The First United Methodist Church

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m.) Friday - closed CHURCH STAFF The First United Methodist Church Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor Rev.

Office Administrator Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager 15502 South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 The Flame SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.

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 CHURCH STAFF The First United Methodist Church Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor Rev. Matt Thompson, Associate Pastor Hannah Birney, Director of Children s Ministry Shelly Thompson, Director of Youth Ministry Larry Clark, Minister of Music ZaQue Hutchings, Keyboardist Jeana Malone, Office Administrator Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma The Flame SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Volume 18 Issue 4 April 2016 What Did You Say about the Facility Last Month? Now that we have built the stairway to heaven up into the bell tower, we have discovered the windows in the bell tower were indeed installed inside out. They were designed to channel water to the outside, but because they are reversed, they channel water into the building. We have hired a window company to reverse the windows in the bell tower and above Pastor Matt s office.. The stone walls of our facility are imitation stone, made of concrete, and they were never sealed, so water soaks through the stone into the building s walls. We have begun the process of sealing all the stone work on our facility. It is not an inexpensive process. The roof of our facility was improperly installed. The wood decking was not properly screwed down to the metal framework, and the wood used in the decking has warped, tearing the shingles above them, causing leaks into the building. We will probably have to replace the entire decking on the roof. The roof was designed for a metal roof. We originally chose to go with shingles to save money. The updraft of our roof line, along with the decking issues, have made it impossible to keep shingles in place and keep the water out of our building. We are looking into replacing the shingles with a metal roof. The siding of our facility is made of concrete, and was improperly installed. It doesn t overlap as it should, allowing water to enter the building through the walls. We are considering replacing the siding with a metal siding. The flower beds around the building are at the same height as the floor, so when heavy rains come off our roof, the water seeps into our facility between the walls and the floor. French drains have been installed around the building to get the water out to the parking lot, away from the facility. If we do not address all these issues, the facility will begin to crumble around us, and we may face other future issues that would be even more expensive. Now is the time to repair our facility and make it water tight. Some work is being done currently, so any generosity on your part would be greatly appreciated. We are also seeking bids on all the big projects, and will be bringing those to the Administrative Council and a Church Conference, for it could extend our indebtedness from our current $500,000 to over $1,300,000. If we were to raise money for only part of this process, you would be angry that the building was still leaking in other ways. We really need to address all the ways water has been coming into the building. We are not blaming anyone for what has happened in the past. Our Committees have always done the very best they could with the knowledge that was available. Our facility is too nice for us to ignore these very real issues. I know you will want to help us address them, and make it right for the generations who will follow us in this building. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. Our Trustees and our Facility Manager are doing excellent work in getting us ready for this journey. We thank you in advance for your generosity. 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 May issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on April 27. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 20.

Out of the Lions Den... What s the Good News? Did you know we have four women who meet in the chapel every Monday at 4:00 to pray for our congregation and for all whose needs are brought before them?

We have heard from several people within and beyond the church, who have been genuinely touched by their ministry of prayer and encouragement.

2 Out of the Lions Den... What s the Good News? Did you know we have four women who meet in the chapel every Monday at 4:00 to pray for our congregation and for all whose needs are brought before them? Then they write notes of encouragement to the people for whom they ve prayed. We have heard from several people within and beyond the church, who have been genuinely touched by their ministry of prayer and encouragement. Some have even returned to Worship, because someone cared enough to reach out. Is God calling you to pray and encourage? They would love to have more people with that kind of commitment. Contact Bonnie Pulver with all prayer requests, and to ask about getting involved in this ministry ( ). Our music ministry: chancel choir, praise band, King s Kids, our keyboard specialist, and even some handbell ringers and brass musicians, have blessed us with inspirational music, while offering their gifts to God in Worship. Our King s Kids will be performing their Spring Musical on the evening of May 1 at 6:00. This children s musical touches the lives of most of our children, along with the lives of several children from our After School Ministry, the ministry that provides snacks, tutoring, and Christian lessons to elementary students. We had several of our After School students sing in both worship services on Easter morning, bringing their families along. Our Pre-School is also reaching out to new families. Several from this year s classes, along with their families, have become participants in our church this year. We had a very successful Egg Hunt that reached our own children from this church, along with several who attend our After School Ministry and Pre-School. Shelly Thompson, our Youth Director, is teaching our teens HOW to study the Bible, teaching them how to apply what they read to the way they live their lives. They are gaining skills that will serve them throughout their lives as they continue to grow as disciples of Jesus. Our Confirmation Class was small but faithful this year. Four students will be confirmed this Sunday, April 3, at 11:00. You will want to be present to share in their commitment to become radical followers of Jesus. 15 of our adults of varying ages opened their Bibles without fear and began learning a new way to read Scripture, for the first time. 18 of our adults have studied the uniqueness of the United Methodist Church and have a new appreciation for who we are, and why we do the things we do as United Methodist Christians. Many have Experienced God on Wednesday evenings. Oh yes, there is a lot of Good News going on! God is moving among us! -Daniel Graduation Information!!! IF YOU HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING SENIOR AND WOULD LIKE THEIR PICTURE IN NEXT MONTH S FLAME, PLEASE DROP A PICTURE BY OR ONE TO THE OFFICE THIS MONTH-ALONG WITH NAME & NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL! If you have other children or grandchildren graduating from college, please send their name and university name to the church office also.

