CHURCH COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERA Bi-Monthly Publication – Issue Date: October 13th, 2015

St. Matthew’s United Methodist ChurchThomas Hoffmann, Pastor

Jose Estrada, Associate Pastor

Our Mission Statement: “St. Matthew’s Tulsa is a United Methodist congregation that brings Christ to people of all nations in our community.”

Our Slogan: “Every Person/Every Nation/All Together/One Location”

Followership, Leadership and Being a Servant

“Followership” is a word you may not have heard before. It goes hand-in-hand with “leadership,” but following always comes first. We have to first be followers of Jesus to be any good at all in this life, to ourselves or to others (and not to mention God). Every person follows something or someone; for the Christian, we are followers of Jesus and his teachings.

Leading comes next. As Pastor José preached on Sunday, you are already an influencer. Like it or not, your life will always influence the life of another in some way. If nothing else, your thoughts and decisions influence YOU and your own actions. So, just like there’s no escape from following, there’s no escape from leading.

Every Christian is both a follower of Jesus and a leader of self and others. The church calls this being a “servant.” There are lots of Bible parables about serving. A familiar one is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. A wealthy man gives huge sums of money (called “talents”) to three servants to manage while he was gone. Two succeed by risking the money they were given. The third servant hid his so it would be preserved. The master praised and rewarded the risk-takers, but chastised the one who took the safer route—even though there was no loss.

If you are a member of St. Matthew’s, you have already made a promise to your church to be faithful in prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As we enter the fall season, we need you to prayerfully consider your promise to serve. Why? Because with very few exceptions, the church is a volunteer organization. If a member doesn’t do something, it likely won’t get done.

The Leadership Committee needs to know this month how you would like to serve in the ministry of St. Matthew’s, beginning in 2016. There are so many ways and places that match your talents. Please contact me at 918-346-9972 or smumcpastor@gmail.com and let’s talk together.

Serving with you is one more reason I am Blessed Beyond Belief.

Pastor Thomas

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 1 of 16

Average Worship Attendance – 2014 & 2015

Average Spot 31 - Attendance – 2014-2015

NEWSLETTER DEADLINEThe deadline to submit articles for the

October 27th, 2015, newsletter isSunday, October 25th.

Please send articles to the church at stmatts@tulsacoxmail.com and suzanne.pfeifer@att.net. Thank you!Coming Events:

Oct. 18th Pastor Appreciation

Oct. 20th SPRC meeting @ 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 8th Church Council meeting @ 5:30 p.m.

Nov 15th Charge Conference @ Korea UMC @ 5:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST SERVED: Sunday October 18th

Join your family & friends for a fresh, hot breakfast served by the VIM Team on Sunday, October 18th, from 7:30 until 9:15am. Come and enjoy your favorites of French toast, biscuits ‘n gravy, pancakes & scrambled eggs before first service or Sunday School.  See you at the breakfast table!

The VIM Team

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 2 of 16

November 87 Feb. 95 May 95 August 83 NovemberDecember 108 March 94 June 94 September 80 DecemberJanuary 99 April 93 July 77 October

November 52 Feb. 42 May 51 August NovemberDecember 57 March 46 June 50 September DecemberJanuary 48 April 52 July 53 October

October Birthdays

1 Barbara McDowell 17 Dillion Horn1 Jan Polliard 20 Barbara Roderick2 Elizabeth Garcia 31 Grace Duggan7 Monica Ayala 9 Pauline Grove

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

November Birthdays

4 Andrea Laney 22 Sharon Polliard 6 John McCammon 25 Gail Arnold 6 Joseph Estrada 26 Hade Hernandez10 B J Moore 29 Tom Flanagan20 Andrea Ayala

Ronald McDonald House –

The ladies furnishing main dish for October 22, 2015, are Nancy Wilson and Judy Williams. Those furnishingdesserts will be Suzanne Pfeifer and Joyce Hargrove.

Thank you to these ladies.

Sarah’s Circle

We have started a new book called, “Do You Have Alligator Arms? Embracing Life, Hope and God,” by James W. Moore.  Come and join us for study and refreshments every Tuesday morning at 9:30 in the parlor.The UMW Reading Program books are available to check out.  We haveseveral excellent ones this year.

