december 2013 together magazine

together

What a gift!Appreciating real Christmas treasures from year to year

Wonders of his loveMinistry that moves us into wonder

Lighting the wayAn illuminating Advent devotional

A picture of hopeCapturing snapshots as daily meditation

A DVE NT & C H R I ST MAS 2 0 1 3WE S T B URY U NI T E D ME T HODI S T C H UR C H

2 / together ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2013

We continue in

that very tradition,

waiting for the light of Christ to shine in our

darkness, hoping

for the day when

Heaven will come

to Earth...

“Why do people put up lights during Advent, Mommy?” My son was entering that dreaded age of questions... many, many questions. I often found myself without a good answer, but on that day—a moment of grace—I said: “You know how we turn our car’s headlights

on when it’s dark outside? When someone is headed toward us, and we see their lights on, we know someone’s coming. Maybe we put up lights in Advent because we know someone is coming.” His eyebrows raised, he gave a thoughtful look, and then... “Jesus!”

Advent means “coming.” It’s the season when we strive to set aside the expectations of busyness and perfection that often come with being a member of American society. Instead of succumbing to the pressure to make everything “just right,” we listen to the

scriptures that remind us that we live in a dark world—a world that is waiting for the light of Christ. Jesus’ earliest followers and the earliest church members thought Jesus would be coming back any day; some even quit their jobs, thinking His second coming was imminent (they had trouble waiting, too!). Those Christians felt that the world urgently needed Jesus to return. They waited and hoped for the time when he would come back and heal the brokenness they saw around and within them.

We continue in that very tradition, waiting for the light of Christ to shine in our darkness, hoping for the day when Heaven will come to Earth, and pain, disease, hunger and fear will be gone. Advent culminates in Christmas Eve, when we celebrate the coming of Christ as Mary and Joseph’s babe, and God renews our hope that he will come again and set all things right.

As you flip through these pages, I hope you find opportunities to dwell in Advent. Whether an event or a devotional practice, these opportunities will take some time, but it will be time well spent. Take time to wait, instead of rushing; take time to yearn for wholeness and peace; take time for hoping for God’s promise to find a home in you, and in us. And then, when Christmas comes, take time to be in the presence of God, love incarnate.

May you and yours be blessed during this holy season.

Rev. Taylor Fuerst Senior Pastor

CONTRIBUTORS Taylor Fuerst, Mary Guillory, Jennifer Jenkins, Romonica Malone-Wardley, Donna Meador, Pam Meyers, Hillary Peete, Juanita Rogillio, Laurie Sturdevant and Linda Tollefson

EDITOR & DESIGNER

Kelsey Johnson

ASSISTANT EDITORCindy Parker

PHOTOSTommy Behrman, Kelsey Johnson and Alisa Strength. Stock images sourced from www.sxc.hu, www.churchart.com, www.lightstock.com and www.creationswap.com.

WE’RE LISTENING.Send your suggestions, corrections and comments to Kelsey Johnson, Director of Communications, at [email protected] write to Westbury UMC at 5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096.

WESTBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH5200 Willowbend BoulevardHouston, Texas 77096(713) 723-0175 www.westburyumc.org

A DVE NT & C H R I ST MAS 2 0 1 3

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2013 together / 3

Advent FAQsWHAT IS ADVENT?Advent is a season of the church year during which we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Just as New Year’s Day is the start of our calendar year, Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. (Liturgical: from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.)

The dates of Advent vary each year, but it always contains the four Sundays before Christmas Day. For 2013, the four Sundays of Advent are December 1, 8, 15 and 22.

See page 10 for a devotional rhythm of scripture readings, prayers and discussion questions for each day of Advent, concluding on Christmas Day!

WHAT IS AN ADVENT WREATH?Used during the observation of Advent, Advent wreaths are of two basic types. The first is a circle, generally of evergreens, which is hung in the sanctuary of the church as part of the special decorations for the Advent season. Wreaths of evergreen are increasingly used during Advent to decorate the exterior doors of churches and people’s homes.

The other basic form of the Advent wreath is that of a circle holding four candles. Generally the color of all four candles is purple (although it is an increasing practice for the third candle to be pink or rose). These candles are lit in a special sequence during worship services on the four Sundays of Advent. In recent years it has become customary to have a larger white candle in the center of the Advent wreath. This is often called the “Christ candle” and is lit at the Christmas Eve services and on Christmas Day.

Small Advent wreaths have served as the center of family devotions through Advent. In private or home use, the first candle is lit the first Sunday and every day until Christmas; the second candle is lit on the second Sunday and every day following and so on.

You can make your own Advent wreath at our Family ADVENTure Night on Sunday, December 1, from 5 to 7 pm. See page 9 for more details on this event.

WHAT ARE CHRISMONS?Ornaments made from Christian symbols (or Chrismons, a contraction for “Christ monograms”) were first developed by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA. Many churches display a Chrismon tree during the Advent and Christmas season decorated with handmade ornaments.

Look for Westbury UMC’s Chrismon tree, traditionally set up in the Sanctuary every year. What symbols do you observe? How are these symbols reminders of the reason for the season, centered around the birth of Jesus?

Source: Adapted from the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, ©2013 UMC.org.


Anderson Elementary SchoolIn 2011, Westbury UMC was welcomed by nearby Anderson Elementary School’s principal and staff to volunteer as tutors, mentors, cafeteria monitors, office and nursing assistants and special event support. Since the establishment of this partnership, we have also hosted teacher appreciation events, welcomed staff and families in worship, adopted families for Christmas gifts and provided teachers and students with needed supplies.

We believe we can make a difference in this community and in the lives of young people through our involvement with Anderson. We currently have around 20 people volunteering on a weekly basis and committed to helping with special events. Our prayer and plan is to increase our participation and support of Ander-son Elementary and we need everyone to commit to make this possible.

Wonders of His loveTHE WONDERS OF GOD’S LOVE ARE ALL AROUND US. WE SEE THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

AND RELATIONSHIPS FORMED AS WE DO MINISTRY ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER. IT IS THROUGH GOD’S VERY

LOVE THAT WESTBURY UMC CAN EVEN DREAM TO “TRANSFORM THE COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD,” AS WE

SAY IN OUR MISSION STATEMENT. WILL YOU COMMIT TO BEING A PART OF THE WONDERS OF GOD’S LOVE

THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND IN THE NEW YEAR TO COME? HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO DO JUST THAT.


How can I get involved?• Everyone can commit to be in prayer for the children,

their families, the administration and staff and our partnership in general.

• Each small group in the church (Sunday school classes, Bible studies, covenant groups and all ministries) can commit to a tangible way of being involved with our school partner by helping sponsor a child for a field trip, offering an educational activity, volunteering at an event, choosing one day a week/month to all volunteer, attending grandparents’ lunch day and much more!

• Adopt a Family for Christmas: Westbury UMC will connect with families from Anderson through gift wish lists (look for the tree in the Café).

• It is also never too late for an individual to sign up as a volunteer.

Casa el Buen SamaritanoStarted in 2008, Casa is a local health clinic staffed almost completely by volunteers. Its mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ while providing whole-person—body, soul, spirit—healthcare to the low-income and uninsured popu-lation in our communities.

Westbury UMC is excited about being one of Casa’s church partners. The clinic is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 9 pm. In additional to their health needs being cared for, every patient also visits one-on-one with a min-istry volunteer for relationship building, prayer and to hear the Gospel.

Westbury Night at Casa is the first Tuesday of each month, currently staffed by: John Patlan, Brenda Coleman, Lindsey Heathcock and Cindy Musemeche.

How can I get involved?• Everyone can commit to pray for the patients, their

families, the volunteers and Casa’s health ministry.

• Volunteer Appreciation Gift Bags: Every December, Casa assembles 150–180 gift bags for volunteers made up of cookies and other baked goods which individuals and/or small groups bake.

• Children’s Christmas Party: On Saturday, December 21, there will be a breakfast/party for the children of patients. Volunteers are needed 8 am until noon.

• Adopt a Family for Christmas: Westbury UMC will have five families added to our tree from Casa this year (look for the tree in the Café).

These opportunities all express God’s love in tangible ways.To get involved, please contact Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley at [email protected] or 713-723-0175. She can provide you more information and connect you to Amy Behrman or John Patlan, chairs of our Community and Global Ministries Committee.


FEATURE

What a gift!QUICK! NAME ONE THING YOU GOT FOR CHRISTMAS LAST YEAR. HAVING TROUBLE

REMEMBERING? LET’S MAKE IT EASIER: NAME ONE THING YOU GAVE LAST YEAR. STILL

STUCK? THE TRUTH IS, MOST OF OUR TREASURED CHRISTMAS MEMORIES COME NOT

FROM MATERIAL GIFTS, EITHER GIVEN OR RECEIVED, BUT THE TRULY MEANINGFUL

STUFF OF THE SEASON. SEE IF YOU CAN RELATE TO THE FOLLOWING STORIES TOLD

BY MEMBERS OF OUR OWN WESTBURY FAMILY.


What are your favorite Christmas memories?MANY OF MY CHRISTMAS MEMORIES are linked to the sacred choral sounds of the season. The season seems to truly begin in my heart, when, during Advent, I hear the beautiful, contemplative chant, “O Come, O Come Em-manuel…” But as for Christmas, itself, I vividly remember Christmas Eve worship services at my childhood church,

where each year, while other parts of the service changed, these three traditions remained the same. The choir began the service by processing into a hushed and expectant Sanctuary singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” beckoning the faithful to gather and worship. Later in the service, the normal, everyday lights would dim and go out, while a tiny light from the flame of the Christ candle would begin to spread—lighting first one candle, which then spread to the next…and the next…until a wonderful warm glow illuminated all the faces in the entire Sanctuary. Meanwhile, the reverent worshippers quietly began to sing the comforting words of “Silent Night.” The candle light and the lovely, familiar music spread the message of hope to all who had gathered there. Finally, as the benediction was pronounced, the doors at the back of the Sanctuary were thrown open, the bells in the steeple chimed, and the choir and congregation streamed out of the building while jubilantly singing—announc-ing to the dark and snowy night, the ringing and exuberant message of “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!” These three traditions—the ancient choral call to worship, the celebration of the warmly lit “Silent Night” and the exultant announcement of the Savior’s birth to a cold and weary world—will always be, for me, the perfect Christmas Eve!

Linda Tollefson

How do you “come home” for Christmas?TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS feels like finding that special centering of belief that allows us to grow in our faith. It is a gift of remembrance and a time to quietly reflect on the things we hold very dear to us. At West-bury, the Christmas Eve celebrations are always a blessing of our love during this joyous season. I look forward to the end of the ceremony when we light our candles and sing “Silent Night” in harmony with each person. At that point, our lives are centered solely on the Lord Jesus.

Pam Meyers


What about Christmas makes you feel warm and nostalgic?DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE is a wonderfully warm and nostalgic time for us. Unwrapping each Christmas ornament and placing them lovingly on the tree is like opening and honoring dozens of gifts of memory—handmade ornaments from when our now adult children were just little tikes; souvenirs from the places where Mike and I have traveled together; the felt and sequined Christmas tree skirt depicting the Magi; the dozens of similar handmade ornaments that Mike’s mother made for each of her boys; the antique candleholders that once lit my great grand-parents’ “Tannenbaum;” the commemorative ornament from the church that my Uncle Harold built; the Pickle ornament that reminds me of my German ancestry; the Angel that topped Mike’s parents’ Christmas tree. Each Christmas, the ornaments remind us of who we are, and of whose we are; of who we were, and of who we are becoming. Each ornament honors these memories, the family members who raised us in the faith, and, most importantly, the Christ Child, who comes to bring love and light to the world.

Do you have a special memory of Christmas Eve?

THE VERY FIRST TIME THAT I EVER CROSSED the threshold into Westbury United Methodist Church was Christmas Eve 1996. I had been invited by one of the

most amazing women I have ever known, and one of the most beautiful examples of what it means to be a follower of Christ, Ms. Kathy Lois Bush Bates. She had called and called that

Christmas Eve to invite me to worship. I was a teeneager at the time and had never attended a candlelight service. As I walked into the service that night, my spirit immediately felt at home in the communion of His followers. The smiles never ended, and the Christ-Love resonated in everything. My soul was home. Not only did Rev. J. D. Phil-lips (senior pastor at the time) preach a sermon of hope, his lovely wife found a way to add even greater depth to the service with her a capella rendition of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” The lyrics caused me to reflect on how we treat others. How I treat others when I allow situations and circumstances to cause me to forget that we are all His children, and we are all loved. At midnight, all of the lights were extinguished and we passed one light, one to another, and soon, we were singing “Silent Night” in true brilliance. It was, in every sense, a holy night. I reached out and hugged Kathy and thanked her for yet another deep and fortifying example of faith and love, one in a string of lessons that she had been teaching me for as long as I had any record of memory in my life. Kathy would pass away several years after my introduction to the Christian family at Westbury UMC. Since then, I am always in in attendance every Christmas Eve for service. I request two candles and reserve the seat directly beside me. One candle is for me. The other is for my friend and hero, Ms. Kathy Bates. The light of Christ inside of me that I was created with, that she continuously helped to develop and nurture, will never be extinguished. And perhaps, that is what the Christmas season truly is a reminder to our spirits that He has come into the world as Light. And that Light, the darkness will never be able to extinguish, or even comprehend it.

Jennifer Jenkins

Mike and Laurie Sturdevant


What is the best thing about your family’s Christmas celebration?UNLIKE MOST CHILDREN, our children did not awaken before day-light on Christmas morning, so Byron and I would gather pots, pans and spoons and march around awakening them by singing, “Good Christian Men (as it was then), Rejoice,” with our percussion accom-paniment. Today, when our four children, their spouses and six grandchildren gather, we like to have a prayer before eating dinner. We still sing our favorite song from past Christ-mases: “Good Christian friends rejoice...Jesus Christ is born today, Christ is born today.”

Juanita and Byron Rogillio


FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT | HOPE

Sunday, December 1, 2013First Reader: This is the first Sunday in Advent. Today, we light one purple candle. This is the candle of hope. Advent is a time of waiting and of hoping. We wait for the day when we celebrate again the birth of Jesus. We hope that everyone will come to know God and to worship God.

Light the first candle.

Second Reader: When we look at the first candle, we remember God’s promise. God promised to send a Savior to the people. When we listen to our Scripture reading, we hear what the prophet Isaiah wrote about God. God fulfills the promises made to care for people. God is loving and just. God brings peace. This gives us hope. We look forward to the time when everything is fair, when the world is at peace, and all people are treated justly.

Read Isaiah 2:1–5.

Discussion: This Scripture offers us the hope of God’s kingdom where there is peace. It includes the wonderful sentence, “…let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

Who are the people in our world who need hope? What are the hopes we have for our world today? How do we help others know that God gives hope?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words of the Prophet Isaiah that remind us that you are the source of our hope. Help us to remember to walk in the light of the Lord. AMEN.

Lighting the way THE COUNTDOWN TO

CHRISTMAS CAN EITHER

QUICKEN OUR PACE OR

STEADY IT WITH PURPOSE.

THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

OF ADVENT, WE RELY ON

RELAXED DAILY RITUALS AS

WE WAIT EXPECTANTLY FOR

CHRIST. HERE ARE 25 DAYS

OF WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES,

COUPLES OR INDIVIDUALS

CENTERED AROUND

LIGHTING CANDLES ON

AN ADVENT WREATH.

Written by Mary Jane Pierce Norton, General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, ©2013.


Monday, December 2, 2013Today read again Isaiah 2:1–5. Pick one verse and memorize it. How do you think this verse gives hope to people?

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of hope? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Hope is something we need in our world. Think about different leaders in the world. Select one world leader. Pray for that world leader today.

Thursday, December 5, 2013 As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God’s help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 6, 2013 Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God’s hope? Pray for this family member today.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God’s hope. Select someone to visit today. Visit electronically or by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone you always see at the library. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she helps you feel hopeful.

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT | LOVE

Sunday, December 8, 2013First Reader: This is the second Sunday in Advent. Today, we light two purple candles. Last Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. This Sunday, we light the candle of love. One verse that many memorize and remember on this day is John 3:16, “God so loved the world...” Some people may not know the love of other people. That makes it harder for them to understand God’s love. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God’s gift of Jesus to the world and know that God’s love for all people is the reason for this gift.

Light the first and second candles.

Second Reader: When we look at the second candle, we remember God’s love. When we read the words of John 3:16, we know of God’s greatness and care. We remember God’s

love at Advent when we remember that God sent Jesus to us to help us know that God is loving and just.

Read Isaiah 11:1–10.

Discussion: When we think of God’s love, we might not always think of the words of the prophets. But when we read this picture of the peaceable kingdom, we are amazed by God’s love that allows a child to lead. Who are the people in our world who need the message of God’s love? What are our hopes for how people today can receive the message of God’s love? How do we help others know God’s love?

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words found in our Bible that help us remember your love and care. Help us see how we can bring God’s message to the people we meet in our schools, at our jobs, and in our neighborhoods. Help us be messengers of God’s love for everyone. AMEN.

Monday, December 9, 2013 Read again Isaiah 11:1–10. Create a poster by drawing pictures of the wondrous things you see in the world around you that God has created. Create your picture of God’s kingdom of peace. Give thanks for the world and all the people in the world.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of God’s love? Make or select a card and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Love is something we need in our church. Think about the people in our church. Select one person in our church. Pray for that person today.

Thursday, December 12, 2013 As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God’s help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 13, 2013 Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God’s love? Pray for this family member today.

Saturday, December 14, 2013 There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God’s love. Select someone to visit today. Visit electronically or by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn’t necessarily


have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone who waits on you at the grocery store. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she makes you feel loved.

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | JOY

Note: Some Advent wreaths may have one pink candle. The pink candle is always lit on the third Sunday of Advent and traditionally means “joy.”

Sunday, December 15, 2013First Reader: This is the third Sunday in Advent. Today we light three purple candles (OR two purple candles and the pink candle.) The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. On the second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. Today, we light the candle of joy. One thing that sometimes happens as we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth is we expect to be happy all the time. Joy is not the same as happy. Joy is a deeper feeling created by knowing that God cares for us. Joy is remembering that God sent Jesus so we would always know of God’s care. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God’s gift of Jesus to the world and know the joy that gift brings to all people.

Light the first, second, and third candles.

Second Reader: When we look at the third candle, we remember God’s promise of joy. God promised to send a Savior to the people. Today we read from the Gospel of Luke. In the Scripture, we read Mary’s song of praise and joy. There must have been times when Mary was frightened, worried, fearful and sad. But we have these words of joy even in a time when she was unsure of the future. Her words can guide us to look for the joy of God even when things may be uncertain for us.

Read Luke 1:47–55.

Discussion: How privileged we are to have this beautiful song of Mary. Can you imagine her singing the words written in Scripture? It is a testimony to her faith and joy at being chosen as God’s servant. Who in our world needs God’s joy? What are our hopes for joy in our world today? How do we help others know that God gives joy?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the joy remembering Jesus’ birth brings to us today. Help us live in such a way that our words and our actions help others know of the joy you give. AMEN.

