FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Weatherford, OK

817 N. 7th Street | P.O. Box 350

580-772-5565 local church website . . . fumcmethodistok.org  

pastor’s email . . . firstu@sbcglobal.net  find us on facebook at . . . Weatherford  Fumc  

Our Mission . . . Making disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ

for the transformation of the world, with more people, younger people, and more diverse people.

Rooted In God’s Love— SEPTEMBER 2016 Passionate | Relevant | Life Changing

 4-­‐M  (“MID-­‐MONTH  METHODIST  MEAL”)  SEPTEMBER  21st    |    Some  of  you  have  expressed  a  desire  for  our  church  family  to  gather  monthly  on  Wednesday  evenings  for  a  large  community  meal  .  .  .  pot  luck  style.    Our  first  effort  in  August  was  a  huge  success  .  .  .  tons  of  great  food,  with  every  table  full!    So  mark  your  calendar:    Our  next  4-­‐M  will  be  on  Wednesday,  September  21st,  5:15P  –  6:00P.    Our  usual  evening  praise  and  prayer  service  will  follow  at  6P  in  the  Chapel.     The  next  two  4-­‐Ms  will  be  October  19th  and  November  16th.      “LOVE  and  LOGIC”  PARENTING  CLASS    |    Mundy  Berrong-­‐Green  will  be  facilitating  this  class  on  Saturday,  September  10th,  9A-­‐Noon  and  1:30P-­‐4:30P.    It  will  conclude  on  Sunday,  September  11th,  1:30P  to  4:30P  in  the  Neonate  Classroom  area  of  the  church.    Cost  is  $25  per  person/couple.     This  weekend  parenting  course,  developed  by  Love  and  Logic  Institute,  was  designed  to  help  you  find  specific  answers  and  actions  for  some  of  those  difficult  moments  in  child  rearing.    These  simple  techniques  are  effective  with  all  children,  from  toddlers  to  teens.     To  register/questions,  contact  Mundy  at  .  .  .  580-­‐772-­‐4458  OR  mundyann@yahoo.com.    COMING  TO  OUR  CHURCH—ALZHEIMER’S  PRESENTATION    |    On  Wednesday,  October  5th,  from  6:30PM  to  7:30PM,  we  will  have  a  guest  presenter  in  our  church  from  the  Alzheimer’s  Association.    The  presenter  will  be  LIZZY  ORF,  Southwest  Regional  Community  Outreach  Coordinator.    Ms.  Orf  will  be  speaking  about  the  basics  of  Alzheimer’s  and  other  forms  of  dementia.    If  you,  or  someone  you  know,  is  affected  by  Alzheimer’s  disease  or  another  form  of  dementia,  it’s  time  to  learn  the  facts.    This  program  provides  information  on  detection,  causes  and  risk  factors,  signs  of  the  disease,  treatment,  and  much  more.    CANCER  CARE  TRAINING/JOURNEY  OF  HOPE  BEGINS  SEPT.  13th    |    Kelley  Ramey,  Faye  Henson,  and  Lynn  Brack  will  be  facilitating  our  next  “Cancer  Care  Training”  event.    It  begins  Tuesday,  September  13th,  5:30P  to  6:30P  in  the  church  Library.    Earlier  this  year,  Kelley  and  Lynn  attended  a  facilitator’s  workshop  in  Tulsa  sponsored  by  the  Cancer  Treatment  Centers  of  America.     It  is  our  desire  to  orient  a  care  team  from  our  church  who  is  equipped  to  respond  to  the  needs  of  cancer  patients  and  family  members  when  requested.    Several  in  our  church  family  have  walked  this  journey.    Perhaps  you  are  feeling  like  you  want  to  share  in  a  group  with  specialized  training  in  this  area.    Journey  of  Hope  may  just  be  what  you’ve  been  seeking.    Even  if  you  elect  to  not  participate  in  the  ministry,  the  training  experience  should  prove  to  be  helpful  to  you  on  a  personal  level.    Sign-­‐up  at  the  Welcome  Center.    “BLESSING  OF  THE  ANIMALS”  SERVICE  OCTOBER  1st    |    The  pastor  is  offering  to  our  church  members  and  the  Weatherford  community  a  “Blessing  of  the  Animals”  service,  which  commemorates  the  feast  day  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi  (October  4th),  patron  Saint  of  animals  and  of  the  ecology.    Animals  are  a  vital  part  of  the  creation  of  which  human  beings  have  been  given  stewardship.    They  provide  us  with  companionship,  and  in  some  cases  assist  in  independent  daily  living.    The  service  is  intended  to  give  thanks  and  to  pray  for  God’s  blessing  on  pets  and  other  domestic  animals.    It  also  recognizes  those  pets  who  have  died.     All  in  attendance  will  receive  a  special  certificate  of  blessing  as  well  as  a  stainless  steel  blue  St.  Francis  animal  blessing  medal  for  the  pet.    “Friends  For  Life”  animal  shelter  will  be  invited  to  set  up  a  pet  adoption  kiosk  (not  confirmed  yet).    Petco  will  also  be  invited  to  share  free  pet  treat  samples  for  those  in  attendance  (not  confirmed  yet).     The  blessing  service  will  be  on  Saturday,  October  1st,  11:00A  on  the  east  side  of  the  church  building,  in  front  of  the  drive-­‐under.     All  participants  are  asked  to  have  their  pets  in  carriers,  cages,  containers,  or  on  a  leash.    The  service  will  last  approximately  20  minutes.    You  may  want  to  bring  a  lawn  chair  if  standing  is  a  challenge.    Officer  Debbie  Allen,  chief  animal  control  officer  with  the  Weatherford  Police  Department,  will  be  present.    

