Celebrating 30 Years of Ministry at

The Woodlands Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

DISCIPLES DIGEST
Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Making Disciples

December 17, 2010

Merry Christmas from The Woodlands Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ) Ministry Team
John, Chad, Rob, Suzanne, Shelia & Pedro

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 I suspect you’ve already seen the the video that The Washington Post recorded in
January of 2007. To watch the video, use this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw . It has been making its way
around the internet again. A violin player, plays in a Washington, DC subway stop.
More than a thousand people passed by but only a very few stopped to listen. Of
those who stopped, only a couple threw a couple of dollars into the violin case of the
street performer. It was just an ordinary day-except that the street performer was
Joshua Bell, a world class concert violinist. And that particular violin was a $3.5
million dollar Stradivarius, one of only ten in the world. And the music? Six
particularly difficult Bach pieces. The story is that only three days earlier, Mr. Bell
had sold out Boston’s’ Symphony Hall at more than $100 per seat, but only a handful
of Washington commuters bothered to listen at all.
This is a busy time. We’re all in some kind of hurry. But as we approach Christmas, I want to challenge you to be
still a bit, to listen more, to notice what is around you. It seems to me that we’re surrounded by miraculous
blessings, but too often we’re too busy criticizing to notice much at all. Case in point? My son, the one who
works for Best Buy, was telling me that they had been receiving harsh criticism in the store because the store’s
ads had been wishing lots of groups good holidays – but that the store was criticized for not wishing well to
Christians – the sad point of his story? It was Thanksgiving when they were being criticized – and the Christmas
ads, wishing a Merry Christmas to the world, had not yet been to press – it was time for black Friday and Cyber
Monday!

In worship Sunday before last we heard from David King as he talked about Christmas imposing a break on school
that causes him to anticipate family visits, time with friends and renewed relationships with those who are
important to him. David talked about Christmas being the time that God imposed a break on the world as God
wanted to call us to renew relationships, to reunite with our Creator, to get back on the right track together.
Megan Townsend shared with us her faith struggle as she grieves her grandfather and notes the stress that
families face these days. Megan declared how quickly God’s grace enfolds her when she cries out in prayer and
how the church becomes her extended family of Grace. Were we listening?

This past Sunday, Clare Bauman talked with us about her understanding of Mary’s pregnancy predicament in one
sermon and then Tracie Miller shared her own faith story and confession of faith at the 11:00 am service. All four
are hearing calls to ministry. They all have fresh points of view, deep faith, and were willing to take the risk of
sharing with us. Were we really listening?

There are many more opportunities to stop and listen between now and Christmas. On Saturday the 18th, you
have my invitation to come to Market Street at noon as around 200 of my very best annual low brass friends will
join me in a free Merry Tuba Christmas concert. And at 7:00pm on Sunday the 19 th, our chancel choir will offer
their Christmas concert accompanied by chamber orchestra.

Will we be listening only for angels to sing in the night sky, or will we also be quiet enough to hear the coo of a
newborn? Will we be alert enough to notice the face of the person we walk by or smart enough to notice when
Christ is present? And will you remember, when you see Bridget Spiegel home for Christmas, to ask her about
how it was to meet Joshua Bell and to hold that same Stradivarius three weeks ago?

I’ll be looking for you in worship this Sunday – and I’ll be listening and looking!

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 “Music is the universal language of mankind“
- Longfellow
I have enjoyed the first Sundays of Advent this year. The Sanctuary looks wonderful
and I like the seating arrangement we have adopted for the season. It creates the
feeling that we are a little closer together in worship. Of course, the music we get to
sing during Advent and Christmas is the best of the year.

The music ministry participates in some special events this month. Last Sunday, the
Overtones Handbell Choir rang a program of carols at Waterway Square. The performance was part of the
“Carols on the Square” series each Sunday night in December.

This Saturday, don’t miss our own John Callison playing with the 250 low brass players of TubaChristmas at
Market Square. TubaChristmas, started by legendary Indiana University professor Harvey Phillips, has grown to
include chapters all over the U.S. The local concert, on the lawn next to Tommy Bahama’s, starts at noon.

On December 19, at 7:00 pm, the Chancel Choir will present the Christmas Oratorio, by Camille Saint-Säens.
String players assisting the choir are music students from Sam Houston State University. The Christmas Oratorio
was written in 1858 and has become a staple of the choral repertoire for the Advent/Christmas season. Camille
Saint-Säens was the most prominent musician in France in the late-nineteenth century, contributing a body of
music that is uniformly well-crafted, if not groundbreaking. The Oratorio is likewise suavely fashioned, with
melodies that beguile with a naïve charm and deceptive simplicity – a character that can only be described as
French. The text of the Oratorio, originally in Latin, will be sung in English. It moves through the Old Testament
prophesies, and includes the Magnificat (Mary’s Song) songs of the angels, and the birth of Jesus. Soloists in the
Oratorio include Beth Ringwald, Meagan Townsend, Linda Carlson, Russell Dykes, Mark Meyer, Gary Dobbins, Kay
Jopling, David Benepe, Keith Lathrom, Caroline Hunt and Austin Hunt.

These December music ministry presentations will be a meaningful addition to your Advent season. Please make
plans to join us, support the talented and devoted musicians of your church, and experience the joy wonderful
music brings to this time of the year. Then join the Chancel Choir, New Life Singers, and Youth Singers for
Christmas Eve services at 5:30 pm and 11:00 pm.

Rob Spotlight on this Sunday’s music:

The words to O Holy Spirit, Root of Life, are based on writings of the Roman Catholic saint, Hildegard von Bingen.
Hildegard was an extraordinary woman living in the 12 th century. In addition to her contributions to the fields of
medicine, science, poetry, and theology, she has in recent years become esteemed as the earliest important
female composer. This hymn grew out of a wonderful phrase, in which Hildegard wrote that she felt like “a
feather on the breath of God.”

