GIFT IDEASTOYS - small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.SCHOOL SUPPLIES - pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. HYGIENE ITEMS - toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER - Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) DO NOT INCLUDE - Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cansA PERSONAL NOTE - In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) For further information, call Kathy Cummings (288-6206) or Diana Burleson (858-0447).

This year, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and VeggieTales will turn 20!!

OCC is partnering with VeggieTales, and are featured on the newly released DVD entitled,

“Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas.”

The lesson in this movie is: “Christmas shines most bright and true when you give the love God gave to you!” What a wonderful way to share God’s love – through the simplicity of packing a shoebox. Since its beginning in 1993, over 100 million shoeboxes have been delivered to children in over 130 countries! Shoeboxes (both the red/green cardboard boxes and plastic boxes) will be

available in the Fellowship Hall beginning November 3rd. Won’t YOU be a part of this amazing mission?!?

Filled shoeboxes can be dropped off at the church the week of November 18th-25th and will complete our annual Shoebox collection for Operation Christmas Child. We will have someone at the church receiving shoeboxes throughout the

week. The hours of collection are listed below:

Join us as we welcome our newest

members:

Paul Caskey & Anna Voges Brad & Lois Bently

Baptisms:Gavin Luke Gonzales

Landon Luke Mason Gonzales

In Every Issue:Wave upon Wave . . . Words of EncouragementPrayers from the ChurchAdult Ministries/News Youth NewsChildren’s MinistriesChurch MinistryChurch NurturingChurch EventsChurch Calendar

...of Living Water, of the Living Word...of DSUMC NewsNovember 2013

TheSourceP. O. Box 99 - 28900 RR 12Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(512)894-7123 Phone(512)858-1954 Fax

e-mail: dsumc@dsumc.org website: www.dsumc.org

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 1

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:15 AM Traditional Service Communion every Sunday9:45 AM Contemporary Service Communion 1st Sunday 11:15 AM Traditional Service Communion 1st Sunday6:00 PM Bilingual Service Communion 1st Sunday

SUNDAY SCHOOL9:45 AM and 11:15 AM

Youth Worship Wednesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 PM Middle School and High School

Operation Christmas Child + VeggieTales =An Incredible Duo!

Mon. – Sat. (Nov. 18th – 23rd) Sun. (Nov. 24th ) Mon. (Nov. 25th) 12:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The SOURCE is published and available online

Our Mission: To make disciples for Jesus Christ

Our Vision: In accordance with the teachings

of Jesus Christ, the vision of Dripping Springs United

Methodist Church is to identify, meet and nurture the spiritual

needs of our congregation and community.

MINISTRY

SENIOR PASTORScott Bradford

ASSOCIATE PASTORAdam Thornton

PASTORAL ASSISTANTSCody Reeves and Kevin Fowler

YOUTH MINISTERBrandon “Shook”

ADMINISTRATION

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION & FINANCECara Mullen

WORSHIP & PROGRAMSVicki Rector

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPLysbeth Smith

FACILITIES COORDINATORRandy Voorheis

EDUCATION

DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONBarbara Johnson-McArthur

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Shana Fowler

PATHWAYS SCHOOL DIRECTORJenny Aston

PATHWAYS AFTER SCHOOL/SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Laurel Bradford

NURSERY DIRECTORNess Meredith

MUSIC

MUSIC MINISTERKyle Hayes

HANDBELL COORDINATORCara Mullen

CHILDREN’S MUSIC DIRECTOR Celeste Gamble

Wave upon Wave

Page 2 November 2013Dripping Springs United Methodist Church

November Sermon SeriesNovember 3rd ~ “Prize” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

November 10th ~ Cody Reeves delivering MessageNovember 17th ~ “Ought to; Fixin’ to; Will!” ~ Luke 18:1-8

November 24th ~ “Volleys of Praise and Thanksgiving”Nehemiah 12:22-24

Bilingual ServiceSunday evening

6:00 PM

The Church in PrayerThe church (body of believers) always needs your prayers! The Pastor always needs your prayers! The leadership of the church always needs your prayers!

