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Methodist Messenger Prague/Arlington Charge November 2017 ______________________________________________________________________ How do I Know? (Part 2) If a Wolf is in Sheep’s Clothing, the Sheep is Already Dead by Rev. Dr. Sonja Tobey
Last month I started a series called “How Do I Know?” on being discerning in a time of great confusion. In John 10, Jesus tells the disciples a story about sheep and shepherds, bandits and thieves, a gate and the gatekeeper. So confusing were his words it prompted some to say that he had a demon. In a nutshell, Jesus is telling the disciples that his flock will need to be discerning to know who to follow. Not all who say they speak for Jesus, say what Jesus would say. Some come and try to lead them astray, and some sheep will follow them. This passage is preceded by Jesus speaking about spiritual blindness and is followed by Jesus being rejected by those who didn’t want to hear what he had to say.
Fast forward to a time when we hear thousands of voices saying, “I speak for the Good Shepherd.” The sheep are hearing many claiming the word of truth, it is no wonder there are so many sheep being led astray. Imagine one sheep (A) going over to another sheep (B) and saying, the shepherd is this way, let’s go. The first sheep (A) is a trusted friend, of course, the other sheep (B) follows him (A), only to discover later that a wolf was hidden in the skin of his trusted friend. The words were not from his friend, but a wolf trying to deceive him. Worse, his friend has been completely devoured by the wolf, and is no longer the sheep he knew, or even a sheep at all.
How does this relate to our being discerning in the world today? Great question. We hear many voices that tell us about our faith, but some of them contradict other voices. There are a couple of ways to know if what we are to follow comes from the Good Shepherd:
1. Is it alive? As mentioned earlier, the sheep the wolf is wearing is already dead. It sounds like a sheep, but isn’t. James 2:14-17 tells us:
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So, faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
So, is there proof of life? Can you tell by the works you can see, not just the words? Does the action look and act like Jesus did?
2. Is there fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 says: …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Is the message based in this? Previously in Galatians 5 it tells us the “bad fruit” and includes strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, and factions. Is the message producing these bad fruits? Does it divide rather than reconcile? If so, it might be a wolf.
Being discerning, particularly in our world today takes dedication and commitment to the shepherd, and a wise understanding of the wolves found in our midst. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it to not follow a wolf and go astray. Stay in love with God.
MISSIONARIES from M D.R. CONGO COMING to SPEAK at PRAGUE UMC.
Rev. Umba and Mrs. Ngoy Kalangwa, United Methodist Missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries, assigned to the United Methodist Church in Tanzania are coming to speak on Thursday night, November 9 at 7 p.m. at Prague UMC. Rev. Umba Ilunga Kalangwa is the District Superintendent of the Morogoro District in the Tanganyika Annual Conference, Director of Morogoro Pastor's Training Center, and Coordinator of Morogoro Reaching Out Ministry. Mrs. Ngoy Mulanga Kalangwa is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries serving in women's ministry of education and health in Morogoro, Tanzania. She is coordinator of Methodist schools and director of the Susannah Wesley Education and Healthcare Center. The Methodist presence in Tanzania is relatively new, and exists in large part because of mission outreach efforts by the North Katanga Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An ordained elder in that conference, Umba was assigned to an evangelistic ministry in Tanzania by Bishop Ngoy in 1992. “It is God’s will that our work and ministry is continuing in Tanzania. My district has some Christian congregations which are spread out in three regions - Morogoro, Iringa and Dodoma. Some people have decided to follow Jesus Christ. Among them two who were drunkards are now training to be pastors,” he reports. “God’s mission is to save people.” Ngoy brings special skills in music and singing and a warm personality to her ministry that focuses on improving the skills of