Monday, December 16, 2013 Today read again Luke 1:47-55. Make a list together of the

things that bring joy to your lives. Write your own song of joy to God or sing a song that expresses joy to God.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of joy? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Joy is something we need in our city. Think about different leaders of our city. Select one leader of our city. Pray for that leader today.

Thursday, December 19, 2013 As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking Go’s help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 20, 2013 Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God’s joy? Pray for this family member today.

Saturday, December 21, 2013 There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God’s joy. Select someone to visit today. Visit electronically or by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone you see in a place where you go to eat. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one he or she brings joy to you.

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT | PEACE

Sunday, December 22, 2013First Reader: This is the fourth Sunday in Advent. Today we light the fourth purple candles. (OR three purple candles and the pink candle). The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. On the second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. On the third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. Today, we light the candle of peace. Our world is not always a peaceful world. People hurt other people. Countries are at war today. People don’t take care of the world. People yell and scream at other people. But God promises peace. During Advent, we pray that we, as well as all people, will seek God’s peace.

Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.

Second Reader: When we look at the fourth candle, we remember God’s promise of peace. We recall the words of Jesus in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give


to you.” In times of war and hatred, it’s hard to remember that Jesus is the one who brings peace. As we approach Christmas, let’s remember that God’s intention is a place of peace where people shake hands instead of harm one another.

Read Luke 2:1–20.

Second Reader: The shepherds may have not felt very peaceful when they heard the words of the angel. They were probably scared and confused. Yet they followed those words, trusting in God. Sometimes all we see around us gives a different message from the message of peace. Yet we, like the shepherds, can follow God’s words and trust in God’s promises.

Discussion: This Scripture reminds us that when we are fearful, we are often not thinking of peace. The angels calm the shepherds and send them forward with a task. Who are the people in our world who need God’s peace? What are our hopes for peace in our world today? How do we help others know God’s desire for peace in our world?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for those in our world today who seek to act for peace. Help us look for ways to be peacemakers at home, at church and at school. AMEN.

Monday, December 23, 2013 Peace seems so difficult for us to achieve in our world. Read again Luke 2:1–20. Think about what peace would look like in your family, in your congregation, in your community, in our nation, and in the world. Pray a prayer of peace asking God for what you have envisioned for your family, your congregation, your community, your nation, and the world.

Take time to do an act of service today for someone in your home or someone in your community. You might want to make cookies for your postal carrier or take a Christmas card to your neighborhood bank. Perhaps you can call those who work at your church and offer thanks for their service. How does showing we appreciate the service of others bring peace? What acts of peace can you do this day?

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 | Christmas Eve Light the four candles on your wreath. Read together Matthew 1:18–25.

We sometimes forget about Joseph. Are there those in your home or community that you might be forgetting? Take a moment to pray for the forgotten people in your home, your church, or your community.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 | Christmas DayFirst Reader: Today is Christmas. Today, we light the four purple candles. (OR three purple candles and the pink candle). We also light the center white candle. The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. The second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. The third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. The fourth Sunday, we lit the candle of peace. Today, we also light the center candle. This candle represents Jesus. When we light this candle, we remember Jesus’ birth. Our waiting has ended.

Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles. Light the center white candle.

Second Reader: When we look at the center candle, we remember that God sent Jesus to give hope, peace, joy, and love to all people. Outside of Bethlehem, the shepherds saw a great light and heard the voices of angels. They traveled to the manger and saw the baby Jesus.

Far away from Bethlehem, wise men saw a star in the sky. They followed the star and were filled with joy when they found Jesus. They remind us that the gift of Jesus was not just for the people in one place, but for all people.

Read Matthew 2:1–12.

