if we should see and deeply understand, we should be dissolved in perpetual joy. May your Christmas be rich and good and profoundly joyful. Your Pastor~ Jeanne Devine

Hope is born
A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place so crude, forlorn, The Hope of all the world was born. Author unknown

Berkeley United Methodist Church

2407 Berkeley Ave. Austin, TX 78745 (512) 447-6633 Fax: 851-8438 www.berkeleyumc.org Childcare Center: 443-3509 Ministers Members of the Congregation Pastor Rev. Jeanne Devine revjeanned@sbcglobal.net Director of Music Victoria Schwarz vlschwarz@aol.com Pianist Dr. Tyler Mabry tgmabry@gmail.com Media Manager Elizabeth Walters
mariewalters1996@austin.rr.com

Celebrate! Advent 2012

Sunday, December 2
8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Hanging of the Greenery 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. UMW Cookies and More Christmas SaleCookies, Baked Goods, Fair Trade Coffee, Nuts and Tea

Administrative Assistant Tara Nash bumc78745@sbcglobal.net Childcare Director Allison McGillicuddy bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net

Tuesday, December 4
6:30 p.m. Cookies and Carols

Sunday, December 9
8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Methodist Mission Home Signs of the Times Choir

Newsletter articles and contributions are ALWAYS welcome..as well as suggestions for content. You can email the church or put submissions in the Admin. Assistant box in the church office.

Sunday, December 16
8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Choral CantataBorn a Savior, Born a King by John Purifoy

G OT N E W S ?

Sunday, December 23
8:30 & 10:50 a.m.

Worship services

Monday, December 24Christmas Eve

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service

Deadline: Sunday, December 16

Sunday, December 30
10:00 a.m. Worship Servicecarol singing celebration
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G ENEROSITY AND B EYOND

SUBMITTED BY JEFF CECIL, STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

You are Committed to Christ! On Sunday, November 11, we celebrated Berkeleys Commitment Sunday. Many of you stepped up and pledged to the mission of our church and revealed your faith to serve Christ. This outward showing is a personal walk for each of us. It is your heartfelt promise to give back a portion of all of Gods blessing he has freely given you. This is a humbling experience and one that is very fulfilling. If you have not had the opportunity to turn in your pledge, please take a prayerful moment to do so. Pledge cards are always available in the narthex (lobby) on the small table. If you have questions about pledging, please contact the church office. Berkeleys Committee on Stewardship extends a warm thank you to everyone for supporting Christs mission at BUMC. Here are just a few things that we have done since last month: November Mission Focus Offering: Hunger Sunday, $466. Hurricane Sandy Relief through UMCOR: $705 Ministry Student Scholarship Fund: $300 (new designated fund) United Methodist Student Day: $160 November 11 BUMC Annual Stewardship Campaign: The Church received 66 pledges for the General Fund and 32 pledges for the Capital Asset Fund. Thank you to all who have already turned in your pledge. Saint Louise House: Thanks to all who donated time, food and fixings for the Thanksgiving feast on November 15. And thanks to Carolyn Brown for coordinating this effort. Neighborhood Walkers: Nearly a dozen Berkeley members distributed 300+ Advent invitations to our neighbors in the Independence Park, Central Park and Southbridge Villas on November 18. You are welcome to pick up some invitations in the church office to share with your own neighbors. Opportunities to Give generously to the Glory of Jesus Christ. December Mission Focus Offering will support the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio. Learn more at: http://www.mmhome.org/ Advent begins December 2: Celebrate with the Hanging of the Greenery at both worship services. UMW Cookies and More, December 2: Purchase homemade holiday goodies and handmade items following the first service until 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds support missions of our UMW. Cookies and Carols, December 4: We will welcome our neighbors from Elmcroft and Englewood Estates for a festive evening of singing Christmas carols and light refreshments. Tyler and Vikki will lead the music. Are you a prophet? During Advent, you are invited to share your talents with dramatic readings in worship. Contact Steve Collins for details and information, steven.collins@earthlink.net or 512-285-2987. Worship needs YOU! ATTEND CHURCH EACH SUNDAY! Invite a friend. Participate in worship by serving as acolyte, worship leader, joining the choir, or running the media console. Contact the church office to see how you can make a difference (447-6633). Your Pledge to BUMC: Please help keep your giving current. Our mission depends on you! Visit a homebound or hospitalized member. Contact Claudia Wenzel (441-3285) or Mary Lynn Smith (2826054) for this and other opportunities. No cash? No checkbook? See the church office or Berkeley Treasurer, Ray Curtis (280-1313) for tips on setting up online bill pay or automatic draft. Its easy! Contributions to this column are always welcomeplease email Jeff Cecil at njcecil@sbcglobal.net.