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FIRST  CORINTHIANS:  LIVING  LOVE  WHEN  WE  DISAGREE  .  .  .  BIBLE  STUDY  BEGINS  OCT.  19th    |     Living  love  when  we  disagree  sounds  good  on  paper,  but  it  isn’t  easy.    We’re  different—we  have  different  personalities,  preferences,  and  perspectives.    And  we  can  struggle  to  get  along,  especially  when  we  don’t  see  eye  to  eye.    Often  we  find  ourselves  divided—even  as  Christians.    How  can  we  work  out  our  differences  with  humility  and  grace,  always  showing  the  love  of  Christ,  while  still  remaining  true  to  what  we  believe?    This  Bible  study  on  I  Corinthians  may  be  just  for  you.         The  Apostle  Paul  wrote  a  letter  to  the  church  in  Corinth  about  this  very  thing,  because  they  were  struggling  with  their  own  set  of  issues.    Sign-­‐up  at  the  Welcome  Center.    ANGEL  COURTYARD  NEEDS  NEW  CARETAKER    |    Helen  Swearengin  has  been  the  long-­‐time  caretaker  of  our  Angel  Courtyard.    Retiring  from  this  ministry  of  love  previously,  Helen  had  graciously  agreed  to  return  as  the  courtyard  groundskeeper.    Helen  will  be  retiring  permanently  from  this  servant-­‐role.    We  are  all  so  very  grateful  for  Helen’s  loving  and  caring  hands  that  have  tenderly  cared  for  this  sacred  space  for  so  long.    Thank  you,  Helen!    Her  able  assistants,  Aggie  Kokalis  and  Barbara  Baxter,  will  continue  to  offer  their  volunteer  services.    But  we  need  a  Straw  Boss.    Feel  free  to  visit  with  Helen  about  details.    Is  God  prompting  you?      KUDOS  TO  DR.  ALLEN  BOYD    |    It  was  recently  learned  that  our  own  ALLEN  BOYD  successfully  defended  his  doctoral  dissertation  this  summer  and  is  now  officially  DR.  Allen  Boyd.    Congratulations,  Allen!    DENIM  &  DIAMONDS  SENIOR  GRAND  BALL    |    All  senior  citizens  are  invited  to  this  event  being  sponsored  by  Corn  Heritage  Village  of  Corn  and  Weatherford  along  with  the  Weatherford  Chamber  of  Commerce.    It  will  be  held  on  Saturday,  September  10th,  5P  to  8P  at  the  Pioneer  Event  Center.    Food,  live  DJs,  dancing,  and  door  prizes  will  be  featured.    And  it’s  all  FREE!    SAFETY  FIRST—FALL  PREVENTION  WITH  DR.  SAM  LACKEY    |    In  just  one  minute,  I  can  show  you  how  to  make  little  changes  in  a  protective  reflex  that  can  prevent  serious  injuries  to  your  hands,  head,  shoulder,  and  hip—injuries  that  often  leave  a  person  helpless  on  the  ground.    And  even  better—these  minor  changes  also  give  you  a  safe-­‐escape  shield  that  guards  your  forward  movement  in  a  wide  choice  of  directions,  without  triggering  a  hostile  response  from  bystanders.    Learn  this  ASAP,  why  not?     Flyers  detailing  fall  prevention  class  opportunities  by  Dr.  Lackey  are  at  the  Welcome  Center.     Contact  .  .  .  580-­‐774-­‐4602  OR  robert.lackey@swosu.edu    WORLD  SUICIDE  PREVENTION  DAY    |    Our  church  made  a  monetary  missions  donation  to  the  local  organizer  for  the  “World  Suicide  Prevention  Day”  event  here  in  Weatherford.    It  will  take  place  on  Saturday,  September  10th,  11A  to  3P  at  the  Pioneer  Center,  1000  Gartrell  Place.    For  more  information,  please  contact  Kim  Sintay  at  580-­‐302-­‐4205.    FUNDRAISERS  FOR  THE  LEARNING  TREE  PRE-­‐SCHOOL    |    Our  Finance  Committee  has  approved  The  Learning  Tree  Pre-­‐School  and  Child  Care  Center  to  conduct  two  fundraisers  inside  the  church  proper.     First,  TLT  is  conducting  a  “Change  Drive.”    Bring  your  spare  change  and  help  fill  up  the  empty  water  jug.    It’s  located  in  Ms.  Billie’s  office.    The  “change”  collected  will  help  purchase  new  toys  for  TLT  that  the  children  have  selected  from  an  educational  toy  catalogue.     Second,  TLT  will  be  selling  live  Christmas  wreaths  this  fall.    Order  blanks/catalogues  will  soon  be  available.    Get  yours  ordered  early!    AT  HESED  YOGA,  THE  LABYRINTH    |    The  labyrinth  is  an  ancient  tool  to  help  us  go  deeper  in  our  devotional  and  prayer  life.    At  first  glance,  a  labyrinth  appears  like  a  maze  of  concentric  circles  and  half  turns  that  one  walks  while  in  an  attitude  of  prayer.    Tim  and  Sara  Marie  Bodenstein  are  offering  church  members  the  opportunity  to  walk  and  pray  the  Labyrinth  once  a  month.    Hours  of  operation  =  4:30P  to  6P,  last  Sunday  of  the  month.    CLUSTER  CHARGE  CONFERENCE  SET  BY  D.S.    |    Our  Cimarron  District  Superintendent  Charlie  Graves  has  set  our  Cluster  Charge  Conference  for  Sunday,  October  30th,  5:00PM  in  our  Fellowship  Hall.    All  professing  members  of  the  church  are  invited  and  welcome  to  attend  and  vote.    The  business  portion  of  the  Conference  will  be  kept  to  a  minimum;  the  balance  of  our  time  together  will  be  educational  in  nature,  focusing  on  strategies  for  getting  outside  the  walls  of  the  church  to  make  disciples  for  Jesus  Christ.     Come  early  from  4:30P  to  5:00P  for  a  light  snack  supper;  it  will  be  a  time  of  food  and  fellowship  with  our  sister  churches  in  our  cluster  (Thomas,  Clinton,  Fay,  Independence/Custer  City,  SWOSU  Wesley,  Hydro,  Arapaho,  and  Chapel  Hill).      Helen  Jones  of  our  church  will  be  in-­‐charge  of  the  food.    Please  be  prepared  to  assist  when  Helen  asks  for  your  help.    

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 NOMINATIONS  COMMITTEE  HAS  BEGUN  MEETING    |    Our  Nominations/Lay  Leadership  Development  Committee  met  for  the  first  time  this  year  on  Thursday,  September  1st.    They  will  continue  meeting  in  September  on  Thursdays  until  our  List  of  Nominations  for  Charge  Conference  is  complete.     It  takes  a  variety  of  committees  to  assist  in  the  program  life  of  any  local  United  Methodist  Church.    As  a  part  of  your  membership  vows,  you  agreed  to  support  your  church  with  your  prayers,  presence,  gifts,  service,  and  witness.    Please  prayerfully  consider  serving  when  contacted  by  one  of  our  Nominations  Committee  members—either  via  phone  call  or  written  letter.     Those  serving  on  Nominations  this  year  include:    Lynn  Brack  (pastor  &  chair),  Dolores  Davidson  (vice-­‐chair),  Barbara  Baxter,  Marianne  Price,  Kirk  Fast,  James  Ratcliffe,  Linle  Levy,  Millie  Maynard,  Grant/Dody  Body,  Marjorie  Bose.    FELLOWSHIP  COFFEE  THIS  SUNDAY    |    Thanks  to  our  Inquiry  Sunday  School  Class  for  serving  as  the  hosts  for  our  monthly  “FELLOWSHIP  COFFEE”  time  in  the  Fellowship  Hall,  from  9:30A  to  10:15A.     Join  us  for  breakfast  snacks,  fun,  and  fellowship  before  or  during  the  Sunday  School  time.      

MEALS ON WHEELS I want to send a special thanks to all who helped deliver meals this July:

Linda & Eddy Berrong Sarah Bodenstein

Bud & Dody Boyd Ruth & Allen Boyd

BJ Brown Sue Castleberry

Torrey Curtis & Nic Townsend Dolores & Marion Davidson

Karol Dillard Ardith Gastineau

Jo Klingman Les & Linle Levy Terri McCormick

Larry Mulinix Cleota McCraw Jean & Muriel

Marianne & Lessley Price Rose Ratcliffe

Carolyn & Darrell Roulet Vernell & DJ Snider

Everyone receiving meals are so appreciative and your presence may be the only person they see that day. Thanks again. BJ  

BREAD OF HOPE Kathy and I had beautiful weather going to the City. We helped Arlette get their

food in and then loaded our car and made it back to the Church at 10:55 (new truck driver and he was an hour late). Since the fellowship hall and the Neonate Sunday School room were being used we used the Wesley for distribution and send a special THANK YOU to Velma for her hospitality.

Our faithful volunteers, Terry, Harvey, Joyce, Glennda Cindy and her dad had breakfast ready and “hand” unloaded my car when we arrived. (Phil Tannehill baked peanut butter and white chocolate cookies – THANKS Phil).

Our special donors (the Neonate Sunday School class & others) still make it possible for us to furnish food for needy families in Weatherford. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Check out the September menu in the office and remember anyone can order.

TEEN TALK

School is back in session and the youth are back to meeting at their regular times. On Sundays, we meet at 9:30am for Sunday school (grades 6th-12th) and at 4:30pm for FUMY (grades 6th-12th). Kirk Fast teaches the Middle School Sunday School Class (grades 6th-8th) in the junior high room and Kelley Ramey teaches the High School Sunday School Class in the youth lounge. We do a variety of activities on

Sunday evenings which Stephen Short and Kelley Ramey lead. Our schedule for September is: 11th – mission, 18th – movie night, and 25th – lesson. We meet at 6:00pm on Wednesday nights for Chapel time, 6:30pm for youth (grades 6th-12th), and 8:00pm for High School Disciple (grades 9th- 12th). Right now for youth we are studying the Dare to Dream series. In High School Disciple, we started a twelve week Disciple study of the Old Testament. We are very excited about being back in a routine and growing in our spiritual journeys.  

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 Extended Care

Facilities & Homebound Weatherwood Bob Lynde #18

Beverly Adkins #10 Annette Dahlgren #49

Corn, Corn Duane Rea #15 Ella Vogt #F7

W’Corn Sheila Lewis #21 Virginia Lantz #22

Brookdale Evelyn Minton #107 Jean Hewitt #119

Vanita Morris #120

Kaye Lee, Methodist Cen., Clinton (Garla’s Mother) Gene Hays, Elkwood Memory Care, Elk City Gary Webb, Sterling on Council, Bethany

Curly McAlpin, Bell Ave, Elk City Mary Phelps, Home in Weatherford, OK

Ronnie Chadwick, Dallas, TX

Those In The Service of Our Country • Oklahoma State Legislature • Our Nation’s Leaders • Armed Forces & Military Service and Families • All Police, Law Enforcements & Corrections Officers • Brent Webb, USAF • Lt. Col. Judy Webb-Hapgood, USAF • William Johnston, US Army serving in Iraq • Chris Bonner, son of Merle & Nelda Bonner • Dakota Duree • Austin Baugh USMC • Reeve Winters, US Army, son of Linda Berrong  

Kingdom  Connection  Bible  Study  for  Women  Organization  Meeting,    September  8,  2:00  

We’ll  be  meeting  again  on  Thursdays,  2:00-­‐3:00  pm  

Bring  any  suggestions  

 

The Bell Choir has openings for

handbell positions and substitute players.

The Bell Choir meets every Wednesday from

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ü Check the Handbell box and sign your

name on the Sunday Bulletin Leave your name and contact information in the Church Office

(Phone # 772-5565) Call Maxine at 580-816-0522 and leave a message with your information

   

   

 Congratulations  JoAnn  McClendon  

Congratulations  to  JoAnn  McClendon  on  the  birth  of  Theodore  Maxwell  Fanning,  a  new  great  grandson!    Theodore  was  born  to  Tyler  &  Meghan  Fanning  of  Portland,  OR  on  August  5,  2016.    Her  grandmother  is  Karen  Fanning.          

SEPTEMBER REGULAR EVENTS Weekly Events

Sundays Worship Service 8:30 & 10:30am Sunday School Classes 9:30am Youth @ 4:30pm

Tuesdays Cancer Care @ 5:30pm SPPRC @ 7:00pm

Wednesdays Handbell Choir @ 4:30pm Youth @ 6:00pm “Dare To Dream” @ 6:30pm Chancel Choir @ 6:45pm HS Disciple @ 8pm

Thursdays Kingdom Connection @ 2:00pm Nominations @ 5:00pm

Month’s Meetings & Events Saturday, Sept. 10: “Love & Logic” @ 9:00am Sunday, Sept 11:

“Love & Logic” @ 1:30pm Health & Wellness Committee @ 4:30pm

Church Council @ 7:00pm Monday, Sept. 19: Finance @ 5:30pm Wednesday, Sept. 21: Won. Wed. potluck @ 5:15 Thursday, Sept, 8: Frances Good Circle Wednesday, Sept. 14: Dorcas Circle @ 1:30 Sat., Sept 24: BOH Food Distribution @ 10:00am Friday, Sept 30: Fifth Quarter

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Experiencing the Joy of Generosity!

  During  the  month  of  October,  we  will  launch  our  three-­‐week  stewardship  emphasis  titled,  “Experiencing the Joy  of Generosity”.    This  will  be  an  exciting  and  beneficial  time  of  brief  messages  from  the  pastor.    Your  Finance  Committee  believes  this  program  will  be  a  blessing  to  those  who  already  are  experiencing  the  joy  of  being  generous  with  the  gifts  God  has  given  to  them,  and  we  hope  and  pray  that  this  effort  will  help  many  more  in  our  church  experience  the  joy  that  comes  from  giving  faithfully  and  generously.       When  we  give  to  God  through  giving  to  our  church,  we  experience  one  of  the  true  joys  of  being  Christians.    Jesus  said,  “It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive”  (Acts  20:35).    God  doesn’t  need  our  gifts,  but  God  asks  us  to  give  them.    God  accepts  and  uses  them  and  gives  us  joy  in  sharing  them.    As  we  respond  to  God’s  love  for  us  by  giving  back  to  God  part  of  what  God’s  given  to  us,  God  reacts  by  giving  us  even  more.       Although  we  don’t  give  so  that  we  will  receive  God’s  blessings,  God’s  Word  promises  us  that,  when  we  give  faithfully  and  willingly,  we  will  receive  an  abundance  of  spiritual  blessings  and,  for  some,  material  blessings  as  well.           Have  you  ever  wondered  why  you  are  left  with  such  a  joyful  feeling  when  you  are  able  to  give  a  gift  to  your  church  or  to  help  a  person  in  need?    The  answer  to  that  question  may  be  rooted  in  us  as  Christians  who  are  being  recreated  in  the  image  of  God.    To  be  made  in  God’s  image  means  we  are  made  to  be  like  God  whose  nature  is  to  give.    Giving  helps  us  feel  fulfilled  as  we  reflect  God’s  nature.       Our  Creator  empowers  us  to  give  joyfully  to  our  church  according  to  God’s  will.    With  this  attitude  of  joyful  gratitude,  God  keeps  us  close  to  God,  and  others  see  God’s  image  through  us.      

Be  watching  for  your  mailing  with  your  Commitment  Card  the  first  week  in  October.       We  hope  and  pray  that  the  emphasis  “Experiencing the Joy of Generosity”  will  be  a  blessing  to  you  and  your  family.    Your  Finance  Committee  .  .  .  Everett  Swearengin  (chair),  Harvey  Minton  (Treasurer),  Dana  Ratcliffe,  Richard  Meyer,  Nancy  Penner,  John  Kokalis,  Stephen  Beam,  Darrell  Roulet,  Joe  Anna  Hibler,  Ken  Rose,  Todd  Doyals  (Church  Council  chair),  Jim  Long  (Trustees  chair),  Terry  Fuller  (financial  secretary),  Charles  Dillard  (lay  member  to  Annual  Conference),  Shandelle  Recker  (SPPRC  chair),  Joyce  Hamburger  (lay  leader),  Lynn  Brack  (pastor).    

Fifth Quarters The youth would like to host two Fifth Quarters after home football games. One on Friday, September 30, and the other on Friday, November 4. We like to host these Fifth Quarters to provide a fun and safe place for middle and high school students to hang out after the game. We need adults to help host these Fifth Quarters. They are not possible without your help! First we need prayers. Then, we need adults to be outside and inside security to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun. We need adults helping in the kitchen making sure everyone has plenty to eat and drink. We need adults to be registration monitors to ensure that everyone checks in when they come and checks out when they leave. We need adults to help clean up after it is over so that the church is ready for Sunday activities. We need individuals to provide the food and drinks. Food that you could provide are sandwiches, pizza rolls, cookies, chips and dip, other snacks such as crackers, chex mix, buggles, or any finger foods you think youth would like. Drinks that you could provide are any type of canned pop that you think youth might enjoy. As you can see, these Fifth Quarters require a lot of help. Please consider how you could help and then sign up at the Ryden Welcome Center or contact Kelley Ramey (772-5565) and let her know what you can do. The youth will greatly appreciate you helping to reach out to the youth in our community.

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WELCOME to Jason, Callie, and Gwen Cash! Jason and baby Gwen were baptized this morning in the 10:30 service. Callie transferred her membership from the Church of the Brethren in Lampeter, Pennsylvania.                

 Bible Quiz

Which of the following sports does Paul use metaphorically to describe the Christian life? A. Fishing B. Running a race C. Boxing D. Both B and C E. All of the above Answer: D (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.)

   FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORGRANIZATION 817 North Seventh Street U.S. Postage Paid P.O. Box 350 Permit #43 Weatherford, OK 73096 Weatherford, OK 73096 (580) 772-5565 E-Mail: firstu@sbcglobal.net Web Address: http://fumcmethodistok.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED