Berkeley

SEPTEMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF 2013 BERKLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastors Perspective

BUZZ
Berkeley Staff
MINISTERS Members of the Congregation PASTOR Rev. Jeanne Devine revjeanned@sbcglobal.net DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Vikki Schwarz vlschwarz@aol.com PIANIST Dr. Tyler Mabry tgmabry@gmail.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Niki J Torres bumc78745@sbcglobal.net MEDIA MANAGER Elizabeth Walters CHILDCARE DIRECTOR Allison McGillicuddy bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net

One of my favorite stops is The Container Store. It makes me believe that I can and will get organized. Thanks to them, Ive made progress (although theres much more to be made!). The annual church conference in our United Methodist Church does the same thing. It makes meit makes us at Berkeleyget organized. This year our district superintendent, Rev. Steve Purdy, has designated Sunday, October 13 as our church conference date. That afternoon, Berkeley will host members of Manchaca, Grace, and St. Lukes UM Churches as we worship together and conduct our business sessions separately. I hope you will attend if you want to understand how we connect with other churches around our area and our world. Every professing (confirmed) member of this church has voice and vote. Anyone is welcome to attend, member or not. What will we do? We will elect officers for 2014 (see article below). We will reaffirm our support for our candidate for ordained ministry, Kallie Green. Our lay speakers will share their ministries in the past year. We will consider reports from our treasurer and trustees to review our stewardship of the gifts entrusted to us for Gods work. The pastor and lay leader will report on the state of the church. Pastoral compensation for 2014 will be set. We look back at the past yearhow have we lived out the purpose God has for us here at Berkeley? and we move forward with plans to carry out that purpose in 2014. Your leaders will work hard in September to get organized for our church conference. I thank all of them for their year-round dedication. Your pastor, Jeanne Devine

I will uphold this church with my prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
Accepting and fulfilling a leadership responsibility in the church includes all those aspects. Leaders work prayerfully; they are present for the work; they give their time, labor and insight; and they testify to their faith in the process. Berkeley is looking for our leaders in 2014. The Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership began meeting on August 25 to connect the leadership gifts of our members with the work of the church. The church council officers and administrative committee members will be elected at the church conference on Sunday, October 13. The remaining ministry area leaders will be elected by the church council at its final meeting of 2013. Please note that leadership is not confined within the churchs walls. We want leaders for community ministries such as supporting our local schools, Kairos Prison Ministry, the Work Corner breakfast program, mission involvement in and beyond Austin, and connecting with our immediate neighbors. We want leaders for short-term and year-long ministries here at Berkeley, such as hospitality to guests, caring ministries for those in need, education and nurture for all ages, finance and stewardship, personnel, property management and upkeep, and worship design. Let us know what you believe you are called to do! It will help the Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership Committee greatly. Contact any member if you would like more information, or to indicate your interest; their contact information is on the inside.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS
Setting Up for an Event?
Submitted by Betty Barnes

Happy Birthday!
9/01 RICH ERRINGTON 9/02 OWEN BURNETT 9/03 STACY SKILES 9/03 LIZ SKILES 9/05 ELIZABETH WALTERS 9/06 BETTY THIGPEN 9/08 DORIS LYON 9/12 LETHA PETERS 9/12 IRMA TREVINO 9/13 GLENN BOSTICK 9/19 TERESA ERRINGTON 9/19 DANIEL SHANK 9/20 JEAN BARTON 9/21 BARBARA HUFF 9/28 JIM BARNES 9/28 MARIETTA KARNES 9/29 EMMA HUFFSIFUENTES 9/30 CHERYL JOHNSON

On occasion, outside groups use our facility. If you plan to use the space for any reason, including setting up for an event the day or days before, please contact the church office to make sure the space is available.

Happy Anniversary!
9/07 RAY AND ROZ HODSON

Do we have your special day listed? If not, please call Niki at 512-447-6633 to add it to our database.

RESUMES!
Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine

Calling All Artisans, Craftspeople, and Bakers

Submitted by Myrna Cavender

On Sunday, September 15, all youth and their friends in grades 6-12 are invited to meet following the 10:50am worship service in the CLC. Devan Gartman, a member of Berkeley who recently moved back to Austin after graduating from college, will provide leadership to the youth group, with other adult sponsors. This weekly gathering will include a light lunch and times of fellowship, study and service. If you have questions, or would like to rotate as an adult sponsor, please phone Devan at 512-826-0009 or e-mail her at devangartman@gmail.com.

