please e mail tower news to: our mission: firstumc@durantumcnew day camp is for children who have at...
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Our Mission: To be the head , heart and hands of Christ!
A publication of :
First United Methodist Church
With Campuses at Caddo and Durant
5400 W. Main
Durant, Oklahoma 74701
(580-924-4670) (580-367-2415) Caddo
www.durantumc.org
Rev. John Breon—Senior Pastor Tim Ford—Associate Pastor & Youth Kim Vincent — Director of Children’s Ministries Nancy Breon—Director of Traditional Music Ivan Matthews-Director of Contemporary Music Dakota Marcy—Worship Technology Director Dalton Marcy– Sound Technician Lindy Hanson– Administrative Assistant
Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the eternal Spirit of God, one Person of the Trinity, the Lord, the Giver of Life. The Holy Spirit is God’s personal presence who lives in, fills, and empowers each follower of Jesus and all of us together as the Church. You may not often think about the Holy Spirit because so much of the Spirit’s work is behind the scenes. Someone has called the
Spirit the “shy member of the Trinity.” The Holy Spirit is like wind or breath (in fact, the biblical words for “spirit” in Hebrew and Greek are also the words for “wind” and “breath”). We don’t see air, but we feel it moving and see its effects. When we breathe, air goes into and out of our lungs giving what we need to live. The Holy Spirit of God is living, moving, working, filling us when we receive, giving us life.
What does the Holy Spirit do? “The Holy Spirit leads us to repentance, gives us new life, and empowers us to follow Jesus” (Phil Tallon, The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith, p. 54). The Holy Spirit is very active. Everything God does, God does as Trinity. The Spirit is how we know God and experience God’s presence, power and love in our lives.
The Holy Spirit shows us our need for God and for the salvation God offers in Jesus Christ. What we sometimes call prevenient grace (the grace that comes before our awareness and acceptance) is a work of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit also convicts or convinces us of sin and enables us to repent and believe. When we respond to grace we receive more grace. The Holy Spirit makes what Jesus did to save us (his life, death, and resurrection) real and active in us. We are put right with God, restored to right relationship with God. We are also born of the Spirit, given new life. Then the Holy Spirit works through the rest of our life to make more like Jesus in our character and commitments.
The Spirit reproduces the character of Jesus in us. One example of this is what Paul calls “the fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Holy Spirit equips us for service, witness, ministry, mission as the Church. There are numerous gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the New Testament. For examples, see Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 29-30; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 4:10-11). These are examples of the many ways the Holy Spirit works to show that God is present and active and to meet the needs of people.
On Pentecost (this year, June 4) we emphasize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit as we remember how the Spirit filled the first followers of Jesus and launched the Church into our mission (Acts 2). But let’s be open to the working of God’s Spirit every day.
Pastor John
Please e-mail Tower news to: [email protected]
Jack and Johnnye McBee will
celebrate their 75th Wedding
Anniversary on June 6th.
Cards may be sent to them at: 1205 Waco St Durant, OK 74701-2655
Blessing Boxes !!
UMM has launched their Blessing Box initiative. A 2 foot square box has been constructed and installed at the Wesley Student Center at 300 W. University.
Blessing Box #2 is nearing completion. UMM started on the box Saturday, May 20. The box is slated for installation in the Caddo area soon.
The Blessing Box slogan is “Take what you need; leave what you can”. Non-perishable items, food and personal items, may be taken from and placed in the box by doors. John Williams
James and Tommie
Midgley have moved!
Their new address is
1078 Meadwosong Rd.
Lebanon, Illinois 62554
Patel and Dollarhide Scholarship forms are available in the Church Office. Pick one up or call 580-924-4670 The forms are due back in the office the first week of July.
Meetings on Thursday evenings, as well as occasional Saturday mornings, are aimed at accommodating diverse work schedules of our membership.
Meetings will be announced in Church bulletins, the Tower, or by email. Interested men can contact any member or call or text John Williams 580-916-2421. A June meeting has not been scheduled.
