The Willow Word A Publication of the Willow Glen United Methodist Church
God’s Family Growing Through Caring, Sharing and Serving
An Inconvenient Truth and an Awesome Opportunity
Stewardship 2014 In our financial stewardship this year, we want to turn an inconvenient truth into an awesome opportunity. Last year, we named the inconvenient truth, which is the fact that almost no other church our size has two full-time pastors on staff. That is one of the reasons our budget is always so tight and your giving is so crucial. Your sacrificial giving each year is the difference between having a fully qualified and extremely gifted pastor to lead ministries with children and families or having a part-time, short-time lay person to do it. Over the years, we have become well known for the high quality of our children's program, but we are always struggling to pay for it. The awesome opportunity that this presents us is obvious: let God deepen our own fiath so that we can reach more people and make more disciples. Then we will grow to a size that can better support our remarkable staff and more effectively use them to transform the world for Jesus Christ. That is our goal for 2014 and beyond. For now, your gifts of money, time, and talent, are our very best treasures. We hope that you will pledge and pray for us as we endeavor to see where God wants us to go and to do what God wants us to do. Please return your pledge card by the week of November 17. We will consecrate all our commitments in worship on Sunday, November 24.
Sneak Peak at Advent
“A Different Kind of Christmas” is the name of a book by Mike Slaughter and will be a resource for us as we head into Advent this year. Beginning this month, Pastor Rebecca’s blog, “Wednesdays at the Well” will feature some pre-Advent thoughts on unplugging the Christmas machine and planning for a different kind of holiday experience this year. Instead of asking you to go to the church website, we will email them directly to your inbox this Advent season. “There’s Something about that Name.” Pastor Rebecca will be preparing an Advent devotional containing meditations on many of the names for Christ that are found in the Bible or have been used in church tradition. Pastor Susan will have activities for the children in worship and at our Advent Family Nights that will also use the names for Christ. We are planning a mini Christmas pageant in worship on December 15 for those children and church members who won’t be here on Christmas Eve. This will be a no-rehearsal pageant that will include costumes, a procession, hopefully a real baby, a reading of the Christmas story and a few songs. Just like old times. If you’d like to help with kids and costumes, contact Pastor Susan.
Church Conference
All church members are invited to Church Conference on November 17 at 3:00 p.m. in Kohlstedt Hall. In recent years, we have gathered with the churches in our circuit to hold our annual meetings together. This year, we are holding separate meetings, and our Conference will be facilitated by Rev. Jennifer Murdock of Los Gatos UMC. In addition to voting on the pastors’ compensation packages, church officers, and membership audit, we will be entertaining a motion to rename Kohlstedt Hall in honor of Wayne and Virginia Ritchie (read the pastor’s letter for more information). All members of Willow Glen UMC have a say, but you have to be present to vote! See you there!
November 2013
In This Issue: Pastor’s Page General Church News Children & Family Ministries Mission & Service Women’s Page All Around Willow Glen
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7
2 Sunday Worship 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship 9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Christian Education/Sunday School 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Traditional Service 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Fellowship Time
Church Staff Rebecca Irelan Senior Pastor
Susan Smith Pastor of Children & Family Ministries Lisa Jacobs Director of Joint Youth Ministries Lorene Sheridan Director of Weekday Ark Ministries Robert Birnstihl Organist & Director of Music Ministries Nichole Boaz Director, the Praise Band Tom Mounts Director, the Willow Glen Ringers Dee Davis Office & Facilities Manager Karen Kwon Wedding Coordinator
Pastor’s Page At our upcoming Church Conference on November 17, we will be discussing and voting on a proposal to change the name of Kohlsedt Hall to Ritchie Hall in honor of Wayne and Virginia Ritchie and their inspiring example of service to the community in the name of Jesus Christ. Before we can vote, there are a number of matters we need to consider, so I offer you my thoughts and invite yours. 1. Who was Kohlstedt? Few people remembered him when I first asked that question. Joyce Osborn has done some research. See page 3 for the story. 2. Who were the Ritchies? Wayne and Virginia met and married at Willow Glen Methodist Church. For years and years, they were volunteers extraordinaire. They worked at the church, but also out in the community. They delivered food bags for Second Harvest. They prepared meals for Family Supportive Housing. Wayne painted the first San Jose family shelter. They both worked many hundreds of hours with Crisis Contact Line as 24-Hour emergency Care Team members. They received the "Spirit of Contact" award nationally and were recognized by the Points of Light Foundation for their volunteer service. Virginia died in 2005 and Wayne died last year. 3. Why change the name? I take the credit or the blame for that idea. I generally don't like naming things after people, but Kohlstedt Hall already had someone's name. Now that we are renovating the building for a new generation of Christians, it occurred to me that maybe it was time for a new name. When Wayne died last year, he left 10% of his estate to the church. His gift enabled us to begin renovations on the hall even as we are raising money to pay down the debt on the Woodhaven renovation. 4. But the Ritchies are not the only ones who have given generous gifts to the church. Why honor them and not others? That is a very good question and points to the problem of naming anything after anyone. Again, the precedent was already set when Dr. Kohlstedt gave his gift. I frankly feel more comfortable because the Ritchies are no longer with us. I know that they were very humble folk and would never have imagined that we would be considering this honor. They certainly did not give the gift with the hope that we would recognize them in this way. I thought of the renaming because of their humility and their lifetime of service, not because of the money. 5. Are we dishonoring Dr. Kohlstedt by renaming the hall after someone else? For me, there is only one gift that lasts forever: Jesus Christ. We have honored Dr. Kohlstedt for 65 years, and that is a good long time. By suggesting a name change at this time, I wanted to lift up a model of Christian living that was within the memory of current members and could inspire future ones. I imagine that there will come a time when no one will remember the Ritchies, either. That's okay, as long as we remember the God who gave them to us. 6. Is there something short of changing the name of the hall that we could do to honor the Ritchies? Yes. We could put up a special plaque with their picture and story on it in the entry of the building so that people could remember them and all their gifts. Someone else may have a better idea. 7. Will this discussion cause conflict in the congregation? I hope not! One of the reasons I shared the proposal was to get church folk talking about their values. I trust that we can listen in love and disagree with grace and, in the end, make the right decision for our congregation. I assure you that I don't have a vested interest in the outcome of our conversations, but I know I will learn a lot about our congregation, and so I look forward to hearing from you. 8. Will we have a chance to talk about this before the vote? Yes. Join us for coffee hour after both services on November 10 and we'll have an open discussion of the idea. That should give us a pretty good read on where we are prior to the vote. Hope you can come!
General Church News
3
Kaleidoscope
Maybe you've heard about this new-old way of reading the Bible. The group is going well on Thursday nights. If you'd like a small group experience where the Bible is taken seriously and where participants get real with one another, we hope you'll join us at 7:00 p.m. in Woodhaven. If Thursday evenings don't work for you, Pastor Rebecca is open to creating another group at a different time. If there is enough interest, she is willing to start a daytime group. She is also more than happy to teach this method of reading the Bible to an already-formed small group. Kaleidoscope doesn't require a trained Bible teacher to lead it. Anyone can do it! And everyone can benefit from it.
Who Was Kohlstedt?
By Joyce Osborn During the 1940’s a family by the name of Anderson was very much involved at Willow Glen UMC. They had worked with the Crummey family in forming Food Machinery Corporation, the predecessor to FMC, and Marjorie Anderson owned a large walnut orchard ranch. Through their generous giving to the Methodist Church Board of Home Missions they became acquainted with the board secretary, Dr. Edward Delor Kohlstedt, Eventually Marjorie Anderson and Edward Kohlstedt married. The Kohlstedts gave a large sum toward the capital campaign for the WGUMC campus at Minnesota Avenue and Washington Avenue (later renamed Newport Avenue). The social hall was the first unit of the new building to be completed and for many months was used for worship services as well as for social events. The first worship service in the new hall occurred on March 7, 1948. Two weeks later ceremonies during Palm Sunday worship consecrated the hall. Rev. Dr. Kohlstedt delivered the sermon, “Life’s Supreme Issue”. The Kohlstedts moved to Palo Alto and became active at First UMC there. They gave generously to Palo Alto’s 1963 capital campaign, and the new social hall at Palo Alto also was named in honor of the Kohlstedts. Dr. Kohlstedt died shortly afterward. Marjorie died in 1984. Sources: a letter signed “Reverend R. Lee Hayward” and dated September, 1991, which reports information gained through a telephone conversation with Bishop Marvin Stuart; a San Jose Mercury Herald article dated Saturday, Feb. 28, 1948, p.9, “Methodist Church at Willow Glen to Be Vacated;” a San Jose Evening News article dated Saturday, March 20, 1948, p.5, “Willow Glen Methodists to Dedicate Building Sunday;” conversations with Jim and Jan Leonard.
The Village Game Night
Friday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. We’re opening the game closet and getting out all the favorites – Apples to Apples, Twister, UNO, and more. We’ll hang out in Woodhaven, playing games we know and learning some new ones. Dominoes or cribbage anyone? Don’t forget, we will be celebrating November birthdays, too! See you at the Village: Activities for the Whole Church Family!
