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 Pastoral Intern Jessica Goad jessica.goad@austinseminary.edu 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

E X T R AVA G A N T G E N E RO S I T Y T A K E S H O L D
In September, our church family will read, study and worship together around the theme of Extravagant Generosity. A daily devotional guide is available for everyone, and many of our classes will use it from September 19 through October 16 as the basis for understanding how the grace of giving operates in our lives. Bishop Robert Schnase points out that extravagant generosity is the only kind God practices, the only kind the Bible describes. Think about it. What did God create and entrust to humanity for stewarding and cultivating? The earth and its creatures. What did God give to redeem a fallen, sinful humanity (a/k/a all of us)? His only son, Jesus Christ. And who are described as generous people? Zaccheus, who repaid fourfold the money hed overcharged taxpayers; the Good Samaritan, who offered to pay in full all expenses of the man he rescued; the widow who contributed all she had in the temple. Extravagant, in every case. But isnt it time for the annual stewardship campaign? Why are we putting extravagant generosity forward as our principle? Bishop Schnase says: Generosity is an aspect of character. It is an attractive quality which I aspire to and desire to see cultivated in my children. The opposite of generosity is selfishness, self-centeredness, greed, and self-absorption. No stories from Scripture describe people living the God-related spiritual life while fostering a greedy attitude. Generosity extends beyond merely the use of money, although it most definitely includes that. There are generous spirits; generous souls; people who are generous with their time, with their teaching, with their love. I have to explain to my teenage sons what stewardship means. They know generosity when they see it. Extravagant Generosity is not about the need of the church to receive. It is about who God is. It is about who we would like to be, who God created us to be in Gods image. Imagine how John 3:16 would sound if God were not generous: For God so loved the world that God took? That God kept? That God held onto? No, we all know how it goes. God so loved the world that God gaveextravagantly. I hope you will be in worship as we explore Matters of the Heart, starting on Sunday, September 26. I pray you will open yourself to God, who gives so extravagantly to us, and grow ever more like God during this time. On October 16, we will offer our commitments in worship and discover what can happen when Gods people model themselves on our good and generous God. In Christs Service~ Rev. Jeanne Devine

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

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E X T R AVA G A N T G E N E R OS I T Y
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. Here are just a few things that we have done since last month: August Communion Offering: School supplies. $276.00 UMW members delivered five boxes of school supplies to each school Cunningham and Widen along with a check for $138 to use where needed. Our pastor and four members of the Stewardship committee attended a seminar with Bishop Robert Schnase on Generosity as a Way of Life. Here are a few ideas where you can go beyond your tithe: September Communion Basket Giving will go to United Methodist Campus Ministry, Texas Wesley, at the University of Texas. 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 (441-6543). Expand your giving options: You dont use checks anymore? Set up an auto bank draft for your pledge to B UMC. Consider giving via your will or estate. your bank and/or Berkeley Treasurer, Ray Curtis (280-1313), for details. Commit to worship every Sunday. Our Matters of the Heart sermon series begins September 25. Remember, when you give, please give through the church. This will help BUMC realize all our collective good works and share this information with the congregation.

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A NOTE FROM
SUBMITTED
BY

THE

FORREST ARNOLD, CHAIR

TRUSTEES

The Board would like to challenge our congregation with a few opportunities for service to the Church; to keep the roof over our heads, so to speak. We know that there is more talent in the congregation than just the few people on the Board. Should you accept any of these missions, please let me know so that we will not duplicate effort. Phone me at 496-6443 or email me at forrestarnold@mac.com t t t Sanctuary Kitchen outside door: The door knob is missing its bolt and the strike plate. Buttress in back of Room #3: Replace rotten wood plank cap. Seal and paint. Riding lawn mower: Level the mower deck.

Thank you for your willingness to serve.

LETTERS
SUBMITTED
BY

FROM

CAROLYN BROWN

HONDURAS

Because of the generosity of this church, we were able to provide funding so that Juan Carlos Hernndez (15) could continue his studies this year. We recently received this letter from him:
Gualaco, Olancho, Honduras June 12th, 2011 To: My Godparent From: Juan Carlos Hernndez My greetings for you, with a lot of love. I hope you be successful in your daily. Labours and that you be healthy with your family and friends. This letter is to tell you that Im very grateful for the economical help that you have gave me during these years. Y hopes you can continue helping me because in Honduras there is a critical situation for our parents so, without your money I world be difficult to study. I tell you that I am doing my best effort to get good grades, and I amal ready in ninth grade too. Im happy because next year Ill be in a new career to be better. Thank you so mucho, god bless and protect you a lot. With love Atte. Juan Carlos Hernndez

This is my second year to sponsor Karina Ramos (15), and I was able to meet her last January. Here is a letter I recently received from her. This is the first time she has written in English: San Esteban Olancho To: Carol Brown I greet with affection is looking good. The reason for this letter is to thank you for being my sponsor and thus allowing me to continue my studies, thank God and my efforts go well in my classes, I feel well next to his family, I love you God bless you always. Thanks for everything. I take leave wishing you the best. Atte. Karina Mercedes Ramos 12 / 06/2011

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FROM

THE

AUSTIN DISTRICT OFFICE

9/11 Anniversary Interfaith Service

In recognition of the continued work that needs to be done to foster improved relationships between our region's diverse religious communities, Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) in collaboration with the City of Austin, The Austin District of the United Methodist Church, Muslims for Peace and Unity, the Institute for Interfaith Dialogue, Congregation Beth Israel, First Baptist Church and other iACT member congregations will be holding a city-wide memorial service commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The service will take place on Sunday, September 11 from 4:00 - 5:15 pm at First Baptist Church of Austin located at 901 Trinity. The service will focus on the sacrifice of those who rushed to save strangers on 9/11 and the need to strengthen the bonds of our community today. In addition to the Interfaith Memorial Service, iACT will also be hosting two of its "Red Bench" interfaith dialogue programs to foster conversations between individuals of all faith traditions. Both conversations will take place at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 1300 Lavaca. The focus will be on the ways that 9/11 changed our lives. Dates are Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 pm and Tuesday, September 27 at 6:00 pm.

Disaster Response Training Scheduled for Lockhart FUMC

We would like to invite and encourage all (males and females) who have a passion for doing disaster response work through the United Methodist Church. UMCOR-certified trainers will be at Lockhart FUMC on Saturday, September 24, 2011 to train and credential individuals for disaster response work. The class consists of six (6) clock hours of training -- beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 4:00 p.m. The cost is: $30 per person and covers training materials, lunch, T-shirt, background check and official badging/credentialing. Topics include: UMCOR protocols, blue tarping of roofs, disaster clean up, organizing an Early Response Team (ERT), equipping the team, safety, and etc. Participants may register on-line by going to the Southwest Texas Conference Web site at: www.umcswtx.org then click on "outreach" followed by "Disaster Response" and then click on "Early Response Online Registration." You will then be directed to mail your registration fee/fees to the Conference Registrar. For further information, please contact: Emmett Eary, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Austin District UMC by phone at 512/663-3150 or by e-mail at: emmett.eary@sbcglobal.net.

9/1 9/2 9/3 9/3 9/3 9/5 9/6 9/8 9/12 9/12 9/13 9/19 9/19 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/28 9/30 9/1

Rich Errington Owen Burnett Liz Skiles Stacy Skiles Calvin Taylor Elizabeth Walters Betty Thigpen Doris Lyon Letha Peters Irma Trevino Glenn Bostick Teresa Errington Daniel Shank Jean Barton Jeremy Taylor Barbara Huff Jim Barnes Cheryl Johnson

Jeremy & Tammy Taylor 9/7 Ray & Roz Hodson 9/26 Brad & Marlee Straup

SE P T EM BER I N T EN T I O NA L P R AY ER C A L EN DA R
September 410: For courage to bring God into our everyday labor with integrity. September 1117: To trust God in the events of our lives and to look to Him for wisdom and guidance. September 1824: For the fruit of the Spirit to be manifest in our lives. September 25October 1: For the ability to hear, with fresh ears and an open heart, the message of the scriptures

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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:

The unworthy, the unclean, the sick, the addicts, those who dont look like me? These are the ones we are to avoid? Not according to Jesus. What is it that we fear and why do we look away? Are we really fearful of being harmed or something being taken from us? All we Just outside the gate and on the bottom step leading into the cathe- have is from God. Do we not realize the power of a loving touch, the dral of downtown San Jose sits an elderly man who has a tag clipped amazing force behind a nod or a smile? Do we truly believe that only to his shirt stating I have Parkinsons. Each time I enter the cathe- we are worthy and the others deserve where they are because they have done evil? Really? So we just brush them aside, pass them by dral with a work or study team from the U.S. he is faithfully there, humbly holding out his hand for whatever you may wish to share with on the street, ignore their need? We are saved and they are not? him. He has captured my attention and heart each time I pass so we Thats not the God I know, not the Christ, not the Holy Spirit. Is it possible these encounters are an examination of our hearts? The speak (rather I speak and he nods). reflection is sometimes difficult to see. A short time ago I made that same trip to downtown with a visiting work team and once again we entered the gates. But this time there All the believers were together and had everything in common. Sellwere two policemen who were attempting to lift up this man and his ing their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Acts 2:44 all his meager possessions. My first response was to intervene on his behalf. The police told me they were moving him as television The next trip downtown to the cathedral I feel a hug is more in order cameras would soon be arriving and didnt want him on the main steps. It was the national celebration of La Negrita de las Angeles for this man, a child of God who like anyone else is having a difficult time. And isnt that how Jesus taught us to live, to help those around and the faithful from throughout Costa Rica were making their pilgrimage to the national Basilica and on the way stopping here at the us and in doing so allow them to know Christ as well? One day we city cathedral. I suggested they allow him to stay where he is as this may be the one in need. How will we react when the faithful turn away? is his usual spot to greet all who enter, but the police saw it differently. Bendiciones, Suddenly two Costa Rican women, who witnessed what was happening, stopped the police and explained that this man was not bother- Becky Harrell, Missionary The United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries ing people, but was an elderly man with an illness and truly in need of help. Knowing these women would most likely have more sway Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give over the police than I would. We entered the cathedral. you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up and instantly the mans feet and anUpon our exit I looked for the gentleman and found that indeed the kles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then police had been successful in moving him to a place where most wouldnt observe him, and certainly out of the view of television cam- he went with them into the temple courts walking and jumping, and eras. I walked over and held his hand and his joy continued to show praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging from his eyes as if saying its all right. at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:6-10

STEP

I N TO
BY

SUBMITTED

BRAD STRAUP

AFRICA

MANCHACA UMC OFFERING CHRISTIAN BELIEVER CLASS

Begins September 18, 3:005:30 pm. Cost: $35 for student manual and book. Orientation Sunday, August 28, 12:30 pm. Have you ever said I believe! in worship without understanding everything youve said? Do you find yourself wondering what the central teachings of the Christian faith are? Would you like to know more about what it means to be a Christian, and where we as Christians stand? Christian Believer is a 30-week in-depth study that links Scripture + our Christian beliefs with daily living. Participants will gain a sense that Christians before us have wrestled with some of the same issues of belief that Christians wrestle with today. The study begins with daily reading of Scripture and of the writings of early & modern church leaders. The class meets weekly for further study and discussion, and allows space for questions, doubts, and dissent. For more information contact Rev. Dan Harrington at 282-7274. Child care is provided for all classes by reservation only: 282-7274 ext. 30 or childcare@manchacaumc.org

Our United Methodist Youth Fellowship invites you to participate with them as they Step into Africa on Sunday, September 11. Bethany United Methodist Church offers this interactive exhibit, sponsored by World Vision, to increase Christians awareness of the humanitarian crisis on that continent and how we can respond. Brad Straup, our youth director, can provide free tickets to interested adults if you call him at 6809321. We plan to leave the church around 12:30 pm and return around 3:00 pm.

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PRAYERSPRESENCEGIFTSSERVICENEW MEMBERS

CHURCH LIFE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Tara is seeking a willing person or persons to maintain the church marquee on a weekly basis. This is a minimal time commitment and on the job training is provided! Please contact the church office at 447-6633 or bumc78745@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Julia Lancaster on the loss of her Uncle Bill, August 15.

Looking Ahead:
October 16: Commitment Sunday October 16: UMW Fair Trade Pre-sale

begins November 6: BUMC Church Conference

On Wednesday, September 7, the handbell choir will resume rehearsals at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary. Come ring a bell or pull up a chair with the chancel choir at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to share their talents through the amazing music ministry we have at Berkeley!

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, September 25

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE:
JULY WORSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL 2011 123 38 YTD 138 47 2010 129 43

GIFTS AS OF JULY 31:

MONTHLY INCOME: $32,256 MONTHLY EXPENSE: $20,571

MEMORIAL FUND: $3,067 ENDOWMENT FUND: $67,065

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

One of the best things about heading back to school is the chance for a fresh start. A new year, new teachers, perhaps even a new school offer students the opportunity to try a little harder and do a little better than the year before. Praise God that he allows us to always start over. Jeremiah writes that the Lords mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23a). With Gods help we can begin each day with a clean slate and a new attitude, determined to make some changes for the better.