On the Open Road Spring is here. The weather is getting warmer and cottonwood trees are in full force.

After admiring it for a few moments I thought about what it took to make that happen; It took earth, water and sunlight. That is so simple. The three essential things for growth are all around us.

We feel like we need more money, better cars, a bigger house, the finest vacations and it all must outdo our neighbors. Why? Why are we so bent on filling our lives with things that do not matter?

Hebrews 15:5 says be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

will find it. -Pastor Matt Grad/Youth Sunday May 1 During Worship Children s Musical Agape May 1 6:00 p.m. This month in Disciple s Journey we will be talking about 2 things. The first is Celebration.

3 On the Open Road Spring is here. The weather is getting warmer and cottonwood trees are in full force. I sat on the porch this morning staring at a potted plant that Shelly had been tending to these past few days. It is growing and looking healthy. I smiled at the simplicity of that particular life. After admiring it for a few moments I thought about what it took to make that happen; It took earth, water and sunlight. That is so simple. The three essential things for growth are all around us. God created it that way on purpose. He gave us everything we needed when He created the world. If we believe that this is true, then why do we always go searching for more? We feel like we need more money, better cars, a bigger house, the finest vacations and it all must outdo our neighbors. Why? Why are we so bent on filling our lives with things that do not matter? God has already given us everything we need and that resides in simplicity. The essentials in life are easy unless you look further than God s creation. Hebrews 15:5 says be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. If you find yourself wanting something more, but do not know what it is; or if you seem to be searching for something to sustain you, but do not know where to look, try looking to the cross and you will find it. -Pastor Matt Grad/Youth Sunday May 1 During Worship Children s Musical Agape May 1 6:00 p.m. This month in Disciple s Journey we will be talking about 2 things. The first is Celebration. In the Old Testament, God created the year of Jubilee. If you want to read more about this, you can find it in Leviticus 25. Celebration is at the beginning of Jesus ministry. At the start of Jesus public ministry, he proclaimed a year of Jubilee. (Luke 4:18-19) Disciple s Journey Celebration can enlarge our capacity to enjoy and serve God. In every circumstance we are in, we can choose to celebrate what God is doing in our lives or we can choose to not honor and celebrate God. What better time to practice the discipline of celebration than the period just after Easter? The second thing that we will be talking about this month is journaling. Journaling is a tool that helps us to reflect God s presence throughout our day. When practicing the discipline of journaling, we become more aware of the ways that God is working in our lives. Psalm 119:18 says Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. It is amazing the way that God will open our eyes when we stop to pay attention to how He is working around us. A Disciple

CLIP IN SERVE GROW CONNECT CLIP IN High in the mountains above a City near You THE AGAPE LEAGUE Attention Preschool & After School Families As you know, our Shepherd s Preschool follows the Bixby

This includes the Preschool and After School Care program. Invites you to join together with them to help two children in Suburbiana City who need reminders of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Secret Location: The Fortress of Virtue (Bixby First United Methodist Church) Presented by the King s Choir of Bixby First United Methodist Church SAVE THE DATE Vacation Bible School Surf Shack June

All are welcome-every person adds a unique insight! Wednesday Evenings For the next four weeks, we will be looking at topics that are often controversial but relevant to young students.

4 CLIP IN SERVE GROW CONNECT CLIP IN High in the mountains above a City near You THE AGAPE LEAGUE Attention Preschool & After School Families As you know, our Shepherd s Preschool follows the Bixby Public Schools calendar for the school year. Because of unused snow days, the BPS district will be ending their school year on May 12, We also will end that day. This includes the Preschool and After School Care program. Invites you to join together with them to help two children in Suburbiana City who need reminders of the Fruit of the Spirit. May 1, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Secret Location: The Fortress of Virtue (Bixby First United Methodist Church) Presented by the King s Choir of Bixby First United Methodist Church SAVE THE DATE Vacation Bible School Surf Shack June Volunteers are needed. Please contact Hannah if you are willing to help. Bixby First Youth Sunday School We will be studying Romans on Sunday mornings. All are welcome-every person adds a unique insight! Wednesday Evenings For the next four weeks, we will be looking at topics that are often controversial but relevant to young students. April 6 - Self esteem April 13 - We are going to the Bixby High School for a special event called Revolution April 20 - Self destructive feelings & thoughts April 27 - Depression Discussions are age appropriate and guided by adult leaders. CCYM Meeting, April p.m. Yukon Good Shepherd UMC District Youth Spring Event April 10th p.m. Stay informed of District events by social media: Youth Church Camp June th Grade - Graduates Youth Force Owasso June 26-July 1 Anyone interested in going needs to let Shelly know ASAP so spots can be reserved. Missions Work Day Saturday, April 16 beginning at 11:00 RSVP to Shelly as soon as possible if you are interested in going. Adults are welcome to come and help out. Facebook Page: Council Oak District United Methodist Youth

CLIP IN SERVE GROW CONNECT CLIP IN The Wonderful Wednesday Dinner and Clip-In Groups take place every Wednesday evening. Dinner is served in the gym at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person or $15.

Breath Prayer Holy Spirit, we want to bear fruit New Wednesday Evening Classes beginning April 13 Prayer for Beginners Pastor Dan will lead a class on the fundamentals of a good prayer life, a 5-week

We will cover Conversational Prayer, Breath Prayer, Prayers of Adoration, Prayers of Confession, Prayers of Thanksgiving, Prayers of Intercession, and Prayer Walking.

5 CLIP IN SERVE GROW CONNECT CLIP IN The Wonderful Wednesday Dinner and Clip-In Groups take place every Wednesday evening. Dinner is served in the gym at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family. Classes follow dinner. Breath Prayer Holy Spirit, we want to bear fruit New Wednesday Evening Classes beginning April 13 Prayer for Beginners Pastor Dan will lead a class on the fundamentals of a good prayer life, a 5-week session beginning Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 in room 205. We will cover Conversational Prayer, Breath Prayer, Prayers of Adoration, Prayers of Confession, Prayers of Thanksgiving, Prayers of Intercession, and Prayer Walking. Have you ever wanted to spice up your prayer life, so that it becomes more meaningful to you? Then this class might be for you. Study Group Diana Sample will facilitate a study group about the Holy Spirit who He is, how He helps us grow spiritually as Christians, why He is an essential part of our walk with Christ. As a group we will use several study resources, including multiple translations of the Holy Bible, the United Methodist Hymnal, various biblical reference books, and specific online resources. Each participant is encouraged to bring one or more translations of the Bible, any biblical reference books he or she has, and a laptop computer or ipad if possible. Diana will gather additional copies and devices as she can. Please meet with us in Room 109 anticipating a closer walk with God by developing a personal understanding and relationship with God s Holy Spirit. The study group will meet April 13 May 11 at 6:30 Wednesday evenings. Updates on Continuing Classes *Remember, you may join any of our groups at any time. Mom 2 Mom Meet with a small group of moms who support one another through prayer, Bible study and discussion on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in Room 206. The current topic of discussion is based on the book Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson. The author teaches through simple language, interesting anecdotes and biblical applications. Misty Dorsey and Erin Fairfield facilitate the group. Dad 2 Dad This group of fathers is an ongoing study and discussion group that meets Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in Room 203. They ll begin a new book, Fight: Winning the Battles That Matter Most by Craig Groeschel. The author helps men uncover who they really are men created in the image of God with a warrior s heart using examples from the author s life and the Bible. God made each man to fight for what is right using faith, prayer and the Word of God. Cost of book is $10.

Good morning! I would like to thank my church family for all the beautiful cards, texts and phone calls during the recent loss of my Mom Evelyn Rauser, but more importantly for all of their prayers.

..918-639-0883 It's a GIRL!!!! Registered at buybuybaby.com Second Friday Club Friday, April 8 Lori Hutson from the Tulsa Botanic Garden Program at 10:30 a.m. Potluck Lunch at 11:30 Meat & Drinks provided Bring a side, salad, or dessert to share!

p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Bixby First United Methodist Room 108 Bridal Registry: Target and Bed, Bath, & Beyond Monthly Meeting Reminders: (known meetings from the office calendar) Stephen

6 Good morning! I would like to thank my church family for all the beautiful cards, texts and phone calls during the recent loss of my Mom Evelyn Rauser, but more importantly for all of their prayers. I am truly blessed! Thank you, Nancy Stansifer (Rauser) Please join us for a Baby Shower honoring Tyler and Johnny Paxton Saturday, April 9, :00 am S. Vandalia Ave. Bixby, OK RSVP It's a GIRL!!!! Registered at buybuybaby.com Second Friday Club Friday, April 8 Lori Hutson from the Tulsa Botanic Garden Program at 10:30 a.m. Potluck Lunch at 11:30 Meat & Drinks provided Bring a side, salad, or dessert to share! Stitchers of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry We will meet April 12 at 10:00 a.m. And April 14 at 6:00 p.m. If you know someone who is need of a prayer shawl we have several available. Please contact the church office. The Chancel Choir of Bixby First United Methodist Church invites you to attend a wedding shower for Emma Fibla Fiance' of our church organist, ZaQue Hutchings Date: Sunday, April 10, 2016 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Bixby First United Methodist Room 108 Bridal Registry: Target and Bed, Bath, & Beyond Monthly Meeting Reminders: (known meetings from the office calendar) Stephen Ministry-Tuesday, April 5 At 6:30 p.m. Trustees-Sunday, April 10 At 5:00 p.m. Grow Team-Sunday, April 11 & April 25 At 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Elaine Bostian ( ) or Karen Williams ( ). ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday, Feb. 28 March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27 8:30 a.m :00 a.m SonRise 40 TOTAL Holy Week Attendance Maundy Thursday 105 Good Friday 165 SonRise Service 40 Easter 8: Easter 11:00 334

April 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 COMMUNION Confirmation Sunday 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 10 7:30 a.

$m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Youth \ 24 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer-Chapel 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Youth 4 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 7:00 p.$ m. Stephen Ministry 12 10:00 a.m. Preschool Field Trip 10:00 a.m. Garden Club 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 19 26 6 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.

m. Stephen Ministry 12 10:00 a.m. Preschool Field Trip 10:00 a.m. Garden Club 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 19 26 6 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.

m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 14 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:00 p.

m. Youth Missions Day at Boston Ave. 23 30 9:00 a.m. Children s Program Dress Rehearsal

7 April 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 COMMUNION Confirmation Sunday 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 10 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer-Chapel 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 2:00 p.m. Youth Dist. Spring Event 5:00 p.m. Youth 5:00 p.m. Trustees 17 7:30 a.m. Worship Prep. & Prayer-Chapel 8:30 Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Youth \ 24 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 4 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 7:00 p.m. Scouts 11 9:30 am. Preschool 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 6:30 p.m. Grow Team 7:00 p.m. Scouts 18 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 7:00 p.m. Scouts 25 4:00 p.m. Prayer Gathering 6:30 p.m. Grow Team 7:00 p.m. Scouts 5 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry 12 10:00 a.m. Preschool Field Trip 10:00 a.m. Garden Club 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl :30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 13 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 20 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 27 5:30 p.m. Dinner in Gym 6:00 p.m. Praise Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Classes 6:30 p.m. Youth 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 14 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl 21 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 28 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study :30 a.m. 2nd Friday Earth Day 29 Arbor Day :00 a.m. Youth Missions Day at Boston Ave :00 a.m. Children s Program Dress Rehearsal

First United Methodist Church 15502 South Memorial Bixby, OK 74008 (918) 366-4463 email: fumcbix@olp.net Website: www.fumcbixby.

18 The Flame April 2016 Or Current Resident Please pray for these active duty military personnel : Air Force: Airman First Class Kyle Seaman, Son of Lee & Jean Seaman Serving

Great Nephew of June & David Skaggs Serving in Germany Army: Sgt.

8 First United Methodist Church South Memorial Bixby, OK (918) Website: Non-Profit Organization Pre-Sort Standard Bixby, Oklahoma Permit No. 18 The Flame April 2016 Or Current Resident Please pray for these active duty military personnel : Air Force: Airman First Class 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 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 Marines: Sgt. Joseph Adib, nephew of Susan and Bill Apker Serving in Germany 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

Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy

Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy 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 15502 South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 The Flame CHURCH