DECEMBER 2014

The Word

I was shopping for decorations and my basket was almost full of stripped candy canes when I saw a little wooden church on the bottom shelf. My heart stopped. It was exactly what I was looking for, a simple little church lost in a sea of sparkle.

Don’t get me wrong. I love sparkle, but this season, God was speaking to me through a little wooden church. As I stopped in my tracks, I listened to the beautiful Christian music being played throughout the store. I emptied my basket and began to search for decorations that would highlight this little church.

The words and melody of Longfellow’s beautiful poem, “Christmas Bells,” started playing in my mind. The poem was written by Longfellow after he had endured the tragic loss of his wife, causing him to lose his hope as well as his Christmas spirit. Almost ten years after he penned the words, they were set to music and became the hymn “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

This season, I plan to keep the little wooden church on my dining table to remind me to stay focused on the wooden manger that held our precious Savior at His birth, the wooden cross on which He died for our sins, and the wooden church that represents His bride, the church. May God bless you in a very special way during this season of celebration.

By Donna Cox

Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men

But it is not this way among you,

but whoever wishes to become

great among you shall be your

servant; and whoever wishes to

be first among you shall be

slave of all. For even the Son of

Man did not come to be served,

but to serve, and to give His life

a ransom for many.”

—Mark 10:43-45

December 2014

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

***

And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

DECEMBER 2014

What has God shown you this year?

Polvorones Pinterest Corner: DIY Mason Jar Snow Globes I grew up knowing these little joys of deliciousness as

Mexican Wedding Cookies, and we ate them every year at Christmastime. This recipe is perfect for giving as gifts to loved ones since one batch makes 5 dozen cookies! Enjoy!

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, plus more for rolling 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups flour Pinch of salt 1 cup pecan halves, ground* Preheat the oven to 350. Grind pecans in food processor and mix with the flour in a bowl, set aside. Cream the butter and sugar with a mixer. Add the vanilla and salt to the butter mixture, then slowly add the flour mixture, stopping to let the flour incorporate before adding more. Knead the dough in the bowl into a cohesive ball. Using a teaspoon, roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once out of oven, let cool briefly. Put the rest of the powdered sugar in a bowl, then take the just finished cookies and roll them in the sugar while still warm. Place them on a plate and cool completely. Once cooled, roll them once more for a snowy look, then enjoy! If giving them away, place in a food safe bag or box, and you can dress it up by adding decorative sprinkles in with your cookies. *When grinding in the food processor, be careful not to grind too much as this will result in nut butter. You can add some flour to the pecans before you grind to counteract the oils.

God has shown me He is exceedingly faithful in all circumstances, just as He has promised. He has revealed that He is still the God who heals,

something I believed, but evidenced in a new way in the life of my family. - Amber Phillips

God has shown me that the God of the Universe cannot be put in a box. He is God, which means he can work in anyway He chooses. I've seen him do

so many things this year, and just because I don't understand it, or see the meaning in it, or even agree with it, doesn't make Him any less God. I'm

learning HE is so much bigger than me, and ultimately that is a really good thing. - Angie Reeves

God has given me a glimpse into the depth of my depravity and blown me away by HIS love through HIS grace that continues to lead me to

repentance. I have gained an understanding of what my sin cost Him. How my sins offend HIM and yet HE subjected HIMSELF to excruciating

agony so I could be reconciled with HIM. There is no greater love. - Antoinette Witwer

These snow globes are easy to put together and can serve as great gifts or additions to any home this holiday season.

Materials: Any jar that seals Liquid glycerin* Distilled water

Directions: 1) Using the glue, attach your figurines to the inside lid of the mason jar and let them dry completely ~ about 24 hours. 2) Next, fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, then add a dash of glycerin (this makes the glitter fall more slowly). Add as much glitter as you'd like. 3) Screw the cap on tightly and shake to get the glitter moving and to check the seal on your jar. You may need to add glue to seal the jar. *You can find liquid glycerin at the drug store in the pharmacy section or in the soap making section of the craft store. **If you use the craft store Christmas trees, they will slowly dye the water green/blue.

Glitter Figurines** Epoxy/Crazy glue

DECEMBER 2014

Raw Faith: What Happens When God Picks a Fight by Kasey VanNorman Morning & evening classes begin the week of January 13th While change and uncertainty are inevitable, God is always unchanging, and He is always faithful. Why Do You Believe That by Mary Jo Sharpe Morning & evening classes begin the week of January 13th Do you wish you could express your beliefs with more effectiveness? Answer your doubts and change lives. Lord, I want to Know You: A Devotional Study on the Names of God by Kay Arthur Thursday, 9:45am-12pm, January 15-May15 When you know God more fully by studying His names, you’ll gain the power to stand strong. Crossing Cultures Thursday, 9:45am-12pm, starting January 15th Join this diverse group who embrace each other in Christ regardless of differences. Right at Home Moms Wednesdays, 9:15-11:45 am, starting January 14th A come as you are group to support mothers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Working Women’s Sunday Morning Group Begins in January The Lydia Group is for women caught between the demands of the workplace and a busy family. Visit ubc.org to register or email Michelle at michelle.smith@ubc.org.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. The heat of the summer is long gone, the decorations are festive, and the music touches my heart. It’s easy to get wrapped up in presents and baking, but the first few notes of a favorite hymn bring me back to the right place every time. At UBC, we have two talented worship pastors, Matt Marsh and Ben Sandstrom, who fill our church with wonderful music year round. During the Christmas season, they pull out all the stops to inspire us with the story of a tiny baby who came to save the world. If traditional music is your preference, there are two special music services. On December 14th, during both worship services, the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. On December 21st at 6:30pm, the Chamber Singers and Handbells will present A Service of Lessons and Carols. This is a music service where the scriptures chronicling Christ’s birth are read between classic hymns. It is an inspiring service. The Glory to the King Contemporary Christmas program on December 21st at 11am features our own Sound of Light band led by Ben Sandstrom and the Divisi Strings. If you missed this service last year, you missed something unique and wonderful. The blend of traditional strings with contemporary pieces will fill you with joy and leave you humming for the rest of the week. When I asked Ben how he hoped the music at UBC impacted people this season, he said, “I hope that through this service people are reminded of what Christmas is all about. Not all the pageantry but Christ and Christ alone. Not only do we celebrate His birth , but we rejoice in knowing that our hope is secure and we can worship joyfully before a loving God.”

Christmas Music Shines at UBC

Groups for Women at UBC Starting January 2015

DECEMBER 2014

December

7 - Preschool, Children, and Student Choir Christmas Programs 12 - International Women’s Club Conversation Lunch, @Tommy’s 13 - International Women’s Club Christmas Event 14 - The Gift, Traditional Christmas Music Program, 9:30 am and 11 am 21 - Glory to the King, Contemporary Christmas Music Program, 11 am 21 - A Service of Lessons and Carols, 6:30pm 24 - Family Friendly Christmas Service, 5:30pm 24 - Candlelight Service, 11pm

January 12-15 - Journey to Joy Bible studies begin

New in January! The Lydia Group (Acts 16:11-15), A Sunday morning WBS group for working

women

What’s Happening for Women

Connect with us

Facebook: Women of UBC

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Twitter: @ubchouston

Need to talk to someone? Contact Lora Doremus at lora.doremus@ubc.org or 281-488-8517.

Questions about programs? Contact Michelle Smith at michelle.smith@ubc.org.

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Thanks to the newsletter team, Kristin Hamon, Katy Ernst, Michelle Smith, Lora Doremus, and UBC Communications.