November 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

This time of year brings lots of party opportunities for our family. Ann and I have escorted the Red Power Ranger and Captain Feathersword to Halloween fun at elementary school, preschool, and with the youth from the church. Soon our extended families will gather for Rachel’s fourth birthday surrounded by images of the Disney princesses.

A few days ago at the preschool carnival, our kids were enjoying the basketball toss, moon-jump, beanbag throw, and such. What really caught their attention, especially that of our son, Carus, was the cakewalk. There was no limit on how many times children could participate and Carus was determined to win. We endured the sad litany, numbers called – 4, 22, 18 – but never his. Just when we feared that we would close the place, the call went out, “Number 15.” Carus whispered, “yes,” accompanied by a slight fist pump and a face lit up with excitement and disbelief. He looked over the dazzling array of tempting pastries and finally decided on the plate of brownies our family had taken. He held them on the way home as if they were the crown jewels and then shared the bounty where the party continued in our kitchen with glasses of milk.

Our lives, and our lives in Christ, are no cakewalks. The joy we seek is already among us, freely given, and for that we say “thank you.”

Welcome To Our New Staff Members

Three new persons have joined our staff filling positions previously held by Amy Curran and Charlene Jones who left to pursue other interests.

Stacy Gilbert is our new Administrative Assistant. She comes to us with extensive experience in office management and strong skills in organization and communication. Stacy lives in Oklahoma City with her husband Rich, a computer technician, and third-grade daughter Madison. They are active members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Coy Remer is our new Director of Youth Ministries. His interest in this area began while participating in the youth group of his home church, First UMC in Yukon. Since that time, he has been continuously active in leadership positions. Coy is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University and currently serves as a sales associate at the local Cokesbury bookstore. He plans to pursue a career in ordained ministry.

Mary Altizer leads our ministry with children. Mary has a real passion for children’s ministry and missions, a combination that fits well with the vision of our congregation and one that informs her studies at OCU for deacon’s orders. She brings an expertise developed through years of experience directing childcare and preschool programs.

Order Your Poinsettias

Poinsettias set the mood for the season as they adorn

our sanctuary during Advent. If you would like to give one

or more in honor or memory of a relative or friend, call the

church office at 524-8428 before December 8. The plants are

$9.00 each. Donors will be listed in the December 21 bulletin.

You may take them home following the Christmas Eve service.

Children’s Ministry

by Mary Altizer

On November 9, the acolytes will be recognized for their important contribution

to worship. Our acolytes this year are: Zach Armstrong, Harry Endicott,

Valerie Kastens, Katie Langer, Olivia Langer, Brenna Noble, Monica

Tucker, Benjamin Wallace, Lauren Walton, and Wylie Jack Walton. Mary

Katherine Wheeter

Coming Events:

Sunday, Nov 23, 11:00 a.m. – Children Choir Sing

Sunday, Nov 23, 4:00 p.m. – Advent Festival

Saturday, Dec 13, 1:00 p.m. – Rehearsal

Sunday, Nov 14, 11:00 a.m. – Cantata

Be in the Sanctuary by 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, Dec 21, 11:00 a.m. – Christmas Pageant

Be in the Sanctuary by 10:00 a.m.

Music Ministry

by George Massey

Christmas Cantata

December 14

For the first time, our Christmas cantata is a compilation of compositions from four different works by Tom Fettke & John C. Hallett, John Leavitt, Robert Sterling, and Gustov Holst. We will feature our Chancel Orchestra, Choir and combined Children's Choirs, and supplement our orchestra with our own Mark Bicket (bass) and William Funk (percussion). This will offer a tremendous variety of musical compositions in helping us portray the beloved Christmas Story.

Choir members please note our Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with everyone returning to the sanctuary on Sunday, December 14 at 10:15 a.m. for our final warm-up.

Children’s Choir Parents

You will be given tapes of the music for our Christmas Pageant

very soon. We appreciate your taking time to help your child listen

to and sing along with the songs as that will allow more time for

coaching and perfecting each selection. You will receive a letter from Mary concerning an extra rehearsal, part assignment, and costuming.

This Month In Worship

This month we will take a look at the fascinating story of Jonah and find that it is more than just a big fish story. We begin the month remembering those who have gone on to be with the Lord on All Saints Day and end the month commemora-ting the first Sunday of Advent.

Sermon Titles & Texts

November 2 Other Boats Were With Him

Mark 4:35-41

All Saints Day

November 9 Man Overboard!

Jonah 1:11-17

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

November 16 Unpleasant Surprises

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

November 23 Unforgiven

Jonah 4

Reign of Christ Sunday

November 30 Bigger Than Broadway

Luke 21:25-36

First Sunday of Advent

Youth News

by Coy Remer

Sunday, November 2, is a special one for the youth group and their parents. We will be meeting to discuss the youth council, upcoming events, and new youth sponsors. So I hope to see all youth and their parents at the church at 4:00 p.m.

Attention Young Adults:

I am starting what I hope will be an exciting new Bible study on

Wednesday nights using the book, Meeting Jesus Again for the

First Time. You may be asking yourself, who is a young adult? It is anyone who thinks they are young, or old, enough to handle an engaging look at the life of the historical Jesus and what that means for our lives two thousand years later. I hope to see you there Wednesday nights at 6:45 (after the time of fellowship at the Crown Heights Café)!

Transitions

New Members

Tom and Cindy Krone and sons, Alan and David, joined by transfer October 26.

Sabrina Cravens joined by transfer October 26.

Memorial Gifts

MEMORIAL FUND

In memory of Marjory Saied

D. Craig Johnston

George and Marcia Davis

Stanley and Edye Draper

William and Kitty Ogburn

Peggy Sanders

John and Jean Amick

Virginia Hughes

Jeanette Posey

Joe and Celia Haddad and family

John and Cindy Crittenden

Mrs. C. O. Saied

Brint and Lynda Cutchall

Mrs. Robert Warren

John and Imogene Roush

Lester Metheny

Harry and Yevonne Homey

Mike and Sue Brown

Bill and Eileen Dunn

Phillip and Neena Haddad

Paul and Sara Kelly

Warr Acres Plaza Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Harroz

Larry and Gail Foster

Stanley Kitchens

Paul and Colleen Bicket

E. W. and Frances Foster

Michael and Mary Sills

George and Karla Cohlmia

Alford and Toshie Clayton

In memory of Roy Dalziel

Jim and Sally Hayes

In memory of Bill Peavler