The Trumpet

June 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

A Welcome Wind

This Spring has provided several anxious moments for us. Even long-time Oklahomans have rediscovered storm shelters as tornadoes skipped and roared through the area, leaving behind paths of destruction. The sights of ominous clouds and radar screens and the sounds of blaring sirens and excited storm trackers provoke feelings of uncertainty and fear.
This month, we remember an event when the early Christians found themselves hunkered down bracing for what they feared would be a terrible storm. The resurrected Jesus returned to heaven, giving them instructions to wait in Jerusalem for power. Now 120 followers of Jesus sat in an upstairs room feeling lost. How do we go on without Jesus present? Whoever will believe such a far-fetched story as resurrection? We’ve burned bridges with family and friends. Are we destined for lives of rejection and derision?
Then, suddenly, from heaven came a sound like the rush of a violent wind. Before they could duck for cover, they discovered this wind came to destroy only their fears and uncertainty. This force was no less than the Spirit of God come to empower them for the work of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
I feel the stirrings of this wind in our congregation: people preparing for mission trips, children leading in worship, new members offering their gifts. Where do you sense this powerful force? How are you opening yourself to the fresh breeze of the Spirit?
 

Music Ministry Appreciation Ice Cream Social

The congregation is invited to celebrate the Crown Heights Music Ministry at an ice cream social held at the church parsonage, 705 NW 39, on Sunday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite homemade ice cream or dessert. Grab your lawn chairs and come honor our music ministry volunteers.

The Music & Children’s Ministry

On Sunday, June 15, during the 11:00 worship service the children and youth will present I Witness News: Live from Jericho.

Come witness (some scenes via time-delay satellite) Joshua and the children of Israel show their faith and courage as they finally cross into the Promised Land.

Our youngest children will also learn and perform Veggie Tale songs from Jonah.

Crown Heights 101

This month our pastor will lead a series of classes during the Sunday school time introducing our local church and the United Methodist denomination. Visitors and newer members of our congregation will find this a helpful way to meet other people in the church and engage in our ministries. We begin Sunday, June 1, at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room.
 

 

Vote for your favorite hymns

Once again in July we will alter our regular order of service and sing old gospel favorites along with learning new or unfamiliar hymns. On Sunday, June 8, during the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services, you will have an opportunity to vote for your favorite hymns. The outcome of this process will determine which songs are sung in July. Be ready to cast your ballot.

 

 

This Month in Worship:

We conclude our Easter sermon series on the development of the early church as recorded in Acts by considering a contentious decision with major consequences. Then we will actually go back to the beginning of this story with the events on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. I rarely preach from the Psalms but I have decided to do so for two weeks this month. Take a moment to read and reflect on Psalm 84 and 130 to get a sense of the emotional power of these poetic expressions of faith.

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • June 1 High Stakes Negotiations
    Acts 15:1-5
    Seventh Sunday of Easter
     
  • June 8 Present At The Creation
    Acts 2:1-21
    Day of Pentecost
     
  • June 15 Happy At Home
    Psalm 84
    Trinity Sunday
     
  • June 22 Evelyn Phyffer, guest preacher
    Second Sunday after Pentecost
     
  • June 29 Singing Through the Pain
    Psalm 130
    Third Sunday after Pentecost
     

Youth News

The youth are looking forward to an exciting summer. They are anticipating Sunday night youth group that will be full of surprises in June, July, and August. We are planning to go on several fun outings on Sunday nights. It will, however, be important that the youth arrive on time or let Amy know in advance so they do not miss out on the fun.

The youth are also looking forward to going to District Camp June 23-27 and Youth 2003 in Knoxville July 22-28. Youth Week is scheduled for August 1-6. We are planning to go to the lake August 6 (a rain day is scheduled for August 7). Watch your mail for updates on the summer happenings.

 

 

In Our Prayers

  • Bill Peavler, recovering at home

  • Billye Bowman, hospitalized

  • Steve Langer and his family on the death of his father.

     

     

 

Vacation Bible School

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. VBS 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 June 30
.

 

 

United Methodist Women

Everyone is invited to attend an evening with Susan Walton, founder of Suited for Success, Inc., on Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Activities Room.

Suited for Success provides career seminars and collects and distributes professional clothing and related items to economically disadvantaged women in the Oklahoma City area. UMW members and guests are encouraged to bring professional clothing donations. We ask that all donations be in excellent condition and ready to wear, cleaned, pressed, and on hangers.

 

 

Music Ministry

Children’s Musical

Those of you who have picked up your music for the music camp begin memorizing your lines and learn the songs before camp begins. Don’t forget to bring your books with the marked dialogue. Parents: We will have a last run-through on Friday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. Please feel free to come! Having a live audience helps with the jitters later. Also, please do not hesitate to call 524-9318 or e-mail gmassey4@cox.net.

July Gospel Month

We will be repeating our popular gospel music in July with smaller ensembles and quartets. If you're interested, please let George know as soon as possible.

Choir Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals will continue on Sunday mornings through June except for June 15. We will resume our Wednesday schedule on September 3.
 

 

Children's News

Amy will be attending Elementary and 6th Grade camp June 16-20 at Canyon Camp. This will be a great week for children entering 3rd through 5th grade and 6th grade. If you are interested in your child attending, be sure to call Amy ASAP. The June camps will fill up fast.

Check out the summer camps schedule at www.okumc.org/camps/. Contact Amy to find out how the church helps with this program.
 

 


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