The Pastor’s Column

By Rodney Newman

 Looking Back, Reaching Forward

       Last fall I convened a group of folks in the church to serve as a planning committee for our 75th anniversary. Marsha Funk and Ann Trudgeon agreed to co-chair this group, all of whom launched into the task with enthusiasm. As plans advanced and word spread, we were reminded of the deep and special feelings many people have for this church. Several people who have been a part of this congregation in the past are letting us know that they plan to be here for this special day. It will be a grand occasion.

     Many persons have enjoyed looking through old pictures, sprucing up the building and grounds, and sharing memories as the day of celebration approaches. My personal memories take me back to an important time of transition in my life. In 1989, I was newly graduated from seminary and new to the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma. Even though I had never heard of Crown Heights before my appointment as Associate Pastor, I soon discovered that I had been blessed indeed. The Senior Pastor, Bill Henry, his wife Phyllis, and the people of the church received me warmly, were very patient with my learning curve, and nurtured me personally and spiritually.

          I encourage each of you to take some time to reflect upon what this congregation has meant to your life as well. Then let us together recommit ourselves to a continuing ministry of sharing the love of God in this corner of the world and beyond.

 

75th Anniversary Celebration

June 5-6, 2004

 Saturday, June 5

 Open House at the home of

John & Marsha Funk

931 NW 15th

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

                                                                                                                   

Youth Party at Frontier City

6:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, June 6

 

      Worship Service

10:00 a.m.

Lunch and Entertainment

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

 

 

·   Catered picnic lunch open to all

·   Seating in the Fellowship Hall and outdoors

·   Live music in the Fellowship Hall

·   A DJ in the backyard playing music from each decade

·   Moon jump and clown for the children

 

“Reflections on our History” Booklets Available

 

Willis Wheat accepted the invitation of the Anniversary Committee to prepare a history of our congregation. It is filled with information, reflections, and anecdotes that capture the spirit of our congregation. These booklets will be available at the celebration on June 6.

This Month In Worship

This month we begin the season after Pentecost also known as ordinary time. The church year begins on the first Sunday of Advent and moves through the holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. These Sundays from now until Advent this winter are called ordinary because they do not fall within one of the three major holidays. It is also a way for us to acknowledge that most of our lives are lived in the ordinary – familiar routines, moving through the day – and that God is with us in those times as well as the special moments.

                                                                 Reverend Newman

 Sermon Titles & Texts

 

June 6      This Far By Faith

                 Deuteronomy 26:1-11

              Trinity Sunday

 

June 13   The Eternal Dance

              John 16:12-15

              Second Sunday after Pentecost

 

June 20   Children’s Musical Presentation

              Third Sunday after Pentecost

 

June 27   All Roads Lead Home

              Psalm 107:1-9

              Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

       

Youth News

 

Hey Youth!!!

 

June is a very busy month for us. School is out, we have district camp, and wonderful mission opportunities.

 

North OKC District camp is June 7 – 11. Cost will be $80 per student and is open for any student entering 7th grade through graduating seniors.      I hope many students will be involved! The week after that will be the wonderful opportunity to help with Christ UMC’s VBS. Christ United Methodist Church is an African American church that does a special VBS program that centers on African American culture. It will be an enlightening experience for all who wish to help.

 

And we are of course all excited about our bit 75th birthday celebration. I hope to see all youth there and ready for a good time!

 

Peace and Love, Coy

 

Mission News

 

Updates on Past Events

 

Flea Market for Generator Huge Success!

 

$1700 was raised on Saturday, May 22, at the Flea Market. Over 30 CHUM members were involved during the day in selling many treasures, laughing, sharing stories, and meeting many new people. The Share Circle and UMW began preparing the tables at 6 a.m. and selling started at 7. Lunch was enjoyed by all while the selling continued. By 3 p.m. left-over treasures were being boxed up to be taken away by Prevent Blindness later. The refugee camp school in Ghana now has a fully paid generator!! and the UMW has money for other mission projects. Huge thanks to all who contributed their treasures, time, or cash donations.

 

Whiz Kids Ends Their Year

 

22 kids and 22 tutors finished the WHIZ KIDS tutoring program in May with an afternoon of reading, games, corn dogs and ice cream. The smiles, hugs, and pride in the number of books read told a story of a highly successful first year. Most of the tutors said they plan to return next year, and the kids were all looking forward to WHIZ KIDS starting again next year. Two days later, on a beautiful Saturday, they spent the day near a lake with about 200 other Oklahoma City WHIZ KIDS and their tutors. They ate, fished, got their faces painted, jumped and played on huge inflatable toys, and explored a fire engine and police helicopters. Everyone involved knew they had experienced a truly exciting and inspiring time in the WHIZ KIDS program.  If you would like to be involved next year, call Janet Kingsolver (524 3895) for more information.

 

Shawnee VIM (Volunteers In Mission) Trip

 

Glen Gean led thirteen members of the CHUM mission team on a beautiful May Saturday morning to the countryside near Shawnee. Though it was damp most of the day, they managed to paint 3 sides of the Nagawee UMC church, put up shutters, and clear out many leaves and a stump. One painter was on the roof painting downward, others were high on ladders; still others were on their knees to get near the foundation. A huge effort was put into clearing the woods behind the church and pulling out a dead

 

stump. The UMW supplied chocolate and drinks for the working time and a wonderful lunch for the group. A highlight of the day came when several of the Nagawee church members came to eat and visit with our team. All agreed they would soon be ready for another VIM trip.

 

Ways to Get Involved

 

Rio Bravo VIM Trip Planned

 

Join the mission team the week after Christmas for the next VIM trip from our church. We will be leaving for Rio Bravo, Mexico, on December 27 and returning January 2. The team will be constructing casitas (cinder-block homes), working in a medical clinic, and possibly leading a Bible school for children during our stay. The cost for the trip should be low, the fellowship and experience in ministry very high. Contact Bruce Pitts (843-7684) for more information or to sign up.

 

Skyline Clothes For Kids

 

Each year Skyline Urban Ministries provides new school clothes for children in Oklahoma City who cannot afford them. We have a tradition at Crown Heights of spending an evening helping the children choose their clothes.  This year we'd like to supplement that effort by providing some of the clothing too. They need new shoes, new jeans or khaki pants, new pull-over blue or white shirts, new socks, and new underwear. All of the clothes are needed in sizes 4 thru teens. If you would like to donate some of these clothes or money for buying them, contact Charlene Jones (524-5075). 

 

Read With A Child This Summer

 

Project Transformation Day Camps for inner city children will begin in June and run through August. In the past, members of our church have been involved in the camp held at Wesley UMC on 25th and Classen. Adults are needed to read with the children, one-on-one, in the morning for 1 week. If you would like to read with some children who are learning to enjoy books, call the church office (524-8428) for more information.