Church Community Newsletter s1

CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER A Bi-Weekly Publication – Issue Date: 02/20/12

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 12424 East 31st Street, Tulsa, OK 74146-2202 (918-622-8703) E-mail address: [email protected] Website: stmatts.us Michael Fletcher-Taylor, Pastor

Our Vision Statement: To enable our family of believers to lead our community to Jesus Christ Through love and the sharing of God’s Word and to be an inviting refuge of comfort.

A Word From the Pastor Dear St Matthew’s Family, Have you ever wondered if the mission of Jesus is even possible in today’s culture? Jesus’ Church, which the Bible describes as His Bride, His Family, and His Body, was birthed out of His divine call to join Him on His mission of reconciling the world to God.

Paul said “We are Christ's ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you-be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20 (TLB). And remember how Jesus told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this-that I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Matt 28:18-20 (TLB) As a pastor one of the things that I see is that many of Jesus’ followers separate Jesus’ mission—to make disciples-- from the activities of their everyday life.

They “go” to church, instead of seeing themselves as the Church. The Church gathers on Sunday and then scatters throughout the week to be Jesus’ hands and feet. And they seem to think: There’s real life, and then there’s Jesus’ mission for super-Christians and not for ordinary folks.  Many Christians don’t see their jobs as their sphere of influence for Jesus’ mission to be accomplished through their lives.  Many don’t see their schools and relationships as their sphere of influence for Jesus’ mission to be accomplished through their lives.  Many don’t see that their marriage is primarily about displaying to the world how Jesus loves His Church.

But listen to what Paul tells us in Ephesians, “And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife. No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church. And we are his body. Eph 5:25-30 (NLT)

It’s very important for the Church to understand that Jesus’ mission isn’t separated from our everyday life. He has generously loaned us our abilities to display His glory and to carry out His redemptive mission in our spheres of influence. Do you see the everyday activities of your life as opportunities for Jesus to accomplish His mission through your life or do you see Jesus as the means to help you carry out your mission?

If we are not carrying out Jesus’ mission in our lives we are missing the joy and the blessing that helps us through the ups and downs we face each day.

Grace and Peace, Pastor Michael

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 1 of 10 JOIN US FOR WORSHIP “Come and See” what is happening in worship at St Matthew’s

Spiritual Warfare

Have you ever asked yourself why everything in life seems so hard? Or maybe why doing the right thing often feel like a battle? In this new 8 week series, Pastor Michael will share Biblical insights about the unseen spiritual forces that work against us and the war inside of us between good and evil.

Feb 26, 2012

Sermon: “WHEN YOUR WORLD FALLS APART— Spiritual Warfare”

Scripture: JEREMIAH’S LAMENTATION AGAINST GOD Lamentation 3 (NIV)

Mar 4, 2012

Sermon: “NEVER FIGHT YOUR BATTLES UNDRESSED!— Spiritual Warfare”

Scripture: EPHESIANS 6:10-18

Building Lives Foundation During the next two months we will be looking at the question: What have you built your life on? Throughout this series, we discover what God says about what our life foundation should be. And we will be learning how to build a life of faith, service, purpose, commitment and sacrifice.

Mar 11, 2012

Sermon: “HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MIRACLE— Building Lives Foundation”

Scripture: Mark 6:34-44

Mar 18, 2012

Sermon: “BUILDING A LIFE OF FAITH Building Lives Foundation”

Scripture: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Heb. 11:6 (NIV)

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 2 of 10 WEDNESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE

5:45 – 6:30 p.m. Community Dinner and Fellowship 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. An Alternative Worship Experience 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Choir practice

COMMUNITY DINNERS (Donations welcomed)

February 22 February 29 ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 22ND. THERE WILL BE SERVICES AT THE CHURCH AT 6:30 PM - COMMUNITY DINNER AND FELLOWSHIP TAKES PLACE AT 5:45 -6:30 PM. COME WHEN YOU CAN.

Salad Bar Leaf lettuce Carrots Diced tomatoes Shredded cheese Cucumbers Pickles – sliced onions Jalapenos - Bacon bits - Olives Dressing – Ranch, Italian, French Fruit Bowl Grapes, strawberries, pineapple, bananas Beans & Dogs Night Breakfast Bar Pinto Beans w/ham Egg casseroles Cornbread--Chips Sausage gravy Hot Dogs--Chili Biscuits

Average Worship Attendance – 2012 January 131 April July October Annual 2009 155 February May August November Annual 2010 158 March June September December Annual 2011 155

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 3 of 10 PRAYER CONCERNS –2-2-12 PRAYER CONCERNS- 2-19-12 JOHN 8:12 - "JESUS SAID, "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 - "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD SEARCH IF YOU FOLLOW ME, YOU WON'T BE STUMBLING THROUGH BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE WHOLE EARTH, LOOKING THE DARKNESS, BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE THE LIGHT THAT FOR PEOPLE WHOSE HEARTS ARE PERFECT TOWARD HIM, LEADS TO LIFE." SO THAT HE CAN SHOW HIS GREAT POWER IN HELPING THEM." Elinor Bartleson is asking for prayers for B.J. Moore. Barbara McDowell would appreciate you praying for Gail Arnold is asking for prayers for her husband, Harry. Arnold. Nancy Famelos is asking for prayers for her husband Nancy is asking for prayers for her husband, Nasos, for Nasos . his health issues. Tammie Blessing is asking for travel mercies for her son Dena Erichsen is asking for prayers for Kyle Parnell. who is on his way to Canada for business. Continued prayers for Joy Barkat. Please pray for Barbara Roderick's niece's father Mel Continued prayers for Mary Trumbull Evans. Prayers for Deanna Peterson. Continue to pray for Joy Barkat. BEREAVEMENT Continue to pray for safety and wellness for our Pauline Grove and family Mission Team and a safe trip home. Marie Loveless and family JOYS - What a blessing it was to see Tom Vannoy in Barbara and Paul Youngblood and family Church . Mary Saville and family BEREAVEMENT Skip and Janie Hurst and family Pauline Grove and family Martha Sabourin and family Marie Loveless and family Karen Laxton and family Barbara and Paul Youngblood and family Debbie Gant and family Mary Saville and family ONGOING PRAYERS Skip and Janie Hurst and family Hime's daughter-in-law Susie Hime; Gatzke's grandson- Martha Sabourin and family in-law Ben McKnight; the Hurst's son and daughter-in- Karen Laxton and family law and their friends premature twins and mother Debbie Gant and family Ashley Potter; Manilla Taylor; Elson Hargrove; Elinor ONGOING PRAYERS Bartleson's daughter Sheila Catterton; Margaret Toni; Hime's daughter-in-law Susie Hime; Gatzke's grandson- Robin Mundt's son Brian; our job seekers, Suzanna in-law Ben McKnight; the Hurst's son and daughter- in- Pfeifer and Kay Holt; Dena Erichsen's sister Janice; law and their friends premature twins and mother Barbara Youngblood's mother Gladys Robertson; Paul's Ashley Potter; Manilla Taylor; Elson Hargrove; Elinor cousin Kimbra; cousin's grandbaby Jake in the NICU, Bartleson's daughter Sheila Catterton; Robin Mundt's and another cousin Kenneth in the Hillcrest Burn son Brian; our job seekers - Suzanne Pfeiffer; Kay Holt; Center; Barbara McDowell's daughter-in-law's mother Dena Erichsen's sister Janice; Barbara Youngblood's Shirley; Judi Olsen's mother Arlene Harper and friend mother Gladys Robertson, Paul's cousin Kimbra, Pat Elias; Deanna Peterson's sister Kathleen; Smokey cousin's grandbaby Jake in the NICU, and another and Judy Tipton; Martha Sabourin's son Richard; Bob cousin Kenneth in the Hillcrest Burn Center; Barbara Staebler and son Paul; Louise Coursey; Louise Hylla; McDowell's daughter-in-law's mother Shirley; Judi Frances Martin; Bettie Fry; Janie & Lawrence Long; Olsen's mother Arlene Harper and friend Pat Elias; Barbara Roderick's friend and neighbor Renee Palos Deanna Peterson and her sister Kathleen; Smokey and and her parents; and my two nieces Bonnie and Betty Judy Tipton; Martha Sabourin's son Richard; Bob Jean Dust and Bonnie's father Mel Evans. Staebler and son Paul; Louise Coursey; Frances Martin; Mary Trumbull; Bettie Fry; Janie & Lawrence Long; Barbara Roderick's friend and neighbor Renee Palos and her parents.

6~Deanna Rocha 17~Frances Martin 7~Makenzie Pike stmattsnewsletter.doc20~Tammie Blessing 02/20/12 Page 4 of 10 8~Jeanne Broussard 21~Cindy Rutledge 10~Ann Marie Boyce 18~Jim Kimbrel 11~Elinor Bartleson 24~Elson Hargrove 10~Rich Brasher 22~Kaleb Schneider 19~Manilla Taylor 12~Debbie Gant 22~Barbara Patterson 13~Stepanie Dent- 23~Brona Kimbrel Pancoast 16~Alon J. Soderfelt 30~Noah McCammon 16~Stephanie Butler 30~Deanna Peterson 17~Larry Boyce 31~Louise Coursey 7~Makenzie Pike 20~Tammie Blessing 6~Deanna Rocha 17~Frances Martin 8~Jeanne Broussard 21~Cindy Rutledge 10~Ann Marie Boyce 18~Jim Kimbrel 11~Elinor Bartleson 24~Elson Hargrove 10~Rich Brasher 22~Kaleb Schneider 19~Manilla Taylor 12~Debbie Gant 22~Barbara Patterson 13~Stepanie Dent- 23~Brona Kimbrel Pancoast 16~Alon J. Soderfelt 30~Noah McCammon 16~Stephanie Butler 30~Deanna Peterson 17~Larry Boyce 31~Louise Coursey Human Trafficking Presentation

February 25, 10:30 a.m at Southern Hills UMC 6160 South Lewis

Everyone is invited to this very informative meeting. BREAKFAST SERVED SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Mark Elam, director of OATH (Oklahomans Against Trafficking) will inform us about what is occuring in Join your family & friends for a fresh, hot Oklahoma as well as worldwide. There are breakfast served by the VIM Team on Sunday, approximately 27 million slaves in the world today; the majority are women and children. Oklahoma is 10th in March 4th, from 7:30 until 9:15am. The VIM trafficking in the U.S and Interstates 40 and 35 are Team will be fresh from their mission in Louisiana major conduits. Learn more about this alarming human and will likely talk your ear off about their rights violation. Who the victims are, how they are adventures! Come and enjoy your favorites of enslaved, what their lives are like, how slaves are French toast, biscuits ‘n gravy, pancakes & rescued and how they are rehabilitated will be scrambled eggs before first service or Sunday discussed as well as issues of law enforcement and School. See you at the breakfast table! prevention. We will learn about opportunities to be part of the solution. I hope you will attend this meeting and become more informed.

Those who want to carpool from the church, please be there at 10:00 a.m. -- Freda Heath

Calling all Kids Sarah Circle Easter Party

You are invited to join us for Bible study and st March 31 is the Easter Party from 1-2:30 p.m. refreshments, Tuesday mornings at 9:30 in the We need candy donations for the Easter eggs for Parlor. We are still in the book of Psalms. the Easter egg hunt. There will be a basket with a Bring your Bibles bunny on it where people can drop off their candy donations. Jeanine Keller Thank you, Hilerey Polliard

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 5 of 10 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Don’t forget! The deadline to submit articles Our wonderful cooks for Ronald McDonald House th for the March 5 newsletter is February 27 for February 23, 2012 are main dishes will be Please send articles to the church at prepared by Barbara McDowell and Judy Tipton [email protected] and be sure to copy and desserts will be prepared by Brona Kimbrel [email protected] Thanks and Tammie Blessing.

I need a Main Dish for March 22, 2012, if someone can prepare it, please call Joyce Hargrove, 918-437-0173.

I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to everyone at St. Matthew's for their support of June and me during the past few months as we dealt with my back problem. We received so many wonderful cards and phone calls as well as food for dinner on the day I was released from the hospital. The thoughts and prayers coming our way from so many friends were very much appreciated and were definitely a factor in my successful surgery and recovery. It was very gratifying to see Michael and Rusty show up at the hospital the day of my surgery and to have them lend their personal touch and support to June and to me. If you haven't heard by now, the surgery was a complete success. I knew on the evening of the surgery that the surgeons had successfully relieved the pressure on the nerves of my right leg, and I have not felt that pain since. Once again, thanks to all at St. Matthew's for your kindness and thoughtfulness toward our family.

Tom and June Vannoy OKLAHOMA VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION

Haiti: Second Anniversary

Please give to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325, to support UMCOR's ongoing work.

Last month marked the second anniversary of the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti, which killed more than 200,000 people, including UMCOR and General Board of Global Ministries executives Sam Dixon and Clinton Rabb.

UMCOR has worked tirelessly since the earthquake to bring restoration, healing, and hope to the people of Haiti. In the early recovery phase, which continues today, UMCOR's work has been facilitated by our strong connections forged over decades of service in Haiti.

Together with our partners, UMCOR is advancing work in the fields of education, health and hygiene, shelter and reconstruction, livelihoods, and capacity strengthening. Read more about UMCOR’s work in the Two Year Progress Report at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/media/haiti/twoyearslaterhaitireport.pdf.

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 6 of 10 UMCOR continues its work in Haiti to be there and be hope. Your gifts help make that possible.

Team Leader Training

Schedule for 2012. Oklahoma VIM currently has three more Team Leader Trainings Scheduled for 2012. The new conference policy on mission went into effect at the beginning of 2012 and all short-term mission teams must have an OKVIM certified team leader. All trainings will be in the OKC metro area.

 March 3, 2012  Sept. 15, 2012  November 3, 2012

Contact Deanna Rocha if you are interested in taking this training.

Interested in a Musical VIM?

The Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist Ayllu is working on a unique mission to Bolivia. We are not fully ready for this and are still in the planning stages but we wanted to judge what kind of interest there would be for this type of mission.

Here's what we are thinking...the mission could take place as early as July/August this year or possibly in 2013. The mission would focus on establishing a network for music/worship. Time would be devoted to visiting as many churches as possible and establishing relationships with pastors and church leaders who are involved in worship.

We are especially interested in having persons who lead music in their churches (worship leaders, choir directors, etc.) but anyone with a background in music or ethnomusicology might be interested. Email Andy Henson at [email protected] if you might have an interest in this mission.

National Mission Opportunities

Mount Sequoyah South Central Jurisdiction Volunteer work week April 9-13, 2012

Mount Sequoyah work week is a wonderful opportunity for groups of all sizes, ages and skills. Consider serving at our beautiful Jurisdictional retreat center! Visit their website for details at http://www.mountsequoyah.org/Mount_Sequoyah/GROUP_EVENTS.html.

Tornado relief

Tornado relief work is still a need here in Oklahoma and in Joplin, Missouri. Teams are needed to help with debris removal and with rebuild stages of the long term recovery in several areas of our state that have been hit by tornados. For details about serving in Joplin you can visit their website at http://www.umocm.com/page23/page23.html. Prayerfully consider a team to help with these needs. Contact the VIM office to register your team.

International Mission Opportunities

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 7 of 10 Louisiana Volunteers In Mission - Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia Oct. 18 - Nov. 1, 2012 $3,200 to $3,500

Men and Women (women will work with mission staff related to healthcare and children ministries as the men attend the gathering, then join the men for any construction projects). This mission has a primary purpose of serving Cambodian Methodist Men (CMM). For the second time, the Methodist Church in Cambodia will conduct a country- wide gathering of men. Our mission team will facilitate this gathering by sponsoring this convocation and presenting a major portion of the program. In addition, our team will be assigned a construction project working alongside the Cambodian Methodists.

Our team--through our church families--will need to provide funds for: meals for the CMM gathering (four days), and to provide accommodations and transportation for those attending. The Cambodia Methodist Men have only met together once before in the Fall 2010 as our VIM team conducted a similar gathering of men. The Methodist Mission in Cambodia has activities for both men and women to serve within the context of this 2-week mission. This link to our blog shares a glimpse of the 2010 Mission serving Methodist Men. http://standmission.blogspot.com/2010/10/cambodia-mission-2010-mens-workshop-day_26.html Be sure to toggle to "older" and "newer" postings to see more details of this mission. Team Leader: Ken Musick: 225-756-8964; Cell: 225-937-3861; [email protected]

Northeast Jurisdiction Mission West Belfast, Northern Ireland Four volunteers (men and women) are needed for the May 1-10, 2012 Belfast Peace Project Mission. Approximate cost: $2,300, with a $900 deposit due Jan. 30, 2012 --remaining funds due April 1.

For seven years Volunteers In Mission (VIM-NEJ) has sponsored a mission to one of the poorest areas in the United Kingdom. The Belfast Peace Project travels to West Belfast, Northern Ireland each year and works with the Forthspring Intercommunity Group and the Springfield Road Methodist Church to build relationships with the people of Belfast and assist with the reconciliation and peace efforts. Project members help to maintain and improve the facilities of Forthspring Intercommunity Group and the Springfield Road Methodist Church by doing construction, painting, landscaping and general maintenance. Team Leader: Mike and Pat Thomas, 518-885-5889, [email protected] .

February Needs & News urgent needs: men's and women's coats-sizes 2 x- 5x, men's pants-sizes 28 – 36, wheelchairs and walkers- in good working condition, snacks-cookies, pretzels, granola bars, etc. immediate needs: men's underwear- sizes 28-34,women's underwear -sizes 5-8, facial tissue housed client needs: pans 1-3 qts, spray cleaner, toilet paper, dish soap, coffee cups, cereal bowls, chunky soups, canned meat

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 8 of 10 weekly volunteers needed! Clinic Receptionist-Wednesday mornings, Front Desk Assistant- Tuesday & Thursday afternoons Saturday & Sunday mornings snack friends needed! bring and serve snacks--days needed: Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday afternoons

Snacks have recently become a priority due to the shortage of food available to purchase from the Food Bank. What used to cost 20 cents a pound now costs many times more from Sam's. That's why you see both snack foods and snack groups shown as needs.

Please put your donations in the orange box in the Fellowship Hall, and Deanna Rocha will deliver them to the Day Center. If you have questions about volunteering, please call Debra Dester, Volunteer Coordinator, at 918-583-5588 or email at [email protected].

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 12424 E. 31st Street Tulsa, OK 74146-2202

stmattsnewsletter.doc 02/20/12 Page 9 of 10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE *Birthdays 5 *Ronald McDonald 6 *Calling all kids 6 *Sarah Circle 6 *Human Traffic Pres. 5 *Thank you 6 *Join Us for Worship 2 *Tulsa Day Center 9 *Newsletter Deadline 7 *Oklahoma Volunteers 7&8 *VIM Breakfast 5 *Prayer Concerns 4 *Worship Schedule 3

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