Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A Publication of FaithWestwood United Methodist Church NO. 2 Winter 2013
A Daring Example
DeepConnections
DailyDisciple
FaithWalkGroups
follow
When I was a kid, we spent Christmas with family – aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, as well as parents and siblings. There were always new toys to play with, including the year we got “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.” Remember those? And who could pass up grandma’s home-made fudge with walnuts?
But for those who are becoming deep, daring, daily disciples, Christmas goes beyond fighting robots and melt-in-your mouth fudge. Let’s look at our 3Ds in reverse order and see what direction they take Christmas.
Daily: Advent conveniently started December 1 this year, which gives us 24 days to prepare. It’s a time to introduce new spiritual practices to our lives. You might light a candle at the dinner table each day and pray for someone who seems to be far from Christ – pray that they may come to see the light. Pick out a Bible verse to recite each day, so that by Christ-mas it’s memorized and buried in your heart. For example, in Luke 1:68 Zechariah says, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
Daring: Some of you have a tradition of ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Or you take food to a pantry. Some of our FaithWalk groups have quietly adopted a family needing a little extra help. How daring could you get? If you’re like me, you have neighbors living across the street or a few doors down you’ve barely met. This is your opportunity to make a batch of goodies and show up on their doorstep. You may even discover God has given you an opportunity to invite them to our Christmas Eve services. Or you can ask God to show you someone who will be alone this Christmas, so you can invite them to spend the day with your family.
Deep: I know of a family where each person prepares a list of their top ten blessings for the year, and they share them with each other. A FaithWalk group could do the same. There’s nothing that creates deep connections like taking time to really listen to each other. Deep can also mean taking a big step of faith and trusting that God will provide. That will deepen your relationship with Christ like nothing else.
Start making plans. Have that conversation. Be intentional. How will you make Christmas 3D this year?
I look forward to hearing how it turned out.
All for Christ,
Steve
Christmas in 3D
followVolume 1 Fall 2013
FaithWestwood United Methodist Church
4814 Oaks Lane • Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: 402-895-3394
Fax: 402-895-3393
Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
faithwestwood.com
Editors - Anthony King, Jennifer Shatel
Contributors - Andrea Nash, Darren Timberlake,
Jennifer Shatel
Photography - Brenda Bowers and Anthony King
Art Director - Patrick Ervin
Staff Directory:
Jessica Bernard - Child Development Center Director [email protected], ext. 1107
Brenda Bowers - Executive Administrative Assistant [email protected], ext. 1011
Leah Dinoso - Children’s Ministry Director [email protected], ext. 1006
Alex Ehly - Student Ministry Director [email protected], ext. 1002
Celeste Ellis - Missions Director [email protected], ext. 1012
Edna Fleming - Financial & Information Director [email protected], ext. 1004
Anthony King - Middle School Program Director [email protected], ext. 1005
Vikki O’Hara - Congregational Care Director [email protected], ext.1014
Steve Todd - Lead Pastor [email protected], ext. 1010
Holly Timberlake - Small Groups & Connections Director [email protected], ext. 1013
Dave Uhrich - Director of Business Administration [email protected], ext. 1009
Donna Zito - Worship Director [email protected], ext. 1008
©CoPyrIGht 2013, FAIthWEStWooD MEthoDISt ChurCh
Steve
A Daring Example of the Power of Prayer
By Andrea Nash
as a first time mother, I have anxieties daily – anxieties that wake me up at night, drag me out of bed to check that she’s still breathing. My daughter is 14 months old, happy and healthy and other than a few bumps, a few sicknesses and teething, a generally easy baby. And I still worry. I pray.
I do not know what it is like to worry about my child’s immediate mortality daily; to have very real medical issues. I do not know what it feels like to put my child’s life in God’s hands and have absolute trust He will heal.
I have gotten a glimpse into this world through a college friend I have not spoken to for eight years. She had her son at 23 weeks in May. They were told by doctors their son had no chance of survival. So they prayed. They invited others to pray. She and her husband started a Facebook page for their ‘Prayer Warriors’.
They put prayer requests on their page to a group of over 2,000 people – some they know and some they don’t. I have prayed specifically for healed incisions, surgeries, oxygen levels, infections, brain bleeds, bowels, poop (if you can believe it!). I have prayed daily, some-
of your control and trust in a healing that some of the best doctors are telling you is a long shot – a miracle. And it takes guts to invite others to share in your story – some just acquaintances, trusting that this community of people is praying for your child as ardently as you are.
I have watched God heal this baby. Time and time again, this Little Man has beaten the odds. His parents post frequently that their doctors even now know to tell them specifically what to pray for, because whatever they ask for, they get! God is so good!
Here is an excerpt from one of their many posts. It was posted to their page after a particularly troubling day.
“Please do not pity us. We could not see our story being written any other way. God is our author and protector. Always has been, always will be. So tonight we leave a burdened day on the shoulders of our Almighty God, knowing He will do what He has always done. Provide. Provide doctors and nurses with wisdom, tools, and care. Provide comfort and healing to Jamison. Provide strength and courage and hope to Mom and Dad. Provide an army of prayer warriors. Provide prayer warriors with the right words in prayer. He WILL provide. Good night loved ones. Rest in His arms.”
Theirs is a faith that I strive for. I don’t feel envious. I feel inspired. I feel com-forted. God has shown me a different kind of faith through this family’s jour-ney. I feel Him working in my life. This baby is a gift from God to many more than just his mommy and daddy.
Jamison was able to go home in mid-October after more than 5 months in the NICU. He just recently celebrated his 6-month birthday.
I invite you to pray for baby Jamison as he continues to grow and heal. At the top of the list is continued eating devel-opment so he can get the nourishment he needs without tiring, continued eye development and healing of his lungs so he can be weaned off his oxygen.
times several times a day. I have asked my small group to pray for them. I have cried for them – imagining their frustra-tion, sadness, hopefulness and seeing their faith. It is raw and honest. It is an amazing thing to witness. And I want to thank them. I won’t bother them now. They have enough on their plate.
Those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength.
–Isaiah 40:31
But someday I would like to thank them for showing me what real faith is. I believe I have grown more as a Chris-tian through watching their journey than most other things in my life. They are the epitome of deep, daring, daily disciples.
Let’s talk about being a Daring disciple. Trust is daring. It takes guts to trust God absolutely with the most important person in your life. It takes guts to let go
this is our baby. this is our baby on prayers. any questions? #powerinprayer‘‘
‘‘
“once you hear that, you discover that socially, people place you in a different category. They basically see you with a big “C” over your head. Some people have been in the same category and can share their experiences. Other people haven’t been there and often can’t really understand.”
Brenda Bowers heard that diagnosis on August 26th. It was breast cancer, and she’d found it herself. The diagnosis alone is enough to rock your world. But that wasn’t the only crisis her family was facing. They were grieving the loss of Brenda’s father-in-law, Ed Bowers. He passed away just one hour after her first biopsy. She needed another test, the same day as the visitation. Family was in town, some staying at the Bowers’s house. Brenda and Bruce didn’t mention the medical tests to anyone else. They wanted to know what the results were before sharing the news. And there was a funeral to get through.
Monday morning, after the house-guests were gone, the cancer diagnosis was official. Breast cancer, stage unknown. Brenda’s treatment options were explained in detail. She knew her decision immediately: a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Brenda calls the decision a “no brainer.” She wanted the surgery as soon as possible.
Her husband, children, and a close circle of friends knew first. She let Pastor Steve and the rest of the FaithWestwood staff know she was facing breast cancer. Then she shared the news with her Wednesday night small group, and a prayer request appeared in the Sunday bulletin. Her family and church rallied around her. FaithWestwood started a Meal Train, asking people to provide a meal several days a week. The available dates filled quickly. Encouragement came from e-mails, cards, phone calls, and meals delivered to their home. The support overwhelmed them at times. As Pastor Steve’s executive assistant, she’s seen the church family rally around its
members before. Now, she was in the middle of her own rally.
Surgery day was September 9th, just two weeks after diagnosis. It went well. Brenda recovered quickly. Tests found the cancer had spread to 5 of the 14 lymph nodes doctors removed. Stage 2B/3A breast cancer. The suggested follow-up treatment would include both chemotherapy and radiation. Before starting the treatment, Brenda and Bruce wanted to be sure that they were making the right decisions. So at the urging of Bruces’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bowers, they made plans to travel to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston – the #1 cancer treatment center in America. Then came the big blessing from Bruce’s employer; the Bowerses could travel to Houston, all expenses paid, for a second opinion. So in mid-October, with medical records in hand, Brenda and Bruce travelled to Texas. The new team of doctors agreed with the diagnosis and treatment so far. They suggested a slight change in the order of chemo treatments based on
Diagnosis: Cancer
DEEP Connections and a Daring Choice
By Jennifer Shatel
‘‘ ‘‘ Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Vivian Greene
results of clinical studies and her Omaha doctors agreed. Brenda started the “mild” type of chemo in late October.
But even the “mild” chemo has a guaranteed side effect: Brenda will lose her hair. She did a lot of reading and research about how other cancer victims handled their hair loss. She opted to turn the loss into a party. She asked family and friends to watch the loss of ALL her hair, ALL at once! “I could curl up and hide, but I chose to make it a celebration.”
The e-vite was for “Brenda’s Warrior Head Shaving Party.” The comments from the host put it best. “Anyone who wants to share this crazy journey with me is welcome. Come for laughs, craziness, and fun. I’m only doing this once.”
Brenda didn’t know how many people would come. Seven said “yes” they would
be there. Some who got the e-vite hesitated to respond. I spoke with members of Brenda’s small group.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to go,” says Liz Polivka.
“I didn’t know if I wanted to watch her hair get shaved,” said Becky Dorn.
But they did go, and so did dozens of others. The group photo on the cover of
this issue shows 20 people posing with “The Warrior.” One daughter stood behind the camera and a couple of other friends had to leave early, or came late. A great turnout and a testimony to the many deep connections Brenda has with those around her. “I can’t believe these people were brave enough to watch me do this,” marveled Brenda.
Her family was there in force. Members of the worship band were there to show support for Brenda, Bruce, and the kids. Close friends, including those from her Wednesday night women’s group were there. Church members, some who know what it’s like to lose their hair, and others who do not, came to let Brenda know they care.
And they also brought plenty of ways to make the most of her new look. The “entry fee” for this party: a hat, scarf, or jewelry for Brenda to
wear. Brenda modeled her new looks at the party, even stacking hat after hat after hat onto her head.
“She was vibrant,” says Mel Bohrer. “And she’s so positive.”
“It felt like a birthday party. She opened gifts and she was all smiles. It was fun!” recalled Becky Dorn.
After the presents were opened, it was time for the main event. Her husband Bruce did the honors, and shaved Brenda’s head. Were there tears?? Yes. But they were mostly tears of joy and
friendship. And tears that came from laughing too hard.
“Brenda’s showing us how to live with cancer, with grace,” said Rayann Polivka. “And she’s showing us how to accept cancer.” “She took cancer off the pedestal and threw it on the floor,” said Liz Polivka.
What would the night have been like, without the party? “I would have been
bawling as my husband shaved my head, but my friends and family brought the laughs and the support,” says Brenda.
There’s a crew cut right now underneath her new wig, or hat, or scarf. Brenda continues to work, teach piano, and shuttle the kids where they need to be. She has chemo once a week, but still plans to be at church every Sunday that she feels up to it. Cold and flu season brings special concern this year because of Brenda’s compromised immune system. Though she appreciates the hugs people have given her, right now a wave or a fist bump would be better.
The weeks and months ahead will be tough. Brenda faces the more intense chemo when this first round ends. After that, it’s radiation treatments and medication to make sure the cancer stays away. She’ll face an additional reconstruction surgery, too. And still plenty of questions to ask the doctors and others who’ve been through cancer before.
But there’s one question Brenda doesn’t ask. She doesn’t wonder “why.” To her, the reason is simple. “That’s in God’s hands. He knows the why.”
Instead, Brenda sums up her focus best: “I want to see what God will do with this.”
Editor’s Notes:
the Bowers family is a visible force of faith
and strength at FaithWestwood. Brenda is
Pastor Steve’s executive assistant and is also
handling communication needs of the church.
She plays keyboard in the worship band and
also gives private piano lessons. her husband
Bruce plays bass guitar and sings with the
worship band, as do two of their daughters:
Kayla and Camryn. their oldest daughter Chris
is an artist, who creates the paintings we see
in the worship center. their son tommy is a 6th
grader, a future drummer in the worship band
(his parents hope), and is active in student
ministries on Wednesday nights.
Daily Disciple, Weekly Leader By Darren Timberlake
i askeD Brian havens what being a daily disciple meant to him and how he is growing in that area. Brian sees growth in his daily walk with Christ. He is responding more and more to the Holy Spirit and is serving in areas outside of the traditional Sunday morning and midweek services. And there’s a daily presence as well. “Christian music being a background of our life everyday when we’re driving, at home… It’s another prompting to keep Christ foremost in our thoughts.”
Christian music being a background of our life everyday when we’re driving, at home … It’s another prompting to keep Christ foremost in our thoughts.
One big area that Brian has been involved is the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Brian was a scout himself for a few years and has been part of scouting for the last seven years since his oldest son became a Tiger Cub. “My favorite thing about scouting is that we make a difference in the life of a boy, or many boys.” Some have very little support from their family but have found their way into scouting. Brian enjoys coming alongside these young men to help give them better opportunities, set a strong Christian example, and encourage them to choose a better path for their lives.
‘‘ ‘‘
been active members. It is a regular sight to see the whole Havens clan serving together in various areas of ministry. Brian has served on church council and has also been active in worship playing in the handbell choir, reading scripture, ushering and serving alongside Sandy as part of the prayer team.
So the next time you see Brian, the rest of the Havens family, or any of our resident Boy Scouts be sure to say hello. Thank them with me for their leadership and for being a vital part of our congregation. One thing I think we can all learn from Brian and his story is that making subtle changes and stepping out from the typical comfort zones can have a deep and lasting impact as we all endeavor to become Deep, Daring, Daily disciples of Jesus Christ.
many ways including cleaning up the grounds. As part of an Eagle Scout project, landscaping improvements were done surrounding the drive-through/drop- off area.
Certainly the church and the Boy Scouts share a few common goals. The Troop seeks to develop leadership and community awareness in the scouts through both outdoor activities and community outreach. In the same way, FaithWestwood seeks to develop disciples who are leaders and can impact peoples’ lives as representatives of Jesus Christ.
Brian, his wife Sandy, and their two sons Drew (13) and Ben (11) have been attending FaithWestwood for about five years. As parents, they were looking for a strong children’s ministry that best fit their family’s needs. Ever since they have been here, Brian and Sandy both have
Brian sees scouting as an integral part of his life, and it has become a unique aspect of his journey of being a daily discipleship. Seeing the impact of scouting on the lives of the boys he works with encourages him to be a better follower of Christ himself. The BSA, of course, is not a “Christian” organization. It is open to followers of all faiths, but having a faith experience is definitely a big part of being a scout. “Because Christ is a strong part of my life I feel a continued support in my journey… I feel confident where I’m headed.”
FaithWestwood serves as the Chartered Organization of the BSA that hosts Troop 430. Without a Chartered Organization, a Scout Pack or Troop simply cannot exist. The church serves the scouts of this troop by providing facilities for their meetings. In turn, Troop 430 serves FaithWestwood in
followNon-Profit
organizationu S Postage
PAIDomaha, NE
Permit No. 3
Volume 1 No. 2 Winter 2013
FaithWestwood United Methodist Church
4814 Oaks Lane • Omaha, NE 68137
FaithWalk Groups
JEN SHATEL
“It gives me a chance once a week to sit down with a group of women. Some have shared experiences. A group of women to share how your week has been – your joys and frustrations. It’s just kind of a give and take. I get away from the laundry and kids for two hours every week.
And then we go through questions. Sometimes we read directly from Luke For Everyone. We definitely talk about it and definitely see the different viewpoints for the lesson of the week.”
if you are looking for people to share your faith anD life with, a FaithWalk group is the place for you. Most groups meet weekly for a time of fellowship, study, prayer, and often groups serve together within the church and outside the walls of the church.
Jen Shatel, Donna Zito, and Julie Needham lead a FaithWalk Group consisting of women of all ages. They meet on Wednesday nights at FaithWestwood from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Each issue we ask our FaithWalk Group leaders the question
“ Why is your FaithWalk Group so important to you?”