Jeanine Keller

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 3 of 16

Ruth 1:17 –“Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Kielee Ferrell is back in the hospital and needs our prayers as well as prayers for her family.

Barbara McDowell had another trip to the hospital but is back home. Please pray for comfort and healing.

Elinor Bartleson has a praise report – her sister’s birthday who is a cancer survivor of 18 years!

Please pray for healing for Sharon.

June Vannoy is asking for continued prayers for her cousin, and please pray for June’s health issues as well.

Welcome home Nancy! We’ll be anxious to hear about your trip to Russia.

Deanna Rocha is asking for continued prayers for her friend’s family in their loss.

The Burkhalters are asking for prayers for their cousin, and her daughter.

Continued prayer for Sharon Gatzke to gain strength so she can come to church.

Leona Robison is asking for continued prayers for her husband’s health issues and prayers for the Odens.

Ann Marie is requesting continued prayer for the Disney Principal and a 4th grade teacher. Also prayers for a family friend Donna who needs our fervent prayers.

Jeanine Keller is asking for continued prayers for her nephew Greg and his family.

Continued prayers for Dr. Mike’s concerns.

Continued prayers for Sharon Polliard’s friend Cherrish and for Edie who is to have surgery.

CONTINUED PRAYERS   Laura, Irene, Tricia Tuepker, Alderman Family, Rusty Colvin, Phillip Laney, Vivian Michaels, Christy Arnold’s uncle, Brady family, Tama Been, Cynda McDaniels, Elinor’s friend Share, Tawnya’s mom, Sharon Gatzke, Ray Burgess, Aunt Laurene, George & Share, Ms. Cherry, Wayne & Sheila, Becket Fox, Bonnie Dust, Betty Jean Dust, Gert McKenzie, Kendle Boyce’s friend Kirsten Plum and children, Chuck Wise’s sister and mother, Brent Utterback’s stepdad, Pastor Laura Wolfe, Del & Sharon Gatzke & Del’s son, Hime’s son-in-law Guy, Nancy Hoffman’s mom, Ann Marie’s brother Eric, Gordon & Judy Godfrey, Bud Loveless’ daughter Karen, Barbara Patterson and son.

BEREAVEMENT –Deanna Peterson’s family, Jeff Saville & family, Chuck Wise & family, The Flanagan family, Joy Barkat & family in the loss of her mother. Barbara Youngblood, Nancy Wilson and families in the loss of their mother Gladys Robertson.

Yours in God’s loveBarbara Roderick

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 4 of 16

UMW Calendar All women at St. Matthew's are invited to any UMW events. Most meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30. Child care and rides are available upon request. 

There will be no WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP in October so that you will be available to sign up for a shift or two at the PUMPKIN PATCH.  Thank you for being in mission at the Patch!

BEST CHOICE

Please bring your Best Choice UPC labels to the church.  I still need 682 for this year. Thank you.

Joyce Hargrove

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 5 of 16

PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 18The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy as he was establishing the first Christian churches, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17). And, in 1 Thessalonians, he said, “Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:12-13).

On Sunday, October 18, please bring a card, personal note, or send an email to our pastors to let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing for our church.

TOOL TYME

It’s that time of the year for Tool Tyme at Cookson Hills Mission.   We go down and help them get ready for Christmas, and there are several other things to be done.  This is for men as well as women.  The dates are November 13-15, 2015. The deadline for applications is November 8, 2015.  We'll put some applications on the bulletin board in the hall by the office for your convenience. You can go for all 3 days or just for Saturday. I hope many of you will consider this for Missions.

Thank you.Joyce Hargrove

Volunteer needed We need someone to volunteer to make coffee and set up the coffee bar on Sunday mornings.  I am stopping due to pain in my right arm and shoulder as a result of lifting the coffee pots, etc. My physical therapist suggested I stop as soon as possible.   I will be glad to train anyone who will take over this task.  Let me or Pastor Thomas know, the sooner, the better.  Many thanks.  Alon

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 6 of 16

Spanish Classes

These are the dates for the Spanish classes from now through March. If something comes up and we need to cancel, I will let you know in advance. If you have any questions, contact me at 918-500-4583 or pastoraanaestrada@gmail.com Thank you! Pastor Ana

October 22, 2015October 29, 2015November 5, 2015November 12, 2015December 3, 2015December 17, 2015January 7, 2016January 14, 2016January 28, 2016February 4, 2016February 11, 2016February 25, 2016March 3, 2016March 10, 2016March 31, 2016

The food pantry needs your help!

Since Barbara McDowell has been out and unable to put together bags of groceries for those in need, Debbie has been helping me put them together. But it would be very nice if we could find 2 willing people to put them together. Apparently there is a big need, as we have had 6 bags picked up in the past 3 weeks. So if you have some time, please volunteer for this important task.

On another note I put together 3 bags Wednesday morning and we are running out of some things which, when we have them, we can put together to make nutritious meals. Here’s the list; meat, i.e. cans of tuna; chicken or spam; canned vegetables i.e. corn, green beans and peas; also packages of potatoes or canned potatoes; breakfast food ; evaporated milk; spaghetti and jars of spaghetti sauce; ramen noodles, Mac and cheese; and other items that are easy to prepare. So we need both food and help. Pastor Thomas mentioned using our gifts a few Sundays ago—maybe you could give a few hours a week to help with the food pantry. Let Pastor Thomas, Pastor Jose or Pastor Ana know of your availability. Many thanks. Alon J. Soderfelt

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 7 of 16

Every Wednesday between 4:00 and 4:30 our St. Matt’s van makes a run through the neighboring community and picks up 10 to 15 children and youth. Some of these children and youth have been attending Spot 31 on Wednesday nights since our program began 3 years ago. We have one group of boys who started attending Spot 31 in the 6th grade. Now they are freshmen in High school and several of them have younger siblings who now attend Spot 31 with them. God has blessed us with the opportunity of ministering to these children and youth.

As Spot 31 continues to grow, so does our need for volunteers. On October 5th Spot 31 kicked off our new after school homework program. Although this is another opportunity to meet the needs of our community, it does mean we will need a van driver on Wednesday’s from 4:00 – 4:30. Please pray about filling this need and taking advantage of an opportunity to be a servant to our surrounding community.

Position Title:               Bus Driver

Responsibilities:          Drive children to Wednesday evening activities..

Goals: To meet the needs of our community in mind, body and spirit                             Time:                     Volunteers would need to be available for a 2 month Interval on Wednesday’s from 4:00pm – 4:30pm

Qualifications:           A valid driver’s license and a good driving record.  All volunteers must pass a background check.

St. Matthew’s insurance policy covers van drivers. However, drivers must have their own policy up to date in order for our coverage to be valid.

Attention !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debbie would like to have a short meeting with everyone who volunteers with the children on Wednesday Nights at Spot 31. We will just meet while we eat. If you volunteer with the children, even if you are not a regular volunteer, please make time to be at Spot 31 by 5:30.Thanks!

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 8 of 16

FIRST  FRIDAY  FUN(and Games)

Every month on the First Friday of the month.

Bring a game you would like to play, or join another game… board games, card games, and many others.

Fellowship for members of the church, families, neighbors, and anyone else that would like to join us.  (Please do invite your neighbors and friends.)  This has been planned for the whole church and for anyone you would like to invite.

This event is sponsored by the Fishermen, UMW, Wednesday night small groups and Youth.

Bring a friend and if you would like, bring a snack.  Drinks will be provided.  The sponsoring groups will be providing a few snacks, too.

Hours of operation will be 6 pm to 10 pm, and everyone is free to come and go as they wish.

MAKE FIRST FRIDAYS AT ST. MATT’SYOUR NIGHT OF FUN !

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 9 of 16

Chili Cook Off

Once again it is the season for our St. Matthew’s Chili Cook off. Enter for a

chance to take home the covented 1st place trophy. Not only is our Cook Off a lot of fun, it also raises money for our Youth Mission Trip. So read the instructions below and let the games begin.

When: Sunday November 1st from 4:00 – 5:00please arrive by 3:30 for setup

Cost: $15.00 to enter your award winning recipeand support the youth

Voting: $5.00 lets anyone taste all entries and vote for your favorite.Entries will be judged by people’s choice. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies will be awarded.

Setup: Bring your chili in crockpot or broiler to keep it warm.Everything else will be provided for you.

Youth will be available to man your station and serve samples for you.

Trophies: Voting will end around 5:00 and trophies will be awarded.

Got a friend who makes great chili? Invite them to enter!!

This competition is not limited to St. Matt’s members. More is better.

Any chili left after trophies have been awarded will be served to the public at no cost while supplies last.

Past winners: Dr. Mike (2013) BoyScouts (2014)

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 10 of 16

These are dates for most of our Youth events. Please put these on your calendar. For each event details will follow. (Note. Youth who expect to attend Youth Mission Trip must attend and participate in all mission trip fundraisers.)

OCTOBER25 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

NOVEMBER1 Chili Competition/Smash Pumpkins – 4:00pm to 7:00pm (Mission Trip Fund Raiser)15 Youth Game Night – 5:30pm to 7:30pm22 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

DECEMBER6 Shopping for Angel Tree After church until 3:00pm13 Mission Trip Lunch Fundraiser – After church to 1:30pm No Youth Game Night (Christmas break)27 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

JANUARY1-2 Youth Lock-in – for 6th to 12th grades – 8pm Friday to 7am Saturday10 Mission Trip Lunch Fundraiser – After church to 1:30pm

No Youth Game Night24 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

FEBRUARY2 Enchiladas Orders – start getting orders for the fundraiser14 Edible Auction Fundraiser – After church to 2pm21 Youth Game Night – 5:30pm to 7:30pm28 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

MARCH5 Youth Fundraiser Enchilada Sale – 9am to 12pm20 Youth Game Night – 5:30pm to 7:30 No Youth Small Group (Easter)

APRIL16 Garage Sale – 8am to 4pm17 Youth Game Night – 5:30pm to 7:30pm24 High School Small Group – Debbie’s House – 6:30pm

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 11 of 16

Closed on Sunday?

10/9/2015 "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common." (Acts 2: 42-44)

By BISHOP ROBERT HAYES Jr.

. . . Some of you are old enough to remember the Blue Laws of the 1960s, restricting commercial activities on Sundays. . . . .. My peers and I never really questioned the practice back then.

But now, reflecting on then, I’ve stumbled upon a question that deserves some thought. It might shock you that I’m even asking, but I must.

How many of our churches are closed on Sunday?

[What I mean is,] I wonder how many of our churches go through the motions of worship each week without considering that being open implies certain requirements.

For instance, when the doors open each Sunday at your place of worship, is the environment welcoming? . . . Are you and others who regularly worship at your church open to welcoming new people, to making strangers know you genuinely are happy that they are there? I am dismayed to hear stories every week about churches that never acknowledge visitors in their midst, neither asking them their names nor inviting them back.

Are you open to leave discord and disagreements outside the doors of your church? Realize that the last place people want to encounter conflict is inside the church. Are you personally open to participating, learning, volunteering, teaching a class, sharing a word of encouragement or hope?

Again I ask: Are our churches open or closed on Sunday

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 12 of 16

Disaster Volunteer Day

Sign up to be a part of our Disaster Volunteer Day. This event will include a variety of work options -debris pick-up, interior flood demo, installing sheetrock, painting, flooring, carpentry, and more. All skill levels are welcome from light labor to highly skilled. All work projects are located in the central Oklahoma area (Oklahoma City, Moore, and Bridge Creek). Work days are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Housing is available. Register for one day or multiple days. Advanced Registration is required (at least 5 days prior to the work day). Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Work Dates: Saturday October 24, Monday through Thursday, October 26-29 and Saturday, November 14. Call (405) 802-0904 for more information.

Belmopan, Belize

We are recruiting for a mission to Belmopan, Belize, March 12-19, 2016. This will be our 6th year to work on this school and should be our last as next year they will complete the last story of the school. Mission brochure with details For questions or to sign up contact Chad Detwiler, team leader, (405) 830-8684.

Root Beer 5K Run to Benefit OKVIM

Our very good friends and OKVIM supporters, Steve and Lezli Pool, proprietors of the Fin and Feather Resort on Lake Tenkiller, are sponsoring the second annual "Soda Steve's Root Beer Run" at their resort on Saturday, October 17, 2015. The proceeds of this event benefit the work of OKVIM. So, let's get those running shoes on - and come join the fun. The event is a lot of fun and there is a great breakfast afterwards! Accommodation is available at the resort, so why not make a whole weekend out of it? You can stay on after the race to attend the Circle of Care Boys' Ranch rodeo, which is just down the road from the resort! Don't feel like running? Well, there is even a "sleep in' option to register. You still get a lot of the goodies available, but can stay in bed on the morning of the race and support OKVIM from the comfort of your own home! You can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Gore/SodaStevesRootBeerRun.

