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8/8/2019 TWCC Newsletter December 17, 2010
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DISCIPLES DIGESTLoving God, Loving Neighbor, Making Disciples
December 17, 2010
Merry Christmas from The Woodlands Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) Ministry Team
John, Chad, Rob, Suzanne, Shelia & Pedro
Celebrating 30 Years of Ministry atThe Woodlands Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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I suspect youve already seen the the video that The Washington Post recorded
January of 2007. To watch the video, use this lin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw . It has been making its wa
around the internet again. A violin player, plays in a Washington, DC subway sto
More than a thousand people passed by but only a very few stopped to listen. O
those who stopped, only a couple threw a couple of dollars into the violin case of th
street performer. It was just an ordinary day-except that the street performer w
Joshua Bell, a world class concert violinist. And that particular violin was a $3
million dollar Stradivarius, one of only ten in the world. And the music? S
particularly difficult Bach pieces. The story is that only three days earlier, Mr. Be
had sold out Bostons Symphony Hall at more than $100 per seat, but only a handf
of Washington commuters bothered to listen at all.
This is a busy time. Were all in some kind of hurry. But as we approach Christmas, I want to challenge you to b
still a bit, to listen more, to notice what is around you. It seems to me that were surrounded by miraculou
blessings, but too often were too busy criticizing to notice much at all. Case in point? My son, the one wh
works for Best Buy, was telling me that they had been receiving harsh criticism in the store because the store
ads had been wishing lots of groups good holidays but that the store was criticized for not wishing well t
Christians the sad point of his story? It was Thanksgiving when they were being criticized and the Christm
ads, wishing a Merry Christmas to the world, had not yet been to press it was time for black Friday and Cyb
Monday!
In worship Sunday before last we heard from David King as he talked about Christmas imposing a break on scho
that causes him to anticipate family visits, time with friends and renewed relationships with those who ar
important to him. David talked about Christmas being the time that God imposed a break on the world as Go
wanted to call us to renew relationships, to reunite with our Creator, to get back on the right track togethe
Megan Townsend shared with us her faith struggle as she grieves her grandfather and notes the stress tha
families face these days. Megan declared how quickly Gods grace enfolds her when she cries out in prayer an
how the church becomes her extended family of Grace. Were we listening?
This past Sunday, Clare Bauman talked with us about her understanding of Marys pregnancy predicament in on
sermon and then Tracie Miller shared her own faith story and confession of faith at the 11:00 am service. All fo
are hearing calls to ministry. They all have fresh points of view, deep faith, and were willing to take the risk
sharing with us. Were we really listening?
There are many more opportunities to stop and listen between now and Christmas. On Saturday the 18th, yo
have my invitation to come to Market Street at noon as around 200 of my very best annual low brass friends wi
join me in a free Merry Tuba Christmas concert. And at 7:00pm on Sunday the 19th, our chancel choir will off
their Christmas concert accompanied by chamber orchestra.
Will we be listening only for angels to sing in the night sky, or will we also be quiet enough to hear the coo of
newborn? Will we be alert enough to notice the face of the person we walk by or smart enough to notice wheChrist is present? And will you remember, when you see Bridget Spiegel home for Christmas, to ask her abo
how it was to meet Joshua Bell and to hold that same Stradivarius three weeks ago?
Ill be looking for you in worship this Sunday and Ill be listening and looking!
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I have enjoyed the first Sundays of Advent this year. The Sanctuary looks wonderf
and I like the seating arrangement we have adopted for the season. It creates th
feeling that we are a little closer together in worship. Of course, the music we get
sing during Advent and Christmas is the best of the year.
The music ministry participates in some special events this month. Last Sunday, th
Overtones Handbell Choir rang a program of carols at Waterway Square. The performance was part of th
Carols on the Square series each Sunday night in December.
This Saturday, dont miss our own John Callison playing with the 250 low brass players of TubaChristmas a
Market Square. TubaChristmas, started by legendary Indiana University professor Harvey Phillips, has grown
include chapters all over the U.S. The local concert, on the lawn next to Tommy Bahamas, starts at noon.
On December 19, at 7:00 pm, the Chancel Choir will present the Christmas Oratorio, by Camille Saint-Sen
String players assisting the choir are music students from Sam Houston State University. The Christmas Orator
was written in 1858 and has become a staple of the choral repertoire for the Advent/Christmas season. Camil
Saint-Sens was the most prominent musician in France in the late-nineteenth century, contributing a body
music that is uniformly well-crafted, if not groundbreaking. The Oratorio is likewise suavely fashioned, wi
melodies that beguile with a nave charm and deceptive simplicity a character that can only be described
French. The text of the Oratorio, originally in Latin, will be sung in English. It moves through the Old Testame
prophesies, and includes the Magnificat (Marys Song) songs of the angels, and the birth of Jesus. Soloists in th
Oratorio include Beth Ringwald, Meagan Townsend, Linda Carlson, Russell Dykes, Mark Meyer, Gary Dobbins, Ka
Jopling, David Benepe, Keith Lathrom, Caroline Hunt and Austin Hunt.
These December music ministry presentations will be a meaningful addition to your Advent season. Please mak
plans to join us, support the talented and devoted musicians of your church, and experience the joy wonderf
music brings to this time of the year. Then join the Chancel Choir, New Life Singers, and Youth Singers fChristmas Eve services at 5:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
Rob Spotlight on this Sundays music:
The words to O Holy Spirit, Root of Life, are based on writings of the Roman Catholic saint, Hildegard von Binge
Hildegard was an extraordinary woman living in the 12th
century. In addition to her contributions to the fields
medicine, science, poetry, and theology, she has in recent years become esteemed as the earliest importan
female composer. This hymn grew out of a wonderful phrase, in which Hildegard wrote that she felt like
feather on the breath of God.
I am enjoying the experience of Advent this year by watching the eyes and listening to th
voices of the children at Gods Kids Preschool here at The Woodlands Christian Church. A
the weather cools and the calendar nears the year-end, the excitement in the childre
grows exponentially. We talk about Santa. We talk about gifts. And, of course, they kno
about Jesus. But nothing can match the joy of watching their amazement when th
finally realize why we celebrate Christmaswhy we give each other giftsthat the greate
gift of all was born in a simple barn. May God bless each of us as we continue to anticipa
the coming of the Christ child.
Blessings, Chad
Music is the universal language of mankind
- Longfellow
Chads Chatterbox
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AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
Sunday, December 19 7:00 pm Christmas Oratorio
by Camille Saint-Sans performed by the Chancel
Choir and Chamber Orchestra, Dr. Rob Hunt,
conducting. This year, the concert will includeseveral orchestra members and a harpist, and it
will definitely be a magnificent celebration of the
holiday season.
Sunday, December 19 Christmas Cookie Tasting
will take place following the Christmas Oratorio.
Bring enough of your favorite cookies to share!
Sunday, December 19 Congregational Meeting
Budget Review voting results to be announced
immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service.
Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve
Worship Service at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Sunday, December 26 Quiet Christmas
Unified Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.
If you havent noticed by now, we have a new and
beautiful wooden table for our Advent Candles at
the front of the church. This latest addition to our
sanctuary was designed and built for us by BillRingwald with the supplies donated by Steve and
Carol Montgomery. Thanks so much for the
wonderful gift to TWCC!
Thanksgiving Cornucopia Giving Table was a
success! Thank you to everyone for your generous
contributions. TWCC was able to donate 550
pounds of food to Interfaith of The Woodlands for
the food pantry before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thursday, January 6 - Young of Hearts Luncheon
at 11:30 a.m. at Rudys Country Store & Bar-B-Q
in Spring. Please contact your hosts and let them
know if you would rather ride together on the
TWCC bus, or if you would prefer to meet at the
church and carpool. Contact Ann Vandiver 936-
321-0142, Flora Mae Nickerson 936-271-0787, or
Kathryn Stokes 281-367-7325. Sign-up sheet in the
Narthex!
January 7 9 Young Adult Gathering This Little
Light of Mine! This event is for all young adults age
18 and over. It will be held at DCCI aka Camp
Gonzo. The cost is $55.00 and the registration
deadline is December 20. Additional registration
forms are in the Narthex.
February 18 19, 2011 Mark Your Calendar 2011
BBA/LRGV and CPA Mens RetreatNo Fear: Being
the Kings Man! to be held in Gonzales, TX at the
Disciple Oaks Retreat Center. Registration $60
before February 11 covers lodging for one night,
three meals and insurance.
Would you like to learn to work Sound and
Recording for Sundays church services? If so,
contact Tom Jopling at 281-252-6241.
Ladies Bible Study for each Wednesday at 9:30
a.m. has been discontinued until further notice.
Reminder of New Stephen Ministry Class to be
offered at TWCC February April/May 2011 -
Would you like to join a group of caring individuals
who will receive 50 hours of training to become
Stephen Ministers at TWCC? If we can get enough
people, we plan to have our next class in the
February-April/May 2011 period. Contact one of
our TWCC Stephen Leaders, Sue Liptrap, Nathan
Higginbotham or Steve Montgomery for more
information.
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Christmas Traditions
At Christmas Eve, my
family sits around the tree
and opens presents from
one side of the family.
Then, on Christmas
morning, we open
presents from the other side of the family. I do not
know if this will help you, but remembering ANY
Christmas family member ALWAYS brings me joy.
Brad Hindley
Growing up in El Paso we experienced the Mexican
tradition of Luminarios or as some call them,
Luminaries. If you are not familiar with this
tradition, it is a brown paper sack with a little sand
in the bottom and a tea light placed inside. Several
would line the driveways and sidewalks ofpeopleshomes. There are several interpretations of this
tradition, but the one I like the best is to light the
way of the Spirit of the Christ child into your home
and your hearts.
William Lentz
Prior to opening gifts (one at a time) and the
annual picture taking of the grandchildren, we
always paused to read the Christmas Story from the
Bible. Grandma used to remind us how important
it was to keep this first and foremost in our mindsand heart.
Marla WulfFor the Anderson family it was and is still always all
about food, and Christmas is the one time we really
celebrate our Norwegian heritage. Lefse, (kind of
like a Mexican tortilla, except it is made from
potatoes and we eat it with butter, brown sugar
and cinnamon) oyster stew, hard tack and
sandbakkles (tart shaped sugar cookies?). We
would eat and then my 5 sisters and I would haveto do a Christmas recital of holiday songs on our
different instruments; piano, flute saxophone,
clarinet. I should add that we weren't all that
talented or musical, but we sure had a good time! I
think that is why I truly appreciate the great music
that we have at TWCC now!!
Becky Anderson
JOYS and CONCERNSGod knows all our joys and concerns
before we do.
Celebrations: Four wonderful sermons from our
teenagers who are hearing calls to ministry! Gayla
Shanks has regained her balance! Juan Pablo has
been released from the hospital and will return toMatamoros on Tuesday.
Prayer and Sympathy are extended to the Bil
Cadwell family. Gifts to the church may be marked
Bill Cadwell Memorial and the funds will be used
as Bonnie directs; and to the family and friends of
Karen Thompson.
Grace-full Prayers: John Hill had surgery on Friday;
Ordie Cherry; Cheryl Barton, missionary friend of
the Daniels, cancer; Mike Davis is fighting
Pneumonia; Heather Elliott; Elmer Hefelfinger
brother-in-law of William Lentz; Jaden Patton,
infant friend of Lukacs; Diane Rosemond, cousin of
Marilyn Morris; the Keith Ward family; Jane Young;
Coastal Plains Area Minister Search Committee.
Ongoing prayers: Phyllis Benson; Lucile Castle;
Larry Ducote; Ken Dyson; Ron Fugarino; Jean Marie
Howells; Suzy Lynskeys son, Brian Stanfield; ALS;Rose Mae Nokes; Betsy Rabon; Heide Sumter; Mary
Walther; Opal Weaver; and for the family and
friends of The Woodlands Christian Church.
Protection and Safety for our traveling members
and for those serving in our military, and the family
and friends who are waiting at home for thei
loved ones to return.
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Poinsettia
Dedications
The Annelin FamilyIn Honor of MarjorieAnnelin and In Memory of William R.
Annelin and Wanda & Joseph Gaskin
John & Laura CallisonIn Honor of TWCC
2010 Board; In Honor of TWCC
Congregation
Linda Carlson In Honor of My Parents,Hilmer & Gladys Carlson
Irene, Jeff, Justin, Rachelle & Alec Carter -
In Memory of Dad, Pappa
Barb CoatonIn Memory of Ernie Coaton
Gary & & Kay Dobbins In Honor ofAlexis & Amy Brandt, Joshua & Courtney
Dobbins, grandchildren
Jake & Joyce McGlohn In Honor ofFamily
The Mallett Famly In Memory of George
Mallett
Ed & Susan Mayhall In Honor of Glen &Marilyn Harper; In Memory of George &
Janie Mayhall
Bob & Nan Morrison In Honor of Friends
Family
Flora Mae Nickerson In Memory of Jerry
A. Nickerson, My Beloved Husband
Ann & Steve Randolph & Family InHonor of Kay Benes Thank you for the
cookies; In Honor of Kathy & Derek
BentleyThank you for the kitchen help; In
Honor of Maxine Cornwell Thank you forthe pillows; In Honor of Suzanne & Shelia
Thank you for all your help and expertise.
If any of these named do not want to taketheir plant home, please deliver them to the
hospitalized or home bound or share them
with members of the congregation who need
an extra seasonal lift.
Phillip & Anita Stephens In Memory of
Joe Nina Stephens; In Memory of Wesley
& Reba Henderson
Rebecca Anderson & Drew Tully In
Honor and Loving Memory of our
Grandparents and our brother-in-law, Steve
Vaughn
Luke & Ann Vandiver In Honor of Pride
Marie and Vickie Newsom (Anns Family)
In Honor of George, Lucille & Dale
Vandiver (Lukes Family)
Donna WhiteIn Memory of Robert Bob
White
L.O. & Joyce Wray In Memory of RevPearce & Florence Burns; In Memory of
Lucian & Lillie May Wray
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December
Happy Birthday Wishes
December
Happy Anniversary Wishes
Debt Reduction in 2010 The Right
Steppers(*) committee wishes to
acknowledge the significant progress made
by the congregation in 2010 by reducing the
principal on the church mortgage by 25%,
from $224 thousand to $168 thousand
This was accomplished through acombination of regular monthly payments
and generous individual contributions to
principal reduction.
If you are considering making a year-end
contribution to the church, we recommend
principal reduction on the church debt as
one of your option options, along with
contributions to the operating fund or
permanent endowment fund.
(*) The right step for the next step is to be
debt-free
David Benepe & Brent Wulf
Co-chairs, Right Steppers Committee
The Woodlands Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
1202 N. Millbend Dr.The Woodlands, TX 77380Phone (281) 367-7139FAX (291) 292-8881
www.twcc.org
Robert Adams 12/12
Paula Byrd 12/28
Melanie Carter 12/14
Richard Conti 12/18Greg Cram 12/14
Cheryl Deal 12/06
Kiefer Deal 12/29
Larry Ducote 12/27
Gail Dykes 12/01
Nathan Higginbotham 12/04
Dan Huffaker 12/10
Susie King 12/08
Harlan (Lanny) Low 12/01
Joyce McGlohn 12/06
Art Owsijuk 12/16
Leah Raney 12/04
Cortland Samford 12/31
Gayla Shanks 12/24
Scott Tomlinson 12/12
Opal Weaver 12/11
Marla Wulf 12/12
Dan and Mary Cox 12/31
Bill and Haroldine Daily 12/23
Ray and Val Miller 12/31
Jim and Jeanette Price 12/12
November TWCC Total Expenses $45,571.43
November TWCC Total Income $32,542.74
TWCC Permanent Endowment Fund
Account balance to date: $82,036.66 Ministry TeamJohn C. Callison, D.Min., Senior Minister
Chad Turner, M.Div., Associate Minister,
Children & Youth
Dr. Robert Hunt, Director of Music Ministries
Suzanne DuBois, Office Manager
Shelia McFarland, Receptionist
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