November 2006
The Pastor’s Column
By Rodney Newman
With Gratitude
Since All Saints Day and Thanksgiving Day both fall in the month of November, I’ve been thinking about the saints who have been influential in my life and for whom I am thankful. Some have joined the “church triumphant” while others continue their ministry on earth. This newsletter could not contain a comprehensive list, even with just the persons I could name, so I mention a few as an invitation to each of you to bless those who have blessed your life and made you who you are.
I am thankful for my father who taught me to value every human being and who encouraged me to follow my dreams even when I did not have confidence myself.
I am thankful for my mother who has an incredible capacity to care for others and who shows me the meaning of unconditional love.
I am thankful for my Grandpa Gilbert whose joy in telling a good story has been inherited by his great-grandson and for Granny Gilbert, always ready for a new adventure.
I am thankful for the faithfulness and devotion embodied by my Grandma Newman and my Grandpa who knew the value – and fatigue – of hard work.
I am thankful for Bill Wiseman who received me at a time of intense spiritual questioning and gently opened me to the rich tradition of the church; for Bill and Phyllis Henry and this congregation who hospitably welcomed me into the Methodist family; and for John Wesley whose grasp of the reality of God’s grace continues to leave me in awe.
I am thankful for my wife and children – Ann, Carus, and Rachel – who fill my life with delight and who join me in this wonderful, fascinating journey of life – everyday.
Stewardship Campaign Underway
We
are already receiving response cards from our members and friends expressing
their
anticipated financial contributions to our church in 2007. Many more will be offered on
Commitment Sunday, October 29, in both worship services. We appreciate your faithfulness
in sharing God’s gifts with others.
Advent Festival
Sunday, November 26
4:00 p.m.
This annual event is one of the highlights of our
life together. People of all ages are invited to come to a brief service in
the sanctuary to mark the beginning of Advent then stay for a snack supper
and make crafts to celebrate the season in your home.
Gospel Sunday
November 12
One of our favorite traditions is Gospel Sunday, November 12. Please tell family and friends about this fun service that will feature an instrumental ensemble and two wonderful gospel anthems.
We have all enjoyed the new sound for our Steinway piano in the sanctuary. Peter Krauss, a master technician for Steinway, did a magnificent job reworking this very fine instrument. Improvements include replacing the hammers and revoicing that produces a richer sound. This restoration was made possible through contributions from the Maxine Dinstbir endowment fund and a number of memorial gifts. We are equally blessed with a fine musician, Mariann Searle, whose excellent gifts bring this instrument to life. We will rededicate the piano with special selections offered in our worship services on October 15.
Mission News
We're Returning to Rio Bravo in 2006!
December 26 - 31
We invite enthusiastic CHUM members, ages from 8 to
80, to provide a spiritual bonding with our neighbors in
Rio Bravo, Mexico and
build cinder block houses for them. As a dedicated Crown Heights United
Methodist missions team, we combine our strengths to create small homes and
spread the love necessary to start their new journey in
Rio Bravo. It’s a fulfilling experience.
Please join us as we caravan in vans to Rio Bravo. The cost is $250 and financial scholarships are available. Sign up soon! Contact Bruce Pitts at 412-2963 or the church at 524-8428 for more details.
Are you ready to give the gifts of service and love the Christmas season? Well, building a simple concrete block home for a family in need in Rio Bravo, Mexico may be just the opportunity calling you. Experiencing a different culture, making new friends from both sides of the border, and discovering talents you didn't even know you had may just be the perfect way to begin your new year. The cost of the mission is going to be about $250 and it might be the best investment you will make this year.
If you are interested or would just like more information call Bruce Pitts at 412-2963.
This Month in Worship
By Reverend Newman
We find in the letter to the Ephesians a typical style of correspondence in the ancient world. It begins with an extended salutation, proceeds to address a number of topics, then ends with practical instruction. This month we will hear how the early Christians understood themselves using images from their Hebrew heritage and read the familiar passage encouraging us to put on the whole armor of God. We will begin the month in honoring those among our congregation who have died in the past year and we bring the month and the liturgical year to a close on Reign of Christ Sunday.
Sermon Titles & Texts
-
November 5 Right Where We Belong
Ephesians 2:11-22
All Saints Day
-
November 12 Handmade Christmas
Ephesians 4:1-16
Twenty Third Sunday of Pentecost
-
November 19 Rules of Engagement
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Twenty Fourth Sunday of Pentecost
-
November 26 Be Prepared!
Ephesians 6:10-20
Reign of Christ
Crown Heights Café
Wednesday, November 29
You are invited to dinner at the Crown Heights Café for a home cooked meal and time of fellowship.
Please join us on Wednesday, November 29 at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Invite your family and friends. The cost is $3.00 - $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 3 -11, and children under 3 are free.
Special Gifts
In Memory of Loretta Brown
Pattie Brown
In Memory of Elizabeth (Bettie) J. Douglas
Jack Bache, Jr.
Oklahoma Tank Lines
Brewer Construction Co.
Linda L. Romanelli
DeBee Gilchrist
Rudy Construction Co.
Dorothy J. Douglas
Marc J. & Susan Silver
Wilma L. Goodin
Speck Philbin Attorneys
Sue Loftis
James R. Tolbert III
Markwell Paving Co.
Triad Design Group
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Merson
Alice J. Whittle
Elder Care of Central Oklahoma
Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce
Krapff Reynolds Construction Co.
Triad Design Employee Fund
Music Ministry
by George Massey
Christmas Cantata
Our collaboration with the Putnam City Christian Church is in full swing so we anticipate a glorious service of music with them on December10 at our church for the second service. We are planning for over 50 in the choir and 22+ in the orchestra. One Incredible Moment is a wonderful score with a great deal of variety built in. The women and men will each be highlighted with their own selections with a lovely duet and two additional solos.
If you would like to join us for this cantata, we do have part CD's to assist your learning process. Those interested just need to come to two or three rehearsals to blend in with everyone. Please let George know if you would like to participate.
Youth News
by Tyler Kirk
Confirmation
Parents and Youth, look for more information about confirmation. We will start mid January with a 6 week course. Confirmation is a great way to discover and explore our commitment and calling in the church.
Rio Bravo Mission Trip
Youth, I strongly encourage you to go with the church to Rio Bravo over the Christmas break. It’s a great opportunity for fun and service. Your participation is a key element to making this mission trip a great success. No passports are necessary this year! Contact me for information about financial assistance.
Children’s Ministry
By Ryan Mobley
Kreative Kids
Kreative Kids is going great so far. Our first skit, scheduled for November 19, will involve all the kids in the production. Then we will form smaller groups and each group will work on their own presentation during rehearsal.
Christmas Pageant
December 17 is the date of this year’s Christmas Pageant. Christmas Around the World presents a story where the children learn about Christmas traditions from different parts of the world. Rehearsals will be during Children’s Choir and Kreative Kids.
United Methodist Women
Chili Lunch
Sunday, November 12
A
great big thank you goes out to everyone at Crown Heights who has helped to
support the UMW's annual Pumpkin Patch. You helped by volunteering to unload
and sell pumpkins, by buying pumpkins, and by spreading the word to friends
and neighbors. As of October 23, we have sold $4,371 worth of pumpkins. If
we can bring in a total of $7,000 by October 31 this will increase the
percentage of the proceeds we earn to go towards our mission projects.
In honor of your support of this huge endeavor, the UMW invites you all to be our guests at a chili lunch to be held in the Fellowship Hall on November 12 after the 11:00 service. Come and enjoy a meal and fellowship which will warm your body as well as your soul.
Unique Jewelry
Are you looking for that perfect gift for the special woman in your life? On November 12 you will have an opportunity to view and purchase beautiful, unique glass jewelry. Each piece has been individually handcrafted by Connie Harris. The display itself is a "feast for the eyes" which could be compared to a miniature "Chihuly" exhibit but at reasonable prices. The UMW will have this wearable art displayed between the worship services and during the chili lunch after the 11:00 service so come and see it for yourself.
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Last updated: April 16, 2008.
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