Page 1 VOL 23 ISSUE 4 SEMI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ARDMORE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PALE GAS BY BISHOP JIMMY NUNN He held the aerosol can upright and pressed its button. I heard the hiss of contents spewing through the tiny hole. He had carefully wrapped the can with a homemade sign that read PALE GAS. As he sprayed the can intermittently during his presentation, this Catholic deacon talked about the seven deadly sins, behaviors long identified by Christians as the worst vices. Historically, the Church has referred to them as deadly because they are the taproots of sin. The seven deadly sins are terminal to the soul because each one starts with placing yourself and your will at the center of everything. I have not forgotten the acronym I learned that day. PALE GAS is a shortcut for learning the names of those sins. The point the deacon made was that we can be propelled by PALE GAS, not unlike that which spewed from the can he held or we can be moved by the Wind of God, the Holy Spirit. Over the past 20 years, I have spent time during Lent examining myself through the lens of PALE GAS. I write these thoughts hoping they will provide you also with insights for reflection and life during this season of the Christian year. P is for pride. Pride declares: I want to be the ruler and center of my life. A is for anger (or wrath). Anger says: I want to get even with you. L is for lust. Lust says: I want my way with you. E is for envy. Envy says: I want what you have. G is for gluttony. Gluttony says: I want a lot. A is for avarice (or greed). Avarice says: I want a whole lot. S is for sloth (or apathy). Sloth claims: I don t want to care or to do something any more. Over the years, I have developed a shorthand to increase the awareness of my blind spots that relate to the seven deadly sins. Here are a few of my ideas. Pride s opposite is humility. Gratitude nurtures humility, and humility slays pride. Anger s opposite is forgiveness. Forgiveness frees me from the bondage of heartache and releases the other person. Lust s opposite is self-control. Self-control makes way for God s way. As lust awakens, reason is lulled to sleep and the habit becomes binding (Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot, 1090-1153). The opposite of envy is celebration. Celebrate other people! Envy determines your value in comparison with others, leads to I want more to raise my own esteem. Don t compare. Rather, think complete my joy (Philippians 2:2). Gluttony s opposite is moderation. The goal is to be filled, not full. Avarice s opposite is generosity. Generosity forms the foundations of character; greed erodes humanity. The opposite of sloth is service. Continued to Page 2 Church Events March 4 United Methodist Women 3:00pm Colvert Ministry Center March 6 SPRC Meeting 5:00pm Room A8 March 11 Daylight Savings March 12-16 Preschool & Area Schools Fall Break March 19-23 CDO & Plainview Fall Break March 20 Finance Committee 12:00pm Room 205 March 20 Admin. Church Council 6:00pm Fellowship Hall
Page 2 Continuation from Page 1 I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these, you have done it for me (Matthew 25:40 CEV). Never miss an opportunity to do good. PALE GAS can be daunting. Remember the Wind of the Spirit. It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13 NRSV). The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact - Casey Family - Mission Funds Needed FUMC now has three designated funds for the mission work of the Casey family in Amazima. The first fund will be used to purchase plane tickets for the Casey family, when they come home in December. Four round-trip tickets cost approximately $6,000. Second, FUMC is financing a work program for 18 of the boys at the home. This work program provides funds for a local church, for building materials and to pay for the labor for supervisors, in addition to the salary for the boys. They will receive approximately $25 each for three weeks of difficult and tiring labor. That $25, however, will help them purchase the school supplies they need for the first term of this year. The total for the work program is approximately $900. 2018 Church Photo Directory! New Church Photo Directory Coming Soon! The last FUMC Pictorial Directory was completed in 2014. This year, Smith Photo Group, fellow FUMC Members, will be photographing all church members/attendees and assisting in producing a new directory. We hope each and every family and individual, who come to either of our worship services, will participate in being photographed. This is not about ordering portraits, but rather getting to know everyone within our congregation. Session dates are March 16 through 25. Each family/individual that is photographed will receive a free 8x10 as a thank you for participating. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your appointment time ready to be photographed. Arriving late could cause your appointment to be rescheduled in order to keep appointments going on time. Appointments will be approximately 15 minutes per family. Singles and couples will take less time. Your viewing appointment will follow immediately after, for you to choose your photo for the directory. Products will be available for purchase, however, you will not be hassled to do so. You may schedule your time online at: https:// directoryphoto.as.me or call the Welcome Desk. Photos will be taken in the Prayer Room of the Colvert Ministry Center. The third fund, is to sponsor a child to attend the Amazima School. Specific information about this child, including name, bio, pictures, etc will be provided soon. The Caseys are planning to provide his scholarship and FUMC members can assist. The total scholarship and school supplies for the year would cost approximately $1,500. This covers the tuition, supplies, and three meals per day for the three school terms. A total of $1,130 has already been received for this fund. #MatchIt Pledges to-date = $60,765.00 If you have not had an opportunity to turn in your #MatchIt pledge cards, you may drop them by the church office, leave them at the Welcome Desk, or put them in the offering plate. Cards are available at the Welcome Desk. Banks are still available, also. You may fill them with your loose change, empty when it gets full, and mail or drop off your donation to the church office. Please keep these banks and continue to refill them as you can. Thank you for your contributions! 2018 Report from Finance Through the Month of January Budgeted Actual Offering/Tithes/ Giving Received: $134,494.45 $106,436.70 Expenses: $160,474.37 $150,833.55 % of Apportionments paid: 8.3% 8.3% The Finance Committee, Committee Chairs, Pastors, and Staff would like to thank the congregation for your continued support and ask everyone to prayerfully reflect on their giving and support of the ministries of the Church
Page 3 United Methodist Women Sunday, March 4 United Methodist Women now meet the 1st Sunday of each month, at 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Join them in Room 116 of the Colvert Ministry Center. Soup Kitchen Volunteer Week March 19-23 Want to serve? Contact Carolyn McElroy SYMPATHY Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and Peggy Ann Haslam, with the passing of Joe s brother and Scott & Gary Heller s uncle, Charles Adolph Haslam, on February 7, 2018. His services were February 17 at the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson. Interment followed in the Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay and Melissa Grace, with the passing of Melissa s stepfather, Clyde Schrader, on February 24. His services are pending at this time. JOY Congratulations to Joe and Amy (Hancock) Hornback on their marriage, on March 1. Kagen Wallis Army Christian Joy - Air Force (Fairchild AFB) Jerry Bright - Navy (Little Creek, VA) David Seals - Army Seth Haynes - Air Force (Aviano, Italy) Paxton Killblane - Army (Fort Bragg, NC) Neil Melton - Air Force (Kuwait) Wesley Patzkowsky - Army (Pilot, Deployed) If you have a loved one serving in the Armed Forces, please contact the church office. We want to acknowledge and be in prayer for each of our service men and women. Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Looper! They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 22. Donald and Denver were high school sweethearts and were married in 1958. Their children are Lynn Looper and wife, Lisa; Pamela Haynes and husband, Justin; and Donna Nall and her husband, Danny. They have a total of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The Loopers were honored with a family dinner. MEMORIAL In memory of Don Herklotz, contributions have been received from Hugh & Shelly Aljoe for the Building Fund Match-it; and from Wadell & Sheila Altom for Faith Promise; and from Frances Kampschmedt for the Memorial Fund. In memory of Bub Harvey, contributions were received from Harry Spring, William Chapman, and Sam & Sharon Veazey for the Memorial Fund; and from Donald & Karen Chaffin and Maytha Mead for the Building Fund Match-it; and from Wadell & Sheila Altom for Faith Promise. In memory of Barbara Riley, a contribution has been received from Frances Kampschmidt for the Memorial Fund. In memory of Mary Robertson, a contribution has been received from Frances Kampschmedt for the Memorial Fund. *If you would like to make a Memorial Donation, please include information that clearly states whom the donation is in memory of and who you would like to be notified about the donation (if you have a preference). Thank you! Search FUMC Ardmore
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Page 5 Tahlequah Mission Scheduled Alan Bourne, Karlie Harper, and Rev. Dan Patman are putting together a return to the UM Children s Home in Tahlequah on Sunday through Friday, June 3-8. This clean-up, fix-up mission is open to men, women, youth, and children. Children and youth have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must be part of the work force. Missioners with particular skills in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, roofing, welding, dry wall, fence building, mowing, brush-hogging, gardening, leaf-raking, and tree trimming are welcome. A jack of all trades or handy man is perfect for this mission. In addition, go-for s or helpers are also needed. Cooks, window washers, house cleaners are essential. Barbers and hair dressers could be used. Missioners will stay in Ferguson Hall on campus, where they will also share meals cooked by team members in a commercial-style kitchen. Team members will provide their own transportation or carpool to Tahlequah. And, some may prefer to participate in only part of the total 6-day mission, but all have to be part of the work force for a minimum of two days. The cost is usually around $100/missioner. Specific cost will be determined in the coming weeks and a brochure will soon be ready for distribution. The first team meetings will be announced very soon. If you have questions, contact Alan Bourne at 580-504-1348 or Rev. Patman at 580-768-4314. Job Posting - Family Specialist-Foster Care At Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care we are committed to providing great foster homes for children across Oklahoma. We believe foster care has a strong correlation with the Gospel and that the local community, specifically, the Church has a role in calling people to action as Circle of Care seeks to train, support, and assist those families in opening their hearts and homes to children in OK DHS custody. The Family Specialist position is the front-line recruitment, support and case management role of how we serve foster families every day. This position fulfills the ongoing support, compliance, and overall interaction with our foster families. The Requirements: Possess a Bachelor s Degree in social work or a Bachelor s Degree in a behavioral or social science or related field and 2 years of experience in the child welfare field. Pass a thorough background reference verification procedure, which includes a physical and criminal history check as required by Oklahoma DHS. Possess a valid driver s license and a good driving record. The Skills: Have strong communication skills and be relationship-oriented. Focus on best practice, as well as, policy and licensing standards for foster homes. Delight in organization and completing tasks in a timely and accurate manner. Commitment to the mission of providing help, healing, and hope to the children of Oklahoma. Have a cheerful, collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision making. Flexibility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Enjoy working in a team environment for the good of youth in foster care. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. Must pass an FBI criminal background check, driving history and physical. Circle of Care, Inc. is an EOE/Drug Testing Employer. Send Resume, cover letter, application and references to careers@circleofcare.org. The position will be housed in office at First United Methodist Church of Ardmore. Greeters Needed The Hospitality Team needs more men to be door greeters and elevator volunteers, for both the Traditional and EPIC services. Greeters are stationed from 8:45 am to 9 am (before Traditional) and at 10:45 am to 11 am (before Epic). Contact Sherry Healey at 580-223-5390 ext324.
Page 6 Easter Family Events Easter Egg Hunt Candy Donations We are needing candy donations for our annual children's Easter Egg Hunt. Please bring all candy donations to the Welcome Center by Sunday, March 18th. Palm Sunday Processional Our children's palm processional will be on Sunday, March 25th in both services for children kindergarten- 5th grade. Traditional only: Parents children will meet in the Narthex before the traditional service. Epic only: Parents children will meet in the fellowship hall before the Epic service. Easter Egg Hunt Our annual Easter egg hunt will be on Saturday, March 31st at 10am at the Old Walker Stadium, located at 2005 W. Broadway, behind the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. All children, ages toddler to 5th Grade, are welcome. 2018 Summer Camps The Season of Lent February 14 - April 1, 2018 PALM SUNDAY - march 25 Our annual Palm Procession for all the children to participate, in the Traditional worship service at 9am. HOLY WEEK - march 26-30 Daily Noon (12pm) services with guest speakers, a brief worship experience, and an optional light lunch for purchase. In the Colvert Ministry Center. Living Lord s Supper - march 28&29 In the Sanctuary at 6pm, two consecutive evenings. This service of Holy Communion is a reenactment of the famous da Vinci painting. This year features a new event to the grace-filled service. Easter Egg Hunt - march 31 Our annual egg hunt for all kids up to 5th grade. Join us at 10:00 a.m. on that Saturday, at the Old Walker Stadium, located at 2005 W. Broadway, behind the Museum. EASTER MORNING - april 1 We will have two beautiful celebrations of the Resurrection with Holy Communion: 9:00 am Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 11:05 am EPIC Worship - Sanctuary March 11, 2018
Page 7 Ministry Sunday - February 18 Courtesy of Bob Humphrey We many new members join our church on February 18. Please welcome them to our church family! Johnny, Sharon, Wade & Sally Robinson Katie Hitt Zeno, Becca & Rory McMillan Donna Stroman Sandra Cummings Jerold & Cleta Phillips Tory Wilson and John & Karlie Harper Clayton & Ashley Paul
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Page First United 9 Methodist Church David The Daniel, Calling Senior Pastor 501 W Main Brad Dery, Pastor Ardmore, OK 73401 Sam Donica, Pastor Sunday Services 9:00 am Traditional 10:00 am Sunday School 11:05 am EPIC Prayer Chain Lenny Frank 580-465-7515 frank.lennylisa@yahoo.com Wadell & Sheila Altom 580-223-7272 Call or email us: (580) 223-5390 info@fumcardmore.com Televised at 11:00am on CableOne, Channel 56, Broadcast at 9:00am on KVSO AM www.fumcardmore.com Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Ardmore, OK Permit No. 183 Celebrate Recovery DivorceCare Stephen Ministry Prayer Groups Small Groups Bible Studies Impact Ardmore Home Church The prayer of Stephen Ministers, who offer Christ-centered care for those who are suffering. Stephen Ministers have been trained to care for those who are suffering. Please call Louise Daniels at 580-465-5958 or the church office at 580-223-5390.