New Day Camp is for children who have at least one incarcerated parent. It is held at Cross Point Camp and is
supported by the Criminal Justice and Mercy ministries of the United Methodist Conference. The week long camp (June
12-16 and July 17-21) gives these children, who are often the forgotten victims of crime, an opportunity to
experience a New Day. It can be a life changing experience for them and their leaders. This year, the camp is in need of Water Shoes in larger children's sizes up through adult sizes. (There are
some at Walmart for $5/pair) If you can help, please leave the shoes in the
designated box in the office. Thank you!
Baby Shower for Ashley Carter (our nursery Director’s daughter) Where: FUMC Time: 2-4pm When: Sat. June 10th
Ashley is registered at Target/Walmart Baby’s name: Hunter James
Sunday, June 4th at 12:30—
We will meet for a light lunch
and then we’ll go to blanket
some neighborhoods with
“Blessing” door hangers.
These hangers will have
information about the church and an invitation to
Vacation Bible School.
We would love to have at least 20 people, but more
would be great!!
John and Tim
2017 District Youth Camp: June 5-9 Students are encouraged to join me this year at our yearly District Camp. Camp is designed to break away from the busyness of our lives and refocus on God. This week-long camp creates lasting memories, such as teamwork through ropes course activities, fellowship through the free time at the beach, worship music at the tabernacle with a live band, learning times through small group activities, and most importantly time with God away from distractions. This week-long camp is designed for rising 7th graders through graduating Seniors and will challenge them to grow in their walk with Jesus. The cost for camp (Due by 5/20/17): $260. Leader (Adult in College or older):$150. Tim will have forms for camp; please contact him by email, phone, or see him at church if you are or your student is interested in camp. Also, if money is an issue and you need a scholarship, please let Tim know your situation. We will make a way if you’re interested in going. Tim 252-756-3126
2017 District Youth Mission Trip: July 16-22
Matt Taylor will be leading students from our district to a week of missions in Denver, CO. Any students who have completed 9th grade thru graduated seniors in high school and any interested adults are encouraged to join them for this amazing experience of serving this community through missions. Call Matt @ 580-320-0844 for more details. Limited space. Cost $450, due by June 1st.
Summer Missions Groups
We will have a couple of missions groups stay at
our Church again this summer. They are putting
time and effort into our community and we want
them to know how much we appreciate it! One
group is returning to stay here and work in Durant
for the third summer and one Mission Group will
be here for the first time.
Let’s give them a big hearty welcome!
If you have the time and energy to help them
contact Tim Ford 252-756-3126
From Your Finance Committee
Sumer is here, school is out and summer activities are beginning. This summer, when you are
traveling and busy with many activities, please remember the church. You can support your church finances by mailing a check in, dropping it off at the office, or going to our website
www.durantumc.org and clicking Online Giving. Thank you so much! Edwin
Save the date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 For: Bible Journaling Workshop First United Methodist Church, Durant OK with Melissa Gross; check out her blog at this website:http://melissagross.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-classes.html Contact: Beth Boothe for more info 580-916-6076
Tai Chi will meet all Summer except June 13th.
Linda Spencer
Texas Missions “Tag Team” June 17th– 24th
Missions Group from Clyde Texas July 15th– 20th
FUMC First Kids News
Vacation Bible School is here!! June 12th – 16th
from 9:00-12:00 for ages Pre-k to 6th grade.
Bring your kids, your grandkids, your neighbor’s kids and let them
Discover their Strength in God. We will spend the week learning
about different heroes in the Bible, while also
learning to Do Good, Seek Peace and Go After It! Caddo will be
joining us at the Durant campus, transportation to and from will be
provided. If you would like to help navigate or
decorate please let Kim know.
Please be in prayer for this great outreach event. Pray for the teachers, the
church and especially the kids that they will learn of God’s love thru us!
Summer Camps are coming! The church will pay ½ the cost of camp for any camper wanting to join in on this awesome
experience. Also, I am excited to let you know I will help as a Co-dean this year at Growin’ in Grace. If you would like to help
send a kiddo to camp, we are in need of donations to help provide scholarships for those who are not financially able.
Please see Kim or simply make a note on your check –children’s camp donation. We thank you in advance for these gifts, they
have helped Tim and I both send to kids to camp who would have otherwise not been able to go. Please see the information
below to find the camp that is right for your kiddos: Sonshine: entering grades: 1-2 June 24-25 cost $ 79
Growin’ in Grace: entering grades: 3-5 July 14-16 cost $187 6th Grade came: entering grade 6 July 14-16 cost $187
Come join us July 4th in front of the church for our 2nd annual Lights
on the Lawn. From our front lawn you can see
fireworks from all over the city, as well as a great view of the show put
on by Choctaw Casino, without the traffic. There will be drinks and
snacks provided by the children’s department. Bring your lawn
chair or blanket and some bug spray and come join in on the fun.
The festivities will start at 8:30.
Sundays: Sunday School @ 10am / Wednesdays: GPS @ 6pm
Kimberly Vincent---- 580-380-5458---- [email protected]
Scholarships Needed for Camp: Many of you have already provided scholarships for some of our students and I can’t thank you enough for how your support will have a major impact for our students. I am so excited to share with you that we have 21 students and 4 leaders that have signed up to go to camp. However, due to the large number of students we are still needing more support from you financially to provide scholarships. As of right now as I am writing this, we still have 11 students who need
scholarship for camp ($260 per student). So, again I want to thank all of you who have already given financially but I also want to reach out and continue to ask for more support from many others who can provide an opportunity for another student to experience the life-changing message about Jesus. If you are able to help, just drop a check in the offering plate on Sunday and put youth camp in the memo line.
Summer is Here! As we continue to advance the Kingdom of God, we have transitioned over to our summer schedule. In order to stay connected, students are encouraged to join us during the summer for a variety of events, all designed to help our kids grow closer to God.
Summer 2017 Schedule Forms: Pick up your forms and get them into the office ASAP. With summer here, your students don’t want to miss out on all the fun.
VBS: Durant, Mon, Jun 12th - Fri, June 16th, 8am - 2pm A team of students is needed to help make Vacation Bible School a success. We will be the hands and feet of Jesus, whether it’s setting up the stage or serving the lunch. Join me as we serve as leaders during this event and pour into our next generation.
Texas Conference Missions: Mon, Jun 19th - Fri, Jun 23rd, 8am-5pm UMY students have an exciting opportunity and will be partnering with the Texas Mission Conference as we help our community through missions projects. We will “Tag-Team” and work on many houses; painting, cleaning yards, building ramps and a variety of other projects, as needed. While serving in the community, our hope is to begin building relationships with these families and connect them to Jesus through us.
Peanut Butter & Jesus, Wed: June 28th, July 5th, 12th, 11am - 4pm Peanut Butter and Jesus (PB&J) is our summer youth bible study. During the months of June and July, we will spend some time in scripture and enjoy the summer by playing games, outdoor activities, and play in the pool.
Local Missionaries: “Tag-Team,” Mon, July 17th - Thurs, July 20th, 8am-5pm UMY students have an exciting opportunity and will be partnering with another FUMC Youth as we help our community through missions projects. We will “Tag-Team” and work on many houses; painting, cleaning yards, building ramps and a variety of other projects, as needed. While serving in the community, our hope is to begin building relationships with these families and connect them to Jesus through us.
Upcoming Schedule: Cross Point Camp, Monday June 5th – Friday June 16th VBS – Student Leaders, Durant, Monday June 12th – Friday June 16th
Texas Missions, Durant, Saturday June 17th – Saturday June 24th
Summer Bible Study, Weds - June 25th, July 5th, July 12 UMY Missions Week, Monday July 17th – Thursday July 20
Tim Ford contact me at [email protected] or call 252.756.3126 or Church 580-924-4670
Sunday School – 10:00-10:50am
Sunday Night Youth – 5-7pm
UMY News: June 2017
Martha’s Circle, is collecting food for Martha’s Pantry, to help the needy. Durant is helping out too with a box at the west entrance for non-perishable items.