F R O M S TA F F - P A R I S H R E L A T I O N S C O M M I T T E E
If you would like to contribute to a Christmas gift for Berkeleys staff members, please make your contribution by Sunday, December 16. Checks should be made out to Berkeley UMC with staff gift on the memo line. Cash may be donated in an offering envelope, clearly marked staff gift. The funds will be divided and distributed before Christmas Day. Questions? Please contact Don Campbell, 447-5006.
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COOKIES AND CAROLING, DECEMBER 4

Spiritual Care Committee invites the congregation and friends to join our neighbors from Elmcroft Senior Living and Englewood Estates in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. Tyler and Vikki will lead the singing of favorite Christmas carols, with light refreshments to follow. Come make a joyful noise, and mix and mingle with our senior friends!

Celebrating in
Birthdays 12/1 Marilee Smith 12/2 Jamie Justus 12/3 Holly Francis 12/4 Raylene Johnson 12/6 Devereaux Mathers 12/6 Elizabeth Royal 12/8 Nazreen Wenzel 12/10 Alan Clapper 12/11 Wes Dittlinger 12/12 Bill Rittenberry 12/14 Andrew Beck 12/14 Ray Hodson 12/18 Matthew Cecil 12/18 Alex Noll 12/22 Elma Clapper 12/23 Kimberly Gamble 12/23 Julia Hamilton 12/24 Pat Noll 12/25 Sarah Laramore 12/26 Angela Bonner 12/27 Holly Carlton

December!

METHODIST MISSION HOME, DECEMBER 9

What better way to keep Christ in Christmas than to offer Gods children a faith, a family, a future? Thats the goal of the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio, a shared ministry of the United Methodist Churches in Texas and New Mexico. The Signs of the Times choir will provide music in our worship on the second Sunday in Advent, December 9. Their chaplain, Carol Williams, will interpret for them and for us. A development officer will share this years stories of birth mothers, adoptive parents and their shared children, and the spring graduation of students at the Southwest Center for Higher Independence. Our Christmas offering, which we receive from December 2 through 24, supports the Home, which does not receive apportioned funds from churches. It relies on designated contributions by churches and individuals for much of its operating expenses. Last year Berkeley contributed more than $1000 to the Home, which was doubled by a matching grant. That grant will again double our dollars in 2012. What Christmas gift will go farther or do more good? Make it a point to worship at Berkeley on December 9, welcome our guests from the Methodist Mission Home on December 9, and invite family and friends to discover a new understanding of Christmas.

Anniversaries 12/21 Charles & Dorothy Slusher 12/29 Ineke & Glenn Dunn 12/31 Glenn & Donna Bostick
The church office will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26, and on December 31 and January 1. Rev. Devine will be on vacation December 25-January 1.

MISSION AND OUTREACH NEWS

SUBMITTED BY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

SAINT LOUISE HOUSE THANKSGIVING DINNER

BUMC served Thanksgiving dinner to twelve families and a number of staff from Saint Louise House on November 15. The food was excellent and everyone seemed to have a good time. To the workers, volunteers, and those that donated and/or contributed to last night's Thanksgiving dinner, please allow me to extend a very heartfelt THANK YOU of my own on behalf of my children and myself. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the food was delicious, and the decor and special touches like the candy corn cookies for the kids were whole-heartedly appreciated.

