BerkeleyBuzz

Berkeley United Methodist Church

November 2015

COMING UP THIS MONTH:

Walk to Emmaus Gathering,
St. Louise House Thanksgiving
Dinner, and more!

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
Liz Smith
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net
Childcare Director
Allison McGillicuddy
bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net
Nursery Supervisor
Sami Burns
samanthaburns12@gmail.com
Church Office Hours
MondayThursday
8:45am to 3:15pm
Closed Daily for Lunch
from 12 noon to 12:30pm

Pastors Perspective
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite
holidays. When we consider Gods bounty and generosity
toward us, we become more thankful and generous. Spiritually,
emotionally and physically, we benefit from living with an
attitude of gratitude.
Churches traditionally ask members to make faith
commitments around Thanksgiving, and it seems right to do
that. Thankful people are cheerful givers. On Sunday,
November 8, we observe Generosity Sunday. We ask you to
bring your estimate of giving to worship (or mail it in if youll
be absent). We are not fund-raising for the church. We are
returning a portion of what God has generously given to us in
order to continue the mission of Jesus Christ.
This year, I want to challenge us to do three specific
things. First, if you dont currently have a plan and estimate of
giving, make one. Our finances are an important part of our
faith. As Jim Harnish says, Salvation is about more than
moneybut it is never about less than money. Second, give
more in 2016 than you do in 2015, to move toward a tithe of the
first 10%. Increase your giving by 1% or more of your
income. Third, support our plan to hire an outreach staff
member by giving an additional $350 in 2016; thats what we
need to move forward to connect with families with children
and youth who live near us.
I have been blessed by the practice and discipline of
tithing, giving God the first 10% of my income. Some of you
know that blessing too. As we thank God on November 26, I
pray we will express that thankfulness in generous living.
Your pastor,
Jeanne Devine

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 2

Church Happenings
Pastoral Transition

Anniversaries
Richard & Joanne Meziere
Daniel & Karen Carlton
Bill & Dorothy Rittenberry
Benny & Letty Villamin

11/11
11/22
11/25
11/26

Birthdays
Roy Holsenbeck

11/3

Angela Clapper

11/4

Julia Wasson

11/4

Bonnie Anton

11/5

Karen Walters

11/6

Kathy Beth Stavinoha

11/10

Claudia Wenzel

11/13

Greg Lasley

11/17

Rev. Jeanne Devine

11/18

Cathy Cranston

11/20

Phoebe Newberry

11/20

John Finley

11/21

Rebecca Thomas

11/23

Helen Campbell

11/25

Lucky Noll

11/29

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the

church office hours will be as follows:
Wednesday, Nov. 25: 8:45am12 noon
Thursday, Nov. 26: Closed
Friday, Nov. 27: Closed

Jeanne Devine
I announced in worship on October 25 that I
have requested retirement in June 2016. The
United Methodist Church has an orderly
process for pastoral transitions, and a new
pastor will begin serving at Berkeley UMC on
July 1, 2016. District Superintendent Rev. Teresa
Welborn will work with our leadership to
understand our specific ministry strengths and
needs, and then consult with Bishop Dorff and
the Cabinet regarding the best pastoral
match. An announcement about the incoming
pastor will be made in the spring.

During Rev. Devines remaining vacation time

in 2015 (November 14-22), Berkeley is blessed to
have two guest preachers who are well known
to the congregation.
Rev. Patti Herndon (November 15) served as
Berkeleys pastor from 1995 to 2001. Now
retired, she and her husband, Rick, live in
Austin and attend St. Johns UMC. Many will
remember that she officiated at Robbie Gastons
Celebration of Life in August.
Mark Horner (November 22), our summer intern from Austin Presbyterian Theological
Seminary in 2014, graduated last May and is
now the Director of Students at the United
Campus Ministry of Houston, an ecumenical
organization serving several campuses.

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 3

Church Happenings
Church Conference December 3
Every professing member of Berkeley is invited to attend and vote at our annual church
conference on Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m. District Superintendent Rev. Teresa
Welborn will preside. We will elect leadership for 2016 and consider how we are aligned
with our mission and vision. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Berkeley to host November Emmaus Gathering

Berkeley will host the November Gathering of the
Greater Austin Emmaus Community on Thursday,
November 5th. Singing will begin at 7:00 PM, with worship at 7:30. There will be an Agape Feast (light refreshments) afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.
ALL ARE WELCOME whether you have been on a
Walk to Emmaus or not! If you are wondering about Emmaus, this would be a good introduction!
Please join us to welcome friends from all over the Austin area as we worship together. For more information contact Susan Curtis at 512-280-1313.

St. Louise House Thanksgiving Dinner

We will once again host the families of St. Louise House, for their shared Thanksgiving meal. Dinner
will be served Thursday, November 19; setup begins at 5:30pm. *You can sign up in the Narthex on
November 8h and 15th.
*This year, Berkeley will provide turkey and desserts; the families will bring their favorite side dishes to
share. We request monetary donations to purchase turkeys, donations of desserts, and commitments of
time for setup, serving and cleanup.

