The Trumpet

March 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Spring Break

This month many of us will observe an interesting phenomenon known as spring break when schools take a week off. Some take advantage of this time to take short vacations, others, including our youth group, go skiing, and yet others go south for fun in the sun. I suppose the idea is take a break from the grind of the school year to allow a chance to regroup and be refreshed for the last push of the semester.

     The church takes a break as well this time of year and has been doing so for centuries. We call it Lent, a six week intermission from our regular routine to evaluate our spiritual condition. This season acknowledges that all of us are prone to neglect feeding our spirits, to turn to voices other than God’s in setting our priorities, to allow the flame of passion to run low. We now collectively focus on the teachings and life of Jesus to remind ourselves of the model God has given us on how to live and to gather strength for the next phase of the journey.

Ideas on observing Lent

     Some people find it helpful to “give up” something for Lent as a means to discipline oneself and as a reminder to prayer. Others may want to “take on” something, perhaps writing notes of appreciation or being involved in service to others. Suggestions for these activities will be  listed in the Lent brochure and in the special lesson series I will be teaching during the Sunday School time starting March 9.

 

The Reverend Phil Fenn  to present 2003 Holland Lectures March 30

We are pleased to welcome Phil Fenn to this distinguished series. Reverend Fenn served churches in New Mexico and Oklahoma before retiring in 2001 after a twenty-two year pastorate at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman. He is known as an outstanding preacher and respected leader in the Oklahoma Conference.
He will be speaking on Abraham Lincoln as a model of faith. Rev. Fenn’s fascination with this topic was sparked by his study of Lincoln in preparation for sermons during the American bicentennial in 1976.
This promises to be an extraordinary day with special music, hymn singing at the evening lecture, and a dinner afterwards.

Abraham Lincoln: Model of Faith

8:30 & 11:00 a.m. – A Different Approach (meet in Sanctuary)

9:30 a.m. – Sifting the Evidence (meet in Youth Activities Room)

5:00 p.m. – Practical Lessons (meet in Sanctuary)

 

Ash Wednesday Service

 On March 5, we begin the observance of Lent with a brief service in the Sanctuary. Those who wish may receive the sign of the cross made out of ashes. You may also list your concerns and hopes on a slip of paper and commit it to God in a service of burning.

 

Children’s Ministry

The Children’s Council will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19th. The youth are planning to fill the eggs, but we need everyone’s support on goodies for the filling. Please bring a bag of candy or sugar free fruit candy to the church between March 2nd and April 12th. There will be a basket between the outside the door in the front of the sanctuary.

 

This Month in Worship:

This month we turn the liturgical calendar page from Epiphany to Lent. We now begin our journey to the cross and the resurrection. The sermons, hymns, and prayers focus our attention on such themes as commitment, sacrifice, and repentance. It will be a time of taking stock of our spiritual condition and conforming our lives to the image of Christ.

Reverend Newman
 

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • Mar 2 What Is Truth?
    John 18:33-40
    Transfiguration Sunday
     
  • Mar 9 Off To An Ominous Start
    Mark 1:12-15, 21-28
    First Sunday in Lent
     
  • Mar 16 A Matter Of Life And Death
    Mark 8:31-38
    Second Sunday in Lent
     
  • Mar 23 Time To Clean House
    John 2:13-22
    Third Sunday in Lent
     
  • Mar 30 A Different Approach
    Rev. Phil Fenn, Holland Lecture
    John 14:15-17
    Fourth Sunday in Lent
     

 

Youth News

The Youth are going skiing at Angel Fire, NM over spring break. A mandatory participant meeting will be held on March 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the library.

The youth are also looking forward to the summer. Crown Heights will be sending youth to Youth 2003 in Knoxville, Tennessee and Youth Force OKC here in Oklahoma City. The youth made close to $600 for these summer trips at the Chili Cook-Off. Thank you for your support.

2003 Seniors
This year is a very special year for two of the youth in our congregation. April Helms and Greg Rice will both be graduating from High School. One of the ways that we can celebrate with these youth is to write letters on love and encouragement. Mail, e-mail, or personally hand these letters to Amy and she will compile and give them to April and Greg at the senior lunch. Please turn in your letters no later than April 20
.

 

In Our Prayers

  • Charlene Jones and her family at the death of her father on February 5.

  • Ann DeGraffenreid on the death of her husband, Bob, who passed away February 11. We also remember Beth Noble, his daughter, and her family.

     

 

Mission Minute

Mobile Meals Ministry

Be a part of the Mobile Meals Ministry. Cooks and Drivers are wanted. Be on a team and cook a meal or drive and deliver the meals once a month. Teams work together to provide hot meals for local shut-ins and the elderly. A team of two or more cooks meet in the church kitchen on Mondays at 9 a.m. to prepare the food and a team of drivers arrive to help box and deliver the meals before noon. Crown Heights is currently serving 29 hot meals a week. Contact Linda Woolwine 528-5112 or Stanley Kitchens 229-9384.
 

 

Memorial Gifts

MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of
C.J. Frew-Williams
Circle I
Artie Jackson
Diane Jackson
.

 

United Methodist Women

What is the United Methodist Women?
What is their purpose?

The United Methodist Women of Crown Heights will answer these questions and more on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m. during a brunch hosted by the Share and Deborah Circles. Our speaker will be Joanne Kurklin, an Oklahoma Conference UMW officer. Come learn about this community of women who are hungry for a creative supportive fellowship and want a deeper involvement in missions. Women of all ages are invited to attend. Child care will be provided.

Executive Committee Reminder: The UMW executive committee will meet on Wednesday, March 5, 2003 @ 5:30 p.m. in the Fishermen classroom. This will be a brief meeting so that we may attend the Ash Wednesday service @ 6:00 p.m.
 

 

Music Ministry

Special Holland Lecture Selection

The Chancel Choir will be presenting a special anthem entitled "Lincoln Speaks" to coincide with our Holland Lecture, Abraham Lincoln: Model of Faith in the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 30. Bob Trobaugh will serve as narrator, and Amber Ballard, will sing the very moving "Nancy Hanks", a lovely selection about Lincoln's mother.

Lenten Cantata Rehearsal

The dress rehearsal will be held on Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 – noon in the sanctuary. The handbells and children's choir will be rehearsing from 11:00 – noon. This will enable us to rehearse our joint anthem (chancel, children's choir, instrumental ensemble, and our palm processional.)
 

 

 


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