The Trumpet

July 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Altar Calls Revisited


For some of us, summertime brings back memories of week-long revival meetings with endless altar calls beckoning sinners to come home. While we may feel now that these preachers went a little overboard, we still sense there was something compelling in their fervent pleas. They were calling us to make a commitment to something bigger than ourselves and to know the grace of God reaching into our very souls.
For a while a few days ago, I felt like I was in one of those evangelistic meetings once again. But this time I was in the chapel at Oklahoma City University and the speaker was Tony Campolo. Trained as a sociologist, Campolo has worked extensively in inner cities around the world including his native Philadelphia and in the troubled areas of Northern Ireland. Coming from these experiences and his Baptist heritage, he let us have it. He railed against our acceptance of consumerism, our dismissive attitude toward Jesus’ call to be in ministry with the poor, and our hesitancy to call people to commitment.
Something in his message rang true to me, and, from what I’ve observed, to several others as well. Many people are looking for more meaning in their lives, for more depth in their relationships, to give themselves to a greater cause. This generation of young people is known for their interest in serving others as evidenced by their involvement in mission and volunteerism. There is a revival of interest in religious rituals and practices.
I believe God is calling us. Do you sense it? How are you responding?
 

Vacation Bible School

 
Registrations are out for VBS!
This summer at Lighthouse Kids VBS, children will be dazzled with the power of God’s light through stories, songs, games, crafts, and fun. The week will start with a congregation wide Decoration Party Tuesday, July 8 @ 6:00 p.m. There will be food and fun for all ages. Everyone is invited. Vacation Bible School is July 9-13 and will follow the schedule as follows:

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening
Snack Supper – 5:30 pm, VBS – 6-8:30 p.m.
Saturday – 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday – 9:30 a.m. – noon

Ages 3 years – 12 grade can participate. There is something for everyone!

Pick up a registration form in the church office. Registrations are due ASAP.

 

Youth 2003


Not an event, An EXPERIENCE!

Amy Curran and five members of our Youth group, Rachel Altobello, Jack Funk, William Funk, Aaron Gean, and Hilary Jones will be attending Youth 2003 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville TN July 23-27. This is a global gathering of United Methodist Youth. They will, worship, study, celebrate and meet other United Methodist Christians from around the world! The Youth will be called to reach higher and touch God’s grace and spirit, reach deeper to find their inner selves, and reach further to embrace the changing world and to make a difference. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel and EXPERIENCE Youth2003.
 

 

This Month in Worship:

The Epistle of Straw

This month our sermon texts are from the letter of James. It’s one of those slender volumes towards the end of the New Testament that’s easy to thumb right past. The sixteenth-century reformer, Martin Luther, just thumbed his nose at it instead. He looked at its message about the importance of good works and saw a contradiction to his beloved emphasis on salvation by grace alone. So he called it “the epistle of straw.” We’ll explore this book and give you a chance to see what you think.
 

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • July 6 Owning Our Prejudices
    James 2:1-10, 14-17
    Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
     
  • July 13 The Perils of Speech
    James 3:1-12
    Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
     
  • July 20 The Line Between Good And Evil
    James 3:13-4:3, 7-8
    Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
     
  • July 27 All in This Together
    James 5:13-20
    Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
     

 

Memorial Gifts Help Fund Projects


Crown Heights has been fortunate to be able to fund some special projects recently through donations made to our Memorial Fund.

Projects recently funded include a new fence in the church backyard, a new heating unit for the bell choir room, new audio mixer equipment for the sanctuary, new tires for the church van and a new computer for the finance office. Thank you to all who contribute to the Crown Heights Memorial Fund and thanks to the families who allowed us to use these funds in memory of their
loved ones.
 

 

In Our Prayers

  • Jean Amick
  • Marion Cohenour, hospitalized
  • Roy Nelson
  • Bill Peavler
  • Kay Robinson
     

 

Memorial Gifts


MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Cecelia Jane Frew Williams
Diane Rouse
Taffy Fellingham
Cecelia Jane Rigsby
Pamela Rust

 

 

Your Favorite Hymns


Those present in the worship services on June 8 voted for their favorite hymns to sing during the month of July. The ballots are in and here are the ones you selected:

July 6 Standing on the Promises
Blessed Assurance
How Great Thou Art
Amazing Grace

July 13 Love Lifted Me
When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
The Old Rugged Cross
Because He Lives

July 20 Holy, Holy, Holy
I’ll Fly Away
In the Garden
I Love to Tell the Story

July 27 Morning Has Broken
Are Ye Able
Rock of Ages
What a Friend We Have in Jesus

These will be sung at the 11:00 a.m. services on the dates listed. Two for each Sunday will be in the 8:30 a.m. bulletin.
 

 

United Methodist Women

The month of July is good time to begin purchasing items for the Clothes for Kids store at the McKee Center. The Clothes for Kids program provides new outfits for children and youth to begin school this fall. Items needed are new: pants, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, blouses, and school supplies. All sizes are requested. Larger sizes are usually the first to go. You may bring these items to the church through July.

The UMW will be serving as shopping assistants at the Clothes for Kids store on, Thursday, August 7 @ 6:00 p.m. We will meet at the church then leave as a group to the McKee Center which is located at 500 S.E. 15 You must be 18 years of age to serve as an assistant. To volunteer contact Charlene @ 524-8428.
 

 

Music Ministry

Thanks again to everyone who participated and assisted with our summer musical camp and presentation of I Witness News: Live from Jericho. Working with and presenting the younger group of kids in this years musical allows us to have a greater nucleus of performers for the next two or three years. Thanks to the parents who helped the children with their scores and listening to the tapes we provided. If anyone has suggestions concerning this week long camp, please feel free to call George 524-9318 or email gmassey4@cox.net.

July Gospel Month

July will once again highlight our gospel quartets and ensembles. Chancel Choir members will be rehearsing the small ensembles every Sunday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the 11:00 a.m. service.

 

 

Canyon Campers Return


Brenna Noble, Wylie Jack Walton and Benjamin Wallace spent a few summer days away from home and explored what “shalom” meant at the Growin’ In Grace Camp held at the United Methodist Canyon Camp. Youth members, Rachel Altobello and Hilary Jones learned to Live Out Loud at the week long North OKC District Camp. Both groups had exciting camp experiences while making new friends.
 

 


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