BerkeleyBuzz

Berkeley United Methodist Church

September 2015
COMING UP THIS MONTH:
UMW District Meeting, Health Fair
and more!

BERKELEY STAFF
Ministers

Members of the Congregation

Pastor

Rev. Jeanne Devine

revjeanned@sbcglobal.net

Director of Music
Vikki Schwarz
vlschwarz@aol.com

Pianist

Dr. Tyler Mabry

tgmabry@gmail.com

Neighborhood Outreach
Rev. Teresa Santillana
lagitanilla43@mac.com

Administrative Assistant
Liz Smith
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net

Childcare Director

Allison McGillicuddy
Bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net
Church Office Hours: Monday-Thursday
8:45am to 3:15pm
Closed Daily for lunch from 12-12:30pm

Pastors Perspective
Whats happening with the Healthy Church Initiative? Where are
with our MAP (Ministry Action Plan)? Heres the latest:
Vision Statement. To direct our planning for ministry, the church
council worked carefully with the input from 31 members on the
Day of Visioning on May 23. On July 28, this vision (printed on
every weeks bulletin) was adopted: Empowered by the Holy Spirit,
Berkeley will show our community and the world the transforming power
of faith in Jesus Christ by sharing Gods love in ministry with our
neighbors. We will offer pathways for new and committed disciples to
grow in faithfulness. We will joyfully share our faith, resources and
energies in partnership with our community and the world.
Coordinator of Family Ministry Outreach. The church council
approved this part-time staff position at its meeting on August 25,
to initiate and develop connections in the church and surrounding
neighborhood; to create and nurture relationships with Jesus Christ
and one another; to help children, youth and families grow in
Christian discipleship. The position is being advertised within and
beyond Berkeley UMC; a complete job description is available on
the church website. Please encourage anyone you may know with a
heart for people not yet connected to Christ and the church to apply.
Leadership and Organization Training. The elaborate structures of
the past no longer work. Churches are simplifying their leadership
structure to enable decision-making and action.
On Saturday,
September 12, our coach, Rev. Wade Lindstrom, will lead the church
council and the committee on nominations and lay leadership in a
workshop to streamline our structure for 2016, so we have fewer
meetings and more ministry and mission.
Everyone is encouraged to read the MAP (copies available in lobby),
and to consider how you play a part in our Healthy Church
Initiative. May God bless us as we move into Gods future and
accomplish Gods purpose for Berkeley UMC.
Your pastor,
Jeanne Devine

Church Happenings
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 2

New Childrens Sunday School Coming!

Birthdays
Owen Burnett

9/2

Stacy Bradshaw

9/3

Elizabeth Wrigley

9/3

Stephanie Seuser

9/3

Elizabeth Walters

9/5

Betty Thigpen

9/6

Doris Lyon

9/8

Letha Peters

9/12

Irma Trevino

9/12

Glenn Bostick

9/13

Liz Smith

9/15

Daniel Shank

9/19

Barbara Huff

9/21

Jim Barnes

9/28

Marietta Karnes

9/28

Emma Huff-Sifuentes

9/29

Cheryl Johnson

9/30

Anniversaries
Jeff & Anne Marie Schultz

9/4

Ray & Roz Hodson

9/7

Tyler Mabry & Meredith Orf 9/14

Josh & Amy Gibbs

9/24

Bryon & Julie Burns

9/25

Berkeley UMCs Childrens Sunday School

program will be changing
this fall. Our teachers are
studying and being
trained in a new curriculum called Godly Play.
They are also working to
prepare Room 8 in the
CLC to use for Childrens
Sunday School. Beginning
sometime this fall, we will move childrens Sunday School from Room 6 to
Room 8. We will meet with the children at the Sunday school hour, 9:4010:30, and will no longer teach Sunday School during the 10:50 worship
service. We will release more information when we are closer to implementing this change. Stay tuned for updates!
The Godly Play curriculum has been used in thousands of
churches in the United States and Europe. Based on Montessori
principles , the Godly Play method serves children through early,
middle and late childhood . Godly Play teaches us to listen for
God and to make authentic and creative responses to Gods call in
our lives. (GodlyPlayFoundation.org)
There will be an opportunity scheduled for parents/grandparents
and other interested adults to observe and/or participate in a demonstration lesson of Godly Play.
Please pray for our teachers and children as we go forward with
this new program.

New Permanent Office Hours

Upon recommendation by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, the
Church Council approved a 4-day work week for the administrative
assistant. The office will be open year-round from Monday through
Thursday, 8:45am3:15pm, closed daily for lunch from 12-12:30pm.

Church Happenings
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 3

You are invited ...

All ladies of the church are invited to attend
the Capital District United Methodist
Women's annual meeting on Saturday, September 26, at Crestview UMC in north Austin. Registration will occur from 8:30 to 9:15
and the session will convene in the church
sanctuary promptly at 9:30. (This is the same
event we hosted last year at Berkeley). This meeting will draw women from throughout the Capital District (from as far away as Lampasas, Liberty Hill, Cedar Park, all of Austin, with Berkeley being on the
southern edge) to celebrate accomplishments within the district. Berkeley UMW will be recognized as one
of the 18
5-Star UMW units (which is a BIG deal) during the business and worship portion of this
event. Afterwards, participants will choose one of the break-out sessions (one is on Latin America, others
are being firmed up) which are always very informative. The event will culminate with a luncheon (you
may either brown bag it OR pay $8 for the church-prepared luncheon). This annual meeting is such a
wonderful way to interact with other women who are involved in mission outreach throughout our district. I anticipate that there will be carpools leaving from our parking lot. More details in the DAILY
BUZZ as the event gets closer. I hope that we have a strong Berkeley presence at this annual meeting.
Submitted by Berkeley UMW

Book Review: Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman

Submitted by Carolyn Brown
As you enjoy your restaurant meal, have you ever wondered whats behind the
kitchen door? Blending personal narrative and investigative journalism,
Saru Jayaraman shows us that the quality of food that arrives at the table depends not only on the ingredients sources but on the attention and skill of the
people who prepare and serve. Restaurant workers are subject to poor working
conditions and live on some of the lowest wages in America.
Eye-Opening!
UMW Category: Social Action
Bonus Book (can count as two books)
Available at the Austin Public Library

Thank You
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 4
Berkeley UMC received a big thank you from Cunningham and Widen
Elementary Schools for full backpacks of school supplies and two checks
from Berkeley UMC. These were delivered by Myrna Cavender, Iliana
Gonzalez and Susan Curtis during the week of
August 16.

With Principal Kim Royal,

Widen Elementary School

Thank you so much for your generous donation of school

supplies and monies to Widen Elementary. As you know as
a school community, we always rely on support from
organizations such as BUMC. We have been blessed to be
supported by your organization for many years. Thank you
for your monetary gifts and your blessings.
With Kind Regards,
Kimberly Royal, Principal

With Principal Amy Lloyd,

Cunningham Elementary School

The residents of Elmcroft and Englewood send their sincere Thank Yous for the Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social!
Thank you for having us again for your hymn sing and ice cream social! We had a great time as always.
You are most gracious to include us. Thank you, Laurie Green & Elmcroft
Thank you for the time of music, fellowship, ice cream and fun. We feel so blessed! ~ Rebecca
Thank you for sharing a wonderful evening of great ice cream, friendship and singing some old fashioned
hymns. ~ Marie S.
The ice cream was good, but you people are awesome! Many thanks for inviting us to share. ~ Johnnie S.
Thank you for being such welcoming hosts. It gave us all a night packed with joy and lovethe true meaning of the Word. ~ Dick B.

Dear Members of Berkeley United Methodist Church,

Thank you for the beautiful dresses you have made for the girls in Liberia. They will be
greatly appreciated by girls who may never before had a new dress made for them. Your love
and generosity are blessings for these girls.
May God Bless You,
The Board of Dignity:Liberia.
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
We are truly grateful, and our hungry neighbors are blessed by your caring hearts and
prayerful generosity. Through BUMCs gift of $560, 28,000 servings of healthy, nourishing food will reach the plates of those who need good food most. You are making a
real difference in so very many lives! Thank you for this gift, and thank you for ALL
the ways that Berkeley UMC reaches out as the hands and feet of Christ. Were glad
youve chosen the Society of St. Andrew as one of your partners in ministry!
Together, we share health and hope in Christs name.
Every Blessings,
Lynette Johnson

Reaching Out
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 5

Honduras Mission Trip 2016

Plans are being made for the January Honduras Mission Trip. Will you consider joining us?
There is a place for everyone to serve. We will again be travelling with members of Tarrytown
United Methodist Church. As always, we will work in education, construction, and medicine
(interpreting for the doctors.) The ability to speak Spanish, while nice, is not necessary. (A smile
goes a long way!)
The Honduran people are delightful, and you may have an opportunity to meet Juan Carlos,
whom the church has sponsored for 5 years, or Daymara, the young girl sponsored by our UMW.
Dates: Jan. 23 31, 2016
For more information contact Carolyn Brown at 512-443-2600 or cbsews45@gmail.com.

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP NEEDS

Submitted by Carolyn Brown
In preparation for our next trip to Honduras, we are asking for a few items that you might have
around the house:
Calendars - any year. We will be using the pictures.
Plastic bottle caps - all sizes and colors.
Reading glasses you no longer need.
Coupons for Harbor Freight - we will be purchasing 40 25'x1" measuring tapes and the
discount from the coupon will help.
12" rulers with both inches and cm.
We will be collecting these things until the
end of the year. You may place your items
in the box in the narthex at any time.
Thank you for your continued support of
this mission, both from the team and from
the Honduran teachers and students.
Susan Curtis Teaching in Honduras, January 2015

CHANGEThe World
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 6
Book Review: Beyond Cotabato
by Rev. Curran L. Spottswood
Submitted by Kathy Beth Stavinoha

Rev. Curran Spottswood, his wife Mariam, and their three

small boys moved to the Philippine island of Luzon in the
post second-World War era, in order to spread the Gospel
of Christ and to grow the United Methodist church.
Americans and Filipinos, both ordained ministers and lay
volunteers, traveled to remote areas of the Philippine archipelago in the name of the Holy Trinity. Rev. Spottswood
was a pilot and they flew in his small plane when there was
a landing strip available, but frequently they hiked through
rugged tropical jungles and up steep mountains on 100-mile
journeys to reach isolated villages.
They endured hunger, danger, weariness, illness, lack of
privacy, financial difficulty, and other hardships, but also
amazing hospitality and great joy as they ministered to others physical and spiritual needs.
There is no hope of winning this world to Christ through the
efforts of professional missionaries and ministers only. It is far
too big a jobevery lay man and woman must be Christs ambassador.
--Curran L. Spottswood
In one small town, the pastor invited to give that evenings
sermon got cold feet because of the rough crowd. The small
Filipina nurse who was on that mission was determined
that the crowd would hear about Jesus, so she witnessed to
them. She described the security and comfort of the nursing
job she had had in Manila, and then related how she had
given it up in order to teach about Christs love and do His
work. (This same young volunteer had previously been
involved in the physically demanding job of building the
Methodist Rural Center in Kidapawan.)
This account of the Methodist expansion in the Philippines
is inspirational in and of itself, but even more so to me,
because that young nurse is Berkeleys very own Rebecca
Thomas.

September 2015
Berkeley Buzz, September 2015, Page 7

Sun

Mon

Tue
1

Communion
Sunday

Labor Day

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

Church Office
Closed
10am Womens
Group (7)

13

14

Thu

Fri

Sat

7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc. and
FH)

5:30pm St. Louise

House (CLC)

9am ESL (9)

5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)

6:30pm Amen Austin!

Church (CLC)

10

11

12

5:30pm Prime
Timers (FH)
6pm ESL (9)

9:30am UMW
Women in Action
Circle (FH)
6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc.)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc.)

5:30pm St. Louise

House (CLC)

9am ESL (9)

4pm Ballet 1 (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet 1 (FH)

9am HCI Leadership Training (FH)

6:30pm Amen Austin! Church (CLC)

15

16

17

18

19

6pm ESL (9)

6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc.)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc.)
7pm SPRC (7)

5:30pm St. Louise

House (CLC)

9am ESL (9)

4pm Ballet 1 (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet 1 (FH)

7:28am UMM
Breakfast (FH)
9am Trustees (9)
9am Greeter/Usher
Training (FH)
6:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(CLC)

22

23

24

25

26

6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc.)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc.)

5:30pm St. Louise

House (CLC)

9am ESL (9)

4pm Ballet 1 (FH)
5:30pm Spanish
Bible Study (7)
6pm Ballet 1 (FH)

8:30am UMW District Meeting at

Crestview UMC
10am Health Fair
(FH)
6:30pm Amen
Austin! Church
(CLC)

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

10am Womens
Group (7)
6:15pm Childcare
Mgmt (7)

20

21

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

10am Womens
Group (7)
6:45pm Girl Scouts
Executive Committee (FH)
7pm Finance (7)

5:45pm Spiritual
Care (7)
6pm ESL (9)
7pm Church
Council (FH)

27

28

29

8:30am Worship
9:40am Sunday
School
10:50am Worship
4pm Tai Chi (FH)
5pm Covenant
Group (9)

Wed

10am Womens
6pm ESL (9)
Group (7)
6pm Girl Scouts
(7)
6:45 Girl Scouts
Exec. Meeting (FH)

30
6pm Handbell
Choir (Sanc.)
7pm Chancel
Choir (Sanc.)

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2407 Berkeley Ave.
Austin, TX. 78745
512-447-6633
bumc78745@sbcglobal.net

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Mission:
To make new disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world.

Our Vision:
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Berkeley will show our community and the world the
transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ by sharing Gods love in ministry with our
neighbors. We will offer pathways for new and committed disciples to grow in faithfulness. We will joyfully share our faith, resources and energies in partnership with our
community and the world.
Average Attendance
July
Worship
Sunday
School

Gifts as of July 31

2015

YTD

2014

103

105

100

30

35

30

Monthly Income

$ 18,548

Monthly Expenses

$ 25,702

Year-to-Date Income

$ 158,017

Year-to-Date Expenses

$ 164,231