Have you remembered the Church in your will?
Healthy Living Class:
Sat., June 24th 1-3pm
Medicine Gardens for health and healing
Contact: Desiree Blankenship 580-380-1844
Bible Journaling class will
continue through the Summer
on Wednesday 6pm. Contact
Peggy Shepard. 940-206-7347
or
Come and join us! God’s
Word and lots of fun. Nursery
Provided
June Birthdays:
2nd-Dorothy Ratcliff
4th-Jessica Boothe
6th– Jenny Sanchez, Jerry Holmes, Jensen Pierce
7th-John Carey
8th– Leigh Anna Mazzone
12th—Jim Spencer
14th—Hudson Hamilton, Jacob Nelson
17th-JoAnn Howard
18th-Kevin Gordon
19th– Richard Mazzone Jr., Dewey Shaffer
21st– Marylin Collier, Michael Sumner
23rd– Mason Phillips
24th—Paul Balkenbush
25th– Mary Jo Heron
30th-Gina Smith
Our hearts and prayers go out to Dan & Patty Wells and family on the loss of Kylie Russell. Our Sincere Condolences and prayers to the Midgley family in the loss of Jacqueline Midgley.
Our heartfelt Sympathies go to Sharon & Stan Wadley for the loss of their son the last weekend in May.
John’s Summer Sermons This summer I plan to lead us on “A Tour of the Psalms.” We’ll explore some favorite psalms and some that may not be as familiar. The Book of Psalms is the Bible’s songbook. It speaks both to us and for us.
It teaches us to worship and pray. The Psalms express nearly every human emotion; they give words to many of our feelings. The Psalms also help shape us into the people of God. If you’ve been using the Bible reading plan this year, you’ve read a psalm or a portion of one each day. We’ll finish reading Psalms at the end of July.
Sunday Happenings 9am Worship
10am Sunday School
11am Worship
11am Worship Caddo
Knitted Knockers are special, soft, light weight breast prosthetics that are very comfortable for women who have undergone mastectomies, lumpectomies and radiation, and/or undergoing reconstruction. They can be worn with any regular bra and are machine washable.
Knitted Knockers are made with love and our hope that they will be a comfortable and affordable alternative to traditional prosthesis. If you would like more information about Knitted Knockers feel free to contact Carolyn Mabry 580-920-5265 or Pam Carey 580-916-5574.
Also, you can visit knittedknockers.org to see how it all begin. If you would like to have the knitted or crochet pattern or know someone who would like to contribute to the supply for other women please contact us.
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First United Methodist Church
PO Box 518
Durant, Oklahoma 74702
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
Durant, Oklahoma Permit No. 151
Volume 21 No. 6
Remember In Prayer Nursing Care
Helen Eggleton
Jim Jones
Myra Lester Marcelle Jones
Military Personnel
Nathan Wright
Ryan Ball
Tim Hanson
Micah Hanson
Arthur Thomas
Special Needs
Sue Dill’s family- Chris Labat & Ronnie Wright Pat Mauldin’s son– Alan Laura Carter’s family
Mildred Coleman
Lynda Brothers
Jim Saunders
Tommie and James Midgley
Allison Hanson-Mission Trip
Stan & Sharon Wadley
Youth and Children’s camps
Vacation Bible School
Summer Mission Groups
Special Needs
Shelly’s Uncle
Margie Simpson
Liz McCraw’s dad
Mary Jo Heron
Judy Starbuck
Frank Cross
Assisted Living
Beth Harper
Lyn Fene
Odessa McKinney
Janet Tompkins
Robert Rhoden-Oak Ridge
Home Bound
Christine Tillett Annette Carlton
TOWER DELIVERY If you would like to get your Tower online please do the following: Send an e-mail request to the church office: [email protected]
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