Newsletter 2014-05 for Web

BERKELEY STAFF

Ministers Members of the Congregation

Pastor Rev. Jeanne Devine

[email protected]

Director of Music Vikki Schwarz

[email protected]

Pianist Tyler Mabry

[email protected]

Administrative Assistant Niki J Torres

[email protected]

Youth Director Devan Gartman

[email protected]

Childcare Director

Allison McGillicuddy [email protected]

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 [email protected] or 512-786-0001, or Carolyn Brown at

[email protected] 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)


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)


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


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)



30 31 6:30p Amen Aus-tin! Church (FH)

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2407 Berkeley Ave.

Austin, TX. 78745

512-447-6633

[email protected]

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,

[email protected].

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.

Newsletter 2014-05 for Web

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