August 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Finding Your Ministry

     Most of the time when we hear someone talking about his or her minister our minds immediately go to the image of a pastor or professional staff person. In fact, we often use the words “pastor” and “minister” inter-changeably. But should you be asked to list the people who have ministered to you throughout your life, I venture to say that list would be quite lengthy and that most of the names would represent laypeople. The neighbor who brought by food when your daughter was born, the Sunday School teacher who taught you the names of the twelve disciples, the friend who gave a word of encouragement at just the right time.

     While not all of us are called into a professional career in the church, each one of us has been called to ministry, to share the love of God with others in specific ways. During the month of August I want to encourage you to reflect upon your particular ministry, your calling. Frederick Buechner suggests that a person’s calling can be found where your passion and the world’s need meet. For some that may be doing what you’re already doing, sending cards, praying for others, ushering, singing in the choir. Others may find their plate full caring for their families. Where is it that your interests take you? Perhaps those skills and gifts are just what a neighbor or your church could use.

     Consider the gifts surveys we will distribute in worship the beginning of August and let us know how we can help you become a valuable minister in this congregation.

August Sunday School Lecture Series

The tradition continues this year with all of our adult Sunday School classes meeting together for an enriching series of speakers throughout the month of August. This year our theme is Beyond Boundaries where we will be encouraged to move beyond our comfort zones to see what God is doing in diverse areas of our world.

The first Sunday we will welcome the Reverend Stan Basler, Director of Criminal Justice Ministries for the Oklahoma Conference. Coming from a legal career, Rev. Basler brings a unique perspective in ministry with those involved in our prison system. The last Sunday of the month we will hear from our team members about their mission to Ghana in West Africa. In between, we have plans to learn about faith and service among the world’s religions.

Join us at 9:40 a.m. each Sunday in the Youth Activities Room
 

Expanded Program for Wednesday Nights Coming This Fall

Plans are underway for increased program opportunities on Wednesday nights starting September 10. In addition to bell choir and chancel choir rehearsals, we will offer a meal open to everyone. Other plans include our Pastor leading a group through Disciple Bible Study, a long-term, small-group study of the scripture. Sign-up information will be announced soon; space is limited. Watch for more details on these new opportunities.
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This Month in Worship:

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

• August 3  Youth Sunday
  Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
   
• August 10  A Stranger At Home
  Mark 6:1-13
  Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
   
• August 17  Be Careful What You Ask For
  Mark 6:14-29
  Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
   
• August 24  Playground Politics
  Mark 9:33-42
  Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
   
• August 31  Greener Pastures
  Mark 6:30-44
  Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
  
   

Youth News

Sunday August 3 is Youth Sunday. The youth are busy planning a worship service that will capture the essence of their faith and inspire all who attend. They will be leading the 8:30 and the 11:00 services.

The remainder of the week the Youth will be going ice skating, to a Redhawks game, and boating at Lake Thunderbird. They will also be involved with a service project at the Infant Crisis Center. All these activities are planned for Youth Week 2003.

                                                     St. Yootz Day

On Saturday, August 23, the youth group will be going to St. Yootz Day, an annual event at Frontier City hosted by the Conference Youth Council. This event raises money for the Youth Service Fund, one of the key contributors to Youth Force. The day is full of fun, fellowship, and a concert. The cost is $16.00 and includes admission and priority seating at the concert featuring Holland, John Reuben, and Thousand Foot Crutch. If you are interested in attending, meet at the church at 3:00 p.m. Plan on staying until the park closes. No Youth on Sunday, August 24.
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In Our Prayers

• Anne Hemry and family at the death of Gene Hemry July 22, 2003.
   
• Jane Davis, recovering at home.
   
• Sue Adkins, Steve Adkins mother, recovering at home.
   

                                              Transitions
Baptism
Alexander Francis Cook, son of Tim and Bridged Cook, was baptized on July 27, 2003 with Reverend Newman officiating.

Births
Sophia Alex Davies was born June 30, 2003. She is welcomed by her parents, Mark and Kristen Alex Davies, and sister Rae.
 

Ghana Mission Trip August 7-19

The eleven team members of VIM Team #285 to Accra, Ghana, are ready, willing, and able to be the hands and feet of God and “to share the love of Christ in ways that make a Christian difference” to 30,000 Liberian refugees living at the Buduburam Refugee Camp near Accra. Of the 30,000, approximately 8,000 are children. With the increased unrest in Liberia, the Team has been advised that the numbers at the Camp are growing. Although our tasks include mission Bible school, medical/health screening and treatment, HIV/AIDS-substance abuse education, light construction, women’s skills, and even the establishment of a Boy Scout Troop, the Team is always cautioned to be flexible. Upon arrival we may find that the need dictates that we undertake additional or alternative tasks. Team members are Brigette and Glen Gean, April Helms, Janet Kingsolver, Bruce Pitts and Evelyn Phyffer, Team Leader, CHUMC; Trevor Tullius, McFarlin UMC (Norman); Les Thompson, Heritage Baptist Church (OKC); Donald Leishear and Martin Carr, Damascus UMC (Maryland) and Darlene Brown, St. Xavier’s Catholic Church (Louisiana). Please keep all of us in your prayers for safe travel and safety while on the mission, as well as prayers for Priscilla Jaiah, UM pastor/missionary and for those who await our arrival.
 

Prayer Chain and Helpful Hands

Prayer Chain Available

Once in a while, we find ourselves, or people we care about, in situations where the only thing that can help is prayer. Crown Heights has a prayer chain available. It is comprised of members of our congregation who are willing to pray for those in time of need. If you have a prayer concern for which you would like to enlist the prayers of others, please call the church office at 524-8428.

Help On Hand
 
There are many people in our congregation who may need a helpful hand every now and then. The Care Committee has put together a list of people who are willing to lend such a helping hand for small household chores (such as changing light bulbs, moving a heavy item, etc.) If you are in need of assistance, please call the church office at 524-8428 and we can match up your job with a qualified person who is ready and willing to help!

United Methodist Women Welcome Tom Campbell

The UMW will be welcoming Tom Campbell, President and CEO of Circle of Care on Tuesday, September 2 @ 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Tom is a 20 year veteran of working with residential child care. A native of South Carolina, he came to Oklahoma in 1998 as Site and Program Director of the United Methodist Boys’ Ranch. In June 2001 he was appointed to his present position.

Circle of Care is one of our Conference apportionments. Tom will tell us how our money is used to help underprivileged and/or hurting children in the state of Oklahoma. UM Boys’ Ranch, Frances Willard Home for Girls, and the UM Children’s Home are just three of the seven programs through which the agency cares of more than 145 children and youth.

Deborah Circle will provide a light supper. Members of UMW are urged to come and bring a guest. All are welcome.

 

Music Ministry

Thanks to all who participated in our July gospel quartets. A special thanks to Tom Weaver for providing the music and narration for some of the selections.

The Chancel Choir resumes rehearsals on Wednesday, September 3, at 7:30 p.m. Bell choir will begin at 6:30 pm. We will have lots of new music to work on, especially our Christmas Cantata scheduled for Sunday, December 14 @ 11:00 a.m. Dress rehearsal will be the morning of Saturday, December 13.
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Children's Ministry

Vacation Bible School

The Children had a wonderful time at Vacation Bible School. We had nearly 30 children and close to 45 volunteers throughout the week. The children learned about the importance of shining God’s light and collected dozen’s of jars of peanut butter for their mission project. Thanks to everyone who made this week possible; a special thanks to Susie Wallace who served as the VBS Coordinator this year.

Summer music camp and VBS pictures will be available soon on the church web site: www.crownheightsumc.org.

Children’s Council Meeting

The Children’s Council will meet Wednesday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the parlor to prepare for fall activities. Childcare will be available. Mark your calendars; we hope to see you there.
 

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