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CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER A Bi-Weekly Publication – Issue Date: 12/12/11

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 Matthews Family, In less than two weeks we will be celebrating the birth of the Christ Child and I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. During this Advent season, I have been sharing a sermon series called “Home for Christmas” and have been suggesting that one of the most important ways to serve God during this Christmas season is to invite others to come home for Christmas. And we can do this by inviting folks who have no church home to come to our Christmas Eve service. People are more likely to accept that invitation during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. Over the past 40 years the United Methodist Church has not been very effective at inviting people to come home to God and to come to a place where they can find meaning and hope in their lives. In our culture today the number one expressed need is: where can I find meaning, purpose and hope for my life and for my family. And as a community of faith we have what our community is searching for, but if we don’t tell them they will never know the gift that is available here at St Matthew’s. This is why come home for Christmas is so important. There are a couple of things that we need to remember as we invite our community to worship with us.

If we invite people in the community to come and discover God’s love and grace and forgiveness many will be un-churched and probably different than us. Their life styles may be totally different than ours. But here is a very important truth that we must never forget: they are a child of God and loved by God just like we are. In God’s eyes they are just like us because in God’s world we are all equal.

Of course, we want to invite families to come and bring their children, and what I know about children is they can be messy and noisy and sometimes even act like children. Now I know when I was raising my children in church they were all little angels and I am sure your children were too. But it is important to remember that “children are children” and Jesus told us how important children were in His ministry, didn’t He? And here is the good news, one of the greatest sounds in a worship service is squirming kids and fussing babies because it means the church is filled with families and growing. And for those who don’t know, we have 15 to 20 kids that come to Children’s Church during the Journey Service each week and many times even more than that at the Ascend service on Wednesday night. Praise be to God!

Here is what I am saying. If we don’t invite people in our community to worship with us then in a few years St Matthew’s will no longer be a worshiping congregation, and I do not believe that is what God has planned for us. I believe that God has been preparing us as a community of faith to invite and receive guests from our community to worship with us. And because God is with us we can accomplish this no matter how difficult this seems to be. My prayer is that we will step out in faith and invite folks to come home for Christmas. Grace and Peace, Pastor Michael

mailto:[email protected]


JOIN US FOR WORSHIP “Come and See” what is happening in worship at St Matthew’s

Coming Home for Christmas

This 3 part series will focus on how we can serve each other in practical, tangible expressions of the love of God; how we can restore our relationship with God by looking at the story of the prodigal son; and how we can come home to God this Christmas.

Dec 18, 2011 4th Sunday in Advent Sermon: “SEARCHING FOR A SAVIOR-- Home for Christmas”

Scripture: “After Jesus’ birth, wise men from the East arrive in

Jerusalem asking, `Where is the child born to be king of the Jews? We observed His star rising and have come to worship Him.” Mt. 2:1-2 (GW) “When you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me!” Jer. 29:13 (NCV)

Dec 24, 2011 Christmas Eve Candle light Communion Service-- 5pm Dec 25, 2011 Come Home for Christmas Family Service—10am Jan 1, 2012 Guest Speaker Jan 8, 2012 Guest Speaker

Spiritual Warfare Have you ever asked yourself why everything in life seems so hard? Or maybe why doing the right thing often feels 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. Jan 15, 2012 Sermon: “WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP--

Spiritual Warfare” Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-12:4 Jan 22, 2012 Sermon: “WINNING THE BATTLE INSIDE ME-- Spiritual Warfare” Scripture: ROMANS 7:15-25 (LB) Jan 29, 2012 Sermon: “SET FREE FROM ME-- Spiritual Warfare” Scripture: ROMANS 8


JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

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)

