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This Christmas season, Ive been reading a devotional book entitled God

Is in the Manger, a collection of writings by the German Christian Dietrich Bon-

hoeffer (1906-1945). He spent his last two Christmases, in 1943 and 1944, inTegel 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 god-less 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 out-ward circumstance precludes our making provision for it will show whether we canbe content with what is truly essential. I used to be very fond of thinking up andbuying presents, but now that we have nothing to give, the gift God gave us in thebirth of Christ will seem all the more glorious. The poorer our quarters, the moreclearly we perceive that our hearts should be Christs home on earth.

These words resonate with me. I like to think about giving gifts, includinggifts to neighbors in need who are Christ in our midst; but am I receptive to the giftGod wants to give me, and you, and all the worldthe Savior, Christ the Lord? Iponder 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 tha

we miss the wonder of Gods glorious gift. For you this Christmas season, I pray that you and I will receive the giftGod 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 thisNativity [the birth of Christ] that if we should see and deeply understand, we should be dissolved in perpetualjoy. May your Christmas be rich and good and profoundly joyful.

Your Pastor~Jeanne Devine

PASTORS PERSPECTIVE

December 2012

Berkeley BUZZBerkeley United Methodist Church

Celebrating 40 years, 1972

2012

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 wasborn.

Author unknown

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Members of the Congregation

Rev. Jeanne Devinerevjeanned@sbcglobal.net

Victoria Schwarzvlschwarz@aol.com

Dr. Tyler Mabrytgmabry@gmail.com

Elizabeth Waltersmariewalters1996@austin.rr.com

Tara Nashbumc78745@sbcglobal.net

Allison McGillicuddy

bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net

Newsletter articlesand contributionsare ALWAYS wel-come..as well as

suggestions for con-

tent. You can emailthe church or putsubmissions in theAdmin. Assistantbox in the churchoffice.

Deadline:

Sunday, December 16

8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Hanging of the Greenery

9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. UMW Cookies and MoreChristmas SaleCookies,

Baked Goods, Fair Trade

Coffee, Nuts and Tea

6:30 p.m. Cookies and Carols

8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Methodist Mission Home Signs of

the Times Choir

8:30 & 10:50 a.m. Choral CantataBorn a Savior, Born a

King by John Purifoy

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

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service

10:00 a.m. Worship Servicecarol singing celebration

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GE N E R O SI T Y A N D BEYOND

S U B M I T T E D BY J E F F C E C I L , ST E W A R D S H I P C H A I R

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 andrevealed your faith to serve Christ. This outward showing is a personal walk for each of us. It is your heartfeltpromise 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 mo-

ment to do so. Pledge cards are always available in the narthex (lobby) on the small table. If you have questionsabout pledging, please contact the church office. Berkeleys Committee on Stewardship extends a warm thank

you to everyone for supporting Christs mission at BUMC.

: Hunger Sunday,

(new designated fund)

The Church received 66 pledges for the General Fundand 32 pledges for the Capital Asset Fund. Thank you to all who have already turned in your pledge.

Thanks to all who donated time, food and fixings for the Thanksgiving feast on November15. And thanks to Carolyn Brown for coordinating this effort.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 wel-come to pick up some invitations in the church office to share with your own neighbors.

will support the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio. Learn more at:

http://www.mmhome.org/Celebrate with the Hanging of the Greenery at both worship services.

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.We will welcome our neighbors from Elmcroft and Englewood Estates for afestive evening of singing Christmas carols and light refreshments. Tyler and Vikki will lead the music.

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.

Contact the church office to see howyou can make a difference (447-6633).

Please help keep your giving current. Our mission depends on you!Contact Claudia Wenzel (441-3285) or Mary Lynn Smith (282-

6054) for this and other opportunities.

No cash? No checkbook? See the church office or Berkeley Treasurer, Ray Curtis (280-1313) for tips on settingup online bill pay or automatic draft. Its easy!

Contributions to this column are always welcomeplease email Jeff Cecil at njcecil@sbcglobal.net .

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 maybe donated in an offering envelope, clearly marked staff gift. The funds will be divided and distributed beforeChristmas Day. Questions? Please contact Don Campbell, 447-5006.

FRO M STA FF -PAR I SH RE L A T I O N S CO M M I T T E E

http://www.mmhome.org/http://www.mmhome.org/mailto:steve.collins@earthlink.netmailto:steve.collins@earthlink.netmailto:njcecil@sbcglobal.netmailto:njcecil@sbcglobal.netmailto:njcecil@sbcglobal.netmailto:steve.collins@earthlink.nethttp://www.mmhome.org/

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12/1 Marilee Smith12/2 Jamie Justus12/3 Holly Francis12/4 Raylene Johnson12/6 Devereaux Mathers12/6 Elizabeth Royal12/8 Nazreen Wenzel12/10 Alan Clapper12/11 Wes Dittlinger12/12 Bill Rittenberry12/14 Andrew Beck12/14 Ray Hodson12/18 Matthew Cecil12/18 Alex Noll12/22 Elma Clapper

12/23 Kimberly Gamble12/23 Julia Hamilton12/24 Pat Noll12/25 Sarah Laramore12/26 Angela Bonner12/27 Holly Carlton

12/21 Charles & Dorothy Slusher12/29 Ineke & Glenn Dunn

12/31 Glenn & Donna Bostick

Celebrating in

December!

