October 2013

Berkeley Buzz
Putting God first in living and giving
Do we worship idols? The answer may surprise you. During the month of October, our church will hear about Gods generosity and our response as we experience our stewardship program, first: putting GOD first in living and giving, developed by author and pastor Mike Slaughter. There will be opportunities in worship, in study groups and classes, and in personal devotions. We are made in Gods image and are meant to be creators of life and hope, not the consumers of our cultures shiny gods. We have the ability to change the world and create a legacy that will live forever in the lives of generations to follow. That legacy starts when each of us takes the hard steps of financial discipline and fulfilling the call to generosity that God has placed in all of us. The goal is for all of us to ask questions of ourselves and be open to the possibility that God will lead us in new directions in our lives. During the four-week program, well be challenged in a number of different ways. Well be asked to look for the idols in our own lives (Hint: Most of them arent animals made of gold) and name the ways these idols enslave us, holding us back from living in the true freedom that God desires for us. Well be challenged to consider the place that money, work, and debt have in our own lives. What are our common understandings of these, and might the witness of Scripture lead us to some different understandings? Well be challenged to ask ourselves what it means for us to be faithful, to save, and to give. How do we balance all the competing interests in our lives? What priorities does God want us to have? Finally, well be challenged to give with our hearts, not out of obligation or a sense of duty and not just when we think the recipient deserves our gift. Instead, well be challenged to give the way God givesfreely, fully, with no favorites or expectations of repayment. It is my prayer that we will continue to grow into the disciples and the church that God knows we can be. Please join us in first: putting GOD first in living and giving. Your Pastor, Jeanne Devine

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 YOUTH DIRECTOR Devan Gartman devanfaygartman@gmail.com MEDIA MANAGER Elizabeth Walters CHILDCARE DIRECTOR Allison McGillicuddy bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net

They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

CHURCH HAPPENINGS
In the Hospital?
Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine

Ushers Needed
Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine

Theres an urgent need for regular ushers at the 10:50am service. Women and men are invited to sign up to serve on a regular basis, once a month or so. This ministry of hospitality is important to our worship life and our identity as a welcoming house of God. What do ushers do? More than hand out bulletins, definitely. You guide guests to the nursery, rest rooms and around the facility. You make sure people find places to sit in the sanctuary. You assist the pastor and worshipers during the service when needed. You receive registration/ prayer slips and circulate offering plates during the service. In short, you help the people of God to worship. Thats important! You can choose which Sunday to usher. We need to find at least four new ushers. Please contact Rev. Devine at revjeanned@sbcglobal.net or 512-447-6633 right away!

and you want the church to know? But you cant remember our phone number? Dont worry! All Austin area hospitals make it easy for you to notify us. Just tell a nurse or a chaplain that you want to notify Berkeley UMC about your hospitalization. They will look up the church number and make the call for you, if necessary. Its too bad when people say, after their discharge, that they just didnt know how to let us know. And its too bad that the pastor and congregational caregivers didnt have the opportunity to visit and provide prayerful companionship during that time. Its always appreciated when you notify the church about your (or someone elses) hospitalization. We would rather know several times than not at all.

Automatic Giving to Berkeley

Submitted by Ray Curtis, Treasurer

Dont use checks? Dont carry a checkbook most of the time? Frequently out of town? Keep forgetting to bring your check on Sunday? Help is here! You can give automatically. Choose the way that fits best for you: 1. Talk with your bank about setting up automatic bill payment if you dont have it now. They can help you in person; all they need is your account number, and the churchs name and address. You decide the amount and the date each month to send your contribution, then the bank sends a check to the church until you instruct them otherwise. 2. Go online to your banks website and set up your own automatic bill payment for the church (and other recipients too). Save time, checks, and stamps. 3. Already banking online? Just add your church to the other payments you already make. The Finance Committee encourages you to contribute in whatever way works best for you. If you have questions, please contact Ray Curtis at 512-280-1313.
ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE Sunday, October 13 3pm All church members have voice and vote!

Church-512-447-6633 Childcare Center-512-443-3509 bumc78745@sbcglobal.net

2407 Berkeley Ave. Austin, TX 78745 www.berkeleyumc.org

Berkeley Work Day

BIRTHDAYS
10/02 Forrest Arnold 10/05 Reno Bostick 10/08 Myrna Cavender 10/10 Lois Johnson 10/10 Patrick Walters 10/12 Sandy Cox 10/17 Charis Torres 10/18 Julia Lancaster 10/21 David Denton 10/21 Don Wolfe 10/23 Peter Tormos 10/25 Jeff Cecil 10/25 Brenda Johnson 10/28 Stephen Trudell 10/29 Brian Peters
Submitted by Betty Barnes

The Berkeley Trustees are planning another workday for all interested members to help with buildings and grounds work! We will gather at 9am on Saturday, October 12, to work on the following tasks: tree trimming and chipping; sinking the outdoor banner supports in concrete with PVC sleeves to hold the banners upright; repaint the rear wall of the tractor shed after our recent break-in; roof and trim repairs to the rear of Rooms 1-2; adjustment/tightening/oiling of doors in the sanctuary restrooms; check door latch in sanctuary kitchen for fit; replace buttresses on the back of Rooms 3 and 6; ceiling tile replacement as needed in the CLC; window washing; clean gutters in courtyard; repair chain link fence in the middle playground; clean/polish doors in the sanctuary building; dust in sanctuary; cleaning/oiling the church signboard. And MOWING always mowing to do! As you can see, there is far more to do than our committee can accomplish alone! Please come and help us keep our property in good shape! Its fun to work with your church friends and meet new people, too!

