"A Memory of a Trip With My Dad"

Written by Eric Bunge

 


This postcard is a very special keepsake to me.




Postcard of Big Bend Nat'l Park, Texas
at Sunset

I spent several days with Dad in the valleys surrounding the mountain you see in the distance.

 

To get all the way down there takes a lot of time and effort and Dad convinced me to do it.

 

And together, we explored all over the deserts in this distant land.

 

If I ever see it again it will only remind me of Dad.

Eric and his dad, Larry, on this trip

 

 

I wonder if he recognizes the mountain? I do.

 

-On the right are the plains of Texas





-On the left, the lost ole Mexico

 

-The river (Rio Grande) cuts a canyon to the left where surely many have died

 

-In the foreground is the Texas Dad loves so much (his Dead End Canyon)  



"A Christmas Message"

Written by Pastor Renee Ford

A Hand-Made Nativity Set
Donated by a Church Family

          "It is time for us to celebrate the birth of our Lord! God has brought an amazing and unexpected gift to our world. During this time, I invite you to reflect on the unanticipated moments and gifts God has brought to you that bring you hope. Even when life brings unexpected trials, we are graced by God’s presence and the unexpected help God can send at just the right time. Each year, we find new ways that God touches our lives to bring us encouragement and strength. My prayer is for this to happen for you so that the blessing of God’s presence will enter your life anew this Christmas."

        "This Christmas Eve, we’ll reflect on the meaning of the manger and the gift God has given to our world through Jesus. When I was in elementary school, I was asked to sing “What Child is This?” at church on Christmas Eve. I have always loved that carol because it asks a really important question about who Jesus is for us. The gift of the manger can mean many different things for each of us. It can mean love when we are feeling unacceptable or unworthy. It can mean hope when life has brought us to a low point and the future feels terribly bleak. It can mean a higher calling for us to live and follow the ways of Jesus so that we move God’s will into the world through our work, our prayers, and our efforts of justice, our compassion and mercy as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. I invite you to come to worship this Christmas Eve at our 4 p.m. candlelight service and discover the meaning of the manger for you. As God’s people, let us welcome and honor Jesus – God’s gift for the world. And let us find joyful ways to share this gift of love."


Woodycrest Sanctuary

Merry Christmas!!

Pastor Renee
Woodycrest United Methodist Church