Volume 16 Issue 5

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

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 June issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on May 30. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 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

May 2014

Congratulations!

Graduates

Kaitlyn Horowitz Jordan Fox

Makenzie King

Alexie McMath

Blake Conger Paul Bussert

Page 2 The Flame

ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday, April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27

8:30 a.m. 70 73 81(SonRise) 110 11:00 a.m. 208 219 109 242

352

TOTAL 278 292 542 352

Out of the

Lions’ Den...

In the ninth chapter of Acts, we find Aeneas (a-nee-us), a man paralyzed, being confronted

by Peter. Peter announces to Aeneas that Jesus Christ is healing him. All he has to do is get up

and make his bed. Then Peter gives Aeneas a hand in getting up. But he doesn’t help Aeneas

make his bed.

This is the only time I can remember anyone saying to a paralyzed person, “Jesus is

healing you.” That’s a pretty bold pronouncement! Remember, Peter’s confidence is not in his

own healing ability. His confidence is in the One who just revealed to him that He is in the

process of healing Aeneas.

Is Jesus always revealing to us what he is in the process of doing, and we’re just not

plugged in to see or hear it? If we could tune in to his still, small voice, would we be able to see

His mighty hand about to work, so we could then pronounce what He is about to do? Are we so

caught up in wanting healing to occur for ourselves or for those close to us, that we forget people

are healed to reveal God’s mighty hand at work in the world?

Why was Aeneas supposed to make his bed? Was Peter a neat freak? Was he simply

testing the muscles of this man restored to activity?

Maybe it has more to do with “not going back to bed once you’ve been healed out of your

bed.” If that bed were left unmade, it would be tempting to go back there when being active was

too tiring or overwhelming. You could just crawl in and pretend that God had not done

something miraculous in your life. The command to make his bed seems to proclaim that God

wants us up and out in the world, not hiding in our beds or our pews.

Immediately after this story is the one where Peter is called to Joppa to minister to the

friends of Tabitha (Dorcas), who had died. Tabitha was her Hebrew name, and it meant

“beautifully gracious,” and Dorcas was her Greek name, meaning “clear-eyed.” Evidently, this

woman had the Christ-like ability to see people clearly and honestly, yet to treat them with

unconditional love. Instead of ministering to her friends, Peter knelt beside her body and prayed.

It seems that Jesus revealed to Peter that He was sending life back into Tabitha Dorcas. She rose

from her bed, ready to see and love again.

The embodiment of grace and non-judgmental vision, once dead, had come back to life in

this world. I think I’ve seen these gifts in many of you. Rise up. Death and paralysis have no

more power over you! Remember to make your bed; there’s no going back!

-Daniel

CONNECT

New Member Spotlight

Holy Guacamole!!! Can you believe the amount of work that goes into the rebuilding and reopening of a ministry

center?!?!! I am so overwhelmed sometimes I don’t think it will ever get done. But then Jesus just “shows up.”

Pastor Dan preached this past Sunday about Jesus just “showing up” and I have experienced it more than once.

Every time one of God’s people steps up when something is desperately needed it is as if Jesus just walks in and

says; “chill out my son, I’ve got this.”

We can get ourselves worked into a frenzy over thinking we have to take on these

things alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we just slow down a

little we can see God at work in the hands and hearts of the body of Christ

surrounding us. From the roofing crew to the upholstery crew, God is at work.

From the donations of funds to the donation of instruments and computers, God

is at work. My blessing is to be able to watch every bit of it in action. So brothers

and sisters the next time you experience life being a little rough or a little too

difficult to deal with-just step back, take a look around and see God at work.

It may just change your outlook. Peace out.

-Pastor Matt

Bart and Lorrie Colburn have recently joined our church. The Colburns moved to Bixby

from Broken Arrow about a year ago. Bart was raised in Broken Arrow and attended Union

Public Schools. Lorrie is a native of Alpine Texas and received her early education there.

Bart attended Oklahoma State University and Okmulgee Tech where he received a degree in

electronics. Bart is self employed as an electrical contractor and owns his own business,

Colburn Electric. He is the father of two grown children, Cameron and Julianne.

Lorrie got her early education in Texas. She has degrees from several universities. She earned

a Bachelor’s degree in construction management from Pittsburg State University. Currently she

is self employed as a construction manager. Lorrie’s two children,Wyllow and Blade, live with

the Colburns.

Together Bart and Lorrie enjoy several hobbies. They enjoy fishing, hunting and

kayaking. Bart also competes in fishing tournaments. In addition to enjoying hobbies with

Bart, Lorrie likes photography.

Bart says he feels right at home at First United Methodist Church and we are so glad they

have joined us. WELCOME.

We need the following things for VBS and would

appreciate any donations you may have.

Pringles cans, plastic lids (1-2” similar to what you

find on juice containers)

buttons

stirring sticks

Empty vegetable cans

paper towel rolls

Thank you in advance for helping us make our

WOW VBS a smashing success!

GROW

KINGS DOMINION

Rotation Sunday School

Resurrection Faith April 20 – May 18th, 2014

Scripture: Matthew 26-28

Memory Verse: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Objectives 1. Understand that we must use “eyes of faith” to

understand the Resurrection and to sense God’s presence in our lives.

2. Understand that our belief in Jesus is what saves us, but living according to his example is what brings us to abundant life on Earth.

3. Understand that our faith may be tested by things we don’t comprehend. However, if we trust in God and surrender to his will, our faith grows stronger and helps us in difficult times.

YOUTH

NEW

S

It is almost here!

Summer Camps

Journey Camp

June 4-9

6th, 7th & 8th graders

Questions about this or any youth

summer camp, contact Shelly at

sthompson@olp.net

918-366-4463

VBS 2014-Workshop of Wonders!

June 23 — 27th, 2014 9AM - Noon

Ages 3 years - 6th grade

Workshop of Wonders

(WOW VBS)

At WOW VBS, discover how the ordinary becomes extraordinary with God. Experience the love of Jesus.

Start an adventure. Use your imagination and creativity to build your faith. Meet people from the Bible

who used what they had to produce something amazing with God. Use your heart, mind, and

imagination to participate in the creative life of God, the one who works wonders!

FOOD, MUD, & FUN

YOUTH MUD PIT DAY!!

Saturday, May 10

Camp Egan

We will depart from the church

at 8:30 a.m.

return at 3:30 p.m.

$15 per person

sthompson@olp.net

VBS T-shirts

We will be ordering VBS t-shirts.

If you would like one for yourself

or your child, please sign up at the

check in desk or let Ms. Laurie

know. These cost $10 each. The

deadline to order a shirt is

May 31st. Thank you.

VBS Help Needed

Many hands are needed during

Vacation Bible School! We need

teachers, shepherds, kitchen

help, drama help, and preparation

help.

If you can help in anyway, please

sign up on the children’s Check

in Desk or let Ms. Laurie know.

Wonderful Wednesdays

GROW

The Wonderful Wednesday Dinner and Bible Studies take place every Wednesday evening. Dinner is served in the gym at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family.

Classes follow dinner.

SERVE

Summer Activities The Grow Team is currently planning for Church-wide summer activities. Watch for further details in the coming weeks, but the summer will be kicked off with a Scavenger Hunt on June 4th and a Song Fest on June 18th. We hope to grow as a community of believers as we build relationships with each other. Mark your calendars and plan on joining your church family for some fun & fellowship.

Looking Ahead

Fellowship & Fun

June 4th—Scavenger Hunt Night

June 18th—Song Fest Night

July 9th—Outdoor Game Night

July 23rd—Indoor Game Night

August 13th—Back to School Work Night

August 27th—Potluck & NO-Talent Show

Please Join us for these family friendly

events!

Last Wonderful Wednesday

Dinner

Will be May 14

I am seeking donations of men’s and women’s old fashioned hats, boas, scarves and shawls for New Day Camp. The camp is a UMC outreach to children of Oklahoma’s incarcerated through Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. The camp helps these children experience a New Day!

Please contact Nalani Nordean 918-633-8193. Thank you!

Abbett Class Dinner

The Abbott Class will be back

with dinner in May.

Monday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m.

At the church in the Gym

May Meeting Reminders:

(known meetings from the office calendar)

Connect Team-Thursday, May 1

At 7:00 p.m.

Ad Council-Sunday, May 4

At 6:00 p.m.

Stephen Ministry Team Meeting-Tuesday, May 6

At 6:30 p.m. in room 205

Grow Team-Tuesday, May 13 & 27

At 6:30 p.m.

Trustees-Sunday, May 4

At 5:00 p.m.

Ladies Night Out

Take some time to pamper yourself Manicures & Pedicures!

Monday, May 19 Arrive any time between 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dawson’s Nails 9926 Riverside Pkwy, Tulsa

Prices start at $12 for a manicure

Space is limited and Dawson’s needs to know ahead of time so please RSVP before

Monday, May 12 to Laurie at 918-281-9997 or

Erin at 918-366-6166

Stitchers of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry

Tuesday, May 13 & 27

10:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 8 & 22

6:30 p.m.

If you know of someone who would like a prayer

shawl, contact the church office or see

Lydia Barnes

Second Friday Club Friday, May 9

ROAD TRIP!

We will be heading to Camp Egan

Tour and Lunch (cost $7.00)

Please call Elaine or the church if you are

attending, so we will have a count for the

cooks & transportation.

Elaine 918-366-9349 or 918-899-7632

Church office 918-366-4463

SERVE

Please pray for these military personnel who are currently deployed:

Air Force: Kyle Seaman,

Son of Lee & Jean Seaman

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

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for the amazing

meal. It tasted fabulous!

We appreciate all of your support

during this hard time.

-The Gimlin Family

As summer approaches, it is time to think about

summer camps. Our philosophy has always been–

if kids want to go, we make it happen no matter

the financial situation of the campers. We are now

taking donations for our campership fund for both

children and youth. Simply designate your giving

by making a note on the memo line of your check

with summer camp.

If you have any questions, feel free to speak to

Laurie (children) or Shelly (youth).

Your generosity, as always, is greatly appreciated!

May 2014 THURSDAY, May 1 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool-Field Trip to Zoo 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 7:00 p.m. Connect Team 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Group

FRIDAY, May 2 2:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, May 3

SUNDAY, May 4 COMMUNION SUNDAY Graduation & Youth Sunday 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Breakfast for Graduates & Family Noon Preteen Laser Quest 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth 5:00 p.m. Trustees 6:00 p.m. Ad Council

MONDAY, May 5 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, May 6 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Team Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 7 9:30 a.m. Yoga 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, May 8 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Group

FRIDAY, May 9 10:30 a.m. Second Friday Club 3:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, May 10 8:00 a.m. Youth-Mud Pit Day at Egan

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

MONDAY, May 12 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:00 p.m. Abbett Dinner 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, May 13 9:30 a.m. Preschool 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 14 9:30 a.m. Yoga 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, May 15 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Preschool End of the Year Program 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 7:30 p.m. Cub Scouts

FRIDAY, May 16 3:30 p.m. Afterschool Encouragers & Partakers Retreat

SATURDAY, May 17

SUNDAY, May 18 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, May 19 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Ladies Night Out 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, May 20 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool

WEDNESDAY, May 21 9:30 a.m. Yoga 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, May 22 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Group

FRIDAY, May 23 3:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, May 24 SUNDAY, May 25 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:30 a.m. Flagpole Dedication 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth

MONDAY, May 26 Memorial Day-office closed 7:00 p.m. Mission In.Joy

TUESDAY, May 27 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. Scout Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 28 9:30 a.m. Yoga 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal

THURSDAY, May 29 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Group

FRIDAY, May 30

SATURDAY, May 31

Non-Profit Organization

Pre-Sort Standard

Bixby, Oklahoma 74008

Permit No. 18

May 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

The Flame

Renew Your Romance If you love your spouse,

you will love a Marriage Encounter Weekend!

Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from

jobs, kids, chores, and phones…and focus only on each other. If you would

like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your marriage relationship,

you’ll like the difference a Marriage Encounter United Methodist Weekend

can make.

Here’s information about an upcoming weekend:

Marriage Encounter United Methodist Weekend

July 18-20, 2014

Clarion Inn Tulsa International Airport

2201 N. 77th East Avenue, Tulsa OK 74115

Non-refundable application fee - $50.00

For additional information or to register for the weekend, go to

www.encounter.org, click on “Weekend Dates”, and then on “Marriage

Encounter”. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Bill and Linda

Polson at 918.342.3700 or via email at lpolson1966@gmail.com.

The TU Wesley campus ministry has an ongoing

book drive

If you or someone you know is moving or

cleaning out an office or home, please consider

passing along books you might have

We can pick up your donations

We deeply appreciate the participation of local

Methodist churches and staff over the years

Thanks much!

Ron

TU Wesley campus ministry

918-592-5778

www.wesleytu.org

http://www.facebook.com/WesleyTU

http://www.youtube.com/tuwesley