Church Community Newsletter s3

CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER A Bi-Weekly Publication – Issue Date: September 1, 2014 St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church Thomas Hoffmann, Pastor Jose Estrada, Associate 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 Pastor Thomas

Dear St. Matthew’s Family,

In this article I have two things to share with you:

Change. The writer Paulo Coelho says, “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” Several days ago Carlos Ramirez, the Director of the Conference Hispanic/Latino Plan, met and talked with us about the lives of many of St. Matthew’s neighbors. In our worship service Carlos challenged us to consider the owner of the house whose roof was torn apart so that a sick man could be lowered in front of Jesus. He asked us, “If others can be brought to Jesus, if others can be healed, will we have the courage to say ‘Yes’ to the change and challenge that is in front of us?” Many have asked what the next steps will be for St. Matthew’s. My answer is, “Let’s figure that out together.” We can learn from others who have been this way before like Carlos, but it is the people of St. Matthew’s that will have to pray and plan this through, with the Spirit’s guidance. That’s our task beginning late this month and through October. As you are asked to participate, I hope you will say “Yes!” Mission. By the time you read this I will already be on a Volunteers In Mission (VIM) project in Russia. If Internet connections allow, look for my postings on Facebook. As always, you are in the faithful hands and heart of Pastor Jose while I am gone (and even when I’m here!).

Grateful for each one of you, I am still blessed beyond belief. Pastor Thomas

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 1 of 12 Pantry Needs

For this week we really have no requests. If you have items to bring, we can always IT’S BREAKFAST TIME! – make room in the cabinet. September 7th The VIM Team LOVES to cook breakfast for Barbara McDowell YOU! Join us this Sunday as we whip up your favorites – pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, biscuits ‘n sausage gravy and more. Breakfast will be hot and ready for you from 7:30 until 9:00. And as always, we THANK YOU for supporting our breakfasts and mission trips.

Church Announcements

September 9th – Trustee Meeting 6:30 September Birthdays

September 14th – Volunteer Appreciation 1 Giselle Lenhart 11 Isabella Pierce Dinner 5:30 p.m. 2 Beth Hewitt 12 Kelsy Gant September 15th – UMW District Annual 3 Joyce Hargrove 15 Gladys Robertson

Meeting @ Asbury UMC 9:30 a.m 5 Michael Lenhart 19 Malachi Arnold 6 Clint Johnson 20 Brenda Stage September 16th – Mission Outpost Meeting 6 Rebecca Ayala 23 Virgie Bachelder 5:30 p.m. If you want your birthday listed in the newsletter, Trustee Meeting 6:30 p.m. contact Alon at 622-7006

September 18th – UMW Salad Supper @ 6:30 p.m.

September 20th – Sixty Plus at the Boyce’s

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Ronald McDonald House The deadline to submit articles for the We will continue to furnish frozen casseroles, September 15th, 2014, newsletter is Friday, purchased cakes, cookies, pies or fresh fruit September 12th. for Ronald McDonald House. For Sept. 25th Main dish – Joyce Hargrove. Desserts – Vicky Hime & Nancy Wilson. Please send articles to the church at [email protected] and be sure to copy Thank you to these ladies. [email protected]

Thanks!

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2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 - "FOR NO MATTER HOW MANY PROMISES GOD HAS MADE, THEY ARE "YES" IN CHRIST. AND SO THROUGH HIM THE "AMEN" IS SPOKEN BY US TO THE GLORY OF GOD."

Please continue to pray for Rev. Daniel Taylor and his church group as they share God's word at the Ferguson disaster. Pray for the safety of everyone in the territory.

Mary Saville had her surgery and came through it, but needs our fervent prayers to help her get through the trials and tribulations of her recovery.

Barbara Patterson needs our continued prayers in the loss of her grand- daughter, Christina. Barbara's surgery is pending. She would appreciate your prayers that her house will sell soon.

Please continue to pray for my brother-in-law, Gail Carnes - he now has double pneumonia.

Glenn Hime needs our continued prayers - he will be having his surgery on Thursday. More details will follow as I receive them

Cindy Rutledge needs our continued prayers for a couple of their friends who are suffering with melanoma .

Continued Prayers

Harold Ludwick, Alon’s friend & dad who lost her mom, Nancy Hoffman’s mom, Ana Estrada’s nephew, Karol Burkhalter, Bill Martin & family. Barbara Roderick’s neighbor Rene, baby Elliott, Ann Marie’s brother Eric, B.J., Pastors Michael and Sharon, Bolivian pastor’s wife, Ted Cole Jr., Terry Kennedy’s co-worker’s son, the family of Justin Jackson, Richard Bachelder’s two friends with health concerns, Chuck Wise grandson, Barbara Flanagan, Pauline Grove, Gordon Godfrey, Bud Loveless’ daughter Karen, Dr. Murray Crow, Andrea Laney’s mom’s eyesight, Lawrence Long’s recovery from a fall and prayers for his friend Gail, Little Levi, Krista McKelvey’s grandpa, Elinor Bartleson niece, Paul Youngblood’s great nephew, Alon’s mom, brother and care giver, Tawnya McCammon’s uncle, Deanna Rocha’s friend Michal, Jan Colvin’s friend sister, Leona Robison brother and son, Alon’s friends Kay and Tim, Joy Barkat, Ken and Brenda Keethly, Cynthia Hobbs, Sharon & Del Gatzke, Dave Gatzke, Judy Williams friend’s grandson, Deanna Peterson, her sister and her great great niece, Barbara Patterson and her son and family, Barbara Roderick’s friend, Alyson Harvey and brother-in-law, Capy Catterton’s mother, Ron and Phyllis Maggard, and Frances Martin’s family

Please continue to pray for the military and their families, our country, the Clergy, the President and his government leaders, the homeless and the jobless.

Yours in God’s love, Barbara

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 3 of 12 UMW Calendar

All women at St. Matthew's are invited to any of these events. Most meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30. Child care and rides are available upon request. Call Jan at 252-2919 or Alon at 622-7006.

Owasso pharmacist to make a return visit to UMW

OK, maybe you didn’t come last year because you didn’t have any pressing questions-now that you have another year under your belt, you may have a question or two about some prescriptions or supplements you’re taking. This UMW meeting on Thursday, September 18th is tailor made just for you. Kathy Campbell, PharmD has an advanced degree in Pharmaceutical Science and owns the Medicap Pharmacy in Owasso. She will inform us of the latest research and trends in the world of medicine. There will be a time for questions and she will answer your questions in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Questions can be submitted in writing if you wish to remain anonymous. All women are invited and encouraged to invite their friends. Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 18th 6:30 and plan to attend. As if that isn’t enough to entice you, the UMW are serving a salad supper—so come join us. We’d love to see you. Child care (if requested in advance) and rides are provided. Call Jan at 918-252-2919 or Alon at 918-622-7006 for them. Alon J. Soderfelt

WOMENS RETREAT!

Broken Arrow First UMC is hosting a regional women’s retreat. September 20, 2014. Please invite the women in your District to join them. More information can be obtained from Julie Sumner at 918-640-5714.

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 4 of 12 Oklahoma Conference of United Methodist Women

On Friday and Saturday, October 3rd and 4th some women from St. Matthew’s will be packing their bags and going to the 41st Annual Meeting being held at Ada United Methodist Church, Ada, OK. The keynote speaker will be Judy Benson who comes with many credentials. She is a former UMW President and former lay leader for the conference. She has served in various positions in the Church and has a real commitment to children and youth as seen in her church work. In the area of Oklahoma State Government Judy created the Oklahoma House of Representatives “Campaign for OK kids,” and has served on a variety of boards to prevent child abuse. She has three children and 7 grandchildren. It is a real treat to hear Judy, she’s not only enthusiastic about her faith, but she is funny as well. See Jan or Ann Marie about fees and carpooling. Alon J. Soderfelt

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 5 of 12 THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone for their prayers, cards, e-mail messages and phone calls.

Joyce Hargrove

Sarah’s Circle

We are reading one of James Moore's books called When All Else Fails...Read the Instructions.

September 2, we will be reading chapters 4 & 5; Thirsting for Goodness and Mercy, the Virtue That Shines. The Bible verses are Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” and Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.”

September 9, we will be reading chapters 6 and 7; The Danger of Mask Wearing and The Best Thing We Can do for God. The Bible verses are Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” and Matthews 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Everyone is welcome to join us each Tuesday morning at 9:30 in the Parlor for Prayer concerns, Bible study and refreshments.

Jeanine Keller

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 6 of 12 60’s Plus – Sept. 20 th

Larry & Ann Marie Boyce are looking forward to having the 60’s Plus at their home on Sat., September 20th. We will be meeting at 5:00 for a picnic in their backyard. Bring or wear your swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the pool. Their address is 2421 S. 117 E. Ave., which is across from Disney Elementary School.

Adult Sunday School Class

If you want to learn more about the Old Testament, come to the Genesis Class. We are studying about King David now in II Samuel and will be for several Sundays. He wrote a lot of the Psalms and was the father of Solomon. God found favor in David and blessed him in spite of his faults.

Annual District meeting for UMW

On Monday, September 15th the United Methodist Women will be meeting at Asbury to hear Dr. Evie Lindburg, a professor at ORU. She teaches about learning disabilities and how we can meet the needs of people with disabilities. The Rev. Meri Whitaker and Denise Rowe from Cookson Hills will also be there and will have items made by Cookson Hills Industries to sell. We will be carpooling from church. See Jan Colvin or Ann Marie Boyce about when to be at the church. Alon J. Soderfelt

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 7 of 12 Call to Ministry Rally and Retreat

Is God speaking to your heart? Have you responded in some way to a call to ministry? Do you want to find out more about what it takes to become a lay, licensed or ordained minister in the United Methodist Church? If you answered yes to any of the above, please plan to attend:

Call to Ministry Rally and Retreat Saturday, September 6, 2014, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM First United Methodist Church of Moore

It will be a day of learning, inspiration, and group building. Hear from others who have experienced God’s call in their life. This meeting is for both interested youth and adults of all ages.

Morning Session: Welcome and Worship lead by: Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. Music provided by The Moore First Praise Team. Lunch will be provided for all registered.

Afternoon Session: More about the Candidacy Process; Introduction of Group Mentoring; Assignment of clergy mentors; with each new group getting acquainted, selecting future meeting dates and working on first assignments together. Those who are not yet high school graduates will meet for informal time together and plan future gathering times. There is no cost but reservations are requested so proper preparations can be made. Reserve your spot by Monday, September 1, 2014, 5:00 p.m. to:

Connie Barnett [email protected] 405-530-2006

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 8 of 12 SEPTEMBER NEEDS LIST General Shelter Needs Men's Underwear (size S, M, L) Women's Underwear (all sizes) Men's Pants or Jeans (Most needed - waist size 30-38) Men's Shoes (most needed - new or gently used size 9 and larger) Twin Size Blankets

Housewarming Box Items: For clients transitioning to housing Alarm Clocks with battery back up Calendars Hand Towels Bath Towels Shower Curtains with rings All Purpose Cleaner Comet or Ajax Dish Soap Plates Bowls

Medical Clinic: Canes (aluminum, adjustable) Adult Soccer Socks Shower Shoes or Flip Flops Eyeglass cases Wheelchairs (new or gently used)

Hudson Villas: Please support our permanent housing complex Extra Long Twin Sheets XL Twin Size Bed in a Bag Bath Towels (white or beige) Hand Towels (white or beige) Wash Cloths (white or beige) Small household items to be used for BINGO prizes

Please put your donations in the basket in the Fellowship Hall marked ‘Day Center’ and I will deliver them. If you have items that you would like to donate to Hudson Villas, please put in a marked bag and set next to the ‘Day Center’ basket, and I will deliver them also. –Deanna Rocha, Mission Chair

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 9 of 12 SCJ Disaster Response Academy (South Central Jurisdiction)

DATE: SEPTEMBER 7-10 Check in by Sunday 5 PM Departure Thursday 9 AM

WHERE: Canyon Camp and Conference Center 31600 Camp Rd, Hinton Oklahoma 73047

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Everyone with a desire to help when disaster strikes. From beginner ERT's to Veteran ERTs to Repair, Rebuild, and Recovery volunteers. There is great information and numerous application skills for all levels.

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER: Dianne Degnan, Director of PR for UMC Communications

Creating crisis prevention and response strategies, Diane has more than 20 years of experience working with the media, and has trained hundreds of others to communicate effectively. She directed media and public relations for the Tennessee Department of Health, dealing with disease outbreaks, bioterrorism threats and emergencies. After 9/11, she was trained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in crisis and emergency risk communication.

Questions about the 2014 Disaster Academy? DeWitt Cox, 832-498-4474 ([email protected]) Rev. Marji Bashir Hill, 972-526-8201 ([email protected])

Register online @ http://www.eventbrite.com/e/scj-disaster-response-academy-2014-registration-11072575371 from the desk of Richard Norman Volunteers In Mission, Coordinator, Disaster Response

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 10 of 12 St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 12424 E. 31st Street Tulsa, OK 74146-2202 (918-622-8703) E-mail address: [email protected] Website: stmatts.us

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 9-1-14 Page 11 of 12 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mission Outpost 2 Prayers 4 Birthdays 3 Events VIM NEWS 9 Ronald 3 McDonald Church Rolls 2 *Sarah Circle 3 Food Pantry 3 *UMW 5 *VIM Breakfast 3 Pastor Message 1 Youth 8

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