ANNIVERSARIES
10/1 Kimberly and Scott Gamble 10/6 Pat and Lucky Noll 10/13 Betty and Jim Barnes 10/19 Mary and Stan Phillips 10/23 Lori and Chris Burnett

Thanks!
A huge thanks to all of Berkeleys amazing youth who helped to paint the colorful, new sign for our Childcare Center!

A Note About the Affordable Care Act

Submitted by Hugh Moore and Ron Meade

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is already bringing change to our nations healthcare delivery. As elements come on-line, more and more of our citizens including many children have the opportunity to gain life-sustaining care. But change is unsettling for everyone concerned. For those with health coverage, there may be little or no change at all to your current care. Talk with your employer, your plan provider, or doctors office to clarify. For those who will be purchasing new coverage, the Insurance Exchanges will open for enrollment October 1, 2013. Enrollment will continue until March 31, 2014. Texans will participate in the Federal exchange through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For information, go to http://www.healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596. May all who need it find healing!

...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me - Matthew 25-35

REACHING OUT
Trunk or Treat!

Trunk or Treata fall event where kids trick or treat from car to car in Berkeleys parking lot rather than from house to housewill be held Saturday, October 26 from 47pm. There will also be a raffle prize available for our guests. Time to decorate your car for Halloween and stock up on treats for the little ones. Cunninghams Fall Festival is the same day, so we should have plenty of treats for the youngsters. For more information, please contact Polly Aranda at Polly.Aranda@tpwd.state.tx.us.

Drinking Coffee for the Good of All

Submitted by Brenda J. Johnson

The UMW will be presenting another fair trade coffee/tea sale in October. By doing this, the UMW makes money for our mission work while also benefitting the Equal Exchange program supported by the United Methodist Church. Coffee (whole beans or ground) and tea (in tea bags) will be sold. To learn more about fair trade and the Equal Exchange program that sponsors fair trade, go to www.equalexchange.coop and read more.

News from Becky Harrell

Dear all at Berkeley United Methodist Church: Just a note to say thank you for your continued support of me as a General Board of Global Ministries missionary assigned to UBL (Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana, or Latin American Biblical University) in San Jose, Costa Rica. The Board has received your Covenant Support gift of $1400. We began a Sunday School program more than two years ago in a poor neighborhood, a barrio, called La Isla, in San Jose. We have reached many from 5 months to 14 years old as we share the love of Christ in song, games, and the Word. Our UBL students serve as Sunday School teachers. The community has even given me a key to the Community Center as a show of trust and faith in our non-denominational program. Please keep the children and volunteers in your prayers. May the God of All shower you with blessings, as you have for me. Blessings to all, Becky Harrell GIFTS AS OF AUGUST 31 MONTHLY INCOME MONTHLY EXPENSES YEAR-TO-DATE INCOME YEAR-TO-DATE EXPENSES $ 20,968 $ 23,766 $ 182,194 $ 177,405 AVERAGE ATTENDANCE AUGUST WORSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL 2013
121 38

YTD
124 35

2012
127 45

Get on Board with How to Change the World:

A R
K

One Act of Random Kindness at a time.* ct of

Your Outreach Dollars at Work Again

In 2012 and 2013, we were asked by Cunningham Elementary to provide shoes for their underprivileged students. Widen Elementary asked for underwear and socks. We have used some of our Outreach funds to answer these needs continuing to change the world, one act at a time.

andom

indness *from the movie, Evan Almighty

Amen! to New Churches

Amen Austin!, a brand new church in South Austin, needs a space to gather. They will be using our Fellowship Hall in October on Saturday nights beginning at 5:30pm. As of now, they are only confirmed to use our Fellowship Hall in October, but we are in conversation about continuing the relationship if it does not seem to conflict. All Berkeley UMC events take precedence over outside events, but we must know about such needs in advance in order to accommodate. Whenever there is a need for a meeting space at the church, please make sure to reserve it with the church office at 512-720-8777 or bumc78745@sbcglobal.net.

UPDATES
Undie Sundays
Submitted by Carolyn Brown

Once again, we have shown that we care. Over 350 pair of underwear were donated on our Undie Sundays! Think what a difference that will make in the lives of the Free Store shoppers. Your donations will change their world.

Change the World

Submitted by Ginger Wahlers

Last July, Berkeley UMC raised $550 to support homeless students attending Crockett and Akins High Schools. The checks and letter were delivered to Kim Eerkes at Crockett High School on Thursday, September 5. This picture was taken with Sissy Camacho, one of the Assistant Principals. The check was then delivered to Ms. Trevio at Akins HS. All were very appreciative of our efforts to support their students.

Spiritual Growth
Who are the Roma?
Submitted by Myrna Cavender

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 join Berkeley United Methodist Women (and friends beyond Berkeley) in their study of the Roma people on Saturday, October 19, from 9am noon in the Fellowship Hall. Victoria Schwarz will be the presenter. A light lunch follows the study. Men are welcome to join us! If child care is needed, please contact Myrna Cavender (mjcavender@yahoo.com) by Saturday, October 12.

Advent Conspiracy Study

Submitted by Mike Crevier

Is the Walk to Emmaus for You?

Submitted by Susan Curtis

Berkeley UMC will offer an Advent class following the book, Advent ConspiracyCan Christmas Still Change the World? on Thursdays from November 21December 19. Led by Mike Crevir, two meeting times are possible: 3pm and 6:30pm. Cost for the book is $8, and a minimum of six registrations is required for each class. Imagine if Christmas became a worldchanging event once again? The study will reintroduce a revolution in compassion as we learn, following the themes: worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all. Time is one of the most precious gifts we can give at Christmas, time to make love more visible through relational giving. When Jesus loved, he loved in ways never imagined. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join him in giving resources to those who need them most. No one wants a Christmas worth forgetting. Registration forms will be available in the Narthex beginning October 1. Questions? Contact Mike at 512-291-9329 or mike.crevier@tpwd.state.tx.us.

...lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

Are you seeking more in your Christian Life? Do you have questions about prayer, study, and living out your faith? Are you ready for an extraordinary weekend with other Christians? The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience. Grounded in United Methodist theology, it is a study of Gods Grace and how it is relevant in our lives. The weekend can strengthen and renew the faith of Christians, modeling ways to live a Christian lifestyle and be leaders in the church.

Berkeley UMC has a rich history of participation in Emmaus, with over 30 current members who have experienced this wonderful weekend. If you are interested or curious to know more, please contact Susan Curtis at 512-280-1313 or curtis@prismnet.com. Information is also available in the Narthex. There are opportunities coming soon in nearby Wimberlycontact Susan to learn more!

Prayer Corner
Submitted by Kathy Beth Stavinoha

In the September 19 Disciplines, contributor Claire Keen wrote, "Paul says to pray for all people. For all people...Praying for all people, no matter what, clears our vision to see everyone as Jesus sees us." I tried it. I prayed for some world leaders who are condemned by the international community, as well as politicians whose politics don't align with mine. It didn't change my political views, but it did help me see God's children standing behind the pomp and rhetoric.

Sun

Mon
1

Tue

Wed
2 6p Handbells 7p Choir

Thu
3 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC) 7p Shiny Gods study (9) 4

Fri

Sat
5 5:30p Amen Austin! Church (FH)

6 Communion Sunday 12p Youth Fellowship (FH) 3:30p Emmaus Team Selection (7) 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9) 13 Childrens Sabbath 3p Church Conference (Sanc & CLC) 5p Covenant Grp (9)

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

8 5:30p Prime Timers (FH)

9 9:30a UMW Women in Action Circle (CLC) 6p Handbells 6:45p Choir @ Manchaca UMC

10 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC) 7p Shiny Gods study (9)

11

12 9a Church Workday 5:30p Amen Austin! Church (FH)

14 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant Grp (9) 7p Worship Design Team

15

16 6p Handbells 7p Choir

17 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC) 7p Trustees (Sanc) 7p Shiny Gods study (9)

18

19 9a UMW Roma Study (FH) 5:30p Amen Austin! Church (FH)

20 12p Youth Fellowship (FH) 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9) Newsletter deadline

21 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant Grp (9) 7p Finance (7)

22 5:45p Spiritual Care (9) 7p Church Council

23 6p Handbells 7p Choir

24 5:308p Saint Louise House (CLC) 7p Shiny Gods study (9)

25

26 7:28a Mens breakfast (FH) 4p Trunk or Treat 5:30p Amen Austin! Church (FH)

27 Dedication Sunday 12p Youth Fellowship (FH) 4p Tai Chi

28 10a Womens Group (9) 7p Covenant (9) 7p SPRC (7)

29

30 6p Handbells 7p Choir

31 Halloween

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

The Cost of Ministry

Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine

Ive been asked, How much does it cost to operate the church? Here are the 2013 budget basics: Staff Compensation, Benefits, Continuing Education and Payroll Taxes: $167,948 Facilities and Equipment: $33,600 Ministry Programs: $15,287 Administration: $12,575 United Methodist Apportionments: $29,859 Missionary Support: $1400

Another way to look at it is, What value is derived from our contributions? Last year we divided budget spending into these ministry areas: Worship and Music: 26% Places for People and Ministry: 25% Daily Ministry Support: 20% Mission and Outreach: 14% Teaching and Equipping: 10% Education and Nurture: 5%

One aspect of our financial stewardship is supporting the church, so knowing the needs of the church can help. Another aspect is recognizing the Christians need to give, based on the image of God within us. Your giving does keep the lights on, definitely! And through your giving, your light shines and gives glory to God. Thank you for your support.