May 2002
The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman
In The Presence Of The Holy
Our youth group recently visited St. George Greek Orthodox Church here in the city. From the moment we walked in, we could tell that we weren’t in a United Methodist church but we definitely knew that we were on holy ground. Before us stood the beautiful icon screen, with images of saints and events from the life of Christ. From above, Mary and little Jesus observed us with clear-eyed attentiveness. Father John Tsaras graciously answered our questions about the huge baptismal font, our different dates for Easter, and the “bishop’s chair.”
Whenever I visit an Orthodox church I am more profoundly aware of the rich tradition of our faith and the sacrifices thousands of saints have made to deliver it to me, two thousand years later. It’s a similar feeling I get when I listen closely to the prayer of consecration at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The prayer recalls the story of our sin and God’s forgiveness through Jesus. It brings us again into the Upper Room for that first Communion and then looks forward to the day when we will feast at God’s heavenly banquet. It’s then that I am keenly aware that we’re part of a wonderful pilgrimage stretching backwards and forwards as far as we can imagine. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Summer Programs for Children
Children’s Sunday is May 5. The entire service at 11:00 a.m. will be led by our children from pre-k to 4th grade. The Sonshine Choir will sing and Reverend Newman will deliver the sermon. Immediately following worship the entire congregation is invited to roast wieners and join in the warm weather fun at our backyard picnic. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a grand time.
Children’s Music Camp. Children going into kindergarten through the eighth grade this fall are invited to participate in a wonderful and exciting program led by our fabulous George Massey. The theme this year is The Artful Dodgers with a special performance by the Veggie Tale Kids. Registration has already begun and any children seeking parts must call the church or email us by May 1. The cost is $50 for one child and $45 for additional children in the family. Space is limited to 25, so be sure and register soon! For more information, email George at music@crownheightsumc.org or Kate at children@crownheightsumc.org.
Check out the summer camps schedule at www.okumc.org/camps/. Contact Kate to find out how the church helps with this program.
Vacation Bible School is set for July 11-14. Our theme this year is God’s Great Masterpiece where our children learn that they are a work of art! Co-coordinators this year are Beth Noble and Kate Walton. If you are aching for something fun to do this summer, join us for VBS. Mark your calendars now! More information will follow.
Prayer Calling Circle Update
The Crown Heights United Methodist Church prayer circle is now in place and active. If you feel a special need for spiritual and prayerful support from your church family, call the church office and the circle will be notified. The members of the circle will each dedicate part of their personal prayer time for your needs.
This Month in Worship:
May will be a busy month in our worship services with a different emphasis each Sunday. We begin with our children leading our worship and assisting in offering the Lord’s Supper. The next Sunday we recognize our graduating seniors and receive our confirmation class.
Then the liturgical seasons change with the celebration of the third major holiday in the Christian Year, the Day of Pentecost. Our focus turns to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the promise that reality holds forth for our spiritual growth. To that end, I begin a sermon series the last Sunday of the month on how God worked with some rather dysfunctional families in the Bible. The Book of Genesis doesn’t blink in telling us the good and the bad about the heroes of our faith; we’ll also take an honest look at how their lives mirror and instruct our own.
Reverend Newman
Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts
- May 5 - With Gentleness And Respect
Selected passages from Acts
Children’s Sunday
Sixth Sunday of Easter- May 12 - Pack Your Bags
Acts 1:6-14
Graduate Recognition
Confirmation Sunday
Seventh Sunday of Easter- May 19 - God Gives What God Demands
Acts 2:1-21
Day of Pentecost- May 26 - Out Of Favor But Still In Grace
Genesis 21:8-21
Trinity Sunday
Youth Talent Show
Crown Heights Youth Talent Show
Sunday May 19 @ 5:00 pm
Fellowship Hall
Come hear our youth brass quartet, vocal and guitar soloists, stand up comedians, & actors. This is a fundraiser for our upcoming summer mission trips.
In Our Prayers
- Stephanie Hughes-Tremper
- Betty McWilliams
- Imogene Roush
- Charlotte Peavler
- Betty Vanderford
Congratulations To Our 2002 Graduates
High School
Jason Galt
Jason will graduate from Bishop McGuiness High School. He will join the U.S. Marine Reserves on May 13 and attend boot camp in San Diego, California this summer. He will begin college in the spring.
Scott Pitts
Scott will graduate from Putnam City North High School.
College
Stephanie Hughes-Tremper
Stephanie will graduate from Oklahoma City University on May 11 with a BA in Religion and double minor in French & Women’s Studies. She will be attending Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley California.
Audra Johnson
Audra will graduate from the OU College of Medicine on June 1. She will begin her residency in the department of Family Medicine at OU.
Rachel Copeland
Rachel will graduate from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. She will continue her studies for a Masters degree this fall at Southern Methodist University.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Fund
- In Memory of Fred Brown
Paul and Colleen Bicket
- In Memory of Maxine Luna
Mrs. George Miskovsky, Sr.
Transitions
Marriages
Amanda Roesler and Erik Cowie were united in marriage April 21, 2002 in Oklahoma City with the Reverend Rodney Newman officiating.
Music Ministry
Music Appreciation Sunday
Music Appreciation Sunday will be June 16. This is Father’s Day and the children’s musical will be presented on this special Sunday. All choirs will be recognized for their significant contributions to our music ministry. Everyone plan to attend.
Choir Summer Schedule
The Chancel Choir will be participating in the worship service through the month of June. Wednesday, May 29, will be our last rehearsal for the summer.
Thanks to Children's Ministry Volunteers
From the youth stuffing hundreds of eggs, to the Easter Bunny who dropped off goodies, to the volunteers who played games with the children, the Easter Egg Hunt was an enormous success because of YOU! Laura Topel was terrific as our coordinator for this favorite annual event.
Also thanks to all the great Sunday School teachers out there: Greg Jorgensen, Andy Noble, Marsha Funk, Roxie McKnight, Beth Noble, Brent Walton, and Lee Endicott. Your dedication and creativity provides invaluable nurture to our little ones.
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