November 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
I love November! Autumn (Texas-style, anyway) is finally here. And I love Thanksgiving. Persons of all faiths and spiritualities offer the most basic prayer, Thank you, in acknowledgement that there is someone to thank. We sing Now thank we all our God, who from our mothers arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. Thanksgiving is the perfect antidote to the sin of pride, which tempts us to think that we are self-made, that we have ourselves to congratulate for our lives and our benefits. Thanksgiving also enters into our committed lives as followers of Christ. The free grace of God is amazing! God can never be repaid, but our thankful lives pay Gods grace forward and bless the lives of so many others. Thankfulness is the best therapy there is. The more you give away, the less you worry about having enough for yourself. If youre not sure about this, try it and see. Christians believe so strongly in living with gratitude and thanksgiving that it is one of the practices we use to assess our spiritual health. Youve heard by now about the tithe, the first tenth of all that comes to us. For some, this seems to be a far-off goal. Most Christians give away about 2.5% of their income to all charitable causes, not only to their church. Believe it or not, this is about the same amount Americans in general donate to nonprofits! Our practice doesnt match our beliefs, it seems to me. Nobody is going to leap to 10% immediately, so we urge you to grow one step. Only you can tell what percentage of your income you contribute to Gods work through your church. If youre tithing, dont consider it a ceiling; you already know that the more you give away, the less you worry. If youre not yet tithing, grow a percentage toward it; in less than ten years, youll be tithing. And if you havent contributed anything to your church this year, please start! Theres no reason anyone should be a zero giver; every gift of any size is important. On November 11 we ask our people to commit specifically to our ministries in 2013 by your Estimate of Giving. We trust your commitments in the other areas of faithful Christian living: Prayer, Bible Reading, Worship, Witness and Service. To plan responsibly for the ministries we can carry out next year, the Finance Committee needs to know your plans. Let me say it again: An Estimate is just thatan Estimate. It can be revoked or changed (increased or decreased) at any time, at your request. Those who estimate their giving have followed their plan 96%; thank you! Your plan becomes your priority. But without knowing your plan, your church cant really plan. How would you manage your life if your employer or your retirement funds wouldnt tell you what to expect? Berkeley has a great record of generous living in so many dimensions. I am thankful for you, and I wish you a very happy thanksgiving, not only on November 22 but every day. Your Pastor~ Jeanne Devine

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

LABYRINTH WALK, NOVEMBER 3

SUBMITTED BY KATHY BETH STAVINOHA

Every year, the United Methodist Church recognizes and celebrates all the saints who from their labors rest. On All Saints Day, BUMC recalls those who have left their earthly home during the past year. This year, the Spiritual Care Ministry invites you to also walk a Christ-Centered Labyrinth on Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. in the CLC, as an additional form of worship. A labyrinth is a sacred symbol found in many faiths around the world. Until joining Berkeley UMC, I didnt realize that a labyrinth is a very old form of Christian worship which dates back to medieval Christians who used it as a substitute for making the longer journey to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Our labyrinth was made by Cheryl Johnson and former member Luciana McKeown, using the pattern of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth. Although it may look like a maze, it is not. A labyrinth has only one path and no dead ends. Walking a Labyrinth is an active way of praying. Our hope is that as you walk the labyrinth, you will be able to let go of stress, pain and sadness and encounter God on your journey. For a Christ-Centered experience, use the labyrinth as a manifestation of your journey in your relationship with Christ. As you walk toward the center you may want slowly pray The Lords Prayer, pausing on your walk to reflect on the words. You might want to repeat a favorite scripture. Perhaps you use this time to recall the frustration and pain of daily relationships as you journey toward the center, all the while breathing slowly and deeply. Then, on the way back, recite the Serenity Prayer, or ask the Lord to help you forgive the person who hurt you. Maybe allow yourself to mourn the loss of a loved one on your walk in, and celebrate that loved ones place in Glory on your walk out. Use this time for spiritual and personal reflection, whatever your prayer or thoughts. Walk it slowly to as an aid to contemplate prayer and reflection. Let the music flood your soul. Center your thoughts on Christ. What can you expect when you arrive? The labyrinth will be laid out in the Fellowship Hall of the CLC. There will be candles placed around the perimeter of the room with Taize music playing in the background. You will be asked to remove your shoes and walk the labyrinth in socks. If you do not have any with you, a pair will be provided for you to wear. You will be asked to sign in so we can have a count of the number of people who attended. Allow this experience to open your eyes, open your ears, open your heartencounter God! To read more about walking the labyrinth, we suggest visiting the United Methodist Church Southwest Texas Conference web site: http://www.umcswtx.org/labyrinth.

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

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.

G OT N E W S ?

Deadline: Sunday, November 25

G ENEROSITY AND B EYOND

SUBMITTED BY JEFF CECIL, STEWARDSHIP CHAIR Are you Committed to Christ? On Sunday, October 21 we kicked off Berkeleys annual Stewardship Campaign Committed to Christ. Many of you have been reading the 40 Days devotional that follows the six steps to a generous life: Prayer, Bible Reading, Worship, Witness, Financial Giving and Service. Stewardship is a year long relationship between you and Christ. Its about your growth as a Christian and how you live your life in Christian order. So join everyone in church for the next few weeks to hear and learn about Christian commitment. November 11 will be Commitment Sunday. With your estimate of giving, Berkeley can plan for the future, the future of our mission to Christ. Prayerfully consider your Commitment to Christ. See you in church each Sunday! Here are just a few things that we have done since last month: October Mission Focus Offering: World Communion Sunday to support scholarships for international students, $386. Church-wide Work Day: Many gathered on October 6 to fix, patch, trim, etc. Great job and thanks to all who participated. Grounds maintenance is always welcome. Contact Trustee Chair, Forrest Arnold, 496-6443. Halloween Trunk or Treat, October 27: Safe and fun trick or treating in the church parking lot from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Boo! Saint Louise House: Thanks to all who donated diapers and wipes for the residents and thanks to Carolyn Brown for coordinating this effort. Opportunities to Give generously to the Glory of Jesus Christ. November Mission Focus Offering will go to support Hunger Sunday. December Mission Focus Offering will go to support the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio. Learn more at: http://www.mmhome.org/ Walk the Labyrinth, November 3, 9:00 am-2:00 pm, CLC. Sponsored by Spiritual Care Ministry. Committed to Christ annual stewardship campaign: Pray, attend, support, worship, pledge. OctoberNov. 11 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! Need to change your pledge? Contact the church office or Berkeley Treasurer, Ray Curtis (280-1313). BUMC Service: Volunteer to serve on a ministry team. Contact Pastor Jeanne (447-6633). Visit a homebound or hospitalized member. Contact Claudia Wenzel (441-3285) or Mary Lynn Smith (282-6054) for this and other opportunities. PRAYER, BIBLE READING, SERVICE, and TITHINGMake it a habit. It helpsjust ask our Lord. 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

COMMUNION

FOR

ALL

SUBMITTED BY CLAUDIA WENZEL

What's meaningful about the first Sunday of the month? What comes to mind? Most of us would answer, Holy Communion. What a blessing to be able to attend church, walk to the altar, and receive this holy sacrament every first Sunday. And for those who cannot? Congregational Care Committee member, Hugh Moore, coordinates volunteers (Sue Bordovsky, Sandy Cox, Nancy Cecil, Roz Hodson, Fred West), who visit the homebound and deliver communion on first Sundays. Thank you, Hugh, and you wonderful volunteers for taking on this very meaningful mission for our church. Berkeley United Methodist Church members Jean Barton, Jimmie and Wes Dittlinger, Charles Hempel, Ruth McPhail, Shirley Williams, and Ed Wooten are blessed by these visits and the Holy Communion offered. Please keep these Berkeley members, as well as Hugh and his team, in your thoughts and prayers.

POST-ELECTION PRAYER AND REFLECTION

SUBMITTED BY KATHY BETH STAVINOHA

On Wednesday, November 7, the day after the elections, the Susan Shirley Prayer Room will be open between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for you to spend some time in prayer for our elected leaders, our city, state and country. The Memory Garden by the cross is available at all times of the day.

Celebrating in

November!

COKESBURYS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, NOVEMBER 8-10

Cokesbury Christian Store Lakehills Plaza Shopping Center 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite B-3 447-5558

Discounts on cards, gifts and more!

Special Christmas Open House hours: Thursday, 11/8Friday, 11/9, 9:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/10, 9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD WALK, NOVEMBER 18

The Evangelism Committee will once again be sponsoring the neighborhood walk to share upcoming Advent activities and church information. We will meet at the CLC on Sunday, November 18, at 2:00 p.m. The more walkers we have the more neighbors we can reach! For more information, contact Myrna Cavender at 280-0963.

Birthdays 11/3 Roy Holsenbeck 11/4 Angela Clapper 11/4 Julia Wasson 11/5 Bonnie Anton 11/6 Karen Walters 11/8 Chris Huff 11/10 Kathy Beth Stavinoha 11/10 Marilee Straup 11/13 Louise Jennings 11/13 Claudia Wenzel 11/17 Greg Lasley 11/18 Rev. Jeanne Devine 11/20 Cathy Cranston 11/21 John Finley 11/21 John Platt 11/25 Helen Campbell 11/26 Ruth McPhail 11/28 Barbara Hackett 11/29 Lucky Noll 11/30 Carson Green Anniversaries 11/11 Joanne & Richard Meziere 11/25 Bill & Dorothy Rittenberry

I N T E R FA I T H T H A N K S G I V I N G S E R V I C E & CELEBRATION, NOVEMBER 18

You are cordially invited to attend iACTs 28th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration taking place at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe Street, on November 18 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Reception following for those in attendance. Please bring your favorite dish ready to serve. Free, family-friendly, all are welcome!

MISSION AND OUTREACH NEWS

SUBMITTED BY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

UMC FREE STORE

BUMC will be providing a Thanksgiving dinner for the residents of Saint Louise House on Thursday, November 15. Can we count on you to help? We need donations of food; pies, salad, and sweet potatoes. We also need help set ting up, serving, and cleaning up. You may sign up at church or by contacting Carolyn Brown (4432600). The families were very appreciative of the Summer Cookout, and will certainly enjoy the feast we have planned for them this time.
Did you know that BUMC is already supporting the Austin District Free Store? Several months ago we submitted a proposal to have the Free Store located on our property. The decision was made to locate it at St. Mark UMC on Braker Lane, and is scheduled open in the Spring of 2013. On October 21, Tarrytown UMC hosted an Autumn Charity Lawn Party to raise startup funds and awareness for the Free Store. Berkeley was one of the event sponsors. Several of our members attended, and BUMC donated funds for a basket that was sold at a silent auction. Watch for more information on how we can all support this project in the coming months.

10 PROJECTS. 1 CLICK. BE COUNTED.

Its not too late to participate in the 10-Fold ministry. Simply register your email address to trigger a $1 donation to the current project. Up to $10,000 will be donated each week ($1 for each visitor). Videos and photos for each project can be found at www.10-fold.org. Register, click, and be counted!

Week 4 (Oct. 21-27) Missionaries Week 5 (Oct. 28- Nov. 3) Fair Trade
Gift basket auctioned to benefit the Free Store.

PRAYERS

FOR

O U R C OU N T RY

SUBMITTED BY SPIRITUAL CARE MINISTRY

If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 During WWII, an advisor to Prime Minister Winston Churchill organized a group of people to pray every night at a set time for one minute, to collectively pray for the safety of England, for all its people, and peace. This had an amazing effect, as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people who have organized the same thing here in America. You can participate by spending a minute each evening at 8:00 p.m. praying for the safety of the United States, our citizens, our troops, the upcoming election, and for peace in the world. This collective praying will continue after the election. Someone once said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, especially collective prayer, we might be speechless. Imagine that! Prayer is the most powerful asset we have, and it is free. A gift freely given to us by God.

A D V E N T 2012
Sunday, December 2-1st Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy communion served at both worship services 6:00 p.m. Hanging of the Greenery Service 6:30 p.m. UMW Cookies and More Christmas Sale Cookies, Baked Goods, Fair Trade Coffee, Nuts and Tea

Saturday, December 8
3:00 p.m. United Methodist Womens Holiday Tea

Sunday, December 9-2nd Sunday of Advent

8:30 and 10:50 a.m. Methodist Mission Home Signs of Times choir performing at both worship services

Sunday, December 16-3rd Sunday of Advent

8:30 and 10:50 a.m. Choral Christmas Cantata performed at both worship services.

Sunday, December 23-4th Sunday of Advent

8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Worship services

Monday, December 24-Christmas Eve

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service

Sunday, December 30-1st Sunday after Christmas

10:00 a.m. Worship Service and carol singing Celebration

Sunday, January 6-Epiphany of the Lord

8:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy communion served at both worship services

Sympathies:

Louise Jennings and family on the passing of Charles Jennings, September 29.

THANK YOU
Berkeley Friends, I want to sincerely thank you for your prayers, cards, telephone calls, meals and rides to physical therapy following my back surgery! God has truly blessed me to be part of such a wonderful and caring congregation. I am seeing improvement each day, but it is a very long recuperation. Thank you so much for your blessings! Mary Lynn Smith

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE SEPTEMBER 2012 YTD 2011 WORSHIP 118 125 128 SUNDAY SCHOOL 40 42 39 GIFTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 MONTHLY INCOME: $ 25,699 YEAR TO DATE INCOME: $188,506 MONTHLY EXPENSES: $ 19,601 YEAR TO DATE EXPENSES: $198,829

Congratulations!
Berkeleys own Kallie Green has been certified as a candidate for ordained ministry by the Austin District Committee on Ordained Ministry and has been admitted to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she plans to enroll next fall. Way to go, Kallie! We wish you many blessings on this exciting journey.

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

The benefits of gratitude

Christians realize that gratitude has spiritual benefits, but now scientists are confirming its physical and emotional benefits, as well. Professor Robert Emmons found that people who counted their blessings instead of their burdens were healthier and more optimistic, exercised more and made more progress toward achieving goals. Evidence shows that gratitude can even ease chronic health conditions. Emmons, author of Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Mariner Books), acknowledges that gratitude seems harder to practice during tough times. But, he notes, "In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope." The Newsletter