Post on 10-May-2017
BERKELEY STAFF
Ministers Members of the Congregation
Pastor Rev. Jeanne Devine
revjeanned@sbcglobal.net
Director of Music Vikki Schwarz
vlschwarz@aol.com
Pianist Tyler Mabry
tgmabry@gmail.com
Administrative Assistant Niki J Torres
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net
Youth Director Devan Gartman
devanfaygartman@gmail.com
Childcare Director
Allison McGillicuddy Bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net
Berkeleybuzz Berkeley United Methodist Church
May 2014
Pastor’s Perspective
Our church is greatly blessed by the talents and dedication of our staff.
On Sunday, May 4, we recognize Vikki Schwarz and Tyler Mabry, who
have led our music ministry here for 15 years. They have shown us what
we are capable of as a congregation, balancing familiar and new
elements in our worship life and making us the “singing Methodists”
which our heritage calls us. Through music, they have brought us deeper
into the presence of God. They have created communities of
instrumental music, song and faith in the chancel choir and handbell
choir. They have accompanied us (no pun intended!) through many of
our joys and sorrows as members of one body, the church.
During these 15 years, much has happened in their lives. Vikki attended
UT for doctoral work in Music Theory. Her daughters, Liz and Stacy,
have grown up, married and made Vikki the grandmother of three
grandsons. Tyler completed his Ph.D. at UT, and is engaged to be
married to Meredith Orf in September.
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is hosting a celebration of their
15 years of music ministry Sunday, May 4. Worship services will
include their favorite hymns: “When in Our Music God Is
Glorified” (Vikki) and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Tyler).
Breakfast will be in the CLC at 9:45am. We hope you will be there!
And where would our ministries be without the consistent and gifted
support of our administrative assistant, Niki Jacobson Torres? Niki came
to us in March 2013 and has handled office operations so well. She
represents our church to the public, greets and assists everyone in person
or by phone with patience and kindness, and provides modern computer
assistance—one thing I very definitely need! We will miss her, but we
are thankful that her husband, Patrick, will begin a rewarding new job in
North Carolina this summer. Their family will move after the
anticipated birth of their second daughter. The Staff-Parish Committee
will interview applicants and hopes to find a new administrative
assistant by the time Niki completes her work with us on June 5.
Please let these terrific members of our staff know of your appreciation.
Our church is strong in many areas, in considerable measure due to our
staff. As Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, insists: You have to get
the right people on the bus. Well, Berkeley has!
COMING UP THIS MONTH: Neighborhood Garage,
Crafts 'n More Sale
SLH Mother and Me Tea
Youth Mission Trip & Spring Event
Monthly Income $ 26,938
Monthly Expenses $ 26,643
Year-to-Date Income $ 77,010
Year-to-Date Expenses $ 71,043
Gifts as of March 31
April 2014 YTD 2013
Worship 144* 127 120
Sunday 36 35 43
Average Attendance
Birthdays
5/06 Beth Collins
5/07 Charles Slusher
5/07 Ginger Wahlers
5/09 Dixie Warden
5/10 Megan Salinas
5/12 Anne Schultz
5/13 Nina Huitt
5/23 Albert Green
5/26 Dave Justus
5/27 Barrett Renfro
5/27 Ray Curtis
5/29 Jeff Contreras
Anniversaries
5/14 Louis & Betty Thigpen
5/27 Greg Lasley & Cheryl
Johnson
5/27 Gary & Karen Walters
Church Church HappeningsHappenings
Happy and Sad News Submitted by Niki J. Torres, Administrative Assistant
In the last year of having the privilege of serving as
Berkeley’s Administrative Assistant, I have encountered a
church of warm, caring, funny, thoughtful, and all-around
enjoyable people, all whom have welcomed me with open arms.
Demonstrated in your attitude towards me (and others!), is the “body of
Christ” manifested in the church body at its very best. All of these things,
of course, make it very hard to say good-bye.
As my family prepares to embark on the adventures awaiting us in Raleigh,
North Carolina, I have remarked more than once that if there was a way to
pick up this church and its members and just airlift you with me, I would
be more than happy to stay in my current position! As it is, I will take with
me many happy memories and a great deal of thankfulness all for the love
extended to me (as well as to my daughter, who will dearly miss
Berkeley’s Childcare Center). It is a beautiful thing that, as members of the
body of Christ, we are really never too far from each other; my prayers are
with this church, as I hope yours may be with my family at this time.
Rio Texas and Other Conference Changes Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine
On January 1, 2015, the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande Conferences of
the United Methodist Church will become one new conference: Rio Texas.
Berkeley UMC will remain in the Austin District, to be called the Capitol
District. Our new district superintendent will be Rev. Teresa Welborn,
currently the director of clergy development in our conference. She
previously served as pastor of Buda UMC. Our current DS, Rev. Steve
Purdy, will move to San Angelo to serve as DS of the West District. If you
want to know more, go to the link to see Bishop Dorff's video or a list of
the new districts and churches: www.umcswtx.org/riotexasdistricts.
*Including Easter
Pray with Berkeley
UM Women this
Month Submitted by Julia Lancaster,
from the UMW Response
magazine, April 2014, pg. 46
God of our Easter
foremothers
women awake at dawn
to mourn a life lost,
to anoint a body
crucified,
we too are confused,
surprised, scared
when presented with the
Holy Unexpected.
You gave the good news of
Christ's resurrection
first to women,
who shared the news
and were not first believed.
I have seen the Lord!
With strength from you,
their faith lives on in us,
we women of the
church,
we followers of Christ,
we seers and receivers of
your truth.
Give quiet to our hearts
and wind to our voices
as we continue to listen
for and share your good
news
that all are loved,
all are forgiven,
and death has been
overcome. Amen.
Tara Barnes,
managing editor, Response
Green Ventures Submitted by Julia Lancaster and Ron Meade
“Every positive act is meaningful!”
We have been recycling aluminum cans for so long that sometimes we
just "take care of business" and forget to report on the cumulative
effort. Please forgive, and see annual totals listed below.
The BUMC aluminum can "project" provides 100% of its receipts to
the Pastor's Discretionary Fund, which in turn helps us help others
(within and outside of Berkeley UMC). In the process, it helps us all
live a little more gently on God's earth. A win-win proposition!
We are called to help those in need, are we not? And United Methodist
Church Social Principles support care of the natural world: "All
creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we
use and abuse it" and "God has granted us stewardship of creation." We
encourage everyone to recycle Every day, recycle Everything
(possible), and recycle Everywhere. Take the City of Austin recycle
pledge: www.austintexas.gov/department/take-austin-recycles-pledge.
If "Every" seems a bit too onerous . . . at least take advantage of the
opportunities that are readily available: 1. In Austin, you can recycle at
home in your single-stream bin. 2. Many workplaces also have
recycling bins. And now, 3. you can recycle church-related items here
at Berkeley! A small recycle bin is located in the CLC Fellowship Hall,
along with a poster to clarify what can be deposited. (Please note that
aluminum cans still go in the green bins outside, along the south wall of
the Education building, so they'll continue to benefit the Pastor's
Discretionary Fund.)
So, if you live in the City of Austin or another town that offers
recycling, please recycle appropriate items according to the local
guidelines. If your community does not offer recycling, ask elected
officials why not? And in the interim, take your household recycle
items to Ecology Action located at 707 E. 9th St., Austin, TX 78701,
512-322-0000, E. 9th at I-35, www.ecology-action.org.
Below are annual totals since we have been recycling aluminum cans
for Berkeley UMC. Thanks for your support!