Advent Family Nights
6:00-8:00 p.m., Woodhaven Tuesdays of Advent (December 3, 10 & 17) Do you have dreams of a simpler Christmas? Are you wishing for quiet time with your family in the glow of the Christmas tree and without all the clutter of life surrounding you? We have just the answer. Gather up your family and drop in at Woodhaven on the Tuesday evenings of Advent, anytime between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. You’ll find friendly faces, a simple soup supper, some board games, seasonal movies, Christmas crafts, and space for doing homework. Come in from the cold and crazy of the season and get warmed up at Woodhaven with your church family.
4
Children & Family Ministries
Looking Ahead to Christmas Eve with Our Children
Our family worship service on Christmas Eve will be held at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary this year. Our children will once again participate in the early service, serving as the choir for worship and sharing in some of the leadership of the service by helping to tell the Christmas story in an upbeat and lively way. The Praise Band will also lead us in contemporary and traditional Christmas music as we celebrate the arrival of a special newcomer in a Bethlehem stable. Please join us for this spirited candlelit service that does find its moments of peace even amidst the chaos and excitement of celebration. Our Christmas kids’ choir, the Sunday School Singers, will begin rehearsing at the end of Sunday School beginning midNovember. All of our Sunday School students will be invited to be part of the telling of the Christmas story as well.
Questions Being Explored in Sunday School Who is God’s son? What does God teach me? Who is the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to akaloo? Come, join the conversation Sundays at 10:00 a.m.!
CrossWalk
Faith and Fellowship for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders Friday, November 8 7:00-8:30pm Kohlstedt Hall Theme: An Overflowing Life Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
Let’s celebrate the bounty in our lives and the joy we have in knowing Jesus! Thankfulness is not just for November – let’s practice it year-round! We’ll do a little acting and also have some turkey fun! Come join the fun and faith that happens at CrossWalk! CrossWalk is for third, fourth and fifth graders. Bring a friend!
Mission & Service
5
Christmas Giving Tree for Esther’s Outreach and the Family Giving Tree
Esther Jakel, a longtime member of Cambrian Park UMC, started a Christmas outreach program over 14 years ago for needy families whose children attend Lietz or Oster School in the Cambrian Park neighborhood. This year, twenty families will be selected by the school offices and then supported by this outreach program in Esther’s memory. Willow Glen UMC will be participating in Esther’s Outreach through our annual Giving Tree. Gift tags will offer you the opportunity to provide gifts for family members or grocery gift cards for a holiday meal. Tags will be on the tree in the Wesley Room early in November. Come by and choose how you will share some love and hope this Christmas. We will also be supporting The Family Giving Tree. All gifts and donations need to be returned to the church early in December. Please read your chosen gift tag carefully for specific instructions and deadlines. Thank you for sharing with others during this holiday season. What a wonderful time to surround others with joy and love! I pulled a gift tag from the Giving Tree. Now what? Sometimes it’s hard to know what to purchase for that special unknown someone on our Giving Tree. The Family Giving Tree reports the following as the top gifts requested by youngsters this year: 1. Scooter with helmet 2. Movie tickets 3. MP3 players 4. Skateboard with helmet 5. Jacket 6. Shoes 7. Legos 8. Barbie doll with clothes 9. Remote control car 10. Doll house 11. Hello Kitty 12. Baby doll with stroller 13. Children’s outfits 14. Digital camera 15. Boom box 16. Bath and body products 17. Art and craft supplies Bring your gifts as designated on the gift tag back to church by the date listed on the tag. Have fun sharing Christmas joy!
6 Women’s Groups Heart and Hands Third Thursday 7:00 p.m., Woodhaven Meg Kau Childcare available please arrange with Susan Smith Friendship Circle Monday, Nov. 18 11:30 at Woodhaven. Sue Johnson Wesley Women Fourth Tuesday 1:00 p.m., Woodhaven Jane Vivian
Women’s Page World Thank Offering
In addition to individual pledges to mission made by UMW members and friends, spontaneous additional gifts can be given out of gratitude for God's abundance and in celebration of the joys of life. An opportunity for such giving is The World Thank Offering, which is usually collected at circle meetings in October or November. The funds collected are used in the total program of mission carried on through United Methodist Women's national office in the United States and around the world.
