ever, other users are able to

join in the conversations imme-

diately as they stay up-to-date.

Our Fan Page address is: face-

book.com/oakhavenumc.org.

Our little church doing all this?

Yes! And there’s more. Do you

have a video of our church activi-

ties? Our YouTube channel al-

lows us to share those moments

with our friends around the

world. We are always looking

for new videos and ideas for new

videos. You can access the You-

Tube channel through our web-

site or our Fan Page.

We are well on our way to

ensuring our church is able to

connect online with our commu-

nity. Get online today and look

us up, and pass it on!

In recent years our

church has expanded its

online presence. Finding

information about upcoming

events and activities is a

click away. Our website

(www.oakhavenumc.org) is

visited everyday by friends

and guests looking for infor-

mation about our church.

They can find info about our

worship service, our his-

tory , download our news-

letter and even listen to our

sermons. The site help us

connect to our community.

We have not stopped

there. There are over 250

million people that use

Facebook—an online web-

site that allows “friends” to

share information, pictures

and more. Our church has

also created what is called

a Facebook Fan Page.

These are pages dedicated

to businesses and organiza-

tions. Through our Fan

Page we are able to share

much of the same informa-

tion as our website. How-

An Online Congregation INS IDE TH IS

I S SUE :

Our Social

Principles: Aging

2

Calendar 3

Prayers,

Scripture, Ushers

& Acolytes

4

UMM Review 5

Words From

Wesley

6

From Lay Leader 7

The Cowboy &

The Preacher

7

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 2

Under the OakUnder the OakUnder the OakUnder the OakUnder the OakUnder the OakUnder the OakUnder the Oak Oak Haven United Methodist Church NewsletterOak Haven United Methodist Church NewsletterOak Haven United Methodist Church NewsletterOak Haven United Methodist Church Newsletter

“Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us.” Joshua 24:27

A screen shot from our web-

site: www.oakhavenumc.org

Prayer is always a phone call away.

Did you know The UMC, through

the General Board of Discipleship,

operates a 24-hour prayer line? For more than thirty years

volunteers have answered the toll-free prayer lines every day of

the year—that’s more than 30,000 prayer requests every

month. Prayers are received and passed to Upper Room

Covenant Groups dedicated to the ministry of prayer. Volun-

teers also take collect calls from prisoners. The number for

prayer is 1.800.251.2468; the number for prisoners is

1.615.327.4673.

Need a Prayer? Coming Early March

Have you ever noticed life can be a

struggle? How do you dance with the

pressures of the world all around

you? In this Lenten study, participants

learn what it means to be sustained

by God and others who are dancing

with them. The title of this study is

taken from the hymn “Lord of the

Dance.” Contact our office for

more information.

P A G E 2

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

Feb 18 at 7:00 pm.

I appreciate the words

of Isaiah 43. There God

reminds the Israelites

they are not alone. As

they pass through the

waters and flames, God

walks with them. It is

good to add what those

verses do not say. They

do not say that as you

pass through the waters

you will not get wet;

when you go through the

rivers you will not feel

the current; when you walk

through the fire you will not

get hot. Instead, it seems

we are assured we will face

those times. Likewise, we

are assured of God’s never-

failing presence with us—

always.

Does that mean every-

thing works out smoothly—

that things go “our way?” It

seems faithful to affirm that

God was “with me” when

something went right or

easier than expected. However,

that almost implies when it did

not go right God was vacation-

ing. As we find our places in

God’s story, we should be care-

ful not to assume our plans have

to work out perfectly to ensure

God is with us, or that we are

doing God’s will. Instead, trust

that with prayer and faith God is

leading. “The best of it is,” John

Wesley said, “God is with us.”

Blessed Beyond Belief,

Eschatology

(Pronounced es-kə-tä-lə-jē)

The study of the end

times—namely the end of

the world. It usually in-

volved the second coming of

Christ, the Apocalypse or

the Last Judgement.

Theological Word To Know

Getting God to Show Up

Our Social Principles: On Aging We support social policies that integrate the aging into the life of the total community, in-cluding sufficient incomes, increased and nondiscriminatory employment opportunities, educational and service opportunities, and adequate medical care and housing within existing communities.

Your Next Step? Life comes at us pretty fast. Before you know it

bills are due, projects are late and you still haven’t

had a relaxing day off. Surely, though, there has to be

something more assured to us than “death and

taxes.” Unfortunately, for many of us, our spiritual

life gets suffocated by all the concerns and deadlines each day brings. But, it does not have

to be that way.

Have you considered attending a Walk to Emmaus? An Emmaus walk is based upon Jesus’

walk with two disciples to a town called Emmaus, as described in Luke 24. After their walk

with Jesus the disciples’ “eyes were opened and they recognized him.” That is exactly what

a Walk to Emmaus offers each participant, a chance to recognize Christ for who he is.

This is an experience no one forgets, and has lasting impacts. Our church has a handful

of people who have attended: Ricky Campbell; Stephen Cooper; Gloria Fletcher; John

Fletcher; Ann Kent; David Triggs; Micki Triggs; and Minnette Puckett. They would be will-

ing to share with you their thoughts about their Emmaus Walk. As you can see, this event

is for women and men, younger and older; there are even retreats for youth, at-risk youth

and people in prison. So, pray about it; ask about it. Let us know. You can find an upcom-

ing schedule of retreats on our church bulletin board.

Ever wish God would show up?

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

3

4 5

6 Com

munion Sunday

4:30 Youth Group

7 Office H

rs: 10-2

8

9 Office H

rs: 10-2

10

Office H

rs: 10-2

10am B

ible Study

11

Office H

rs: 10-2

12

13

Lunch & M

eetings

14

Office H

rs: 10-2

15

16

Office H

rs: 10-2

17

10am B

ible Study

7pm B

usy Bees

18

Office H

rs: 10-2

7pm C

hips, Dips

19

20 MC

2

Um

m, um

m good basket

New

sletter Deadline

21

Office H

rs: 10-2

22

23

Office H

rs: 10-2

24

10am B

ible Study

25

Office H

rs: 10-2

26

27 MC

2 28

Office H

rs: 10-2

February: February: February: February:

Black H

istory Month

Boy Scout Sunday (13th)

Febru

ary 2011

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FAM

ILY PRAYE

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LLY UN

ITED

BY T

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LIFE IN

JESU

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P A G E 4

Ushers and Counters

Scripture Readings

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

Liz Baltierra, Melvin Knight family, Pat Triggs, Mr. & Mrs Chapman, Debra Randle, Mrs. Flores, Pam

Deskin, Micki Triggs, Susan Love, Tracey Robertson, Neta DeLeon, Ely Eckles, Crystal Quintero, Cooper

family, Mrs. Flores, Sue Nungesser, Bob & Connie Ramsey, Nadine Jester, Laura Sirmon, Kyle Dupree,

Doyle Hall, Danny Siegel, Valerie Milano, Martha Davis, Jesse Ford, Lorene Ingham, Ellie Ruiz, Mi-

chael Vogan, Mr. & Mrs. Dennie Foster, Bonnie Simons family, Ray Lowery, family of Curtis & Sandra

Doyle, Martha Davis, New church choir director(s), Marry Allen, David Austin, Jeanie Davis, Roger Dal-

ton, Wesley Burks, Avis Jordan, Charles Chilton, Bea Baker, Brian Deskin, Lorene Hall, Mike Burns, Jim

Hallworth, Ruth Ann Wilhoite, Jo Sutter, 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, June Montgomery, Bill Glass, Scott Quintana, King family, Bobby Garza,

Walburga Kerner, Sue Harris, Nadine Justin, Mike & Michelle Cummings, our missionaries & military

For the eyes of the Lord

are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to

their prayers.

1Peter 3:12

Acolytes

Feb 6-Brittani Fletcher

& Hanna Stephens

Feb 13-Mya Garcia

& Lissette Garcia

Feb 20-Ashlei Fletcher

& Jade Vela

Feb 27-Hanna Stephens

& Nelson Norris

Feb 6 (Team 4) Feb 13 (Team 1)

Ricky Campbell Mary Lou Campbell

Stella Jones Ricky Campbell

Don Kent Ronnie Crow

Rebecca Wheeler Don Kent

Sub: Mary Lou Campbell Sub: Stella Jones

Counters: Steve Perrin, Dorene Taylor Counters: Mary Owen, Bonnie Perrin

Feb 20 (Team 2) Feb 27 (Team 3)

Mary Lou Campbell Don Kent

Jonathan Perrin Mike Matkin

Rob Scully Ben Shemo

Rebecca Wheeler David Triggs

Sub: Mike Matkin Sub: Rebecca Wheeler

Counters: Ann Kent, Steve Perrin Counters: Mary Lou Campbell,

Stella Jones

Feb 6 Feb 13

Isaiah 58:1-9a Deuteronomy 30: 15-20

Psalm 112:1-10 Psalm 119:1-8

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:13-20 Matthew 5:21-37

Feb 20 Feb 27

Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Isaiah 49:8-16a

Psalm 119:33-40 Psalm 131

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Matthew 5:38-48 Matthew 6:24-34

It is a good practice to read Scripture references in advance for each Sunday. Take time to find meaning in each text. Make note of questions, concerns or observations you may have. Then, determine how the ser-mon each week does or does not address the issues or ideas you came up with.

Give This a Try

Or This

Our January meeting was held on January 17, 2011.

This was a week later than our usual date; weather

conditions kept us from meeting the week prior.

The meeting was opened with the reading of the Purpose and the opening prayer by

Rev John Fletcher. The installation of the officers for 2011 was also led by Rev Fletcher.

Thank you, Rev John, for a lovely and meaningful installation.

After refreshments and a break, Micki Triggs read the missionary birthdays from the

prayer calendar. Micki also gave a short devotion followed by another devotion by Re-

becca Wheeler. Thank you, ladies, for a great job.

A date for our annual Ladies Tea has been set. It will be on Saturday, March 5,

2011—2:00-4:00 pm. The theme for this year is Mardi Gras. Pattie Crow, our Tea

Chairperson, has put together a team to help make this event a success. If you would like to help as well,

please contact Pattie.

We will be winding up the “Christmas Cards for Prison Ministries” within the next several weeks. So, if

you still have any cards to donate the box is on the table next to the nursery. Thank you for your participa-

tion so far. Also, donations of magazines, games, puzzle books and small toiletries items are always needed

for the “Christmas in July” celebration for the residents of Ashford Hall.

Our next unit meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14, 2011 at 7pm at the church. I hope to see

you all there.

Mary Lou Campbell

Almost Tea Time!

P A G E 5

Our men’s group had their regularly scheduled meeting on

Thursday, January 20th. It was a time of fellowship and discus-

sion. After enjoying fried chicken, sloppy joes and banana pud-

ding (thanks for bringing all the good stuff) the group tossed

around various ideas for service projects and activities.

As a way of ensuring our church successfully pays our appor-

tionments 100%, we paid off the Worldwide Missions fund, to-

taling $1,231. We also considered making contributions to the Fort Worth Methodist Children’s Home, and

how we could improve our donations to Irving Cares. Irving Cares is in need of canned meat items and peanut

butter. So, in conjunction with our Pancake Supper, we discussed setting the price of admission at one jar of

peanut butter per person. We’ll fill you in on the details later.

Rev Fletcher, sharing from Ecclesiastes 3, talked to us about being prepared. There are times of suffering and

defeat. There are, however, times of celebration and growth. Our church has experienced those times. It was

his thought that we are at a time of celebration and growth. Through it all, God has been preparing us. All of us

are able to participate in the ministries of our church. We have to be willing to seek out what God is calling us

to, and respond with faithfulness. So, what are you ready for?

Save The Date Feb 14—7pm: UMW Meeting Mar 5—2-4pm: UMW 11th Annual Tea July 18-21: School of Christian Mission July 22-24: Weekend Cooperative Mission Event Oct 7-8: Annual Ladies Bridgeport Retreat

P A G E 6

NEW YORK (UMNS) – Recognizing that HIV/

AIDS is the leading cause of death among African

-American women ages 25-34, the United Meth-

odist Church Global AIDS Fund Committee is

sponsoring a conference on that topic March 3 -

5 in Columbia, S.C. The purpose of the event is

to mobilize faith communities into action and

focus on HIV/AIDS-related issues that specifically

affect African-American women.

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Heads of National Council of Churches' member communions,

including two United Methodist bishops, and NCC staff leaders, used the Rev. Martin Luther

King Jr. birthday weekend to urge President Obama to use his Jan. 25 State of the Union mes-

sage to reassert his dramatic campaign pledge to "cut poverty in half" in the next 10 years.

Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, and

Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, ecumenical officer for the Council of Bishops, signed a let-

ter sent to the president.

Faith Leaders Remind Obama of Promise

Stories on this page are provided by United Methodist Communications. Summaries of sto-ries, UMTV videos and other informa-tion from the United Methodist News Ser-vice are received via a weekly email di-gest. Access the complete versions of the stories at http://umns.umc.org.

RIO DE JANEIRO

(UMNS) — The

Methodist Church

in Brazil is collecting donations in response to flooding and mudslides there that have killed

more than 700 people and left thousands homeless. Bishop Paul Lockmann said he shared “in

the pain of our people” and called the flooding “one of the most difficult moments of our minis-

try life.”

Churches that remain standing in the flooded mountainous region were sheltering several fami-

lies. "We have here a very difficult situation. There are still people who are missing and others

that were not rescued," said the Rev. Paulo Rangel, who is serving the homeless at the Church

of Nova Friburgo.