2000 $106.17
2001 $151.82
2002 $132.34
2003 $192.28
2004 $237.09
2005 $242.17
2006 $196.10
2007 $276.40
2008 $256.55
2009 $166.44
2010 $99.58
2011 $109.35
2012 $107.15
2013 $106.20
TOTAL
$2379.64
Neighborhood Garage, Crafts 'n More Sale
Outreach is busy coordinating our 2nd Annual Change the World Weekend event on May 17,
2014. The focus this year will be a Neighborhood Garage, Crafts ‘n More Sale. Outreach com-
mittee is inviting neighbors from the surrounding community and members of our congregation
to join us. We need volunteers to help with organizing and working the event, set-up and clean-
up, and pricing donations; or maybe you would like to have your own table. Please mark your
calendar and contact Ginger Wahlers at gwahldari@yahoo.com or 512-786-0001, or Carolyn Brown at
cbsews45@gmail.com or 512-443-2600 to volunteer or reserve a space. Our fundraising focus this year is Austin
area Meals on Wheels and More. Clean out your closets, create your crafts, and get ready to sell, sell, sell!
Thank you to everyone who helped pass out flyers in the neighborhood for Change the World Weekend
and for your generosity in contributing to the Canned Food Drive!
Outreach Highlight of the Month—Visit a Nursing Home: Ideas for a Successful Visit
Some people find it uncomfortable to visit someone in a nursing home. Many people find that
they don't know what to say or how to communicate with a person. Often, the fact that someone
cares enough to visit is all that is needed from a resident's point of view. But that is not always
enough for the visitor.
Here are some suggestions for making the time more meaningful for both parties:
Bring current newspapers or magazines to read to the resident.
Offer to escort the resident to an event the facility is offering, such as exercise or a movie.
Bring items the resident will like, such as flowers or a pair of warm soft socks.
Take a walk with the resident especially if you can take them outside. If the resident is in a wheelchair, push
them around the facility, go to visit another resident, or take them outside.
Bring pictures. It is best to select a theme, such as a particular birthday, and bring pictures for just that event.
Bring pictures of another event next time.
Celebrate holidays and the resident's birthday.
Bring a book and read a chapter or get a book on tape and listen together.
Bring their favorite music and listen to it with them.
Visit regularly. The more you visit, the more you will have in common and the easier the visits will become.
For more information, visit www.tjaaa.org/a-successful-nursing-home-visit.aspx.
Outreach Ministry Update Submitted by Ginger Wahlers, Outreach
Here are some ways you can make a small difference in an intentional way:
Reaching Reaching OutOut "Too often we under-estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Dr. Felice Leonardo Buscaglia
Thanks from St. Andrew! Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine
From our first Sunday in April mission offering, Berkeley was able to send $400 to the
Society of St. Andrew, a United Methodist organization fighting hunger. We received this
message:
“Through your gift, you will put healthy, nourishing food on the tables of individuals and families who are
struggling to get by. Partnering with SOSA, you engage volunteer gleaners in hands-on mission and service; you
help send large loads of fruits and vegetables to areas where they are most needed; you support local feeding
agencies in every area of the country; and you reduce food waste—all as you follow Jesus’ command to feed the
hungry. Thank you for making this gift, and for joining with us in working toward a world without hunger.”
In March and April every year, a matching gift to SOSA doubles the impact of every contribution. Hence Berkeley
effectively donated $800 to fight hunger. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Manchaca UMC and the Austin Family Institute Submitted by Rev. Laura Smith Adam, Pastor, Manchaca UMC
I’m writing to let you know of a partnership Manchaca UMC and the Austin Family Institute
have formed in order to provide excellent yet affordable mental health services in the greater
South Austin area.
Manchaca UMC’s partnership with the Austin Family Institute (AFI) began in 2012, as we
asked ourselves what needs in our community we could address as a church. “Where are the
gaps? Where are people being under-served in our area?” It quickly became apparent that
high quality mental health services were hard to find in the South Austin/Buda area. And so
the Manchaca Counseling Office was born, as we decided to partner with the Austin Family
Institute to provide a safe, nearby location for people to receive the mental health services
they need.