United Methodist Women will host Cookies and Crafts on Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Fellowship Hall. There will be two opportunities for people to purchase items between the 1st and 2nd service (9:40 to 10:40am) and again after the 2nd worship service. We are seeking donations of hand-crafted items, such as jewelry, fabric items, wooden crafts, etc. In addition, we hope that bakers of cookies, cakes, toasted nuts, etc. will again provide their lovingly made items to sell. All proceeds from the sale of these food and craft items will go to fund UMW mission outreach, such as Montopolis Community Friendship House in Austin, our Berkeley UMYF mission trip, Southside Community Center in San Marcos, and many others. So please mark your calendar now for this event; it's not too early to start creating these items for Cookies and Crafts. For more information, you may contact Myrna Cavender (512-280 -0963) or mjcavender@yahoo.com.

2407 BERKELEY AVE AUSTIN TX 78745 WWW.BERKLEYUMC.ORG BUMC78745@SBCGLOBAL.NET OFFICE: 512-447-6633 FAX: 512-851-8438 CHILDCARE CENTER: 512-443-3509

Parting Words from Erica Knisely

When I began my 10-week internship at Berkeley in June, I knew that I was entering a welcoming congregation and that I had an excellent mentor. After the ten weeks of my internship, I feel that I am part of a warm and loving family. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all of you, and I will miss worshipping with you every Sunday. Thank you for the gift of your encouragement and friendship. Your Christian love has given me strength for the next step on my journey in the ministry. Friends, the cards that you gave me last Sunday were beautiful and thoughtful. I will treasure them! I cannot think of a more beautiful parting prayer than Pauls prayer from Ephesians 3:14-21: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Yours in Christ, Erica Knisely, Pastoral Intern

Fish Fry at St. Peters UMC

An invitation from the UMW at St. Peters UMC

This is our major fundraiser and we are asking for support from your church: Friday, September 13, 2013; 11am2pm St. Peter's United Methodist Church 4509 Springdale Road Austin, TX 512-926-1686 You cant beat a fish fry! Plates include: fried catfish, coleslaw, french fries, hush puppies, and dessert. Tickets are $8, and may be purchased at the door. Thank you in advance for your support, and please spread the word! On Sunday, August 18, the special music was provided by the ladies of the church. They sang Ill Fly Away with much enthusiasm and feeling, blessing all who were present.

Fifth Sunday Potluck Time! September 29 Immediately following the second service. Bring a covered dish to share; drinks will be provided.

Ill Fly Away!

Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development

Rachel Trudell, 512-694-3688, ruby2ranch@yahoo.com Steve Cavender, 512-280-0963, stevecavender@yahoo.com Nancy Cecil, 512-288-2835, njcecil@sbcglobal.net Beth Collins, 512-295-2987, beth.collins@earthlink.net Jim Barnes, 512-288-5250, jbarnes47@austin.rr.com Amy Gibbs, 512-569-2748, aandjplusfidget@gmail.com Dave Denton, 512-295-7553, ddenton8@austin.rr.com James Hamilton, 512-944-4815, csoclearjh@yahoo.com Carolyn Brown, 512-443-2600, dbsews45@gmail.com

GIFTS AS OF JULY 31

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE

Monthly Income Monthly Expenses Year-to-Date Income Year-to-Date Expenses

$ 18,266 $ 23,417 $ 161.226 $ 153,639

JULY WORSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL

2013 113 34

YTD 124 34

2012 129 45

REACHING OUT
Thank You from Kingdom Kamp
We received this letter acknowledging our gift of $499 to support Kingdom Kamp. For many years, our former pastor, Patti Herndon, served as the dean. We made this gift in her honor as she retired from full-time ministry this summer. Greetings in Christ! On behalf of the Southwest Texas Conference Kingdom Kamp thank you very much for the generous contribution of Berkeley UMC to Advance Special #2005, Kingdom Kamp Scholarship. Your special contribution will allow others to attend this gentle camp and experience a wonderful time of sharing and celebrating our love and faith in Jesus Christ through worship, small groups, prayer, and play. Thank you again and may God bless you. Rev. Lundy Hooten

Thank You from Englewood Estates

Thank you, church family, for inviting us, Englewood residents, to a wonderful time of fellowship, of singing old hymns and ice cream last Wednesday evening. Our special thanks go to the Spiritual Care Committee for planning this activity; to Letty, Jeff, and Nancy for providing transportation; to Vikki and Tyler for leading the singing and everyone who greeted us with warm smiles and open arms and graciously served ice cream. It was especially nostalgic to sing from the old Cokesbury hymnal (I grew up with that in M.Y.F.). Love, Rebecca Thomas

Want to Learn More...About the Roma People?

