May 2004
The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman
Spring Blossoms
The coming of spring has brought with it lots of beautiful flowers around town but also a bounty of activities at our church. Easter was truly a special day for us with many people filling our sanctuary and our choir enhancing our worship at both services. A couple of weeks before that day, thirty people helped beautify our building and grounds on a work day. We polished the wood in the sanctuary, cleaned out shrubs, gutters, and closets, and brightened the garden room, to name just a few of the projects.
This month continues this celebration of ministry and enthusiasm for our church. We rejoice with the success of the inaugural year of the Crown Heights Café and the completion of our Disciple Bible Study class. A good group will go to Shawnee for a one-day mission trip and later a flea market will raise funds for a generator for the Liberian refugee camp in Ghana. Other events this month include an all-church retreat at Canyon Camp, honoring our graduates, Children’s Sunday, not to mention the ongoing activity of Mobile Meals and the Thursday night basketball games.
All this energy sweeps us right into the celebration of our 75th anniversary as a congregation on June 5-6. You will be receiving a letter soon detailing the different events and the special worship service being planned.
We seem to be moving pretty well on our 75th birthday and eager to see what God has in store the rest of the way.
Reverend Newman
Children’s Sunday &
Honoring our Graduates
May 16
Our children will be leading our 11:00 worship service on this day. The children’s choir will be singing and different ones will be serving as liturgists.
Several people in our church have achieved a milestone in the educational journeys this year. We will honor our graduates on this Sunday with a reception in Youth Room beginning at 9:30 a.m. We will also recognize them in our worship services.
2004 High School Graduates
Alan Krone – Edmond Santa Fe
Craig Marose – Edmond Santa Fe
David McKnight – Putnam City North
Andy Moore – Putnam City North
Jarryd Robison – Edmond Santa Fe
2004 College Graduates
Megan Brown – Masters degree from OU Health Science Center
Rachel Copeland – Masters degree from Baylor University
Glen Gean – Masters degree from the University of Central Oklahoma
Mark Pitts – Bachelors degree from the University of Iowa
Endowment Scholarships Available
The Crown Heights UMC Endowment Trustees offer college scholarships to members of our church. Eligible applicants need to be currently enrolled in college for the fall 2004 semester and be a member of this church. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Beth at the church office to receive an application.
Applications need to be filled out and returned to the church by May 15.
This Month In Worship
The celebration of Easter only begins on Easter Day. The season continues for another 50 days until Pentecost. This year I have decided to preach a series of sermons reflecting on the significance of the resurrection in our lives today. What difference does following the resurrected Christ make in the way that we live? Then we end the month celebrating the Day of Pentecost and the empowering of the Holy Spirit that makes this life of faith possible.
Reverend Newman
Sermon Titles & Texts
May 1 Living at the Right Address
1 Peter 2:4-12
Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 9 Calculating Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35
Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 16 Faith at Home
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 23 Hiding Behind the Problem
Mark 2:1-12
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 30 Square Pegs and Round Holes
John 15:12-17
Day of Pentecost
Children’s Ministry
Mother’s Day
On May 9, as part of the Children’s Moment in our 11:00 worship service, the children can take a pink carnation to their mothers. All the women present will receive a flower at the end of the services. The children’s choir will also be singing that day.
Ministry Opportunities
Come be in ministry with our wonderful children through a couple of events this summer. Vacation Bible School is coming August 13-19 & the Music Camp is set for June 14-18. Contact the church office to volunteer for everything from preparing snacks, going along on a field trip, or teaching.
Youth News
There is a Youth Council Meeting on Sunday, May 2, at 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Activities Room. It is important that all members attend. We’re busy making plans for the end of the school year and the coming summer.
Music Ministry
Palm Sunday And Easter Day
Congratulations to everyone involved in our Palm and Easter Sunday musical contributions! The Chancel Choir, Orchestra, Handbells, Children's Choirs and especially our Youth Brass Ensemble who improve every year!
Special Thanks From The Music Ministry
On behalf of
the Music Ministry, a special thanks to our Trustees and everyone that
worked on our Clean-Up Saturday. The clean up and organization of the side
rooms (Chapel) off the Chancel area and the Handbell room makes our jobs
much easier. We do appreciate that special effort!
Kid's Summer Musical
Our Summer Musical Program will be SAMSON, a show that will be great fun
for all involved. Parents, please mark your calendars for the
week preceding Father's Day (June 14-18, Monday through
Friday, with the performance at the 11:00 worship service
on Sunday, June 20).
Registration forms have been mailed to church families and
are also available in the church office. We only have 25 spots
available, so please return your registration form as soon as
possible.
Summer Camps
Those children and youth interested in church camp this summer can contact Mary or Coy for a complete schedule.
Memorial Gifts
In memory of Ann Hemry
Alta Fuller
Prayer Chain
When you have a need or desire for others to be in prayer with you about a concern, please call the church. We have people who have agreed to be notified to join you in prayer. If you wish to be a part of this ministry, please contact Melissa Milburn at 942-2693.
Flea Market For A Generator
Saturday, May 22
Why should you bring your garage sale to the
Church Flea Market this spring?
Here are a few reasons:
Garage Sale: must buy a permit
Flea Market: no permit to buy
Garage Sale: must buy advertising
Flea Market: we’ll do the advertising
Garage Sale: profits only for yourself
Flea Market: part of profits go to buy a generator for a refugee camp in Africa
Garage Sale: you store or transfer unsold items
Flea Market: leave unsold items for us to handle
Garage Sale: you buy or make lunch
Flea Market: you get free lunch
Garage Sale: socialize with yourself and maybe
one friend all day
Flea Market: socialize with friends and church
family
Call Janet Kingsolver (524-3895) for information, to offer to help, or to tell us you will be bringing your ‘treasures’ to be a part of the Flea Market For A Generator. We will get the space and lunch ready for you.
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