Methodist Messenger Prague/Arlington Charge February, 2016

Sealed with Love

For the next 14 days or so we will hear a lot about love. February is dubbed the month of love. On

Valentine’s Day, flowers will be ordered and delivered, cards will be sent, wives will be taken out for a nice

dinner, and messages of love will be given all across the United States. (At Prague and Arlington, you can take

out your special people to the youth Pork Loin luncheon … see page 5 for more information! It benefits a great

cause.)

In fact, according to the Greeting Card Association, more than one billion cards will be sent on Valentine’s

Day, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (behind Christmas). I have also heard that

more roses will be purchased on Valentine’s Day than any other day of the year.

But we typically think about Valentine’s Day in the secular world. What about the church? We use the

phrase “love” quite a lot in the church as well. I wonder, though, how often we think about what it means for

Christians to “love” others.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul lists three activities important for followers of Christ – faith, hope

and love (see 1st Corinthians 13:13). However, of those three, Paul privileges love when he writes that love is

the greatest of the virtues.

A few years ago during a workshop on prayer, Rev. Dr. Tom Albin (dean of the Upper Room Chapel and

clergy member of the Oklahoma Conference) showed a picture of John Wesley’s seal that he would have used

when sending letters to people.

You might be familiar with the historic practice of “sealing” letters with a ring (by dripping wax on the

ring and then applying it to the envelope). A reproduction of John Wesley’s seal appears below.

According to Albin, the three aspects listed on the seal (believe, love and obey) provide a great summary of

Methodism. However, Albin made the point that for Wesley, like Paul, love was the most important aspect and

it had “character and content.”

Love was a way of life. It wasn’t a matter of ascent to doctrine

(belief) or doing what one was told (obedience). It was the way in

which people were in relationship with one another. Love was about

identity (who we are) as well as action (what we do). Love also has

another dimension. We love others because we have experienced

the love of God in our lives.

As you prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, think about

how you might “seal” your own relationships with love. What

do you need to do so that you can love others as Christ loved us?

After all, in the Upper Room on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus

commanded his disciples to do as he had done for them (John

13:1-17). He showed us the way to love. Now, all we have left

to do is do it!

Until I see you again, grace and peace,

Pastor Derrek

UNITED METHODIST MEN

Information from secretary/treasurer Jerry Opela

Jerry Opela, Stan Redding, Rick Martn, Randy Eby,

Reese Capron, Ted Capron, Pastor Derrek took photo.

The UMM met January 2, with Pres. Jack Vaughan presiding. Randy Eby offered the devotional “Passion – The Third Word,” from the book Ten Life-Charged Words. The men planned their potato bar for January 17 and also set Monday, January 4, 9 am, to pick up their nativity scene at the city park. An important decision of the day was the agreement to give $150 for the purchase of needed AA bibles. Other major business of the day was the election of officers for 2016.

President Jack Vaughan Vice president OlaBon Fouquet

Secretary/Treasurer Jerry Opela

Rick Martin closed the meeting with prayer. The next UMM meeting will be Saturday, February 6, 7 am, in the Prague Fellowship Hall. Rick Martin will be offering the devotional, “Capacity – The Fourth Word” from the book, Ten Life-Charged Words. All men and boys are invited to attend for devotional, breakfast, mission, and fellowship.

“The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs.”

- Vance Havner

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Tina Tracy

Diana Sara MM Margaret Sharon

UMW OFFICERS for 2016

The United Methodist Women met

Thursday, January 14, with thirteen women present. Several items of business were discussed. Concerning funeral dinners, Donna Smith has volunteered to continue with phoning for food. Janet Baker and Sharon Smith will work together to supervise the actual meal presentation. Deloris Bradley will assume responsibility for reminding those who are serving as refreshment hostesses or baking cakes for Parkland Manor birthday parties. Pastor Derrek announced that he has secured Mary Gaudreau of the Oklahoma Council of Churches to speak on UMW Sunday, which will be April 17.

The best part of the evening was the installation of the unit’s officers for 2016, Pastor Derrek officiating.

President Tracy Howard Secretary MM Greene Treasurer Tina Thompson Social Action Donna Smith Education Diana Kinzey Spiritual Growth Sara Martin Program Resources Sharon Smith Members, Nurture, Outreach Margaret Parks Nominating Comm. 2018 Charlotte Fouquet

All women and girls are invited to attend the next UMW meeting: Thursday, February 11, 6 pm in the Prague Fellowship Hall.

Lent begins February 10

A service of imposition of ashes will signal the beginning of Lent on

Wednesday, February 10. Three services will be offered and you are invited to attend the one most convenient for you:

Noon – Prague main sanctuary (traditional elements with full sermon) 6:15 p.m. – Prague main sanctuary (soft music and short meditation;

no liturgy)

7 p.m. – Prague youth/upstairs sanctuary (contemporary music with liturgy; no sermon)

Although Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, it’s an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent comes from old German and English words for “spring.” So, while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the line, now is ideal for some spiritual spring cleaning.

Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old grudges and selfish habits, dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our attitudes. “Lent cleaning” lets the Holy Spirit freshen our faith — and it’s never too early for that.

You might be familiar with making sacrifices or giving up something for Lent. Rather than giving up something easy and spiritually insignificant, such as chocolate, Patty Kirk in Guideposts magazine suggests finding new ways to indulge in God’s presence. Surely one can do this by having extra devotions or attending Lenten worship services. But Kirk offers these ideas:

• Spend time outdoors, sensing God’s magnificence. • Spend time with others, extending generosity and compassion. Remember Jesus’ promise that

when you care for others, you care for him (Matthew 25:31-46). • Pray for the “little things,” coming before God in childlike trust and feeling peace. • Watch attentively for God’s answers to prayer, and receive them as reminders of his presence. • Turn anxiety into prayer. As you frame concerns as prayers and entrust them to God, you

“sacrifice” the tendency to wallow in worry.

Celebrate the Crossroads District

Sunday, February 21 3 p.m.

Wesley UMC, OKC

A celebration of the Crossroads and Heartland Districts (the two new Oklahoma City metropolitan districts) will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 21 at 3 p.m. Wesley UMC in Oklahoma City will host the bi-district event.

Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. will be preaching at this event. He will also preside over the

sacrament of Holy Communion. A reception will follow the worship service. A gift will also be presented to Bishop and Dee Hayes.

Since last fall, a series of celebration events has been held in each of the new districts as a way of finalizing the redistricting process.

The van will be leaving the church at 1:30 p.m. to travel to the event if you are interested in traveling with other church members.

Please contact Rev. Sharon Capron if you plan to ride in the van. We will dine together in OKC before returning home.

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ARLNGTON/PRAGUE CHARGE 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sunday evening, January 24, the folks of Arlington and Prague churches, including many friends and special guests, gathered in the Prague sanctuary to celebrate. Approximately 127 people were present.

Guests included Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. and his wife Dee; Rev. Tish Malloy, now district superintendent for the Northern Prairie District; Rev. Trina Bose-North and her daughter Maya; Rev. Gerard Nsabinama of Stroud, wife Alina and twins Nadine and Alexia; Rev. Gary Wilbum of Seminole UMC; Judy Horne, OKUMW musician/song leader and her husband Jim; and the Revs. Larry and Sara Jacobson of Chickasha. There were people from Arlington, Prague, Seminole, Stroud, Okemah, and Oklahoma City.

service presenters

Back: Paula, Bishop Hayes, Derrek, Larry

Front: Jean, Brian, Sharon, Tish, Sara

The primary focus was to celebrate the two churches’ forty-five years as a two-point charge in the Oklahoma UM Conference. Not expected in the original planning, but an important consequence of the recent fire, was the consecration of the Prague church’s new pulpit and altar, caringly crafted by Mark Pennel of Paden.

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Pastor Derrek also recognized leading contractors who provided invaluable service in the reconstruction process, including Long’s Steamway (Prague) and Phoenix Restoration (OKC). A delightful bonus to the evening was the baptism of Elizabeth Grace, second daughter of Revs. Derrek and Rebekah Belase. Because Bishop Hayes will be retiring in the fall, we were especially grateful to have him for this very special event.

Norma Foreman played as needed throughout the service, as she so faithfully does every Sunday morning. Barbara Holman led all the hymns. Jean Bradburn and Brian Baker, lay leaders of Arlington and Prague respectively, led the Call to Celebration. Rev. Derrek Belase welcomed the congregation. Bishop Hayes baptized Elizabeth Grace, assisted by Rev. Malloy.

Left: Derrek, Rebekah, Margaret S, Margaret W Middle: Tish, Bishop, Elizabeth

Right: Marissa, Bodey, Chase, Eric (Derrek’s sister) Sandy Settle, Margaret’s husband, took the picture

Youth Aspen Schmeusser sang “Something

in the Water.” Paula Brauer of Arlington presented the history of the charge. Rev. Sharon Capron led the Litany of Thanksgiving and signed the hymns.

Revs. Larry and Sara Jacobson gave the prayers of re-consecration for the pulpit and altar respectively. Rev. Malloy read the scripture and introduced the Bishop for his sermon. Pastor Derrek wrote a special final verse for the last hymn, “Forward through the Ages.”

Forward through the ages, to the world we go; Living out our purpose, to transform the world.

Christ gives us the mission, we have been empowered; Traveling together, Prague and Arlington.

Annual Day at the Legislature

on Feb. 29 Observe Leap Day with people of faith

from across Oklahoma to learn about the legislative process and advocacy, meet state legislators, and learn strategies to be part of transformative and restorative justice at the 33rd annual Oklahoma Conference of Churches “Day at the Legislature” (DAL).

Bryan Welch, noted rancher, entrepreneur, and publisher, will be the keynote speaker on the issue of the environment. Welch and his wife Carolyn raise organic, grass-fed landrace cattle, sheep, and goats near Lawrence, Kansas.

After serving as the publisher and editorial director of Mother Earth News and leading Ogden Publications for nearly two decades, he is now CEO of B the Change Media. This company focuses on business as a force for good in the world.

The second issue to be featured at this year's DAL is criminal justice. Terri White, commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be the keynote speaker on that topic. Not only will she deliver a keynote this year, but she has also agreed to conduct a workshop in the afternoon.

The highly-acclaimed Day at the Legislature will be held on Monday, Feb. 29. The morning session will be at the State Capitol. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. in the fourth floor rotunda. The program starts at 9:00 a.m. sharp in the House Chamber (also on the fourth floor).

Lunch will be at St. Paul’s Cathedral, located at 127 NW 7th Street in Oklahoma City. At 1:15, afternoon workshop session I will commence with various breakout groups.

Session II will begin at 2:30, and a final wrap-up session will be presented in the Cathedral at 3:45 p.m.

Registration is $35 per person. For more information or to register online, go to the OCC website: www.okchurches.org.

Youth Force 2016 Youth to attend YF OKC | June 5-10

Whether it’s giving a

home a new coat of paint, fixing a leaky faucet, or sharing the love of Jesus with elderly and disadvantaged families in our state, youth and adults unite in mission each summer at Youth Force.

An active, hands-on experience, Youth Force is Oklahoma’s premier mission event for teens. For the past 4 years, youth from Prague and Arlington have participated in YF – in Okmulgee, Sapulpa and Oklahoma City.

Wanda Clark said, “Youth Force is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. You not only get the joy of helping others but also the feeling of growing in your faith.

“Youth Force is a week-long mission program where you get to hang out with other youth and fix the home of someone who either physically or financially cannot do it themselves.

“It can be as small as painting their porch or as big as building them a ramp. If I had to choose on a camp to go to, it would definitely be this one. The atmosphere of mission and church are unforgettable and irreplaceable.”

Youth Force is one of the only youth programs not underwritten by the Anderson/Spraberry endowment. To that end, the youth will be sponsoring a Pork Loin luncheon on Sunday, February 14 at noon in the Prague Fellowship Hall.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on Sunday morning, from any youth, in the church office, and from Pastor Derrek or Tina Thompson.

Youth Force is sponsored by the United Methodist Oklahoma Conference.

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UNITED METHODIST YOUTH

Written by Youth Team Leader Tina Thompson

Wow! What a month! Nine youth and two adults went to package food at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank. Youth Sunday was held on Jan. 10th. There is an article written by our youth about that special day. Seven youth and one adult went to Mid-Winter Retreat. Tthere is also an article written by youth about this enlightening trip!

In Quest, we have been learning about how to treat people with disabilities. We have learned that they want to be known as people, not as a person with a disability. We have learned about the limitations and successes that disabled people may have. We have also learned that they are people with dreams and goals, just like anyone else. Our last lesson, February 3, will provide an opportunity for our youth and children to find out firsthand how difficult some tasks with a disability. Upcoming Events: Valentine’s Lunch – Eric Capron has agreed to help us out again. The youth will be hosting a Valentine’s Day lunch of pork loin, cooked by Eric. This event will take place after church on February 14th. This will be a full service lunch attended by the youth that will be going to Youth Force. Proceeds of this lunch will help pay for Youth Force, a week long youth mission trip in Oklahoma City, where the youth repair the homes of elderly that cannot get needed repairs done any other way. OCU Youth Service Day – Mar. 5th – this is a chance for our youth to learn about OCU, play some games and participate in a service project. Winter Jam – Mar. 12th – This is a Christian concert; greatly enjoyed by the youth who have gone previously. Volunteer at OK Regional Food Bank – The kids that went had such a good time that they are asking to do it again. So, watch for an announcement of another volunteer trip. We will have room for 15 people (including 6 adults); first ones to sign up get to go!

Back: Kristen, Lyndsey, Brittani, Alauna, Riley, Tonya Front: Julie, Wanda, Gage, Robert, Leslie

OKLAHOMA FOOD BANK MISSION TRIP On January 9, Volunteers at the Food Bank

were Julie Brohee, Brittani Carter, Kristen Carter, Wanda Clark, Leslie Clark, Alauna Parker, Gage Powell, Paola Rovesti, Lyndsey Stell, Riley Waltonbaugh, Tonya Clark and Robert Thompson.

They packed 400 cases, six meals each. That is 7,120 pounds or 5,933 meals!

The meals will be distributed by groups like our own UMW unit, which includes in our program, a couple of men, a few youth, and some volunteer help from the schools. Eight to

ten folks keep the program going in Prague.

YOUTH SUNDAY

by youth Wanda Clark, Montrey Bond, Sara Martin

Sara marks Arlington worshiper Bruce Huff with water

and a cross, as he remembers his baptism.

Montrey and Wanda preached Lucille offered the with Sara. children’s moment

Leslie and Will ushered and acolyted.

Alauna Riley Brayden Leslie Carlton Gage

On January 10th the youth led our churches’ services. The theme was remembering our baptism. Paola Rovesti and Julie Brohee drew the bulletin covers. Montrey Bond, Wanda Clark, and Sara Martin cooperated on the sermon at both churches. At Prague, Lucy Sargent led children’s moment explaining baptism and Gage Powell read scripture. Brayden Davis, Will Capron, and Leslie were ushers. Carlton Bond led the music and the “Trivia Time” interludes between the three parts of the sermon.

MID-WINTER RETREAT

Written by youth member Wanda Clark

On January 15th, 7 youth and 1 adult rode to Canyon Camp for Camp Spark’s Midwinter Retreat. We experienced a growth in faith - and in our repertoire of games! The theme was Be the Light. This is the first time that our youth have been able to really interact with the youth of our new district after the redistricting. Lucy Sargent described her time at this retreat saying, “Overall the experience was good. The worship was moving, the sermons were inspiring, and the food was great!” At this retreat we not only got to talk about showing the light of God, but we also got to put those teachings into action by picking up fallen limbs all over Canyon Camp. Storms had ravaged through camp making limbs and trees fall: one cabin is going to have to be demolished because of the tree that landed on it. We were all able to work together, shine God’s light, and help the camp staff.

MELINDA PRUETT

CHILDREN’s COORDINATOR Melinda Pruett is assuming some of the

Christian Formation Director’s core responsibilities to keep our children’s programming going strong. She is working with the children’s Sunday school, Quest programming, and Vacation Bible School.

Melinda has lived and worked in the Prague area a good number of years. She and James have two children, Molly, 7 and Seth, 5.

Melinda has always been “churchy” as she put it, attending vacation Bible schools and summer camp. Melinda has worked several years in the Prague Sunday school and nursery, and has been with Quest for four years. She is a volunteer in the Food Bank program and is a reliable “roller” at kolache baking time. Melinda’s other interests include sewing and farm chores, notably cattle, chickens, and cats.

Melinda’s first article will appear in the March newsletter.

Our children are a very active part of our church life. Some youngsters light candles for worship, some learn to praise the Lord in sign language, others raise their voices in song, and all learn about missional service. Our children’s program is crucial.

Do you have visiting grandchildren or a non-church-active neighbor child? Bring ’em in! We have the staff, the facility, and the love to serve them.

On Wednesday evenings, our co-operative charge program called Quest is now completing its most recent unit on disabilities. February 3, seven stations, where participants will experience the kind of problems the disabled must deal with daily, will be available.

Frequently, children’s programming coordinates with Pastor Derrek’s sermon series. Ash Wednesday begins a new Lenten study February 10. Come, bring a child, and see. 7

Lenten Sermon Series Every day of our lives we miss seeing

people right in our path. We miss them because they don’t look like us or talk like us or sometimes even know what we might be talking about. They speak different languages and have different customs. We just don’t notice them.

Not so with Jesus. He saw everyone. He saw people whom others generally ignored … women, children, the ill and the demon-possessed just to name a few. During this Lenten season, we will explore powerful stories of Jesus interacting with some oft-overlooked and rarely noticed people.

After this series, we should be able to “notice” people in an entirely new and refreshing way. We might even learn something new about our own little corner of the world!

Worship Schedule Feb. 14 First Sunday in Lent Matthew 15:21-28 The Outcasts Feb. 21 Second Sunday in Lent Matthew 19:13-15 The Little Children Feb. 28 Third Sunday in Lent Mark 5:1-20 The Demon-Possessed

Mar. 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent

One Great Hour of Sharing Holy Communion Mark 5:21-42 The Ill

Mar. 13 Fifth Sunday in Lent Mark 10:46-52 Those Asking for Help Mar. 20 Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-40 Even the stones …

Pastor Derrek to serve as Chaplain of the Day

For the fifth time in six

years, Pastor Derrek will serve as a “Chaplain of the Day” at the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday, February 4, at the invitation of Speaker Pro Tempore Lee Denney of Cushing.

Chaplains serving on Thursdays are asked to offer a 3-4 minute devotion as well as an opening prayer before the representatives begin their workday.

If you would like to see the session live, you can watch it on the internet by going to House website (www.okhouse.gov) and clicking on the audio/video link on the right side of the page.

As of press time, the session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

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FEBRUARY 2016 Monday, February 01

Tuesday, February 02 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

BD Sue Farmer

Wednesday, February 03

11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out Quest

3:45-5:30 pm Recreation 3:45-4:15 pm Sign & Music

5:30-7:00 pm Dinner & class

7:00-7:30 pm Worship 6:30 pm Vocal Choir practice

7:30 pm Bell Choir practice

Thursday, February 04

Friday, February 05

1 pm Adult Edu./Missions comm. 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

7 – 11 pm at The Flame for 6th – 12th graders

Saturday, February 06 7 am United Methodist Men

Sunday, February 07

DS Rockford Johnson visits

9:15 Arlington worship 9:30 Prague Sunday school

10:30 Arlington Sunday school 10:45 Prague worship

Monday, February 08

Tuesday, February 09 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

Wednesday, February 10

ASH WEDNESDAY

11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out 12 noon service, main sanctuary

6 pm service, main sanctuary Quest 7 pm service, youth sanctuary

Thursday, February 11

6 pm United Methodist Women BD Bonnie Smith

Friday, February 12 5 – 7 pm confirmation class &

dinner 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

7 – 11 pm at The Flame for 6th – 12th graders

Saturday, February 13

Sunday, February 14 VALENTINE’S DAY

9:15 Arlington worship

9:30 Prague Sunday school 10:30 Arlington Sunday school

10:45 Prague worship 12 noon Valentine pork loin dinner

benefits Youth Force BD Bruce Pfeiff

Monday, February 15 WA Gary & Debra Kinslow

Tuesday, February 16

6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

BD Ned Burleson

Wednesday, February 17 11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out

Quest, vocal & bell choirs

Thursday, February 18

2 pm Parkland birthday party BD Tanner Peterson

BD Aaron Fridrich BD Lucille Sargent

Friday, February 19 CONFIRMATION CAMP begins

6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon 7 – 11 pm at The Flame

for 6th – 12th graders

BD Vicki Pfeiff

Saturday, February 20 CONFIRMATION CAMP ends

Sunday, February 21

9:15 Arlington worship

9:30 Prague Sunday school 10:30 Arlington Sunday school

10:45 Prague worship 3 pm Crossroads/Heartland District

Celebration at Wesley UMC, OKC

Monday, February 22

Tuesday, February 23 6 - 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

Wednesday, February 24

11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out

Quest, vocal & bell choirs BD Danny Morgan

BD Wilma Stone

Thursday, February 25

BD Kim Beachler BD Derrek Belase

WA Donnal & Janette Smith WA Ernest & Connie Reynolds

Friday, February 26

6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon

7 – 11 pm at The Flame for 6th – 12th graders

BD James Pruett

Saturday, February 27

BD Seabrook Griffin

Sunday, February 28 9:15 Arlington worship

9:30 Prague Sunday school

10:30 Arlington Sunday school 10:45 Prague worship

Monday, February 29

LEAP DAY!

March Dates Upcoming

March 5 OCU Youth Service Day

March 14-18 Spring Break

March 20 Palm Sunday 6 pm Community Service

at Prague church

March 24 Holy Thursday –Prague

March 25 Good Friday–Arlington

March 27 EASTER

BD = birthday WA = wedding anniversary

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