Phone: Fax: VOLUME #15 MARCH 18, 2015 ISSUE #11

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1 The GOOD News from Duncan s First United Methodist Church 2300 Country Club Road Duncan, OK Phone: Fax: VOLUME #15 MARCH 18, 2015 ISSUE #11 Palm Sunday Fun Day March 29th at 9am Volunteers will be packing up the kits for delivery so any donations need to be turned into the church office no later than Tuesday, February 24th. For more information, call the church office or contact Betty Apple, UMCOR Representative. A Fun-filled day that includes: Extra special Sunday School Free Hamburgers and Hot Dogs Easter Egg Hunt Bouncy Houses Pictures with the Easter Bunny Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Tara Cook, Mark this date on your calendar!! CONFIRMATION CLASS WILL WORSHIP WITH TEMPLE B NAI ISRAEL IN OKC FRIDAY, MARCH 27 We will leave the church at 4:30 and stop at Braums in Chickasha for supper. The service starts at 7:00 pm. We have the opportunity to visit with the Rabbi or a congregation leader following the service to ask questions and see the Torah up close! This year should be especially exciting as it will include a Bar Mitzvah! Although we don t encourage younger children to attend, anyone who is interested in participating in this worship service is invited to join us. Just call Betty Apple, or Kathy at the church, STEPHENS UMC SPONSORS LENTEN LUNCHES Stephens United Methodist Church is having their weekly Lenten lunches again this year on Wednesdays from 11:45 12:45. There will be a light lunch and a short talk by a guest speaker. There is no charge for the meal; however, donations are accepted. Here is a list of the remaining dates and who will be speaking: March 25th Bro. Dennis Hall, Recovery Church

2 Rev. Kathy Gibson, Associate Minister Kathy s Corner Winifred Bailey Director of Traditional Worship and Music I have just returned from 4 glorious days of fun in the Arizona sun with my daughter, Tana, and her family! The desert in bloom is a beautiful sight to behold. It made me think of Psalm 8 which says in part: When I look at what your fingers made what are human beings that you think about them, what are human beings that you pay attention to them? (CEB) And yet, God loves us more than any of His creation. We are His children and His love for us is infinite and without condition. And, because we are His children, He calls us to share that love with all with whom we come in contact. That is a pretty tough assignment, but there is no getting around it: Beloved, let us love one another The one who does not show love does not know God, for God is love. (I John 7-8) Let s get out there and show some love! Shalom, Kathy Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 2, :00 pm in the Sanctuary A compilation from various works of Joseph Martin presented by FUMC Chancel Choir and a Woodwind Ensemble Holy Week -- March 29 April 5, 2015 Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 29 and ends with Easter Sunday on April 5. Palm Sunday represents the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This occasion is signified by the waving of palm branches and the shouts of Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. On Thursday, the church observes Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. This is many times referred to as the Last Supper, the time that Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples in the upper room. In contrast to the joyous atmosphere of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday is marked by the shadow of Jesus cross. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word, mandatum, which means commandment. This commandment given by Jesus at the Last Supper was to love with humility by serving one another and to remember His sacrifice. Good Friday is the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. Many churches have special services on Good Friday. At FUMC the Maundy Thursday service transitions into Good Friday. The resurrection is then celebrated on Easter Sunday! Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed. This year the Children will lead the Palm Sunday Procession, waving the palm branches. On Maundy Thursday, the Chancel Choir will present a Lenten Cantata, written by Joseph Martin, accompanied by orchestra and narrated by Jerry Emerson. There will be opportunities for the congregation to participate with the lighting of candles before the service and extinguishing candles when the service ends. Holy Communion will be offered during the service. Easter Sunday, April 5, will be celebrated with the spoken word, lots of lilies, and music that includes the Hallelujah Chorus. This service will also have an orchestra accompanying the hymns, anthems, and special music. You will not want to miss any of these meaningful opportunities during Holy Week. Mark your calendars. Prepare your hearts. Come and worship. Attention!!! Winifred Chancel Choir and Seasonal Singers Cantata rehearsal Saturday morning March 28 10:15 am 12:15 Those singing in the Maundy Thursday service are urged to attend this rehearsal.

3 Realm is Here! Realm, our new church management system, is now online and ready to go. Be sure to pick up a copy of the brochure we've created to introduce our members to Realm. If you're viewing this edition of the Proclaim! as a PDF on your computer or tablet, the brochure will be included at the end. Brochures will also be made available at church this Sunday, in Sunday School classrooms, and at the front office. Realm will give our church members the ability to connect online, manage their own profile information, keep up to date on their groups and classes, and even manage their own contributions and giving history online. In order to access Realm, we need a valid address for you. If you haven't yet received any information about Realm via , please get in touch with the church office to update your information. Sean Forehand Business Administrator Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Sager Brown 2015 David and Cheryl Dowell and Jim and Pat Matthews spent a Week (March 2-6) working at the UMCOR facility in Louisiana. The trustees are accepting applications for 5 college scholarships. All applications are due April 6, Mail or submit applications to Verna in the church office. O.L. Peck Scholarship Student must be active in FUMC for more than 2 years and graduating from Stephens County High School. Have high Christian ideals and financial need. Please submit a copy of the Local Scholarship Application from Mrs. Belcher s office. Ben Patten Ayers IV Scholarship- Student must be entering freshman year of college and be active in the church youth group. Activity in the youth department at the Church and academic standing and achievement shall be co-equal criteria. Please submit a copy of the Local Scholarship Application from Mrs. Belcher s office. David and Jim helped out with housing repairs in the community. Cheryl and Pat helped others assemble the kits for packing or assisted in the sewing room. Mary Black Living Memorial Scholarship Student must be pursuing a career in Education. This scholarship is for students already attending college and have declared an Education major. Please submit a letter stating your current education plans, future goals and why you should receive this scholarship. Clint Roberts Scholarship for students whose intent is full time ministry or religious activity. You need to submit a letter stating your intent and goals in this profession. Walter and Alice Epler Scholarship for students in Bachelor or Master level of training for a career in United Methodist church work. You need to submit a letter stating your intent and goals in this profession. Food crates are ready for distribution. They met lots of nice people and are ready to go back! For questions, contact: Barbara Braught

4 DO YOU LOVE CATS? Liz and Harold Hackler have 2 old house cats who need to be cared for while they are in the nursing home. They are hoping this will be a temporary situation and they will eventually be able to move into assisted living. In the meantime, the cats are being fed and watered by a neighbor, but they need some human TLC. If you are interested, please call the church office. Announcing the 2nd Annual Dinner Theater Benefitting Christians Concerned (a United Way Agency) Friday, April 10th, 6:30pm First United Methodist Church Center (rescheduled) PAINT & PRAYER PARTY II Thursday, April 9 5:30pm - 8:30pm Adult Activity Wing $30 per participant please pay when signing up Fundraising Bean Dinner You are invited to Alyssa Flesher s Senior Recital, Saturday, March 28, at 2:00 pm FUMC Sanctuary Reception following Purchase your ticket before April 3rd in the church office. $25 per person $200 per table (8) Easter Lilies ($15 per Lily) Deadline to order is Monday, March 30. Given by: Number of lily(ies) ordered In Memory of In Memory of In Honor of In Honor of

5 THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH OUR CHURCH FAMILY Suzy Gist Ed Lowe Jai Brancich Ella Mae Howell Kathy Dowd Harriet Mitchell Harold and Liz Hackler Billie and Juanita McClennen OUR LOVED ONES and FRIENDS Sarah Wallace, Friend of Rev. Tolle Leonard Tolle, Rev. Tolle s father Anson Swart, Peter and Karen Thomas grandson Charles Mauer, uncle of Marilyn Hugon and Barbara Braught Pam McEachern, Rev. Tolle s sister The Altar Flowers for this Sunday are In Memory of our Loved Ones Given by: Harriet and Bob Mitchell I want to thank all of you that said prayers, sent flowers, food and cards. Also your many visits and phone calls that we received after my fall. We are so blessed to be members of such a loving and giving church. God bless you all. Ann Hazelbaker (and George) Thursday, March 19 9am Pilates Music Suite 7:30pm Open Gym FUMCenter Friday, March 20 8:30am Church Office is Open 11am Wrapped in Grace Collection Day Adult Wing 1pm Church Office Closes for the day Sunday, March 22 9am Sunday School Classrooms 10am Connexion Worship Service FUMCenter 10:15am Traditional Worship Service Sanctuary 2:00pm Scout Meetings Adult Wing 5:30pm Disciple I Fast Track Bible Study Adult Wing Wesleyan Classroom Disciple IV Bible Study Adult Wing/Builders Classroom Monday, March 23 9am Pilates Music Suite 9:30am Staff Meeting Conference Room 11am Wrapped in Grace Collection Day Adult Wing 12Noon Game Day Music Suite 7pm Scouts Meeting Adult Wing Tuesday, March 24 9am Pilates Music Suite Preschool/Mother s Day Out Children s Wing and Nursery 10:30am Women s Bible Study Adult Wing/Wesleyan Classroom 11:15am Youth Lunch Parlor 5:15pm Chancel Chimes Rehearsal Music Suite 6:30pm Men s Bible Study Conference Room Wednesday, March 25 9am Pilates Music Suite Preschool/Mother s Day Out Children s Wing and Nursery 3:45pm Handbells Rehearsal Music Suite 5pm Wednesday Night Live Meal FUMCenter 5:30pm Children s Choir Music Suite 6pm Children s Chimes Adult Wing/Children s Chime Room Chancel Choir Rehearsal Music Suite Lenten Study Group Teacher - Greg Tolle Conference Room Elevate_ Youth Wing Saturday, March 28 9:00 am Worship & Praise in the sanctuary. Rev. Kathy Gibson will be the speaker.

6 First United Methodist Church 2300 Country Club Road Duncan, Oklahoma Return Address Requested Non-profit Organization Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Duncan, OK Permit #19 8:45am-10:15am Adult Wing and Narthex Jack and Jean Stanton Glenda Hollingsworth Southwest Door Lynda Norman Martha Burger Liturgist Angela Bailey Greeters Traditional Worship 10:15am 9:45am-10:15am Sanctuary Jim Matthews, North Pat Matthews, South Ushers/Group 3: Gary Ferguson, Max Gallaway, Jerry Goodson, Jimmy Griffin, John Heaton, Glenda Hollingsworth, Gerald Marlar, Donna McConnell, Bill Taylor Our Mission Statement To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. FUMCenter - 10:00 am Greeters/Ushers: Rodriguez Family Scripture Reader/Mission Moment: Debra Rodriguez OUR MINISTRY STAFF Rev. Dr. Greg Tolle, Senior Minister greg.tolle@duncanfumc.org Rev. Kathy Gibson, Associate Minister kathy.gibson@duncanfumc.org Winifred Bailey, Director of Traditional Worship & Music winifred.bailey@duncanfumc.org Tara Cook, Director of Children s Ministries, Preschool/ Mother s Day Out & Nursery Coordinator tara/cook@duncanfumc.org Justin Sommer, Worship Leader & Youth Director justin.sommer@duncanfumc.org Sean Forehand, Business Administrator sean.forehand@duncanfumc.org Verna Wilson, Church Secretary verna.wilson@duncanfumc.org Steve Taylor, Director of Media Ministry steve.taylor@duncanfumc.org Dr. Thomas Labé, Pianist/Organist Betty Davis, Church Hostess Jerry Marlar, Custodian

7 What s Next? Classes During the latter part of March 2015, FUMC will be sending out realm invitations to church members. Simply follow the instructions in the to create your account and log on to realm. If you don t receive an invitation, it s possible we don t have a correct address for you, or perhaps we re not using your primary address, so please check all of your accounts and let us know if we need to update your contact information. To have your information updated, contact either Verna Wilson, our Church Secretary, or Sean Forehand, our Business Administrator. And don t worry! If you can use Facebook or even just work with , you ll be working with realm in no time! We plan to schedule classes for those who are interested in learning more about realm or who simply would like some help in setting up their account. If you re interested in attending a class, please contact the church office and let us know. Do I Have To Use realm? Absolutely not. This is simply one more way we re using to try to connect our members to each other and to our church, as well as empower each member to be able to manage their own information. However, we will continue to manage the information as we always have, and we will still send giving statements through the mail to those who choose not to create an account for managing their contributions. If you have any questions about realm, contact Sean Forehand by calling the church office or by sending an to sean.forehand@duncanfumc.org. What it is and why you ll love it First United Methodist Church of Duncan 2300 N Country Club Rd Duncan, OK Phone: Fax: mychurch@duncanfumc.org Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world

8 Did you know you can view the contributions you make to the church as soon as they re posted, set up recurring donations, and even make a pledge? download your own IRS-acceptable giving statement for the previous year? see all the groups available in our church, see who the members are, and see posted messages about those groups? receive notifications about church activities, cancellations, and schedule changes? update your own contact information for church records? Welcome to realm! Getting Connected realm (yes, the r is lowercase) is all about getting and staying connected in our church. For many years, FUMC has been using the People Suite from ACS Technologies for our church management system (CMS) to help keep track of member information, contributions, and groups. While it offered fantastic capabilities, the People Suite was difficult to learn, difficult to manage and navigate, and only church staff were able to access it. In the past year, ACS Technologies has begun offering realm, a new CMS based on the same concept, but much more user-friendly, cloudbased (meaning you can access it anywhere you have an internet connection), and offering the capability for church members and groups to connect with each other in ways not previously possible. (By the way, it s cheaper, too!) Church staff began setting up and using realm in early 2015, and then several volunteers were introduced to the new system. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Within a few short minutes and with minimal instruction, even those who felt they wouldn t be able to understand realm were quickly navigating through the various features, managing their own personal profiles, and creating groups and adding group members, all through the use of laptops and even tablets. Security & Contributions One big concern early on was that personal information of church members would be available to others. The reality is that only people who have been sent an invitation from the church will be able to create an account and log on, and with the exception of being able to see those who are members of groups or classes, no more information than was in the printed church directory or the phone book will be available to other users in our church. Financial information remains secure and restricted as well. The same access and restrictions that were in place in the People Suite are implemented in realm. Only the Business Office will access and manage the financial information of church members and other contributors. One very significant feature of realm is the ability to set up contributions through your own profile. For online contributions, ACS Technologies has partnered with Vanco, the same company that handles online financial transactions for the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma and nationally. We encourage the option to draw directly from checking or savings accounts instead of using credit or debit cards since the fees are much lower.