The Pastor’s Column

By Rodney Newman

At the Center

 

     For the past several weeks I have been working with a committee planning the worship services for our Annual Conference meeting beginning the end of this month. I am impressed with the care with which these persons have approached this task and the creativity expressed in finding the words and hymns that will bear our hearts toward God.

     I am most gratified to know that worship is at the center of our life together. We will take care of necessary business but the heart of our gathering will be our worship services. The same may be said for our local churches as well. Worship sets the tone and gives energy to all that we do.

     You are welcome to attend any of the worship services at Annual Conference held in Oklahoma City this year. Of special interest may be the evening services at St. Luke’s UMC. On May 29 & 30 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Zan Holmes will be the guest preacher. Wednesday, June 1, at the same time our Bishop, Robert Hayes, Jr. will preach at the ordination and commissioning service. The liturgy, the preachers, and being with hundred of United Methodists from across the state offers the opportunity for an inspirational time of worship.

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 2005 semester and be a member of this church. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Stacy at the church office to receive an application.

Applications need to be filled out and returned to the church by May 8.

 

Endowment Sunday

May 22

For several years, the endowment funds at our church have supported a number of ministries. These include musical presentations, scholarships, lectures, and building repairs, to name just a few. Our Endowment Trustees are planning this special Sunday to celebrate these gifts and what they mean to our church.

 

We will distribute new brochures and enjoy testimonies in our worship services. The adult and youth classes will join together for a special speaker during the Sunday School time. And we all will enjoy a lunch at noon provided by the endowment.

 

All Church Retreat

May 6-7

Canyon Camp

We have reserved the Hardt Lodge at Canyon Camp for our retreat this year. This motel-type facility offers comfortable accommodations in a beautiful setting. We will leave late Friday afternoon and return the next afternoon. Ann Newman will lead workshops on True Colors, to help us discover how we view other people and God. Call the church for registration information.

 Flea Market

Saturday, May 14

It's time to get your 'treasures' together, price them and get them packed to bring to the Flea Market. If you haven't reserved your booth space, CALL CHRISTY HARRIS at 601-1781 or the church office now. The Genesis Sunday School Class will pick out your space, fix lunch for you, take up money for you, and provide the best company anyone could want for a Saturday. The refugee camp in Ghana, Africa, will receive funds needed to help the refugees train to go home to Liberia. 

 

Graduating Seniors

We are making plans to honor our graduating seniors. Please contact the church office to let us know of those graduating from high school, college, graduate or technical school so we can be sure to include them in the celebration.

 

This Month in Worship

We will experience a change of liturgical seasons this year during the month of May as we move from Easter to Pentecost. We also have several special Sundays in store including Mother’s Day, Children’s Sunday, Graduation Sunday, and Endowment Sunday. It promises to be a rich time of worship and fellowship.

Sermon Titles & Texts

             May 1      Never Left Behind

                        John 14:15-21

                        Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

          May 8      Same Song, Different Verse

                        Luke 24:44-53

                        Ascension Sunday

 

            May 15    Power Sharing

                             Numbers 11:24-30

                        Pentecost

 

 

           May 22     Caught Up In God

                              Matthew 22:16-20

                        Trinity Sunday

 

 

           May 29     Take-Home Sermon

                        Matthew 7:21-29

                        Second Sunday of Pentecost

 

Children & Youth Ministry

by Mary Altizer

Special Sundays for Children

Sunday, May 8, is Mother’s Day. The children’s choir will sing and the children will give gifts to all women in attendance. The last rehearsal for the children’s choir this semester is May 4.

Sunday, May 15, is Children’s Sunday with the children leading the second worship service. Does your child have a talent to share in worship? If so, be sure to let me know so we can fit them in the service. Lunch and outdoor activities will take place the following Sunday, May 22, for Endowment Sunday.

 Upcoming Events

June 13-17 – Summer Music Camp. Look for registration forms on Sunday, May 1, with details. Space is limited so sign-up early.

July 18-22 – Vacation Bible School

 

Youth News

District Camp for mid-high and senior-high youth is June 13-17 at Canyon Camp. Contact Mary as soon as you can so we can make transportation and registration arrangements.

We will not have youth group on May 8 for Mother’s Day.

Music Ministry

by George Massey

 Folk/Blues Sunday

May 22

Many of you have expressed appreciation for our services where we feature different styles of music. We bring back Folk/Blues Sunday this year after a positive response last year.

 Children’s Summer Musical

We are now in the serious planning stages for our Kid's Summer Musical the week of June 13-19. We are just about to announce this summer’s choice and I think it will be great fun for everyone! Please feel free to e-mail or call George or Mary with any questions. As usual, we will provide dialogue copies and cassette tapes of the music two weeks prior so the kids will get a jump start on their particular parts and music. Registration forms will be available soon.

 

Suggestion Box

 

The Music Ministry is always open to suggestions. Please contact George concerning any ideas or suggestions you may have concerning the music ministry at Crown Heights. We will be planning some very different musical experiences for our children coming in the fall. Look for more information this summer.

Whiz Kids Ends with a Bang!

 The last day of the school year for the Whiz Kids who come each Thursday for tutoring is May 5, Cinco de Mayo. We will feast on homemade tamales, learn Latino dances, listen to Spanish myths, and end with the breaking of a pinata. If you are in the neighborhood between 3 and 5 p.m. on May 5, stop by and see what a wonderful group of kids and tutors we have in this ministry.

 

Member News

 

Donovan Lee Cook received the sacrament of baptism on April 17, 2005. Donovan is the son of Tim and Bridgid Cook and brother to Alexander.

Helen Friesen passed away April 21, 2005. Funeral services were held April 25 at the church.

Cindy Bramlett and Jim Thompson were married April 22, 2005.

Congratulations to Dr. Kenneth Copeland who was recently elected president of the National Pediatric Endocrinology Society.

Van Ministries

I’d like to thank the following folks who helped me this year (Oct – Apr) driving the van for disabled individuals to Saturday Church: Janet Kingsolver, Glen & Brigette Gean, Sean Milburn, Edie Albright, and Lee Endicott

It’s fantastic to share time with my fellow church members and enjoy the personalities of the individuals taking the time out to go to church and praise the Lord. I’ll look for volunteers again this October to either drive or support. Any help is appreciated! In Christ, Greg Jorgensen

 

Project Transformation

Become a Reading Volunteer

June 14 – August 4

Reading with a child can be one of the most loving things an adult can give a child. If the child is from a home where books are not read often, it can mean even more. You have a chance all summer long, Monday thru Thursday, to give this gift to several children from 9:45 - noon. Project Transformation sponsors their Summer Day Camp programs at several churches and reading with the children is one of the most important components of the program. You don’t have to be there every day. Most of those who volunteer do so for just one week out of the summer. But many people are needed. If you would like to volunteer or just get more information about this program, call Quayle UMC at 424-2770 or Wesley UMC at 525-3521.