Chad’s Chatterbox
I am enjoying the experience of Advent this year by watching the eyes and listening to the
voices of the children at God’s Kids Preschool here at The Woodlands Christian Church. As
the weather cools and the calendar nears the year-end, the excitement in the children
grows exponentially. We talk about Santa. We talk about gifts. And, of course, they know
about Jesus. But nothing can match the joy of watching their amazement when they
finally realize why we celebrate Christmas…why we give each other gifts…that the greatest
gift of all was born in a simple barn. May God bless each of us as we continue to anticipate
the coming of the Christ child.
Blessings, Chad
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Announcements
Sunday, December 19 7:00 pm Christmas Oratorio
by Camille Saint-Saëns performed by the Chancel
Choir and Chamber Orchestra, Dr. Rob Hunt,
conducting. This year, the concert will include
several orchestra members and a harpist, and it
will definitely be a magnificent celebration of the
holiday season.
Sunday, December 19 Christmas Cookie Tasting
will take place following the Christmas Oratorio.
Bring enough of your favorite cookies to share!
Sunday, December 19 Congregational Meeting
Budget Review voting results to be announced
immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service.
Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve
Worship Service at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Sunday, December 26 Quiet Christmas
Unified Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.
If you haven’t noticed by now, we have a new and
beautiful wooden table for our Advent Candles at
the front of the church. This latest addition to our
sanctuary was designed and built for us by Bill
Ringwald with the supplies donated by Steve and
Carol Montgomery. Thanks so much for the
wonderful gift to TWCC!
Thanksgiving Cornucopia Giving Table was a
success! Thank you to everyone for your generous
contributions. TWCC was able to donate 550
pounds of food to Interfaith of The Woodlands for
the food pantry before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thursday, January 6 - Young of Hearts Luncheon
at 11:30 a.m. at Rudy’s “Country Store” & Bar-B-Q
in Spring. Please contact your hosts and let them
know if you would rather ride together on the
TWCC bus, or if you would prefer to meet at the
church and carpool. Contact Ann Vandiver 936-
321-0142, Flora Mae Nickerson 936-271-0787, or
Kathryn Stokes 281-367-7325. Sign-up sheet in the
Narthex!
January 7 – 9 Young Adult Gathering – This Little
Light of Mine! This event is for all young adults age
18 and over. It will be held at DCCI aka Camp
Gonzo. The cost is $55.00 and the registration
deadline is December 20. Additional registration
forms are in the Narthex.
February 18 – 19, 2011 – Mark Your Calendar 2011
BBA/LRGV and CPA Men’s Retreat “No Fear: Being
the King’s Man!” to be held in Gonzales, TX at the
Disciple Oaks Retreat Center. Registration $60
before February 11 covers lodging for one night,
three meals and insurance.
Would you like to learn to work Sound and
Recording for Sunday’s church services? If so,
contact Tom Jopling at 281-252-6241.
Ladies Bible Study for each Wednesday at 9:30
a.m. has been discontinued until further notice.
Reminder of New Stephen Ministry Class to be
offered at TWCC February –April/May 2011 -
Would you like to join a group of caring individuals
who will receive 50 hours of training to become
Stephen Ministers at TWCC? If we can get enough
people, we plan to have our next class in the
February-April/May 2011 period. Contact one of
our TWCC Stephen Leaders, Sue Liptrap, Nathan
Higginbotham or Steve Montgomery for more
information.
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 Christmas Traditions
At Christmas Eve, my
family sits around the tree
and opens presents from
one side of the family.
Then, on Christmas
morning, we open
presents from the other side of the family. I do not
know if this will help you, but remembering ANY
Christmas family member ALWAYS brings me joy.
Brad Hindley
Growing up in El Paso we experienced the Mexican
tradition of Luminarios or as some call them,
“Luminaries”. If you are not familiar with this
tradition, it is a brown paper sack with a little sand
in the bottom and a tea light placed inside. Several
would line the driveways and sidewalks of people’s
homes. There are several interpretations of this
tradition, but the one I like the best is to “light the
way of the Spirit of the Christ child into your home
and your hearts”.
William Lentz
Prior to opening gifts (one at a time) and the
annual picture taking of the grandchildren, we
always paused to read the Christmas Story from the
Bible. Grandma used to remind us how important
it was to keep this first and foremost in our minds
and heart.
Marla Wulf
For the Anderson family it was and is still always all
about food, and Christmas is the one time we really
celebrate our Norwegian heritage. Lefse, (kind of
like a Mexican tortilla, except it is made from
potatoes and we eat it with butter, brown sugar
and cinnamon) oyster stew, hard tack and
sandbakkles (tart shaped sugar cookies?). We
would eat and then my 5 sisters and I would have
to do a Christmas recital of holiday songs on our
different instruments; piano, flute saxophone,