Once again, the generosity of everyone involved in this organization continues to astound me. It seems as though every week there is something else that you folks come up with that generates positivity and kindness within our community. Every time I The Outreach ministry have contact with anyone; my caseworker, the director, or anygroup would like to thank the many members of BUMC who con- one associated with Saint Louise House, I leave feeling uplifted. tributed food and/or helped with the dinner. You were all awesome! Members helped set up, serve, and clean up. Vikki was You people are awesomesauce! our greeter. Myrna and Susan held a story time for the young children. Each family made a personalized table runner for its Merry Christmas! own holiday table at home. You can see more photos on the SLH Facebook page: https:// We would like to thank Pok-e-jos barbeque for giving us a diswww.facebook.com/media/set/? count on the turkey, dressing, and gravy. set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type= 1 This email from a SLH resident sums up how the mothers felt about the evening:

A NOTE FROM BECKY HARRELL

Berkeley supports missionary Becky Harrell who is serving at the Latin American Biblical University, a seminary in San Jos, Costa Rica. Accion de Gracias Where has 2012 gone? Is it just me or has this past year been so full day to day that it doesnt seem possible in a short while we will move into 2013? During my devotional time this morning I reflected on some memorable times over the past months and in a spirit of giving thanks would like to share some of those with you. Health, healings, and joys of my family members and friends

Friends in the U.S. and in Chile who have gone to be with the Lord, their lives are a praise Joy in the birth of children Opportunities to pray Joys of Creation that surround me Face to face with Brothers and Sisters in Christ in worship in U.S. Children of KidsKlub Sunday School Program in Costa Rica Mission team members to UBL and the devotion they bring to the Lord in service Accompanying co-workers at UBL through both the good and the difficult times When weak, feeling strengthened through the Holy Spirit Food and shelter that so many dont have My puppy Buster and his antics that bring me much joy Opening my eyes to needed changes within meyou are never too old Lives and testimonies of the pastors and community workers from throughout Latin American and the Caribbean who come to UBL for study so they may better serve others.

Happy Holidays!

W H O S E BI RT H DAY I S IT ?
SUBMITTED BY CAROLYN BROWN

Pastor Jeanne challenged us to spend less and give more. What better way to celebrate Christmas than to give more to others? As you plan your Christmas giving this year, consider spending less on traditional gifts and giving more to someone else. Here are a few possible organizations that you can support: Local Capital Area Food Bank, an organization that distributes food and grocery products throughout Central Texas. www.austinfoodbank.org/ National Society of St. Andrew is the premier gleaning organization in America, working with farmers, volunteers and feeding agencies to help feed hungry Americans. www.endhunger.org/ International Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. www.heifer.org. International World Vision is a Christian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. www.worldvision.org/ You may have another organization that is special to you, but the important thing is to share what you have with those less fortunate. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40

THANK YOU
Dear Berkeley Family During a time like this we realize how much our friends really mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered. With love, Louise, Jan and Jon Jennings
The Spiritual Care Committee provides free devotional guides for the Advent season. This years guide was compiled by students, faculty and staff at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Please take one home and spend time in scripture and prayer to prepare the way of the Lord.

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE OCTOBER 2012 YTD 2011 WORSHIP 120 138 130 SUNDAY SCHOOL 34 47 45 GIFTS AS OF OCTOBER 31 MONTHLY INCOME: YEAR TO DATE INCOME:

SHARE YOUR TALENTS!

We always like to offer the talents of our congregation in worship. If you are interested in singing, playing an instrument (even the piano), drama, dance, movement, visual arts, or literary arts to be performed as part of worship at any point throughout the year, please email the church office at bumc78745@sbcglobal.net to let us know.

$ 16,843 $205,349

MONTHLY EXPENSES: $ 20,059 YEAR TO DATE EXPENSES: $219,306

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2407 Berkeley Ave. Austin, TX. 78745 (512)447-6633 Email: bumc78745@sbcglobal.net ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED