Second Service In-Gathering Group. January 14, United Methodist Church. Newsletter. First Service In-Gathering Group.

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Caitlin Webster
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Mark Whitley Administrative Council Chair:

Chairperson: Ray Roberts Office Hours: Monday

Closed Friday First Service In-Gathering

Ron & Jane Alexander, Don & Yvonne Clark,

Second Service In-Gathering Group January 14,

1 United Methodist Church Newsletter February 2018 Pastor: Rev. Mark Whitley Administrative Council Chair: Steve Leslie Lay Leader: Dolly Kirk Trustee Chairperson: Ray Roberts Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Church Office Closed Friday First Service In-Gathering Group January 14, 2018 John & Bonnie Childs, Ron & Jane Alexander, Don & Yvonne Clark, Rick & Debbie Phelps, Rick & Cindy Sizemore, and Carole King East 146th St. North Collinsville, OK (918) Second Service In-Gathering Group January 14, 2018 Belinda Risley & Robert Wilson, Marc & Beth Pearson, John & Rosalea Fuser, Deena Hines

Greetings in the spirit of the joy of the Risen Christ! It had to be a record in the history of history...in the history of EVER! EIGHTEEN!

new members joined our church family in raucous, celebratory Welcome Home events at the end of each service eleven in the first service, and seven in second service.

And then as they say, lo and behold, five members joined spontaneously, and most unexpectedly! Glory hallelujah!

2 Greetings in the spirit of the joy of the Risen Christ! It had to be a record in the history of history...in the history of EVER! EIGHTEEN! EIGHTEEN! Over the course of two worship services on Sunday, January 14th, EIGHTEEN! new members joined our church family in raucous, celebratory Welcome Home events at the end of each service eleven in the first service, and seven in second service. Based on many previous conversations, I was prepared for 14 new members, but as one called in sick the night before, I was only expecting 13 that Sunday morning. And then as they say, lo and behold, five members joined spontaneously, and most unexpectedly! Glory hallelujah! You all know I m a pretty wordy guy, but I was just left speechless by what wonder God worked in our church that Sunday! And there will be more joining over the next few weeks! And of all days, we had EIGHTEEN! new members join on the day I preached out of one of the most difficult and seldom-preached passages in the entire Bible, Matthew 2: This is the part of the Christmas story of the magi that never gets told, the part of the Christmas story that is never represented in the children s Christmas pageant. The passage is known to preachers as the slaughter of the innocents and is one of those Biblical passages preachers call the texts of terror because no one wants to preach them because the passages portray such horrific events. But I felt called to preach the passage and tell the whole Christmas story, after all of the beauty and pageantry of our Christmas season here at Meadowcreek, to also presenting the birth story s horror. And I was challenged to end the sermon as I always try to do, to end on God s hope. And to reinforce God s wondrous, glorious hope, EIGHTEEN! people joined on the day a preacher preached a sermon on the slaughter of the innocents. And that has to be a record in the history of history...in the history of EVER! Who but God could design and create such a paradox of experiences? People in the congregation who turned away from the stark images I used in the sermon were among the same crowd of witnesses standing in abundant joy just a few minutes later at the front of the church as we had our in-gathering of our new members. To move so quickly from the harshness of the sermon to the soaring joys of enfolding our new members into our church family was an act of grace on a mysterious, wondrous scale! Who but God! To God s glory our church is growing, and as a few mentioned after the services on Sunday, the Holy Spirit is whipping up a contagious joy in our church. So what are we going to do about it? Well, I hope you will join me in the prayerful, persistent, and patient work of discernment. I recommend this month s Saving Grace as it also speaks to discernment. God, what are you trying to do? What shall we do? Whom is it you are sending us to serve? All of you are important to that process. And as we know from scripture, God consistently speaks the loudest from the least likely of sources. Is it possible that God has a word for our church that God has given to you to voice? May it be so! In Christ, Pastor Mark 2