M E T H O D I S T M I S S I O N H O M E ,

D E C E M B E R 9

What better way to keep Christ in Christmas than to of-fer Gods children a faith, a family, a future? Thats the goalof the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio, a shared minis-try of the United Methodist Churches in Texas and New Mex-ico. The Signs of the Times choir will provide music in ourworship on the second Sunday in Advent, December 9. Theirchaplain, Carol Williams, will interpret for them and for us. Adevelopment officer will share this years stories of birth moth-

ers, adoptive parents and their shared children, and the springgraduation of students at the Southwest Center for Higher Inde-pendence.

Our Christmas offering, which we receive from Decem-ber 2 through 24, supports the Home, which does not receiveapportioned funds from churches. It relies on designated con-tributions by churches and individuals for much of its operatingexpenses. Last year Berkeley contributed more than $1000 to

the Home, which was doubled by a matching grant. That grantwill again double our dollars in 2012. What Christmas gift willgo farther or do more good?

Make it a point to worship at Berkeley on December9, welcome our guests from the Methodist Mission Home onDecember 9, and invite family and friends to discover a newunderstanding of Christmas.

C O O K I E S A N D CA R O L I N G ,

D E C E M B E R 4

Spiritual Care Committee invites thecongregation and friends to join ourneighbors from Elmcroft Senior Livingand Englewood Estates in the Fellow-ship Hall on Tuesday, December 4, at6:30 p.m. Tyler and Vikki will lead the

singing of favorite Christmas carols, withlight refreshments to follow. Comemake a joyful noise, and mix and mingle with our senior friends!

The church office will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26,and on December 31 and January 1. Rev. Devine will be onvacation December 25-January 1.

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M I S S I ON AND OUT REA CH NE WS S U B M I T T E D B Y O U T R E A C H C O M M I T T E E

A N O T E F R O M B E C K Y HA R R E L L

SA I N T L O U I S E H O U S E T H A N K S G I V I N G D I N N E R

BUMC served Thanks-giving dinner to

twelve families and anumber of staff fromSaint Louise Houseon November 15.The food was excel-lent and everyoneseemed to have agood time.

The Outreach ministrygroup would like to thank the many members of BUMC who con-tributed food and/or helped with the dinner. You were all awe-some! Members helped set up, serve, and clean up. Vikki wasour greeter. Myrna and Susan held a story time for the youngchildren. Each family made a personalized table runner for itsown holiday table at home.

We would like to thank Pok-e-jos barbeque for giving us a dis-count on the turkey, dressing, and gravy.

This email from a SLH resident sums up how the mothers feltabout the evening:

To the workers, volunteers, and those that donated and/or con

tributed to last night's Thanksgiving dinner, please allow me to

extend a very heartfelt THANK YOU of my own on behalf of mychildren and myself. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the foodwas 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 gener-

ates positivity and kindness within our community. Every time I

have contact with anyone; my caseworker, the director, or any-one associated with Saint Louise House, I leave feeling uplifted

You people are awesomesauce!

Merry Christmas!

You can see more photos on the SLH Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1

Berkeley supports missionary Becky Harrell who is serving at the Latin American Biblical University, a seminary in San Jos, Costa Rica.

Accion de GraciasWhere 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 whi le we wmove into 2013? During my devotional time this morning I reflected on some memorable times over the past months and in a spirit ogiving 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!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151509563008154.588207.347734328153&type=1

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T H A N K YO U

MONTHLY INCOME: $ 16,843YEAR TO DATE INCOME: $205,349

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

OCTOBER 2012 YTD 2011WORSHIP 120 138 130SUNDAY SCHOOL 34 47 45

W H O S E B IRTHDAY IS IT?S U B M I T T E D B Y CA R O L Y N B R O W N

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 tosomeone else. Here are a few possible organizations that you can support:

Local , an organization that distributes food and grocery products throughout

Central Texas. www. .org/National . is the premier gleaning organization in America, working with farmers, vol-

unteers and feeding agencies to help feed hungry Americans. www.endhunger.org/International mission is to work with communities to end hun-ger and poverty and care for the Earth. www.heifer.org.International is a Christian organization dedicated to working with chil-dren, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tacklingthe causes of poverty and injustice. www.worldvision.org/

You may have another organization that is special to you, but the important thing is toshare 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 myfamily, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40

Dear Berkeley Family

During a time like this we realize how muchour friends really mean to us. Your expres-sion of sympathy will always be remem-bered.

With love,Louise, Jan and Jon Jennings

We always like to offer the talents of our

congregation in worship. If you are inter-ested in singing, playing an instrument(even the piano), drama, dance, move-ment, visual arts, or literary arts to be per-formed as part of worship at any pointthroughout the year, please email thechurch office atbumc78745@sbcglobal.net to let us know.

SH A R E YO U R TA L E N T S !

The Spiritual Care Committee provides free devotionalguides for the Advent season. This years guide was com-

piled by students, faculty and staff at Austin PresbyterianTheological Seminary. Please take one home and spendtime in scripture and prayer to prepare the way of the Lord.

http://www.austinfoodbank.org/http://www.austinfoodbank.org/http://www.austinfoodbank.org/http://www.endhunger.org/http://www.endhunger.org/http://www.heifer.org/http://www.heifer.org/http://www.worldvision.org/http://www.worldvision.org/mailto:bumc78745@sbcglobal.netmailto:bumc78745@sbcglobal.netmailto:bumc78745@sbcglobal.nethttp://www.worldvision.org/http://www.heifer.org/http://www.endhunger.org/http://www.austinfoodbank.org/

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2407 Berkeley Ave.Austin, TX. 78745

(512)447-6633Email: bumc78745@sbcglobal.net

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED