The Bethlehem Star December/January 2013/14

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1 The Bethlehem Star December/January 2013/14 Light Up the Sky by Amy Yannelli Inside this issue: LIGHT UP THE SKY 1 PASTOR S CORNERED 2 Drywall! 2 CALENDAR 3 SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS 4 WHERE S WOOFI? 5 LIBRARY NEWS 5 GARDEN OF EATING 6 Bethlehem United Methodist Church PO Box 57 4 Westtown Road Thornton, PA P: F: He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:16). The Christmas season is here and we invite our community to follow the lights in the sky. Of course we are referring to Christmas at Bethlehem, an event that brings community, friends, members and families together for three nights to celebrate our glorious Savior s birth. Christmas at Bethlehem is December 13, 14, 15 (mark your calendar) from 7:00pm-9:00pm. There will be a live nativity, a bonfire with s mores, music in our sanctuary, cookies and goodies in Agan Hall, a visit with Mrs. Claus and so much more. Certainly an event for all! An event of this magnitude is only successful through the work of the countless volunteers who come forward each year. No doubt many of you have seen the sign-up sheets in Agan Hall asking for a bit of your time, energy and creativity in areas of food preparation, decorating, nativity acting, singing and more. Please consider volunteering as all gifts and talents are needed. Each year that I have been involved with this event I meet more church members who tell me Christmas at Bethlehem introduced their family to BUMC. Many visitors attend our church for the first time and it is a wonderful welcome and way to show our radically loving, outwardly focused, and grace giving mission. Whenever there is opportunity to introduce someone to Christ, BUMC members step up and open doors. Christmas at Bethlehem provides such an opportunity. continued on page 5

2 The Year of Prayer In January 2014 we will begin a year-long focus on prayer. Look for our Feb/March special edition newsletter with details, resources, and more. In the meantime, check out a book at our Library. We recommend Don t Just Stand There, Pray Something! The Pastor s Cornered! by Pastor Tim Kriebel Answering Your Toughest Questions of Faith I am sometimes asked a question that actually will provide a good roll-out as we approach and enter the New Year: What, if anything, is the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement? As you look at BUMC s vision statement, you can see that it helps define WHO God has called us to BE: We are an authentic Christian community, which is radically loving, outwardly focused, and grace giving. Who are we then? The vision tells us we are authentic (transparent, real, sincere) That s a Lot of Drywall! and Christian (followers of Jesus Christ, not Buddha or Krishna) and a community (the people of God, the Body of Christ, a family of faith), and loving (toward all people, radically so!), and outwardly focused (we reach beyond our walls to folks in our families and neighborhoods and schools and workplaces in order to share the good news of Jesus, and to show it by being caring and helpful), and grace giving (as we have received the grace of Christ, we in turn extend it to others by being accepting, compassionate, and understanding). By Janice Butterworth continued on page 5 O ur second annual chicken BBQ/ flea & craft market was held on Saturday, September 28. Our goal was to relationally engage our community and to demonstrate BUMC s commitment to the love of Christ through our service to others. Making a few bucks to support our service organizations would be OK too! So how did we do? We were blessed with spectacular weather that made the day extra special. Thirty vendors, including the Thornton Village Farmer s Market, participated in our flea market, providing a steady stream of customers for our own white elephant table and the BBQ itself. By the end of the day, we had met our sales goal of 300 chicken dinners, sold out the bake table, and introduced many of our neighbors to the welcoming grounds and friendly faces of BUMC. Information about the service organizations: Hands on Homes, Good Works, and UMCOR, were displayed on all the dining tables in Agan Hall, while a continuous loop photo journal of BUMC members at work ran on the large screen TV. As our guests entered the church, they were invited to enter a drawing to win a beautiful watercolor painted by Beverly Dietz. From the entries, we estimate that about 150 (50%) of the diners were not from the church, many visiting for the first time. One visitor commented while waiting in the sanctuary for his take-out chicken I ve always wanted to come inside this church, I ve been by here so many times The painting, incidentally, was won by long time Thornton resident, Barbara Nichols. We feel that we were successful in engaging the community in participating with us to support our service organizations as evidenced by the excellent attendance and sales in all areas of the event. As for the money, we collected over $3,000 from all areas of the event after expenses. This will buy a lot of drywall and nails!

3 3 Simply Sense-Sational Film Festival December 1 thru December 29 9:30 AM in Turner Lounge The Star of Bethlehem: A compelling movie from producer Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ), examines scripture, ancient writings, indisputable astronomical facts and more. An Invitation to Christmas: Evangelical Pastor, Andy Stanley, uses a few colorful characters to remind us from whom Jesus came and to explain the importance of their roles in the Christmas story. What If Jesus Had Never Been Born: This captivating documentary, filmed on location in North America, Europe, South America, and India, presents overwhelming evidence of the tremendous positive impact that Jesus and His Church have made on civilization. Church Directory During the month of January the office staff will be preparing the latest edition of the church directory. Please check the rough draft that is posted in Agan Hall every Sunday during the month of December. You can review the information that will be included for your family. If it is correct, please note OK and initial the entry. If changes are needed, please make the necessary changes. If you have any questions, please don t hesitate to contact the office at Clip n Keep Calendar Sunday, December 1 Communion at all Services Saturday, December 7: 9:00 AM to Noon Women s Ministry Christmas Brunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 13, 14 &15: 7:00 to 9:00 PM Christmas at Bethlehem Saturday, December 21: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Good Works Sunday, December 22: 6:00 PM Christmas Caroling Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 PM Wednesday & Thursday, December 25 &26 Merry Christmas! Offices Closed Wednesday, January 1 Offices Closed Sunday, January 5 Communion Sunday Friday, January 10: 6:00 to 8:00 PM Family Fun Night Saturday, January 11: 6:00 to 8:00 PM Kenya Kick-off Dinner Saturday, January 18 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Good Works 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Staff Appreciation Dinner Monday, January 20 thru Sunday, January 26 Catch the Fire Toronto Conference Every Sunday except holidays Prayer meeting in Sanctuary Soaking Prayer, 5:30-6:00pm Intercessory Prayer, 6:00-7:00pm Check out our Google Calendar at

4 4 Spotlight on Missions: the Mazzella s by Rob Robinson Affordable Healthcare Forum BUMC will be hosting their second forum for those interested in learning about affordable healthcare. The forum will feature an address by Jill Lashay, Esq., a well respected labor attorney who travels the country speaking on the legal and real life implications of this legislation. Tentative scheduling is for mid January to February depending on the speakers availability. Paul Cass, MD and William Bonner, Esq will be at the speakers table to respond to the Q&A session to follow the address. Stay tuned for more details! T his month the Missions Spotlight shines on Andy and Kathy Mazzella. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is a long-term supporter of Andy and Kathy. We first gave them our support when they were working in Alaska, for an organization known as SEND. Andy was in charge of radio broadcasting for the radio station that SEND operated in Alaska. They actually begin working as missionaries in 1987, in Micronesia. Andy has an extensive background in radio and internet Christian teaching. Several years ago they left SEND and began working for HCJB global. The initials stand for "Heralding Christ Jesus Blessings." This is an up and coming concern that began radio ministry in Ecuador in HCJB is now a worldwide organization with the vision "to partner with Christians in media and healthcare to bring the voice and hands of Jesus to the unreached peoples of the world." This past summer, Andy and Kathy led a group of twenty-five interns in New Zealand, as they attempted to develop both their creative and technological abilities in reaching their peers with content from a biblical worldview. Rochelle, an intern from Ghana, wrote the following assessment of the program: "Through this medical outreach, many have heard the gospel for the first time and have become followers of Jesus Christ. Still many more have been encouraged in their faith. It has been my privilege to witness God change lives and transform communities as we did our best to meet their physical needs. The Mazzella's are currently based in Colorado, but raised their three sons in Alaska, and then lived for several years in Texas. They visited BUMC several years ago, and we found them to be a warm and loving Christian family. Our church is blessed to be able to contribute to the work done by Andy and Kathy Mazzella.

5 5 Light Up the Sky Continued from page 1 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 AT 6:00 PM. The Youth Group will be Christmas Caroling in Thornbury Hunt followed by a bonfire and s mores. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. Thornbury Township Events Friday, 12/6 Thornbury Park 6:00pm Enjoy an outdoor fire, tree lighting, hot chocolate, hot dogs and a visit from Santa. Bring your ecofriendly homemade ornament to decorate the tree. Thursday, 12/12 12:00noon Senior lunch and movie. Bring a $10 gift for a fun game. We hope everyone will join us this year, introducing BUMC to friends, co-workers, and families. Because at BUMC, we are the body of Christ, we are His hands and feet, we are His words and teachings. We are healthy and growing and full of love. We ARE Christmas at Bethlehem. The Pastor s Cornered! Continued from page 2 In contrast, a mission statement defines WHAT God calls us to DO. For most of you reading this, the following will be brand new, for while this has been shared with some church leaders, this is the first church-wide roll-out of our mission statement: We are called to seek the lost, restore the broken, and make the wounded whole, by bringing people TO Jesus, growing people IN Jesus, and serving people FOR Jesus. The first half of this statement is the doing: seek, restore, make whole; and this first half also identifies who our mission is meant to reach: the lost, broken, and wounded (which actually includes ourselves initially, for just as we were grace RECEIVERS before we became grace GIVERS, so too are we found, restored, and made whole before we turn around and minister the same blessings to others in Jesus name!). The second half of the mission statement provides general guidelines for HOW we will fulfill our mission: by bringing folks to, growing them in, and serving them for Jesus. Specific ministries (old and new) will, in time, provide specific goals and activities which will actually live out these ministries. And notice that the general guidelines point to some (but not all) of the primary purposes in which our church engages: evangelism (bringing people to Jesus) and discipleship (growing people in Jesus) and service (serving people for Jesus). Over the coming weeks, months and years we will begin to unpack, preach, recite (like our vision statement!), explain, and participate in this mission. In many ways, ALL churches engage in so many of the basic ministries we think of, but EVERY church is also meant to be unique and distinctive in some way. So, what sets Bethlehem UMC apart? I believe it s that Jesus is calling us to become especially known as a church that brings wholeness to people s lives: spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness that is real and practical, that is life-giving and life-renewing. As disciples of Christ, we re to become disciple-makers; so let s respond to God s call to bring the healing and wholeness of Jesus to bear in all areas of people s lives!

6 6 Where s Woofi? By Harriet Widlund F or those of you who could not attend the Kenya Report Back, Woofi the Gospel Puppy (WGP) brought surprise, joy, comfort, and the Gospel to 52 orphans who either are HIV positive or who had a parent who died of AIDS. These children are in a Christian orphanage, but as Gail Adams reported, they listened as if spell bound. They did not know they would receive a Woofi and when they did, they were so excited that one little boy just kept kissing his. They could not believe how much Woofi looked like the orphanage pet dog. One little girl appeared not to have received one with the group, but when questioned, she had already put hers on her bed to be sure it was well protected. After the team was home, Andi Hall had a request to supply about six more, which she happily did. Some of the presenters felt they had grown in their spiritual walk with the Lord. They had been able to stand in front of a group, control their nervousness, and tell His Good News. This past fall, one Woofi and book started on a journey to Uganda. The Stuarts and the Widlunds were camping in South Carolina. At church there, we met a young missionary who was looking for ways to connect with children. She said parents and teachers both needed help with this. Woofi to the rescue. After church, I hopped on my bike and made the delivery to her door. Looking ahead...ed Pappas is including an invitation to purchase Woofi for the families we help at Christmas in his informational letter to the Small Groups. Also, look for the Woofi table again in Agan Hall this season for your own evangelistic Christmas gifts. You may purchase Woofi and the book to have on hand throughout the year when our Lord's Spirit moves you to share the Gospel of Peace with someone, not necessarily restricted to a child.

7 7 Christmas Breakfast with Sue Morton Women s Ministry By Lori Imparato T he Women's Christmas Breakfast will be held on Saturday December 7, 2013 from 9-11 am. It is always a special time to gather together before the hustle and bustle begins for the Holidays and to celebrate the Reason for the Season, Jesus. This year's speaker will be Sue Morton. Her inspirational message is titled, "A Journey With A Purpose" based on the verse Many are the plans in a man s heart, but it is the Lord s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 Sue began her life in Delaware County, Pa. As one of 11 children, she learned early that God never promised a life without trials. His only promise is that He will be there with us through all of them. She has been a flight attendant for 30 years, a wife of husband, Dave for 22 years, and mom to their three children, Kyle (19), Todd (17), and Mackenzie (15). Sue resides in West Chester, PA. Through many different seasons, the Lord continues to teach Sue how to discern His voice and listen to His wisdom above all others. She is excited to share practical insights that continue to help her have a vibrant relationship with the Lord. This year, items will be collected for Amnion. Their major needs are baby wipes and newborn-size diapers. However, onesies and baby blankets will also be accepted and passed along to moms in need. Your giving will bless others, but it will also bless you too. Although there is no charge for this annual event, a free-will donation will be taken to offset its costs. Any amount given is greatly appreciated. Library News By John McGrath W ell, summer is over, there s frost on the pumpkin and winter is on the doorstep. Time to think about curling up in front of a fire with a good book, and we have a few suggestions for you. Among our new acquisitions are a couple of very stimulating books which might appeal to you. Are you a Ted Dekker fan? Dekker is a bestselling author of adrenaline rush thrillers pitting good against evil. We just got the first of his Book of Mortals series, Forbidden. Set in a terrifying, medieval future, years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity. Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love. For those of you of a non-fiction mindset, we have David Platt s book Radical. Recommended by Pastor Tom, this book will challenge you in a way that may be, shall I say, radical. In this very provocative book, Platt challenges the status quo and the way the Church does business. Arguing that American church culture runs counter to the gospel, he compels readers to forsake the American Dream "in radical abandonment to the person and purpose of Jesus Christ." He contends continued on page 8

8 8 Library News Continued from page 7 that taking back our faith involves actively and seriously committing ourselves to spread the gospel to all nations, owning responsibility for helping others grow in Christ, and literally caring for the poor. I know we have a few C.S. Lewis fans in the congregation. We just bought a copy of his classic, Miracles. I guess if you really are a C.S. Lewis fan, you ve already read it, but for those who haven t, this book will be a revelation. Lewis says "The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this, or results from this." Using his characteristic lucidity and wit to develop his argument, Lewis challenges the rationalists, agnostics, and deists on their own grounds and provides a poetic and joyous affirmation that miracles really do occur in our everyday lives. I will have more on new acquisitions in the next Bethlehem Star. by Jan Samuelian Merry Christmas! I wanted to share with you a personal holiday recipe this issue, and decided on my favorite recipe for Armenian hummus. In addition to tasting great, hummus can be prepared ahead of time, it is easy to serve (along side of wedges of warm pita bread), and is very healthy. Hummus is high in iron, vitamin C, and significant amounts of folate, vitamin B6, and high in protein, fiber and amino acids. It makes a nice homemade food gift at a time when we usually have an overload of sweets tempting us. The history of hummus, and who claims to have originated the original recipe, goes back to ancient times. Syria, Israel, Armenia, Greece, North Africa (including Morocco), Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan are just a few areas that take credit. Hummus is taken SO seriously by these people that at one time the Lebanese tried to petition the court to protect it s status" as a uniquely Lebanese food ( they lost ). One Middle Eastern journalist specializing in food wrote, "Trying to make a copyright claim over hummus, is like claiming for the rights to bread and wine. It is an old Arab dish, nobody owns it, it belongs to the region. Since my husband is of Armenian ancestry (home of Noah's Ark), I've had my share of hummus tastings over the last thirty years. The recipe I am sharing with you is from our Aunt Carol. Her version was voted the "best" a few years back when the family held a "hummus cook-off." I hope you agree with our decision. Hummus 2 can s Progresso chick-peas, drained (save liquid!) 1 c. plus 2 Tbsp of saved liquid 6 Tbsp lemon juice 6 Tbsp tahini paste (ground sesame seeds) 4 garlic cloves 1/2 to 1 tsp. salt Blend in food processor until smooth. Proper presentation "Armenian Style" is to spread the hummus on a shallow plate, sprinkle lightly with paprika, add a few black olives and drizzle with olive oil. During the holidays in Turkey they mix the plain hummus with pomegranate seeds (it is one of my favorites). Enjoy, and be merry! The Bethlehem Star is published 6 times/year by Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road, Thornton PA 19373, (610) , Editor: Brenda Orso, brendaorso@verizon.net. Deadline for copy: the 7th day of the month prior to publication. Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. Unsolicited material is welcome!