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 4

Church Happenings

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 5

SpiritualGrowth
Across Many Mountains By Yangzom Brauen
Submitted by Carolyn Brown
In this memoir, Yangzom Brauen tells the story of her now 90-year-old grandmother
Kunsang (a nun) and grandfathers (a monk) daring decision to flee from Chinesecontrolled Tibet to India with her mother, then 6 years old. With little money and no
idea of what they would meet along the way, they began their journey to cross the
Himalayas on foot.
This is a fascinating story of courage and faith as well as an insight into the Buddhist
faith.
UMW Reading Program Category: Nurturing for Community

Spiritual Care Ministry

Submitted by Rachel Trudell
The Spiritual Care Ministry hopes you find this message
inspiring and encouraging as we grow in our discipleship
journeys with Christ:
Excerpted from The Upper Room Disciplines, May 15:
Many of us struggle to share our faith, to engage in conversation with others about our beliefs, our core values.
We assume those conversations would be rude and disrespectful to others and in some instances, an intrusion into
other peoples lives. But what is our call?
God has entrusted a message to us that we cant keep to
ourselves. The majority of us embrace this call, and with
joy we leave the safety of our sanctuaries and walk into the
community as bearers of Gods Word. In our society, we
probably will not endure what Stephen did as we speak
and live out Gods message. However, we do have missioners responding to Gods call in regions of the world
that involves risk in doing so. Nevertheless, if we trust
God is calling, we let go of fear, step out of our comfort
zone and into the world. Then, like Stephen, we will see
the glory of God.
Prayer: God, give us Stephens passion for bearing witness to the powerful message of the Gospel. Give us
strength to overcome any obstacle in our journey. Amen.

The Word of God

The word of God
Is living and active.
Like the ever blowing wind
Its breath bites and gnaws and carves and whittles
Our sharp edges until we are polished smooth.
The word of God
Is living and active.
Like dewdrops and rain and ice and snow
It seeps into our unyielding hearts and
Crumbles our rocky-ness so we can be
Scooped up and molded into something new.
The word of God
Is living and active.
Like the sharpest doubled-edged sword
Its blade pierces and stabs and slices and bores
Cutting right through where soul meets spirit,
Until we are released unto freedom.
2015, Karen Walters

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 6

Change

The World

On-going needs (most urgent needs in bold)

Clothing all sizes, especially mens clothing, shoes, coats,
and new underwear.
Household items, especially kitchen items and bedding.
Books.
Hygiene items, such as hotel samples.
For large items, such as furniture Call first (512-469-7970)
BUMC members are encouraged to visit the store during operating hours, then spend a few hours volunteering. Experience what it is like to get to know the stores clients. Remember, poor people are people first. Be in ministry with, not just for
others.
If you cannot deliver the items yourself, contact Carolyn
Brown at 512-443-2600.

Address: 1717 E 12th St.

Austin TX 78702
Phone: 512-469-7960

Justice for Our Neighbors

Berkeley UMC has reserved a table for 8 at the upcoming
benefit dinner on Saturday, November 14 for the Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbors clinic. Entitled Stand With
Us, the evening will include stories from staff attorneys
about a few individuals they have been able to help. This
year alone, they have provided direct legal services to more
than 100 clients. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the
Family Life building of First UMC at 1300 Lavaca.
JFON provides hospitality and compassion to low-income immigrants through legal services,
advocacy and education. It is a ministry of the Capital District of the United Methodist Church.

Berkeley Buzz,
November 2015, Page 7

November 2015
Sun

Mon

1 COMMUNION 2
SUNDAY

Daylight Saving
Time Ends

Tue

Thu

Fri

Sat

10am Womens
Group (7)

6pm ESL (9)

4pm Prayer
Ministry (Sanc)
6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc)

5:00 Emmaus
Gathering (FH
and Sanc.)

9am ESL (7)

4pm Folklorico
Dance (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet (FH)
6:45pm Know
Your Rights (9)
7pm Ballet (FH)

5:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(FH)

10

11Veterans Day 12

13

14

5:30pm St. Louise

House (CLC)

9am ESL (7)

4pm Folklorico
Dance (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet (FH)
6:45pm Know
Your Rights (9)
7pm Ballet (FH)

2pm Private Baby

Shower (FH)
5:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(FH)

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
1pm Spanish
Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

Wed

9:30am UMW
Women in Action
(FH)
4pm Prayer
Ministry (Sanc)
6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc)

8:30am Worship
10am Womens
9:40am Sunday
Group (7)
School
10:50am Worship
1pm Spanish
Worship
3pm Nominations
and Lay Leadership
(7)
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

5:30pm Prime
Timers (FH)

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
1pm Spanish
Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

10am Womens
Group (7)

6pm ESL (9)

4pm Prayer
Ministry (Sanc)
6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc)

5:30pm St. Louise

House Thanksgiving Dinner
(CLC)

9am ESL (7)

4pm Folklorico
Dance (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet (FH)
6:45pm Know
Your Rights (9)
7pm Ballet (FH)

7:28am UMM
Breakfast (FH)
7:30am UMW
Women in Gods
Grace (7)
9am Trustees (9)
5:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(FH)

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
1pm Spanish
Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

10am Womens
Group (7)
5pm Childcare
Center Set Up
(Room 7 and FH)
6pm Girl Scouts
(8)

29

30

First Sunday of
10am Womens
Advent
Group (7)
8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
1pm Spanish
Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

6pm ESL (9)

8:30am 1pm
Church Office
Childcare Center
Thanksgiving
Closes at Noon
Feast (Room 7 and
FH)
4pm Prayer
6pm ESL (7)
Ministry (Sanc)
7pm Church
Council (FH)

THANKSGIVING

Church Office
Closed Today

5:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(FH)

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2407 Berkeley Ave.
Austin, TX. 78745
512-447-6633
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Mission:
To make new disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world.

Our Vision:
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Berkeley will show our community and the world the
transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ by sharing Gods love in ministry with our
neighbors. We will offer pathways for new and committed disciples to grow in faithfulness. We will joyfully share our faith, resources and energies in partnership with our
community and the world.
Average Attendance
September
Worship
Sunday

Gifts as of September 30

2015

YTD

2014

101

104

113

30

30

34

Monthly Income

$ 18,285

Monthly Expenses

$ 22,738

Year-to-Date Income

$ 196,511

Year-to-Date Expenses

$ 209,604