No Ascend December 21

December 14 December 29

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

Hamburger Night

Hamburgers Baked beans Cheese Chips

Sliced onions & tomatoes

Pasta Night

Spaghetti w/meat sauce Chicken & Noodles

French bread


PRAYER CONCERNS – 12-06-11 ROMANS 5:11 - "NOW WE REJOICE IN OUR WONDERFUL NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE IN DYING FOR OUR SINS - MAKING US FRIENDS OF GOD". Janie Hurst is asking for prayers for Betty Rooks, Janie's Aunt. Jan Polliard is asking for prayers for Barbara Conrad. Elinor Bartleson is asking for prayers for her daughter, Sheila Catterton. Elinor also asks for prayers for B.J. Moore. Continued prayers for Joy Barkat. Prayers for Pastors Michael and Sharon. Continued prayers are needed for Nasos and Nancy Famelos. Please pray for all those who are looking for jobs. BEREAVEMENT Pauline Grove and family Marie Loveless and family Robert Stage and family Chuck Wise and family Barbara and Paul Youngblood and family Mary Saville and family Skip and Janie Hurst and family Martha Sabourin and family Karen Laxton and family ONGOING PRAYERS Hime's daughter-in-law Susie Hime; Gatzke's grandson-in-law Ben McKnight; Marge Perry and her sisters Carol and Jane; Manilla Taylor; Margaret Toni; Jerod Patterson; Tom and June Vannoy; Dena Erichsen's sister Janice; Barbara Youngblood's mother Gladys Robertson; Paul's cousin Kimbra; Barbara McDowell's daughter-in-law's mother Shirley; Judi Olsen's mother Arlene Harper and friend Pat Elias; Deanna Peterson and her sister Kathleen; Smokey and Judy Tipton; Martha Sabourin's son Richard; Bob Staebler and son Paul; Mary Saville; Louise Coursey; Frances Martin; Mary Trumbull; Bettie Fry; Janie & Lawrence Long and Barbara Roderick's neighbor and friend Renee Palos and her parents; and her niece Bonnie Dust and her father Mel Evans. Pray for our military, our President and government leaders, our country, our Clergy, the jobless and homeless. May this 2nd Sunday of Advent find you "Blessed Beyond Belief". Yours in God's love, Barbara

PRAYER CONCERNS- 12-11-11 1 JOHN 4:9-10 - "GOD SHOWED HOW MUCH HE LOVED US BY SENDING HIS ONLY SON INTO THE WORLD SO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH HIM. THIS IS REAL LOVE... HE SENT HIS SON AS A SACRIFICE TO TAKE AWAY OUR SINS."

June Vannoy is asking prayers for her husband, Tom. Nina Frazier is asking for prayers for her granddaughter, Ashley Frazier. Joyce Hargrove is asking for continued prayers for Nasos and Nancy Famelos . We need to lift up Elson Hargrove for healing. Continued prayers are needed for Mary Trumbull . Pray for needed strength for Mary Saville . Continued prayers for our three job seekers, namely Suzanne Pfeiffer, Kay Holt and Deanna Peterson's friend Kelly. BEREAVEMENT Pauline Grove and family Marie Loveless and family Robert Stage and family Chuck Wise and family Barbara and Paul Youngblood and family Mary Saville and family Skip and Janie Hurst and family Martha Sabourin and family Karen Laxton and family ONGOING PRAYERS Hime's daughter-in-law Susie Hime; Gatzke's grandson-in-law Ben McKnight; Marge Perry and her sisters Carol and Jane; Manilla Taylor; Pastors Michael and Sharon; Margaret Toni; Jerod Patterson; Dena Erichsen's sister Janice; Barbara Youngblood's mother Gladys Robertson, Paul's cousin Kimbra; Barbara McDowell;s daughter-in-law's mother Shirley; Judi Olsen's mother Arlene Harper and friend Pat Elias; Deanna Peterson and her sister Kathleen; Smokey and Judy Tipton; Martha Sabourin's son Richard; Bob Staebler and son Paul; Louise Coursey; Frances Martin; Bettie Fry; Janie & Lawrence Long; Barbara Roderick's neighbor and friend Renee Palos and her parents as well as her Niece Bonnie Dust and her father Mel Evans. Pray for our military, our President and government leaders, our country, our Clergy, the jobless and homeless.


DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

2 Marge Perry 20 Chelle Schneider

5 Gina Rocha 22 Tom Michael

6 Nina Frazier 25 Baby Jesus

7 Barbara

Youngblood

27 Glenn Hime

11 Amanda Boyce 31 Dennis Keller

17 Freda Heath

Please contact Alon at 622-7006 to list your birthday.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

8 Rachel Horn 26 Sharon Cloer

11 Russ Michael 27 Nancy Famelos

14 Kendle Boyce

18 June Vannoy

Please contact Alon at 622-7006 to list your birthday.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Don’t forget! The deadline to submit articles for

the December 26 newsletter is December 20.

Please send articles to the church at

[email protected] and be sure to copy

[email protected] Thanks

Sarah Circle

Everyone is invited to join us for Bible study

and refreshments, Tuesday mornings at 9:30

in the Parlor. Bring your Bibles.

JESUS’ BIRTHDAY COMING SOON!

During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it is easy to overlook the true reason we

celebrate Christmas. We buy all these presents like it was someone’s birthday. Well, it IS

someone’s birthday, but it’s Jesus’, not ours! If you are looking for a way to shift the focus off

of presents under the tree and onto ways to impact your brothers and sisters in need, consider

alternative gift giving ideas. Sharing your love and generosity with others in Tulsa or around the

world will let you experience the inner joy of giving. Here are some ministries to consider:

Day Center for the Homeless – collection box in the Fellowship Hall, Circle of Care,

Heifer Project·, Angel Tree,Restore Hope – Christmas Family Sponsorship, UMCOR,

CJAMM (Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries), Emergency Infant Services. And others!

Thank you for remembering Jesus on His birthday.




My Sister and I want to thank St Matthews for

all the prayers and cards that came to us during

the last days and passing of our Mother. Everyone

has been so supportive and kind. St Matthews is

my family and I love you so much. May God's

blessings be with all of you.

Thank you again,

Martha Sabourin and Mary McKown

BREAKFAST! COME ‘N GET IT!The VIM Team

will be serving your favorites – pancakes, biscuits

‘n gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs & more! –

on Sunday, Dec. 18th, for your dining pleasure.

Come enjoy the camaraderie and support the VIM

Team as they prepare to return to New Orleans

for the 7th year. So far there are a dozen

missioners going! Your breakfast will be served

fresh and hot from 7:30am until 9:15am.Thanks

for your loyal support.Ann Marie Boyce, VIM

Team Leader

UMW Annual Cookie Exchange

This Thursday December 15, 2011

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Bring three dozen cookies, two to

share and one for eating.

All Ladies are welcome to come!!!!

CHRISTMAS CARDS

The church will have a box in the Narthex for

those of you who want to give out Christmas

cards to your fellow church friends. There will

be alphabet index cards in it for you to put your

cards in. If a friend's last name begins with an

A, just put that card under the A's, etc.

Merry Christmas!

On Monday, November 28, Joyce and I took a pickup load of items to the Cookson Hills Center. Some items went to their Thrift Store, but much of what we have went to the Christmas store. We had 20 fishing rods and reels, eleven crock pot cookers, about 15 packs of small hand tools, men's flannel shirts, pots and skillets and more. When we arrived they had only 2 fishing rods, so they were delighted. Cookson Hills has 208 families registered and approved for the Christmas store (about 900-1000 people). I wish I could convey to each of our St. Matt's people the appreciation we saw from the staff. I know there will be many families in their service area who would also extend their thanks for your support. Elson and Joyce Hargrove


60's Plus; will meet on Saturday, December 17th

in the banquet room at the Delta Cafe, 41st and

Garnett @ 12 noon. Please bring a white elephant

gift for "Dirty Santa" (no more than $5.00

please)

Hope to see you there!!!!!

--

Sharon and Del Gatzke

Tissues for Disney Elementary.

Please continue to bring those boxes of tissues

coming for our adopted school, Disney

Elementary. It’s that time of the year for

runny noses, and the Disney staff appreciates

your help and generosity with the Kleenex

supply. There are collection boxes in the

Narthex and Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

Christmas Tale From the Inn At Bethlehem

Did you hear about the St Michael's Primary School nativity play?

Two children are dressed as Mary and Joseph, and they are on their way to the inn at

Bethlehem.

Meanwhile on the other side of the stage, a lad in a shepherd's outfit is on a mobile phone.

He is calling the inn to make a reservation.


St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church

12424 E. 31st Street

Tulsa, OK 74146-2202

INSIDE THIS ISSUE *Birthdays 5

*Sarah Circle 5

*Christmas cards 6 *Sermon Highlights 2

*Cookson Hills 5 *Sixty Plus 7

*Disney Elementary 7 *Thank you 6

*Jesus Birthday 5 *UMW 6

*Newsletter Deadline 5 *VIM Breakfast 6

*Prayer Concerns 4 *Worship Attendance 3

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