CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER



| [pic] CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER |

|A Bi-Weekly Publication – Issue Date: May 12, 2014 |

|St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church |

|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. |

|[pic] |

|A Word [pic] From the Pastor |

| |

|Dear St. Matthew’s family, |

|As most of you know I believe that leadership is one of the most important things that happens in the growing life of any church. However, when many people think|

|of great leaders, they get a certain picture in their minds, and it is a vision of perfect confidence and grace. There’s a winning smile, a spotlight and the |

|sound of applause in the background. It’s no wonder, with this concept of leadership, that many of us are desperate to be leaders. |

| |

|But it seems to me there are several aspects of leadership that tend to go unnoticed. These are the less attractive qualities that many of us would like to leave|

|out, but they are an equally important part of leadership. |

| |

|Great leaders often don’t get the credit. In fact, some of the greatest leaders I know and have worked with are focused much more on getting others the credit |

|than they are on getting credit themselves, and I believe this is essential for a great leader. Great leaders want others to win more than they want themselves |

|to win. They see it as their task to equip and inspire those around them. In the church we call these folks “servant leaders.” |

| |

|Great leaders receive as much criticism as praise. From the outside looking in, many might not think this is the case. It can be easy to feel jealous of a leader|

|who leads an important ministry in the church because he or she is receiving all kinds of praise for their hard work and creativity. But you have to know that, |

|behind the scenes, leaders receive almost as much criticism as praise. |

| |

|I can almost guarantee this is true because where there is praise, there is always criticism. But leaders have to learn to deal with both praise and |

|criticism—each of which can inspire arrogance or humility, depending on how they are handled. |

| |

|Great leaders don’t always feel ready. When God calls a leader to do something, the leader responds—regardless of if he or she feels equipped or ready. You’ve |

|heard it said “God doesn’t call the equipped, God equips the called.” Some of the best leaders I’ve known in my life are willing to act before they feel totally |

|prepared, before they know exactly where they’re going. This is because their faith in God far exceeds their faith in themselves, and they are willing to step |

|out in faith and obediently answer God’s call. |

| |

|Great leaders are likeable (even when people hate them). This might seem like an oxymoron, but let me explain. Great leaders always act like likeable people, |

|even when people hate them. In other words, even when people criticize them or their leadership skills, they are still generous people, they still celebrate with|

|those who are rejoicing, and mourn with those who are mourning. They still respond to hatred with love. |

| |

|In fact, this might be one of the most difficult roles of a leader—to lead even those who are reluctant or angry, to lead those who are bitter or mean. The |

|leader loves and cares to lead these people as much as the ones who willingly follow. It’s not easy, but it’s the role of a leader. And this is what I believe |

|with all my heart! |

| |

|Grace and Peace, Pastor Michael |

| |

| |

| |

| |

|Spot 31 |

|WEDNESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE |

|4:00-5:30 p.m. Gathering and Small Groups - Children/Youth |

|5:30-6:15 p.m. Community Dinner |

|6:15-7:15 p.m. Small Group/Adults (please try to be in your room by 6:15) |

|6:15-6:50 p.m. Small Groups – Children/Youth |

|6:50p.m. Load bus for home – Children/Youth |

|7:30-8:30 p.m. Choir |

|8:30-9:3 0 p.m. Praise Band |

| |

| |

| |

|Average Worship Attendance – 2013 |

| |

|January |

|176 |

|April |

| |

|July |

| |

|October |

| |

|Annual 2011 |

|155 |

| |

|February |

|170 |

|May |

| |

|August |

| |

|November |

| |

|Annual 2012 |

|162 |

| |

|March |

| |

|June |

| |

|September |

| |

|December |

| |

|Annual 2013 |

|175 |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

|[pic] Update on Pantry Needs |IT’S BREAKFAST TIME THIS SUNDAY! |

|  |BREAKFAST SERVED SUNDAY…..AND LUNCH! |

| |If you play your cards right, you can eat TWICE this Sunday at St. Matthew’s!  |

|The Pantry needs are different this time. |The VIM Team will be serving their usual scrumptious hot breakfast of pancakes, |

|We need canned vegetables, meats (Spam, Chicken, Tuna, etc). |biscuits ‘n gravy, scrambled eggs, French toast,  milk, juice & coffee in the |

|Cereals (oatmeal is always good), pancake mix, syrup, dried or canned milk. |morning from 7:30-9:00am.  And then the St. Matthew’s Youth will be serving lunch|

|Mac & Cheese, Tuna helper, Cream of |following the 2nd service.  What a deal!  Come on down and support the Youth as |

|Chicken & Mushroom Soups. |they prepare to return to the New Orleans area this summer and the VIM Team. |

|Instant Mashed Potatoes. | |

|  |Thanks! The VIM Team! [pic] |

|And whatever you might think of that would be good to include in the sacks we | |

|supply to those asking for help. | |

|  | |

|Your help is always appreciated. Thanks so much! | |

|  | |

|Barbara McDowell | |

| | |

| |

| [pic] | |

|Sarah Circle |[pic] MAY BIRTHDAYS |

|  | |

|We are studying the Book of Mark.  Come and join us for Bible study and |4 James Cloer 16 Bob Johnson |

|refreshments every Tuesday morning at 9:30 in the Parlor.  There are several |6 Mike Arnold 17 Bri Morrison |

|2014 books from the UMW reading program available for you to |11 Mike Rutledge 24 Skylar Etwardo |

|check out.  |14 Gert McKenzie 29 Bethany Allen |

| |14 Brayden McCammon 29 Kathey Allen |

|Jeanine Keller |15 Christy Arnold |

| | |

| |If you want your birthday listed in the newsletter, contact Alon at 622-7006 |

| [pic] Ronald McDonald House |NEWSLETTER DEADLINE |

| | |

|We will continue to furnish frozen casseroles, purchased cakes, cookies, pies or|The deadline to submit articles for the |

|fresh fruit for Ronald McDonald House.  |May 26th, 2014, newsletter is Friday, May 23rd. |

| | |

|Thank you to you ladies. |Please send articles to the church at stmatts@ and be sure to copy|

| |suzanne.pfeifer@ |

| | |

| |Thanks! |

[pic] [pic]

May 4, 2014 May 11, 2014

|Joshua 1:9 “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord |Psalm 129:8 – “The blessing of the Lord be upon you.” |

|your God is with you wherever you go.” |(May you feel His touch, sense His nearness and know the depths of His |

| |love for you on Mother’s Day and always-Blessings on your special day.) |

|Gert McKinzie will be celebrating her 97th birthday, May 14th. There is | |

|going to be a card shower for her. You can bring the card to church or |Prayers for Barbara Flanagan-she will be having hip replacement surgery on|

|send it to her home. |5-22-14. |

| | |

|Frances Martin celebrated her 99th birthday March 17th and is still trying|Terri Kennedy requests prayers for little Levi who has been diagnosed with|

|to recover from pneumonia. Please continue praying for her. |a fatal disease and is in a drug induced coma. Terri is also asking for |

| |prayers for a co-worker’s father who was taken to the hospital. |

|Continued Prayers | |

|Krista McKelvey grandpa, Bob Miller, Elinor Bartleson niece, Judy |Pray for Stephanie Butler’s friend and family in the loss their |

|Williams’ cousin & friend, Jeanne Keller, the family of Justin Jackson, |grandfather. |

|Paul Youngblood’s great nephew, Barbara McDowell’s friend Pat, Tawnya | |

|McCammon’s uncle, Joy Barkat, Pauline Grove, Bud Loveless’ daughter |Sharon Polliard asks for prayers for Jan’s sister. |

|Karen’s recovery, Andrea Laney’s mom and dad and her friend’s family, Dr. | |

|Mike’s mom, Larry McKelvey’s brother and mom. Clint Johnson, Skip Hurst, |Debbie Gant is asking for prayers for Mike Arnold and Tony Cole’s brother.|

|Rita Robison, Deanna Peterson, Dr. Michael Crow, Jeff Galapon’s step | |

|sister who has health issues, Del Gatzke and his daughter Laura, Deanna |Continued Prayers |

|Rocha’s daughter’s friend, Gordon and Judy Godfrey’s friend, Frances |Krista McKelvey grandpa, Bob Miller, Elinor Bartleson niece, Judy |

|Martin, Michael and Sharon, Marge Perry’s son, Marge Perry for back pain, |Williams’ cousin & friend, Jeanne Keller, the family of Justin Jackson, |

|Marge Perry’s nephew and his rehab, Paul Youngblood’s cousin, Barbara |Paul Youngblood’s great nephew, Barbara McDowell’s friend Pat, Tawnya |

|Youngblood’s friend’s grandbaby, Judi Olsen’s friend’s nephew, Leona |McCammon’s uncle, Joy Barkat, Pauline Grove, Bud Loveless’ daughter |

|Robison’s nephew, also Andrea Laney’s son, Lawrence Long and his |Karen’s recovery, Andrea Laney’s mom and dad and her friend’s family, Dr. |

|friend, Deanna Rocha friend’s daughter and also her friend that had |Mike’s mom, Larry McKelvey’s brother and mom. Clint Johnson, Skip Hurst, |

|surgery, Gordon Godfrey, Alon Soderfelt’s friends, Terri Kennedy’s friend,|Rita Robison, Deanna Peterson, Dr. Michael Crow, Jeff Galapon’s step |

|Bud Loveless and family, Mercedes Ellis, Richard & Virgie Bachelder & |sister who has health issues, Del Gatzke and his daughter Laura, Deanna |

|family, the jobless, the homeless and our military. |Rocha’s daughter’s friend, Gordon and Judy Godfrey’s friend, Frances |

| |Martin, Michael and Sharon, Marge Perry’s son, Marge Perry for back pain, |

| |Marge Perry’s nephew and his rehab, Paul Youngblood’s cousin, Barbara |

|Yours in God’s love, |Youngblood’s friend’s grandbaby, Judi Olsen’s friend’s nephew, Leona |

|Barbara |Robison’s nephew, Andrea Laney’s son, Lawrence Long and his friend, |

| |Deanna Rocha friend’s daughter and also her friend that had surgery, |

| |Gordon Godfrey, Alon Soderfelt’s friends, Terri Kennedy’s friend, Bud |

| |Loveless and family, Mercedes Ellis, Richard & Virgie Bachelder & family, |

| |the jobless, the homeless and our military. |

| | |

| | |

| |Yours in God’s love, Barbara |

[pic]

UMW Summer 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.

June 19th Game night-lots of fun-everyone brings a snack;

July 18-20 Mission U school of Christian mission at OKC;

August 21 Call to Prayer and Self Denial presented by Freda Heath

Fantastic Tea !!!!!

 

76 women, hostesses and guests, enjoyed the tea and auction held Saturday, May 3rd, at St. Matthew's.  The food, as usual, was delicious, with sandwiches, a variety of salads, veggie and fruit trays.  There were several desserts and it was hard not to want to try them all since they looked so delicious. The auction items ranged from a Keurig coffee maker to food items including cake, toffee and fudge, plants, Ann Marie's strawberries (when they're ready), handmade jewelry and a quilted baby blanket.  There were also Mother's Day baskets for sale.  The UMW made $2,825. This will be used for Missions and to help send our youth to camp. The Tea is held annually, so if you missed it this year, plan to attend next spring.  It's a fun event and those of us who attend look forward to it each year. 

Alon J. Soderfelt

FYI –

The Police sub-station on 11th near HWY 169 is a collection station for unused or expired prescriptions pills. Empty bottles can be recycled in you recycle can.

Elinor

[pic]

60s+ to meet in May

 

    OK, all you Seniors listen up! Saturday, May 17th, is our 60s+ meeting.  Jeannie Broussard has invited us to her house at noon.  She's providing the brisket and beverages and we are to bring salads and desserts.  It sounds good already, doesn't it!  Hope to see you at Jeannie's, her address is 3846 S. 121st E. Ave--same street as Briarglen school--go south to end of street, house on right side of street, plenty of parking. Barbara Roderick and Barbara McDowell will be calling you to remind you. Elinor Bartleson and Jane Price are helping Jeannie with the preparations!  Thanks gals!

Alon

DISNEY ELEMENTARY THANKS YOU!

The Disney staff appreciated the snacks and Kleenexes that were shared during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Thanks for remembering us all year with goodies.

[pic][pic][pic]

It’s A RETIREMENT PARTY!

EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come and Celebrate with Pastor Michael

May 18th, 2014

Between church services.

Folks, come help us let Pastor Michael know how much he is loved, and how much we are going to miss him. He has been a good and loving pastor to us, and we so appreciate his faithfulness to St. Matthew’s. We know he and Sharon are going to enjoy their retirement, and we wish them well and wish them God Speed.

[pic]

GRACE

Do you worry that you’ve written too many checks on God’s kindness account? Do you drag regrets like a broken bumper? “If so, then I have a word for you,” Max Lucado invites. “Grace.” Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave. God has enough grace to pardon every sin, solve every dilemma, wipe every tear, and answer every question. It’s more than we deserve and greater than we imagine.

Beginning Wednesday evening, May 21, John Worman will be leading an adult study titled, guess what? – ‘Grace’ by Max Lucado. This is a great opportunity for you to become part of a small group, to fill your need of Sunday School if you aren’t able to attend on Sunday morning, or to supplement your Sunday School learning experience. We meet in the Adult Sunday School classroom at 6:20 PM and finish at 7:10 PM in time for choir practice. This study will run through the summer. John has the book and participant guide available for $10.

[pic]

CAMP SCHEDULE

Sunshine Camp (must be entering 1st or 2nd grade )

July 12th – 13th

Journey Camp (must be entering 7th or 8th grade)

June 4th – 8th

Tweens Camp (must be entering 6th grade)

June 16th - 20th

Growing in Grace Camp (must be entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade)

June 16th - 18th

Day Spring Camp (must be entering 9th – 12th grades)

July 10th - 14th

We will need counselors for Journey Camp June 4th –8th

[pic]

Youth Lunch and Edible Auction

[pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]

Breads Cakes Jelly Salsa

[pic]

Come Dine Like a Swine

The Youth need one last push for their Mission Trip

Join us May 18th after 2nd service for:

Lunch and the Edible Auction

We are almost there, but the youth still need a little more money to help send them on their mission trip, and you can help.

Come join us for lunch and/or donate items for the edible auction. If you would be able to make something for the edible auction, please call Debbie 918-770-3735.

We also will have about 24 children and youth going to camp this year. Any money not used to pay for the mission trip will go toward camp.

Annual Conference 2014 -- Mission opportunity:

Donate UMCOR kits

During Annual Conference, the Office of Mission will collect UMCOR Sewing, Layette, and Bedding Kits. Donations of kits will be received at a designated truck parked May 26 in St. Luke’s south lot and parked May 27 in the OCU Freede Center’s north lot during morning registration. Also bring $1 per kit to assist with shipping costs. If you have questions, contact the OKVIM office, kterrell-wilkes@, 405-530-2029.

Key steps:

Assemble the kits prior to delivering them. All items must be new.

Since strict rules govern product entry into countries, kits must contain only the specified supplies — nothing more. Do not include money, notes, or any other items. Additional items must be removed, thus delaying shipping.

Your careful attention to the details about each item and kit assembly is crucial to the efficiency and overall success of this mission project.

Sewing Kit

Do not wash fabric items.

3 continuous yards of new, solid-color fabric — only cotton or cotton-blend

1 pair fabric scissors

1 package hand needles, in original packaging

1 spool thread, medium - to large-size spool, no travel-kit thread

Five to eight buttons, 5/8ths-inch size or larger, on original cards or fastened together — no loose buttons

One sealable, gallon-size plastic bag

To assemble: Place all items in the plastic bag and seal.

[pic]

Layette Kit

Do not wash fabric items.

