Volume 16 Issue 7

The First United Methodist Church

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Friday - closed

CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor

Rev. Matt Thompson, Associate Pastor Laurie Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministry Shelly Thompson, Director of Youth Ministry

Larry Clark, Minister of Music Kathy Caudle, Praise & Worship Leader Jeana Malone, Office Administrator

Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager

Morgan Mitchell, Youth Ministry Intern Kim Smith, Custodian

THE FLAME is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, 15502 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby, OK 74008. Phone: 918-366-4463 Fax: 918-366-4465 Website: www.fumcbixby.org Church E-mail: fumcbix@olp.net Newsletter: fumcbix@olp.net

The August issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on July 30. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 23.

SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m.

The Flame 15502 South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma 74008

July 2014

Out of the Lion’s Den…

Summers go so quickly any more. By the time you read this article, most of our young people will

have already been to camp, most of you will have taken some time off for vacations, Vacation Bible School

is completed, and now we’re getting ready for school to start again.

Our renovations of “On the Edge Ministry Center” are moving us ever closer to the time of

beginning new ministries and mission efforts through that great location. Pastor Matt is preparing to lead

a Bible Study for people who live on the edge of life, and for people who work Sunday mornings and are

unable to belong to a worshiping community. It will begin on August 3, at 4:00 at On the Edge Ministry

Center.

On Sunday, September 7, at 4:00, Pastor Matt will begin holding Worship services at On the Edge

Ministry Center. It will begin with a Motorcycle and Car Show, to help reach the people not usually

reached by our church. We will certainly reach some of our own people through this ministry – those who

struggle to be in worship on Sunday mornings because of health, activities, or athletics. However, our

primary goal is to reach people for Christ who have never darkened the door of any church.

If you find yourself being drawn to this new outreach ministry, that is wonderful. We need people

of faith who are capable of reaching out and mentoring people new to the faith. If you are looking for a

way to make a difference, to be in ministry with others, to support and encourage people new to the faith,

please contact Pastor Matt. We will eventually be offering Celebrate Recovery courses for those suffering

through addiction issues; we’ll be offering time on computers to help people become computer literate,

increasing their opportunities for getting jobs; and offering counseling services for children and families.

This is really exciting. No one else is offering this kind of ministry in South Tulsa County. We have the

chance to offer life-changing ministry, being in mission across lines of status, race, and backstory.

Pray for this new way of being in ministry. Offer yourselves in some way. I firmly believe we cannot be disciples

of Jesus Christ in fullness until we have helped disciple another. This On the Edge Ministry Center could not only change

lives of people around us, it might just change your life too!

-Dan

News from the Associate Pastor

Olivia stepped out into the garage and said; “Daddy can I help you work on Evangeline?” (my motorcycle) I almost freaked out when she said it. Did those words actually come out of the mouth of the princess that runs around the house in sparkly dresses and a tiara?!? I said; “ABSOLUTELY!! But you might get dirty.” She was totally fine with that and she knelt down beside me, grabbed the socket wrench from my hand and attempted her very first Harley Davidson shock removal. She stayed with me until I was done. She got greasy and scratched up. She laughed and learned and I had a ball teaching my baby girl the ins and outs of a two wheeled dream machine. The next day I asked her if she wanted to help change the filter on the mower and she said; “no daddy that’s gross.” I was stumped. Why did she get so pumped and involved with my bike and not with the mower? Then it hit me…I’m not interested in the mower either. I spend a great deal of time with my bike and I talk about her a lot and so because of my interest…she is interested. Young children model their parents. Do you want your children to be happy, healthy and balanced? Well guess who they learn that from. Many want their kids in church so they drop them off and then pick them up

thinking that is good enough…it is not. You see – it is simple. Whether it is your

children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, or the neighborhood kids…

be the person you want them to be. -Pastor Matt

New Fund Raising Policy from the Finance Committee

We are blessed with faithful and generous givers in this church. Through our combined giving, we provide

for the growing and ongoing costs of being in ministry, here in Bixby, and through the ministries and mission efforts

of The United Methodist Church as a whole.