Methodists in Brazil Respond to Floods

Event Addresses African-American Women & HIV/AIDS

Words from Wesley

Do all the good you can, by

all the means you can, in all

the ways you can, in all the

places you can, at all the

times you can, to all the

people you can, as long as

ever you can.

WASHINGTON (UMNS) – Bread for the

World has launched its 2011 Offering of

Letters campaign to urge Congress to

reform U.S. foreign assistance so it is

more effective and benefits hungry and

poor people globally. More effective aid to

countries such as Haiti and Liberia could

help them recover from poverty made

worse, respectively, by the 2010 earth-

quake and two devastating civil wars.

Bread for World Starts

2011 Letter Campaign

NEW YORK (UMNS) – Christian, Jewish and

Muslim leaders have condemned the New

Year's Eve bombing that killed 21 worshippers

and wounded many others at All Saints Church

in Alexandria, Egypt. “The perpetrators of this

outrage are apparently so blinded by hatred

that they have lost touch with the tenets of any

known faith,” said the Rev. Michael Kinnamon,

top executive of the U.S. National Council

of Churches. “It is simply agonizing to think

that many around the world will mistake this

horror as the attack of one religious com-

munity on another. Christians, Jews and

Muslims around the world are united by

their outrage and condemnation of this soul-

less act.”

Young People’s Ministry

P A G E 7

Happy Birthday!

Feb 2

Maria Reynolds

Feb 4

Deidra Higgs

Feb 13

Ben Shemo

Feb 20

Cindy Rejkowski

Feb 23

Jonathan Perrin

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.

As a Lay Leader I will be led by GOD to do

things in a certain order. GOD is not a GOD

of chaos and confusion. Yes, leadership can

seem unpopular at times, but the rewards are tremendous. It's a mighty gift from GOD. I

have been given an opportunity to talk with our pastor and our congregation about the steps

that can make our church stronger, that will help us encourage, exhort and edify the body of

JESUS CHRIST. We will honor CHRIST with all we do, and one day we will hear, “Well

done my good and faithful servant."

Fellowship with GOD is a tremendous privilege; it's also meant to be an amazing adventure

every believer can experience. Pastor Fletcher presents to me practical steps for developing

a vibrant daily devotional life. Since becoming a member of Oak Haven I have discovered the

privilege and adventure of learning the keys to spending time with GOD. The body of Christ

is not a building; it's a people. We must remember that the true church is the body of

CHRIST—the church is the pastor, you and I planning the future. We are a church family

prayerfully united by the Holy Spirit, boldy committed to sharing new life in JESUS.

Stephen Cooper

From Your Lay Leader

Members of the Thursday morning Bible study

pose for a quick picture before praying together.

We are exploring the possi-

bility of converting our news-

letter to a pure digital format.

There are many advantages:

easy access through our web-

site, Facebook or email; greater distribu-

tion; cost reduction. However, we want

to know what you think. How much of

the newsletter do you make use of? How

much do you look forward to receiving it?

Would you be willing to view online and/

or download each edition? Let’s talk.

One Sunday, a cowboy went to church. When he entered, he saw

that he and the preacher were the only ones present. The

preacher asked the cowboy if he wanted him to go ahead and

preach.

The cowboy said, “I’m no preacher, but if I went to feed my cattle and only one

showed up, I’d feed him.” So, the minister began his sermon.

One hour passed, then two hours, then two-and-a-half hours. The preacher finally

finished and came down to ask the cowboy how he had liked the sermon.

The cowboy answered, “Well, I’m no preacher, but if I went to feed my cattle and only

one showed up, I sure wouldn’t feed him all the hay.”

Moral of the Story:

Always look at the “Now What” section of your Sunday bulletin to keep from having

to be fed “all the hay.”

The Cowboy and the Preacher

Phone: 972.438.1431 | Fax: 972.554.1686 |

Sunday School 9:45 am |Sunday Worship 10:45 am

We are a church family prayerfully united by the Holy Spirit, We are a church family prayerfully united by the Holy Spirit,

boldly committed to sharing new life in Jesus Christ.boldly committed to sharing new life in Jesus Christ.

U N D E R T H E O A K

F E B R U A R Y

2 0 1 1 www.facebook.com/oakhavenumc.org

You can download this

publication at

www.oakhavenumc.org

John blogs at: www.anotherjohn.com

True When Whispered

We yearn for a stronger

connection with God.

Most of us realize prayer

as an important part of

that process. Yet, our

world is noisy. Paul

Escamilla shows us how

we can learn to pray

through the noise —a

great way to begin the

New Year

Faith is Fun Reading With the Pastor

Oak Haven United Methodist Church

1600 N. Irving Heights

Irving, TX 75061