PO Box 887 2100 McGee Drive Sallisaw, Oklahoma 74955

Phone: 918-775-2538 Fax: 918-775-2515 sallisawfumc@diamondnet.us www.sallisawfumc.org

Our Mission

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Pastor Dr. Trevor Smith Director of Music Ministries & Children’s Ministries Keri Cousins Director of Youth Ministries Dustin Simmonds

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage Paid

Sallisaw, OK

74955

PERMIT NO. 106

Connect to God. Connect to Others. Connect to Ministry. Connect to the World.

First United Methodist Church

Get Connected this Fall.

NOVEMBER , 2013

NEWSLETTER The Connection FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Moses The Reluctant Prophet

Moses is the towering figure of the Old Testament. The words of Deuteronomy 34:10-12 perhaps capture his life best, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face… for no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” Many of the most loved Bible stories involve Moses—the burning bush, the confrontations with Pharaoh that resulted in the plagues, the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery to the promised land, the parting of the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments, and so many others. Moses’ relationship and interaction with the LORD offers us keen insight into the nature, ways, and will of God. Moses’ shortcomings, struggles, faithfulness, and courage help us understand our own lives and struggles while inspiring us to follow in his steps. This is one series of sermons you will not want to miss! Join us for Connect at 9:20 a.m. or The Blend at 10:50 a.m..

November 3 The Exodus November 10 Bread from Heaven & a Day to Rest November 17 The Ten Commandments November 24 The Golden Calf

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How do you say, “Thanks,” to God? 8Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. 11For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. -Exodus 20:8-11

As Thanksgiving approaches I’m sure many of us will be focused on preparing and eating lots and lots of delicious food. I’m planning on

smoking two turkeys: one for each side of my family. In the midst of all of this food, it is tempting for us to forget the heart of this celebration which is to offer our thanks to God. So, let me ask you, how do you say, “Thanks,” to God? As we continue our sermon series, Moses: the Reluctant Prophet, I am reminded of the Fourth Commandment which calls us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. I have to believe that God included this commandment because God desires to have a relationship with you and me. How do we say, “Thanks,” to God? One of the most important ways we do this is simply to spend time with God, worshiping and praising our Lord. I would like to invite you to offer your thanks to God by Connecting to God in Worship in Connect at 9:20 or The Blend at 10 50 every Sunday between now and the end of the year. As you come to worship you will come to know God in an intimate way, and you will feel more blessed and thankful.

On Sunday, November 3 we will observe All Saints Sunday by lighting candles in honor of the people in our church family who have passed away in the last year. We hope that this special worship service will be a blessing to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. All Saints Sunday gives us the opportunity to embrace the hope we have through Jesus’ power of resurrection. We believe that we will be reunited with our loved ones on the day of resurrection.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I’m sure you have been looking forward to our United Methodist Women’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner which will be on Friday, November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There are still opportunities for you to help by serving as we welcome our community into our church for a delicious meal. We will also celebrate Thanksgiving in worship on Sunday, November 24, and our Community Thanksgiving Service will be at 6:00 p.m. that day at First Assembly of God. I want you to know how thankful I am to each one of you for all you do to serve and support the ministries or our church. I am so thankful to be the pastor of such a wonderful church and for the way we are serving God together.

In November we will also be making plans for the meaningful way we will celebrate Advent and Christmas in December. After Thanksgiving we will begin a sermon series called Seeking Christ in Christmas. We know that during the holiday season many people who do not regularly attend church are more open to responding to an invitation to come to church. I want to invite you to think about the people in your life who do not have a church home. Would you begin to pray for that person every day? Ask God to give you an opportunity to share God’s love with that person and to invite him or her to come to one of our worship services with you.

Blessings,

Dr. Trevor Smith

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Prayer List

New & Short Term Requests* Gary Lattimore, upcoming chemo treatment.

Pris Bartram, hospitalized with blood clots in her legs.

Unspoken request for relatives from Carl & June Rolston.

Stanley Klein, emergency surgery.

Shawna Fowler, kidney infection. Linda Byrd’s daughter.

Lissa Callahan, lost aunt.

Colby Moore, lost family member.

Roger Sanchez Jr. problem with amputated leg.

Ray Smith, has had heavy, dry cough for 3 weeks. Louise Smith’s husband.

Patricia Hickman, heart test this week. Barbara Jones’ friend.

Participating in the NYC Marathon: Natalie Maxwell, Jennifer Scoufos, Leslie Stump.

The Family of Edna Holman.

Shirley Robins, starting radiation again for a spot on her lung. James Robins’ grandmother.

Ruthann Gacey, joy and thankfulness for prayers to relieve pain. Please keep praying for me.

Steve Snyder, stroke, friend of Tom & Jan Scott.

Laura Byrd, pneumonia. Linda Byrd’s niece.

Carl & June Rolston, unspoken request.

James Albertson, stage 4 lung cancer. Janet Luttrell’s friend.

Norma Treat, back problems, suffering and unable to sit up. Carl & June Rolston’s friend.

Lindsey Jones, waiting for liver/pancreas transplant. Guy & Barbara Jones’ granddaughter.

George Daugherty, stroke. Linda Byrd’s friend.

Mike & Kim Barnett, missionaries in Thailand whose house flooded with more rain expected.

Hospitalized / Continuing Treatment Kyle Martin McGowan, finished chemo. Pray that he

avoids infection and for sustained remission.

On-Going Needs Pris Bartram Gary Griffin Freda Cooke Barry Walden Kogi Christians Richard Hawkins Lou Rogers

Our Service People Greg Luttrell, North Carolina Jessica McMillian Kenny Knight, Afghanistan Earl Plumlee, Pakistan Jennifer Rogers-Cooper, SC Jeremy Rogers, Maryland Jarrett Blair, Georgia

*Names on this list will remain for three weeks.

Call Anne Bottorff, (918) 775-2072, to start the Prayer Chain.

S.M.I.L.E. News Senior Ministry Is Life Enhancing

Our S.M.I.L.E. group for senior citizens will have our monthly lunch on Thursday, November 14 at noon at the church. Please bring a covered dish, and come S.M.I.L.E. with us.

Janie Hensley

Free Community Breakfast

Come and help with our Free

Community Breakfast on Saturday,

November 30. Cooks arrive at 8:00

a.m. The Breakfast is served from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Poinsettias

Would you like to honor or remember a loved one with a Christmas Poinsettia? Alpha Delta Kappa is selling poinsettias for $10.00 to raise funds for scholarships. Make your check payable to Alpha Delta Kappa and give it to Freda Lattimore. All orders must be in by Sunday, November 24.

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Ministry Schedule Sundays 8:45 a.m. Praise Band Rehearsals 9:20 a.m. Connect Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:50 a.m. The Blend Worship Service 10:50 a.m. Sunday School 2:30 p.m. Connect Band Rehearsal 4:00 p.m. 98:4 Youth Band Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. Hand Chime Choir Rehearsal

Mondays 10:30 a.m. Quilters

Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. Little Disciples Preschool 7:00 p.m. Prayer Group 8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. Covenant Group 4:00 p.m. Wacky Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Ruach Youth Group 6:00 p.m. Proverbs & Parables Adult Study 6:00 p.m. Instruments of Praise Band Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays 9:00 a.m. Little Disciples Preschool 8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Sunday, November 3 All Saints Sunday at 9:20 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Muskogee District Hayride, Youth leave at 1:00 p.m. Charge Conference at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, November 8 UMW Thanksgiving Dinner — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 14 S.M.I.L.E. Lunch for Seniors at 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 24 United Methodist Men’s Breakfast at 7:50 a.m.

Saturday, November 30 Free Community Breakfast from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Help us Decorate the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 1 Hanging of the Greens in The Blend at 10:50 a.m.

November Birthdays 3 Dale Wood 4 Robert Fox Glander Elliot Reyna

Colby Wilson 5 Jud Maxwell 7 Howard Davidson 10 Jarrett Blair 15 Joyce Brant 17 David Long 18 Karen Long 19 Lisa Lessley 21 Ginger Brant Albin 23 Gary Winton 24 Jason Long Brooke Wilson 28 Joan Kobert 29 Jean Oard

November Anniversaries 2 Guy & Barbara Jones 6 Dean & Machell Trimble 15 Mike & Clara Clark

Mission Possible Amount Pledged $300,808.00 Received to Date $146,294.00

Come Dream with Us Amount Pledged $292,170.00 Received to Date $243,143.50 Loan Balance $559,170.15

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Seeking Christ in Christmas

In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season it's sometimes hard to find Christ in Christmas. Join us each weekend during Advent as we explore the stories of those who sought Christ on that very first Christmas - the wise men, the shepherds, even the murderous King Herod. We'll learn how their Christmas stories help us to find Christ in Christmas. This holiday season, pause in the midst of your Christmas preparations to prepare your heart through worship. Each week we’ll share familiar carols, scriptures and messages that offer encouragement and hope as we truly seek to worship Christ. December 1 King Herod’s Murderous Search December 8 The Gifts of the Magi December 15 Simeon and Anna with the Christ Child December 22 Shepherds Living in the Fields December 24 Christmas is Just the Beginning

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Music Ministry

Our music ministry is preparing some gorgeous music for the upcoming holiday season. We are all looking forward to singing and playing in our worship services during this very special time of year.

Our Choir is searching for some more members! We need singers to join us for the Christmas season. We will be presenting our Christmas music on Sunday, December 15th in The Blend at 10:50 a.m.. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. If you think you might struggle, don’t worry! I’m here to help! We have rehearsal CDs for you to take home to help you get extra practice on the Christmas music. Just put it in your car and sing on the way to work. This time of year is busy for everyone, but it’s the perfect time to sing God’s praises and thank him for this beautiful season. Please talk to me if you have questions, or just come this Wednesday night and join us! We Need You!

See you at Church!

Keri Cousins

Music Calendar

Our Children will sing on Sunday, November 10th during The Blend at 10:50.

The Grace Tones will play on Sunday, November 17th during The Blend at 10:50.

The 98:4 Youth Band will play on Sunday, November 24th during Connect at 9:20 and The Blend at 10:50.

Children’s Ministry We had a wonderful time at our 2nd annual Fall Festival. Thank you to everyone who helped set up, worked a game, or donated candy. We appreciate your help! On Wacky Wednesday our children have been learning all about the Fruit of the Spirit. We have sung songs, played games, made crafts, and learned all about how to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We’ve also explored the Bible stories of the Old Testament. We’ve parted the Red Sea, travelled with Ruth and Naomi, wrestled with Daniel in the lion’s den, and followed Joseph in his coat of many colors to Egypt. What great stories we have heard! This month we will be thanking God for his many blessings and learning about the Christmas story. There will be no Wacky Wednesday on November 27th due to Thanksgiving. Our last Wacky Wednesday of 2013 will be on December 4th. Our children and youth are preparing a Christmas program that we will share with the church on Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 p.m. We will sing great Christmas songs and enjoy a retelling of the Christmas story. We will also have a Happy Birthday Jesus Party

following the program. Join us for great music, a beautiful story, and birthday cake and punch. We will be having a dress rehearsal for the program on Saturday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m. at the church. See you at Church!

Keri Cousins

Ruach Youth Ministry November is upon us and we are excited about the coming holidays. We will leave for the Muskogee District Hayride at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd; the cost is $5.00 per person. We will be starting our Christmas series on Wednesday, November 6 by taking a deeper look at the people and events of our Savior's birth. Happy Thanksgiving from the Ruach Youth.

Dustin Simmonds

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United Methodist Men’s News

October didn't come and go as I had planned. God had other plans for our Men and myself. We actually had a pretty quiet month regarding outreach and service, at least compared to the level we’ve been performing! Of course, our Men still serve daily in many functions, and the Church benefits accordingly. I truly appreciate the Men who participated in our annual "Men’s Sunday" service this month! Thank you for your support of our ministries. I’ve had a bit more time to reflect this last month. One area that got my attention was when I went back through years of E-mails I’d kept for assorted reasons. I still had E-mails from my time at Kerr Powerhouse with Chuck Wyckoff from approx. 13 years ago! I started to delete some of these and others I felt weren’t relevant in my life anymore. Of course, Chuck still is! But, the E-mails from our time at work aren’t. :-) Still, it's amazing the number of people you can identify who may have made a difference in your life that have slipped your memory when you perform an exercise such as this! Chuck had a profound impact in my life that I probably couldn't appreciate until I reflected at this time of my life. I KNOW I had an impact on his life, whatever that amounts to, huh Chuck? We have a Church full of folks who can make a positive impact on the lives of others. Our Staff continually humble me with their ability to reach out and minister to all who come into contact with them, including myself. Our Men and Women’s groups do tend to be more "senior" in our stage of life and are always mentoring and being advocates for others in the church. Our young couples, youth, and children are direct beneficiaries of this wisdom. I’m blessed to be in direct contact with all of you and only hope I can pay it forward in some manner. Many of our Men were gone this month for vacations, health reasons, or just plain old R&R! It’s been a full and productive year to date and there’s nothing wrong with taking a few weeks off and recharging the batteries. I look forward to next month and the beginning of all the holiday hubbub! I'm sure that the Men will be supporting the Women with the Turkey Dinner, right Anne? Please be gentle with us. :-) Until then, remember that what you can do matters much more than what you can’t! Praise be to God! See you next month,

Howard Davidson

Turkey Dinner

Join us on Friday, November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Annual United Methodist Women’s Turkey Dinner. The cost is $9.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (dine-in only). To reserve your take out order, please call (918) 775-2538 on Monday, November 5 through Thursday, November 8 between 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Carryout time is Friday, 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Get Ready. Get Set. Eat!!!

Connect to Ministry by Serving

It’s not too late to volunteer to serve and help with the Thanksgiving Dinner. Call Anne Bottorff and let her know if you can be there. We're especially in need of persons to help with clean up!!!! We offer free on the job training. The Boar's Nest will be open on Friday during the Turkey Dinner. Men will run the back area of the kitchen, including the Bar-B-Q grill area. Bring a stool or chair and stay awhile. Clean-up help toward the end is especially appreciated. Contact Craig Heflebower if you want to help.