Be r k e l e y U n it e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h

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TH E B ER K EL EY BU ZZ
Berkeley United Methodist Church
2407 Berkeley Ave. Austin, TX 78745 (512) 447-6633 Fax: 851-8438 www.berkeleyumc.org Childcare Center: 443-3509 Ministers Members of the Congregation Pastor Rev. Jeanne Devine revjeanned@sbcglobal.net Director of Music Victoria Schwarz vlschwarz@aol.com Pianist Tyler Mabry tgm@mail.utexas.edu Youth Director Brad Straup berkeleyyouth@ymail.com Administrative Assistant Tara Nash bumc78745@sbcglobal.net Childcare Director Allison McGillicuddy bumc.childcare@sbcglobal.net

YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

How often have you heard the opposite? You cant change the world, usually as a suggestion that you give up on a dream or an effort. Ive heard it over and over again. Guess what: It isnt true. Not if youre a Christ-follower. The youth Sunday School class has been using a video series entitled Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, created by Rev. Mike Slaughter. He pastors the Ginghamsburg, Ohio United Methodist Church, a small town church that dreamed big and has accomplished great things for God. In December well be hearing more about their emphasis, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, which has transformed Christs birthday into more than a million dollars of aid to the Sudan, and well be challenged to dream big here. Heres some of what Mike says: Every Christian has the potential for a change-theworld movement inside. Church is a verb. Its not a building or a weekly gathering, but an active body working to change the world in Jesus name. As Christians we are called to: FOLLOW Jesus in his gospel mission; WELCOME the stranger; FEED the hungry; HEAL the sick; RESCUE those in distress; GO boldly out into the world. Its easy to get stuck in our religious habits, but Jesus has bigger plans for us. He wants to use us to change the world. Reviewing Matthew 25:31-46, he says: The gospel is good news for the poor. Jesus wants us to carry on his work, and he has made it very clear what he wants us to do. Reviewing Matthew 28:18-20, he says: Jesus very last instruction to us was: GO. The church must make a major paradigm shift, from attraction evangelism to mission evangelism. We have to be the gospel before other people will believe the gospel. We can all find the place where our skills and passions meet the needs of the world. Jesus didnt come to inspire us to live a little bit better life or to get us into heaven. He came to get heaven into us. How has this been happening around Berkeley? Between July 18 and 21, ten youth and three adult sponsors worked hard at our neighbor, Saint Louise House, to stain a new fence, the work we were asked to do. Working from mid-morning to early afternoon, our group completed the task diligently and cheerfully. How did their work change the world? It changed and improved this House, which is home to more than 100 women and children rebuilding their lives after leaving domestic violence situations. The fence provides security, so important for their well-being. These residents are our neighbors. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Our youth put this basic Christian belief into practice and changed our world for the better. When you see them, let them know you support them! We can change the world. Christians believe that, and we live that. In Christs Service~ Rev. Jeanne Devine P.S. A big thank-you to everyone who signed up for the pictorial directory. You are helping build community here at Berkeley.

Serving God +++Sharing Christ+++Receiving Mercy

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G E N E ROS I T Y A N D B E YON D . . .
SUBMITTED
BY

JEFF CECIL, STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

Finding ways to grow deep in our faith requires opening our hearts to prayer and a willingness to personally evaluate and challenge existing habits. One way to do this is to return a portion of your financial blessings to God through your tithes and offerings. Your gifts help to create and implement ministries that change lives, transform communities, and spread the good news of Christ. ~Bishop Robert Schnase You are invited to learn more of Generosity as a Way of Life with Bishop Robert Schnase August 20 - 21 at Tarrytown UMC. Bishop Schnase (Missouri Conference) will be conducting a seminar on Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and preaching at all worship services on Sunday in the Sanctuary (8:30, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m.). All are welcome. Please mark your calendars and plan to gather for two special days with Bishop Schnase! Bishop Schnase is the author of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Five Practices of Fruitful Living, Forty Days of Fruitful Living and Practicing Extravagant Generosity. For more information, contact Margot PerezGreene, Associate Pastor, Communications & Adult Ministries (margot@tarrytownumc.org) Here are just a few things that we have done since last month: July Communion Offering: The Society of St. Andrew. $ 267.50. BUMC Youth Mission Project: Completed work at the St. Louise House campus. Good Job Kids! Memorial Giving in memory of Junell Treece: $ 535.00 to Imagine No Malaria; $ 500.00 to Montopolis Family Center; $ 500.00 to the Holding Institute. Here are a few ideas where you can go beyond your tithe: August Communion Offering will go to purchase school supplies for Cunningham and Widen Elementary Schools School supplies: Donate school supplies for our local schools. See page 5 for supply list. BUMC Labyrinth Walk: In memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. You are invited to walk on September 10 in the CLC, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Sponsored by the Spiritual Care Committee. Capitol Area Food Bank. Volunteer your time. www.austinfoodbank.org Generous commitment of your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service. Visit a homebound or hospitalized member. Contact Beth Collins (512-295-2987) or Mary Lynn Smith (282-6054) for opportunities. Volunteer with our children/youth groups: Sunday school, Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). Contact Letha Peters (312-5592), Polly Aranda (694-9868), or Brad Straup (680-9321). Become active in small groups: Sunday School, UMW, UMM, etc. Volunteer at the downtown Homeless Work Corner on Sunday morning. Contact Irma Trevino (4416543). Expand your giving options: You dont use checks anymore? Set up an auto bank draft for your pledge to BUMC. Consider giving via your will or estate. Contact your bank and/or Berkeley Treasurer, Ray Curtis (280-1313), for details. Remember, when you give, please give through the church. This will help BUMC to realize all our collective good works and share this information with the congregation.

