(405) 262-3734 www.wesleyumcelreno.org The Wesley Journal Making Disciples of Jesus Christ and Transforming the World October 23 2014 Coming october 26th 9:00—10:00 a.m. In the flc Clothing Drive Continues Until October 26th!!!! Remember that the last Sunday of each month is Canned Meal Day. Bring anything that can be a meal on it’s own (without other ingredients) to the altar during communion. This is a huge blessing to so many who are in need here in El Reno. So, while you do your shopping over the next couple of days, please pick up a couple of cans of stew or pasta, and put it in your car for Sunday, October 26th. The next Wesley Journal will be published on November 6th. Submission deadline will be Monday, November 3rd. If you hadn’t found the time yet to clean out your closets or thought you had missed the clothing drive, no worries! Skyline ministry clothing drive has been extended until October 26th. So get busy with those closets and drop off your used clothing on the table in the hall outside of the music room. October 29 Fall Carnival November 5 Baked Potato Bar November 12 Coneys 2 Betsy Rosenkranz Buddy Kamm Kylan Shaw Jeannine Schiffman Elaine Gibson Joyce Springer Rayford Johnson Marvin Marquardt Bill Jaxon Gloria Arenson Nellie Brinkley Charley Fielder Hanah Clemons Harold Stephens Connie Bone Sandy Beard Owen Jenkins Bess Jenkins Donna Anderson Hazel Crowley Gerald Crowley Tom Pitts Co Pitts Dutch Musser Pat Wilkins Neely Jo Herndon Russell Stiles Monte Daughety Kyler Aebischer Josh Torres Jeff Robbins Kendal Grantham Jimmy Wilkins James Pitts William Pitts Sally Sims Donna Kay Frasier Kara Watts Blake Howard The Evangelism Committee is beginning a monthly community outreach program, beginning with a neighborhood walk on Sunday, October 26th, and we want to invite you to join us. We will meet at the church at 5 p.m., divide into groups and take treats and information about our church to the households around the church. Jesus’ last instructions to us before ascending to heaven were “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Won’t you help us “go” and share the love of Christ, beginning with those right here in our neighborhood? Get ready now for the first ever YOUTH Jabonn Flurry Tony Widener Justin Rhoads Tim Torres Billy Rhoades Stephen Royse Kristen Aebischer and Dessert wars November 23rd, Noon Watch For Your Instructions!! 3 Pastoral Postulations: Thoughts from Pastor Barry A Life Pleasing to God I’ve been thinking about my grandfather lately. Sidney Ray Hardzog died in 2005. He was 82 years old. I remember as a child I would go visit my grandparents. They lived in a house in Oklahoma City they had bought in the early 1950’s on the GI Bill. So much of my experience of my grandfather is wrapped up in that house. He would get up early every morning (around 6 am) to start the coffee and get the morning paper. I think the early mornings were part of his routine from childhood, having grown up during the depression on a farm in Southwest Oklahoma. The grandkids never liked the early mornings. He had this routine, though, of “accidentally” bumping the bed or stomping on the floor or turning on the lights so that we couldn’t help but wake up. At some point we would give up and go into the dining room where grandma and grandpa would be silently drinking coffee and reading the paper. I would sit there, disheveled and rumpled from the night’s sleep. After several minutes, my grandfather would say – without even looking at me – “you know, you’ve got to wake up before you get up.” As a child, that would irritate me to no end. Grandpa Hardzog was a tough, old Swiss man. He had hauled brick for Acme brick Company for many years in the days when truckers had to load and unload their trucks by hand. Needless to say, he was a very large, impressive person. But it was his old wise ways that have left an indelible mark on my own character. Every one of the grandchildren had a “rite of passage” they had to go through with Grandpa when we each turned 16. It was required that upon obtaining a driver’s license, you had to take Grandpa for a drive, whereupon he would give his standard (and oft dreaded) responsibility speech. “Every time you get into the car,” he would say, “drop a quarter into a jar. That way you’ll always have money for gas.” While driving nervously at ten-and-two, you were to respond approvingly to the advice. “Driving a car,” he would continue, “is a big responsibility. You’re not responsible just for yourself, but also for everyone else on the road.” I miss my grandfather very much. My mother jokes that I am just like him, a distinction I hold with great honor. I don’t really know why I’ve been thinking about him so much lately, only that I’ve been thinking a lot about things like “character” and “integrity.” Naturally, I connect these things with my grandfather. I have been reading 1 Thessalonians this week, and as I approached chapter 2, I found Paul’s words reminding me, yet again, of grandpa Hardzog. Paul writes, “We never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others….But we were gentle among you. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you…our own selves, because you have become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:5-8). In this letter, Paul demonstrates a true and abiding affection for the church in Thessalonica. He shares with them encouragement and praise. But, he also offers them advice on how to live a good life, a life pleasing to God. What does it mean, I wonder, to live a life pleasing to God? How do we demonstrate in our day-to-day living a life that is full of God’s grace and truth? There is a lot of old, tried and true wisdom out there. There’s also a lot of bad advice masquerading as wisdom. But a simple test would be to ask yourself a couple of questions that come from Jesus himself. First, ask yourself, “Am I attending to the love of God in all I think or speak or do?” Second, “Am I loving my neighbor just as I myself am loved by God?” These are the greatest Commandments (as Jesus calls them), and they should be at the forefront of all our own reflections on living the life God desires for us. Responsibility, integrity, character – these are all qualities in life that are enabled by love – the love of God and the love of neighbor. Paul, for his part, demonstrates this in his letter to the Thessalonians as he asserts that his care for them is rooted in God’s grace and care for them. When I think about these things, I have to wonder how much of my day I spend reflecting on everything but the love of God. Perhaps I should stop rolling my eyes like a rebellious teenager and take the advice to heart. There will be many mornings before us that we will struggle to “wake up” to the call of God. But it is so necessary to wake up and see the Good News of Jesus Christ silently going about its business of offering grace to a tired and sleepy world. God’s love has the ability to transform even the most unwilling of person into one who is seeking after God’s own heart. This is my hope and prayer for you this week, that you would be enabled by God’s love to live a life that is pleasing to Him, full of grace and truth. Grace and peace, Pastor Barry PRIME TIMERS ! Fellowship ~ Spiritual Uplift ~ Food Board games ~ Card games ~ Dominoes ~ Checkers ~ Chicken Foot ~ Jigsaw Puzzles ~ Bingo Gatherings will be the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 11:30—2:00 4 Inside Story Have not heard any more than you have about Bazaar Results, the meeting is October 23rd at 5:30 in the Library. In case you were not in church services the following Sunday, the take (with still bills to be submitted) was $10,800. This is great—cra-mazing in fact since our traffic was noticeably down throughout the day. It was, however, a perfect Bazaar day weather-wise and the atmosphere so festive and inviting. Among the faithful traveling friends attending were Nellie Brinkley and Nancy, Frankye Fleming district UMW Communications Director, Sandi Jones, UMW Treasurer from Jones First, and with her was Ed Reusser’s daughter, Karen and her husband from Cheyenne, Wyoming; Joe and Susan Rector joined us for lunch and no doubt you saw and visited with Wanice Durham. It’s the first time for her to visit without a station responsibility. Was so enlightening to see everyone, as they still look forward each year to join us! Emily Walker so bravely took the challenge of the Silent Auction. She did a great job with what always starts out with a seemingly impossible goal, but had a good crew to tackle the chore. $1723.00 was the amazing result. Not only Emily and her recruits deserve a double shout out, but also all the 40 some donors who give so freely year after year. Had mentioned baskets by classes before, but did not know about the Bible Based one that Tim Havern had envisioned purchased items and got Beverly LaBahn to create. Don’t know who got it or for what amount, but it was Funnominally Fantastic! And that purse Co Pitts made—an original magnificently created. Jobs well done by all! Plentiful Pantry proceeds were $1188.25. Thanks to all who donated products or bought. Another repeated question: What about the quilt? Eleanor Renbarger is the owner of the Vintage 1961 Quilt for $1600. Very intense bidding took place on each and every open bid item! The mini-Bazaar for Wesley Church attendees added another $122.50 although not very many took advantage of the opportunity. We are grateful for every dollar and it made close down somewhat easier. Hospice was delivered the overflow items on Tuesday. Thanks Victoria Lee for your assistance. UMW not only each other, but thank all our supporters and don’t forget the Tribune as they really were cooperative and their coverage is so appreciated. Wasn’t it wonderful to see Donna Anderson doing so well and falling right in to help Millie in the Greenery area as always. Bess had earlier volunteered her own return to the Jewelry and This N That but had not known that Donna would be able to join us. Thanks both of you for that extra push you made. Another 1st time out (or in) was Lindsey Vise, Jamie and Doug’s daughter. She was helping serve that fantabulous lunch when I saw her, so pretty in one of our new Wesley aprons. The perfect model for the induction of one of the new aprons made and given by Dorothy Cassel. Thank you again, Dorothy, they were a most welcome and needed gift. Oh, without checking for sure over this 3 month’s writings, I think I had not been told Sharon Griesel was back with us helping in Estate Treasures. Even saw Steve there with her for a while. Cindy Ward was cooking and serving on the Kitchen Krew as well. Know that I had not mentioned before that Bonnie Jordan would be helping in Holiday and Household. Dorrie was chairman and really had been asking for HELP, so it was mom to the rescue. Noticed Beverly Huber answered the SOS as did Mary Margaret making a complete co-op of Sensational Sales Senoritas! Also, one more time, we all thank everyone who did anything to Boost our Bazaar and if I have missed anyone, let me know! Can’t help but add, have you noticed the classes, studies and general get-togethers being formed? Much credit to Melanie Walker as she works diligently to form support groups! Talk to her about times and interests, she will point you in the right direction. Shalom, We are looking for one volunteer to run the components in the sound booth in the event that Gina is unable to be at service. We are also in need of a group of people who would be available to work in the nursery on a rotating basis for extra events and the occasional Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. This is a paid position. Our list of small groups and bible studies is growing, and we need to be sure to have the nursery available for all activities. Nursery workers must be 18 years of age and will be required to undergo a background check to comply with the Conference Safe Sanctuaries policy. Please consider if you or someone you know would be a good fit for either of these opportunities. Easy ways to help transform the world! 5 Our Missions committee is revved up and ready to go on a new initiative for our community. We will be having regular Local Mission Work Days. The first work day is scheduled for Saturday, November 8. There are lots of people in our community who are in need, many of which would benefit from modest home repair and renovation. We have a great opportunity to reach out to those in need with the love of Christ. We are called to love God and to love our neighbors. Now is an opportunity to reach out with God’s love to our neighbors in our very own community. We need YOU to join in this effort as the hands and feet of Christ to bring love and light into the lives of those in need. DID YOU KNOW that Memorial Gifts can be designated for particular ministries in our church? When someone passes away, often people give monetary gifts in memory of the departed. That money goes into a Memorial Fund that is then used to purchase various things for our church, such as new altar cloths or Acolyte Robes, or other such useful things. BUT, you can also DESIGNATE a memorial gift for a ministry already established, such as Missions, Children, Youth, etc. Imagine the difference you could make with a designated Memorial gift. How can you help? 1. Sign up to volunteer. (Sign-up sheet is on the mission bulletin board in the hall by the church library) 2. Submit a person or family that needs some help. We are looking for people who may need some work done around or in their home and have no means of getting that work completed. If you know of a person/family in or outside of our congregation please let Dorrie Parrott or Pastor Barry know. 3. Give financially to support these mission days. (Drop your donation off at the church office.) If you have any