3 Saving Graces Once I was asked a profoundly important question by a mature church member. The question had to do with how to discover one s purpose within the church and within one s relationship with God now that children were raised and a career had been replaced with retirement. The answer I provided was less an answer than it was the description of a process called discernment. Regardless of our age or our place in life, earnestly seeking guidance and direction from God is the best way to determine our greater purposes in life, especially as these purposes relate to living out our faith in service to the kingdom of God. In this early autumn season, this week s Saving Grace is directed toward those who are in the autumn time of their lives. This week s devotion and prayer is taken from Autumn Wisdom, Finding Meaning in Life s Later Years by James E. Miller. I have provided excerpts and quotes from the book that addresses the spirituality and faith journeys of older persons. The last quote from St. Catherine of Sienna is one of my very favorite quotes. May this be helpful, regardless of your age. Be blessed. Pastor Mark Follow your path long enough and it will converge with other paths. Live your life deeply enough and it will merge with other lives, and with all of life. Go in search of that which gives your life meaning and you will return with one word on your lips. That word, in its many forms, is love. It is possible to be too young to love, but you can never be too old. In many ways, the older you are, the better you can love. The more experiences you have lived through, the better you can understand the experiences of those around you. The more you have cherished others and been cherished by others, the more naturally your life will overflow with affection. The more you have witnessed and felt the boundless love of God, the more that love can be expressed through you. You re never too old to love. And you re never too old to begin loving. No matter what has happened to you before, you can love today. No matter what you have missed and what you have regretted, you can love today. No matter what has been taken from you or what you surrendered, you can love today. And because of who you are and what you have experienced, you can love in ways that someone less experienced cannot. When the seasons of your life draw to a close, what will matter most is not how much you have known. What will matter most is how much you have loved. (Autumn Wisdom, pp 56-57) There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Albert Einstein (Autumn Wisdom, p 38) O Thou full of compassion, I commit and commend myself unto Thee, in whom I am, and live, and know. Be Thou the Goal of my pilgrimage, and my Rest by the way. Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts beneath the shadow of Thy wings; let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in Thee, O God. Saint Augustine (Autumn Wisdom, p 18) We must always have old memories and young hopes. Arsene Houssaye (Autumn Wisdom, p 28) All the way to heaven is heaven. St. Catherine of Sienna (Autumn Wisdom, p 38) 3

4 Adult Education Survey Go out and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19 Thank you to everyone that completed the Adult Education Survey! We had 49 people fill out the survey and I am so delighted!! The feedback you provided has helped us to develop a strategy for the new few months in putting together different offerings to help us as a congregation become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ- to be discipled so we can go out and make disciples of all nations! I d like to share with you the results from the survey and also the plan we have put into place for the Spring months! When asked what base you feel like you are on in your faith walk/ spiritual journey 41% of those surveyed feel like they are on 2 nd base; 19% feel like they are on 3 rd base; 12% feel like they are on 1 st base; 10% feel like they have stepped up to the plate and also 10% feel like they are a Home Run Hitter; 8% feel like they are sitting on the bench. As a reminder, the definitions of each base were: Sitting on the bench have not done much yet, but interested in getting in the game! Stepped up to the plate - ready to move forward in my journey; committed to increasing my presence at church, e.g., regular worship attendance, serving, attending a class, being in a small group, etc. 1st base - participating in a small group, Bible study, or other adult educational opportunity; giving regularly of my finances, building a relationship with God through prayer and personal devotions and study. 2nd base - serving at church regularly, aware of my spiritual gifts, trusting God with most areas of my life (including my finances and working toward tithing). I have a reasonable knowledge of the Bible, and/or active in missions, and/or have been on the Walk to Emmaus, and/or have a deeply spiritual relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. 3rd base - leading in the church, tithing, becoming responsible for my own faith journey and helping others with theirs. I am becoming comfortable sharing God's love with others Home Run Hitter - all-in, mature disciple of Jesus Christ. I have had life-changing encounters with the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and have had a life-changing experience through Missions. I am serving, leading, giving sacrificially above a full tithe, and able to help make other disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Summary: WHAT to Study: Discipleship is the #1 topic most of those surveyed want to study! WHEN to Study: Weekend Evening WHERE to Study: Church 4

Adult Education Survey continued Action Plan: As a result of this survey, Pastor Mark will be teaching the Threshold Disciple Class starting Sunday,

We will also be offering a Church Wide Devotional during Lent that you can participate in on your own time.

5 Adult Education Survey continued Action Plan: As a result of this survey, Pastor Mark will be teaching the Threshold Disciple Class starting Sunday, February 18 th from 3:00-5:00 at the church. This is a 5 week study. We will also be offering a Church Wide Devotional during Lent that you can participate in on your own time. Our hope is that 1-2 more classes will be offered during the Spring months. We are currently seeking leaders/teachers for those classes. Please be in prayer if this is something God is calling you to do! Thanks again for all your input! Melissa Roberts Adult Education Coordinator 5

K C Kidz at the Creek, our group for 3 rd thru 5 th graders, is headed for the Tulsa Zoo!!! On Saturday, July 15 th, we will be meeting at the church at 9 am to visit the zoo.

253@gmail.com. (by Darren Johnson) Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Contact Darren for more details at 918-695-7290 or email at darren.johnson.253@gmail.com.

6 K C Kidz at the Creek, our group for 3 rd thru 5 th graders, is headed for the Tulsa Zoo!!! On Saturday, July 15 th, we will be meeting at the church at 9 am to visit the zoo. Bring a sack lunch and we will eat there after we visit all the animals. The cost will be $6 per child. Contact Darren for more idz details at the reek or at darren.johnson.253@gmail.com. (by Darren Johnson) Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. - Matthew 19:14 Kidz at the Creek, our group for 3 rd thru 5 th graders, will be meeting on Sunday, Feb 18th at 2:00 3:30 p.m. We play games, have projects, and even go on outings. Come join the fun! Contact Darren for more details at or at darren.johnson.253@gmail.com. (by Darren Johnson) Meadowcreek Youth Group doin s Thank you for supporting our youth as they prepared and sold Super Bowl subs on Sunday, February 4 th. They raised over $ YAY! This money will be used for our trip to Young Christians Weekend at Silver Dollar City in April and for a mission trip this summer. Thanks again for supporting our youth! If you need any more youth info please let Darren know by at darren.johnson.253@gmail.com or by texting or calling

We would like to thank our church for the love and care that you demonstrated to our family in the loss

The love of God shown through during the serving of the church meal which was so delicious, as well as the

Janie s family was especially touched by you all as the hands and feet of God.

Group for my beautiful prayer shawl. I received my soft and sunny yellow shawl on Christmas Eve.

7 We would like to thank our church for the love and care that you demonstrated to our family in the loss Janie Knight, our sister and daughter. The love of God shown through during the serving of the church meal which was so delicious, as well as the attendance at the service. We appreciate all the cards, flowers, and mostly the prayers. Janie s family was especially touched by you all as the hands and feet of God. Jim and Raine Igarta and Grandma Pat Marino I would like to thank all the members of the Crochet and Knit Group for my beautiful prayer shawl. I received my soft and sunny yellow shawl on Christmas Eve. It was a cherished Christmas gift! I can feel the love and prayers that are crocheted into each stitch. Thank you all for this wonderful blessing! A Thankful and Grateful Recipient January Food Bank Distribution Thank you Volunteers! 7

February 18-March 18 Threshold Discipleship with Pastor Mark Sundays at 3pm February 20 Pet Ministry Meeting at 6:30 pm February 25 Valentine s Dinner Dance from 5:00 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall

Wednesday 9:30 am Prayer Group meeting 7:00 pm Youth Bible Study 6:30 pm Adult Choir Thursday 9:30 am Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm Praise Band Practice Sunday 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service 9:45 am

Folds of Honor.. January 9, 2018 Our entire Meadowcreek family is invited to come to a Valentine s dinner and dance This is for all ages!

To help us make sure we plan the food appropriately, please RSVP letting us know the number of adults and children who will be attending. You can send an email to meadowcreeumc@meadowcreekumc.

Meadowcreek UMC et Ministry February Don Clark February 2 Jeanie Ablett February 3 Dana Short February 3 Belinda Risley February 4 Donna Alcorn February 5 Ashlyn Groves February 7 John Childs

Critters at the Creek is underway and we are excited to watch this ministry grow and allow us to love support comfort and provide resources for God s creatures and the individuals that love and care

So, put your money in the jar and choose which one it will be. We are partnering with Sophie s Homeless Ministry, where we will make doggie blankets and package baggies of dog food & bowls.

We are helping two rescue groups: Ward-Wiseman and Skiatook Paws & Claws. We will provide them with large dog leashes, puppy and kitten food, and litter.

8 February 18-March 18 Threshold Discipleship with Pastor Mark Sundays at 3pm February 20 Pet Ministry Meeting at 6:30 pm February 25 Valentine s Dinner Dance from 5:00 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall March 4 Pet Ministry Fundraiser & Potluck after 2nd Service March 25 Palm Sunday Service April 1 Easter Sunday Service WEEKLY EVENTS: Tuesday 5:30 pm Crochet & Knit Group 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Meeting Wednesday 9:30 am Prayer Group meeting 7:00 pm Youth Bible Study 6:30 pm Adult Choir Thursday 9:30 am Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm Praise Band Practice Sunday 8:30 am Traditional Worship Service 9:45 am Sunday School 10:50 am Contemporary Worship Service 4:00 pm Youth Group meeting MONTHLY EVENTS: 1 st Monday Trustees Meeting at 6:15 pm 3 rd Thursday Finance Meeting at 7:30 pm Girls Day Out visit to Folds of Honor.. January 9, 2018 Our entire Meadowcreek family is invited to come to a Valentine s dinner and dance This is for all ages! The dinner will be served at 5:00 pm with music and dancing to follow and go to at least 7:00 pm. To help us make sure we plan the food appropriately, please RSVP letting us know the number of adults and children who will be attending. You can send an to meadowcreeumc@meadowcreekumc.org or call the church office at Meadowcreek UMC et Ministry February Don Clark February 2 Jeanie Ablett February 3 Dana Short February 3 Belinda Risley February 4 Donna Alcorn February 5 Ashlyn Groves February 7 John Childs February 8 Athen Shambrook February 10 Trina Stumpff February 11 Colby Bumgardner February 13 James Hodge February 14 Gary McBurney February 15 Traci Groves-Kaltenbacher February 16 Our Pet Ministry Critters at the Creek is underway and we are excited to watch this ministry grow and allow us to love support comfort and provide resources for God s creatures and the individuals that love and care for them. Next Meeting is Feb. 20th at 6:30 pm and on March 4 th we will have a fundraiser to get this ministry started. Pastor Mark will kiss a kitty, dog, horse, chicken or bunny. So, put your money in the jar and choose which one it will be. We are partnering with Sophie s Homeless Ministry, where we will make doggie blankets and package baggies of dog food & bowls. So, if you would like to donate dog food & medium size plastic bowls, it would be most appreciated. Feel free to bring these items to a meeting, or contact Becky at Bless you! We are helping two rescue groups: Ward-Wiseman and Skiatook Paws & Claws. We will provide them with large dog leashes, puppy and kitten food, and litter. Donations are welcome and needed, and we have already received requests. Also, we are starting a prayer chain for our sweet fur babies at magsaw2002@yahoo.com For more information, please text or leave a message for Becky Vasey at Happy Birthday Sharon Wilkinson February 18 Rick Sisemore February 19 David Wilkinson February 19 Jim Ablett February 21 Jane Alexander February 22 Dixie Boyer February 22 Linda Tucker February 22 Julianne Hayes February 24 Derrell Morrow February 25 Rick Phelps February 25 Janene Dainty February 28 Jackie Horton February 28 Pam Rubottom February 28 Tom Mathews March 2 Sam Shoulders March 2 Bonnie Childs March 3 John Dougherty March 3 Randy Johnston March 4 Kamryn Lumsden March 6 Dan King March 8 Rosalea Fuser March 12 Cindy Ludewick March 14 Benjamin Gillam March 16 Verna Maulsby March 16 Tony Shambrook March 17 If your birthday does not appear on this list of church members, please contact the church office, and we ll be sure to add you to the list for next year! 8 March Brian Doss March 18 Amanda Gillam March 20 Janice Pollard March 20 Jessica Baker March 22 Mary Odom March 23 Harriet Morrow March 29 Caden Stumpff March 29 Brooklyn Groves March 31 Riley Shoulders March 31

Christmas Memories 2018

Christmas Memories 2018 United Methodist Church Newsletter January 2019 Pastor: Rev. Mark Whitley Administrative Council Chair: Jim Igarta Lay Leader: Dolly Kirk Trustee Chairperson: Ray Roberts Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday