The purpose of Western Hills United Methodist Church is to continue the ministry of Jesus by making disciples through faith, hope and love.

Transcription

1 THE HILLTOP NEWS 2820 Laredo Dr., Fort Worth, Texas November 25, 2008 The purpose of Western Hills United Methodist Church is to continue the ministry of Jesus by making disciples through faith, hope and love. Tuesday November 25 9:00 a.m. to noon, Food Pantry 7:00 pm, Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m., Cub Scouts Thursday November 27 Happy Thanksgiving! Sunday November 30 First Sunday in Advent 9:30 a.m., Sunday School 10:50 a.m., Morning Worship 2:00 p.m., Lectionary Bible Study 4:30 p.m., Youth Monday December 1 9:30 a.m., English as a Second Language Class Tuesday December 2 Meals on Wheels 8:00 a.m., Bible Study Fellowship 9:00 a.m. to noon, Food Pantry 7:00 p.m., Cub/Boy Scouts Meet Wednesday December 3 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., English as a Second Language Class 6:15 p.m., Lectionary Bible Study 6:30 p.m., Youth Group 6:30 p.m., Handbells 6:30 p.m., Elementary Choir 7:00 p.m., Chancel Choir Reflections Ready for Christmas? Are you kidding! Yes, I am. I am not talking about all the decorations that need to be up or the cards that need to be sent out or the presents bought and sent to my family. None of that has been done. But, I am ready for some hope in the midst of all the bad news we hear. I am ready for some love that comes from family and church family and from God. I am ready for the promise of peace that comes with the reassurance that the goodness of God has been with us in the past, and He will be with us tomorrow too. I am ready for joy that can only come from above; joy that I am accepted and life is worth while. Maybe I am rushing Christmas. Thanksgiving calls us to praise God from whom all blessing flow. May the God who sent Jesus to us so long ago, come again and make you ready for His gift of hope, love, joy, and peace. Landy

2 Current Concerns In Sympathy The Johnnie Luttrell Family The Sue Hasselbeck Family Odean Allison, Betty Allison s mother-in-law, has lung cancer Ted Evans, Anna Fry s nephew Stacy Ewing, daughter of Carole & Robert Mrs. Chris Green, recovering from a stroke, friend of Roy and Beverly Newman Jann Green, who will have gall bladder surgery David Harris, Anna Fry s brother, heart Laura Hebert, friend of the O Donald s Cheryl Johnson, friend of Beverly Newman Mike Long, friend of Ken and Barb Leach Elli McKillips, grandmother of Jennifer Morton Bob Manny, friend of Cathy Jones Doris Mars, neighbor of Jennifer Morton Mary Morton, Jennifer Morton s grandmother Nina Moore, friend of Al & Becky Riibe, who has cancer Dorcas Neuman Kay Newman, Roy & Beverly Newman s family Roy Newman Jimmy O Donald, Jeff s dad will have ankle surgery Kevin Paige, Edna Paige s grandson Pops and friend Jeanne, friend of Anna and Jerry Fry Shirley Powell, Tamera Austin s friend Pete Revello, friend of Roy Newman, who has cancer and is receiving radiation treatments Monica Scott, Barbie Brewer s niece Dr. Doug Spear, Al Riibe s cousin, recovering from a stroke Jan Stockton, recovering from surgery Carolyn & Pete Taylor, Nikki Taylor s grandparents Stella Wallace, Beverly Newman s sister Bob Warren, Harris Southwest Hospital Tristan Watkins Glenn Whitmire, recovering from back surgery Tania Williams, Harlene Cornett s friends daughter Juanita Wilson, friend of Gerry Marten, had a massive stroke Our Missionary: Sam Rodriguez Prayer Lists On Going Prayer List Health and Healing: Orene Beatty, Dollie Bedwell, Janie Bielefeld, Florine Brooks, Debra Brown, Kristi Butler, Larry Cornett, Martha Davis, Mariann Deering, Anne Ellison, Robert Ewing, John Fant, Wendel Fox, Elmo Livingston, Fred Marten, Bettye May, Doug McGlaun, Bill Newton, Sarah Odom, Eric Paige, Agnes Powell, Al Riibe, Zebula Robinson, Jill Mathews Snow, Reverend Buddy Stegman, Marissa Steward, Josh Taylor, Ronnie Thelman, Leanne Roth, Earl Van Roosenbeek, Kristi Vickers, Tom Wilson Military: Josh Boston, Sam Brooks, Jason Busby, Misty Busby, Sarah Davis, Dan Fagan, Sarah Harris, Daniel Kinnibrugh, Nicholas Minotti, Jesse Mistic, Robert Newman, Daniel Newman, Jacob Rangel, Alex Ruth, Robert Smith, Chris Sotello, Michael Stricklin, Brandon Wilson Worship Attendance: November 16th: 102 November 23rd: 121 Sunday School Attendance: November 16th: 60 November 23rd: 63 November 16th: General Budget $ 2, Missionary Fall Festival 1, Apportionments Food Pantry November 23rd: General Budget $ 1, Fall Festival 3, Apportionments Memorials Johnnie Luttrell

3 Adopt an Apportionment Following is a list of apportionments that have not been adopted and/or paid in full. Thank you for your continued support! Property & Administration 4,226 World Service 6,807 Ministerial Education 1,720 Holiday Mail for Heroes From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need. The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible. Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families. Please address cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below: Holiday Mail for Heroes PO Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD A box is located in the hallway near the sanctuary to collect the cards and Tina Shaw will see that they are mailed to the Red Cross. The deadline for the next newsletter is Monday, December 9th! December Birthdays! 1 Glenn Neuman 2 Dale Austin 2 Janeth Stockton 2 Aubanny O Donald 5 Martha Davis 6 Jann Green 7 Sheila Wilson 8 Katherine Busby 14 Kelly Owen 15 Margaret Lester 16 Elmo Livingston 17 Jered Newman 21 Charles Powell 23 Kris Johnson 23 David Clemens 24 Mary Ann Cox 30 Ken Brower 30 Stacey Neuman 31 Eric Johnson December Anniversaries! 4 Mike & Debbie Elrod 8 Larry & Harlene Cornett 9 Richard & Sonya Barlow 14 Robert & Carole Ewing 31 John & Sally Seekins Luncheons Planned The Altar Guild will have their Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, December 2nd, at the Rose Garden in the Antique Mall at the traffic circle. The United Methodist Women Luncheon will have their Christmas luncheon on Thursday, December 11th, 11:30 a.m., at the Rose Garden in the Antique Mall at the traffic circle. Brown Paper Grocery Bags West Aid needs brown paper bags for their food distribution. Please put them in the food pantry. Thank You!

4 Musicians in our Church Family CHOIR PYRAMID CONCERT: Several in our church family helped provide a great musical evening at the Western Hills Choir Pyramid Concert Nov. 18 at Western Hills High School. Debra Rue (back row right), choir director for our church AND choir director at Westerns Hills High, spends countless hours of effort and patience each year organizing this pyramid concert for five elementary schools, two middle schools, and the high school. Debra recruits Allen Brown (back row left) to provide accompaniment for several choirs during the concert. Singers pictured on the front row, from left, are high school senior Buckley Rue, who sings in the both the high school acappella choir and show choir; Fifth graders Gracia Ramazani and Paxtyn Watkins, who sing in the Western Hills Elementary Choir; and eighth grader Julian Rodriguez, who sings in the Leonard Middle School Choir. BAND WINNERS: Julian Rodriguez played his flute to win spots for the District UIL and Region UIL band competitions. Mitchell Robinson (not available for pictures) played his trombone to win a spot in the Region UIL symphonic band. Region band concerts are at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Weatherford High School. REGIONAL CHOIR MEMBERS: Buckley Rue, left, and Julian Rodriguez, right, competed recently to win spots in Region UIL choirs for their age levels. Region choir concerts were presented Nov.22. Buckley also made it through two levels for All State Choir. Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata Sunday December 7th

5 Meeting Planned The Finance Committee will be meeting on Monday, December 8th, 7 p.m. Food Pantry Report Food is given to people in the zip code area on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. 12 noon. For the month of October we served 59 families which includes 177 family members. Food is purchased from the Tarrant Area Food Bank, as well as local grocery stores. Your donations of food or money are needed to support this outreach program. These items are needed for our food pantry: pork and beans, canned fruit, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, soup, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, spam, tuna, peanut butter, crackers, rice (1 lb.) and dried beans (1 lb.). Holiday Cards The decorated tree in the narthex has been placed there for personal family cards to the church. Oasis of Hope / Blue Christmas Service at Arborlawn Oasis of Hope/Blue Christmas Service is Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Arborlawn United Methodist Church, 5001 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth, TX, The service is led by singer and songwriter, Deb Sewell. Free to the public, it is a service of beautiful music, candle-lighting, inspirational stories, ballet and a brief message offering hope and comfort. Grief literature will be available, and grief counselors will be present. If you are grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, the loss of a job, a move to a home in an unfamiliar city, or if the holidays just make you sad, join us for an evening of hope and comfort. Order your Poinsettias! They are $8.50 each and the orders must be received in the church no later than Sunday, December 17 th, You can mail this slip in to the church office or drop it into the offering plate on Sunday morning. Thank you! Name Number of Poinsettias Memory of Phone Honor of

6 WESTERN HILLS UMC COUNCIL MINUTES OCT. 12, 2008 The church council of Western Hills United Methodist Church was called to order by Chair Joyce Brown at 6 P.M. on Oct. 12, Dwaine Robinson offered the opening prayer. The minutes of the Aug. regular meeting and the Sept. called meeting were accepted. Joyce Brown asked the council to think of the goals for the church which were adopted last year. The goals were listed on the board for consideration of this year s accomplishments and discussion of any needed adjustments or reconsiderations. The goals of last year are: 1. Strengthen Outreach Ministries. 2. Offer events for Youth and Children. 3. Be a welcoming and accepting congregation. 4. Continue to have active small groups and encourage formation of new ones. 5. Have a strong Witness/Marketing strategy. Discussion followed covering several areas of work and ministry. Consideration of whether to adopt another foreign missionary following the return of the Magruder family to the U.S. ended with the consensus not to adopt a new one at this time. New or expanded ministries accomplished under the 2008 goals included: Partnering with the Family Resource Center to expand ESL instruction from 2 hours a week to 6 hours a week. An ESL teacher, child-care workers, and curriculum resources are now funded by FWISD. Church members continue as volunteers in the program which continues to meet in our building. Pastor, Landy Senter has conducted a parenting class also in cooperation with the Family Resource Center. Rose Ann Beckwith has begun a Parish Nursing program instituted. Terry Meyer has started a new Lectionary Bible Study. Grant monies received for advertising programs and work with children and youth has been used judiciously for the work and mission of the church. Joyce Brown asked the council for input on goals for next year. Discussion followed on the order of the goals. Some possible additions to different goals were mentioned. Continuation of the Financial Peace program was discussed with the understanding of how it has worked. Kelly O Donald has been conducting these classes but will no longer be doing so after Jan. 1, Participants pay $93.00 per family for materials. The church owns the leadership material. Members in the class have come from across the Fort Worth area as a result of the posting of the class on the Dave Ramsey web site. Sunday afternoon at 4 or 5 o clock seems to work best. Edna Paige recommended that the church recognize children and youth for their accomplishments, perhaps at a worship service and/or in the newsletter. The need for more church members to participate in the Sunday night program was mentioned. Tamara Austin prepares the light supper with the meal at 5 p.m. Members are encouraged to come, eat and mentor the neighborhood youth who are a part of the group. The idea of using children and youth actively in the worship service was well received. Edna Paige mentioned the need to have necessary funds for advertising since the grant money used last year is nor available this year. After discussion, Jeff O Donald moved that the same goals be adopted since there is still possible growth in each area. Christy Barto seconded and the motion carried. Concern was expressed for Harlene Cornett who has been hospitalized in Kansas with a blood clot in her lungs. In the area of nurture, Linda Eden is pursuing possible grant money for the Parrish Nursing program. The Western Hills PTO will partner with the church for activities for children at the Fall Festival. They will provide help with the games and rides. Dwaine Robinson was asked if he would drive the train and therefore save the cost of a driver from the rental company. The use of individual tickets is being replaced with a punch card thereby reducing a great deal of time dealing with the tickets. Rose Ann Beckwith will offer blood pressure checks for a two hour period that day. She mentioned that plans are underway to offer a health fair at the Easter egg hunt next year.

