eNews!       December 19, 2014


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From Pastor Hazel

The Spirit of Joy

 

We are in the third week of Advent, our period of waiting with anticipation of the birth of our "Savior." We must wait for the prophesy of Isaiah to come to fruition. Our first week of the Advent season was a week of HOPE; our second week was a week of PEACE; and our third week is a week of JOY.
For many Christians JOY is expressed as Jesus first; Others second; and Yourself last. If we live our lives bringing this expression to life, will our lives be filled with JOY? I can only speak for myself. In my attempt to live in this manner, JOY is ever present. During the times when I may be distracted and get off course, I recognize that JOY may be missing. Once we accept JOY as a way of life, it is missed beyond measure when we falter and neglect Jesus or others, or even ourselves.
Let's lead balanced lives. Putting Jesus first is spiritual, and necessary as a means of obedience and a great way to live. Jesus then becomes our first resource and not our last resort. Others second helps us to prioritize our lives so we can effectively be Jesus' hands and feet. Yourself last, helps us to reflect on the most important aspects of life. It helps us realize that it is "not all about us." It helps us keep life in the proper perspective and helps us love unconditionally.
There are people in Jesus' life that experienced JOY. Zachariah, John the Baptist's father, experienced JOY when he witnessed the birth of his son at an old age and regained his speech. (Remember that God silenced him during the pregnancy of his wife, Elizabeth, because of his unbelief.)
Elizabeth experienced JOY, as well, when she conceived in her elder years. During her pregnancy, she received a visit from Mary who was pregnant with the Christ child. When Mary visited Elizabeth, Baby John leaped in Elizabeth's womb. Even in the womb, he recognized that he was in the presence of Christ. They experienced JOY.
Elizabeth experienced JOY, again, when she was able to discuss Mary's conception and share that she was carrying a special baby that was greater than her own. Elizabeth knew that Baby John would be the one to prepare the way for Mary's baby, Jesus. They celebrated in JOY!
We may not have dramatic events such as these occur in our lives to bring JOY, however we can live each day with JOY. Joy is a mindset. We can decide each day whether or not it is going to be one of JOY. It is a choice! Let's always be mindful that each day is a new day with new opportunities and new blessings! How do you choose to live???

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES

David jpg
Ashford UMC has hired a new Director of Music Ministries.
David Doerr will join the church staff as of Jan. 1, 2015 with his first Sunday as Director the 4th.

This month David is receiving his Master's in Choral Conducting from the University of Houston. He has a Bachelor's degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College. Currently he directs the Singing Churchmen at Christ UMC in Sugar Land, where David, his parents and sisters are members. Previously, David was Director of Music Ministries at Bremerton United Methodist Church in Bremerton, Washington (September 2009 to June 2011).
David has significant other music teaching and conducting experience and is eager to begin work with us at Ashford. We welcome David into our church family!

 
Keith Etzel, SPRC Chair
We are in Week 3 of the Advent Season. You can see the complete list of all our special Advent activities here.
Calendar Sale
The Mission Team is selling 2015 Wall Calendars and beautiful Christmas Cards (set of 12 with four different designs) for 10.00 each. All net proceeds will be donated to the Ashford Mission trip, Summer 2015. For more information, contact Elizabeth Keahey at 713-503-6347 or ekeahey@comcast.net
 
GCRBC
Ashford's Final 2014 Blood Drive is Sunday, December 21, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Welcome to ALL College students & Family visitors who may pre-schedule appointment times or walk-in on Dec 21 to help Ashford UMC Commit for Life & Save Lives during the Holiday season when blood products are always in critically short supply. Let’s Help Push Ashford UMC "Over the Top!"

Thank You & Merry Christmas!
Ed Wehnau

UMYF
United Methodist Youth Fellowship

Upcoming Events:

Dec. 21 - Christmas Movie/Party Night!
Dec 25 (6:00 p.m.) - Family Christmas Service
Dec. 28 - New Years Party! More details to come!

UMYF regularly meets Sundays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Contact Carol Greenslate, Director of Youth, for more information.

Media MinistryAudio/Visual (AV) volunteers needed to run sound/slides for both services. Training will be provided.
Email Communications to sign up!
Helping Hands
RAY K. DAILY
Elementary needs you...
Consider being a volunteer at our neighborhood school. Let's help a child become a better reader.
"It takes a village to raise a child."
This is a great Mission opportunity for a small time commitment! For more information contact Elizabeth Keahey at ekeahey@comcast.net or 713-503-6347.
 
Mission Team meets every other month after church and would like to invite you to take part. (Contact: Elizabeth Keahey) We need volunteers to help with the following projects:
 
Angel Tree | Shoe Box | Dinner for 8
Kairos
| Tutors | Coffee Fellowship
 
Sunday School teacher or Youth worker - teach children or youth on Sunday morning or help with events and while helping to build relationships in Christ. Contact Carol Greenslate.
 
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the library every 3rd Saturday. For more information, contact Monte at mkotrous@chevron.com
 
Encouraging Hearts meets every 1st & 3rd Wednesday. Come and fellowship while creating a blessing for someone else. For more information, contact Merilyn Hully at ausart@sbcglobal.net
 
Music Ministry
Chancel Choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.
(Choir room)


Jubilant Bells
Rehearses Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
(Sanctuary)

Bongo, Panama Mission Trip

*W*H*A*M*

West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) pantry needs...mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti, canned fruit, canned beans/vegetables, chili/canned meals, vienna sausage (pop-top cans), tuna, toilet paper, soap, and laundry detergent (powder).

Please bring to the back of the sanctuary for delivery to WHAM. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. Label and place in the collection plate.

The WHAM Food Pantry has started Evening/Weekend food distribution, allowing them to serve the community during hours that won't require those who work to take off. If you'd like to help, please contact Ella Clark, Volunteer Coordinator, to schedule your volunteer service date/time.

832-413-5983 (Phone)
713-244-9833 (Fax)
WHAMMinistries.org

Save the Date
Leadership Training coming in January! On January 17, Ashford will hold a Leadership Training Day at Bateswood Community Center. Call or email the church office for more information. (281-497-1146).

The Southwest District Leadership Training is being held on January 24 at First UMC, Sugar Land, 8:30 a.m. to 12N. Discounted registration until January 20 is $10.
District Leadership Training Info

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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
(Children’s Church @ 11:00 a.m. service)

Fellowship Coffee 9:30 a.m.        Sunday School (all ages) 10:00 a.m.


Telephone: 281-497-1146   |   Fax: 281-497-7574   |   Website: AshfordUMC.org

Email AUMC@AshfordUMC.org for further information

Copyright © 2014 Ashford United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.


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