The Trumpet

May 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

Easter Glow

Easter was a glorious day here at Crown Heights. Warm sunshine and excited voices greeted us as we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It had been a long but significant journey to that point. We began by bearing on our foreheads the mark of the cross on Ash Wednesday. Our hearts were moved by the stirring music of Palm Sunday. And Holy Week services brought us to the foot of the cross.
On Easter we were ready to celebrate, and many came. This year our attendance was 357, an increase of 26% over last year! And there’s more good news. We received four new members into our congregation that morning and our Easter offering more than doubled over last year with many of you supporting specific missional causes.

We give thanks for the work God is doing among us. I appreciate your commitment to the church through your prayers, presence, gifts, and service. More exciting opportunities are coming our way through welcoming new visitors, summer children’s programs, and mission events. By our witness, we show that Christ is risen indeed, in our hearts, in our lives, and in our community.
 

Crown Heights UMC 101

During the month of June, our pastor will be leading a series of classes during the Sunday school time about our local church and the denomination. This event is designed for our newer members and visitors to Crown Heights. We'll explore our history, beliefs, organization, and how we fit into the larger Christian community.
 

Sunday School Class Events

Genesis Class Work day
The Genesis class is hosting a church work day on May 17. Plans are to work on the back fence and possibly other needed repairs. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office for further information.

Discovery Class Cook Out
The Discovery class will have a class cook out Friday, May 30 @ 6:30 p.m. at the home of Dennis and DeLene Moore.

Endowment Scholarships Available

The Crown Heights UMC Endowment Trustees are once again offering college scholarships to members of our church. Eligible applicants need to be currently enrolled in college for the fall 2003 semester and be a member of this church. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Charlene or Beth at the church office to receive an application. Applications need to be filled out and returned to the church by Sunday, June 15.

 

Senior Recognition Sunday

Our senior reception will be held on Sunday, May 18 in the Youth Room at 9:30 a.m. We will also recognize our graduates from other institutions as well. Please contact the church office if you or someone you know will be graduating from college, vocational school, etc., this spring.

This year is a very special year for three of the youth in our congregation. April Helms, Adam Kelly, and Greg Rice will be graduating from high school. As part of the celebration on May 18, we wish to present each one with a bundle of inspirational letters from the congregation. We ask that everyone write a note or a letter of encouragement for each of these, whether or not you know them personally, and get them to Amy by May 5. You may send them by mail, hand them to Amy personally, or email her at amy@crownheightsumc.org.
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This Month in Worship:

We remain in Eastertide until the Day of Pentecost on June 8. We’re allowing the Book of Acts to be our guide as we consider the implications of the resurrection of Jesus. The readings for this month document the spread of the gospel message in the earliest days of the church. We look first at a problem that arose due to discriminatory treatment of widows and the church’s creative solution. Then we see how the message of Jesus crossed ethnic boundaries to go to the Samaritans and the Gentiles.

While I take a brief vacation, Christopher Curtis will be preaching on May 4. You know Christopher from our music program and his leadership in worship. He will be graduating from OCU this spring and will be entering seminary this fall.

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • May 4 Christopher Curtis, guest preacher
    Third Sunday of Easter
     
  • May 11 Trouble at Home
    Acts 6:1-7
    Fourth Sunday of Easter
     
  • May 18 The First Hurdle
    Acts 8:4-8,14-17
    Fifth Sunday of Easter
     
  • May 25 Draw the Circle Wider
    Acts 10:44-48
    Sixth Sunday of Easter
     

 

Youth News

The youth would like to report that they had a wonderful time at Canyon Camp at the North Oklahoma City District Youth Work Day. They assisted in preparing the camp for the summer, attended a worship time, and enjoyed meeting youth from around our district. Thanks to all who went.

We will meet for our regularly scheduled Sunday night meetings in May. On May 25 the youth will have the opportunity to paint more fish in their Sunday school room. Youth, you won’t want to miss it!
 

 

In Our Prayers

  • Bill Peavler
     

Transitions

Baptisms

Jordan Tyler and Mason Chase Rice were baptized on March 30, 2003 with Pastor Newman officiating.

Aiden Robert Hamlin was baptized on April 6, 2003 with Pastor Newman officiating.

New Members

Bob and Earle Marks joined by transfer on March 30, 2003.

Stormi Rice joined by profession of faith on March 30, 2003.

Sean and Suzanne Hamlin joined by transfer on April 6, 2003.

Jack, Ann, Drew, and Blake Thompson joined by transfer on April 20, 2003.

 

 

Mission Minutes

Six CHUM members are headed to the African nation of Ghana in August!!! Evelyn Phyffer is leading the Volunteers In Mission team of 13 that includes Bruce Pitts, Glen and Brigette Gean, April Helms, and Janet Kingsolver. Many have asked how they can support the trip. Pencils, art supplies, paper and office supplies for the children are needed along with prayers for the team and the people they will be working with. Money to help finance the trip for each member is always welcome.

The missions committee knows not everyone can go to Ghana, but many would like to be in on mission work closer to home. So, a day trip, coordinated by Bruce Pitts and VIM is being planned for a CHUM team in June to help a church in Lawton.
 

 

Children's Sunday

The children will be leading the liturgy, prayers, scripture reading, and special music at the 11:00 a.m. service on May 18. Our Pastor will be preaching the sermon. This is a wonderful tradition here at Crown Heights United Methodist Church and sure to be an inspirational service. Immediately following the service there will be an all-church cookout with games and fun for the children. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a great time.
 

 

Music Ministry

Choir Rehearsal Schedule
May 21 will be the final Wednesday evening rehearsal until September. Rehearsals will continue on Sunday mornings through June except for May 18 and June 15.

The Curtis Family to Sing
On Sunday, May 18 the Curtis Family Vocal Quartet will provide the special music at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Yes, Torrey, Joyce, Christopher, and Laurin will return to Crown Heights to share their ministry of music.

SonShine Choir News
A very special thanks to Jan Zisman for her splendid work with our Sonshine Choir the past three years! She will be stepping down at the end of this season and I know that all of us will want to offer special thanks for her important leadership. With Jan’s leadership and fund raising effort we were able to purchase new Sonshine choir robes that debuted on Palm Sunday. Many thanks to you, Jan!

 

 

Children's Musical

Children’s Music Camp
Music Camp dates have been set for June 9–13 from 8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. After a week of practice, fun, and rehearsals the children will present “I Witness News: Live from Jericho” on Sunday, June 15, during the 11:00 worship service. Weekday mornings will be filled with music rehearsals and prop/costume making. The afternoons will be filled with field trips to local fun spots. Children entering K - 12 can sign up for a most spectacular week. The cost is $65. Register by May 11 to secure a place in the musical – only 25 spots will be available.
 

 


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