Discussion: It’s amazing to think of these persistent travelers who were determined to find Jesus. They traveled with hope and faith in the promise that they would find the new king. Who are the people in our world who need to know of God’s promises? What are our hopes on this Christmas day for our world? How can we help people remember God’s promises after Christmas Day is over? Name one thing you are willing to do in the days following Christmas that will help you and others remember God’s promises.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for ALL people, not just those in one place at one time. On this Christmas Day, help us remember and rejoice again because Jesus was born. May we live every day remembering your love and care and showing that love and care to others. AMEN


Advent worship promo

Ebony Opera concert

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 5 pm

United Methodist ChurchWestbury





SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. At SERRV, every product has a true story behind it. These stories are uplifting.

They are about freedom from poverty and achieving basic human rights, such as access to food, shelter, education, and basic health care.

She Has Hope rescues and rehabilitates human trafficking victims with the goal of restoring them to a life full of hope. Their hand-crafted products are made by the girls of the Peace Gospel International rehabilitation home in Kathmandu, Nepal. These girls, mostly teenagers, are recovering from a life of forced prostitution in Indian brothels. All proceeds go directly toward maintaining their project and their own personal fair trade earnings. She Has Hope now also features products from widows, single mothers and destitute women who are finding recovery and financial stability in this crafts business development programs.

A 2nd Cup is a non-profit coffee shop doing their part to end human-trafficking in Houston. Their mission is to educate byproviding an avenue for awareness of the issue of human-trafficking in Houston; to fund by being a money-making engine for after-care solutions for survivors,

including housing, mentoring, tutoring, job-skills, and other necessary skills for reintegration into society; and to partner by working alongside other anti-trafficking organizations to raise awareness, generate interest, and engage the public to take action in anti-trafficking initiatives.

The Community Cloth is a microenterprise initiative that empowers refugee women in Houston. This organization targets economic, educational and social goals through the provision of seed grants, training, and peer support, and by expanding market opportunities for refugee women artisans. The Community Cloth supports women who want to create and sell handmade, indigenous arts and crafts such as woven bags, knitted scarves, embroidered linens, baby clothing, and more. All profits from sales go directly to the artisans. Purchases of Cloth products help refugee women provide for the basic needs of their families as they work to establish new lives in Houston.

GOOD Gifts

Fair Trade & Global G I F T M A R K E T

You’re shopping for change

Nepalese women study seamstress patterns as a part of the rehabilitative work of She Has Hope.

GOOD Gifts

Reclaim your Christmas gift-giving and come shop for change at our Good Gifts Market on Sunday, December 8. By purchasing beautiful, handcrafted gifts like scarves, bracelets, baskets and more,

you’ll be supporting artisans locally and around the world to create sustainable income to support their families.

In addition to products from SERRV (one of the organiza-tions we supported last year), we will also feature items from three local non-profits: She Has Hope, Community Cloth and A 2nd Cup. You can read more about their projects and missions on the opposite page.

The market will be located in Humphrey Hall on Sunday morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and in the afternoon, in conjunction with the Christmas concert by the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, from 4 to 7 pm.

Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee while you shop and fellowship with one another. You’ll learn more about the work being done to end human trafficking, as well as grass-roots efforts to empower refugees in our city by creating longlasting income sources.

Looking for another way to make a difference? You’ll find wish lists on our Adopt-a-Family Tree in the Café, support local families this Christmas.


