Under the Oak: May 2011 by John Fletcher

Under the Oak Oak Haven United Methodist Church Newsletter “Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us.” Joshua 24:27 M A Y V O L U M E

3 ,

2 0 1 1

I S S U E

Everyone likes a little PIE! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Guest Speaker

Calendar

4 Prayers, Scripture, Ushers & Acolytes UMM Review

Words From Wesley

A Blast From The Past

My Peculiar Response

Anyone up for a little PIE? Blueberry, apple or pumpkin all sound nice, but we have something better in store. The PIE we are referring to is the Irving Independent School District’s Partnerships In Education. This is a program designed to connect Irving schools to various local businesses and organizations. Community organizations partner with schools to better serve the needs of our students. We are excited to announce that our church is partnering with F.M. Gilbert Elementary School. Michael Crotty, principal at Gilbert, first suggested the partner-

Oak Haven is partnering with F.M. Gilbert Elementary

ship to John Fletcher. From there, our Administrative Council considered our church’s participation and agreed it was a commitment we could make. To be clear, this partnership is not about finances. The school—the students—need people who

News to use • •

•

Thursday , May 5th, is the National Day of Prayer In honor of Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8th, we have cancelled our Administrative Council meeting and second Sunday luncheon. Our friends from the Trietsch Memorial Uth Kwior (Youth Choir) are joining us for worship on Sunday May 22nd.

are able to show up and be present in their lives. As a partner in education our church is committing to focus our attention to the mission of the school. We will work with the principal and staff members to build relationships with the students. To acknowledge our partnership, which also includes the Education Department at The University of Dallas, there is a commitment ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 4th at 3:15 at the Gilbert cafeteria. Please make plans to join us. Staff members and representatives from the school district will be there with us. It should be an exciting time, and better for us than even apple pie!

Heritage Sunday Sunday, May 22nd, is Heritage Sunday. This is an opportunity for us to reflect upon our heritage as United Methodist Christians. In our reflection we also celebrate what God has done in our church and look forward to how God will continue to move within the congregation. So, consider what you are thankful for at Oak Haven and be willing to share with us that day.

PAGE

Why we partner Hopefully you have at least heard about our partnership with Gilbert Elementary School—I am extremely excited about this opportunity. There are a couple of things you, as a member and/or friend of Oak Haven, should be aware of. First, our relationships with other schools will continue. The UMW still provide shoe vouchers to school counselors, the UMM have maintained an

Everyone is invited to our monthly Chips, Dips and Discussion time. We will gather in the church meeting room. Paul Perrin will lead our discussion. Join us Friday May 20 at 7:00 pm.

Theological Word To Know Hypostatic Union From the Greek term hypostasis. In Christian terms, it refers to the relationship between Father, Son & Holy Spirit, specifically that Jesus & the Holy Spirit is of the same substance as God (Father).

effort to provide funds for school supplies and we are always looking for ways to assist our friends at the various schools. The second thing I would want to offer is an answer to the question: Why are we partnering with the school? I have heard good answers. There is one answer, though, I want to address. Our commitment to Gilbert is not an attempt to garner new membership or a larger worship attendance. Those things are not bad,

but they are not our goals. Students at Gilbert are a part of this community, and we have decided that we will be a committed presence in our community—boldly committed, I think. So, our partnership gives us another chance to live outside of ourselves. We are partnering because we care. We are partnering because God calls us to love and serve our neighbors. Blessed Beyond Belief,

Last year we combined several of our church committees in order to effectively concentrate on our various ministry areas. So our Membership & Evangelism committee was joined with our Worship, Education and Outreach committees to form one group, our Ministry Team. This one team plans and evaluates many of our church activities. Within the group various church members and friends have agreed to be responsible for the different areas of ministry. We would like you to know who those people are. Ann Kent volunteered to oversee our Worship ministry—anything related to our worship services (ushers, special services, etc). Micki Triggs is our fellowship leader; she takes ideas and helps to plan any of our luncheons or other special fellowship activities. Juanita Juarez agreed to be our outreach leader. She will help plan and coordinate our church’s outreach efforts. John Fletcher is leading our education ministry, including Bible studies, Sunday School and VBS. Please take time to thank these members for their willingness to help lead us. They have not signed up to do all the work, but to help us work together to fulfill our mission. They need your ideas, input and assistance. Now, it’s time to get to work!

Our Social Principles: Family Violence & Abuse We recognize that family violence and abuse in all its forms—verbal, psychological, physical, sexual— is detrimental to the covenant of the human community. We encourage the Church to provide a safe environment, counsel, and support for the victim. While we deplore the actions of the abuser, we affirm that person to be in need of God's redeeming love.

Oak Haven United Methodist Church www.oakhavenumc.org www.facebook.com/oakhavenumc.org Phone: 972.438.1431 Email: office@oakhavenumc.org

May 2011 4

10am Bible Study

National Day of Prayer 10am Bible Study

Office Hrs: 10-2

May Friendship Day Office Hrs: 10-2

Fri

Office Hrs: 10-2

7pm Chips, Dips & Discussion

Thu

10am Bible Study

Wed

Office Hrs: 10-2

7Busy Bees

Office Hrs: 10-2

Tue

Mon

Office Hrs: 10-2

10am Bible Study

Office Hrs: 10-2

7pm Choir Rehearsal

Sat

A CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERFULLY UNITED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BOLDLY COMMITTED TO SHARING NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST.

Sun 1Communion Sunday

4:30 Youth Group

Aldersgate Day

Office Hrs: 10-2

8 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Office Hrs: 10-2

Memorial Day

Umm, Umm good basket Trustee Mtg.

22 Heritage Sunday Newsletter Deadline

4:30 Youth Group

PAGE

...prayerfully united... ***Please help us keep this list updated***

Charlotte Gleghorn, family of Desaree Hoskins & Mischelle Fuller, Monica Rubinstein, John Murphy, Willie Clayborne, Doris Sadler, Colton McGough, Linda Wright, Pauline Segura, Brittany Gilbert, Moino family, Gene & Pam Burkhaulter, Frances Huffman, Christchurch, Tamatha, Birdwell family, Davetta Cuthrell, Susan Terni-Love, Nancy Lumbardo, Carol Dupree, Jamie Peart, Claude & Maria Reynolds, Gary Alderson, Lisa Dameron, Melvin Knight family, Mr. & Mrs Chapman, Debra Randle, Susan Love, Tracey Robertson, Neta DeLeon, Ely Eckles, Crystal Quintero, Cooper family, Sue Nungesser, Bob & Connie Ramsey, Nadine Jester, Laura Sirmon, Kyle Dupree, Doyle Hall, Danny Siegel, Valerie Milano, Martha Davis, Ellie Ruiz, Michael Vogan, Mr. & Mrs. Dennie Foster, family of Bonnie Simons, Ray Lowery, family of Curtis & Sandra Doyle, Martha Davis, New church choir director(s), Marry Allen, David Austin, Jeanie Davis, Roger Dalton, Wesley Burks, Charles Chilton, Bea Baker, Brian Deskin, Lorene Hall, Mike Burns, Jim Hallworth, Ruth Ann Wilhoite, Shanna Acton, Chris McDade, Denise & John Butler, Susanne & Dick Ramsey, Pat Buttery, Herschel Mixom, Louis Munoz, Norma Hernandez, Teri & Shane Higgs, Shawn Koogler, Ryan Kinnan, Bill Glass, Scott Quintana, King family, Bobby Garza, Walburga Kerner, Sue Harris, Nadine Justin, Mike & And pray in the Spirit on Michelle Cummings, our missionaries & military all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and May 1 May8 May 15 always keep on praying Acts 2:14, 22-32 Acts 2:14, 36-41 Acts 2:42-47 for all the saints. Psalm 16 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Psalm 23 —Ephesians 6:18 1 Peter 1:3-9 1 Peter 1:17-23 1 Peter 2:19-25

Scripture Readings

Acolytes

John 20:19-31 May 22 Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14

Luke 24:13-35 May 29 Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21

May 1—Lissette Garcia & Mya Garcia May 8—Ashlei Fletcher & Jade Vela May 15—Brittani Fletcher May 22-Lissette Garcia & Mya Garcia May 29—Ashlei Fletcher & Jade Vela

Ushers and Counters

John 10:1-10 May 15 (Team 2) Mary Lou Campbell Jonathan Perrin Rob Scully Ben Shemo Sub: Mike Matkin Counters: Ann Kent, Steve Perrin

May 1 (Team 4) Ricky Campbell Stella Jones Don Kent Jonathan Perrin Sub: Mary Lou Campbell Counters: Steve Perrin, Dorene Taylor

May 22 (Team 3) Don Kent Mike Matkin Ben Shemo David Triggs Sub: Mary Lou Campbell Counters: Mary Lou Campbell, Stella Jones

May8 (Team 1) Mary Lou Campbell Ricky Campbell Ronnie Crow Don Kent Sub: Stella Jones Counters: Mary Owen; Bonnie Perrin

May 29 Ricky Campbell Stella Jones Don Kent Jonathan Perrin Sub: Mary Lou Campbell Counters: Steve Perrin, Dorene Taylor

PAGE

Our April meeting was held on April 11, 2011 with 10 members in attendance. Many thanks to all who attended. The devotional from the Daily Word entitled, “Pray for Others” and the reading from the missionary prayer calendar were given by Micki Triggs. After the business meeting, delicious refreshments were provided by Stella Jones and Dorene Taylor followed by a very meaningful program “Finding Peace through Action” given by Dorene. Thank you ladies so much. There were three of us, Ann Kent, Dorothy Fitzsimmons and myself who attended the mission study entitled “For the Love of God” given by Rev. Jo Bickerstaff on Sat, April 2 at 1st UMC, Grand Prairie. It was a very moving and inspirational program. We are still in need of small toiletry items for the gift bags for “Christmas in July” at Ashford Hall. We also continually collect magazines, books, puzzle books, small puzzles, nail polish remover and bingo prizes. We deliver these things on a regular basis to Ashford Hall. Any help you can give to the project will be appreciated. CALLING ALL READERS! The UMW library is open to all readers, young and old, male or female alike. We have many interesting books to select from in four categories, “Education for Mission,” Nurturing for Community,” social Action,” and “Spiritual Growth.” The library is located in the Seekers Sunday School classroom (across from kitchen). For more information contact Dorene Taylor or myself. Anyone who reads at least one book in each category earns a reading club award. Our next unit meeting will be on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm. This will be our last scheduled meeting before the summer break. No meetings in June or July. Hope to see you all at the May meeting! Mary Lou Campbell, President

Thank Yous and More

Save The Date May 9 July 16 July 18-21 July 22-24 Sept 24 Oct 7-8 Oct. 8

UMW Unit Meeting 7:00 Ashford Hall “Christmas in July” 2-3 School of Christian Mission – 1st UMC, Austin Weekend Cooperative Mission Event, Austin College, Sherman Metro District Annual Meeting 1st UMC Richardson Oak Haven Annual Ladies Retreat at Bridgeport NTC UMW Annual Meeting 1st UMC Denton

The UMM group did not meet for their 3rd Thursday meeting in April. Various members assembled on Saturday, April 16th to do a “little housekeeping” on the church grounds. We wanted to make sure everything was prepared for the Community Eater Egg Hunt. A special thanks to all the folks who helped out. There are no events scheduled yet, but the UMM group is still searching for ideas for our bridge—still hopefully within this year. There are always everyday problems that can bother or frustrate us, but we can recall that Christ put himself before anyone on this planet and he sacrificed himself so that we can live our life to the fullest. His resurrection is a reminder for us to not take life for granted. Our next meeting will be May 19th, 2011 @ 7pm and hope to see you then. Ricky Campbell, Secretary

PAGE

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — What is the best way to help in the wake of disasters such as the tornadoes and floods that seem to be in the headlines daily? Should you clean out your closet and hope your castoffs will be just what people need? The answer, quite simply, is “no.” According to the Outfit to Go website, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, piles of donated clothing were moldering along roadsides and parking lots in coastal Mississippi. After the Haiti earthquake, one U.S. town sent three trailer-truck loads of clothing to the island nation. Outfit to Go says it takes three days to sort and prepare the items in a tractor-trailer load of clothing – and usually at least half of the donations are unusable. Money is the most useful. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, the denomination’s relief agency, is taking donations to help with the storm recovery across the United States.

Cash, not clothes, needed

Stories on this page are provided by United Methodist Communications. Summaries of stories, UMTV videos and other information from the United Methodist News Service are received via a weekly email digest. Access the complete versions of the stories at http:// umns.umc.org.

Words from Wesley

“My ground is the Bible. Yea, I am a Bible bigot. I follow it in all things, both great and small.

UMC minister wins award

Bishops want dialogue

HOUSTON (UMNS) —The Rev. Suzette Caldwell was voted the 2010 author of the year by Destiny Image Publishing for her book, “Praying to Change Your Life: A Guide to Productive Prayer.” Caldwell is associate pastor at Windsor Village United Methodist Church where her husband the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell is senior pastor. She is also board chair and president of the Prayer Institute, a nonprofit, community-based organization committed to praying for people and teaching people how to pray. Her book can be ordered at prayerinstitute.com.

CHICAGO (UMNS) — The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church said it is time for the two churches to "come together as communities of faith and to know each other in order that we might be more effective as people of God.” The bishops made the declaration in a "Statement of Mission" affirmed by the ELCA Conference of Bishops when it met in March in Itasca, Ill. AME Zion, like The United Methodist Church, is a member of the World Methodist Council.

Imagine No Malaria? There's an app for that NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The church’s Imagine No Malaria campaign now offers a new mobile application that repels mosquitoes using sound instead of spray. When used, the app emits three different high-pitched frequencies that serve as a deterrent for mosquitoes. It's now available for download on the Android platform at a cost of $.99, and 70 percent of the proceeds benefit the fight against malaria in Africa. In addition, the app provides information about the disease, and a link to ImagineNoMalaria.org for those who wish to donate to the cause. The Imagine No Malaria app was developed by Pico Brothers in conjunction with Ad Hope.

A Blast From the Past

PAGE

We Need Your Help! 1) Provide us the most information about this picture

2) Provide a caption for this picture

Should we stay or should we go? We have begun planning for the Summer season, and we need your help. Should we continue our regularly scheduled youth meetings during Summer or should we just focus on special events or meeting times? Gloria and John are leaning toward the latter since many families are away on vacation and/or have other special Summer family plans. What do you think? We would appreciate your input so that we can faithfully continue our ministry with our young people.

My Peculiar Response

We are a United Methodist congregation, but have you ever noticed when we recite, for example, The Apostle’s Creed we profess that “we believe in the holy catholic church?” Many people have often wondered what that means. So, what does it mean for a United Methodist church to believe in the holy catholic church? Are we talking about a particular denomination or specific building? The answer is, “No.” Notice two things the next time you recite the affirmation. First, the holy catholic church is written in lowercase form. So, it is not naming a particular church, i.e. The Roman Catholic Church. Instead, it is describing a particular church. Second, there is an asterisk next to the phrase holy catholic church. Follow the yellow-brick road to the bottom of the page and you discover that what the phrase refers to is the universal church. We believe in God’s universal church, and God’s universal love. This church is comprised of people everywhere, all over the world despite differing backgrounds, races or creeds. The love of God is for all people—no one is excluded. So, God’s church includes everyone as well. It is universal, or catholic.

Stephen Cooper Stephen is looking for you questions. He will provide his peculiar response to the questions you ask.

Happy Birthday! May 3 Courtney Gleghorn May 11 Pauline Segura May 15 Claude Reynolds May 21 Pam Moynihan May 28 Charles Harrison May 30 Don Kent We are giving every effort to update our list. If your name should be here, please let us know. If you know of a name we have missed please contact Minnette Puckett or John Fletcher.

Oak Haven United Methodist Church 1600 N. Irving Heights Irving, TX 75061

UNDER THE OAK

MAY 2011

You can download this publication at www.oakhavenumc.org

Phone: 972.438.1431 | Fax: 972.554.1686 | Sunday School 9:45 am |Sunday Worship 10:45 am www.facebook.com/oakhavenumc.org

Faith is Fun

Reading With the Pastor Introducing the Missional Church: What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Become One This book will challenge your notions of what church is supposed to be about. Church life is more than Sunday morning attendance, bigger buildings and better parking lots. Find out what the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission looks like . John blogs at: www.anotherjohn.com

We are a church family prayerfully united by the Holy Spirit, boldly committed to sharing new life in Jesus Christ.