The Austin Family Institute has served the Austin community since 1990. Dr. Michael
Bishop and Liz Gentry serve as AFI’s Directors. AFI provides counseling services on a
sliding scale. Many issues that might arise in the life of an individual, a couple, or a family
may be addressed by the therapists & interns at AFI. You can learn more about AFI by going
to their website at www.austinfamilyinstitute.org.
AFI’s Manchaca Counseling Office is located just inside the east entrance of our main
building, which allows easy, private access from MUMC’s east parking lot. AFI’s services
are available to church families and community residents alike, with fees based on what
people can afford. A pastor’s referral is not necessary for someone to make an appointment
with an AFI therapist. All they need to do is call AFI’s main office at 512-329-6611 and
request an appointment at the Manchaca Counseling Office.
Mother and Me Tea for St. Louise House
You are invited to help celebrate the strength of mothers everywhere! Grab your girlfriends,
mothers, sisters, daughters, and sons to celebrate the special women in your life on Mother's
Day weekend: Saturday, May 10 from 12:30-3pm at Green Pastures Restaurant (811 West
Live Oak, Austin, Texas). Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for children. All proceeds benefit Saint Louise House. For
more information about the Tea, raffle and sponsorship packages, visit www.saintlouisehouse.org/tea.
Spiritual Spiritual GrowthGrowth
Go to the
Holy Land
with Bishop
Dorff Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine
You are invited to join Bishop Jim and
Barbara Dorff on a 10-day trip of Bibli-
cal understanding, September 9-18. The
trip is organized by Educational Oppor-
tunities Tours. All-inclusive price from
Austin starts at $3446 (airfare, hotels,
tours and more). Optional extensions
are available to Cairo, Bethlehem, Jor-
dan and a Nile cruise. Deadline for de-
posit is May 27. If interested, please
pick up a brochure in the narthex or
contact Niki Torres to request one.
Empty or Open? Submitted by Rachel Trudell, Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care Ministry thanks all those who participated in the Sanctu-
ary Watch this past Easter weekend. May we go forth living from the
space of the open tomb...
“Maybe it’s not the things that catch our eye that are really real. Maybe
the most real thing in the world is the empty tomb. And maybe empty
is not the best word to describe what it is. Empty space implies a lack,
as if the only thing to say about the tomb is that the body is missing.
But what if it’s open space—open to possibility and God’s new thing?
We have a choice when presented with this space. We can ignore it.
After all, what’s going to change if we pass it by? The world will still
be defined by its problems and its brokenness. But if we choose to live
in this space, this open space, which God has opened up in the very
place where the world marks death, then our lives get redefined and
reoriented. Suddenly the God who speaks behind the distractions can
instruct us to go where we have never been before.”
- Excerpted from “Ministry Matters,” April 10
Book Review: The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede Submitted by Kathy Beth Stavinoha
On September 11, 2001, three jumbo jets were used by terrorists as bombs against American targets. In order to pre-
vent additional attacks, all airspace over the United States was turned into a “no fly zone,” meaning all planes in the
air had to land, and international flights could not enter U.S. airspace. Thirty-eight jetliners were diverted to Gander,
Newfoundland, and Canada.
In 2001, the population of Gander was just over 9,600. The entire community worked to provide for the thousands of
diverted passengers. Schools, churches and other large facilities were quickly converted into shelters, but the logistics
of caring for the stranded passengers were another matter. The people of Gander cleaned out their linen closets in or-
der to provide sheets and towels for the shelters. They visited the shelters and invited people over for a quiet cup of tea
(or something stronger). They welcomed perfect strangers into their homes for meals and hot showers. Businesses and
individuals donated diapers, clothing, medicine and more to their unexpected and bewildered guests. Volunteers from
the local animal shelter fed and cared for the animals that had been traveling in the cargo holds of the planes.
After the travelers were able to continue their interrupted travel, the provincial government offered to give a party for
all the volunteers of Gander. The citizens didn’t feel right, given the circumstances, so the mayor politely declined
saying, “How could you not help someone in trouble?” As members of Christ’s family, let us all say the same.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 5:30—8p Saint Louise House (CLC)
2
3 9a & 6:30p Amen Austin! Church (FH)
4 Communion Sun. Vikki & Tyler Ap-preciation Services 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Youth Fellow-ship (Manchaca UMC) 5p Cov’t Grp (9)
5 10a Women’s Group (9)
6 6p Congregational Care (7)
7 6p Handbells 7p Choir 7p Amen Austin! Bible Study (FH)
8 5:30—8p Saint Louise House (CLC)
9
10 6:30p Amen Aus-tin! Church (FH)
11 Mother’s Day 12p Youth Fellow-ship (FH) 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Cov’t Grp (9)
12 10a Women’s Group (9) 7p Worship Design Team (Sanc.) 6:30p SPRC (7)
13 5:30p Prime Tim-ers (FH) 6:15p Childcare Board (7)
14 9:30a UMW Women in Action 6p Handbells 7p Choir 7p Amen Austin! Bible Study (FH)
15 5:30—8p Saint Louise House (CLC)
16 17 7:30a UMW Women in God’s Grace Circle (FH) 8:30a Change the World (Outside) 9a UMW Executive Mtg. (7) 6:30p Amen Aus-tin! Church (FH)
18 12p Youth Fellow-ship (FH) 4p Tai Chi (FH) 5p Covenant Grp (9) Newsletter deadline
19 10a Women’s Group (9) 7p Finance (7)
20
21 6p Handbells 7p Choir 7p Amen Austin! Bible Study (FH)
22 5:30—8p Saint Louise House (CLC) 6:15pm Childcare Center Graduation (Sanc.)
23
24 7:28a Men’s break-fast (FH) 9a Trustees (9) 6:30p Amen Aus-tin! Church (FH)
25 12p Youth Fellow-ship (FH) 4p Tai Chi 5p Covenant (9)
26 Memorial Day—Church Office Closed 10a Women’s Group (9)
27 5:45p Spiritual Care (9) 7p Church Council (FH)
28 6p Handbells 7p Choir 7p Amen Austin! Bible Study (FH)
29 5:30—8p Saint Louise House (CLC)
30 31 6:30p Amen Aus-tin! Church (FH)
BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2407 Berkeley Ave.
Austin, TX. 78745
512-447-6633
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Graduates in
Your Family? Submitted by Rev. Jeanne Devine
Berkeley UMC would like to
recognize students who will
graduate from high school,
college (associate’s or
bachelor’s degree), technical
institute, graduate or profes-
sional school this year.
Please send information as
soon as possible to the
church office,
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net.
We would like to share the
student’s name, school
name, and degree (if any).
Thank you for your help.
Youth News! Submitted by Devan Fay Gartman
Youth Group had a wonderful April! We started the month by continu-
ing the Lent Bible Study, and we really enjoyed getting to hear how
other people in our church love and serve the Lord. Youth Group went
to see the movie, God's Not Dead, which we highly recommend! All of
us left impacted by the movie, and we felt reenergized to share God with
those who are struggling to believe. Youth helped lead in the Maundy
Thursday worship: simply a lovely service to be a part of. We ended the
month with a swimming party at the Burnses’ house where we not only
had fun, but we got to serve Kairos by baking them lots of cookies!
Spring Event: May 3 will be filled with fun, games, and friends at
the Austin District Youth Spring Event at Rolling Hills Community
Church from 11am-2pm. Let Devan know if you would like to attend!
Mission Trip: Berkeley’s youth have been invited to participate with
Bee Creek UMYF in a trip to San Antonio, June 22-28, to improve
housing for elderly or disabled residents. The deadline to sign up is
Sunday, May 4. Call Devan at 512-826-0009 for details.