questions please talk with Dorrie Parrott or Pastor Barry. The El Reno Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held November 1st at the 4H Building at the Fairgrounds from 12 to 1 p.m. They can always use volunteers to deliver meals, or help with preparation and serving. For more information, call Brenda Grulkey. Monetary donations can be mailed to Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 974, El Reno, OK 73036 The Samaritan Fund is a special Fund in our Church that is designated for helping people in need in our church and our community. Sometimes, people are hit with unforeseen crises and have trouble paying bills or dealing effectively with the crisis at hand. At that point the church springs into action to offer the grace of compassion in assistance to those in need. Every time we receive Holy Communion, you may leave extra gifts on the altar rail. These gifts go directly into the Samaritan Fund. You may also make a special gift at ANY TIME to this fund. Just simply write a check to the church and designate it for the Samaritan Fund. Right now our Samaritan Fund needs a bit of replenishing. We make a major impact in people’s lives through this ministry. Would you consider a special gift to make a difference in the lives of others? Resident Bishop………………………....…...Robert E. Hayes, Jr District Superintendent………………………..Rockford Johnson Missionary…………………………...…..…..…....Meri Whitaker Wesley UMC Staff Pastor…………………..………...…..….....……....Barry Bennett Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper…....….. .Becca McBee Financial Secretary……………..…...……....….....Beverly Huber Maintenance Staff…………….....................................Dan Huber Director of Music Ministries……….….....…...............Sam Ritter Organist …………………..……..….……..........Dale Heinrichs Director of Youth Ministries …..................…………………….. Director of Children’s Ministries….…….……..….Emily Walker Nursery……………………………….….John & Gina Wilkerson Mother’s Day Out ……...………Dana Hunka and Shianna Glenn 6 We will again be taking pre-orders for Poinsettias. The deadline will be November 23rd. The cost will be $7. Pre-order forms are available in the Narthex. Please fill out the card completely, as this is the information used to print the list for the bulletins for December 21st and 24th. Sunday, November 16th will be Missions Sunday. The Missions Committee will be giving a presentation on the Mexico Mission Trip. Julian Otero, Assistant Director of Manos Juntas will be speaking, and there will be a luncheon following the second service in the Family Life Center. We hope you all will be present to learn more about our mission at Manos Juntas. UMW Sunday will be November 9th. Our Guest Speaker will be JoAnn McNaught. We all know she’s a wonderful speaker, so please make sure you are in service on November 9th! Circles Afternoon Circle: Agape Room, 2 p.m. Circle IV: Library, 7 p.m. Circle V: at the home of Emily Walker, 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 14 NOVEMBER 23 Toni Grantham Deborah Knobel Morgan Denny Stephanie Ramey Charlie Fielder NOVEMBER 3 Christa Rushing Marty Long Hannah Skaggs Marsha Nichols NOVEMBER 25 Collin Cerne NOVEMBER 15 NOVEMBER 5 Wanda Eichholz NOVEMBER 27 Jessika Skaggs Jordan Weaver Kenneth Grady NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 28 Timothy Havern Jordan Parrott Dan Huber NOVEMBER 17 NOVEMBER 30 NOVEMBER 9 Connie Carnott Chloe Allen Ruth Johnson Tylee Hurst NOVEMBER 10 NOVEMBER 18 Marge Moss Bill Middlesworth NOVEMBER 12 NOVEMBER 20 Mary Haynes Vicki Davis Jamie Von Tungeln Beverly Huber Steven McBee NOVEMBER 21 Shane York Trent Gibson Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study ~ Parlor 5:30 p.m. Youth 3 4 7:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. Election ~ Library 6:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. PEO Meeting 5 5:00—6:00 Dinner 6:00—7:00 Children Youth Handbells Bible Study Moms Group 6 UMW Circles 7 8 Lifeline Screening ~ FLC 9 UMW Sunday 3:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study ~ Parlor 5:00 p.m. Evangelism 5:30 p.m. Youth 10 11 11:30—2:00 Prime Timers 12 5:00—6:00 Dinner 6:00—7:00 Children Youth Handbells Bible Study Moms Group 13 14 15 UMW District Leadership Training 16 17 18 20 6:30 p.m. UMM 21 22 12:00 p.m. Mission Dinner ~ FLC 3:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study ~ Parlor 5:30 p.m. Youth Journal Article 19 5:00—6:00 Dinner 6:00—7:00 Children Youth Handbells Moms Group 7:00—8:00 Choir 23 24 25 11:30—2:00 Prime Timers 26 27 Offices Closed No Meal or Activities 28 29 St. Katharine’s 30 5:30 p.m. Youth