Connect with Carol Cottingham

1.  How long have you been attending Troy UMC?
32 years beginning in the little white church on Main Street.

2.  What drew you to this church? 
The pastor and the friendliness of the people.  My husband as we were leaving, said this church needs us as much as we need them.  The lights kept going out during the service. He went home, got his meter and his electrical things, came back and fixed them.  As far as I know, they worked until we moved to this facility.

3.  Which service do you typically attend?
 I used to attend the 9:00 and 6:00pm on Sunday night, but now I'm teaching Sunday school at 9:00 and now attend 10:30 which most of my friends attend.

4.  Share a favorite Bible verse, and why this is a favorite.
The 100th Psalm, "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth," and John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  If it weren't for that, we'd all be doomed!

5.  Tell us about your family. 
My husband Ty and I have been married 54 years.  We were just kids 17 and 19.  He was in the military for 22 years, and I followed him all over the U.S. and Okinawa.  We have 3 boys, 51, 47, and 38.  All married to wonderful young women whom we love dearly.  They gave us 8 grandchildren and one of those 8 gave us 2 great-grandchildren! Our oldest lives in Godfrey and retired from the Alton Police Dept. and is now working security at one of the St. Louis Hospitals.  He has 3 girls, one getting married June 2013.  Our middle son lives in Flint, Texas, has 2 girls and a son.  His eldest daughter is the one that has a boy and a girl. He works as a Physical Therapist Assistant and teaches classes at the local junior college for Physical Therapist Technicians.

6.  Share a favorite Christmas recipe, and why this recipe is a favorite.
It's not very exciting, but sugar cookies because I used to help my mom, and my boys and the grandchildren always liked to help decorate.  Kind of a family thing.

7.  In what era would you most like to have grown up, and why?
I don't know why, but I guess the excitement of the old West.  I thought it would be great to travel in a Conestoga wagon across the valleys and mountains.  I know there was hardship, heat, death and wearin' those long dresses!  Oh my.  I guess I thought it was romantic somehow.

8. I found you behind a desk near the church entrance the other Tuesday busy at work.  Share your involvement at Troy UMC.
I am on the "care team,” the mission team, just went off after being 3 years on the Church council, Vice President of our local UMW unit and am secretary of the District, answer phones every other Tuesday, help with labeling the Newsletter for mailing, attend the Monday Afternoon Bible Study and occasionally lead a session have been a member of the choir years ago, have been in a couple of performances at Christmas, teach first grade Sunday school, attended Sunday school. We had another women's organization called Fidelis Circle. We met in the evening, and I was an active member of that until it dissolved. Helped start the now preschool program that is now called First Step.  Back then it was a Mother's Day Out Program where Mom's could drop their children from 10:30 – 2:30.  They learned to identify their own names, shapes, colors, etc. We had a great time!

9.  How may we contact you in order to make a further connection?
Email tysr@charter.net  or phone 667-2408 or cell 401-9872.

Connect with Heather Budwell

1.  How long have you attended Troy UMC?
Our family has been attending TUMC for almost two years now.  Our children, Jackson(8), Livia(7) and Austin(5), have attended Vacation Bible School for several years now. 

2.  What drew you to this church?
Our good friends, the Rodericks, invited us to visit their church family.  David Roderick was super excited about a new children's ministry curriculum that he was getting ready to launch and thought we would really like it.   My husband, Rich, has been in full-time ministry most of his adult life and has served as worship leader, children's ministry director, family pastor and lead pastor over the years, and although we are currently not in full-time ministry (he currently sells Medicare supplement insurance with Essence Healthcare), we were looking for a church with an excellent children's ministry program.  After learning about the TRU curriculum, we were hooked!  Pastor Dennis and his staff were extremely welcoming and have made us all feel right at home here at TUMC. 

3.  Which service do you typically attend?
Our family attends the 9am service where my husband and I rotate on the worship team.  Rich plays drums, guitar and sings, and I like to sing. 

