SUNDAY'S SCRIPTURE
Luke 2: 1-7 and John 1: 1-14
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A Look From Brook
Virgins, Broadway, and the Right Christmas Spirit
When I was in high school and in college, nothing tripped me up more in my faith journey than Christmas. I mean how could any rational mind that lived in the 20th Century (yes this was in the early 80’s) believe that Jesus could be “born of a virgin”? Come on, that’s just not possible! This is such a fairy tale! Why do we do this thing called Christmas? I’m to “old” for this!
It occurs to me now that I was reading the scriptures in a way that they were never meant to be read. I was applying my 20th century Western mind full of linear Western thinking to a story that wasn’t meant to be read like that at all! These Christmas stories weren’t meant to be read like an article in Wikipedia or Science Weekly, they were meant to be read as an introduction to a story greater than any time and place. Let me try to explain.
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Join us for our Christmas Eve services.
The nursery will be available for both services!
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CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SET FOR SUN., DEC 19 DURING WORSHIP!
The Children are doing a great job! Parent, we will practice today right after worship, and then on Sat., Dec. 18 we will have a practice/dress rehearsal at 11 pm. We will practice, break for lunch (we provide) and then run it one last time. So probably done around 12:45. We are asking that the children come on Sunday morning, Dec. 19, at 9:15 so we can get ready for the big performance!
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Our pic of the week is some money I found in the offering plate this week. After asking around, Danielle Walsh, our children’s ministry coordinator, shared that she saw MJ (age 5) place this in the offering plate. MJ emptied his piggy bank and gave it with a grateful and generous heart! Let’s give a cheer for our Advent star…MJ Wenn |
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Some great news on our Generous Living Campaign. This year we received 4 new pledges for over $20,000 in pledges for the year. We also had 19 family units that increased their pledges by at total of $39,000! This is great work! Thanks you! By the way, It’s not to late to turn in your 2022 generosity pledge and service cards! Just mail them in, bring them by the office, or go online and fill out our easy to fill out form at bcumc.org/give. Thanks!
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Please check your email (junk email potentially) for your Q3 giving statements from BCUMC.
Thanks!
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Coordinating Board Meetings 2021
Saturday, December 11 9am - 11am
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Pick An Angel, Be An Angel
A gentle reminder -- all gifts for Camp Unity must be wrapped with the number on the package and returned to the church this Sunday, Dec 12. Gifts will be given out at their Tuesday night dinner Dec. 14. Thank you Bear Creek family for your love and generosity.
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Anyone interested in going caroling? Pastor Brook would like to take a group out caroling on Sunday, December 19th. I thought we could start at 4 pm at the church. Head out and carol at 5 or 6 spots, and then either gather back at the church for supper and goodies, or go to someone’s house. If you are interested, or have someone you’d like us to carol to…txt pastor brook at 6056107793, or email him at pastor@bcumc.org.
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Feeding the 5,000! We are collecting cans and non-perishables at BCUMC from now until Feb. 13 (S Bowl). Bring items to sanctuary! You can also go online and give at bcumc.org/give!
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Alternative Giving - BCUMC’s BIG CHRISTMAS GIVE
Do you have someone in your life who you struggle to buy for? If so, Bear Creek UMC’s God’s hands team has a solution! With so many places / people needing help, why not donate to a charity in someone’s name?
This Advent/Christmas season we have picked 3 organizations to give to:
- Afghanistan Family Ministries - Can you imagine relocating to a new Country during COVID-19? For 3 or 4 years, BCUMC has been reaching out to dozens of families who have relocated to the Seattle area. Through the leadership of Debby Heimfeld, we have been able to provide clothes, toys, furniture, blankets, pots & pans and other essential items. If you give to this fund, be assured that it will help a child and family in need.
- BCUMC Helping Hands Fund - Every week Pastor Brook is asked to help someone in our community with rental assistance, utility assistance, and more. This fund helps people stay in their homes and not fall victim to homelessness. Much of this money goes to support some of our own church members who have lost jobs and more.
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Counseling Centers of North Puget Sound - This Christian based counseling center offers services in many communities in the North Puget Sound. Their goal is to make counseling services affordable and nearby. Fees for their services are based on a sliding scale and donations help to offset the cost so that they are able to help as many people as possible. Your donation will go directly to there fund which will assist folks struggling with depression, self-esteem or trauma. Will also provide space for sessions to occur in our Church. You can learn more about them here: www.counselingnps.com.
To give to BCUMC’s big Christmas give:
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Go online to: www.BCUMC.org, click on the “Give” page, then click ‘Make a Donation’. Make sure to select the charity of your choice in the form.
There will be cards and descriptions of each non-profit in the narthex at church starting Sunday December 5th. The cards/descriptions can then be given to the person you are donating on behalf of. Please contact Karen Robinson at 949-637-8951 with any additional questions.
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CAMP UNITY EASTSIDE IS HERE!!
Camp Unity has moved into our parking lot and will be staying with us until February 24th. There are currently 16 campers. These are folks from all walks of like and all have a moon goal of moving into a more prosperous and sustainable future.
They are all fully vaccinated and have passed a background check and drug test before they are allowed into the camp.
Can you help with any of the following:
1. Be a Gift Angel! Can you purchase a gift for one of the campers? Each camper has filled out a “wish” card and those will be available at church on Sunday. If you would like to participate and can’t get to church please contact Marge Kuykendall or Karen Robinson to coordinate. Gifts will be handed out to the campers on Tuesday, December 14th.
2. Tuesday night dinners - we are providing Tuesday night dinners for the campers and staff. There are several “Tuesdays” available in January and February. Signup at church or email the office at Office@bcumc.org and we can add your name to the calendar. Dinner time is 6:00 pm and the meal would be something you would serve your own family. Please contact Karen Robinson with any questions.
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IS SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU AGING OR BECOMING FORGETFUL?
Join us Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:00 on ZOOM!
A small group is meeting to share the joys and frustrations of caring for a parent, sibling, or partner with beginning signs of dementia. The discussion is led by three Stephen Ministers: Connie Gagnon, Sue Burkholder and Susan Jackson. A question or short story will be shared to start the conversation. If you are interested in joining the group on ZOOM, contact Connie at conniegagnon@comcast.net for the zoom link. The conversations will begin Tuesday, November 30th, continue December 7th and December 14th and then begin again January 5th. If you are interested but would prefer to meet in person after church, contact Susan at jensvenjack@comcast.net .
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As you may have noticed, the state of Washington has new rules in place concerning masks and vaccines. As a church, we have some “religious” exemptions, but as a people who are committed to being “in community” with those around us, we have decided to follow the mandates set out for all Washingtonians. So this means that we are asking that you all get vaccinated. We won’t require this at the worship door, but we do ask that if you come to worship at Bear Creek UMC that you either be up to date on your Covid-19 vaccinations, or that you get a current Covid-19 test before you come. Of course this does not pertain to children, as they are not able to be vaccinated yet. I trust that we can be on the honor system on this, and that we will all continue to day all we can to keep safe in our building and out in the world! Just so you know, all of our staff is up to date on their vaccines. When Pastor Brook and Cyndy travelled to South Dakota recently, the first thing they dis was get tested. The tests were negative!
By the way, I recently asked an expert on the Covid-19 virus, about the safety of our sanctuary the way we have it set up, and he said, that given the height of our ceilings, the distance we have for our chairs, the plexiglass in front of our pulpit, (along with the wearing of masks and the knowledge that our membership is very vaccination conscious) that this church is very safe for folks during worship...as long as we do all we can to follow the rules. Let’s keep following them folks!
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Just so you know: Every worship service we have had online is available on our website at: bcumc.org/worship
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Check out our website at https://www.bcumc.org/! We have updated it to make it more friendly to anyone wanting to plug in to what is going on at Bear Creek UMC right now. Here are some of the features I suggest checking into:
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Instant Church Directory Online
1. Download the App from the App Store search for “Instant Church Directory”
2. Open the app and click “create login”
3. Enter email that is listed in the family portion of the directory.
4. Create password and retype to confirm password
5. Check your inbox for an email from Instant Church Directory
6. Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in the email.
7. Once you confirm your email, close browser and return to App to login.
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WHERE IT BEGAN: OUR BACKGROUND
In 2018, a group of retired teachers and administrators from BCUMC, volunteered to organize an English class for refugee women in Tukwila. The teachers had become aware that newly arrived Afghan women, whose husbands had brought their families to the U.S. on Special Immigration Visas, were at home isolated with babies and young children, without transportation, and had no means to access community classes. The classes focused on life skills and building confidence to begin life in a new country. The teachers established relationships of trust with the women through an innovative class which provided childcare and was held within walking distance of the women’s apartments. As the teachers were welcomed into the Afghan women’s homes, the struggles families faced became clear; loss of close- knit extended families as a support system, difficulty affording necessities, adjusting in every way to a new culture. Originally, a dozen or so women attended the classes, but it soon grew to over 30. Word of mouth quickly spread among refugee families that the “teachers” were approachable, caring, and resourceful. The families we have personally met and served has now grown to over 100.
OUR WORK
Relationships of trust build communities. Through home visits, mentoring, and bridging services with community partners, our small core group of teachers and volunteers have built a vibrant interfaith network of support to welcome refugee families as they integrate and become self-sufficient. Over the past four years, we have helped Afghan families in South King County span the gap between when the resettlement agencies work ends, to when the families become truly self-sufficient. As the Covid crisis hit and we could no longer hold in person ESL classes, we assisted with employment, mental health, labor and delivery, food/housing insecurity, registering children for virtual school and communication with teachers, transportation, technology, apartment set-up, and many other lifelines. We continue to connect struggling families to reliable community resources, and personally assist them through the process. Our unique system of networking also allows us to source and deliver essential items that are unaffordable for families. Many individuals and agencies have become acquainted with our extensive grass-roots network and strong connections with the refugee community. The group was invited to become an official partner with the 501 (c)3 Essentials First, a sister organization with the Muslim Community Resource Center, in the Fall of 2021 during the massive influx of Afghan refugees to the Puget Sound Region under the name WholeHeart Refugee Alliance.
OUR PROJECTS
Below are just a few examples of the focus of our Afghan Ministry:
Through our volunteer’s own congregations (BCUMC, Congregation Kol Ami, Mormon) we have received donations and support for many projects, including Toy and Book Drives, Welcome Baskets, Children’s Coat distributions, and Ramadan food deliveries.
Many families cannot afford diapers. We pair them with Diaper Sponsors, who send one package of diapers to a family each month. To date, we have paired 26 families, and many more are still waiting for a Sponsor.
We have sourced and delivered over 30 bunkbeds and cribs to families who did not have safe, comfortable beds for their babies and children.
Affording basic, reliable technology is priority. We have networked to supply refurbished and new computers to over 15 families.
Through our partners we provide basic food staples to dozens of families each month who struggle to meet their family’s food security needs.
Reliable and safe transportation is an ongoing concern. We have helped many families through funds and donations to be able to afford their first car in the US, pay for needed repairs, or insurance.
Proper, well- fitting clothes and shoes are continually needed. Through our partners and individual donations, we transport families to Clothing Banks or personally deliver clothing and shoes for babies and children.
Basic home items such are unaffordable for families. We have personally delivered over 30 Vacuums, and 90 baskets of basic hygiene and cleaning supplies to apartments, as well as outfitting kitchens with basic cooking supplies.
In January 2022, we will partner with the Afghan Health Initiative to teach newly arrived Afghan women beginning English skills. Thousands of Afghan refugees are being resettled in the Seattle area, and many of the women have never had formal schooling. Four of our volunteers are credentialed ESL teachers.
From Debby Heimfeld
PROVIDING encompasses ‘supply, donate, contribute, offer, equip, support, nourish,’ and includes both what donors can provide to us, and in turn what we can provide to the families.
PATH FORWARD is inclusive, welcoming, and empowering.
TEACHING is where the group began back in 2018. There are dozens of examples of how we teach families: We have provided English classes for women with onsite childcare, met the ladies at library story time and taught them how to read with their children as well as in their apartments modeling play with educational toys, met Mothers in small conversation groups and in online ESL classes after Covid. We have showed men and women how to apply for jobs, enroll in training programs, advocate for benefits and utility relief, navigate a lease, and more. We taught them what is within our scope and what they can do themselves. The families have also taught us many things; the meaning of true hospitality, exemplifying hard work with no complaints, optimism through adversity. We could say mentor, but that is not the two-way learning and growth that we all have experienced through the richness of befriending the refugee families.
TEAMWORK denotes the myriad of ways we operate, among ourselves, with other agencies, and with individuals/groups. We have partnered with SCM and MCRC, the Clothing Bank in Tukwila, Renton Salvation Army, LDS Bishops’ Storehouse, Deseret Industries, Asian Community Resource Center, Open Arms Perinatal, Undaunted Women, Giving Hope Project, Umeed for All Refugees, Afghan Health Initiative, pre- apprentice ship programs, cooperative Ramadan deliveries, our churches, synagogues, mosques, and others. Many individuals and small groups in our networks support families with donations of money or goods, act as Diaper Sponsors, gather welcome baskets of supplies, help procure items, and provide friendship to individual newcomers. Our team pools resources and submits larger requests through the Afghan Refugee Collective.
TRUST is the glue that binds us all together in a most important, relational way. We trust each other to do what is within our capabilities and strengths at any given time. Families trust us as they reach out, not only with tangible needs but also with their problems and concerns. This may define how we are different because we are approachable, not within the confines of a specific job description or agency. Families trust our advice. They are secure that we will be honest and not say their time is finished with us in 90 days. They trust we will continue to be their friends. We try to convey a trust in their ability to become self-sufficient and make wise decisions. Trust is the basis that builds from empathy and reassurance, to encouragement, belonging, and ultimately confidence.
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New Giving App! We now have ‘Vanco Faith’ as an app that you can use to set up your giving electronically. You can use your bank account info, a debit card, or a credit card to make one-time payments, reoccurring payments, etc. (Note: this replaces the ‘Give Plus’ app)
Steps: (1) Download Vanco Faith app shown below (2) Once downloaded, open app and enter our church code on the welcome screen - code is NKNBJG (3) Set up your login/password OR use your current login info if you’ve used Give Plus in the past (4) You’re in! Set up payment.
Questions? Please contact Janelle in the church office 425-788-2953 or email the pastor: pastor@bcumc.org
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If you'd like to give
electronically you can do that a couple of ways:
1) You can go to our website at bcumc.org and navigate to the Give>Give Online tabs and there you will see one time and recurring options for weekly and monthly giving.
2) You can go to your Apple App Store or Google Play and download the “Vanco Faith” App to your phone. On the app you can set up one time and/or recurring options for weekly and monthly giving.
3) We can also set up a monthly electronic withdrawal from your bank account. If you want to do that it is best to call our office at 425-788-2953 and we can help you fill that form out.
Again, if you have any questions or need help, call our office or call Pastor Brook at 605-710-7793.
Thank you!
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Week At A Glance: December 12 - December 19 |
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Sunday, December 12
Virtual- In Person - 10:00 AM
Christmas Concert 5pm
Monday, December 13
PSWTE Reunion group -7pm -9pm
Tuesday, December 14
Virtual Book Study - 9:30 a.m
Pastor Morning Prayer group - 7am-9am
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Wednesday, December 15
Thursday, December 16
Band Practice 5:15pm
Choir Practice 7pm
Friday, December 17
WTE Prayer Group- 12pm- 2pm
Saturday, December 18
Sunday, December 19
Virtual- In Person - 10:00 AM
Children's Christmas Pageant
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Prayers for Brad Hageman's family. Brad lost his mother this past week. She died peacefully in a Care Facility. She was 94 years old. Brad is grateful for the loving care his mother gave to him, and is thankful that she is now resting in peace. He asks for prayers for his family as they prepare for a small, private service in remembrance of their loving mom. |
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Friday Feel Good Song!
T.G.I.F! You have survived the grind and hustle of the work week. It's time to celebrate with the Friday Feel Good Song.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Today's song is It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé. He released this song in 2011 but it dates back to October 1951.
COUTNDOWN
Christmas: 15 days
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Worship:
Sundays at 10:00 AM
Office Hours:
Mon, Tue, Fri:
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wed:
Calls and Emails only
Thu:
8:30 Am - 3:30 PM
Closed Weekends & Holidays
Ph: 425.788.2953
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Have An Announcement?
Do you have something to tell the Bear Creek UMC community? Send us your announcement (60 words or less) and a preferred graphic (if you want one) and we'll place it in our publications.
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