7 Western Hills Church Council continued: Al Riibe reported on the National Nite Out activity to be on Oct. 14 from 5 7. Their will be a bounce house and other activities. Eats will include Sno-cones, hot dogs, drinks and chips. Most everything has been donated with Target being a major contributor. Neighborhood police officer Bobby McCarthy will be here. The Western Hills North Neighborhood Assn. is also helping. The activity is being advertised by fliers sent home from the schools and placed around the area. Christy Barto suggested wearing anything with the church name on it so people could identify members who could answer questions about the church and its activities and worship times. Linda Eden is planning to clown and her husband Steve will entertain with his guitar. Tables will be set up with information. George Hanson reported for the witness area. Advertising plans are being instituted for the Fall Festival. There will be an ad in the suburban newspaper. He asked for a volunteer to write the accompanying article that we get with the purchase of advertising space. Lola Mae Fant offered to write the article advertising is being reassessed concerning which locations to target, probably west of Loop 820 and areas like Lost Creek. He is still working with the post office in an effort to avoid the mix-up that occurred in the past. The committee asked for $5300 in next year s budget. The visitation program continues to be a work in progress. Ralph Fagan reported for finance. September receipts were down. Receipts were approximately $16,000 and we spent $21,000 leaving a deficit of $5000. John Fant reported on Methodist Men. The group has had good fellowship and attendance is steady. Sam Rodriguez will be the speaker this month. The suggestion was made to invite the youth to their meetings. The handyman program continues with donations going to the food pantry. In regard to finances he reported that the financial statements of giving have gone out. The committee needs input on budget needs prior to Jan. 1, so that budget needs can be known for the financial campaign to be held after the first of the year. Dan Brown has agreed to be stewardship chairman and lead the campaign. There will be about a $10,000 reduction in apportionments for next year. The 08 budget was $272,264 and the proposed budget for 09 is now $267,340. John Fant moved adoption of the 2009 budget number with the understanding that it would be reviewed after the financial campaign. Jeff O Donald seconded and the motion passed. Landy Senter presented a proposal for the council to consider. A Spanish speaking House of Mercy Assembly of God congregation has approached the church about the possibility of renting part of the church plant for its services. The times needed would be Sunday from 1 to 4 P.M. and Thursday evening from 6 to 9 P.M. The group would arrange the seating for their purposes and return everything to the way it was each time. The group offers $200 a month for the usage. There would be a formal contract regarding the use, clean up, payment and any damage that might occur. Western Hills would have the right to use of the property during above stated times with prior notice to the House of Mercy. Any contract with the House of Mercy Congregation would be for a six month period. The contract could then be renegotiated by the Trustees. The group will also abide by our Safe Sanctuary Policy. After discussion of the idea, Jeff O Donald moved that the trustees move forward with the idea and look closely at the best possible estimate of cost of usage for the 6 hours a week proposed. It was pointed out that the Bible Study Group that meets each week is only paying $25 a month. The council felt that this needed to be addressed as the amounts were so different. Lou Strack presented an amendment to the motion that would have the trustees revisit the BSF position. That amendment was seconded by Christy Barto and passed. The original motion then passed. The Bishop will be here to meet with church leaders on Wed. Oct. 14 from 9 to 930 A.M...

8 Western Hills Church Council Continued: Justin Lane reported that the youth now have code of conduct that participating youth will sign and therefore have knowledge of the requirements for participation in all youth activities. A copy of this code is available from Justin. Justin, Joyce Brown, Landy, and Courtney attended a training session on bilingual bicultural issues in working with youth. Justin suggested that a youth be added to the church council and that was agreed to. The youth have a youth for hire program going. They are set to clean up Rose Ann Beckwith s yard and will be looking for more moneymaking opportunities. The group will attend a bicultural worship service at St. Luke UMC on Nov, 2. The group is looking for a catchy name for their group. Justin is considering a youth worship on Wed. or Sun. P.M. Terry Meyer is planning an advent devotional pamphlet and asked for input from members of the church. Those in attendance were Chester and Tina Shaw, Terry Meyer, Brian and Christy Barto, Justin Lane, Dwaine and Betty Jo Robinson, Edna Paige, Betty Allison, Ralph Fagan, Landy Senter, Kelly and Jeff O Donald, George and Sue Hanson, Rose Ann Beckwith, Al and Becky Riibe, John and Lola Mae Fant, and Joyce Brown. Respectfully submitted, Lola Mae Fant, Recording Secretary Charge Conference Meeting of Western Hills UMC Nov. 2, 2008 Pastor Landy Senter (in the absence of Dist. Superintendant Gary Lindley) led the group in the singing of several favorite hymns. Tom Harkrider, Conference Lay Leader, related to the group some of the opportunities and ideas that will be forthcoming from the Council of Bishops through the leadership of Bishop Lowry, the newly appointed bishop of the Central Texas Conference. Some of the ideas include emphasis on evangelism which is a core belief of United Methodism and social holiness and social action which reach across cultural and economic boundaries. Things may be different and we will be encouraged to think outside the box. Mr. Harkrider offered help as a resource person as we move forward as a con gregation. He announced that the District Laity Banquet will be held on March 26, The Metropoli tan Board of Missions Gift of Love activity will be on Nov. l5 from 5 to 8 P.M. at First United Methodist Burleson. The cost is $5.00 per person and will include activities such as a silent and live auction. Joyce Brown informed the group of some of Western Hills activities that fit into the above categories such as ESL, food pantry and work with neighborhood youth. He then told the group of the devotional that Rev. Lindley has been presenting at charge conferences based on Act, Chap 10 which includes the story of Cor nelius (a Roman soldier) who came to meet with Simon Peter and others and the Holy Spirit came to all Jewish and gentile. Rev. Lindley s devotional then talked of the relationship of hay and straw with hay be ing the food and straw being a place of rest and comfort. District Superintendant Gary Lindley formally opened the conference and Chair of the Trustees, Doug McGlaun announced that this is the annual meeting of the corporation of Western Hills United Methodist Church. Lola Mae Fant was elected recording secretary. Dwaine Robinson as Lay Leader spoke of the overall activities of the church and its readiness to continue to serve here in the community. Joyce Brown lifted the goals for next year (those goals are printed at the end of these minutes). She spoke of the fact that Western Hills works better with yearly goals than the lengthy five year plan and told of accomplishments this year and added possibilities for next year. Included in the outreach of the church this year were a cooperative effort in ESL with Western Hills Primary and Elementary schools, parenting classes with Landy Senter as leader, the institution of a Parish Nursing Program under the leadership of Rose Ann Beckwith, Bible study group based on the lectionary and use of grant monies for activities with youth and children and advertising and promotion of the church and its programs. She recommended acceptance of

9 Charge Conference Continued: Rev. Landy Senter spoke to the state of the church. He pointed out that some new members have become a part of the congregation and that a confirmation class will have the opportunity of bringing members by profession of faith. He presented the slate of nominees for 2009 as presented by the Lay Leadership committee. The following additions were made to the printed report. Trustee class of 2009 Dale Ford, Trustee class of 2011 Jerry Warburton, Rep. of youth to Council on Ministries Julian Rodriquez, Removal of Liturgy under Worship and addition of Tina Shaw as leader of acolytes, Children s ministry Jennifer Morton and Methodist Men John Fant. The conference adopted the list of nominees. John Fant moved that the church council have the authority of approval to fill vacancies as they are needed through out the year. Dan Brown seconded and the motion passed. SPRC chair Lou Strack presented the pastor s compensation package for approval. It is $52,000 the same as last year as no increase could be made due to the fact that last years apportionments were not paid in full. John Fant pointed out that if the church pays out on apportionments this year, the salary of the pastor can be adjusted after January 1, The motion to approve passed. Rev. Lindley announced that other reports are on file. Terry Meyer, adult leader, spoke to the strong adult Sunday School classes and the continued help they furnish throughout the church. A possible addition to the adult program next year could be prayer services. The conference approved the continuation of certification of Dwaine Robinson, Christy Barto, and Jeff O Donald as lay speakers. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Lola Mae Fant, recording secretary 2009 GOALS (adopted ) Note: our 2008 Goals (with only minor changes were adopted as a our 2009 goals. Under the 2008 goals, we expand or added at least five things in our ministry: Partnered with Family Resource Center to expand our ESL instruction from 2 hours weekly to 6 hours Weekly -Offered a Parenting with Love and Logic Class Began a Parish Nurse Program Began a lectionary Bible study Applied for and received a grant to expand our funds for witness advertising In 2009, Western Hills UMC will call on the financial and time resources of our dedicated volunteers and our dedicated staff to strengthen the following as we seek to continue the ministry of Jesus in this neighborhood: 1. OUTREACH MINISTRIES continue support for our missionary Sam Rodriguez; and maintain and/or expand such local outreach ministries as Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Day Resource Center, Westaid, Food pantry, ESL, Metro Board, Operation Christmas Child; Christmas Star Tree, Kairos Prison Ministry, Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Seminar. 2. EVENTS FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN maintain and/or expand activities for neighborhood youth and children. In 2009 we will strive to include neighborhood youth in more intergenerational activities, especially in our worship services. (For youth, we now offer supper, Bible study, and recreation on both Sunday nights and Wednesday nights. Youth are also participating in the Nothing-But-Nets Program) (For children we now offer Adopt-a-School support, VBS, Easter and Halloween parties, Fall Festival Kid s Carnival, Gift-Making Party, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and children s activities while parents are in ESL classes). 3. WELCOMING/ACCEPTING CONGREGATION continue to welcome visitors and new members. 4. SMALL GROUPS maintain and/or expand small groups to help all ages grow in faith (present groups include Sunday School classes, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Altar Guild, Children s Choir, Hand Bell Choir, Adult Choir, Prayer Chain) (6 votes, making this a tie for our #2 goal) 5. WITNESS/MARKETING continue using Suburban newspaper ads/stories, our church web site, and post card mailings to 8,000 West-side homes to let our west-side neighbors know about activities at our church.