women, youth, and children. "All I learned in being a pastor's wife and serving congregations and communities, as well as nurturing our family, equipped me well in helping others--in sewing, cooking, caring for babies, childcare, family relations, and managing pregnancies as a midwife." She has assisted women during childbirth both in refugee camps and other places. Umba and Ngoy were married in 1980 after her graduation from college, and they are the parents of four daughters: Umba Ngoy Doris, born in 1981; Ilunga Ngoy Nadine, 1983; Banza Wa Umba Lorene, 1986; and Ngoy Nkumwimba Karin, 1991; and two sons: Umba Ilunga, born in 1989; and Umba Manara, 1999. Join us November 9th at 7 pm to hear their message of the work of United Methodists in Tanzania. 2
UNITED METHODIST MEN
Information from secretary/treasurer Jerry Opela
The United Methodist Men met Saturday, October 7 with eight men participating and Pres. Jack Vaughan presiding. OB Fouquet brought the devotional, “Do You Want to Get Well?” There was no potato bar in October due to poor attendance at the September one. Whether potato bars or another kind of meal will continue in 2018 will be discussed at the next UMM meeting. Rick Martin will present “Why Are You Crying?” as the devotional at the next UMM meeting, 7 am Saturday, November 4, in the Prague Fellowship Hall. All men and boys are invited to attend.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Information from President Lisa Hefner
The United Methodist Women met Thursday, October 12, with president Lisa Hefner presiding. Recent activities in service were reviewed and celebrated, including a new method of preparing funeral meals, meals prepared for the Lilley chapel “barn” raising, and the BackPack program. Future programming is under consideration. The next UMW meeting will be 6 pm, November 9 in the Prague Fellowship Hall. Final preparations for the Harvest Dinner on November 16, which supports the BackPack program, will be reviewed. Please note, you may purchase your $15 tickets for the Harvest Dinner at the church office starting November 1.
UMW BACKPACK PROGRAM
Written by program chair MM Greene
The Backpack for Kids Weekend Food Program began on October 13 at Prague Elementary School and Early Childhood Center. The preliminary number of children in need of this program at this time is 36 -- almost double the children previously served. The Oklahoma Regional Foodbank provides the food and the program is administered locally by volunteers from the schools and from our United Methodist Women. The cost per child per school year is $200. The annual Harvest Dinner is the only fundraiser we have historically conducted in order to pay for the cost of food for our Prague children. Historically, there has been a matching program through the Food Bank when we submit our donation. Because the number of children in need has increased, we are going to ask for businesses as well as individuals to Sponsor a Child this fall. More information will be available soon. Don't forget what our little cheerleader, Margaret Parks, used to tell us: "I can't sleep at night knowing that just one child is hungry." Let's continue to do our part!
a note from Buck Poteet Thank you all for all the prayers, the support, and the food. You helped me so much and helped me with a very difficult time. You are all outstanding and caring.
Thank you, Buck 3
John (Whitey) Sands
Everybody knew Whitey Sands. He was raised in Paden. He and Jo lived in Prague for over half a century and raised their two children, Chris and Carrie here. The family business, Sands’ Body Shop, established by Whitey & Jo in ’64, continues to this day under Chris’ management. The whole family, including Chris’ wife Barbara and grandson Dillon, have been faithful church me?mbers at the Prague church. Whitey was also very active in community affairs. Over three hundred family and friends attended his funeral service here. He will long be remembered.
Written by Director Barbara Holman
Christmas anyone??? The Prague/Arlington UMC choir has begun preparations for Christmas 2017!!! Choir practice is Wednesdays at 6:30. We will return to the scene of a humble manger where the light of the world, God’s love came to earth. Please come one and all, and help us make this a truly meaningful Christmas season. 4
ARLINGTON FALL DINNER
The annual Fall Dinner at Arlington UMC will be 5:30 on November 4. All Arlington folks will want to bring their favorite pot luck dishes and enjoy the fellowship together with friends the first Saturday evening of the November.