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 13 of 16

OKVIM Staff Share the Story with your Church

As part of our work in promoting with ministry of OKVIM, our staff is always available to your church to speak about short-term mission and disaster response opportunities across our state, country and the world. Because we are a conference program, supported by your apportionment dollars, there is no charge for us to come out your way! While you might have heard that our Director, Rev. Jeremy Basset, has also been appointed to a part-time position in a local church, he is still available to speak/preach at your church. So, when you need someone to come and promote mission in your church or to speak to specific opportunities, remember to call us and schedule Rev. Jeremy Basset, Rev. Richard Norman, or Lori Foster. We look forward to every chance we can get to promote our work in your church. (800.231.4166; 405.530.2029)

Your Church Can Help Keep OKVIM Strong!

OKVIM, as an apportionment-supported ministry, depends upon the faithfulness of our all our churches to meet our budget targets. Your continued encouragement of your own church to make a 100% payment on this line item goes a long way to sustain our important work. Additionally, we welcome your dedicated gift to this ministry, too. Such gifts have strengthened this ministry over the years and helped us bridge the gap between apportionment receipts and out total budgeted needs. Donate online here https://okumc-reg.brtapp.com/VIMDonations. Another way to give is to contact the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation [4201 Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, (405) 525-6863] to discuss a gift to our endowed funds, or to establish a capital gift through their various means. Last year we were blessed with an unexpected gift from a long-time supporter who had left our ministry a significant amount in his will and we will be able to draw interest on that every year. Mission is not what we do - it defines who we are as a church of Jesus Christ. Please help us keep this Kingdom-mission afire in our conference churches!

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 14 of 16

Dr. Dora Canales Nuñez is the missionary that we help support through the funds raised at the Pumpkin Patch. Serving At: Wesleyan Theological SeminaryLocation: Peru, Latin America and the CaribbeanHome Country: Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean

Dr. Dora Canales Nuñez is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church serving as president and professor at Wesleyan Theological Seminary in Lima, Peru. The Methodist community in Peru includes many indigenous Peruvians, including Quechua and Aymara speakers, and the seminary puts a strong focus on regional culture. Dr. Canales, a native of Chile and a lay member of Methodist Church of Chile, is working with the Peruvian church to shape a curriculum appropriate to the area and to Wesleyan theology. The seminary president was born in San Francisco de Limache, Chile, and was associated with the Evangelical Theological Community of Chile, an institution of higher education, from 1993 to 2010, first as a professor and for seven years as rector. She received a Bachelor of Theology degree from that school, a graduate degree in theology from the Higher Institute of Theological Studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a Doctor of Theology degree from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Aware of God's presence from an early age, she received a call to religious service at age 19. "I am committed to loving and serving," she says, "to the use of the gifts and graces that God has placed in me in the midst of the weakness and neediest of my continent." Prepared for pastoral appointment, she says that the Lord had another destination in mind for her, that of seminary teaching. Her life's work centers on theological education dealing with women's issues, peace, and pastoral care for people with HIV/AIDS and disabilities, at-risk youth, and farmers. She says: "The experience I accumulated living, studying, and sharing with diverse people made me discover a special vocation—to form bridges of dialogue, to come closer to people, and to promote the sharing of gifts, wisdom, and experiences." Dr. Canales has two adult children, Constanza, and Matias, and two grandchildren, Martina and Amanda.

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 15 of 16

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church12424 E. 31st StreetTulsa, OK 74146-2202 (918-622-8703)E-mail address: stmatts@tulsacoxmail.com Website: stmatts.us

INSIDE THIS ISSUEMission Outpost 2 Prayers 4Birthdays 3Breakfast 3 Ronald

McDonald3

Church Rolls 2 *Sarah Circle 3Food Pantry 3 *UMW 5Pastor Message 1 Announcement

s6-11

Stmattsnewsletter.doc 10/13/15 Page 16 of 16