4.  Share some information about yourself others may be surprised to learn.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to be one of the designers on the "Rebuild His House" project.  I have had a fun time picking out brick, tile, carpet, furniture, paint and decorating the Christmas tree.  I have a background in architectural interior design and currently own my own interior design and home staging company called Fresh Home Designs and Staging.  This has been a wonderful way that I can serve the body of Christ with my gifts and talents.

I also serve as the Saint Louis area coordinator for a non-profit organization called The SOLD Project, which raises awareness and works towards prevention of minor sex trafficking in Thailand, domestically and here locally.  I never know child sex trafficking was so prevalent even in Troy, IL, until I became affiliated with this organization.  I was appalled to learn that Saint Louis, MO, is the third largest trafficking hub in the United States.  I host public speaking seminars where I help raise awareness of this horrific crime.  I actually spoke at an evening service at TUMC in 2009 before we started attending.  Speaking out against minor sex trafficking is a passion the Lord gave me when I was a missionary with Youth with A Mission back in 2000.  We lived in Thailand for several months, and this was the first time I had ever experienced sex trafficking in person.  It changed my life.

5.  Share a favorite Bible verse, and why this is a favorite.
One of my favorite bible verses is "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and future. In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 29:11-14.  These verses have brought me hope in time of great suffering.  The Lord's promises are so strong and true in these verses.  Even when I cannot make any sense of my circumstances or pain, I can rest assured that the Lord has full intentions of caring for me and giving me the best life possible here on earth and more importantly is preparing for me an eternal future with Him in His Kingdom.

6.  Tell us about your recent prayer retreat.
A few years ago a friend invited Rich and me to attend a contemplative prayer group called The New Day Monks.  We were not very familiar with contemplative prayer and after attending a few meetings we knew that the Lord was calling us to Himself through this lifestyle.  Similar to the monks, we employ silence, solitude and prayer to help create intimacy with the Lord.  One of the neat things we get to do with this group is attend a silent retreat at The Assumption Abbey in Ava, MO, a few times a year.  I just returned from my most recent silent retreat in November, and it was very powerful.  It always amazes me how very loud the Lord is when you choose so surround yourself with silence and meditation.  When you take the time to quiet your mind and heart, you can see circumstances and situations in your life so much more clearly, and I believe the Lord's instructions on the paths to take are so much louder. 

7.  Tell us about the weekly prayer group in which you belong.
Another neat way the Lord is allowing me to fellowship at this time in my life is I was invited to join with a handful of women that have started an MIT (Moms in Touch) prayer group.  MIT is an international organization that gathers moms to  pray for their children, their schools, their teachers and administrators.  It has been such a powerful time of blessing for us to come together once a week and commit an hour to praying for our children and their schools.  I have felt such a tight bond with these women over a very short period of time because we pour out our hearts to the Lord for our precious children together and give all praise, requests and intercession to Him.  I encourage anyone who might be interested in this prayer group to contact me for more details.  You and your family will feel the peace of his grace through interceding together.  

8.  How may we contact you in order to make a further connection?
I appreciate the opportunity to tell you about my life and my family.  I look forward to deepening my relationship in our church community and learning more about all of you as well!  Please feel free to e-mail me at budgrl777@yahoo.com.

Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria

Click here.

Thank you Sarah Paul for sharing!

A Christmas Devotional Challenge by Dannette McKellar

“When
the
Son of Man
comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him,
he will sit on his glorious throne.
All the nations will be gathered before him,
and he will separate the people one from another
as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Matthew 25:31-33

Warm milk in a baby bottle is the ticket to popularity at Grant’s Farm, a St. Louis family attraction ... if you are brave enough to pass through the turnstile into the fenced area.  That’s where demanding baby goats crowd around you, stomp on your feet, tug at your clothing, and head butt your arms.  Pushing each other out of the way, they greedily clamor for the ultimate prize: sucking milk from your baby bottle.

That image appeared when I read Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, and I wondered: Am I a sheep or a goat?  This time of year, crowds and holiday stress have a way of bringing out the goat in me.  It’s easy to become a goat when I’m in a hurry ... when I’m working my way through crowded stores trying to find everything on my list ... when I’m stuck in miserable traffic.  Unfortunately, being a goat means I’m focused on myself: what I need to do and where I need to be. 

My challenge this Christmas season is to be less like a goat so others can see Christ in me and in Christmas.  Will you take the challenge with me?

Submitted by Dannette McKellar

Easy and Healthy Chocolate Muffins

1 15 oz can of pure pumpkin
1 chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup water

Mix, bake at 350 for 15 minutes.  Enjoy!

Thank you, Sherri Volz, for this yummy, easy, healthy recipe!

Read about Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries

Lysa TerKeurst's "The Most Searched for Answer"

UMW Christmas Party for the Children of the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House

The UMW will hold a Christmas party for the children of Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House on December 20th. Homemade cookies are needed. If you would like to bake cookies for the party, contact Diane Jones at 288-7254.

Connect with Carol Pigg

1. How long have you attended Troy UMC?

20 years



2. What drew you to this church?

Went to Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon—the pastor was a friend of Dennis’ we later learned.  Listening to Tim at a woman’s Christmas dinner function sealed the deal.


3. Which service do you typically attend?

8 AM, although for about a month or more, been going to all 3 services.  It’s great meeting more people from the church.


4. Share a favorite Bible verse, and why this is a favorite.

Of course, Thes. 5:11. We are encouragers of each other through our gifts.

Another is Ephesians 4: 16-19

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you ….

How good is it that we have God and Jesus in our lives to give us love, grace and power to be sisters established in love.


5. What is one of your favorite hymns?

It Is Well with My Soul.  Always loved this, and it was the last hymn I sang to my Mom just hours before she went to meet Jesus and be with Dad, Grammie and Grampie again.


6. Name a hobby.

Sewing pillowcases for the deployed troops.

7. What are you passionate about?

My ministry to our troops. Currently I have 3 Air Force Families I have adopted, as well as many others through my monthly adoptions with Molly’s Adopt-a-Sailor. We adopt ALL branches of the military.

8. Tell us about your family. 

Husband of 30 years, Max. Met him while he was a student at Butler U in Indianapolis, and he was our summer interim organist at my church right out of high school. We will have known each other 40 years.

Son Andy. 24 and in the US Navy. Extremely talented with his hands and he loves music and art.

Two rescue dogs. Buttercup and Lucy.

I am only 2nd generation in the US. Grampie was from Estonia, escaped through Chezk, and immigrated to Boston. Grammie was 14 and came through Ellis Island from the Black Forest, Germany.   


9. What is one of the most thoughtful gifts you have ever received?

Gosh—so many. The year I had to go to church conference, and Andy and Max were in Washington DC. They bought me a necklace that is cherished.

My Mom giving me the love of reading books.


10. How may we contact you in order to make a further connection?

Cell phone/text at (618) 972-9131

pamperedpig3@charter.net

The United Methodist Women at Troy UMC

Our purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Join this exciting group of women on the 2nd Thursday of each month. There is an afternoon group that meets at 1:00 pm, and an evening group that meets at 7:00pm. Both groups meet in rooms 116/117 (next to the kitchen).
For more information contact the church office (618) 667-6241.

Welcome to RUBY Magazine Troy UMC

Ladies:

Thank you for dropping by RUBY; you will be so happy to have found this new on-line magazine.

RUBY is the brainchild of Courtney Winkler one of our ladies at Troy UMC. I encourage you to make a comment or suggestion and to stop by as much as you would like.

RUBY will  give you another opportunity to be in the know about Ladies Ministries at the church.  There will be multiple interviews on ladies from Troy UMC so we can connect.

In the last few weeks, I have seen quizzes, comments, interviews and now a Secret Santa out on RUBY. There are also photos that are downloaded from our different events for all to share. We are encouraging ladies to list prayer requests so we can all pray with and for you.

Again thank you for stopping by for a visit.

This is just another opportunity to Love, Encourage & Hug each other, and now through cyberspace.

Thank you Courtney for allowing God to work in and through you to start RUBY.  Now that you have discovered RUBY, make sure to tell your girlfriends about it; they will be glad you shared with them.

Julie Ford, Troy UMC Women's Events
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  
-1 Thessalonians 5:11

Nativity-Centered Family Fun and Learning for All Ages

Looking for a FREE activity in which people of all ages can enjoy and participate? Then, save the date for the weekend after Thanksgiving. This past Thanksgiving weekend 2011 marked the fifth year of the annual Scenes of the Nativity event hosted by St. Joseph's in Cottleville, Missouri.  More than 250 Nativity scenes of various sizes and origins were on display in St. Joseph's school cafeteria.  This included designs spanning the traditional to the unique with use of materials from around the world.   

Carved from the Ash at Mount St. Helens

Nativity Created out of the Actual Story of the Birth of Jesus

While viewing the Nativity scenes, an accompanying scavenger hunt list was distributed at the entrance encouraging cooperative learning among visitors and strangers.  Following a group of high school students, our group- a couple, two children, an uncle, and a grandma- assisted them in finding the turtle in the Precious Moments Nativity while they gave hints as to the location of the Nativity scene constructed of corn husks.

After walking through the numerous rows of tables displaying the Nativities, a photo opportunity presented itself at the conclusion where visitors themselves became a part of the Nativity, thus experiencing the story of the birth of Jesus.

In addition, there was a craft area where children could create their own Nativity scene, listen to stories, play games, and have yet another photo opportunity. 

Submitted by Courtney Winkler

"Hot Curried Fruit" Recipe

"Hot Curried Fruit" was a big hit at the Ladies Christmas Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I would like to share the recipe along with a few comments. "Hot" does not mean spicy hot from the curry, but rather hot from the oven. There were reservations from some individuals who were totally put off by the thought of curry mixed with fruit, but they were pleasantly surprised. Try it, you'll like it!

Hot Curried Fruit

1 can (29 oz.) apricot halves, drained
1 can (29 oz.) pear halves, drained
1 can (29 oz.) peach halves, drained - I used peach slices
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained
3/4 cup golden raisins - I substituted with maraschino cherries
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder

In a 2-1/2-quart casserole dish, combine fruit and raisins ("cherries").
Melt butter in a small saucepan; stir in brown sugar and curry powder.
Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over fruit
mixture; mix gently. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes
or until heated through.
YIELD: 10-12 servings

Submitted by Cindy Whitcomb

A Confident Heart- Online Book Club Invitation

What’s the best gift you could give yourself this year? How about confidence? What about a faith in God that removes doubt and fears? Ladies, this is exactly what I am receiving via Renee Swope’s book, A Confident Heart. Now, if you haven’t heard about this book, listen up. If you have, listen up anyway, I have some exciting news! In January, Renee is doing an online Bible study and you can be part of it for FREE! You don’t have to dress up or leave that cozy spot at home. Get a copy of the book, grab your Bible, fix a nice warm drink and fire up that computer.

I am only through Chapter 3 right now, but let me tell you, I am inspired. In chapter 2 we meet Sam, a woman who lives as an outcast in a corrupted society. She doubts herself and her role on Earth. Alone and misunderstood, she goes about her daily routine trying to avoid conflict and judgment until she meets Him. One who waits there for her, knowingly, lovingly, patiently. He offers her something honest, deep and pure. Something Sam didn’t even know she was missing. My friends her name could have been Bethany Ann…well, let’s just say we understood each other.

Come read with me; let’s join Renee as she as she leads us beyond salvation to satisfaction in Jesus. Renee Swope

Reviewed by Beth Miramonti. Please contact Beth at miramonti97@att.net if interested.

RUBY's Secret Santa Questionnaire- Deadline Dec. 9, 2011

Who's going?

Christmas Eve at Troy United Methodist Church

Connect with Cindy Whitcomb

1.  How long have you attended Troy UMC?
I have been connected with TUMC since working as secretary in 1990.  I’ve also quilted with the TUMC Quilters for ten years.  My family and I officially joined the church on 10-10-10.

2.  What drew you to this church?

Pastor Dennis, the uplifting worship services, the welcoming congregation, and the variety of opportunities to participate in ministry.

3.  Which service do you typically attend?

10:30 a.m.

4.  Share a favorite Bible verse, and why this is a favorite.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10.  Life can get very hectic as we run around going here, going there, doing this, doing that. Sometimes I feel like a child who needs to be told, “Just STOP! Be still!” and “Know that I am God.” He is the One in control, He is the FIRST priority, and everything else falls into place after that.

5.  What are you passionate about?

My passion is creating things as gifts and for other people’s enjoyment. The Ladies’ retreat this fall was a perfect outlet for that passion. I had a wonderful time sewing tote bags, planning decorations, and baking cookies. I also enjoy quilting, basket weaving, cross stitching and knitting.

6.  Speaking of baking cookies, those cookies you baked for the Ladies' Retreat were not only delicious to eat, but also stunning to view.  Do you have the recipe?

A friend of mine saw the Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies Recipe in the Belleville Newspaper and sent it to me.

7.  Tell us about Chicks with Sticks (who, what, when, where, why).

Last fall (2010) Gail Joyner and I started the Chicks with Sticks ministry from a simple desire to knit and crochet. Gail taught me to crochet, and I shared some knitting tips with her. Several other women of the congregation expressed an interest in what we were doing. We started meeting casually on Wednesday evenings prior to the Wednesday night worship service and it grew from there. Many women from outside TUMC now attend regularly. Our motto is, “We Share Our Craft with Others.” In addition, we share our support and Christian caring with each other.

The group blesses each item when it is completed, and a prayer accompanies the donations. We pray that the (blanket, prayer shawl, Chemo hats, etc.) provide warmth and comfort, blessings and peace to each recipient. Our list of recipients includes St. Elizabeth’s Hosp., Anderson Hosp., Family Hospice of Southern IL, the Cancer Treatment Center in Swansea, Cover St. Louis, and two orphanages in China. Truly it is a ministry of caring and giving, and God’s Spirit has been present throughout the development of this group. I believe that God comes to us through the people around us. It is my personal wish that each of the recipients experience the love of God in a tangible way through this ministry.

Prayer Shawl with the blessing, "May God's grace be upon this shawl, warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing.  May this mantle be a safe haven . . a sacred place of security and well-being . . . sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones.  May the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.  Blessed Be!"

8.  Tell us about your family.

My husband, Bruce, works for the National Geospacial/Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Mo.  He has completed 30 years of service and is anxious to retire soon! Our son, Marshall, is 19 and graduated from Collinsville High School. He enjoys computer gaming, is studying Japanese and is seeking employment. Finally, Truman, a 9 yr. old welsh corgi, is a valued part of our family. (He was named after Harry Truman with whom he shares the same birth date, May 8.)

9.  What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for my family, my church, and the love of my God.

10.  How may we contact you in order to make a further connection?

I can be contacted by phone at 345-6608 or by email at cindyw@wisperhome.com 

How to Use the Prayer Beads

Created by Beth Miramonti

Prayer Beads
We think of them today as adornments or decorations, personal knickknacks pleasing to the eye and perhaps of some sentimental value. But this is not their original purpose. Beads were designed to be fingered mindfully, to be signifiers of spiritual things, to lift the soul toward the divine. The very word “bead” comes to us from the Old English word for prayer, “bedu,” from which we also get the word “bid.”
One of life’s greatest mysteries is the power of prayer. Used for intimacy with God, it is said to be life altering. The healing power of prayer reaches across science to a place of calm and peace in the human heart and spirit.
Using prayer beads is both compelling and comforting. They welcome you into God’s Holy Presence!
They welcome you to a Holy place of healing and wholeness. They remind you of God’s unconditional love for you. They are tangible instruments of prayer.
Using prayer beads is an ancient form of prayer. Each bead has a special meaning:
• The prayer bead circle has four groups of seven beads called weeks beads. Seven is a holy number in the Judeo-Christian tradition, representing completion and spiritual perfection. Seven represents the number of days it took God to create the world.

• When laid upon a flat surface, the four Cruciform Beads form the ends of an invisible Cross in the center of the beads, reminding us of the perpetual presence of the Cross in the rhythm of our lives. Proceeding around the beads, each Week begins and ends with a Cruciform Bead, reminding us it is through death that we are brought to new life. The four Cruciform Beads provide an obvious place to recite longer prayers, or meditate on scenes of Scripture. The number four also symbolizes the fourth day in which material creation was finished.  They can correspond to the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West), the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the four Matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel), or the four letters of the Hebrew name of God (YHVH).

• Directly above the cross is the invitatory bead which invites us to worship God.
 
• The cross reminds each of us to take up our own “cross” and follow Jesus in his example of helping others. We all have a personal cross to carry; our own need to find our purpose, which can truly be fulfilled by finding a way to help others.
All together there are thirty-three beads representing the number of years Jesus lived.
Using Prayer Beads
Jesus, offers two primary limits on prayer: don’t make your prayers the object of show, and don’t make “vain repetitions” thinking that God is more likely to hear you if you use more words.  So it is crucial for the person picking up a set of beads to watch his or her intentions in reciting the prayers. We should use our beads in seeking a deeper life of prayer; never in order to show how good of a Christian we are. We should never use the beads in order to achieve any material, psychological, or even spiritual gain. Our prayers are not magical spells: we cannot and we must not expect to manipulate anything on earth or in heaven with our prayers. Rather, we should recognize that the prayers help us to make space in our crowded souls for the grace of God, which is beyond human understanding. When not in use, it is generally best to keep the beads put away, so we are not tempted to use our prayer time as a means of show. Setting aside the temptation of pride, we should commit ourselves to the simple and humble work of prayer.

There is no incorrect way to pray!  You may use prayers from the Bible, The Book of Common Prayer, or the Hymnal or you may create your own personal prayers. Some people pray three times around the circle to symbolize the Trinity. It also is fine to pray once around the circle.
1. Find a quiet time and place to enter into prayer. Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel centered and calm. Bring to mind concerns and prayer requests as your motivations for prayer, then leave them in God’s hands as you enter meditation. As you pray, take as much time as you want to pause and reflect.

2. At the entrance of the beads is a Cross, the central symbol of the Christian faith: that thing which both invites us to pray and enables us to pray.  Hold the cross between your thumb and forefinger and say a simple prayer from your heart.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
3. Slide your fingers from the cross to the invitatory bead and offer another prayer. This bead invites us into the practice of prayer; reminds us that we are entering the holy presence of God. This bead represents the rising sun as a call to prayer, and also the sacred unity of the Trinity. (take a deep, long breath)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever.
Amen.
 
4. Place your fingers on the first cruciform bead above the invitatory bead and say another prayer. The same prayer is usually used with all four cruciform beads. This keeps a steady focus.
I lift up mine eyes to the hills; where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
 
5. Each Week Bead: use each bead to take a deep long breath and LISTEN.  Slowly move around the circle in a counterclockwise direction, saying a prayer at each bead
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10, NIV)
 
6. Finish moving around the circle and back down through the invitatory bead to the cross again.
 
7. Say your final prayer holding the cross.
“Thanks be to God!”
 
8. Now take a few deep breaths and a few moments to reflect, feeling love in your heart.  You have just made a deeper connection with God!

Submitted by Beth Miramonti

Ladies Christmas Brunch with Courtney Doctor

The 2nd Annual Ladies Christmas Brunch

Saturday, December 3 at 10:00 am.

Special guest speaker - Courtney Doctor

Courtney and her husband Craig have four children: Austin, Bradon, Shelby, and Rebecca. They have recently relocated to St. Louis in order to attend Covenant Theological Seminary. Her greatest joys in ministry have been teaching women’s Bible studies, leading high school girl’s Bible studies, and helping to start the school her children attended in Wichita.  Courtney has the ability to peel away the layers of an issue to see the truth. Once at the core, she thoughtfully examines an idea in the context of God’s Word. Her deep belief and demonstration that each word of Scripture is profitable for teaching will leave you challenged and inspired. Courtney’s desire as a teacher is that you would be encouraged

to draw nearer to our God who is able to do more than all we can ask or imagine. And that you might know the hope and power Christ has to change us!

Tickets are $10 (if purchased by November 27, $13.00 after that) and can be purchased on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings or by contacting the church office at 667-6241.  Deadline is Monday, November 28.

Connect with Beth Miramonti

1)  How long have you attended Troy UMC?
Almost 10 years (wow)

2)  What drew you to this church?
A strong faith-based youth ministry where my kids could have a church family to help guide them through the teenage years.

3)  Which service do you typically attend?
9 O'clock

4)  Share one of your favorite Bible verses, and explain why this means so much to you.
Joshua 24:15b"...As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." it's my mantra

5)  Tell us about your family.


My husband Rick and I wll have been married for 15 years on Valentine's Day 2012. Together we raised my 2 kids Brandy & Jacob and Rick has two married daughters who have blessed us with 5 "Grands"

6)  When did you start creating prayer bead bracelets?  Was there a trigger that prompted you?
The prayer beads are a new project I began when struggling in my prayer life. I have always fostered an interest in symbolic meanings behind traditions and customs.  Often I find my mind wandering and jumping from one thought to the next, making concentrating on prayer a challenge. I would start a prayer in quiet meditation and before long realize my mind had jumped to next weeks dinner menu??? My husband was raised Catholic and the image of a little child holding the rosary intrigued me. (Specifically this picture of Shannon, Rick's step daughter who we lost in February of this year.)

7)  Explain the process of making the bracelets (time, beads, request, gift).
The process...for me it is it is an experience. After hours of online research, I came up with a pattern of beads and prayers I was comfortable with. I use them in stressful times to quiet my mind and focus my prayers. Upon making that first set, I wanted to share these with my Sunday School class. I put together a totally plagararized "instruction" sheet and grabbed the pony beads! My last Sunday of teaching I shared these with my girls. I have given personalized sets to friends in need and shared my set with friends in times of anxiety.  I have ocasionally spent several hours in a craft store fingering, comparing, holding different sets of beads and crosses until I felt I had the right combination. I want the bracelets to represent the individuals personality and preferences. I also like for them to be weighty enough to feel a drawing prescense without being cumbersome and the cross should fit comfortably in the hand. I love to repurpose old jewelry and restring beads that hold a famililar memory. Right now I am still searching for the right elastic or cording to use so the are durable yet flexible.

8)  What do you hope people will take away from your prayer beads?
These beads in and of themselves are nothing more than a material reminder to help focus prayers. I enjoy sharing  these with others, in hopes of encouraging a peaceful communication with God.

9)  Share a prayer with us.
One of my favorites comes from Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."



10)  How may we contact you to make a further connection? 
email miramonti97@att.net  or home phone 667-3386