The Braden Steeple Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors, Official Publication of Braden United Methodist Church
Merry Christmas D_]_m\_r/Holi^[y Is-
Vol. V
Seek joy in what you give not in what you get The Season of Advent When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overAnticipation and Hope whelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearhim homage. Matthew 2:10, 11 est November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sunI am Gaspar. I have brought down. frankincense, and I have come The Meaning of "Advent" here to say that life is good. The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of That God exists. That love is the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the everything. I know it is so because Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far of the heavenly star. more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. “I am Melchoir. I have brought fragrant myrrh. Yes, God That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for exists. He is the light today. Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, The white flower is rooted in the mud, and all delights are including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. tinged with melancholy. “I am Balthazar. I have brought gold. I assure you, God exists. He is great and strong. I know it is so because of the perfect start that shines so brightly in Death’s diadem.”
In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.
“Gaspar, Melchior, Balthasar: be still. Love has triumphed, Continued on page 2... and bids you to its feast. The Braden Steeple will be printed and distributed to the membership of Braden United Methodist Church and the community during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November & a special Holiday issue in December. News articles are due by the 20th of the previous month the newsletter is printed. Send all material to: Communication Ministry Team, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43625 or contact the church office at 419-386-2700
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The Season of Advent Anticipation and Hope continued
The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. Since the wreath is symbolic and a vehicle to tell for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live "between the times" and are called to be faithful stewards the Christmas story, there are various ways to understand of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as the the symbolism. church celebrates God’s in-breaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its reeternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. demption," it also confesses its own responsibility as a peo- The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have ple commissioned to "love the Lord your God with all your in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles repreThe Spirit of Advent sent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of AdAdvent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipa- vent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of tion, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!
The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. One of the purple candles is lighted the first Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. On subsequent SunIt is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, days, previous candles are re-lighted with an additional one however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with lighted. The pink candle is usually lighted on the third Suntruth and justice and righteousness over His people and day of Advent. However, different churches or traditions in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and light the pink candle on different Sundays depending on the now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteous- symbolism used. In Churches that use a Service of the Nativity, it is often lighted on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the ness to the world. final Sunday before Christmas. Part of the expectation also anticipates a judgment on sin and a calling of the world to accountability before God. We long for God to come and set the world right! Yet, as the prophet Amos warned, the expectation of a coming judgment at the "Day of the Lord" may not be the day of light that we might want, because the penetrating light of God’s judgment on sin will shine just as brightly on God’s people.
The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of Evergreens and The Advent Wreath our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the The beginning of Advent is a time for the hanging of the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear green, decoration of the church with evergreen wreaths, and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling boughs, or trees that help to symbolize the new and ever- away as more and more light is shed into the world. The lasting life brought through Jesus the Christ. Some flame of each new candle reminds the worshippers that churches have a special weekday service, or the first Sun- something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Fiday evening of Advent, or even the first Sunday morning of nally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible Advent, in which the church is decorated and the Advent as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshipwreath put in place. pers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.
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KEEPI G ADVE T Grace and peace to you from God our Creator and Christ Jesus whose advent we await. I greet you in this Season of Expectation on behalf of the West Ohio Conference Center staff, the district superintendents and the pastors and laity of nearly 1,200 congregations in the West Ohio Conference. The familiar Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (one of my favorites) perfectly captures the spirit of this season. Even though the risen Christ is among us, and we dwell in His presence, still we long for a nearer and greater vision of Jesus and his return among us – the Second Advent. Bernard of Clairvaux, the great twelfth century Cistercian abbot, once wrote about Advent in his Sermons on the Song of Songs: “During my frequent ponderings on the burning desire with which the patriarchs longed for the incarnation of Christ, I am stung with sorrow and shame… Very soon now there will be great rejoicing as we celebrate the feast of Christ’s birth. But how I wish it were inspired by his birth! All the more, therefore, do I pray that the intense longing of those men of old, their heartfelt expectation, may be enkindled in me.”Where in all of our seasonal “holiday” celebrations, we might wonder, is Jesus? Confronted with an increasingly secular celebration – a Christless Christmas – it would be easy to sigh along with Bernard: “But how I wish it were inspired by his birth!” But the abbot points us away from such lamentation and dismay and towards a more positive road – a pathway I encounter in every healthy, vital congregation. For us, even if for no one else, the Advent season is: • A time when our longing for God can be enkindled in us. • A time when a restlessness and homelessness is stirred up in our souls and we are reminded that we are “strangers and foreigners on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13), whose only true home is in God. • A time when the fires of our passion for Christ can be stoked until they blaze. • A time when we seek nothing other than to “love God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind, and with all of your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). A time when we are reminded to keep Advent every day of our lives. I rejoice and give thanks that hundreds of United Methodist congregations in the West Ohio Conference display an intense longing for the incarnation of Christ and enkindle such a spirit within their members and constituents. For it is this spirit of longing for and seeking God that undergirds our mission of making and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ. For it is this spirit of longing for and seeking God that calls us to life in the Kingdom – the radical and transformative reality which Jesus came to inaugurate. I pray that you will keep Advent in your life during this season and every day of every season. Bishop Bruce R. Ough
Th_ Br[^_n St__pl_ Remember our sick and shut in your daily prayers. A kind card or a simple note could brighten a person’s day; take moment and let our members know that they are in the Braden Family daily prayers Allen, Florene 2545 Amara Dr. Toledo, OH 43615 Allen, George Jr.