Submitted by Myrna Cavender

Who are the people called Roma? What do we really know about this diverse group of folks spread all over the world? It is estimated there are one million Roma people living in the USA; what misconceptions about these gypsies exist? If you would like to learn more about this misunderstood culture, please consider joining Berkeley United Methodist Women (and friends beyond Berkeley) in their study of the Roma people on Saturday, October 19, from 9am until noon in the Fellowship Hall. Victoria Schwarz, who has researched this group extensively, will be our presenter. There will be a light lunch following the study. Men are also welcome to join us. If child care is needed, please contact Myrna Cavender (mjcavender@yahoo.com) by Saturday, October 12.

School Supply and Backpacks Drive Report

Submitted by Susan Curtis and Carolyn Brown

Many people, including BJ Johnson and Carolyn Brown (pictured here, with principals Kim Royal from Widen and Amy Lloyd from Cunningham) helped sort the school supplies to be taken to Widen and Cunningham elementary schools. On Sunday, August 18, the congregation blessed the school supplies donated by church members. This picture represents only a small part of all the donations we received, which included 20 uniform shirts and 25 backpacks as well as several large sacks of supplies. We also received enough monetary donations to give each school a check for $535. THANKS to all for your loving generosity!

Active Summer for Berkeley United Methodist Women

Submitted by Susan Curtis We have had a busy summer! During the months of June, July and August: The WIGG and WIA circles learned about: Marginalized people and the churchs response to their needs. The United Methodist Church program for Deaconesses and Home Missioners. Four members went to Mission U at Mt. Wesley, attending courses on Poverty; The Roma of Europe; and Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly. With support from church members, we collected supplies and created 30 Sewing Kits which were taken to Mission U for Manos Juntos, a Methodist mission in Reynosa, Mexico. We hosted a Womens Summer Salad Luncheon for all women and girls of the church. With support from church members, we collected donations of school supplies for Cunningham and Widen Elementary Schools, which were delivered to the schools before the first week of school. We supported the Youth Mission Trip to San Antonio with a donation of $200.00 for supplies. And we have more upcoming fall/winter activities! In the next few months, we will be engaged in: Attending a District meeting in Industry, Texas in September Hosting lunch for the District Lay Speakers training at BUMC in September Vikki Schwarz will present a half-day study of the Roma people on Oct. 19 Selling Fair Trade coffee, tea and other items to raise mission money In October Organizing and hosting Cookies and Crafts in December (see more information in separate article.) Hosting a Holiday Tea for all church women and girls in December Keep those labels coming! We would like to thank Berkeley for their support of our on-going collection of Labels from Campbells soup and other products, and Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education. These labels are given to Montopolis Friendship Community Center and to schools to purchase needed items. There are containers on the shelf of the table in the Narthex to put these labels in when you bring them.

Honduras 2014
Submitted by Carolyn Brown

Your Money at Work

Submitted by Carolyn Brown

Plans are underway for the January trip to Honduras, but theres still time to sign up. The next informational meeting will be in mid September. If youre not sure whether or not this is for you, plan to attend the meeting to meet the team and get more information. No matter what area you work in, it will be an unforgettable experience. This is a chance to put your faith in action and experience another culture. Watch the daily BUZZ for the meeting date, or contact Carolyn Brown at 512-443-2600.

A portion of your giving goes to the Outreach budget, but you may not be aware of how this money is used. Among other things, the following projects were supported directly from the Outreach budget in the last twelve months: Saint Louise House summer cookout and Thanksgiving dinner, shoes for Cunningham Elementary, socks and underwear for Widen Elementary, lunch for our childcare workers, Interfaith Acton of Central Texas, the Free Store, and the Work Corner.

Undie Sundays for the Free Store!

Submitted by Carolyn Brown

An ongoing need of the Free Store is underwear, so to help meet this need, we are going to have Undie Sundays on September 8 and 15. Please bring new underwear on these dates and place it in the box in the narthex. All sizes are needed boys /girls/mens/womens. Lets make a difference in the lives of some of our Austin neighbors. The Free Store is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 101pm. Donations can be made on Monday or Thursday from 101pm at 1717 E 12th Street. If you cant go there, you can contact Carolyn Brown at 512-4432600. For large items such as furniture, contact Matt Cardona at matt@umcad.org to arrange for delivery. Mens clothing is especially needed, and dont forget Bibles and cookbooks.

Sun
1 Communion Sunday 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9)

Mon
2 Labor Day OFFICE CLOSED

Tue
3 6p Congregational Care (7)

Wed
4 6p Hand bell Choir Resumes! 7p Choir 5

Thu
6

Fri
7

Sat

8 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9)

9 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant Grp (9) 7p Worship Design Team (Sanc)

10 5:30p Prime Timers (FH) 6:15p Childcare Board (7)

11 9:30a UMW Women in Action Circle (CLC) 6p Handbells 7p Choir

12 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC)

13

14

15 12pm Youth Fellowship 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9) Newsletter deadline

16 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant Grp (9) 7p Finance (7)

17

18 6p Handbells 7p Choir

19 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC) 7p Trustees (7)

20

21 7:30a UMW District Meeting (Industry, TX)

22 12pm Youth Fellowship 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9)

23 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant Grp (9) 7p SPRC (7)

24 5:45p Spiritual Care (9) 7p Church Council (FH)

25 6p Handbells 7p Choir

26 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC)

27

28 7:28a Mens breakfast (FH) 9am Advanced Lay Servant Class, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (FH)

29 12pm Fifth Sunday Potluck 4p Tai Chi 5p Covenant (9)

30 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant (9)

SUNDAY

SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Study Group in October
Submitted by Jeanne Devine

Holy Land Trip with Bishop Dorff

Submitted by Jeanne Devine

September 9-19, 2014 $3446 all-inclusive price from Austin Optional extensions to Cairo, Bethlehem, Jordan or Nile cruise Educational theme: Jesus: His Life, Time, Land and Hebrew Faith. Led by Bishop Jim and Barbara Dorff. If interested, contact the church office for a copy of the brochure.

Rev. Devine will offer a four-week discussion group during October, based on Rev. Mike Slaughters new book, Shiny Gods:Finding Freedom From Things That Distract Us. This book is the basis of our generosity emphasis entitled first. It asks, What happens when we truly put God first in all aspects of our lives? In a culture guided chiefly by shiny, life-promising distractions, enough seems elusive and keeps us indebted to that next source of satisfaction. What if the Giver of Life offered freedom from this downward spiral? Would you take it? Week by week, the group will share a DVD and discuss one chapter of Shiny Gods. The following Sundays sermon will draw on our discussions. We begin on Thursday, October 3 and conclude on Thursday, October 24. We will meet from 7-8 pm. A daytime session will be offered if at least 5 people sign up. Book cost is $9. If youre interested or want to know more, contact Rev. Devine at revjeanned@sbcglobal.net or 512-4476633. Signups start September 3 and end September 25.

Book Series Review: Tales from Grace Chapel Inn

Submitted by Kathy Beth Stavinoha

I encourage you to check out this series of Christian fic- There are 47 books in this series; Ive read the first eight. They tion in our church library. demonstrate the characters faith The Howard sisters decide to turn their home in rural and trust in God, and the power Pennsylvania into a bed and breakfast, naming it after of prayer. The books are charming and quite easy to the chapel their father had pastored. The first book deals read. with their struggles with the towns resistance to their decision and the renovations that must be made. It also The sisters are loving, caring, and self-sacrificing, yet introduces the various other town residents. There are all struggle with the forgiveness that God requires of us. I sorts of guests who stay at the B&B, many with personal have been blessed by them along with their guests, and highly recommend that you get to know them too. struggles, which keep the stories fresh and interesting.

Bearing Each Others Burdens

If you are interested in praying for the needs of the congregation and wish to opt in to the weekly prayer request email group, please send an email letting Nancy Cecil know: njcecil@sbcglobal.net.

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

Jesus at Work
Submitted by Rachel Trudell

As we enter into the often hectic busyness of Autumn and new school year, may we remember to keep our "first fruit focus" on Christ, being mindfully aware when we start slipping away from His guidance, in everything we do: What are you doing today? Is your "to do" list filled with the mundane or the extraordinary? As Christ followers, everything in our lives is changed by the overarching reality of Christ's resurrection. Jesus turned a woman's daily task of drawing water into a life-changing encounter, a little boy's lunch into a miracle. He continues to intersect lives today just as He has done for thousands of years. Look for Him at work today, and follow where He leads. Be part of what He is doing in the world. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25 Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to Your presence and activity today. As someone whose life and perspective has been changed by You, I want to be part of Your ongoing work in the world. In Your name I pray, amen.