From Pastor Hazel

Gifts: More Blessed to Give Than Receive

What do we have to give? What has God so generously entrusted to us? The Word says that once we accept Christ as our Savior, we are no longer our own. We belong to God. Therefore, everything that we have, everything that we do and say should glorify God. That is inclusive of our gifts, talents, resources, time, service, love, and the list goes on and on. Each of us have been given special gifts to share. It is crucial that we show appreciation for each gift that we possess.
Let’s begin with encouragement. God has gifted the ability to encourage others to many of us. Are we using that gift in a positive manner? Are we representing Christ as we share words of encouragement with those that are in distress and hurting? Do we accept this ability as a gift and use it to glorify God? Have you encouraged someone lately or are you a naysayer? Have we forgotten how to bless those who are hurting with a kind word? God is depending on us to touch the lives of others in a positive way.
Henry and Richard Blackaby express in Experiencing God Day-By-Day, that God selected many to encourage others in the Bible. When Moses was overwhelmed with work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro encouraged Moses and gave him wise counsel. (Ex. 18:1-27). When Paul was in prison, God sent Epaphroditus to minister to him. Later, Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy and insisted on visitation. Luke was one to be a friend to sustain others in practical ways. God wants to develop us into the kind of friend that can strengthen others and bring comfort and encouragement.
The Blackabys also share that there is no room for misers in God’s kingdom. When we begin to struggle with giving what we have to others, we have forgotten where we received our possessions…Every good thing we have ever received has come from God (James 1:17).
We easily assume a sense of ownership of our possessions, as if we gave them to ourselves. Jesus reminds us to be prepared to give our possessions as freely and joyfully as we received them. It should be a pleasure for us to give what we have to others (2 Cor. 9:7). If we struggle to give freely to others, we have become more attached to the gift than the Giver.
We are encouraged to live like sheep and experience incredible peace of mind! The Shepherd understands what foods are best for the sheep; even decides when they should eat and drink. The Shepherd gives the sheep the best of everything that he has.
Do we have absolute trust in our Good Shepherd? Do we worry that God may be withholding something from us that we need? Psalm 23:1-2 states that the Lord is our Shepherd, there is nothing that we lack. He lets us lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside quiet waters. Could it be, then, that we have become dissatisfied with what our Shepherd has been providing?
Are we being intentional about our Christianity? Do we desire to experience the fullness of God in every area of our Christian lives and never settle for a shallow, lackadaisical relationship with Almighty God? God will bless us according to how we respond to His invitations. We must be obedient to God’s principles to receive all that God wants us to enjoy.
God’s love moved Him to sacrifice that which meant the most to Him – His only Son. Our response, if we truly understand His love for us, should be the desire to give back to God that which means the most to us.
The offerings we give back to God reveal our hearts’ condition. A heart that overflows with gratitude for God’s love will respond with selfless devotion. If we are unwilling to sacrifice our time, our possessions, our money, or our energy, we indicate that we do not love God as He desires. God takes delight in the person who gives to Him cheerfully out of a loving heart, a person who understands that God is the source of everything he/she has and who knows that God will more than compensate for whatever is sacrificed for Him (2 Cor. 9:8). Trust God and give Him the best that we have because we love Him with all of our hearts.
Thankfulness is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source. As Christians, we have been forgiven, saved from death, and adopted as God’s children. There could be no better reason for a grateful heart.
Let’s express our gratitude during this Thanksgiving Season as we give generously to others through our church and commit to take a step forward in our giving in 2016. We have because God gives; we give because we love God and want to be His hands and feet in our community. Let’s commit to give as God gives to us so that we can love, bless, and teach others as we unite hearts and transform the world.
God blesses us as we bless others through our sacrificial giving! Let’s strive to glorify God. Happy Thanksgiving!

(Read Ashford's 2015 Scope of Ministries full document here.)

Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Janice Riggle Huie

Read an open letter from Houston Christian leaders to US politicians and fellow citizens on refugee resettlement.
District Superintendent, Jay Jackson, reminds us that “In the midst of varied perspectives, concerns, and fears, the church is called to speak and act with a sense of compassion, grace, and welcoming that moves beyond ourselves to the very heart of God.”

Check your email for your Contribution Statement. Please check your statements and contact Fern Hubbard if there are any corrections to be made. (This will be the last distribution of Contribution Statements before the year-end statements come out in January.)

Angel Tree Ornament Distribution is underway. Pick up an ornament during services to donate a gift to sponsor a child whose parent is in prison. (All gifts to be returned to the church office by Dec. 9)

40 Years of Equipping the Saints for Ministry
Stephen Ministries is celebrating 40 years of empowering congregations "to equip the saints for the work of ministry."
In 1974, founder Ken Haugk realized there were more hurting people in his congregation than he could care for alone. So, drawing on his background as a pastor and clinical psychologist, he trained nine members of his St. Louis congregation to assist with pastoral care. Soon after, two of those first Stephen Ministers approached Dr. Haugk, saying, "This ministry is too good to keep to ourselves. Let's share it with other congregations!" (Website) (Timeline)
If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministries, contact the church office.
FoodDrive
FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
Ashford is conducting a drive to collect non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry. Door hanger bags with food lists will be distributed in area neighborhoods Sunday, November 29 and picked up Saturday, December 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Flyer)

Office Help
Help is needed during the week in the church office. If you are interested, email the office or call 281-497-1146.

2016 Calendars beautifully illustrated with Bible verses are now available. Contact Elizabeth Keahey for questions or to purchase. (Hint: they make great Christmas gifts!)

WHAM Holiday food needs and current donations needed. Also, WHAM has posted job openings for a driver (part-time) and receiving clerk (full-time). See the job postings here.

Christmas Socks Drive
Ashford UMC is collecting socks for the homeless. Our goal is to collect 400 pairs of socks for delivery to Houston's homeless as Christmas gifts. Special collection baskets will be located in the back of the sanctuary. Plain white athletic socks, not anklets, are preferred. All sizes are needed, and packaged pairs of socks are a better buy than single pairs. Your hotel toiletries are also welcome. UMYF and Missions will be working together on this project. On December 13, UMYF will decorate gift bags and fill each with one pair of socks, a religious message, two sweets-- a peppermint candy cane and a chocolate, and one toiletry item. After the bags were filled, they will be delivered to homeless services, including WHAM. Call Elaine Adams at 713-785-8703 for more info, if needed.

GCRBC Our Winter Blood Drive is Sunday, December 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Donor coach will be in the parking lot.) Contact Ed Wehnau (281-497-1146) for more information or register online (Sponsor Code: 0870)

Financial Peace University Classes
Struggling with finances? In debt? Or just need to get going down the right path to financial freedom? Join us for fun bible-based Financial Peace University classes every Monday beginning January 11, 2016 for 9 weeks from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be a preview class on Monday, January 4 at 5:30 p.m. Financial Peace University is a Dave Ramsey course. For more information contact the church office at 281-497-1146 or send an email on the website. (Link to register and order course materials)

KrogerCard Did you know that you can link your Kroger Plus shopper's card so that a portion of all purchases is donated to Ashford? Just fill out the form available at the Customer Service counter the next time you are shopping. Designate account number 81186. Last quarter, 13 households contributed a total of $50.52!

Women's Fall Bible Study on the Gospel of John meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

ESL Classes meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact the church office.

Citizenship Prep classes are on-going - Tues/Thurs mornings or Tues/Wed evenings. For information, contact AshfordCitPrep@aol.com
NOTE: Ashford UMC has its second new citizen--Sergio Garcia. Mr. Garcia is a native of Spain, but grew up in Venezuela. Retired now, he had a successful career as a human resources manager for an oil company. He and his wife took their oath of allegiance on Wednesday, November 18. Ashford volunteers Elaine Adams, Joan Gentry, and Victor Garza attended the ceremony. At the ceremony, the new citizens were provided the opportunity to register to vote. Sergio plans to not only vote, but to become a poll worker helping Spanish-speakers. Meanwhile, Ashford's first new citizen, Rene Rodriguez Soriano of the Dominican Republic, has recently published a book of poems--Nave Sorda. He has been touring Latin America and sharing his work.

Volunteers are needed at Ray K. Daily...Register at HoustonISD.org to volunteer in classrooms or for the Real Men Read program.

Sunday, November 29
Community celebration (Children ages 1 to 99!) to welcome the Christmas season!
     4:00 p.m.       Nativity set up
     5:30 p.m.       Snack supper &
                           Christmas tree setup
     6 - 8:00 p.m. Crafts for all

Questions? Contact Maggie Van Syckle or Barbara Howard. (Donations ($$ or Craft supplies) happily accepted!)

Help decorate the church for Christmas!! Saturday, November 28, 9:00 a.m.

2015 Holiday Season Worship/Activities

Christmas Around the World
Friday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.

$15.00 (Adult) / $5.00 (Child)

benefitting our
Mission Outreach Ministries

Tickets & Info: 281-497-1146
(Limited complimentary tickets available - contact Pastor Hazel)

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