PO Box 887 2100 McGee Drive Sallisaw, Oklahoma 74955

Phone: 918-775-2538 Fax: 918-775-2515 sallisawfumc@diamondnet.us www.sallisawfumc.org

Our Mission

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Pastor Dr. Trevor Smith

Director of Music Ministries Keri Cousins

Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries Jennifer Hart

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage Paid

Sallisaw, OK

74955

PERMIT NO. 106

Connect to God. Connect to Others. Connect to Ministry. Connect to the World.

First United Methodist Church

Get Connected this Lent

SEPTEMBER 2012

NEWSLETTER The Connection

F IRST UNITED METHODI ST CHURCH

Do You Know Jesus? People all around the world have a picture of who they think Jesus was, but who was Jesus really? What did He come to earth to do? And most of all, why should it matter to me? This September, Pastor Trevor Smith will help us get to know Jesus through four stories in the Gospel of John. What you learn about Jesus just might surprise you. We’ll see how Jesus provided 150 gallons of wine to keep a wedding party going. We’ll learn how Jesus broke social norms to reach out to the most unlikely woman. We’ll witness the way Jesus healed a royal official’s son, and we’ll watch how Jesus broke a reli-gious rule in order to heal a man who had been sick for 38 years. We invite you to join us for this meaningful new sermon series at First United Methodist Church as we get to know The Jesus You Never Knew.

The Jesus You Never Knew September 9 The Winemaker John 2:1-12 September 16 The Friend to Women John 4:1-42 September 23 The Healer John 4:46-54 September 30 The Rule Breaker John 5:1-18

Childcare available on Sunday Mornings.

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The Jesus You Never Knew 39Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.” -John 4:39-42

Have you felt the excitement and energy in our church in the last month? The Holy Spirit has been leading our church into exciting new opportunities for ministry with people. I know I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many new people who have come to worship with us in Connect and The Blend. If you are new to the church I want to extend a special welcome to you and let you know that the people in our church are so excited to get to know you and to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I also want to thank each of you who have worked so hard as we have moved from one to two worship services and from one to two Sunday school hours. I want you to know that your efforts have produced a bountiful harvest. In August, we averaged 182 people connecting to God in worship each Sunday. That is 182 people who experienced the love of God and the love our church family. We have also seen tremendous growth in the number of children attending Wacky Wednesday. Thank you for working so hard to share God’s love with the people in our community. In September we are going to spend four Sundays getting to know Jesus and how he ministered to people. Even to the people who lived in those days, Jesus was never quite who they expected him to be. There were certainly times when he surprised his disciples, and I am sure that the Samaritan woman he met at Jacob’s well was astonished that a Jewish rabbi would dare to speak to a Samaritan woman. However, as Jesus talked with her that day she came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and then she went and told the people in her town, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done!” The people invited Jesus to spend two days with them, and many of those people came to believe that Jesus was the Savior of the world because they had their own experiences with him. When we invite people to come to our church, we are not trying to make them have the exact same experience that we have had with Jesus. Rather, we are inviting people to come and see Jesus so that they can experience his love and grace for themselves. I would like to encourage you to continue to pray for the people you know who do not have a church home and to invite them to come with you to Connect or The Blend to hear about The Jesus You Never Knew. I’ll see you at church! Blessings,

Dr. Trevor Smith

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Prayer List New & Short Term Requests*

Cara Ford, eye cancer, granddaughter of Wayne & Earlene Ford.

John Augustine, congestive heart failure. Dexter Edwards, broken ankle surgery. Teri Ferguson, surgery, Julie Ferguson’s daughter. Kendall Stavely, recovering from surgery, no appetite and

weak. Velma McClanahan, husband passed away, Susie Harris’

sister-in-law. Taylor Webb, knee injury, Alex McMillian’s friend. Greg Steele, surgery, Barbara Jones’ brother. Keith Steele, in hospital, Bara Jones’ brother. Jayla Davenport, 13 year old had heart surgery Wednesday. Families who lost homes, businesses, and loved ones during

the fires. Unspoken request, Dale Wood. Guy Jones, Fibromyalgia. Curtis Davis, severe eye injury, Rolstons’ grandson. Violet Crowsey, lymphoma, Mary Sue Mos’ aunt. Rain and cool weather. Carol Wharton’s daughter, Shyla Hasner, has breast cancer.

Hospitalized / Continuing Treatment Emma Grace Frisby, 7 year old diagnosed with brain tumor and rare form of cancer. Chelsie Stearns, lymphoma, Debbie Bartel’s niece. Jan Green, cancer metastasized, Reba Green’s niece. Kim Edwards, lung cancer. Shelby Hiser, rehab, Ruth Knight’s grandson.

On-Going Needs Pris Bartram Doris Smithson Jackson Probst Edice Elwick Kogi Christians Freda Cooke Janet Luttrell Gary Griffin Gil Lyons

Our Service People Jared Rape Greg Luttrell, Texas Jack Hodge, Afghanistan Samantha Carter, Ohio Jessica McMillian

*Names on this list will remain for three weeks.

Call Anne Bottorff at (918) 775-2072 to start the Prayer Chain.

Free Community Breakfast Come and help with our Free Community Breakfast on Saturday, September 29. Cooks arrive at 8:00 a.m.

The Breakfast is served from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

United Methodist

Men’s News The United Methodist Men will meet on Sunday, September 23 at 7:50 a.m. to enjoy great food, lively conversation and a short devotional.

“We must mirror God’s love in the midst of a world full of hatred. We are the mirrors of God’s love, so we may show Jesus by our lives.” -Corrie Ten Boom

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

-Matthew 7:12

All men are invited to enjoy this time of fellowship together.

J. D. Harris

S.M.I.L.E. News

Our S.M.I.L.E. group for senior citizens will have our monthly lunch on Thursday, September 13 at noon at the church. The menu is potluck.

Come S.M.I.L.E. with us.

Janie Hensley

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Ministry Schedule

Sundays 8:45 a.m. Praise Band Rehearsal 9:20 a.m. Connect Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:50 a.m. The Blend Worship Service 10:50 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Financial Peace University 5:00 p.m. 98:4 Youth Praise Band Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. Connect Band Rehearsal

Mondays 6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts

Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. Prayer Group

Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. Covenant Group 4:00 p.m. Wacky Wednesday for Children 5:30 p.m. Wacky Wednesday Meal 6:00 p.m. Ruach Youth Group 6:00 p.m. Jesus 101 Adult Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Instruments of Praise Band Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, September 9 Sunday School Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Parish Relations Committee at 4:30 p.m. Committee on Nominations at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 13 S.M.I.L.E. Lunch for Seniors at 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 18 Stewardship Committee at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 23 United Methodist Men’s Breakfast at 7:50 a.m.

Saturday, September 29 Free Community Breakfast from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 30 Pastor Parish Relations Committee at 4:30 p.m. Committee on Nominations at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 16 Church Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 4 Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, November 9 United Methodist Women Turkey Dinner at 11:00 a.m.

September Birthdays 1 Nikki Trimble 2 Susie Harris 3 John Davidson Jeffrey Brant 4 Linda Bickel Mallory Maxwell 6 Emma Martin 8 Joshua Long 10 Anne Bottorff 12 John Hart 13 Craig Heflebower Tina Tucker 15 Ruth Knight 16 Kalyn Martinez 23 Amber Ross 24 Bennett Lessley 25 Steven Winton 26 Yvonne Green 29 Ellen Marie Farmer

September Anniversaries 13 Trevor & Allyson Smith 14 A. O. & Carla Campbell 28 Duane & Karie Ross 29 Ray & Lynn Dickinson

God’s Plans, Our Hands Amount Pledged $384,988.00 Received to Date $337,003.00

Mission Possible Amount Pledged $300,808.00 Received to Date $210,962.50 Loan Balance $640,470.62

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Connect to Others in a Small Group

Just Walk Across the Room - Sunday at 9:30 Teachers - Mary Sue Mos & Freda Lattimore. What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone you could change their forever? This 8-week study begins on September 9.

Not a Fan - Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Teacher - Kathy Harrell. Jesus never seemed too interested in fans. He was looking for completely committed. followers. How would things change if you lived and loved the way Jesus did? Come and join us as we begin this exciting study on September 9.

Answers to Difficult Questions - Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Teachers - Bryan Warner & Kevin Chambers. This 4-week study will offer answers to difficult questions.

Adult Bible Studies: A Living Faith - Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Teachers - Gary Winton & Carol Mitchell. Join us in September as we study Hebrews and learn how we can grow deeper in our faith together.

Adult Class - Sunday at 10:50 a.m. Teachers - Tammie Shamblin & Amanda Trudeau.

Youth Class for 6th to 12th Grades at 10:50 a.m. Teacher - April Robins. Our Youth will study Dark and Disturbing Stories in the Bible.

Grow. Proclaim. Serve. - Sunday at 9:30 a.m. & 10:50 a.m. Teacher - Linda Winton. This group of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Graders meets at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Teachers - Lisa Lessley & Amber Long. This group of Kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders meets at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday. Your elementary aged child will grow by leaps and bounds as we learn about Jesus through Bible stories, activities, crafts, videos, and more.

The Little Ones: 4’s, 5’s, Kindergarten, & 1st Grade - Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Teacher - Pat Heflebower. Your child will love learning about Jesus from Mrs. Pat. Through an exciting new curriculum, your child will grow in mind and body as well as in heart and soul.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University: Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Teachers - Mirna & Matt Duke. Would you like to eliminate $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in thirteen weeks? This 13-week class will help you learn to manage your finances and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Group - Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. This group prays for all of the prayer requests that are shared in worship.

Covenant Group - Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. The women in this small group share a devotion and study the Bible together.

Wacky Wednesday for Children - Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Director - Jennifer Hart. Wacky Wednesday is for children in Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Our church bus picks up children from Sallisaw Public Schools and Central Public Schools and bring them to church for a high-energy afternoon that includes Snacks and Tutoring, Rally Time, Children’s Music, and Small Groups. We encourage parents and family to join us at 5:30 p.m. for our Wacky Wednesday Meal.

Ruach: Youth - Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Teacher - Jennifer Hart. Our middle school students and senior high students gather on Wednesday evenings for a fun time of food, fellowship, and a meaningful lesson that will help you grow in your faith.

Jesus 101 - Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Teacher - Ann Davidson. This study from the Jesus 101 Series will help you grow to know and understand Jesus and his teachings in a new way. Childcare is available.

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Children’s News I am so glad to be back at Wacky Wednesday! We had a great turn out and a lot of fun. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who makes Wacky Wednesday possible. Your commitment to seeing these children grow spiritually is such a blessing not only to the church but to my life as well. Thank you for serving in this wonderful ministry. As always there are plenty of opportunities to serve in our Children’s Ministry. If you would like to serve by driving, cooking, tutoring, teaching, helping and more please contact me at jenniferhart@diamondnet.us or at 918-775-2538. If you would like to order a Wacky Wednesday t-shirt, please email or call the front office. Don’t forget to invite a friend to join in on the Wacky fun! Love and Laughter,

Jennifer Hart

Ruach Youth Group

Well it is safe to say that we have had a great start to the new school year! We kicked off the new school year with a night time bash at the home of Debbie and Jason Bartel. We ate, swam, played games, and laughed a lot. I would like to remind our youth about everything that we learned this summer. Remember to be accepting of those around you at school that maybe don’t have a friend or that are having a hard time fitting in. We do not always know why people react the way they do because we do not always know their circumstances. Remember that you are a disciple of an amazing, loving, gracious Father, and that you are to show others the same love, grace, and acceptance that he has shown you. I would like to remind you of a verse found in 1 John 4:16, “and so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” In His Service,

Jennifer Hart

United Methodist Women The United Methodist Women will not meet in September. The next meeting will be on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Anne Bottorff’s house. The United Methodist Women’s Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner will be held on Friday, November 9 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Contact the church office for more information.

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Music Ministry Happy September! We got off to a great start to the school year in August by beginning our new worship service and our Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and 98:4 Youth Band rehearsals.

Coming this month…

The Adult Choir will be back in The Blend at 10:50 a.m. on Sundays, singing beautiful offertory anthems each week. We are a light-hearted group of musicians who just love singing in Choir, and we would love to have you too! So come on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. and join us.

Our Instruments of Praise Band and our Connect Band have been doing a great job leading worship music each Sunday. Our church is so grateful for your time, dedication, and service. Thank you! These bands will continue this month with some new music and some familiar favorites. Instruments of Praise will continue rehearsing on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and the Connect Band will begin rehearsing on Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

The 98:4 Youth Praise Band will be playing in the Connect service on Sunday Sept. 30. We are rehearsing on Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m. Any youth interested in joining the band should talk to Keri Cousins.

Children’s Choir will be singing in both worship services on Sunday, September 9th. We will sing at the beginning of the Connect service so that children in the 9:30am Sunday school may go to their class right after we sing. The children’s choir will sing again at the beginning of the Blend worship service so that the children in the

10:50 a.m. Sunday school may go to their class right after we sing. We would love all of our children to be there to sing praises to God.

A BIG THANK YOU to Linda Bickel and Sara Reyna, Judy and Matt Blair, Lynn Dickinson, Anne Bottorff, Terry Rogers, and Gary Winton for providing special offertory music this month. You all did a wonderful job.

If you have any questions about the music ministry or would like to participate in any of our groups, please don’t hesitate to contact me at church. I’d love to help you find your place in our church’s music ministry.

See you at Church!

Keri Cousins