We must pray for Godly vision that we would be about doing what God wants us to do. When it comes to vision and the work of the church we may sometimes need to ask ourselves “Am I onboard?” In other words, “Am I helping to further the kingdom work?”. There is a rather old story about the man who was struggling on his front steps with a washing machine when along comes a passerby who offers to help. They struggled for a long time when the owner says “I don’t think we are ever going to get this washing machine in the house?” to which the passerby said “I thought you were trying to get it out.”

There is one thing that we can all do that helps the kingdom advancement and that is to pray! Prayer is the game changer! Prayer is our connection to God! Prayer is listening! Prayer is seeking! Prayer is passion for God and His people! Prayer is like being connected to a feeding tube, and it’s the only way that real sustenance can come.

There are many things we need to pray for, but I am asking you to join me in three specific prayers, and I’ve come up with a little phrase “Seeing God Work” to remind us:

1. Godly vision of our work together - Seeing2. Empowerment of the Holy Spirit - God3. People’s live impacted – Work

This past Monday morning I arrived early at the church and it was just a little cool. As I entered the Sanctuary to pray I grabbed one of the afghans at the back, but instead of becoming a blanket it became my pillow as I laid down at the front of the Sanctuary in prayer. The morning was bathed in prayer and I had been laying there in prayer for over an hour when I heard someone else arrive at the building and saw a light go on. Just before that I felt totally

immersed in prayer. I saw this picture that God actually had his arms wrapped around me. It was an amazing moment.

So I invite you to meet God in prayer, “Seeing God Work”.

In His GraceScott Bradford

Words of Encouragement

Page 3 November 2013Dripping Springs United Methodist Church

The New HumanityPastor Scott spoke about the beatitudes this past Sunday. As he was speaking, I admit that my mind began to wander; in a good way. I started to think about what Jesus was suggesting to his followers concerning what it meant to be disciples of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” There are of course the allusions that accompany the famous sermon on the mount which include the comparisons between Jesus and Moses, Mt. Sinai and the mount on which Jesus gave the sermon, the five discourses of Jesus’ sermon and the five books of Torah. However, in addition to these comparisons there is the very real sense, just below the surface perhaps, that Jesus is calling us to radically embrace a different way of life.

I would like us to consider the very real possibility that Matthew 5-7 is a reimagining of humanity. Jesus isn’t giving us a nice set of rules to help us live a moral life. Instead, he is giving us the blueprint for a new humanity; one in which we will become what God intended. It is not temporary, it is eternal. It is not abolishing the Torah, but fulfilling it. It is not principled or moral in its aim but transformational in its purpose.

This new life is not temporary, but eternal. It calls us to emulate Jesus, who emulated God. “For physical training is of little profit, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8. Jesus is not calling us to live a life that is beneficial only in this life but also in the life to come. Paul alludes to this sermon perhaps when he uses the Greek’s physical games as a focal point of a comparison. The games in which the Greeks placed an enormous value were not comparable to living a godly life. Those athletic events will only be temporary, but godliness is eternal.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a statement after his discussion of the beatitudes (5:3-12) and being salt and light in a dark world (5:13-16) in which he affirms the Torah. He makes the statement, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” The meaning of this statement is found in the Jewish understanding of “abolish” and “fulfill” when it comes to the Torah. To abolish the Torah would mean to teach in such a way as to make it impossible to obey the words of God. To fulfill the Torah means to teach in such a way in order to help someone obey the words of God. So what Jesus makes clear is that His teaching is one that will help those who hear and obey to do all that God asks in the Torah. Jesus takes the Torah, which is the very words of God, and gives the correct interpretation for how they should be lived. This is important because as followers of The Way started to include gentiles (you and I are gentiles, by the way), there was a real question amongst the Apostles as to what they should be taught about obeying God. Jesus’ words are the way for us to walk in obedience to God. They are the way that we can enter into renewal and find that God is not angry with us, but offers us redemption for the brokenness of our lives.

The danger that we as Christians must be wary of is to see the Sermon on the Mount as simply a formula for principled living that Jesus invites us to embrace. It is not that at all. Rather, it is something much more. It is an invitation to become new and live a life worthy of the calling with which we are called. It is transformational in nature and as we

embrace the words of Jesus we will find ourselves changed into what God intended for humanity before we rebelled. The failing of morality and principle is that it must have a whole vessel in order for it to take hold. You and I are not whole vessels and we need a way by which our brokenness can be made whole so that the goodness of God can fill us to capacity. Jesus’s words in the sermon on the mount, empowered by the gospel, are what makes us whole so that we may be for Christ the new humanity in a broken and wicked world.

Adam ThorntonAssociate Pastor

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church

Prayers From the Church

November 2013Page 4

Prayers of the People

Prayer Thoughts Every year, many of the Dripping Springs churches gather for community worship at the Pound House. It is a marvelous time and it brings me to this month’s prayer thought. Remember in Mark 9:38-40, John was anxious about others casting out demons in Jesus’ name?

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.

Jesus was always bringing people together in His ministry. Therefore praying for other denominations of Jesus Christ is important. I think we should celebrate other Christian denominations as well so the world can see the light we reflect. Are we bright reflectors of Jesus or something much dimmer? Have you ever heard the excuse of not joining the faith because of the strife between denominations?

Kairos Prison team members begin each walk by introducing ourselves and where we attend church. The men and women in white hear we are from many denominations, and they see we are all working together. It’s puzzling and they find it contrary to their perception of Christians. At the same time, they are intrigued. They want to know how this is possible. It begins to address the human side of religion and refocuses them on the head of the church which is Jesus Christ. Hope is rekindled. As a Methodist, we support the Universal Church. Likewise we recognize one baptism and open Communion. Therefore pray for all churches that Jesus is the head of the church and ask that they prosper along side of DSUMC. Amen.

This month’s scripture considerations: (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and the thought.

Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope when you were called, one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

1 Corinthians 1:12-13 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul,” another ”I follow Apollos,” another ”I follow Cephas,” still another “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Romans 12:4-5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

James Cecil ~ Prayer Steward

Emily Austin, Crew Avery, Paula Blank, Elise Brooks, Alan Caldwell, Beth Caldwell, Delaney Collins, Kevin Cox, Wayman Curry, Millie Ellis, Roger Garner, Betty Garnett, Noah Giltner, Gina Griffin, Troy Hallmark, Darek Hart, Edith Selena Hays, the family of Buddy Henderson, Theresa Hodapp,

Jeannine & Harold Hoke, the family of Jane Kleifges, Annie Lindner, Cecilia Long, Jose Lopez, Clifton Lynch, Jenny Lynn, Bret Mansfield, Jenny McCann, Matt McCoy, Ben & June McDougal,

Brandon Meier, Jason Millwee, Peggy Montgomery, James Murray, Bob Red, Avery Scheel, Janet Shepperd, Helen Smith, Jim Stricklan, Lauren Taylor & family, Eugenia Wade,

Paula Johnson & Douglas Weitzel

Military: Dylan Boren, Sgt Danny Cecil, Pvt Cody Clement USA, Sgt J Lawton, AWR3 Mitchell R. Lawson U.S. Navy, 1st Lt. B Lennon USMC, Lt JG C Lynch, SSS Kevin Simmons, SGT. Michael Stretz, Cpl J Wood USM

UMW Circles and Their FocusAGAPE CIRCLE: Members are ladies of all ages whose main mission is hand made quilts and blankets for children

in need, local disaster victims and women and children of abuse. Part of their mission for 2013 is the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Shelter.

Meetings: 1st Monday of the month 9:30 AM Leader: Betty Bendall 858-9426

Agape Circle meet on November 4th at 9:30AM. Hosted at the home of Linda Bruce

The program will be“UMW World Thank Offering”

SHALOM CIRCLE: A circle that keeps the “Prayer Shawl Mission” tradition going.

Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:30 PMDSUMC Rm. 108

Leader: Gay Lynn Wilson 858-4641

Childcare is available upon request for all Circles

Mission: Helping Men Grow in Christ, so others may know Christ.Vision: UMM is Home Base for all the men of the church, the place to plug in and go out in fellowship/ministry/service. All men’s activities fall under this umbrella.Challenge: For men to step up and be a shining example of the spiritual backbone of the church

All men in the community are encouraged to join us. UMM is not just for church members. Our meeting provides a forum to communicate what is going on in the life of our church. Everyone is invited to our next meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30AMContact Shawn Taylor and Matt Rogers at ummen@dsumc.org for more information.

Adult Ministries

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 5

UMW ...United Methodist Womenis the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth,

developing leaders and advocating for justice. Members raise up to $20 million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. The organized unit of United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is:• To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ.• To develop a creative supportive fellowship.• To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church

UMM News....This month’s UMM breakfast will be Wednesday November 13 at 6:30AM at the Fellowship Hall. We will announce next year’s Vice President for the Men’s Group at the meeting and talk about some possible events for the 2014 year. Bring an appetite, a friend, and a few good thoughts on how we best serve in the coming year.

“THE” Wild Game Dinner seasonal preparations have started-finally!! We are hunting for a few good men that can help this year. If you haven’t signed up to help with preliminary preparation activities and want to help, please email Chris Martin: cmartin@regents-austin.com No matter how you slice it, there is a lot of work to be done here.

We have a goal to increase the participation and to grow the DSUMC UMM. Please call a member you to know and ask them to return AND bring a newcomer to our November 13th meeting.

Join us onWednesday evenings

at WOWFellowship, Food

and Study opportunities

November 6th ~ Fried ChickenNovember 13th ~ Lasagna

November 20th ~ Thanksgiving FeastNovember 27th ~ NO WOW

“Have a Happy Thanksgiving”

Upcoming Events:ROCKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT

SPRING BREAK ‘14Glenwood Springs, CO

9TH-12TH Grades$100.00 NON-Refundable deposit due November 3rd

Mainstreet Bethlehem Burnet, TX December 6th, 2013 http://www.fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem.htm

DSUMC Christmas Concert December 13th @ 7pm Dripping Springs UMC with Mark Swayze Band ***More info to come***

Austin District UMC Christmas Lock-IN F O R G E December 20th, 2013 When: Sundays 5pm-6:30pm at Blazer Tag Where: Dripping Springs UMC 6th-12th Grades Who: 6th-12th Grades and Adults $10.00 per person (All Adults are welcome!!!) All Proceeds going to Austin Free Store **9:30pm-7:30am**

Church Website/Student Ministry: http://www.dsumc.org/#/student-ministryFacebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/24.7StudentMinistryDSUMC/

Dripping Springs United Methodist ChurchPage 6 November 2013

Youth News9:45 AM

High School Dave MeredithMiddle School

Ross Van Burkleo & Chris Vadala

Sunday School Classes Brandon “Shook” ~ Youth Director 894-7123 - ext. 242 bshook@dsumc.org

11:15 AM High School - Youth Room

“Shook” & Neil Graff Middle School - Room 204

Chris Martin

Scan the barcodewith your smart phone

using Microsoft Tag Reader App.

DSUMC Student MinistryWednesday Worship

Middle School and High School will gather in the Sanctuary at6:30 PM, after the WOW meal

and worship together.

After Worship we will have open Gym until 8:30PM

November 2013Dripping Springs United Methodist ChurchPage 7

Children’s MinistryChildren’s Mission ProjectThe month of November is Children’s Mission Month. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and all the blessings God gives us, we will encourage our Sunday School students to remember those less fortunate than us and to seek ways to give to others.

For our children’s mission project this year, we will be supporting an endeavor that is near and dear to many DSUMC congregation members. Last year, our students collected over $1,500 to help build a chicken coop at Agnes’ Children’s Center in Jinga, Uganda!! This year we will be raising funds to purchase new school uniforms for the students at the orphanage. There are 42 children at the orphanage and our goal is to purchase two uniforms per student. If possible, we’d also like to send Christmas gifts for the students, so our goal will be to collect $1,000.

Please ask God how He is calling you to participate in answering this prayer! Your child’s Sunday School teachers will be collecting funds for this wonderful mission project every Sunday starting November 10th through December 1st. We will announce in the January newsletter how much our students have raised to buy student uniforms. Here is a picture of the beautiful children living at the orphanage in Uganda.

Please prayerfully consider giving to this project. For more information or questions, please contact Shana Fowler at sfowler@dsumc.orgDirector of Children’s Ministries

Nursery/ChildcareHave you noticed, our church is busting at the seams with activities. To meet the needs of each class we need your help. If your class/meeting is needing childcare, please fill out the necessary form two weeks prior to the time childcare is needed and return it to the nursery. We want to provide proper care for your children. An accurate count of children will enable us to provide the appropriate caregivers.

If you have questions regarding childcare you can contact Ness Meredith at nmeredith@dsumc.org. The request forms are available outside the Nursery Office or can be downloaded from the church website at www.dsumc.org.

Created by GodAll 5th and 6th grade students are invited to attend Created by God the weekend of January 10th, 2014. This course is designed to teach our young adults about human sexuality from a Christian perspective. These sessions present our role as male and female the way God created us.

An email will be sent to the parents of all current 5th or 6th grade students that will include specific dates and times for this course as well as registration forms. If you do not receive an email or have questions about this course, please contact Shana Fowler at 8947123, ext. 237 or sfowler@dsumc.org.

It's time for puppets! We're looking for 7th and 8th graders to help us with our Christmas Eve Puppet Performance! Practice will be held on Sundays from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the sanctuary starting Sunday, November 3rd. If you're interested, please contact Andrea Gentry at 512-351-6330.

Church Ministry

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 8

Kairos Prison MinistryA number of DSUMC members participated in Kairos Prison Ministry Weekends at the women’s Lane Murray Unit and the men’s Hughes Unit in Gatesville in October. Both Weekends were very effective in bringing our Sisters and Brothers in Christ to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, and in building the Christian community inside the prison walls. Many testified at the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon about how their lives had been impacted and even permanently changed by the close encounter they had with Jesus’ agape love!

Many other DSUMC members were involved in the Kairos Weekends by praying, helping bake cookies, making posters and placemats, donating Green Agape (money), and attending the closing ceremony. Without the support of those providing such support, Kairos Weekends would not be possible, and the Kairos team is grateful for all the prayers and support that was provided. DSUMC members will be participating in Kairos Weekends again in the Spring of 2014.

Emmaus News.......Tuesday, November 5th is our next COMMUNITY Gathering which be held at the Buda UMC. We begin at 6:30 PM with a potluck meal followed by a short meeting and then head to the Sanctuary for worshipand the consecration of Walk #1733. Please contact your new pilgrims so they don’t miss this meeting. Contact Vicki Rector at vrector@dsumc.org for details.

ERT News...Interested in joining ERT (Emergency Response Team)?Join us on Sunday, November 24, at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall and find out more about what we do. This is a great opportunity to get involved and serve. We will be electing new officers.

Relay For Life UpdateI am pleased to announce we now have a DSUMC Adult Team led by Jennifer Hopper and a DSUMC Youth Team led by Rebekah Graff and Nick Reents. If you are interested in joining either of these teams you can go to www.relayforlife.org/drippingspringstx and click on “Sign Up” and then “Join a Team” and choose the DSUMC team of your choice. We start fundraising in January so now if the time to sign up! Our church has a longstanding legacy of supporting Relay For Life. It is a great way to get involved in your church and in your community and help a great cause at the same time!

If you have been wanting to get involved and honor a loved one or friend who is fighting cancer or someone you have lost to cancer or a survivor, join in the fight and sign up today! Together we are Givin’ Cancer the Boot!

Vicki Kurhajec ~ Event ChairRelay For Life 2014 ~ (512) 789-6160 ~ Vkurhajec@gmail.com

Honduras Team is home!!!The 2013 Honduras Mission Team have just returned from a wonderful mission trip in the Agalta valley in Honduras. Thanks to all the incredible support from DSUMC we were able to touch the lives of many families in the village of Dos Rios, create new friends and celebrate the love of Christ with both our new Honduran friends, within our DSUMC team and with our new friends

from Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville OK. We all worked together to build 7 latrines, concrete multiple floors in 6 houses and build one room addition. Several of us taught VBS in the afternoons with 50 - 70 of the village children and ended the week with a heart warming celebration of everything we all had achieved together in Christ during the week. This would not have been possible without the help from everyone at DSUMC and we thank you for your prayers, donations and support from all of our hearts. We all felt the Spirit working with us during the week.

Church Nurturing

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 9

INTENTIONALITYRecently, my husband and I were chatting with a young woman who has recently begun attending church in another city. We are elated that she is doing this, and especially pleased that she has also become involved with a “small group” in her church. We began asking questions about this small group regarding what they discussed/studied, and she told us that the sessions were led by a deacon, and the participants discussed a particular topic, such as “acceptance”. I asked if they connected the topic to scriptural passages, to which she replied, “NO, we don’t

want to be judgmental”. We came away from the conversation dismayed, to say the least. Here is a church who does not believe that the Bible, the inspired word of God, should be used in small groups because it might lend a judgmental slant!

There was a time in my life where I was much more tolerant of diverse ideas such as this. I went to church and listened to lots of sermons and heard Bible passages, but rarely read them for myself. But in 2008, my husband encouraged me to join him in reading a “Bible in a Year.” This led to my becoming actively involved in studying the scriptures, and as a result, I became much more aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit working in my life as God spoke to me through those words. When I became INTENTIONAL in getting to know God through the Bible, my life changed.

Many Christians rarely have time for more than a few verses on the run. However, the Bible is not meant to be a burden. It is the story of God’s love for his children. It offers advice on every topic you can think of. It is a “best friend” in offering counsel and companionship and addresses all topics, even “acceptance”.

This is the fifth year that Cliff and I have read through the “Bible in a Year.” Have we become “Bible scholars”? Ha! Of course not! God speaks to us in different ways each time we read the passages. Some of the Bible is not easy to understand and some passages are troubling to us. But still, we continue to read and study and immerse ourselves in God’s word.

Pastor Scott is promoting the idea that our congregation should come together and read the “Bible in a Year” beginning in 2014. I strongly encourage each one of you to take part in this. I dare say, if you take on this task, it will be an adventure that will change your life!

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Blessings, Barbara Scates ~ Nurturing Steward

Stephen Ministry – A Way to HealOur Stephen ministers will be available to anyone who needs a Christian companion to be there through a healing process. You may be experiencing grief in many different situations such as death in the family or divorce or even loss in other significant areas of your life. Sometimes we do not even recognize where grief comes from. Sometimes we just need to heal after a surgery and do not want to be alone. There are many events where a Stephen minister can come alongside for a while and just be a friend.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for help. Meetings are usually once a week for an hour and are confidential. These Stephen ministers are trained volunteers and there is no charge for this ministry. Our referrals coordinator is Mark Lander. After a private interview he will assign you to a suitable Stephen minister. Mark can be reached at 512-569-6644.

Noticing GodKeep a daily diary of where you see God at work in your life and in the world, such as: I felt God today in a cool breeze and saw God in a huge field of golden daisies. Take time to notice. If you have a picture or a short reflection, send to www.dsumc.org. You might get published! Then Thank God!

3rd Annual Gospel Night at DSUMCIt is that time again! Join us for an evening filled with toe-tapping, hand-clapping and praise-lifting Gospel music of ALL varieties!

This year, our singers and band will be joined by special guest artist Johnny Ray Watson. Those of you who have been blessed by his heart and incredible voice before know that you are in for a real treat! Tell all of your friends and neighbors to come on out!

Johnny Ray has been performing at events world- wide for 35 years. Featuring a smooth style and warm personality, he has attracted large audiences in Asia, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the United States.

With roots deep in southern gospel, Johnny Ray has been the featured artist by some of America’s great ministries including Billy Graham Crusades, Moody Bible Institute, Bill Glass Prison Ministries and more. He has touched congregations in churches across America with his inspired vocals, including our own. We welcome him back with open arms and hearts.

We have received some great news since last month’s DSUMC Newsletter – Johnny Ray has received a new kidney! The surgery was a success and he is on his way to full recovery. Johnny Ray has been undergoing 8 hour per day dialysis treatments since his kidneys failed over a year ago. We will be taking a love-offering during Gospel Night which will go to Johnny to help offset the medical costs associated with his kidney transplant. Please pray for his complete recovery and pray for the family of the young man whose kidney lives on in Johnny Ray.

Childcare is provided for the event, and a smorgasbord of Southern desserts offered for your refreshment at intermission in the Fellowship Hall. Contact the church office at 894-7123 for more information.

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 10

Church Events

DSUMC Annual Christmas Party....This is the third annual Church-wide Christmas Party, hosted by our ERT missions team.

It will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 5:30pm. the format is "Pot Luck", so bring your favorite holiday dish to share. After our meal together there will be a Christmas movie, “The Nativity Story”, shown in the Sanctuary, followed by "Desserts and Mulled Christmas Cider" in the Felloship Hall.

We pray that you can join us for this event as we celebrate the "Greatest Gift to Mankind"

Christmas ConcertMark Swayze Band

With Dave Stewart & Zach HuckabeeDecember 13th at 7:00 PMLocation DSUMC Sanctuary$10.00 General Admission

Tickets are available at www.tickets.com or the church office

November: National Smoking Cessation Month and Lung Cancer Awareness MonthHelping A Smoker Quit: Do's and Don'ts

General Hints for Friends and Family Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is their lifestyle change and their challenge, not yours. Do ask the person whether he or she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he or she is

doing. Let the person know that it's okay to call you whenever he or she needs to hear encouraging words. Do help the quitter get what she or he needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, and fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator. Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his or her mind off smoking -- go to the movies, take a walk to get past a craving (what many call a "nicotine fit"), or take a bike ride together. Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking -- whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting. Do celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL! Don't take the quitter's grumpiness personally during his or her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms usually pass in about 2 weeks. Don't offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the plan or program they are using. Do join your friend in his or her effort to quit. It's better for your health and might be easier to do with someone else that is trying to quit!

Reminders: All tobacco products cause CANCERCall the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out what resources might be available to you for your quit attempt.

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church November 2013Page 11

News for the desk of our Wesley NurseNovember: National DIABETES MonthAccording to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. And 6 million people, that is 25%, don’t even know they have it. So it’s important to understand what diabetes is and how you can help to prevent it or manage the condition.

Diabetes is a disease that develops when your body doesn’t make or use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that helps blood sugar move into your body’s cells, to give you the energy you need, and without that — serious health problems can occur. If left untreated, heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, loss of limbs, and diseases of the nervous system can develop. And people with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.The following are risk factors for Diabetes:• age 40 or older • overweight • relative with Diabetes• African American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific IslanderSymptoms (or early warning signs):• extreme thirst • constant hunger • frequent urination• blurred vision • weight loss • fatigueIf you think you have diabetes, don’t wait to take action. Call your doctor for a checkup and a simple blood test. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can lower the risk of complications. Source: American Diabetes Association

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri SatSunday Worship Services:

8:15am, 9:45am & 11:15am

Sunday School: 9:45 &11:00am

BilingualService 6:00pm

12 Step Recovery

Meets: M,T,W, F & Sat.

7:30pm Saturday 9:00am

Sunday 7:00pm Al-Anon meets Thursday noon

19:00 Jesus in the Gospel

2Don’t Forget

To FALLBack

3Eucharist Services

11:00 - Hill Country Care 1:00 - Provident Care

3:00 - Stonebridge 4:00 JBQ 4:00 Ladies Bible Study 5:00 Connect Class 5:00 Youth “Forge” 5:00 Disciple 1 5:30 Disciple 2 6:00 Bilingual Serv. 7:00 GEW2

49:00 Agape Circle

9:30 Sit & Be Fit

6:30 Financial Peace University 6:30 Hand Bells

5

12:00 Men’s Bible Study

6:30 Community Emmaus Gathering BUDA UMC

6:30 Troop 101

6

9:00 Ladies Bible Study 4:00 Diabetes Support Group 5:30 Wow meal “Fried Chicken”

6:00 WOW Kid’s 6:30 Bible Studies 6:30 Roman’s 6:30 Youth Worship

7

6:00 Pack 101 Parent 6:30 American Heritage Girls 6:30 Stephen Ministry 6:30 Spanish to English class 7:00 Choir

8

9:00 Jesus in the Gospel

9

GospelNight

7:30pm

10

4:00 JBQ 4:00 Ladies Bible Study 5:00 Connect Class 5:00 Disciple 1 5:30 Disciple 2 6:00 Bilingual Serv.

11

9:30 Sit & Be Fit

6:00 “Potluck Prayer”Home of Cindy and Curtis Wilson

6:30 Financial Peace University 6:30 Hand Bells

12

12:00 Men’s Bible Study

6:30 Shalom Circle 6:30 Troop 101

136:30 UMM Breakfast 9:00 Ladies Bible Study 4:00 Diabetes Support Group 5:30 Wow meal “Lasagna”

6:00 WOW Kid’s 6:30 Roman’s 6:30 Book Club 6:30 Youth Worship

14

5:30 American Heritage Girls 6:30 Spanish to English class 6:30 Stephen Ministry 7:00 Choir

Ladies Emmaus Walk

15

9:00 Jesus in the Gospel

Ladies Emmaus Walk

16

Ladies Emmaus Walk

17

Administrative Council

4:00 JBQ 4:00 Ladies Bible Study 5:00 Connect Class 5:00 Disciple 1 5:30 Disciple 2 6:00 Bilingual Serv.

18

OCC DROP-OFF

9:30 Sit & Be Fit

6:30 Hand Bells

19

OCC DROP-OFF

12:00 Men’s Bible Study

6:30 Troop 101

20

OCC DROP-OFF 9:00 Ladies Bible Study 4:00 Diabetes Support Group 5:30 Wow meal “Thanksgiving

Feast” 6:00 WOW Kid’s 6:30 Roman’s 6:30 Youth Worship

21

OCC DROP-OFF

5:30 American Heritage Girls 6:30 Stephen Ministry 6:30 Spanish to English class 7:00 Pack 101 7:00 Choir

22

OCC DROP-OFF

9:00 Jesus in the Gospel

23

OCC DROP-OFF

24

OCC DROP-OFF

4:00 JBQ 4:00 Ladies Bible Study 5:00 Disciple 1 5:30 Disciple 2 6:00 Bilingual Serv.

25

OCC DROP-OFF

9:30 Sit & Be Fit

6:30 Hand Bells

26

12:00 Men’s Bible Study

6:30 Troop 101

27

Church Office Closes at

Noon

28 29

Church Office Closed

30

November 2013

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church