clarinet. I should add that we weren't all that
talented or musical, but we sure had a good time! I
think that is why I truly appreciate the great music
that we have at TWCC now!!
Becky Anderson
JOYS and CONCERNS
God knows all our joys and concerns
before we do.
Celebrations: Four wonderful sermons from our
teenagers who are hearing calls to ministry! Gayla
Shanks has regained her balance! Juan Pablo has
been released from the hospital and will return to
Matamoros on Tuesday.
Prayer and Sympathy are extended to the Bill
Cadwell family. Gifts to the church may be marked
“Bill Cadwell Memorial” and the funds will be used
as Bonnie directs; and to the family and friends of
Karen Thompson.
Grace-full Prayers: John Hill had surgery on Friday;
Ordie Cherry; Cheryl Barton, missionary friend of
the Daniels, cancer; Mike Davis is fighting
Pneumonia; Heather Elliott; Elmer Hefelfinger,
brother-in-law of William Lentz; Jaden Patton,
infant friend of Lukacs; Diane Rosemond, cousin of
Marilyn Morris; the Keith Ward family; Jane Young;
Coastal Plains Area Minister Search Committee.
Ongoing prayers: Phyllis Benson; Lucile Castle;;
Larry Ducote; Ken Dyson; Ron Fugarino; Jean Marie
Howells; Suzy Lynskey’s son, Brian Stanfield; ALS;
Rose Mae Nokes; Betsy Rabon; Heide Sumter; Mary
Walther; Opal Weaver; and for the family and
friends of The Woodlands Christian Church.
Protection and Safety for our traveling members
and for those serving in our military, and the family
and friends who are waiting at home for their
loved ones to return.
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Poinsettia
Dedications
The Annelin Family – In Honor of Marjorie
Annelin and In Memory of William R.
Annelin and Wanda & Joseph Gaskin
John & Laura Callison – In Honor of TWCC
2010 Board; In Honor of TWCC
Congregation
Linda Carlson – In Honor of My Parents,
Hilmer & Gladys Carlson
Irene, Jeff, Justin, Rachelle & Alec Carter -
In Memory of Dad, Pappa
Barb Coaton – In Memory of Ernie Coaton
Gary & & Kay Dobbins – In Honor of
Alexis & Amy Brandt, Joshua & Courtney
Dobbins, grandchildren
Jake & Joyce McGlohn – In Honor of
Family
The Mallett Famly – In Memory of George
Mallett
Ed & Susan Mayhall – In Honor of Glen &
Marilyn Harper; In Memory of George &
Janie Mayhall
Bob & Nan Morrison – In Honor of Friends
Family
Flora Mae Nickerson – In Memory of Jerry
A. Nickerson, My Beloved Husband
Ann & Steve Randolph & Family – In
Honor of Kay Benes – Thank you for the
cookies; In Honor of Kathy & Derek
Bentley – Thank you for the kitchen help; In
Honor of Maxine Cornwell – Thank you for
the pillows; In Honor of Suzanne & Shelia
– Thank you for all your help and expertise.
If any of these named do not want to take
their plant home, please deliver them to the
hospitalized or home bound or share them
with members of the congregation who need
an extra seasonal lift.
Phillip & Anita Stephens – In Memory of
Joe Nina Stephens; In Memory of Wesley
& Reba Henderson
Rebecca Anderson & Drew Tully – In
Honor and Loving Memory of our
Grandparents and our brother-in-law, Steve
Vaughn
Luke & Ann Vandiver – In Honor of Pride,
Marie and Vickie Newsom (Ann’s Family);
In Honor of George, Lucille & Dale
Vandiver (Luke’s Family)
Donna White – In Memory of Robert “Bob”
White
L.O. & Joyce Wray – In Memory of Rev.
Pearce & Florence Burns; In Memory of
Lucian & Lillie May Wray
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 December Debt Reduction in 2010 The Right
Happy Birthday Wishes Steppers(*) committee wishes to
acknowledge the significant progress made
Robert Adams 12/12 by the congregation in 2010 by reducing the
Paula Byrd 12/28 principal on the church mortgage by 25%,
Melanie Carter 12/14 from $224 thousand to $168 thousand.
Richard Conti 12/18 This was accomplished through a
Greg Cram 12/14 combination of regular monthly payments
Cheryl Deal 12/06 and generous individual contributions to
Kiefer Deal 12/29 principal reduction.
Larry Ducote 12/27
If you are considering making a year-end
Gail Dykes 12/01
contribution to the church, we recommend
Nathan Higginbotham 12/04
principal reduction on the church debt as
Dan Huffaker 12/10 one of your option options, along with
Susie King 12/08 contributions to the operating fund or
Harlan (Lanny) Low 12/01 permanent endowment fund.
Joyce McGlohn 12/06
(*) “The right step for the next step is to be
Art Owsijuk 12/16
debt-free”
Leah Raney 12/04
Cortland Samford 12/31 David Benepe & Brent Wulf
Gayla Shanks 12/24 Co-chairs, Right Steppers Committee
Scott Tomlinson 12/12
Opal Weaver 12/11
Marla Wulf 12/12
December
Happy Anniversary Wishes

Dan and Mary Cox 12/31

Bill and Haroldine Daily 12/23
Ray and Val Miller 12/31
Jim and Jeanette Price 12/12
TWCC Permanent Endowment Fund
Account balance to date: $82,036.66
November TWCC Total Expenses $45,571.43
November TWCC Total Income $32,542.74
The Woodlands Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
1202 N. Millbend Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone (281) 367-7139
FAX (291) 292-8881
www.twcc.org
Ministry Team
John C. Callison, D.Min., Senior Minister
Chad Turner, M.Div., Associate Minister,
Children & Youth
Dr. Robert Hunt, Director of Music Ministries
Suzanne DuBois, Office Manager
Shelia McFarland, Receptionist

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