The Trumpet

April 2002

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Broken For You

Once again I find myself embraced by the story of death and resurrection of Jesus. Last Sunday, I was transported by the melodic voices of our choir and the swelling of the orchestra to a place of profound gratitude and awe. Mozart’s setting of a hymn now over 600 years old brought us face to face with the human suffering Jesus endured:

Hail, true body, truly born of the Virgin Mary mild. Truly offered, wracked and torn, in the cross for all defiled, from whose love pierced, sacred side flowed Thy true blood's saving tide: be a foretaste sweet to me in my death's great agony. O my loving, Gentle One, Sweetest Jesus, Mary's Son.

We enter the Easter season this year mindful of severe suffering of many around the world, of our nation still in grief, of individuals and families struggling with illness and emotional pain. The old story comforts us still. I find great hope in the resurrection of Jesus and even greater comfort knowing that we serve One who has suffered with us, who has experienced our brokenness, and remains beside us through it all.

Introducing Our New Logo!

We now have a new symbol to identify our church. It will appear on our stationery, bulletin covers, and website as an aid for easy and immediate recognition.
Sarah Sears and her award-winning team of graphic artists at S Design here in OKC designed the logo especially for our church. She chose a tree as the central figure to represent growth, vitality, and new life. It also reflects the beautiful trees for which the Crown Heights neighborhood is known.

The abstract figures making up the top of the tree may be seen as leaves or birds. The cluster represents the church coming together for worship and fellowship where we find mutual encouragement and strength. Energized by this community, we then go out into the world for witness and service, depicted in the solo bird taking flight.
Sarah and her team produced a design that captures the rich tradition of our church and expresses our prayer for a future of continuing life and mission.
 

College Scholarships Available

The Endowment Trustees invite members of our congregation to apply for college scholar-ships for the Fall 2002 semester. Preference is given in the following order based upon the school attended:

1) Oklahoma City University
2) another United Methodist college or university
3) another church related college
4) a non-church related college or university.

If you are interested in applying, please call the church office to secure an application. Applications will be accepted through April 30.
 

This Month in Worship:

We so enjoy the power and glory of Easter Sunday that it’s easy to forget that this is only the beginning of our celebration. The six Sundays between Easter Day and Pentecost are dedicated to exploring the meaning of this blessed event. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is risen from the dead? What difference does that make in our daily lives?

We’ll begin our search for answers to these questions with the famous story of doubting Thomas. Then we turn to the Book of Acts, the companion volume to the Gospel of Luke. We’ll see how two early leaders of the church, Peter and Paul, make the case for belief in the risen Lord. I’ll be taking some vacation time at the end of the month and Dr. Wayne Coffin will be preaching in my stead. I know you will be fed by his rich knowledge and insight.

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • April 7 - Blessed Are The Doubters
    John 20:19-31
    Second Sunday of Easter
  • April 14 - I Can See Clearly - Now
    Acts 2:22-32
    Third Sunday of Easter
  • April 21 - A Congregation of Skeptics
    Acts 17:22-31
    Fourth Sunday of Easter
  • April 28 - Dr. Wayne Coffin, Guest Preacher
    Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Youth News

Our youth group has embarked on a program called a “Confirmation Refresher.” Rev. Newman and Stephanie are leading the group through the basics of our faith including the Bible, Christian history, and theology. The parents as well as members of our congregation serving as mentors will engage the youth in conversation about their understanding of what it means to be a Christian and to live a life of faith. A field trip to area churches and a retreat at Canyon Camp highlight the conclusion of our program. All youth are welcome to participate.
 

In Our Prayers

  • Mike Brown and his family on the death of Mike’s father, Fred Brown of Sulphur.
  • Ken Copeland and his family on the death of his mother in Texas.
     

OASIS Classes offered at Crown Heights

OASIS, a national education program for adults 50 and over, will offer four classes at Crown Heights this summer.

  • PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise)
    Eight-session class taught by Edith Thompson, who is certified by the Arthritis Foundation.  Classes will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays on May 21, 23, 28 & 30 and June 4, 6, 11, & 13. $10.00 for all 8 sessions.
  • Health Bites
    One-session nutrition class taught by Marilyn Dougherty, a registered dietitian from St. Anthony North. Tuesday, July 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Free
  • Integration of Faith & Health
    One-session class taught by Mary Diane Steltenkamp, a parish nurse from St. Patrick’s Church. Tuesday, July 23, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Free
  • Investing Made Simple
    One-session investing class taught by Tom Fry of New York Life. Tuesday, July 30, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Free

To register for an OASIS class, you must first join OASIS. Registration for summer classes will be May 7 & 8 at OASIS Center at Crossroads Mall from 10:00 to 3:00 and May 9 at St. Anthony North, 6201 N Santa Fe, from 9:00 to 1:00. You may register for all summer classes at either location. Please call OASIS at 636-0037 for more information or see Marcia Brown. OASIS catalogs will be available at the church in the library.
 

Attention 2002 Graduates

We will be honoring our 2002 high school and college graduates on Sunday May 12. Contact the church office at 524-8428 or email us at info@crownheightsumc.org  to let us know the details of your graduation.
 

United Methodist Women Spring Luncheon

Saturday, April 27 at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall

Meet The Glad Hatter - Sue Ellen Ferguson

Sue Ellen uses her hat collection and traces history through today’s current fashions. Using models from the audience, history comes alive as the hat becomes a time machine that transports the audience to a time gone by.

Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased from any UMW member or the church office. All proceeds will go toward the United Methodist Women’s mission projects.
 

Music Ministry

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the special Lenten services at our church and at Nichols Hills United Methodist. We received many positive comments concerning these musical offerings and I certainly appreciated the extra time everyone allotted to learning the Rutter Te Deum. – George Massey
 

Children's Musical

The children’s musical day camp for grades K-8 will be held June 10-14 with the presentation on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16. Our program this year will be The Artful Dodgers (A Baseball Story With A New Twist). Our youngest children will have a part in this program and they will also present selections from VeggieTales. To reserve a space for your child, contact George at 524-9318 or email to music@crownheightsumc.org by May 1.
 


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