Save the Date for Christmas Luncheon
Friendship Circle will be preparing a special holiday luncheon, with hosting assistance from the members of Wesley Women Circle. All members and friends of United Methodist Women are invited to attend on Wednesday, December 11, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room. The program will include carol singing and a dramatic presentation under the direction of Laura Salazar.
Reminders Concerning Kitchen Use
The church kitchen is a busy place, with many groups using it on a regular basis. This means that anyone using the kitchen needs to leave it clean and accessible for the next group. A few basic rules apply:
The UMW Executive Board will meet Monday, November 11, at 9:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room. UMW is open to all women regardless of church membership. For more information about UMW, call Patricia Madsen.
The deadline for the December/January Willow Word is November 25. Please send your story ideas and submissions to Leslie Chamberlain
• Keep the counters clear of all items except those needed for immediate use. • Leave space in the refrigerator for the next group. Throw away or take home leftover food and drink. Label and date food left for another occasion. Food not labeled may be used or thrown away. • If you use a dish or utensil, clean it and try to put it back where it belongs. Drawers and cabinets are labeled. • Leave tables, carts, counters and sinks clean and ready for use. Wipe up spills on stove, ovens or refrigerator shelves. • Recycle cans, bottles and plastic items marked with the re-cycle logo. Do not send these items to the land fill. Consider taking these home for pick-up with household re-cycle. • If possible, take home used dishtowels and cloths; launder and return quickly. • Before leaving, run the garbage disposal and make sure stove, dishwasher and lights are off. Thanks for your responsible use of church facilities. We are all on the clean-up committee!
All Around Willow Glen
7
Coming for Christmas!
Consider adding WGUMC to your Holiday Gift Giving list. The Mission Possible Renovation and Repayment team will offer an opportunity to purchase something special for our renovation projects. Gift tags and envelopes will be available so you can pick something to sponsor – a new chair, a window, curtains. Buy a Christmas present for our church! More details to follow...stay tuned!
Willowmates
Watch the Sunday bulletin for a notice of our next gathering. At press-time, a date had not been scheduled. In the meantime, we continue to support each other in any way possible. Please contact Jane Vivian or Dianne Oswald if there is a special need of which we should be aware.
Helpers Needed for Family Shelter November 23
A team is needed to assemble and serve the evening meal at the San Jose Family Shelter on Saturday, November 23. At this time, we need people to: • prepare the spaghetti sauce, using the “Wayne Ritchie” recipe, or your own, to serve 75 • assemble ingredients for a green salad • prepare garlic bread • 4 people to provide 20 to 24 cupcakes each • 4 or 5 people to take the food to the Shelter and serve it to the residents Servers need to arrive at the Shelter on North King road by 4:00 p.m. in order to have the meal ready to serve by 5:00. Dinner and clean-up usually take less than two hours. The staff and residents of the Shelter are gracious and helpful. This is a rewarding experience for all who can take part, ages twelve and up. Coordinators Jane Vivian and/or Linda Russo would appreciate a call or email if you are able to participate.
An Easy, ‘No Cash’ Mission
By Fran Love McCurdy School in New Mexico is a non-profit school and mission, a long-time project of our United Methodist Women's group. It's so easyI We send them coupons from the many products you regularly buy, like Campbell’s Soup products, Kleenex, cereals, Betty Crocker, Prego, and many more. Simply clip the package where it says “Box Tops for Education” or “Labels for Education.” You can leave them in the workroom or inside the kitchen by the microwave. Thank you!
Yee-Haw! Western Hoedown January 18
Invite family and friends to grab their partners for our next Mission Possible event: a Western Hoedown on Saturday, January 18. You’ll have a boot-scootin’ good time enjoying a Tex-Mex dinner, square dancing, a photo booth and more. More details and tickets for the event will be available in early January. During the month of November, we’re collecting items for a silent auction. Gift cards, handmade items, gift baskets, parties, vacation homes – the sky’s the limit! Can’t think of anything to donate? Here are some ideas: • Make dessert once a month for three months, six months, or a year • Help clean/organize someone’s garage • Babysit for an evening • Host a dinner party • Put together a themed gift basket – movies, cooking, spa products, anything! • Ask for gift certificates from local businesses – ask your hairdresser, favorite restaurant or other merchants If you need more ideas, or have a donation, please contact Leslie Chamberlain at
[email protected]. Donation forms are available in the church office. You can also mark donations “Mission Possible Auction” and leave them in the office. Thank you for helping us make our second Mission Possible event as successful as the Garage Sale! The Western Hoedown is sure to be a rootin’ tootin’ grand ole time!
Willow Glen United Methodist Church
1420 Newport Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 408-294-9796 wgumc.org
