February 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Questions

     Our three-year-old, Rachel, has entered the question-asking phase of her development with a vengeance. “Why are we stopping here?” “Why did you put that on my plate?” “Why do I have to go to bed now?” Curiosity promotes learning but its relentlessness also provokes exasperation.
     I find that my days are organized around questions as well. “What’s on the schedule for today?” “What will we have for dinner tonight?” “Did Carus get his homework done?” I know that Stephen Covey says that we have to sort the essential from the urgent but I’m afraid I haven’t reached the point of putting that into practice.
     Underneath all these questions are more fundamental ones trying to rise to consciousness. “Should our nation engage in armed conflict?” “How can we justify our enormous wealth when so many people are destitute?” And more personally – “Am I living my life to its fullest potential?” “Am I paying attention to what’s really important or just going through the motions?”
     When these questions threaten to overwhelm, we wish we could sneak a peek at God’s teacher book, the one with all the answers in the back. But that wouldn’t satisfy us either. That’s because questions arising from our spiritual curiosity are really invitations to wrestle with God, to continue to grow in our understanding and response to God’s call. Let’s engage this wonderful journey together.
 

Chili Cook-off

The first annual Crown Heights Youth cook-off will be held February 23 immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service. Donations will be taken at the door. All proceeds will assist the youth of Crown Heights UMC participate in their summer mission work through Youth Force OKC and Youth 2003, a national and international United Methodist Youth conference. You are invited to bring chili, soup, bread, or a dessert. Your item must be named with a name tent in order to qualify for the cook-off. Celebrity judges will name winners in several different categories for the chili and soup with an award given to the grand prize winner. This promises to be a great event for the whole congregation. There will be entertainment and much more.
 

Say Cheese!

The Discovery Sunday School is putting together a new pictorial directory for our church. They will be using a digital camera to take family and individual photos on the following three Sundays, February 2, 9 and 16. Plan now to stop by the Parlor between services or after the 11 a.m. worship service to have your photo made.
Since we’re taking the photos ourselves, you will be spared the portrait package sales pitch. We hope to make the process as quick and easy as possible.
For those who will not be able to have their picture taken at church, digital photos will be accepted. Please email to Charlene@ crownheightsumc.org

Long Time Mobile Meals Volunteer Retires

After 20 years of preparing meals for the Crown Heights United Methodist Church Mobile Meals program, Mary Kathryn Munson is hanging her apron up. Thank you, Mary Kathryn, for your many years of service.

 

This Month in Worship:

We will continue our look at some of the questions asked in the Bible in our sermons this month. We have already seen how these questions penetrate to the core of our faith and ask us to take a hard look at ourselves. This month will be no different. We begin with one more question from the Hebrew Scriptures then turn to three questions from Jesus.

Reverend Newman
 

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

• Feb 2 What Does The Lord Require Of You?
  Micah 6:6-8
  Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
   
• Feb 9 What Good Deed Must I Do To Have Eternal Life?
  Matthew 19:16-26
  Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
   
• Feb 16 Do You Not Remember?
  Mark 8:14-21
  Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany
   
• Feb 23 Do You Want To Be Made Well?
  John 5:2-9
  Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany
  
  
  
   

Youth News

The Crown Heights Youth are participating in a six-week series on mission during youth group. Our series will continue as follows:

February 2
Preferential Option for the Poor
Meet at Amy’s house
205 N.W. 31st (31st & Robinson)

February 9
Parents Workshop

February 16
Panel of Experts on Mission

February 23
Crown Heights Youth Mission Statement and Process for 2003

Parent’s Workshop

Sunday, February 9, from 4:00–6:30 p.m. the parents and other interested members of the congregation are invited to a workshop on mission. This is going to be a great multi-generational event and an opportunity for parents and the congregation to hear our youth express their understanding of mission. There will also be a time for the adults to give their take on mission in the church. I encourage everyone to attend. Please RSVP with the church office. Child care is available upon request.
 

Memorial Gifts

MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of  J.W. & Anne Mullins
Donna Kay Earnheart

In memory of  Charles & Mary Earnheart
Donna Kay Earnheart
 

Transitions

Deaths
Genevive Sherman passed away January 11, 2003.

Cecelia Jane Frew-Williams passed away January 27, 2003.

New Members
John and Charla Blizzard joined January 12, 2003 by profession of faith and baptism.
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Open Hearts, Minds, Doors, The United Methodist Church

Perhaps you have seen the advertising campaign sponsored by our denomination using this theme. Of course, this is more than a catchy phrase. It represents the heart of what it means to be United Methodist. The Pyramid Class, led by Dr. Mark Davies, invites everyone to join them this Sunday or any Sunday for a twelve-week study of this theme.

United Methodist Women

2003 Theme: Faith in Action
2003 Project: Baby Showers

The United Methodist Women will be collecting baby items this year for our 2003 project. These items include: clothing, diapers, blankets, bottles, formula, toys, books, and assorted baby supplies. We will be distributing them to Skyline Urban Ministry, Neighborhood Services Organization, Cookson Hills Center, and Restore Hope. Everyone (not just UMW members) may donate. Please bring the items to church during office hours or on Sundays and help us put our Faith in Action.

Executive Committee Reminder: The UMW executive committee will meet on Wednesday, February 5, 2003 @ 5:30 p.m. in the Fishermen classroom.
 

Music Ministry

Crown Heights’s Lenten music presentation will be held on Palm Sunday, April 13. The choir, orchestra, handbells and children's choirs will present one special selection followed by the chancel choir and orchestra presenting a beautiful Mass (MISSA FESTIVA).

The dress rehearsal will be held on Saturday, April 12 from 9:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The handbells and children's choir will be asked to attend 30-45 minutes of this rehearsal. More details will be available in early March.

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Children's Ministry

The work is back on in the nursery. The murals are being painted in the childcare room and the finishing touches will be made on the rest of the nursery as soon as possible. More volunteers are welcome to make the job go even faster. If you would be able to help finish the nursery, please give Amy a call at 524-8428 or 525-0163.

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