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 STAFF Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor Rev. Matt Thompson, Associate Pastor Shelly Thompson, Director of Youth Ministry Larry Clark, Minister of Music Jeana Malone, Office Administrator Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager Morgan Mitchell, Youth Ministry Intern Kim Smith, Custodian SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Volume 16 Issue 8 August 2014 Introducing On the Edge Life Center A ministry of FUMC Bixby THE FLAME is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, 15502 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby, OK 74008. Phone: 918-366-4463 Fax: 918-366-4465 Website: www.fumcbixby.org Church E-mail: fumcbix@olp.net Newsletter: fumcbix@olp.net The September issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on Aug. 27 Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Out of the Lions Den... Disciples are radical followers of Jesus Christ, who have found themselves called by name to follow and learn from Jesus. Disciples have received the unconditional love of God, found their sins forgiven through Christ, and begun a new life, through the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells in them. Disciples have begun the journey of becoming like Christ. They have chosen to turn around and begin a new way of living, choosing to follow the disciplines that make us more Christ-like: Bible Study, Prayer, Being held accountable for growth and development in Christ, Worship, Holy Communion, and Serving others for the sake of Christ. The more we participate in these disciplines, the deeper our relationship with Christ, and the more we are transformed by the Spirit to look and act like Christ. This Fall, you will be given the chance to deepen your walk with Christ through Bible Study, Prayer, and Serving Others. Bible Studies will be offered in Sunday School classes, in Wednesday evening classes, and in a study occurring at On the Edge Sunday afternoons in August. Serving others will be available through our School Lunch Ministry during school breaks, and in the ministries we will be providing through On the Edge. We will need people to minister and mentor people who are new to the faith, or who have at least been unattached to a church before. We will discover the needs people have, and help provide services to meet those needs. We have been in discussions with a counseling service to utilize our facility to minister to children and families in need of talk therapy. We are looking into a variety of ministries we might utilize to help people with addiction issues. We are looking into ways of training people on computers so they can become more marketable in finding meaningful employment. We will begin a worship service at On the Edge on Sunday afternoons at 4:00, starting in September. Is God calling you to deepen your walk with Christ by getting involved in serving others? Pastor Matt will be looking for people who want to use their God-given spiritual gifts to do just that. We don t want to overwhelm these formerly unattached people, but we do need a group of people who will be available to them as they become radical followers of Jesus, and make decisions to take a new way of living. -Daniel Come join your church family for some fun and fellowship We have two more activities planned for the summer. Each activity will begin at 6:00 and end by 7:30 p.m. Watch the bulletin board and announcements for more details. The planning is underway by the Sunday School classes for the following: August 13th - Back to School night to prepare the church for back to school. Finger foods will be served. August 27th - No-talent talent show and Potluck
On the Open Road It s getting closer!!! On the edge is getting close to opening its doors to the new ministry opportunities that are being made available! We have a little more to do and could sure use some help. We need painters desperately. If you can help in that area then let me know and I will get you sorted out. I have decided on the bible study I will be using on Sundays and am excited to get things started. Faith Commander bible study will be starting August 3rd. Rev. Nancy Adler has decided on the study she will be leading and God and Willie Nelson will be starting August 5 th. Our computer class is coming together nicely with Darrell Mullins at the helm and is going to be a tremendous ministry. Please continue to pray and we will all come together to reach the marginalized and unattached of our community. God is Good and we are His hands and feet. -Pastor Matt CONNECT New Member Spotlight We would like to introduce Dave and Judy McNeer. Both are native Oklahomans having been raised in Shawnee. The McNeers returned to Broken Arrow in 2005 having lived in Columbus, Ohio previously. Dave is retired from American Electric and Power (PSO) and Judy retired from Union Public Schools where she worked in Adult Education. They have 2 children, a boy and a girl, and 4 grandchildren. They moved back to Oklahoma to be closer to their family. Pastor Dan was their pastor when they lived in Sand Springs. When they found out that he was at FUMC, they came to join him. Dave says that our congregation is very friendly. WELCOME DAVE AND JUDY. GETTING READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL The Encouragers Sunday School class is calling on all our church friends who: Smile at the children when they run excitedly to Children s Church Have ever helped with VBS, the Youth and/or Children Enjoy having Wednesday evening dinners during the school year Over the years, have said, We love children! If you re one of those people, join us on Wednesday, August 13 from 6:00-7:30 to help prepare areas of the church for the back-to-school season. The Encouragers will serve finger foods for your light dinner, and then direct you to light jobs in the Children s Ministry, the Youth Ministry or the kitchen. There is something for every level of skill and energy.
YOUTH GROW Children s Corner KINGS DOMINION Rotation Sunday School Jesus Calms the Storm August 2014 Scripture: Scripture: Mark 4: 35-41 Memory Verse: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. Psalms 56: 3-4 Objectives and Life Applications 1. Jesus can calm life s storms. 2. Jesus is the Lord of creation. 3. Jesus may appear to be sleeping while we are experiencing life s trials. 4. Jesus teaches His followers to have faith even in times of trouble. 5. Jesus is amazing to those who know him. 6. Jesus is present with us in difficult times and is able to help us. A Note From Ms. Laurie I want to say a big thank you for the support you have given me while I have been serving at our church. I cant tell you how much I appreciate everyone who taught kids, cooked meals, made props, sewed, etc. The list could go on forever! Thank you! As we move forward, my prayer for our children is that they continue to grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is and continue to trust Him with their lives. With friendship and gratitude, Laurie I will still see you all at church on Sunday! My new email: lauriepratt@me.com Third Grade Bibles It is a great honor to present Bibles to our 3rd graders. We will be presenting them during church on Sunday, September 7th. Please let the office know if you have a 3rd grader, so we can make sure that we have a Bible for your child. Thank You! Youth Retreat August 8-10 For more info ask, email, message, or call Shelly 918-366-4463 OR sthompson@olp.net Bixby school starts August 20 th Youth sponsored No Talent (everyone has talent) Showcase August 27 th To get on the line up please contact Shelly Farewell to Morgan (Morgan s last week she is going back to college) and Back to School Party August 13 th Shelly: 918-366-4463 or sthompson@olp.net
Summer Camps 2014 Once again, many of our young people participated in Summer Camps throughout the state. Below are just a few faces of the campers and adult sponsors who enthusiastically took part in these activities. Thank you for your prayers and support! CIRCLE OF CARE SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 Circle of Care is all of the following and more: A ministry of The Oklahoma United Methodist Church The Children s Home in Tahlequah and The Boy s Ranch in Gore The Holsinger Home in Enid and Pearl s Hope in Tulsa Child S.H.A.R.E. centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Lawton The David Beal Independent Living Program in Tulsa, Tahlequah and Gore As you keep up with the state s news, you learn that the need for foster care in Oklahoma is greater than ever. At the same time, as you keep up with the news of our Oklahoma UMC Conference, you know that funding priorities have shifted and that ministries such as Circle of Care will receive reduced apportionment funding beginning in 2015. On Sunday, August 24, you are invited by your Circle of Care Team* to join us in narrowing the gap between growing needs and shrinking resources. We ask that you pray about making a special offering which will go fully to Circle of Care services. We also invite you to enjoy homemade muffins in the gym, in place of the usual doughnuts. Adult Sunday School classes are invited to give a half hour of their class time to a special presentation by foster parents who are part of the programs of Circle of Care. This will be held in the Sanctuary from 10:00 10:30. Team: Diana Sample, Linda Stites, Joy Ingle, Paula, Applegate, Pat Fritz, LeAnn Molencupp, Tawna & Larry Wheeler
SERVE July Meeting Reminders: (known meetings from the office calendar) Stephen Ministry Team Meeting-Tuesday, August 5 At 6:30 p.m. in room 205 Connect Team-Thursday, August 7 At 7:00 p.m. Trustees-Sunday, August 10 At 5:00 p.m. Grow Team-Tuesday, August 12 &26 At 6:30 p.m. Farewell Potluck Luncheon In honor of Laurie Pratt Sunday, August 3-after 2nd service Questions, Contact Jentry Hamilton, 918-760-7526 Save the Date! The Music Department will be sponsoring our 3rd annual Golf Tournament Friday, October 10, 2014 White Hawk Golf Club It will be a Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Questions, contact the church office 918-366-4463 Dear Church Family, I am so blessed to have shared music with you in worship all of these years. My thanks to the choir for a beautiful retirement reception and to all of you for the hugs, tears, words of appreciation, cards, flower, and gifts. My cup runneth over. Peace from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Love you all, Betty Cervantez Stitchers of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesday, August 12 & 26 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 14 & 28 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone who would like a prayer shawl, contact the church office or see Lydia Barnes You are invited to a Bridal Shower In Honor of Melinda Heath & Coy Coffman (son of Anna Coffman Rottschaefer & Hank Rottschaefer) Sunday, September 14 2:00 p.m. Room 108-109 They are registered at: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Sears, and Williams Sonoma SAVE THE DATE Camp Egan Sr. Adult Summit September 8-10 For more information Call Elaine Bostian 918-366-9349 918-899-7632
FRIDAY, August 1 SATURDAY, August 2 All Day Optional Upward Practice SUNDAY, August 3 COMMUNION SUNDAY Noon Farewell Luncheon for Laurie Pratt 4:00 p.m. On The Edge Bible Study MONDAY, August 4 6:30 p.m. Court of Honor-Scouts TUESDAY, August 5 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Team Meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday OTE Bible Study WEDNESDAY, August 6 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal THURSDAY, August 7 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Connect Team Meeting FRIDAY, August 8 SATURDAY, August 9 All Day Upward Optional Practice SUNDAY, August 10 4:00 p.m. On the Edge Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Trustees MONDAY, August 11 6:00 p.m. Abbett Dinner 7:00 p.m. Scouts TUESDAY, August 12 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday OTE Bible Study WEDNESDAY, August 13 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth 6:00 p.m. All church Back to School Work Night 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal THURSDAY, August 14 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl August 2014 FRIDAY, August 15 SATURDAY, August 16 All Day Upward Games SUNDAY, August 17 Noon Emmaus Walk-Making Agape-Gym 4:00 p.m. On The Edge Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth MONDAY, August 18 7:00 p.m. Scouts TUESDAY, August 19 6:30 p.m. Tuesday OTE Bible Study WEDNESDAY, August 20 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal THURSDAY, August 21 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study FRIDAY, August 22 SATURDAY, August 23 All Day Upward Games SUNDAY, August 24 Circle of Care Sunday 4:00 p.m. On The Edge Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth 5:00 p.m. Preschool Open House MONDAY, August 25 9:30 a.m. Preschool 7:00 p.m. Scouts TUESDAY, August 26 9:30 a.m. Preschool 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 6:30 p.m. Tuesday OTE Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. Scout Committee Meeting WEDNESDAY, August 27 6:00 p.m. No Talent Talent Show & Potluck 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal THURSDAY, August 28 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl FRIDAY, August 29 SATURDAY, August 30 All Day Upward Games SUNDAY, August 31 4:00 p.m. On The Edge Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth 2nd Friday Club Returns! September 12 10:30 Program 11:30 Lunch This is an adult Fellowship open to all. Please make plans to attend. For more information, 918-366-4463 Mark you Calendars Bixby Public Schools begin August 20 Wonderful Wednesdays will resume after Labor Day
First United Methodist Church 15502 South Memorial Bixby, OK 74008 (918) 366-4463 email: fumcbix@olp.net Website: www.fumcbixby.org Non-Profit Organization Pre-Sort Standard Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 Permit No. 18 August 2014 The Flame 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: Staff Sgt. Kyle Green Son of Keith & Michelle Green Serving in Romania & Kuwait Army: Conner Walcher, Great Nephew of June & David Skaggs Serving in Germany Army: Sgt. (E5) Nathan Hamelund Grandson of Ken & Tommie Bond Serving in Afghanistan Army: Corporal Tony McAmis Son of Rick & Sarah McAmis Serving in New York ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday, June 29 July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27 8:30 a.m. 68 84 76 67 73 11:00 a.m. 225 190 190 207 202 TOTAL 293 274 266 274 275