together DECEMBE R 2015 | JANUARY 2016
WE ST B URY UNI T E D ME T HODI ST C H UR C H
Good gifts
Let it shine Iluminating our darkness, we welcome Jesus, the Light of the World
A unique, outdoor holiday market with artisans, food trucks and world music
December, at a glance Pencil in your own traditions along with the festivities at Westbury UMC
DEC 2015 | JAN 2016
CONTENTS FEATURE
4 L et it shine Iluminating our darkness, we welcome Jesus, the Light of the World
SPOTLIGHTS
2 G ood gifts It's a unique, outdoor fair-trade market with artisans, food trucks and world music
6 D ecember, at a glance Pencil in your own traditions along with the festivities at Westbury UMC
UPCOMING EVENTS
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amily Ministries events & F Day School Open House More Than Enough Love Sunday ALL IN Campaign update hristmas concerts, altar flowers C & Healing of Racism workshop
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rayer, I'm New Here events & P Shrove Tuesday
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Advent worship & devotional
CONTRIBUTORS Susan Edge, Taylor Fuerst, DeAndre Johnson, Josh Lemons, Hillary Peete and Hannah Terry EDITOR & DESIGNER Kelsey Johnson
ST O RY BY R E V. H A N NA H T E R RY | I L LU S T R AT I O N BY K E L S EY J O H N S O N
ASSISTANT EDITOR Cindy Parker PHOTOGRAPHY Tommy Behrman, Kelsey Johnson and Becca Smith Westbury Methodist Day School www.lightstock.com www.creativemarket.com
Westbury United Methodist Church
5200 Willowbend Boulevard Houston, Texas 77096 (713) 723-0175 WestburyUMC.org
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Westbury
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hat if this holiday season you spent your money on beautiful handcrafted gifts for loved ones—gifts that directly participate in changing the world? Then join us on Saturday, December 5, 9 am to 2 pm, for our annual Good Gifts Fair-Trade Market, where your holiday shopping will make a real difference in the lives of human-trafficked youth in Houston, locally-resettled refugees and global artisans seeking to create sustainable income to support their families. You’ll meander through the outdoor market along the W. Bellfort side of the church parking lot. Vendors will be set up in pop-up tents and tables, displaying scarves, jewelry, candles, art and more for sale. As you shop, grab a toasty cup of coffee or hot cocoa from PUCS coffee truck, a locally owned business started by Westbury neighbors. Enjoy world music provided by DJ H. Kumi of 90.1 FM. Meet and mingle with new neighbors and reconnect with friends. Invite someone new to this unique, enjoyable and change-making option for holiday shopping!
more about our fair-trade vendors HAPI (Haitian Artisans for Peace International) works to break the cycle of poverty, maternal and infant mortality and broken family systems by changing the trajectory of individuals, families and communities. Focusing on community health, holistic education and economic empowerment, HAPI embodies the love and mission of Jesus Christ. Purchasing handcrafted cards, artwork and gifts from HAPI directly supports the livelihoods of Haitian women and their children. SERRV provides opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. At SERRV, every product has an uplifting story behind it—stories about freedom from poverty and achieving access to food, shelter, education and basic health care. She Has Hope rescues and rehabilitates human trafficking victims with the goal of restoring them to a life full of hope. Their hand-crafted products are made by the girls of the Peace Gospel International rehabilitation home in Kathmandu, Nepal. These girls, mostly teenagers, are recovering from a life of forced prostitution in Indian brothels. All proceeds go directly toward maintaining their
project and their own personal fair-trade earnings. She Has Hope also features products from widows, single mothers and destitute women who are finding recovery and financial stability in this craft business’ development programs. Free the Captives is a faithbased anti-human trafficking nonprofit organization that fights the exploitation and trafficking of Houston’s youth. Free the Captives engages and mobilizes the Christian community while partnering with nonprofit, law enforcement and government agencies in the fight against modern-day slavery. By channelling the creative skills of young women in its New Creations artisan program, Free the Captives empowers youth in self-confidence, education and job readiness. The Community Cloth is a microenterprise initiative that empowers refugee women in Houston. This organization targets economic, educational and social goals through the provision of seed grants, training and peer support, and by expanding market opportunities for refugee artisans. The Community Cloth supports women who want to create and sell handmade, indigenous arts and crafts such as woven bags, knitted scarves, embroidered linens, baby clothes and more. All profits go directly to the artisans. Purchases of Community Cloth products help refugee women establish new lives in Houston.
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Light A D I A L O G U E B E T W E E N H I L L A RY P E E T E AND JOSH LEMONS
This is a time of year we can’t help but be surrounded by light.
We see people start to decorate their houses with lights. As the days get shorter, we notice the absence of light. We use light in sacred spaces and in our homes to remind us that Christ came into the world to live among us. Advent wreaths have long been used as the center of devotion and worship—for centuries, even! Each week, as a new candle is lit, the light helps us prepare for Christ’s birth, focusing on the virtues Jesus brings: hope, love, joy and peace. On Christmas Eve, we light the Christ candle, which reminds us that Christ is the light of the world. We see the power of light in the star that led the shepherds and the wise men to find the Christ child, which we celebrate on Epiphany. Let’s reflect on the Light together... 4
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Josh: I think of the properties that light has. It illuminates; it reflects. I think of the scientific definition—that light is both a wave and a particle.
Hillary: I’m really particular about light. In my office, I open the blinds to let the sunlight in. I turn on a desk lamp and turn off the overhead fluorescents. At home, I much prefer to turn on a few lamps and light candles. Light has a lot of power to be either comforting or harsh—and I know for me it can affect the way I feel.
WHAT DOES LIGHT MEAN TO YOU IN THE SEASONS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS?
Josh: The first chapter of John comes to mind: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” I think of Jesus breaking onto the scene, of His coming, His incarnating among us. This sort of dramatic juxtaposition of the darkness being overcome by the light of the world. That image comes to mind in Advent.
Hillary: One of my most cherished memories and traditions is the candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve. There’s something so special about seeing each candle being lit, one by one, the light growing brighter and brighter. Being surrounded by candlelight, singing and the feeling of love and community is felt on Christmas Eve in a way that is different than the rest of the year.
HOW DO YOU THINK CHILDREN AND YOUTH UNDERSTAND THE METAPHOR OF LIGHT?
Hillary: Light is one of the most accessible images of God for young kids and one of the earliest they might connect with. Kids know the comfort of even the smallest night light in their dark bedroom. So when they hear, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it,” they don’t wonder what difference one small light can make. When I’ve asked, “How can we share Christ’s light with the world?” they know the power of giving someone who is lonely a hug, or sharing with a sibling or helping a parent or teacher. Children naturally connect the light of Christ with warmth, openness, love and hope.
Josh: For most teenagers, I think we come to a point when we realize life is just a lot more complicated than we initially thought. When we are little, we think something is “right or wrong.” It’s either “this or that.” I think understanding how light functions is helpful in this regard. As I mentioned earlier, light is both a particle and a wave, it is both/and. So, when youth begin to look at tough choices and begin to question things, I think the metaphor of light can help play into their discernment. It’s not always a “right or wrong” type of answer. It’s not always “this or that.” Sometimes it’s both/and. I think youth get that.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU THAT CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD?
Hillary: At both our wedding and Felix’s baptism, Brandon and I sang
let it shine
t
WHEN YOU THINK OF LIGHT, WHAT COMES TO MIND?
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Advent & Christmas 29 Advent Wreath Making & Breakfast, 9–10:30 am, Humphrey Hall
Worship with guest musicians, Jazz Sunday,
10:45 am, Sanctuary
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Good Gifts Fair-Trade Market, 9 am–2 pm, Outside
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Family Sunday School, 9:30–10:30 am, Parlor
(Nativity: Joseph and Mary, Luke 2:1–7)
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1st Sunday in Advent
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Worship, 10:45 am, Sanctuary
’Twas the Light Before Christmas, 4:30–7 pm,
Humphrey Hall
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Family Sunday School, 9:30–10:30 am, Parlor
(Nativity: Shepherds, Luke 2:8–19)
Worship, 10:45 am, Sanctuary
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” Houston Ebony Opera
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3rd Sunday in Advent
Christmas Concert, 4–6 pm, Sanctuary
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Family Sunday School, 9:30–10:30 am, Parlor
(Nativity: Wise Men, Matthew 2:1–12)
Worship, 10:45 am, Sanctuary
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(Sanctuary Choir sings The Winter Rose)
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Youth White Elephant Gift Exchange, 5–7 pm,
4th Sunday in Advent
Home of Luciano & Sonia Garcia
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PrimeTimers (55+), 9:30 am–1 pm, Parlor
(Christmas program w/ harpist Mary Jane Sinclair)
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Christmas Eve Worship, 4 and 6 pm, Sanctuary
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No Youth or Children's Sunday School
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USE THE CALENDAR BELOW TO FILL IN THESE OR YOUR OWN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS... BEGIN ADVENT DEVOTIONAL. SET UP NATIVITY SCENE AND ADVENT WREATH. MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE. DELIVER BAKED TREATS TO NEIGHBORS. COZY UP WITH A BOOK AND HOT COCOA. DECORATE CHRISTMAS TREE. MAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS. HELP SOMEONE IN NEED. GO ICE SKATING. SING CAROLS. DRIVE AROUND TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. WATCH A CHRISTMAS MOVIE. ATTEND A CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR PLAY. WRAP PRESENTS. PREPARE FAVORITE HOLIDAY DISH. TUE
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Open House Westbury Methodist Day School & Mother’s Day Out You are invited to an Open House for prospective preschoolers on Tuesday, February 2. You will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, administrative and office staff, and visit classrooms. Please come anytime at your convenience from 9:15 am to noon.
Family SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 4:30–7 PM | HUMPHREY HALL It’s an instant Christmas play for kids and families of all ages—simply show up and we’ll create props, rehearse and perform the show together. Then, we’ll have an after-party and catered dinner. To make sure we have enough props and supplies for everyone, please RSVP to the church office at (713) 723-0175 if your family is participating. Be on the lookout for an Evite from Hillary Peete with details!
Dec. 6 | Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:1–7) Dec. 13 | Shepherds (Luke 2:8–19) Dec. 20 | Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12)
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Sunday School
(children + youth + parents)
SUNDAYS, DEC. 6–20
9:30–10:30 AM | PARLOR Westbury UMC believes that growing in faith is something families do best together. Periodically, we are excited to come together as a family on Sunday mornings to learn and talk about God. This Advent, we will explore the nativity: that familiar scene of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men and baby Jesus. We will look at how this scene has been depicted around the world. We will talk about the characters we encounter. We’ll also build and paint our own nativity set to take home!
Registration for 2016-2017 | In-House registration for current families and church members begins Feb. 9. Community registration begins Feb. 15. You can register for: Day School classes for children 2, 3, and 4 years old; Mother’s Day Out (MDO) for toddlers and 2s; and Summer 2016 MDO for toddlers through completed 1st grade. About the Program | Our Day School and Mother’s Day Out programs provide a loving preschool experience for children who are toddlers through 4 years of age. We offer the option of 3- and 5-day classes, as well as extended care before and after school. Our Day School is nationally accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). Each classroom is a happy, busy place where play and hands-on experiences are valued as the primary vehicles for learning. We strive for excellence in serving our community’s families. We are blessed with a caring and dedicated staff, whose average tenure is 12 years! If you are interested in additional information, please call the school office at (713) 723-0191 or visit the website and view our informative video at
WestburyUMC.org/day-school
Christmas Eve Worship December 24 at 4 & 6 pm
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the hymn, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” This hymn is meaningful to me because it reminds me that Christ’s light is an invitation into a way of life. We are drawn to the Light because of the hope and love it offers. But once we have received that love and hope, what we experience is transformation. After the Magi followed the star (the light!) in the East to find the Christ child, they worshipped him and gave him precious gifts. They were so transformed by this encounter that they did not return to King Herod, but went home another way, presumably sharing the Good News of what they had seen. In our Christian calendar, we find the story of the Magi on Epiphany, which is 12 days after Christmas on January 6. It is a celebration of Light
We are drawn to the Light because of the hope and love it offers. But once we have received that love and hope, what we experience is transformation. pointing the way. “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” reminds me that I choose to follow Christ’s light every day and to be a reflection of that love and light to others.
Josh: I see Christ as the light of the world in two ways: 1) a guiding illumination, and 2) the ultimate light of salvation. In the first regard, Christ guides us—the way light might guide
a ship at sea or the way light guides our path in the darkness (Psalm 119). In the second manner, Christ is the light of the world in that He saves all who put their faith and hope in Him. It is universal in this regard. His light does not discriminate. His love is all encompassing. “... The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” n DEC 2015 | JAN 2016 together
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More Than Enough Love Sunday nov 15
2015
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Breakfast & Worship in Humphrey Hall
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More Than Enough Love Sunday nov 15 P H O T O S BY T O M MY B E H R M A N A N D B E CCA S M I T H
What a day! We had over 200 people engaged in hands-on mission for our More Than Enough Love Sunday on November 15. With all of us working together, we packaged 30,000 rice meals to send to Haiti, and we built Little Free Libraries to be stationed at neighborhood partners: Casa El Buen Samaritano Clinic, Braes Interfaith Ministries (BIM), Anderson Elementary, Los Arcos Apartments and here at Westbury UMC. Thank you to everyone who donated books for the libraries—over 500 were collected!
9:30–10
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Breakfast & Worship in Humphrey Hall
10–12:30
Serve by packing meals for Haiti at the And that’s not all! A team of volunteers joined with church, or go to Anderson Elementary to 11 hardworking Anderson Elementary teachers to rake leaves and do yard cleanup around the school. build Free Libraries This was truly a community effortLittle and the biggest MTEL day ever! Thank you for sharing God’s love with neighbors, both near and far.
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When we first began considering a Capital Campaign, someone asked me what was the greatest goal I had for a campaign. My answer may have sounded typical for a pastor, but it was genuine: my greatest goal was that the campaign would spur revival and renewal in our congregation, increasing our devotion to God and our commitment to the church. Over the last several months, I have seen just that! I have seen several of you who felt God was calling you to greater leadership step out of your comfort zone and into new positions. I have heard some of you share your stories of how God has used Westbury UMC to bring healing in your life. I have listened to some of you identify that God is calling you to simplify your life, moving to a smaller apartment in order to make a sacrificial gift to God’s work. As we have prayed together, “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” we have been shown and reminded of what God has already done here. And even now, God is calling us to take a leap in order for God’s mission here to continue and increase. CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS CONNECTION TEAM Cindy Parker, Ofelia Patlan, Judy The efforts of our campaign John Patlan & Elsa Garza Sheral Arbuckle, Mamie Arbuckle, Redenius, Donna Reid, Gwendolyn leaders this fall cannot be Ben & Becca Smith Janice Dupré, Evelyn Ogbonna, Riley, Ann Scherer, Juanita overstated—WOW! From the Patricia Rumble & Betty Salton Sheppard, Jeff Stear, Nancy Strait, Alisa Strength & Linda Tollefson CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP TEAM earliest days in the spring Tommy & Amy Behrman, Ezell PRAYER TEAM with the Capital Campaign & Verra Brown, Laralee DeHart, Amelia Adams, Mamie Arbuckle, MTEL SUNDAY TEAM Study Committee, to all who Scott & Margaret Flippen, Kelsey Jesse & Jacqueline Armstrong, Chris & Petra Claflin, Cornelia Lewis, Johnson, Charles & Victoria Metu, Donna Babin, Kathy Behrman, Ron Angel & Erin Oropeza, Mary Ann & showed up at the Church Steve & Sharon Olson, Mike & & Zelma Branch, Robin Brokaw, Jerry Riggs & Jody Strength Council meeting to say Jayne Rocha, Vincent and Sossiena Jayson & Tiesha Brown, Jennifer Sanders, Renée Stewart, Mike & Brown, Brenda Coleman, Dan & "Yes!" to the next step, to Laurie Sturdevant, Adam & Beth Joyce Garza, Audrey Griggs, Daniel our incredible Campaign Walmus, Ike & Dot Watkins, Steve & Lindsey Heathcock, Thaddeus & Leadership Team, to the & Holly Welty, Michelle Wiggs & Myclette Lavalais, Patricia Oliverires, Melanie Wiggs Elizabeth Lloyd, Mary Lou McCants, Prayer Team callers, to the MTEL workers and callers, to the Advanced Commitment dinner hosts and attendees, to the mailing preparers, to the Connection Team...do you get the idea?! This effort was the joyful work of well over 100 people, and each of them deserves to hear a resounding THANK YOU! Pat them on the back when you see them (and if your name should have been on this list, then I owe you lunch!).
As of our November 15th More Than Enough Love Sunday, we had 39 households step out as leaders to make an early commitment to the campaign, totaling $591,300! This is only one-third of the households we anticipate stepping forward with a commitment, so we are very optimistic that with our whole congregation ALL IN, we will surpass our Firm Foundation goal of $850,000. Beyond that, how far will we get? It's up to you! We need each family to commit to a sacrificial gift. I remain confident that God will continue to provide what we need for what God wants to do here. All God asks is our obedience. The total amount of commitments will be announced in worship on December 20. On December 13, we will gather a “First Fruits” offering, at which time you can make your first contribution to the campaign. This will kickstart our campaign funds, allowing us the flexibility to begin infrastructure repairs as soon as they are approved. Even as this campaign season winds down, we are just beginning the time when we will see what God will do through us once again. Don't forget—the reason we have a Capital Campaign in the first place is to provide a place where God transforms lives! Westbury, God will use your faithfulness to bless someone else! Who will it be? Will they walk through the Sanctuary doors this Sunday? I hope you are there to shake their hand and welcome them to a church for all people with more than enough love to go around. With the greatest love and gratitude,
Altar Flower Reservations
Would you like to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other special milestone? Altar flowers can be purchased in tribute of such occasions by contacting the church office at (713) 723-0175. The floral department at Kroger, which has recently increased its fee for the arrangements to $80. You may choose to take the flowers home with you or have them delivered to a homebound member. Many Sundays throughout 2016 are available, so reserve your date today!
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Do You Hear What I Hear? A Concert of Holiday Favorites Sunday, December 13 | 4 pm DeAndre Johnson conducts the Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s annual Christmas concert, hosted at Westbury UMC and free to the public. Selections include Simeone’s “Little Drummer Boy,” Britten’s “This Little Babe,” and Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music.”
The Winter Rose A Cantata by Joseph Martin Sunday, December 20 | 10:45 am Westbury UMC’s own Sanctuary Choir performs selections from Joseph Martin’s The Winter Rose, a beautiful cantata that tells the Christmas story through narration and symbolism while incorporating both traditional carols and newly composed music. Guest artists, Michael Nelson and Sarah Winkel, will join the choir on organ and piano.
HEALING OF RACISM WORKSHOP Westbury UMC strives to be a church for all people with more than enough love to go around. We’ve been prayerfully listening to how God is calling us today to live more fully into our multicultural identity. What does it mean for us to be a faithful community that participates with God in healing racism? How do we start at home—personally and communally within our church walls? How then does this have a ripple effect in Houston, in Texas, in our country, and across our world? We invite you to join us in asking these questions, listening to God through one another, and seeking understanding.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, January 23, 9 am–4 pm Facilitated by the Center for Healing of Racism, this film series workshop explores race and its impact on society. Session 1 examines the contemporary science of race. Session 2 uncovers the roots of the race concept and how it justifies social inequalities. Session 3 uncovers how race resides in our politics, economics and culture through resources, power, status and wealth.
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Westbury Cares Deaths
Robert Lockhart (11/11/15)
New Members Eli Carr (09/27/15)
Andrew Kragie (11/22/15) Hannah Brown (11/22/15)
Baptisms
Madolyn Reichard (10/25/15) Olivia Reichard (10/25/15)
“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray.” – James 5:13–14
p There are orange prayer cards in the Sanctuary pews and throughout the church. If you have a prayer request, please fill out one of these cards so the Living Water Caring Ministry, pastors and church staff can be praying for you! Another option is to use the form on the church website, by going to WestburyUMC.org and clicking on “Contact.” Let us know if you would like the name(s) of those we’re praying for included in the Weekly Word newsletter’s prayer list or if you’d prefer them to remain confidential.
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Coffee With the Pastors in the Café allows time for anyone new to Westbury UMC to enjoy coffee, fruit and pastries while having casual conversations with church members and pastors. WHEN? DECEMBER 13 AND JANUARY 10 (NOON–12:30 PM)
Visitor & New Member Open House is an informal gathering designed to help further connections made on Sundays. Come as you are! Children are welcome, too. WHEN? JANUARY 10 (3–5 PM, HOME OF THE PEETE FAMILY)
Sunday Social is a chance to spend a little extra time after worship getting to know one another and letting our kids play together! Once a month on 4th Sundays, we meet on the playground (or Humphrey Hall in inclement weather) just to catch up with one another. If you are a new or visiting family, this is the perfect time to meet other parents and let children connect with new friends. Light refreshments will be available. WHEN? JANUARY 24 (NOON–1 PM, PLAYGROUND)
SHROVE TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 9 | 5:45–7:30 PM Our 3rd Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner is bigger than ever! Families are invited to join us in Humphrey Hall for a pancake dinner, crafts and a fun pancake race. In addition, this year we will have a bonfire and simple prayer service in the Memorial Garden. We will burn the Palm Sunday palms from last year and use these ashes on Ash Wednesday at the start of Lent.
Looking for a devotional guide for Advent? Come by the church office to pick up a copy of Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent by Pamela Hawkins (UPPER ROOM). This devotional will guide you in the art of waiting, inviting you to begin each day by focusing on a single word and a simple prayer. Copies are free with a suggested donation of $10 each. Remember: Advent begins November 29 and ends on Christmas Day.
season proclaims the â?? The comings of the Christ whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church
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S U N D AY S , N O V E M B E R 2 9 & D E C E M B E R 6 , 1 3 & 2 0 A D V E N T 2 0 1 5 | W O R S H I P AT 1 0 : 4 5 A M
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Westbury United Methodist Church
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, Texas 77096-5298
Westbury
Main Office: 713-723-0175 United Methodist Church
WestburyUMC.org
Address service requested
Westbury United Methodist Church
Westbury United Methodist Church
O Light Everlasting, O Love never failing, Illumine our darkness and draw us to Thee. May we from Thy Spirit receive inspiration As children together Thy wisdom may see. Make known to all nations Thy peace and salvation, And help us, O Father, thy temple to be. OLAF CHRISTIANSEN, 1948