CROSSROADS
District Charge Conference Saturday, November 11, 2017
New Covenant UMC in Edmond, OK 9:30 am-1:55 pm
In addition to our charge conference, this district gathering will be a vital and valuable learning event. The focus of our event is exploring how we can discern and be engaged with God’s barrier-jumping “innovation”—both incremental and disruptive innovation. Mark DeYmaz will be our keynote speaker and conversation leader on the topic of innovation. Mark wrote the book, Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community, and is founding pastor of Mosaic Church in Little Rock. Lunch is provided. Registration is needed. Contact the church office to let us know you will be attending.
? Daylight savings time ends midnight Nov. 4. Don’t forget to “fall back” your alarm clock!
UNITED METHODIST YOUTH
Written by Youth Team Leader Destiny Donaldson
Pumpkin Festival
For the Pumpkin Festival on October 14th, children of the community cut and colored pumpkin cut-outs and made a little pocket for things they were thankful for, these things included food, family, and Jesus. We had so much fun and so many creative individuals showed up. About 6 churches participated total. Youth Sunday School Since September 24th I have been working with the youth on Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each Sunday we have been working on a different Fruit of the Spirit. We will end the lesson on December 3rd with a wrap-up.
All Hallows Eve Carnival On October 30th at 6:00pm-7:30pm we will be having a fall carnival upstairs in the youth room; the old sanctuary. There will be games, music and of course candy. You may wear costumes or a Halloween themed T-shirt, if you desire. We are looking forward to it, so bring your youth and kids! Come join us for a fun filled spooky night! Destiny Donaldson Prague UMC Youth Coordinator 405-404-1344
Written by Children’s Coordinator Melinda Pruett
October has been so much fun. The
children have been learning how to share and be kind. Also, we have started learning how we can pray, talking to God any time we want.
We started with different praying stations, showing that there are different ways to pray. All the children had the opportunity to write a prayer request and put it in a jar. The messiest prayer station involved writing with one’s finger in the box of rice.
We also are making prayer boxes. A child can write his/her worries on a slip of paper and place it in the prayer box. Prayer chains and prayer pails are next on the agenda. Come have fun learning with us on Wednesday night.
Please, remember this date, Monday October 30th from 6 to 7:30. We will be having an All Hallows Eve Carnival for the children and youth. Fun games and prizes. 5
Reagan, MM’s granddaughter, at AHG flag
retirement ceremony, October 10.
I also would like to share some American Heritage Girls fun. Because our Prague/Arlington UMW chartered and continues to sponsor the troop, I feel like you should see what the troop has been doing. We participated in our first National Day of Service, September 16, when we made survival kits for the Fire Department, Police Department, and Hospital.
The AHG girls on their first National Day of Service with staff at the Prague Hospital
6
We also made hats for Kami Grissom's Coat Drive and participated at the coat drive by helping bring in the American flag with Kolache Royalty. The girls have lots of fun, learning that giving is better than receiving.
AHG girls assisting Kolache royalty with
bringing in the American flag.
Two opportunities to help support AGH:
The American Heritage Girls are doing Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. We will be sending boxes off the beginning of November. If you would like to participate or donate items to go in the boxes, please contact me.
American Heritage Girls are selling Kolaches $12 a dozen Apricot, Cream Cheese, Poppy, and Cherry. They will be ready for pick up Nov. 4 from 2 to 5.
Thank you, Melinda
KATIE HEFNER WEDDING SHOWER
Liz Marcy Brinae Barbara Leah Katie
A wedding shower for Katie Hefner and her fiancé’ Migel Moctezuma was held Sunday, September 24, in the Prague Fellowship Hall. Hostesses are pictured above, standing behind Katie. Liz Hester and Marcy Brown are aunts to Lisa Hefner’s sister. Brinae Holman, Barbara Holman, and Leah Carver worked on food preparation and décor, both of which were outstanding and much enjoyed by the many quests in attendance. The Hall was festively decorated in rustic vintage farmhouse, blush, navy and gold. The food spanned several tables with fruit, sandwiches, cake and other fine pastries. Guests enjoyed a fun word matching game, splendid food, and, of course, the gift opening. May God give blessing to this young and much loved new family.
JERRY & SHARON SMITH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Jerry and Sharon’s golden wedding
anniversary was celebrated on Friday, October 6. The event was decorated and
catered by Barbara and Brinae Holman. Assisting were Leah Carver, Bob Holman, Destiny Donaldson, and Molly Pruett. Décor included a rustic coffee bar arranged with wooden stands formed from hickory trees, intertwined with ivy, lights and hunting pictures of Jerry and family. Other décor consisted of gold scrolled candle arrangements adorned with white roses and ferns; candle centerpieces of gold glitter topped vases with baby’s breath and ferns seated on circular bases of hickory placed between a variety of pictures of the couple and their families. The come-and-go affair was enjoyed by many, who were able to visit in any order the several tables all about the room, each with a different focus on some part of either Jerry or Sharon’s life or their five decades as a couple. May God continue to bless and keep our dear friends for many more healthy years together.
Jerry & Sharon cut the cake
Lots of family gathered for the Smith’s special
golden anniversary.
7
NOVEMBER 2017
Monday, October 30 6 – 7:30 All Hallowed Eve carnival
Wednesday, November 01
11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out
3:30 – 7 pm Quest 6:30 vocal choir
Thursday, November 02
BD Robert Holman
Friday, November 03
6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon BD Wanda Clark
Saturday, November 04
7am United Methodist Men
2 – 5 pm AHG kolaches will be ready for pickup!
5:30 Arlington Fall Potluck Dinner Midnight – Daylight Savings ENDS
FALL BACK your clock
BD Christie Jones BD Rebekah Belase
Sunday, November 05
ALL SAINTS Sunday Sermon: We Stop and Remember
Worship/Sunday school – Arlington
Sunday school/worship – Prague BD Sara Martin
Monday, November 06
Tuesday, November 07 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
BD Ciara Sturm
Wednesday, November 08 11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out
3:30 – 7 pm Quest
6:30 vocal choir WA Danny & Kealise Linville
Thursday, November 09
6 pm United Methodist Women
Friday, November 10 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
Saturday, November 11
9:30-1:55 District Conference
BD Genise Fridrich BD Logan Maddox
Sunday, November 12
Sermon: Letting Go Worship/Sunday school – Arlington
Sunday school/worship – Prague
Monday, November 13
Tuesday, November 14
6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
BD Wanda Carlson BD Tim Brauer
BD Mary (Brauer) Dennis
Wednesday, November 15
11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out 3:30 – 7 pm Quest
6:30 vocal choir
Thursday, November 16 11am – 1pm HARVEST DINNER
BD Rebecca Bond
Friday, November 17
6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
Saturday, November 18
Sunday, November 19
Sermon: A Future with Hope Worship/Sunday school – Arlington
Sunday school/worship – Prague BD Randy Eby
BD Macyn Anderson
WA Sheila & Stanley Powell
Monday, November 20 BD Keith Hodge
Tuesday, November 21 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
BD Jerry W Smith
Wednesday, November 22 11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out
3:30 – 7 pm Quest 6:30 vocal choir
BD Dorothy Feltman
Thursday, November 23
THANKSGIVING DAY
Friday, November 24 6 – 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
BD Janet Baker
BD Lisa McCarthy
Saturday, November 25
Sunday, November 26
CHRIST THE KING Sunday Worship/Sunday school – Arlington
Sunday school/worship – Prague BD Lisa Hefner
Monday, November 27
Tuesday, November 28 6 - 7 pm AA & Al-Anon
Wednesday, November 29
11 am Arlington Ladies Day Out
3:30 – 7 pm Quest 6:30 vocal choir
Thursday, November 30
DECEMBER
03 1st Sunday of Advent
13 Jesus’ Birthday Party
20 Christmas break begins
24 Christmas Eve service
25 Christmas Day
31 New Year’s Eve
