News This Week: December 16

News This Week: Northaven UMC

In This Issue
Advent, Week Four
"Blue Christmas" Service
Alternative Christmas Giving
Christmas Eve Info
Singers Needed
This I Know Bible Study
Growing Healthy Families

Click here to read the entire post.

Rutter's "Gloria" @ Northaven

Below are pictures from Sunday's worship, and our Sanctuary Choir's presentation of John Rutter's "Gloria."





Almost 300 worshippers experienced more than 50 singers, players, and bell ringers on this special morning of music in worship.






Click here for more pictures.

News This Week: December 9

News This Week from Northaven Church

In this issue:

Rutter's Gloria on December 13
Alternative Christmas Giving
Mission Team Information Meeting
Evening Song Concert
Cookie Exchange
Children's Holiday Party
Coming Up: Advent Week 3
Singers Needed
Finance Report
This I Know Bible Study

Click here.

Advent Decorations

Here are some pictures of our decorations around the church and sanctuary during the Advent season.


Click here to see even more pictures.

2009 Volunteer Luncheon

Our staff is deeply grateful to all of the volunteers who help us each and every day in the office. We could not do the ministry of the church without them!

Click here for pictures of this event.

2009 Children's Christmas Pageant

Our Children's Choir presented "A Night for Dancing" as a part of our worship on December 6th.







Click here for some pictures of this event. (Thanks to Valerie Hill and Travis Jordan for taking these pictures...)

Thank You, Black Tie Dinner!

Northaven was again pleased to be a beneficiary of the 2009 Black Tie Dinner. The Black Tie Dinner distributed beneficiary checks last Thursday, December 3rd, at the downtown Sheraton Hotel. Northaven was pleased to receive $29,730.



We are deeply grateful for our continuing connection with the Black Tie Dinner, and grateful to all who contributed by being a part of this year's event. Thanks again to the Black Tie Dinner Board, and Northaven's own Black Tie Committee!

News this Week: November 21

News This Week from Northaven Church.
Click here.

In this issue:

Thanksgiving Sunday
Advent is Coming!
Alternative Christmas Giving
Family Advent Event
Pledge Campaign Reminder

Email update from JoAn Dwyer

Below is an email update from Northaven member, JoAn Dwyer, about our mission in Guatemala...

Dear Friends,
As the year draws to a close, we are planning the 2010 projects for ODIM. Guatemalans are feeling the same economic crunch that is felt worldwide. For the Tzu'tujil and Quiche' people we work with along the southwest border of Lake Atitlan, it is manifested in no jobs and no food for the family. The need for the clinic in San Juan has been obvious as we have had 1150 patient visits since we opened April 13. This represents 511 families, mostly from San Juan La Laguna and San Pablo La Laguna. Majority of our patients are women and children.

On Tuesday, Nov 3 in San Pablo the medical team from Colorado saw Veronica, a seriously dehydrated and malnourished 2-year-old girl who weighed 15 pounds. On Monday morning the mother followed up at the clinic in San Juan, bringing all 4 of her children (ages 2-11) because she is afraid to leave them at home with their abusive father. We provided money for transportation, vitamins and shoes for all 5 of them, and more Carnation Instant Breakfast for Veronica. Mom will be coming back to the clinic to ensure health for her children.

Please help us to continue the necessary services we are providing through ODIM by making a contribution. There are lots of Veronicas here who depend on us. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in the 2 small villages of San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna.

You may send your check, payable to Interfaith Action International to
Dale Conger-Cross
Interfaith Action International
2850 Skyline Dr.
Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Thank you in advance for your support..........and your prayers.
With deep gratitude,
JoAn Dwyer
Mary Micikas

Individual Volunteers in Mission
United Methodist Church
Guatemala

P.S. Please send us an email with the date and amount of your gift.
--
ODIM Organizacion para Desarrollo de la Indigena Maya
Callejon Cho'Cruz 0-25
Barrio Jucanya
Panajachel, Guatemala, C.A.
Cell Phone: 011 502 5215-8608
(in Guatemala, dial 5215-8608)

Christ Foundry Groundbreaking

Please join our friends at the Christ Foundry Church for their groundbreaking ceremony:

Sunday, November 15 at 3 pm.

Parking will be at Walnut Hill UMC. Please arrive early so that you can catch the shuttle buses to the Christ Foundry location. There will be no parking onsite, as it's a construction area.

Park at:

Walnut Hill UMC
10066 Marsh Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
(See map below...)

For years now, the members and friends of Christ Foundry have dreamed of a new church building. That building is now becoming a reality!



Northaven has been proud to be one of the original partner churches with Christ's Foundry, and celebrates this milestone with them. We've helped in the fundraising, through the "Bell Campaign" that raised more than 30 bells for the project.

Here's a video about the great things happening at Christ's Foundry:



Hope to see you there!

Here's a map to Walnut Hill UMC


View Larger Map

Texas POWs Bound By Survival

Northavener Janice Henderson had a nice story on KERA this morning, detailing the lives of World War II POWs from Jack County.

Find the link here.

From the KERA website:

"On Veteran's Day, we commemorate the men and women who have served our country. But for one group of Veterans who survived as Japanese prisoners of war, today is a reminder of the strength and sacrifice that formed the foundation of a bond that still exists today. Freelance writer Janice Henderson has more"

Luther Prunty, one of the men interviewed for this story, is the father of Northavener, Gail Bialas. The Henderson's and Gail's family have family homes very near each other in Jack County, but did not meet until they were all members of Northaven...and did not know the family connection until very recently!

Thanks, Janice, for putting this out there!

A good reminder on Veteran's Day.

Pictures from the Texas Freedom Network event with Charles Haynes

Thursday night, Northaven hosted an incredible event with Dr. Charles Haynes of the First Amendment Center. Sponsored by the Texas Freedom Network, Dr. Haynes talked about issues of separation of Church and State and, specifically, current issues in Texas regarding social studies standards for Texas schoolchildren.







Click here to see pictures from this event.

More than 200 persons attended the event. We're grateful to our friends at the Texas Freedom Network for such quality events for people of faith.

Video from the Celebration Garden Consecration

Here is a short video of our consecration for the Celebration Garden. This event took place on All Saints Sunday, November 1, 2009.



Many thanks to Elaine Wiant for shooting the video on her iPod Nano!

Allen Ross Freedom Parade Video

Here is a short video from last year's (2008) Allen Ross Freedom Parade, showing Northaven's entry from the perspective of the crowd. It gives you a good sense of what it's like to be in this important event.

News this Week: November 2, 2009

Click here to read the "New This Week" email from Northaven Church.

In This Issue
Religion & The Public Schools
Justice Revival
Alternative Christmas Giving
We Need Volunteers!

Celebration Garden Consecration

Sunday, November 1st was a glorious morning for Northaven Church, as we consecrated our Celebration Garden. At this blog entry, enjoy some pictures from the morning, listen to the sermon again, and share your thoughts and feelings for others to see by leaving a comment below.

Here are a few pictures of the day:





You can listen to this morning's sermon here.









You can see many more pictures here.

Feel free to leave your comments about the day below.

What are your thoughts about the Celebration Garden Consecration?
Do you have any comments for the Celebration Garden Committee?
How do you think/feel the garden will be used by Northaven?
In what ways will it be important to our future?

(You can leave a comment as "anonymous" to avoid having to create an account. Feel free to leave your name in the comment if you wish others to see it...)

Fall Worship Pictures

Follow this link to find a picture album of various worship services during the past several weeks at Northaven Church.

We have a new digital camera, and it takes great shots like this one:



It also takes the other great shots you'll find here.

News This Week: October 28

Please click here for this week's "News This Week" email from Northaven Church.

In this Issue:
Celebration Garden Dedication
Hymn Festival: Marshall Concert
Beth Love Schuessler
Religion & The Public Schools
Short Course on Prayer
Justice Revival
Alternative Christmas Giving

News This Week: October 22

Click here for the "News This Week" email from Northaven Church.

In This Issue
Hymn Festival: Marshall Concert
Short Course on Prayer
Coop School Fall Carnival
God & Imperial Power
Connections Band
McElvaney Book Signing
Religion & The Public Schools
Celebration Garden Dedication

Pictures from the Jim Finley Retreat

The Jim Finely Contemplative Retreat was a huge success this past weekend. More than 200 persons attended either the Friday or Saturday session.

Please click here to find a photo album of the weekend.





Many thanks to Bob Stewart and to the Contemplative Events committee for the months of hard work that culminated in this great weekend.

News This Week: October 13

Please click here for this week's "News This Week" email from Northaven Church.

Celebration Garden- Updated Pictures

The past few weeks have seen great progress on the construction of the Celebration Garden at Northaven. The labyrinth is finished, as are both the stone work and capstones on the columbarium and mosaic cross.

Today, as we look out the window, we can see the fence being installed around the perimeter. Here are a few pictures to update you.

Vacation Bible School 2009

A slideshow from Northaven's 2009 Vacation Bible School.

With the theme "Creating Peacemakers," VBS was an intergenerational event that featured an evening community meal and activities for kids and parents to do together.

Light Ring Repair

Those of us here at Northaven know that all through the summer months we've been living with a lack of light in the sanctuary. On Pentecost Sunday, the "light ring" in the sanctuary momentarily became the center of attention when some of the plastic from it caught fire and fell to the ground at the end of service.

We've joked ever since that it was perfect for this to happen on Pentecost, and that it was also appropriate to rename these lights the "Ring of Fire."

Below are three pictures of the re-installation of these lights, which began early this morning. We're told this process may take the next two days.


The two "lifts" on the sanctuary floor


One "lift" takes down old lights. It's a long way up there...


Lights ready to be reinstalled

Dallas Denton District UMW

Northaven was pleased to host a meeting of the Dallas Denton District UMW on September 19th.



Click here to see more pictures of the day.

Allen Ross Freedom Parade Pictures

Click here to see pictures from Northaven's participation in this year's Allen Ross Freedom parade.






This link leads to a brief video clip from last year's (2008) parade, which will give you a sense of what it's like for the many thousands of people who line the parade route each year.

Feast of Beginnings 2009

Northaven's Feast of Beginnings for 2009 was an all-church talent show that included dramatic readings, musical acts, and even a gymnastics demonstration.



We were all reminded again of what an incredibly talented congregation we have, and everybody enjoyed being served the delicious food from "Carmine's" Italian Restaurant.





Click here to see the entire photo album.

What Did You Offer on Sunday?

Many of you were present Sunday for the "Sowing Our Seeds" ceremony for our "Celebration Garden." Members of Northaven processed out of the sanctuary and to the garden site and offered small symbols of personal meaning, that will now forever become a part of the labyrinth foundation.

After the ceremony was over, several members commented that it might be meaningful to hear what others shared and why. So, if you wish, please leave a "comment" below and describe what you left, so that others might be inspired by your story.

It's always powerful to hear each other's stories, and this is yet another way we can share with each other, as this process proceeds.

Question:
What "symbol" or item did you leave as a part of the Celebration Garden ceremony Sunday? Why did you choose it? What does it mean to you? Also, if you wish, share any other thoughts and feelings about the garden below as a "comment" to this blog entry.

(Note: you will be asked to either sign in to leave a comment, or leave it as "Anonymous." If you do not have a Google or Blogger account, Anonymous is a perfectly fine way to leave a comment. You can always sign your comment if you wish to include your name. If you do have a Google account, you should be able to sign in using those credentials.)

Immigration Reform Vigil

Here is a video from KXAS Channel 5, covering the Immigration Reform Prayer vigil that was hosted at Northaven Church on August 23rd, 2009.



And here are some pictures posted by the sponsoring organization, "Welcoming Immigrants Network."

The Contemplative Life: Female Mystic Perspective, Sep. 14

2nd Monday Series
September 14 – Ginger Georgulas – Female Mystic Perspective of the Contemplative Life

The objective of The Contemplative Life series is to provide an overview of the distilled wisdom of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and other major religions that converge in contemplative practice. The presentations are intended to be intellectually sophisticated (but not academic), experiential, and practical. Without seeking to blur the distinctions between religious faiths, we want to engage together with mutual respect to understand our common core.

Since May we have considered Buddhist, Vedanta Hindu, Sufi, and Jewish perspectives. The September presentation moves us into a different realm by looking specifically to female Christian mystics and understanding some distinctive aspects of how women approach spirituality. Ginger Georgulas will provide examples of female mystics in different eras of history and add further depth to our understanding of the contemplative life.

The Second Monday Contemplative Life series will be followed by a retreat at Northaven led by James Finley October 16-18, with the topic: "Jesus and Buddha - How the teachings of Jesus reflect the Four Noble Truths."

Monday, September 14, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Northaven UMC
11211 Preston Road
Dallas, Sanctuary

Ginger Georgulas, Female Mystic Perspective of the Contemplative Life
No charge.

Ginger Georgulas has had a life-long interest in spirituality and is particularly attuned to the ways in which women experience spirituality. After many years in accounting, Pastor Georgulas followed God’s call to ministry and was ordained in 1991. She served Lutheran congregations in Hawaii and California. In 2001 she retired to be near her two youngest grandchildren. She has since served as an interim pastor, conference dean, seminary student mentor, chaplain for a local chapter of Lutherans Concerned (GLBT Lutherans), and women’s retreat leader.

Previous Presentations:

May 11 - Ruben Habito, “Buddhist Perspective”
June 8 - Pravrajika Brahmaprana, “Vedanta Hindu perspective”
July 13 - Yusuf Kavakci, “Sufi perspective”
August 10 – Geoffrey Dennis, “Jewish perspective”

Future Presentations:

October 1 (Thursday) – Father Don Fischer, St. Joseph Catholic Church—Christian esoteric tradition of Centering Prayer

Click here or more information about the 2nd Monday Series or to register.

You may also call Northaven at 214-363-2479.

Construction Pictures of the Celebration Garden

These pictures are of the construction of the Celebration Garden at Northaven Church. Phase one of the garden is under construction now. Learn more about the garden here.

Construction Pictures

Welcome Chris Reed!

New Youth Director, Chris Reed, has started his job at the church this week. He's still unpacking boxes and getting settled, but everyone is thrilled that he is here in Dallas and now officially with us.

Along with organist Andy Packard, we'll welcome Chris to Northaven this coming Sunday morning.