steeple--december--holiday

The Braden Steeple Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,

Official Publication of Braden United Methodist Church

Vol. VIVol. VIVol. VIVol. VI D_]_m\_r/Holi^[y Issu_, 2010

The Braden Steeple will be printed and distributed to the membership of Braden United Methodist Church and the community during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November & a special Holiday issue in December. News articles are due by the 20th of the previous month the newsletter is printed. Send all material to: Communication Ministry Team, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43615 or contact the church office at 419-386-2700

Merry Christmas

Message from the Pastor

My beloved parishioners, Prior to becoming members of the church, each of us

took a membership vow. The fifth membership vow states: Will

you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your

prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?

In answering, “I will,” we pledge ourselves to faithful par-

ticipation in the life and mission of both the congregation and our

denomination as a whole. Being “loyal” involves supporting the

church and its work. It does not necessarily mean agreeing with

every position the church takes. The church needs the construc-

tive criticism of those members who love it. But through thick and

thin, we will support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts,

and service.

Our prayers. In Jesus we see the very model for

prayer. He always turned to God for guidance and strength.

Through Jesus and others we have learned that prayer is far

more than “asking for things.” Prayer is a time of communion with

God. It involves joyous praise of God, thanksgiving for what we

have received, honest confession of our sin, petition for our own

needs, and intercession for the needs of others. Perhaps most of

all, prayer involves listening - attuning ourselves to God’s will and

way, receiving the divine presence, and trying to discern the di-

rections God would have us take.

To uphold the church by our prayers is to pray for both

the church gathered and the church scattered in mission. It is to

pray for our friends in the congregation who, day by day, are the

church in the community and world.

Our presence. Our Christian presence involves, first of

all, being faithful in our participation in the church. We vow to

take regular part in corporate worship, in Sunday School and

other study opportunities, in fellowship groups and events, in the

church’s ministries of witness, service and community action.

Our gifts. We are called to be stewards. With gratitude

we receive gifts of many kinds; we manage these resources

wisely; we share them with others. We give our time. We give our

abilities. We give our financial resources. Best of all we give our-

selves.

Our service. We are called to ministry, to active disci-

pleship in the world. We are a servant people. We vow to put our

heart, mind and muscle to work in acts of Christian love - every-

thing from simply offering a kind word when needed.

The staff of a church is only as good as the support they

receive from the members. Each of us is called to be ministers. If

Braden is to become a vital church, it will take the participation of

all its members and constituents.

Can we count on you to give at least two hours of your

time a month to help enhance this ministry? If so please call the

church office or state it on the attendance pad. We will coordinate

your time to fit your schedule. There is something for everyone to

do regardless of age.

To those of you, who have continuously given of your time, thank

you. Remember, “Christ has no hands but our hands”

Have a blessed Christmas...Pastor DixonHave a blessed Christmas...Pastor DixonHave a blessed Christmas...Pastor DixonHave a blessed Christmas...Pastor Dixon

Th_ Br[^_n St__pl_ D_]_m\_r/Holi^[y Issu_ 2010

The Season of Advent Anticipation and Hope

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday near-est November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sun-day of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sun-down. The Meaning of "Advent" The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the con-summation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this double focus on past and future, Advent also sym-

bolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congrega-

tion, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present

in the world today, and that He will come again in power.

That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live "between the times" and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as the church celebrates God’s in-breaking into history in the In-carnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its re-demption," it also confesses its own responsibility as a peo-ple commissioned to "love the Lord your God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself."

The Spirit of Advent Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipa-tion, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experi-enced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance! It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteous-ness to the world. Part of the expectation also anticipates a judgment on sin and a calling of the world to accountability before God. We long for God to come and set the world right! Yet, as the prophet Amos warned, the expectation of a coming judgment at the "Day of the Lord" may not be the day of light that we might want, because the penetrating light of God’s judgment on sin will shine just as brightly on God’s people.

Evergreens and The Advent Wreath The beginning of Advent is a time for the hanging of the green, decoration of the church with evergreen wreaths, boughs, or trees that help to symbolize the new and ever-lasting life brought through Jesus the Christ. Some churches have a special weekday service, or the first Sun-day evening of Advent, or even the first Sunday morning of Advent, in which the church is decorated and the Advent wreath put in place. The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. Since the wreath is symbolic and a vehicle to tell the Christmas story, there are various ways to understand the symbolism. Continued on the next page...


The Season of Advent Anticipation and Hope continued The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles repre-sent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Ad-vent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corre-sponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. One of the purple candles is lighted the first Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. On subsequent Sun-days, previous candles are re-lighted with an additional one lighted. The pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sun-day of Advent. However, different churches or traditions light the pink candle on different Sundays depending on the symbolism used. In Churches that use a Service of the Na-tivity, it is often lighted on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final Sunday before Christmas.

The light of the candles itself becomes an important sym-bol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds the worshippers that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Fi-nally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worship-pers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.

Kwanzaa (KWAN-za) is a seven-day African-American cultural festival that is observed from December 26 to January 1. It is the only na-tionally celebrated, indigenous, non-heroic Afri-can-American holiday in the United States. During this time, families explore, share and celebrate the African-American community, their culture and their history. It's a time for black Americans to recognize their African roots, and honor the achievements of their people throughout history. People across the globe have observed Kwan-zaa since 1966, when Dr. Maulana Karenga founded the cultural event. Dr. Karenga, then a professor at California State University at Long Beach, wanted to create a holiday about bring-ing black Americans together and strengthen-ing the bonds between black people.

Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa

There are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa that cor-

respond with the seven days and the special princi-

ples associated with them. Read below to find out

what each symbol represents.

1. Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh) - the crops. As the result

of the harvest, Mazao represents productive labor.

2. Mkeka (m-KAY-kah) - the mat. This is the sym-

bol of tradition and the foundation on which all the

other symbols rest.

3. Kinara (kee-�AH-rah) - the candleholder. This

symbolizes the importance of African ancestors.

4. Muhindi (moo-HEE�-dee) - the corn. Muhindi

represents children and the future; it may also be

referred to as Vibunzi, which means one ear of

corn.

5. Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) - the gifts. The full

meaning encompasses gifts given as an act of shar-

ing and a labor of love.

6. Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-KOHM-bay chah oo-

MOH-jah) - the unity cup. This represents family

unity and community union.

7. Mishumaa Saba (mee-shoo-MAH SAH-ba) - the

seven candles. Mishumaa Saba symbolize the Seven

Principles, or %guzo Saba.


Finances at a Glance

Another year is about to end and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Braden Church and it’s many ministries this year. We are thankful for our faithful members who give so generously.

Year to Date Cash Receipts: Needed to Date (11/30/10): $165,456.00 Received to Date (11/30/10):$160,398.24

Apportionments paid to date are: Conference- $22,931.53— 79% District- $6,971.00—100%

Our District apportionments are paid in full! Praise God!

Special offerings collected: United Methodist Student Day Offering-$132.44 Account Balances as of 11/30/10:

The Finance Committee has been busy working on the 2011 Budget and will have it ready to present at the Decem-ber Church Council Meeting.

May you and your family have a very Happy & Blessed Christmas. Again we thank everyone for their contribu-tions and support.

General Fund 3,670.87$

Capital Impr Fund 8,634.84$

Savings 27,731.81$

CD 5,438.23$

Total 45,475.75$

United Methodist Men—

Celebrate the Holidays by

remembering our Sick and Shut-In

The United Methodist Men furnished Thanksgiving Dinner to

our Sick and Shut-In. All of the persons on the list were

contacted, totaling 15; 6 dinners were delivered. The dinners

were delivered by Steve Halliburton, Pres., Pete White our

Hospitality Chair, and Randall Jones.

Order your Christmas Poinsettias!

United Methodist Men will begin taking orders today! All or-

ders must be received by Sunday, December 12. The cost is

$8.00. See any United Methodist Man to place your order or

call Steve Halliburton at 419-654-6554.

To the Body of the Church,

It’s Christmas! A time of good cheer and holiday festivities. A time

for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twin-

kling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling

bells, wassail, fresh cut pine trees—these are the sights, sounds

and smells of Christmas!

Yet as the world celebrates the holiday, may the true meaning of

Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the

season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show

us His Father’s love and compassion for everyone.

Everything I need to know about Christmas I learned from Jesus.

It is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration,

and every moment of Christmas Season.

Joy To The World! The Lord Has Come!

Communication Team


Gifting and Evangelism

When mom or dad is in prison, it’s the

children who do hard time. But you can

let them know they aren’t forgotten. You

can give the child of a prisoner the joy of

Christmas this year.

We need volunteers to Buy and wrap Christmas gifts.

Every child also receives an age-appropriate presentation of the

Gospel message-the true meaning of Christmas. And when

Christmas is over, you’ll enjoy opportunities to continue to min-

ister to these families year around.

Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel with any child requires special care and sensi-

tivity. As your church prepares for Christmas and for sharing the

Gospel with the children of prisoners, it is very important to un-

derstand the following:

The way that a child of a prisoner sees life, and in turn the

way they may hear the Gospel presentation, can be very

different than what one might expect from a child. The

trauma they have experienced may have made it difficult

for them to focus, find meaning, or show their feelings.

Challenges Prisoner’s Children Face

All too many children of prisoners experience real ostracism,

shunning, teasing or hostility at school or in their

neighborhoods. The sense of personal shame may mani-

fest itself in several behaviors. Some will turn toward

anti-social peers, finding comfort in other “outcasts.”

Some will turn shame into a badge of honor, bragging

about the parent’s whereabouts and seeking to emulate

those behaviors that may have gotten the parent arrested.

Some may internalize the shame, harboring deep resent-

ment and hate toward authority figures, desiring to get

back or get even.

As with the children of divorce, many children of prisoners

feel misplaced guilt that they might in some way be re-

sponsible for the parent leaving. Some even develop

guilt over the parent’s arrest. A child can amplify and

project the consequences of their own “bad” behavior,

inferring that they cause the parent to leave. Guilt that

has had no relief or forgiveness may cause the child’s

self esteem to plummet, contributing to fears of inade-

quacy. A child may not feel he or she can be forgiven.

These feelings can be a hindrance to receiving God’s

love that covers over all our sins.

Children of prisoners may be unaware of their parents’

whereabouts, knowing neither why they left nor when

they will return. Some children, when told where their

incarcerated parent is have difficulty accepting the truth.

In either case, confusion contributes to instability, to

doubting adult authority, to distrusting other people,

discounting little promises, and disbelieving sincere

praise or compliments. Your effort to share a message

about a God who can’t be seen or heard takes specials

sensitivity to overcome the association with a distant

parent.

Many children of prisoners lose, or are denied, contact with

their parent behind bars. The isolation may be due to a

court order, lack of money to travel, the imprisoned par-

ent’s own antisocial behavior or an indifferent or over-

stressed caregiver. Such isolation can skew a child’s

appreciation for any authority, whether God’s or a par-

ent’s. It can mute exposure to healthy role modeling,

and stunt maturity. The child may turn inward emo-

tional, walling off their real feelings, and retreating to

hide their fears.

Braden’s Angel Tree gift cards will be available

Sunday, December 5, 2010!

Deadline for returning your wrapped gift

is December 19, 2010

For more information or to receive your angle see

Sis. Eva Tucker-Lingo in the rear of the church

today or give her a call at 419-531-5901.

Shame

Guilt

Confusion

Isolation


Member Highlight

The Stewart FamilyThe Stewart FamilyThe Stewart FamilyThe Stewart Family

Paula and Elbert Stewart joined Braden United Methodist Church in 2005 after moving to Toledo from Northern California. Even though they joined in 2005 Paula Stewart grew up in this Church. What they like about Braden is the family atmosphere, the way the church has been established and the longevity of the root based families. Both serve on the Hospitality Committee, Paula serves on the Design Committee, while Elbert serves on the United Methodist Men, sings in the choir, and is also a Lay Speaker. Elbert was born in St. Louis and moved to California when he was 20 years old. There he met Paula. They have been married for 32 wonderful years and just celebrated their anniversary on Thanksgiv-ing Day. Elbert is retired from Morton Salt after 35 years and Paula has worked for Summit Medical Center for 27 years and is currently employed by Flower Hospital. They have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. It is such a blessing to have two such dedicated members of Braden who work so hard for the better of this church.

Inspirational Stories Christmas is the season for blessings. The Greatest miracle of all that we have been blessed with is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Christ-mas Story is an inspiration in itself. So what is your in-spirational story?

Joy]_ Moo^yJoy]_ Moo^yJoy]_ Moo^yJoy]_ Moo^y

In 1976 I suffered from migraines and still have them today. In 1981 I was really ill and down for 3 months. But through each situation God has delivered me and my faith brought me through. Also prayers from family, friends, and my church family brought me through.

Interviews By: Roslayn Cooper

2 Ruby C. Hill

2 Carla Steele

3 Alexander Robinson

3 Charles Caldwell, Jr.

6 Lula Bankston

6 Ladarius Mays

10 Alice Montgomery-Sisson

12 Jessie Wilson

14 Terry Hutcherson

19 Mark A. Caldwell

20 Beth Matthews

25 Rev. Wynston E. Dixon

25 Mary Olivia Mitcham

29 Stanley Hill, Sr.

29 Carol Robinson

30 Virginia Haywood-Smith

BRADEN’S ANNUALBRADEN’S ANNUALBRADEN’S ANNUALBRADEN’S ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS DINNER CHRISTMAS DINNER CHRISTMAS DINNER CHRISTMAS DINNER

& DECEMBER BIRTHDAY & DECEMBER BIRTHDAY & DECEMBER BIRTHDAY & DECEMBER BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATIONCELEBRATIONCELEBRATIONCELEBRATION

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19H SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19H SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19H SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19H

(IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

WORSHIP SERVICE)WORSHIP SERVICE)WORSHIP SERVICE)WORSHIP SERVICE)


Parents Night Out!

Friday, December 10, 2010

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Volunteers needed!!!!

Looking for a Santa!

Volunteers meeting!

Wednesday, December 8th

Remember our sick and shut in your daily prayers. A kind

card or a simple note could brighten a person’s day; take a

moment and let our member know that they are in the

Braden Family prayers.

Allen, George Jr. Whitehouse Country Manor

11239 Waterville St.

Whitehouse, OH 43571

Beene, Asia (Ronya): 3353 Parkwood Av.

Toledo, OH 43610

Brister, Theresa Lake Park

5100 Harroun Rd.

Sylvania, OH 43560

Bussey, Lincoln Sr. Lutheran Home Assisted Living

2519 Seaman St.

Toledo, OH 43605

Coleman, Mildred 2341 Old Stone Ct., #1

Toledo, OH 43614

Gross, Norvelle Laurels of Toledo

1011 Byrne Rd., #301

Toledo, OH 43609

Matthews, Beth 2706 Alisdale

Toledo, OH 43607

Phillips, Odessa 3407 Avondale Ave.

Toledo, Oh 43607

Russell, Edna 2125 Parkwood Av., #138

Toledo, OH 43620

Shoecraft, Velma 817 Oneida St.

Toledo, OH 43608

Simmons, Loretta Fairview Skilled Nursing

4420 South Ave.

Toledo, OH 43615

Simmons, Roosevelt UTMC

3000 Arlington Av.

Toledo, OH 43614

Young, Harold Heartland – Holly Glenn

4294 Monroe St.

Toledo, OH 43604

Keyes, Mattie 1171 Long Winter Lane

Toledo, Ohio 43614

Hospital Visits:

Please call the church office at 419-

386-2700 if you or family members

are in the hospital and wish a visit.

The local hospitals do not always let

us know if one of our members is a

patient.

Words of Wisdom

“Be thankful... Jesus Paid it all.”

Randall Jones, Jr.


The Christian Education

Department presents…

“Birth Announcement”

December 19, 2010

(During Worship Service)

A message from the Sunday School...A message from the Sunday School...A message from the Sunday School...A message from the Sunday School... As you look forward to Christmas may we all remember why Jesus came. Here are a couple of reasons 1."I (Christ) came to fulfill (the law)” (Mt. 5:17) 2. "The son of Man did not come to be served but to serve" (Mt 20:28) 3. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Luke 4:43) 4. "The Son Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). If we keep these 4 in mind we can celebrate Christmas everyday.

(Excerpt from "The Word for Today.")

Wishing all a blessed Christmas and a

New Year that brings us all closer to Christ.

Christian Education Department

Twas the month before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.* *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! * *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda..*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down* * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears* *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty* *Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter* *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'* *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, Not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and Wish everyone you meet during the

Holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Christ IS the Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

(Submitted by A.Savage)


Braden Youth prepare boxes of

non-perishables for local

Senior Citizens at the

Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.

Braden Youth in Action!


YOUTH COR7ER

Wayne State offers teaching fellowship… University of Michigan Pre-MSTP Ten Week Sum-mer 2011 Research Program

Application Deadline

February 12th, 2011

Wayne State University is looking for college sen-

iors, recent graduates and career changers with

backgrounds in science, math or engineering to

apply for a Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching

Fellowship that will lead to a teaching career.

Those selected will receive $30,000 stipends. They

must commit to teach in high-need urban or rural

secondary schools upon completing the 14-month

program. For more information, go to:

www.wayne.edu/wwfellowship

The University of Michigan's Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is sponsoring a ten week summer research program that is designed to provide an opportunity for highly motivated and tal-ented undergraduates interested in ca-reers as physician scientists to en-hance their science and academic skills. The program is is targeted towards stu-dents who are from geographically, cul-turally, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; students who have experi-enced financial hardship; and students with disabilities. Applicants should have completed at least their freshman undergraduate year. The main focus of the program is labora-tory biomedical research, but the program also includes physician shadowing, an MCAT prep course, and an opportunity to attend bi-weekly seminars and a 3 day MSTP retreat in Higgins Lake in August.

Application Deadline

February 12th, 2011

Upcoming Activities: • Youth will help package fruit bags for distribution to the

congregation; during their cookie bake i.e. making, deco-rating and (eating a few) cookies.

• The youth are planning a recital and fashion show on Feb-ruary 13th for an area nursing home. Cookies will also be distributed.

• Youth Sunday Speaker will be Jasmine Fletcher (5th Sunday)

Tre-Vaughn... Moss


1. Wake Up !!

Decide to have a good day.

"This is the day the Lord hath made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart."

I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!

Say nice things and learn to listen.

God gave us two ears and one mouth,

so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listen-

ing as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul."

Proverbs 13:3

4. STAND UP

. . . for what you believe in.

Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!

. . to the Lord.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".

Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!

. . for something higher.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not unto your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your

path."

Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!

. . your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything; instead

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."

Philippians 4:6

A POSITIVE THOUGHT

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every Spring, a Sunrise every

morning, a Sunset every night.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.

He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your

heart.

What about the Christmas gift HE sent you in Bethlehem;

not to mention that Friday at Calvary .

Face it, He's crazy about you.!

God answers Knee-Mail!

Wishing you a Blessed day!!! (Submitted by S. Lamb)

Happy Holidays

The 7 Ups!


The Steeple Braden’s newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. The purpose for our newsletter is important for our

congregation because it helps them:

To grow spiritually To be uplifted To feel a part of the church community To be active in the life of the church community To make informed decisions about giving

Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:

Pressing towards a higher mark through love and service to Jesus Christ

Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:

“….forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize

f he upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Love,

(Philippians 3:13b-14)

Communication Team

Helen Tuggle * Rosalyn Cooper * Linda Hester *

Randall Jones * Kellie Jordan * Beth Matthews *

Worship Services:

Sunday School – 9:30 am

Worship Services – 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study 12:30 pm & 7:00 pm

Discipleship Prayer!

First Friday Prayer

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Sunday Morning Prayer

9:15 am

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Office: 419-386-2700

Email: [email protected]

For regularly scheduled weekly events refer

to your weekly church bulletins.

The Braden Newsletter the Steeple

gets a new name!

The name of our newsletter the “Steeple” was

reflective of the beautiful steeple that could be

seen for miles around the Toledo “Old West End”

area. Now that we have relocated, we have been

considering a new name for our newsletter. A

name that would continue to reflect our current

ministries and our new ministries along with our

continued efforts, of keeping all our Braden fam-

ily and neighboring communities informed of our

church activities.

Do you have a suggestion for a new name?

Please submit your suggestions to any of the

Communication Team Members or contact the

church office with your ideas!

Thank you for your support the

Communication Team

We would like to end our

newsletter with a special prayer:

Loving father help us to remember the birth of Jesus, which we may

share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and

the wisdom of the Wiseman. Close the door of hate and open the

door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift

and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the

blessing which Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clean

hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be your chil-

dren and children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds

with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake

Amen.

steeple--december--holiday

Documents

church office

vital church

christian presence

divine presence

braden steeple open

membership vow states

rections god

open minds