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A NOTE FROM
SUBMITTED
BY

THE

JESSICA GOAD

PASTORAL INTERN

I know it has been a while since you have heard from me. I am currently in Phoenix, Arizona, finishing my Clinical Pastoral Education internship at Banner Healths Good Samaritan Medical Center. This is a hospital chaplaincy internship program, so I have been spending my summer providing a ministry of presence to patients, patients families, and hospital staff. It has truly been an inspiring and educational experience. Although this internship program is full-time, I have had the opportunity to stay active while exploring the Phoenix area. Despite the 110+ temperatures there are still plenty of sights to explore (really early in the morning)! I have also been able to visit my family in Tucson, Arizona, which is about two hours south of Phoenix. Finally, I have started the application process for provisionary membership. In the United Methodist Church, a candidate for ordained ministry must go through a two-year provisionary period after graduating from seminary before becoming ordained. I will be applying to become a provisionary member this coming year and as the application process is quite long, I decided to take some time this summer to get started. I still have four weeks left of my internship and I am looking forward to returning to Austin in about five weeks. I am also looking forward to returning to my intern duties at BUMC in September. I know it will be another wonderful semester of learning and experiencing the life of ministry in the church. I hope this finds you well and filled with Gods grace! Peace be with you, Jessica Goad jessica.goad@austinseminary.edu

WALK

THE
BY

SUBMITTED

KATHY BETH STAVINOHA

LABYRINTH

IN

ME M O RY

OF

SEPTEMBER 11

On September 10 you are invited to walk the labyrinth in memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Labyrinths have been in existence for centuries, have been found in many parts of the world, and come in many different patterns. The Chartres Cathedral in France houses a famous labyrinth which dates back to the year 1220. In Christian labyrinths, importance is placed on the symbolism. It is a metaphor for the journey with God, a journey in which we can grow closer in relationship with Him and to others. Our labyrinth was made by Cheryl Johnson and former BUMC member Luciana McKeown. They used the Santa Rosa Labyrinth pattern. In Soul Shaper, Tony Jones suggests that you pray for yourself on the way in, stop to experience Gods love in the center, and pray for others on the way out. Spend time reflecting on your relationship with God and be aware of Gods presence. On September 10, we suggest that you pray for those whose lives were lost or irrevocably changed on September 11, 2001 as you enter the labyrinth, and pray for our enemies as you exit. The labyrinth is a form of body prayer. The physical nature

of our involvement, using our whole bodies and our senses, keeps it from being just theoretical or mental. You are invited to come by the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, September 10, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to walk the labyrinth. Please stop by as time permits.

The Santa Rosa labyrinth style with seven circuits.

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P ag e 5

The United Methodist Women are collecting school supplies for needy students at Cunningham and Widen Elementary Schools. Below is a list of basic items that are needed, which are available at most retail stores. Please bring your donations on the next 3 Sundays - July 31, August 7 or August 14 - and place them in the donation box in the narthex. You may also make a monetary donation. Make checks payable to Berkeley UMW and designate for school supplies. Thank you!

Supply box (cigar type) Glue, white liquid, 8 oz. No. 2 pencils Red pencils Erasers Ballpoint pens, blue or black ink Crayons Scissors Wire bound notebooks 3-ring binders Notebook paper, wide ruled Dividers for binders Rulers, 12 dual scale metric & conventional Folders, 3-prong with pockets

8/1 8/3 8/3 8/4 8/10 8/12 8/12 8/12 8/13 8/14 8/15 8/18 8/19 8/20 8/24 8/24 8/26 8/30

Ron Meade Charlotte Campbell Dan Carlton Rachel Trudell Polly Aranda Kallie Green Tom McClanahan Kyle McClanahan Buddy Cox Emily McClanahan Jayna Hamilton Mary Phillips Jennie Gaston Tara Nash Casey Denton Mike Royal Steve Cavender Bob Moses

8/12 George & Iris Field 8/28 Bob & Ann Moses

AU G U S T I N T EN T I O NA L P R AY ER C A L EN DA R
August 713: For an honest, open relationship with God in prayer and in our living. August 1420: For relief from the dog days of August and that the world may be renewed. August 2127: For students, teachers, and administrators as school begins again. August 28September 3: To hear Gods quiet voice in our hearts and daily living.

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MI SS IO NA RY UP DA TE
SUBMITTED
BY

CAROLYN BROWN

Berkeley provides support for our missionary, Becky Harrell, and the Latin American Biblical University in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her newsletter excerpt: Praying this letter finds all of you well and glowing in the Glory of the Lord! All is well here in San Jose, Costa Rica busy in life and ministry.

and cultures. As Christians, the Grace and Salvation of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit bring us together as oneGods People. As we live and follow the Call that God has placed on our lives, in the day to day we are privileged to share Jesus Christ with our world, no matter where we are called to live.

I ask for your prayers for the ministry at the UBL, where we train laity and pastors from all Christian denominations throughout The Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana is very busy this time of Latin America and the Caribbean in Biblical and Theological Scithe year as we are in our 3rd bimester with students not only from ences, and for the new ministry to the children and adults in Alta Vista. I would love to have you join us in ministry here in Costa Costa Rica, but from the countries of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Venezuela, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, etc. Rica at some time in the future. The UBL continues with studentfamily housing construction and many teams are needed over attending. the next 4 years. We also have need for individual volunteers in Recently I have been blessed to be part of a new Sunday School mission to come and spend 3 months to 1 year working either in ministry in a tiny barrio called Alta Vista. The daughter of a pastor our library or another area, and we will furnish your place to stay. I know lives in this barrio up in the mountains in the eastern portion of San Jose where about 130 children reside with their fami- Contact me at beckyincostarica@yahoo.com or becky.dap@gmail.com if you are interested. lies. Most there are either unemployed or work on local farms. This community has asked for ministry, so this month we joined May the Grace and Love of the Lord overwhelm you in all ways together to provide Sunday School ministry to the children and and in all your days. have included the UBL visiting work teams from the U.S. It has been such a wonderful blessing with approximately 60 to 70 Que Dios les bendiga! children and some of their parents attending. Becky Harrell, Missionary I love what I do, as the Lord fills me with great blessings in know- The United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries ing His People and just how diverse we are in our backgrounds

UMYF NEWS
SUBMITTED
BY

BRAD STRAUP

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I had a blank fence and you painted it. Okay, so maybe that last part was not in the Bible, but it rang true last week with the Berkeley youth. They decided for this year's summer mission project they would give back with gifts of their time and talents and discover first hand what it means to be the hands of Christ. Our neighbor, St. Louise House, was the recipient of their hard work as they brought new life to a dated, dilapidated fence surrounding the property. The kids worked with efficiency and dedication and transformed what was once an uninviting apartment security fence into a fence that anyone would take pride in having around their home. St. Louise House provides housing and essential services for women and children experiencing homelessness in Central Texas. We were blessed to have had the opportunity to brighten their facility. Those participating in this years Summer Mission Project were; Maddy Swor, Kyle McClanahan, Matt Cecil, Robbie Gaston, Emily McClanahan, Kate Noll, Marilyn Wasson, Cameron Burns, and Emily Wasson. The adult sponsors were Suzanne McClanahan, Brad Straup and Andrew Beck. The youth would like to thank all the members of the church that supported this project.

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PRAYERSPRESENCEGIFTSSERVICENEW MEMBERS

CHURCH LIFE

THANKS & APPRECIATION

Everyone was ecstatically praising the work of the BUMC youth last week. What a wonderful group of hard working youth. BUMC must be proud! Many blessings, Karen Ranus Director of Volunteer Services Thank you all so much for your prayers, phone calls, rides, food, and one of my favorites, snail mail. My chemo treatments will end soon and radiation will continue for 3 more weeks. This treatment is for right lung and lymph nodes. After this will be treatment for right breast or left lung. Ed, too, appreciates the prayers and especially the FOOD. Our love and prayers go out to all of you and your individual concerns. Love, Doris & Ed Wootton

Congratulations: t Barbara Lupo on the birth of her first great-granddaughter, Stella Laine Edwards!

Irma Trevino and family on the loss of her father.

Stay current with Berkeley news and happenings at :

www.berkeleyumc.org

Dont forget to wear your nametags each Sunday! If you need one, please contact Tara in the office at 447-6633.

G OT N EWS ?

Newsletter articles and contributions are ALWAYS welcome..as well as suggestions for content. You can email articles and suggestions to the church or put them in the Admin. Assistant box in the church office.
Deadline: Sunday, August 21

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE:
JUNE WORSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL 2011 144 38 YTD 141 48 2010 140 38

GIFTS AS OF JUNE 30:

MONTHLY INCOME: $19,444 MONTHLY EXPENSE: $20,634

MEMORIAL FUND: $3,758 ENDOWMENT FUND: $61,969

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2407 Berkeley Ave. Austin, TX. 78745 (512)447-6633 Email: bumc78745@sbcglobal.net ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

S INK OR S WIM
Peoples stories about learning to swim often sound like this: My dad tossed me into the water. I didnt have a choice I flailed around until I found myself swimming! But an elderly Christian tells a variation of this story: Wanting to teach me to swim, my father threw me off the dock into the lake. I sank. But then he goes on: So my father jumped in with me. The storytellers wisdom shines in his application: God doesnt toss us into life and leave us alone to sink or swim. By sending Jesus, God jumped right in with us to save us from death, hold us protectively and help us navigate life.