6 cloth diapers

2 infant shirts (undershirts or onesies)

2 infant-size washcloths 

2 baby gowns or sleepers

1 baby sweater or jacket (must open at front; may be knitted, crocheted, or sewn; hooded sweatshirts are acceptable)

2 diaper pins with protective plastic closures

2 receiving blankets, sizes 28-by-28 inches to 32-by-32 inches — no crib blankets

To assemble: Lay out one of the receiving blankets on a table. Set aside the diaper pins. Place all other items in the center of the opened blanket. Fold the blanket around the items, and secure the bundle with the diaper pins.

[pic]

Bedding Kit

Do not wash fabric items.

2 flat, double-size sheets (no fitted sheets)

2 pillows

2 pillowcases

The website for the United Methodist Committee on Relief provides more details and further information.

[pic]

Holy Land Mission – Rev George Lupton

I would personally like to invite you to go to the Holy Land where Jesus walked on Nov. 1-14, 2014. This is a mission, working and touring the Holy Land. I am recruiting a team to go and we already have several who have made the commitment to go. We would love to take you with us.  The cost of the mission will be $3,600. This includes air fare, airport pick up, land transportation, ALL meals, honorariums, tour guide, entrance fees, mission project, and tips for driver, guide, and hotel while there. Each team member can experience the true meaning of biblical stories; support the local community; and allow you, as a visitor, to experience a life-changing experience. We will be greeted by Rev. Kristin Brown, our missionary from the Oklahoma Conference, who is currently serving in the Holy Land. Contact George M. Lupton at 580-471-1876 or gn1979@.

Medical VIM Team for Liberia

The OKVIM is planning for a medical team to go to Ganta United Methodist Hospital, in Liberia. The goal of the team will be to work with the health professionals at the hospital and to observe Community Based Primary Health Care at the Nenhwaa Project that serves 110 communities in the region. YouTube and the UMCOR web site has information about the Ganta United Methodist Hospital. All are invited but dentists, family practitioners/internists, nurses, and surgeons are particularly welcome. Cherian Thomas, M.D. from the Kingswood Institute of Mission will coordinate and accompany the team. Contact Lori Foster for details at lfoster@.

OKVIM has two Team Leader Trainings coming up. The dates are Sept 6 and Nov 1.

[pic]

General Shelter Needs

For our daytime and overnight clients

Socks

Soccer Socks (for the medical clinic)

Underwear (adult, all sizes)

Men's pants or jeans (size 30-36 waists needed)

Men's shoes (size 9 and larger)

Eye glass cases

Lip balm any brand

Diapers all sizes

House Warming Box Items:

For our clients transitioning to housing

Liquid Dish Soap

Hand Towels

Sponges

All Purpose Cleaner

Twin Sheet sets

2 or 3 quart sauce pans

Ajax or Comet

Alarm Clocks with battery back up

Kitchen Utensils (Spatulas, Ladles, Spoons)

Hand-held can openers

Hudson Villas Needs:

Support our permanent housing facility

Extra Long Twin Sheets sets (white or beige)

Bath Towels (white or beige)

Hand Towels (white or beige)

Wash Cloths (white or beige)

XL Twin Comforters

 

|Homerun for the Homeless |

|May 22, 2014 |

|This family friendly, fun event will take place at OneOK Field in downtown Tulsa.  All proceeds benefit the Day Center. Come out and enjoy the game while |

|supporting our mission.  If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Colleen Helms via email to chelms@.  |

|  |

[pic]

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church

12424 E. 31st Street

Tulsa, OK 74146-2202

(918-622-8703)

E-mail address: stmatts@ Website: stmatts.us

|INSIDE THIS ISSUE |

|Spot 31 |2 | |Prayers |4 |

| | |[pic] | | |

|*Birthdays |3 | |Events |6 |

|*Tulsa Day Care Center |11 | |Ronald McDonald |3 |

|*Church Rolls |2 | |*Sarah Circle |3 |

|*Food Pantry |3 | |*UMW |5 |

|Join us for Worship |2 | |*VIM Breakfast |3 |

|Pastor Michael’s Message |1 | |Youth |7& 8 |

[pic][pic][pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download