Whitehouse Country Manor 11239 Waterville St. Whitehouse, OH 43571
Beene, Asia
(Ronya): 3353 Parkwood Av. Toledo, OH 43610
Bussey, Lincoln Sr.
Lutheran Home-Assisted Living 2519 Seaman St. Toledo, OH 43605
Coleman, Mildred
2341 Old Stone Ct. #1 Toledo, OH 43614
Latham-White, Gwen
4315 Deerwood Ln. Toledo, OH 43615
Madave, Fred
2518 Lawrence Ave. Toledo, OH 43606
Russell, Edna
2125 Parkwood Ave. #138 Toledo, OH 43620
Shoecraft, Velma
817 Onieda St. Toledo, OH 43608
Sisson, Elizabeth
4604 Springbrook Toledo, OH 43615
Steele, Lucille Stewart, Rebecca
830 N. Hawley St. Toledo, OH 43607 2021 Forest Ave. Toledo, OH 43606
West, Wilbert
41 Carol Lane Toledo, OH 43615
Young, Harold
Heartland-Holly Glenn 4294 Monroe St.
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To the Body of the Church, It’s Christmas! A time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, wassail, freshfresh-cut pinepine-these are the sights and sounds and smells of Christmas! Yet as the world celebrates the holiday, may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us His Fathers love and compassion for everyone.
Everything I need to know about Christmas I learned from Jesus . Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the Christmas season. JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD Has COME! COMMUNICATION TEAM
Braden’s Annual Christmas Dinner Sunday, December 20th Hosted by the Hospitality Committee (immediately following Worship Service)
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Bobbie’s Kitchen 5833 Dorr Street Toledo, OH Bobbie’s Kitchen prepared 25 dinners for our sick and shut-in and families in need. Braden United Methodist Men would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation.
A Christmas Prayer O God our loving father, help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the worship of the wise men. Close the door on hate and open the door of love all over the world. Deliver us from evil by the blessing that Christmas brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. -Robert Louis Stevenson Wishing you all a very Merry & Blessed Christmas! -From the Church Office Staff
Words of Wisdom Advent means a heart that is awake and ready.
Randall Jones, Jr.
Braden is collecting hotel samples to develop hygiene kits for the homeless shelter...so bring in your sample size soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lotions, etc.
Celebration of Life….for Rebecca Stewart
For more information see Marie Bush. 2:30 pm—Today! (Sunday, December 6th) Come have dinner with a member of our Braden Christian family Senior Plaza Bldg. 2520 Monroe, Bldg. A., Toledo, OH (across from the Toledo Museum of Art)
We would like to end our Newsletter and the year with a special prayer: Loving father help us to remember the birth of Jesus, which we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the wisdom of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us form evil by the blessing which Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be your children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake Amen.
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Youth Sunday
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YOUTH COR ER
ovember 29, 2009
Alysia Hill
Whisp_rs from th_ Pulpit LaDarius Mays & Najee Lamb
Braden’s Angel Tree gifts should be brought to the church by December 15th. Gifts will be delivered December 21st & December 22nd. For more information see Sis. Eva Tucker-Lingo or give her a call at 419-531-5901.
Braden Sunday School Christmas Program! The Sunday School Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 20st during our morning worship service.
"Leading with The Lord's Prayer, eleven year old Alysia Hill gave the message for Youth Sunday, November 2009. Her question for the morning was "Why Do You Come to Church?" Alysia gave three reasons why she comes to church. First, because she wants to learn about God. Second, she wants to be with others who are Christian, especially youth her age and finally, Alysia loves God! She gave several examples of what she has learned about being a Christian, such as learning the books of the bible. She asked "Why do you see some people at church all the time, and others only every now and then?" Alysia spoke of her desire to continue to learn about God by attending Sunday School, Morning Worship, UMYF and church sponsored field trips. Her love for God was expressed by telling how others show love to her and how she shares her love in return. She referred to 1 Corinthians 14:19 which reads: "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." Alysia is the daughter of Artesia Mays, great-niece of Laverne Enochs and cousin to Mary Lawrence. The service was closed with a spirit-filld Benediction by Tyler Cox, family member of Lois Lipkins."
“Christians’ Submitted by Yolanda Durden
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The word for this issue is
JESUS Kwanzaa (KWAN-za) is a seven-day African-American cultural festival that is observed from December 26 to January 1. It is the only nationally celebrated, indigenous, non-heroic African-American holiday in the United States. During this time, families explore, share and celebrate the African-American community, their culture and their history. It's a time for black Americans to recognize their African roots, and honor the achievements of their people throughout history. People across the globe have observed Kwanzaa since 1966, when Dr. Maulana Karenga founded the cultural event. Dr. Karenga, then a professor at California State University at Long Beach, wanted to create a holiday about bringing black Americans together and strengthening the bonds between black people. Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa There are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa that correspond with the seven days and the special principles associated with them. Read below to find out what each symbol represents. 1. Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh) - the crops. As the result of the harvest, Mazao represents productive labor. 2. Mkeka (m-KAY-kah) - the mat. This is the symbol of tradition and the foundation on which all the other symbols rest. 3. Kinara (kee-<AH-rah) - the candleholder. This symbolizes the importance of African ancestors. 4. Muhindi (moo-HEE<-dee) - the corn. Muhindi represents children and the future; it may also be referred to as Vibunzi, which means one ear of corn. 5. Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) - the gifts. The full meaning encompasses gifts given as an act of sharing and a labor of love. 6. Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-KOHM-bay chah oo-MOH-jah) - the unity cup. This represents family unity and community union. 7. Mishumaa Saba (mee-shoo-MAH SAH-ba) - the seven candles. Mishumaa Saba symbolize the Seven Principles, or %guzo Saba.
He was born in a obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never had a family or owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place He was born. He never wrote a book or held an office. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched and all of the navies that ever sailed and all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the lives of man upon this earth as powerfully as this. . . .
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The Steeple Braden’s newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. The purpose for our newsletter is important for our congregation because it helps them:
Worship Services: Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship Services – 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study 12:30 pm & 7:00 pm
To grow spiritually
Discipleship Prayer! First Friday Prayer 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
To be uplifted To feel a part of the church community To be active in the life of the church community To make informed decisions about giving
Take a minute to read the church bulletin boards!
1. Message to the body of the church 2. The Birth of Jesus
Sunday Morning Prayer 9:15 am
Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Office: 419-386-2700 Email: bradenumc@sbcglobal.net For regularly scheduled weekly events refer to your weekly church bulletins.
3. Gifts of the Holy Spirit Purpose Statement: Pressing towards a higher mark through love and service to Jesus Christ
Purpose Scripture: “….forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize f he upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Love, (Philippians 3:13b-14)
Communication Team Helen Tuggle * Rosalyn Cooper * Linda Hester * Randall Jones * Kellie Jordan * Beth Matthews *
The Braden Newsletter the Steeple gets a new name! The name of our newsletter the “Steeple” was reflective of the beautiful steeple that could be seen for miles around the Toledo “Old West End” area. Now that we have relocated, we have been considering a new name for our newsletter. A name that would continue to reflect our current ministries and our new ministries along with our continued efforts, of keeping all our Braden family and neighboring communities informed of our church activities. Do you have a suggestion for a new name? Please submit your suggestions to any of the Communication Team Members or contact the church office with your ideas! Thank you for your support the Communication Team