July 2002

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

July Revival

Several years ago around this part of the country many churches sponsored revival meetings during the summertime. Some would hold their services in church buildings; other met under big tents put up especially for the occasion. Every night for a week or more, people would gather to sing the gospel favorites, hear testimonies of salvation, and stream to the front to pray at the altar in response to a fiery sermon from the preacher.

We’re not planning anything quite that dramatic but we are going to have special services this month. The dress and the atmosphere will be a little more casual. We’ll alter our order of worship to accommodate a little more singing, both old favorites and new hymns from the supplement to the United Methodist hymnal. Much of our liturgy will come from the Celtic Christian tradition from the Iona Abbey off the coast of Scotland. While we’re not trying to replicate those hot summertime services, I hope we can recover the heartfelt passion for our faith and a renewal of our spirits as did those early revivalists. Cove every Sunday you’re in town the July and bring along your friends and neighbors as we pray for a refreshing visit of God’s Spirit among us.

Vacation Bible School
July 11-13

Thursday & Friday - 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Snack Supper @ 5:30
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

Children will come to know that they are a masterpiece living in the middle of God’s creation. They will learn stories from the Bible, sing new songs, play games, and make creative crafts.

All children are welcome! Invite your friends and neighbors. Call the church office to register.

This Month in Worship

Paul's Letter To The Romans
If you attended one of the summertime revival meetings of years past, you could count on hearing a sermon dealing with sin and salvation. You could also expect to hear a reference to the book of Romans at some point in the evening.

My approach will be a little different, but I’ve decided to preach from this letter from now until Labor Day. Many scholars consider this to be a letter of introduction from Paul to the Roman church. He lays out for them the basis of his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. What interests me in this letter is the relevance of the questions Paul addresses: How can I live a meaningful life? Why do I fail too often to do the right thing? How can I escape the ghosts of the past that still haunt me? We’ll work together on these big questions as we journey together with Paul.

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

• July 7 - The Gospel In Two Sentences
  Romans 1:16-17
  Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
   
• July 14 - Peace In The Valley
  Romans 5:1-8
  Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
   
• July 21 - Love God And Do What You Will
  Romans 6:1-11
  Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
   
• July 28 - Be Saved From Sin; In Jesus Rest
  Romans 8:1-11
  Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Youth News

Religions - Encountering People of Other Faiths

Crown Heights United Methodist Church youth are beginning a study of Religions, This will cover a variety of topics including how we deal with our own beliefs, as well as how we respect people of other faiths. We will learn more about Christianity while we expand our horizons with the study of Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience new ideas.

Sunday Youth Group Schedule
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Games
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Snack Supper & Fellowship
5:30 – 6:30 pm  – Discussion on Religions

Topics
Sunday, July 7 - Standing on Solid Ground
How do we identify and sustain what we believe, even when we don’t agree with other people or when others don’t agree with us.

Sunday, July 14 - Religion? Who Cares?
We will examine religious faith that exists in the face of cultural opposition and discuss how we can support each other as we cope with the culture of disbelief.

Sunday, July 21
NO YOUTH GROUP

Sunday, July 28 - Four Stairways to Heaven
We will examine four approaches to faith that occur in most denominations and in many religions: evangelicalism, liberalism, fundamentalism, and Pentecostalism.
 

In Our Prayers

• Jan Hedrick

• Billye Murphy

• Christine Redmon
   

Transitions

Marriages

Troye Kirkpatrick and Gary Maggard were married June 15, 2002 at Crown Heights UMC with the Reverend Rodney Newman officiating.

Tish Wilson and Greg Willis were married June 15, 2002 at Crown Heights UMC with the Reverend Rodney Newman officiating.
 

July Softball Schedule

Come cheer on the Crown Heights coed softball team. They play on Monday evenings at Legends Sports Complex located 1/4 mile east of Western on NW 122nd.
July 1 - 8:30 – field 7, 9:30 – field 11
July 8 - 6:30 – field 7, 7:30 – field 11
July 15 - 6:30 – field 9, 7:30 – field 9
July 22 - 8:30 – field 7, 9:30 – field 7
July 29 - 8:30 – field 7, 9:30 – field 7
 

Music Ministry

July and August Music
Old hymn vocal quartets are being planned for July, and during August we will have special solos and small ensembles. Want to participate? Call George 524-9318 or email music@crownheightsumc.org.

Children’s Musical
Thanks to everyone who participated in and assisted with our children’s summer musical and camp. It was a wonderful experience watching the kinds learn and develop over five days of rehearsals. Everyone did a marvelous job with both our VeggieTales and the Artful Dodgers. We look forward to next year!

Music Appreciation Brunch
All of us in the music ministry would like to thank everyone that helped plan and prepare the wonderful brunch on June 30.
Rehearsals will resume for Chancel Choir and Hand bells on Wednesday, Sept. 4 Have a nice summer break
 

Improve Your Quality Of Life

OASIS, a national education program for adults 50 and over, offers two one-session classes at our church this month.

Health Bites
A nutrition class taught by Marilyn Dougherty, a registered dietitian from St. Anthony North. Tuesday, July 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Integration of Faith & Health
This class will be taught by Mary Diane Steltenkamp, a parish nurse from St. Patrick’s Church. Tuesday, July 23, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

These classes are free of charge but you need to register. Call Marcia Brown at 636-0037.
 

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