Many of our people are contributing to the “By Faith Through Faith” campaign, which began in April of

2012, and continues until April of 2015. While this campaign has dramatically reduced the amount of debt we owe

on the construction of this facility, there will remain a balance owed when the campaign comes to an end. We will

probably have to initiate another campaign to raise those remaining funds.

When people come to the church to raise funds for other projects, it has an impact on the giving of our people

to the General Budget set by our Administrative Council. Therefore, the Finance Committee requests that if you

desire to raise funds for some cause beyond the scope of our current ministries, please discuss this possibility with

one of the pastors and with our Finance Chair, Ron Bussert. We ask that you not automatically go to Sunday School

classes or other groups within our church to do fund raising for outside missional projects. They need to be approved

by the Pastors and the Finance Committee.

In addition, we ask that all funds raised within the bounds of the church be directed to Bixby First United

Methodist Church, with a notation stating the desired fund for which it is given. This is important so we can be

assured funds are managed with professional integrity and accountability. This documentation by you will guarantee

that your desires are known and can be easily processed by our financial secretaries, and accounted for by our

Church Treasurer.

Thank you for responding to God’s call to be generous and responsive to the needs of God’s people. We

appreciate your cooperation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Dan or Ron Bussert.

CONNECT

New Member Spotlight

We welcome into membership the Ryan Hilton family. Ryan, Beth & Max

joined the church in May. Beth’s mom, Carol McMath, and sister Alexie

also recently joined our fellowship and live with the Hiltons.

Ryan was raised in Muskogee. He attended Northeastern State University.

He is employed by the Federal Government. (He assures me that he is not

working for the IRS). His hobby is gardening. While studying at NSU he

met his wife, Beth, who was also a student there. She was raised in

Tahlequah and is also employed by the Federal Government. Beth’s

hobby is refurbishing antique furniture. Alexie is a 2014 graduate of

Bixby High School. The family returned to Bixby in 2008. Ryan has two

older sons Jake, 19 and Cole, 17. Beth & Ryan are the parents of two year

old Max.

The Hiltons felt that Max needed a church home and visited other churches

until they found FUMC. Ryan stated that our church just felt right. On

the day the family joined the church Ryan, Max and Alexie were baptized.

Get acquainted with the Ryan Hilton family.

The Connect Team welcomes new members, Levi & Jenny

Avera. Levi and Jenny recently joined our church family,

along with their 8 year old daughter, Brynn. Levi was raised

in Claremore and works at Mathis Brothers as a repair

technician. He served in the Marine Corps from 2000-2004 in

Iraq and Afganistan. Jenny was raised in Wagoner and is

employed by Care-ATC . The Averas are expecting a baby

brother for Brynn in October. Brynn is in the 3rd grade. She

loves reading, arts & crafts and is anxious to become a big

sister.

The Averas visited other churches but felt at home at FUMC.

They are active members not only serving on the Connect

Team but attend the Haven Sunday School Class. Welcome!

Top: Ryan &

Beth Hilton,

Carol

McMath.

Left: Ryan &

Beth & Max

Hilton.

Levi, Jenny &

Brynn Avera.

Recent additions

to our church

family

Left:

Peggy Berlin

Right:

Lisa Conrad

GROW

Youth News

Meet the King

Family:

Ryan, Misti

Maci, & Madi

Our senior high graduates were celebrated on Youth

Sunday. Pictured: Blake Conger, Makenzie King,

Paul Bussert, and Alexie McMath.

Bixby FUMC Student Ministries 2014 Retreat August 8-10 We are in the planning stage of this exciting event. There will be a float trip, s’mores by the campfire, acoustic worship jam sessions and more -culminating with a Sunday worship service. All parents are invited and encouraged to come. Also invited are all 2014 graduates as well as other recent grads-please just let Shelly know you are coming. Look for more information on registration, sign up, t-shirts, etc.

Questions, contact Shelly at 918-366-4463. sthompson@olp.net Join us!

Mark your calendars

August 27 at 6:30 p.m.

All church “No-talent” Talent Show

presented by Bixby FUMC Youth

All talent levels and ages are welcome.

Look for more information to follow.

CONNECT

We recently welcomed the Ryan King family into

church membership. The King family members are

Ryan, Misti, and their daughters Maci & Madison.

Maci is 17 and Madison is 12. They are home

schooled by their mother. The girls enjoy archery and

helping with gardening. Ryan is a fireman and is the

son of Murry & Darlene King. We welcome this new

family.

WW

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CC

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For information on any of our Youth Programs & Activities:

Contact Shelly Thompson, Director of Youth Ministries Email sthompson@olp.net or call 918-366-4463

KINGS DOMINION

Jesus Feeds the 5,000 July 6th — 27th, 2014

Scripture: John 6: 1 -- 14 Memory Verse:

He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 Objectives and Life Applications

1. God provides for us. 2. Jesus wants us to share what we have with

others. 3. Little is much when God is involved. 4. God can take what little we have and turn it

into something great. 5. A miracle is a wonderful event which shows

us the power of God.

GROW Wonderful Wednesdays

No Wonderful Wednesday Dinner or Classes during the summer. Enjoy our All-Church Summer Activities throughout June, July, & August.

We will resume our normal schedule when school starts.

Come join your church family for

some fun and fellowship

Each activity will begin at 6:00 and end by 7:30 p.m. Some type of light snack will be provided. Watch the bulletin board and announcements for more details. The planning is underway by the Sunday School classes for the following:

July 9th - Name that Tune - Cookies and lemonade will be served.

July 23rd -Indoor games – Minute to Win It, Concentration, Jenja, Twister, and Yahtzee. Door prize to be given away. Sandwiches will be served.

August 13th - Back to School night to prepare the church for back to school. Finger foods will be served.

August 27th - No-talent talent show and Potluck

Children’s Corner

Vacation Bible School Wow! Didn’t we have a great week at Workshop of Wonders ? We could not have pulled off this wonderful program without the support of the whole church! Thank you to everyone who supported us by volunteering to teach, make name tags, serve snacks, cut, glue, paste, paint, and so much more. We especially appreciate all the prayers that were lifted up for us this week. We had an awesome week and touched many children’s lives in the process! Thank You!

Letters from Home It is always great to receive mail from home when you are at camp. If you have a camper going to Dry Gulch this year, below is the address you can use for correspondence: 572 Dry Gulch Road Adair, OK

Breath Prayer Holy One, Awaken us to your Presence.

Along with the special Summer Activities planned by the Grow Team, we also have:

Yoga Mondays & Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Ladies Thursday Morning Bible Study Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in room 203

Quilters Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in room 109

Stitchers of Love –Prayer Shawl 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information on any of these activities, call the church office at 918-366-4463.

Dear Friends,

Wow, my family and I were very blessed by the

love shown to us at the luncheon - thank you so

much! I came to know and trust Jesus at FUMC

Bixby and you will always be in my prayers.

Love to all of you! Sue Hobbs

My new address:

353 Neff Rd.

Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

Email:

suehobbs2100@yahoo.com

Remember to Use the Paper Recycler in the Church

Parking Lot!

July Meeting Reminders:

(known meetings from the office calendar)

Stephen Ministry Team Meeting-Tuesday, July 1

At 6:30 p.m. in room 205

Connect Team-Thursday, July 3

At 7:00 p.m.

Trustees-Sunday, July 13

At 5:00 p.m.

Grow Team-Tuesday, July 22

At 6:30 p.m.

Dear Church Family,

It is with much appreciation I write this note of

thanks to you. These last weeks since my knee

replacement surgery and recovery have been a

challenge. The love and support shown by so many

of you through cards, phone calls, visits, meals and

of course wonderful prayers have overwhelmed us.

Because of the power of your teamwork with God I

am on a steady road to recovery. Bob and I are

truly blessed to be supported by such a caring

group of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Grace and peace,

Karen and Bob Williams

Stitchers of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry

Tuesday, July 8 & 22

10:00 a.m.

Thursday, July 10 & 24

6:30 p.m.

If you know of someone who would like a prayer

shawl, contact the church office or see

Lydia Barnes

SERVE & NOTES OF GRATITUDE

Please pray for these active duty military personnel :

Air Force: Airman First Class Kyle Seaman,

Son of Lee & Jean Seaman

Serving at Shaw AFB, South Carolina

Air Force: CJ Griffith,

Son of Eric Griffith

Grandson of Jack & Joyce McKenzie

Army: Conner Walcher,

Great Nephew of June & David Skaggs

Serving in Germany

Army: Sgt. (E5) Nathan Hamelund

Grandson of Ken & Tommie Bond

Serving in Afghanistan

Army: Corporal Tony McAmis

Son of Rick & Sarah McAmis

Serving in New York

Linens Needed The Bixby Community Outreach Center

is in need of gently used

towels and sheets in all sizes.

Please take any donations directly to

4 East Dawes in downtown Bixby.

Hours-Tues, Wed, Thurs from

9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Thank you.

Happy Anniversary

Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Dan Pulver on their 40th wedding anniversary, July 28.

We wish you and your family many blessings!

July 2014 TUESDAY, July 1 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Team Meeting

WEDNESDAY, July 2 9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, July 3 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Connect Team Meeting

FRIDAY, July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

SATURDAY, July 5

SUNDAY, July 6 COMMUNION SUNDAY 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School

MONDAY, July 7 *Children leave for Dry Gulch Camp 9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, July 8 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl

WEDNESDAY, July 9 9:30 a.m. Yoga 6:00 p.m. All church-Name That Tune 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, July 10 *Sr. High to Dayspring Camp 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl

FRIDAY, July 11

SATURDAY, July 12

SUNDAY, July 13 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Trustees

MONDAY, July 14 *Jr. High to Egan Camp 9:30 a.m. Yoga 6:00 p.m. Abbett Dinner 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, July 15

WEDNESDAY, July 16 9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, July 17 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Group

FRIDAY, July 18

SATURDAY, July 19 6:00 p.m. Katie Paxton/Tyler Neyfus Wedding

SUNDAY, July 20 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School

MONDAY, July 21 9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, July 22 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 5:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. Upward Coaches Training 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting

WEDNESDAY, July 23 9:30 a.m. Yoga 6:00 p.m. All Church Indoor Game Night 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, July 24 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl

FRIDAY, July 25

SATURDAY, July 26 9:00 a.m.-Noon Upward Cheer Camp

SUNDAY, July 27 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth

MONDAY, July 28 9:30 a.m. Yoga 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, July 29 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 7:00 p.m. Scout Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, July 30 9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, July 31 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study

“Do all the good you can. By all the

means you can. In all the ways you

can. In all the places you can. At all

the times you can. To all the people

you can. As long as ever you can.”

― John Wesley

Non-Profit Organization

Pre-Sort Standard

Bixby, Oklahoma 74008

Permit No. 18

July 2014

Or Current Resident

First United Methodist Church 15502 South Memorial Bixby, OK 74008 (918) 366-4463 email: fumcbix@olp.net Website: www.fumcbixby.org

ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday, June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22

8:30 a.m. 66 69 72 65 11:00 a.m. 185 182 184 192

TOTAL 251 251 256 257

The Flame

Please remember our young

campers and adult sponsors who

will be in camp this month.

Pray that lives will be changed,

joy will be spread, and everyone

returns home safe and sound!