HAPPY NEW YEAR
The community at Brooks-Howell celebrated the holidays with many activities including Advent Vespers, parties, caroling and the annual Christmas play, of course! This is such a festive time. There were parties for residents in the health units as well as for the children of our employees. Each week of Advent a different worship style was used to guide us on our journey of waiting. St. Paul's UMC choir shared their Christmas Cantata one week. Another week there was a hymn sing of Advent and Christmas songs both familiar and new.
In addition to traditional decorations, the many residents share their seasonal treasures from all over the world...literally! You've never seen so many creches and Holy Family representations in traditional art and in three-dimensional carvings. We are definitely reminded that God sent Jesus into ALL the world. HALLELUJAH!
The Christmas play was a big hit as always. Written by a resident and ad-libbed by the performers, one never knows exactly what to expect. This year, young Ebenezer Scrooge encountered a group of Deaconesses in traditional garb who provided a caring moment in his lonely life. An older Ebenezer moves to Brooks-Howell where Santa and 
Matilda Claus have been in residence for some time. Somehow Santa, Ebenezer and some wounded reindeer all worked together to save Christmas. And of course our brave therapy dog Hoagie helped too. Guess you had to be there!
The new year was ushered in with a 24 hour Vigil of Remembrance for those who have lived among us and joined the Church Triumphant during 2011. It was a beautiful time of celebration of lives lived in service. The current Serendipitor has the list of all 18 who were remembered.
Welcoming the New Year was also a time of Hope for the coming year and all the opportunities it may hold. After all, the motto for Brooks-Howell Home is
"Called...Served...Serving Still!"
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UMW RESOURCES - Be sure to check out the resources page with links to Deaconess and Missionary stories and other materials, including a birthday list of Brooks-Howell residents.
Speaking of United Methodist Women, a very special 'THANK YOU' to all of the local, district, and conference groups who support us throughout the year with your prayers, greeting cards, and other special remembrances. You enrich the life of every resident and staff member at Brooks-Howell.
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Owned and governed by Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, Brooks-Howell Home is open to retirees and staff of the Women's Division, missionaries of the former National and World Divisions (now the General Board of Global Ministries) and others approved for residency. A majority of the residents are missionaries and deaconesses.
Contact us at
Brooks-Howell Home!