Westbury Cares

In Memory of Andy Burton from Roy House, Frank

and Marceline Gemar, and Mark and Suzanne Mailes

of Charles Thompson III from Suzette Thompson

of Daniel Garza from J. D. and Cheryl Phillips and Roy House

of Richard D. Lewis from Violet Lewis

In Honorof Eulalia Canida from Roy House

of the Harmony Sunday school class from Roy House

DeathsEarline Reed, mother of Linda Griggs (10/07/13)

Alice Grinstead, mother of Dan Grinstead (10/07/13)

Clinton Gibbs, brother-in-law of Semmie Gibbs (10/07/13)

Betty Deakin, mother of Chris Cole (10/09/13)

Lana Short, friend of Cynthia Kinzer (10/16/13)

Daniel A. Garza, son of Dan and Joyce Garza (10/19/13)

Lynn Hanson, spouse of Ellie Hanson (11/18/13)

BaptismDean Baldwin Nichols, son of Neal and Shel

Nichols (09/29/13)

New MembersJoseph and Rhyna Chipelo (11/03/13)

Sam and Pamela Griffiths (11/03/13)

Promise Ohiri (11/03/13)

Jennifer and Josh Lemons with son Emory (11/03/13)

Tony and Dawn Rorai with son Henry (11/03/13)

Ruby Miles (11/03/13)

Jeff Stear with daughter Madelyn (11/03/13)

Andrea Taylor with son Evan (11/10/13)

PrimeTimers Christmas program will be held on on Monday, December 16. Games, a short meeting and potluck lunch will be at the usual times, starting at 9:30 am. The Houston Liederkrang German music mixed choir will entertain at noon in Humphrey Hall. PrimeTimers is a fellowship group of adults (50 or older) that meets monthly.

A Parents’ Shopping Day to be offered on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am–2 pm. The countdown to Christmas has begun! All children (babies through 5th grade) are invited to have a fun time at church while parents finish up (or start!) their holiday shopping. Lunch will be provided. $10 for 1 child, $5 for siblings. Please register with Hillary Peete by Sunday, December 8.

More bright spots on the calendar

Sunday school classes are welcome to meet on the final Sunday of the year, December 29, if they so choose. Check with your class leader to confirm whether or not your class plans to meet.

Look for youth events posted at www.westburyumc.org/youth. Our new youth director, Josh Lemons, will be keeping this web page updated so that parents and youth can stay informed on what’s happening. Confirmation classes will begin in the new year for students in 6th or 7th grade who have not yet been confirmed.


1 go2 bound3 peace4 time5 flood6 awake7 ready8 wisdom9 delight10 holy11 steadfast12 hope13 justice14 gather15 rejoice16 strong17 free18 mercy19 patient20 good news21 prophet22 sign23 neighbors24 joy 25 light

A picture of hopeGod with us. Emmanuel. Here and now.

Where do you see God with us this Advent/Christmas season? Westbury UMC’s staff will be on the lookout for God sightings and will capture photos every day to

post online. Join this photo-a-day practice and share with the community how you inter-pret each word for the day (see list at right). No explanation needed, unless you want to! After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

How can you participate? Take a photo of something that inspires you, prompted by the word for each day. Then upload your photo using your computer or smart phone and tag your photos in Facebook and/or Instagram with #westburyumc and #rethinkchristmas.

If you would prefer to follow along or view the photos, visit facebook.com/westburyumc.

Will you open your eyes to witness the hope that is already springing up around you? Text “Advent” to 75309 to receive daily reminders via text along with short devotions.

PHOTO-A-DAY

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook:

#rethinkchristmas#westburyumc





5200 Willowbend Blvd.Houston, Texas 77096-5298

Main Office: 713-723-0175WestburyUMC.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 7821Houston, Texas

Address service requested

4 pm Family-friendly format that balances familiar carols with the Christmas story and offers tangible ways for children to participate. Nursery available for babies through age 4.

8 pmCelebrate the birth of Christ through this traditional lessons and carols service with a meaningful message. Nursery available for babies through age 4.

11 pmCelebrate the birth of Christ through this traditional lessons and carols service with a meaningful message. Due to the late hour of this service, no nursery care will be offered.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP4 pm F 8 pm F 11 pm

Candlelight and Holy Communion at each service

december 2013 together magazine

Documents

advent christmas

coming of christ

light of christ

christmas eve

t hodi s t c h ur c

jesus earliest followers

real christmas treasures

s t b ury u ni t e d