Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy

Transcription

1 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m.) Friday - closed The First United Methodist Church South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma The Flame CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor Rev. Matt Thompson, Associate Pastor Hannah Birney, Director of Children s Ministry Shelly Thompson, Director of Youth Ministry Anita Hayes, Chancel Choir Director ZaQue Hutchings, Keyboardist Jeana Malone, Office Administrator Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Volume 18 Issue 12 December 2016 Advent Celebrations Ladies Christmas Breakfast, Saturday, December 3, 9:00 a.m....we Saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him Matt. 2:2 All women are invited to gather for breakfast and fellowship. Christmas Brunch, Sunday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. Bring a favorite dish to share, as we eat together while members of the congregation bless us with Christmas songs! Children s Christmas Musical, Sunday, December 11, 6:00 p.m. You will want to see this year s production, The Next Noel whether you have children or grandchildren participating, it will be quite a show! Christmas Cantata, Sunday, December 18, 11:00 Worship Our Chancel Choir will once again fill our facility with beautiful music of the season. Along with the choir we will have several instruments to set the stage for this moving Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 5:00 p.m. Contemporary 7:00 p.m. will feature our Chancel Choir 11:00 p.m. Acoustic Christmas Morning, Sunday, December 25 We will have ONE SERVICE at 10:30 a.m. (with a blessing of the toys element) We will not have child care, and the service will be very child friendly & casual. THE FLAME is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, S. Memorial Drive, Bixby, OK Phone: Fax: Website: Church fumcbix@olp.net To submit information: fumcbix@olp.net The January issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on December 28. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December21.

2 Out of the Lions Den... Two years ago I shared a story of a 16 year old boy who was working to save money for a car and insurance. Christmas was coming, and he decided to spend some of his savings on a gift for his single mother. He went to the Mall, found the perfect gift that expressed his love and appreciation, had it gift wrapped, and he headed home. There on the porch of his home were a policeman and his pastor. His Mom had been killed in a car wreck. The next several months were chaos: he was ripped from his home to live with relatives he did not know, he was forced to leave all friends behind. His school work suffered. He was angry, and no one was helping him through it. He acted out in destructive ways. Whenever he went into his bedroom, there was the unopened gift he bought for his mother, sitting on his dresser, a constant reminder of love lost because of the carelessness of another. A nagging question confounded him: How different would my life have been if that gift had just been opened? The true gift of Christmas is about what God has done in Jesus Christ to change the world one life at a time. Jesus comes to each of us as an unopened gift. Too many of us leave the gift unopened, and then we wonder why we feel so miserable, frustrated, angry, lonely, and without a purpose. We never opened the gift. Find time this Advent to stop and examine if God s gift to you has been opened. How will it change the lives of the people you love, now that you ve received unconditional love, forgiveness, and hope? There are so many ways for you to receive your gift from God the Children s Musical, the Choir Cantata, the Ladies Christmas Brunch, the All Church Christmas Brunch and Music Fest, the Christmas Eve Services at 5:00, 7:00, or 11:00, and Christmas Morning Worship at 10:30. Don t leave your gift unopened, the gift of Jesus will change your life forever. You will want to share this gift with all your family and friends. ~Daniel Spread the Love-Snacks for our Workers Update Thank you so much for the generosity you have shown to the crews working on our new roof. They have enjoyed the snacks and drinks. Because of the huge response, we will not need any additional donations until further notice. We will keep you posted. Thanks again!

3 Santa Claus is REAL! Well, to be completely, honest Saint Nicholas Is real or was real. Saint Nicholas was a Catholic Bishop in Myra (modern day Turkey). He was a rich man that was as kind as anyone you would ever meet. Saint Nicholas used his wealth to take care of people and give gifts secretly to those in need. He also had a particularly strong love for children. Sadly, he did not have a sleigh and eight magic reindeer. What he did have was a love for Jesus Christ and a need to share what he had to help others. Stories of the deeds of Saint Nicholas spread the world over. And so, we learn that one man s heart opened the door to spreading a Christian Christmas to all nations. That was one man s heart. Imagine if we all took up that torch. Imagine what we could do. Merry Christmas. -Pastor Matt Disciple s Journey Think of a time you heard someone s last words, either before a long separation or before that person passed beyond this earthly life. Often those words carry significant meaning for the speaker and treasured importance for the listener. On Jesus last day with His disciples, before His ascension into heaven, the disciples asked Him if this was the time He would restore the kingdom to Israel. His last words carried a significance the disciples still didn t fully understand, but a few days later, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus meaning changed their lives forever. It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:7b-8 (emphasis mine) Today, Jesus final words carry significant meaning for you and me as believers in Christ, and they are words we are to treasure daily for their importance. Jesus s words define the central purpose of our lives. This month the Disciple s Journey messages will be about our important job as witnesses for Jesus. We ll look at scripture, our beliefs, and our stories. Then we ll consider some practical ways to fulfill the mission Jesus entrusted to us. Take time to sing the hymn, Are Ye Able? Feel the power of the words! A Disciple

4 Children s Ministry Happy Birthday, Jesus Sunday School December Lessons Dec. 4-Mary s & Joseph s stories Dec. 11-All Church Brunch, no Sunday School Dec. 18-Jesus & the shepherd s stories Dec. 25-Christmas, no Sunday School There will be one service for all in the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. (with a blessing of the toys element) so bring a new/favorite toy with you to Worship. We are so excited to begin our new Deep Blue curriculum this month! If you would like to know more about Deep Blue, head to deepbluekids.com where you can find free downloads and more! See you at 9:45 Sunday mornings. For more information on Children s Ministry, contact: Hannah Birney hbirney@olp.net, Youth News Sunday School Every Sunday morning at 9:45 Sunday evening Youth meets at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Youth 6:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling December 23rd (Shelly will be sending meeting time & place & other details as the date gets closer) Bonfire Wednesday, December 7th, time TBA The Salas will be hosting all youth and parents if you would like to join in for this fun evening and bonfire at their home. Please come and bring a friend. More details coming soon. See you then! Mark your calendars for these dates: Youth Christmas and Santa exchange Party, December 4, 5-7 p.m. Please bring a gift of $5 or less, and a potluck dish to share. All Church Christmas Brunch, Sunday, December 11. There will be no Sunday School that day. If you want to participate with Christmas music, let Shelly know. Looking Ahead: Council Oak Mid-Winter Retreat, January 20 & 21, Camp Egan. Look for registration forms soon. Scholarships are available, just talk to Shelly. Hope we will have a big group going this year!

5 Violet Marie Avera was baptized on Sunday, November 27th Her parents, Jenny & Levi Avera & family looked on as Pastor Dan performed the baptism. Katie Collier was baptized on November 20 Congratulations! Shepherd s Fold Preschool Fall ActivitiesHalloween, pumpkin carving, games, and fun with friends!

6 Second Friday Christmas FUMC Post Office Save some postage and put your cards for church friends in the FUMC Post Office. It is set up in the north hall. Simply put them in the boxes alphabetically, and be sure to check back for your cards during the month of December. 10:30 a.m. Program-Christmas Music provided by the Bixby High Choir under the direction of Connie Coleman Lunch-Taco Soup with homemade cornbread If you feel you have to bring something, desserts are always appreciated Come, bring a friend, and enjoy the Christmas Music and fellowship. Also, bring tooth brushes and tooth paste to donate to the backpack program. Stitchers of Love Hope to see everyone there. Prayer Shawl Ministry We will meet Tuesday December 13 at 10:00 a.m. Christmas Celebration If you know someone who is need of a prayer shawl we have several available. Please contact the church office. Monthly Meeting Reminders: (known meetings from the office calendar) Stephen Ministry-Tuesday, December 6 At 6:30 p.m. Several of the monthly standing meetings are taking the month of December off. Christmas is quickly approaching but there is still time to contribute to the Staff Appreciation Fund. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) asks for your assistance in contributing to this Appreciation Fund, which will be given to the ministers and staff as a Christmas gift. We are blessed to have 19 dedicated and deserving individuals who provide various duties to our church. Our church operates smoothly due to the efforts they provide throughout the week and weekends. Please help us to recognize and show gratitude to these hard working ministers and staff. Please take time, between now and December 11 to prayerfully consider giving, and mark your check or envelope with "Staff Fund." The SPRC thanks you for your loving support to our church, our ministers, and our staff. ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday, 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. TOTAL Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov

7 December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2nd Sunday of Advent Communion 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer-Chapel 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Youth 3rd Sunday of Advent 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer- Chapel 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. All Church Brunch/Sing 5:00 p.m. Youth 6:00 Children s Musical 4th Sunday of Advent 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer-Chapel 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Cantata 5:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. Christmas Worship 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering *Church Office Closed 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 10:00 a.m. Preschool Program 10:00 Prayer Shawl Christmas Party 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Youth 6:30 p.m. Classes/all ages 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Youth 6:30 p.m. Classes/all ages 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 6:00 Praise Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 6:00 Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 10:30 a.m. Second Friday 9:00 a.m. Ladies Christmas Breakfast Christmas Eve Worship Services 5:00, 7:00, 11:00 p.m. Watch Night/ New Year s Eve 4 prayers for my church 11 prayers for my church 18 prayer for my church 25 prayers for my church 5 prayers for my church 12 prayers for my church 19 prayers for my church 26 prayers for my church 6 prayers for my church 7 prayers for my church 13 prayers for my church 14 prayers for my church 20 prayers for my church 21 prayers for my church 27 prayers for my church 28 prayers for my church 1 prayers for my church 8 prayers for my church 15 prayers for my church 22 prayers for my church 29 prayers for my church 2 prayers for my church 3 prayers for my church 9 prayers for my church 10 prayers for my church 16 prayers for my church 17 prayers for my church 23 prayers for my church 24 prayers for my church 30 prayers for my church 31 prayers for my church

8 First United Methodist Church South Memorial Bixby, OK (918) Website: Non-Profit Organization Pre-Sort Standard Bixby, Oklahoma Permit No. 18 December 2016 The Flame Or Current Resident Please pray for these active duty military personnel : Air Force: Senior Airman Kyle Seaman, Son of Lee & Jean Seaman Serving at Shaw AFB, South Carolina Air Force: CJ Griffith, Son of Eric Griffith Grandson of Jack & Joyce McKenzie Air Force: Joe McMath Son of Carol McMath, Brother of Beth Hilton & Lexie McMath Serving in the Middle East Air Force: Josh McMath Son of Carol McMath, Brother of Beth Hilton & Lexie McMath Serving in the Middle East Army: Conner Walcher, Great Nephew of June & David Skaggs Serving in Germany Army: Sgt. (E5) Nathan Hamelund Grandson of Ken & Tommie Bond Serving in Germany Army: Sergeant E-5 Tony McAmis Son of Rick & Sarah McAmis Serving in Hawaii Navy: Kole C. Hilton Son of Ryan & Beth Hilton Serving at Camp Lejeune, NC Navy: Lt. Scott Sides Brother of Melissa Morrow, Brother in law of Phillip Morrow Navy: Lt. Cmdr. Clay Cooper Son in law of Susan McKinney