02.07.25

February 7th, 2025
by Garett Reding

What's New?

THIS SUNDAY - Lunch with Bishop Merrill

Bishop Laura Merrill will join us for lunch this Sunday, Feb. 9 and you are invited! We’ll have a chance to get to know Bishop Merrill and she’ll get to know us as we highlight our ministry in the Stillwater community. What we need to know is, are you coming? Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.

THIS SUNDAY - Blood Drive - February 9th

Your donation matters; your donation saves lives. On February 9th, from 8:30am-12:30pm, we will be hosting a blood drive in the Family Life Center. To register, please CLICK HERE. For more information, please contact Ken Meyer.

To see a short video of how your donation helps those in Oklahoma in dire need of healthy blood, CLICK HERE

Right now, there is a shortage of blood during this incredibly harsh flu season and all donations are needed to help as many people as possible. In fact, they just released a letter asking anyone who is able to donate to please consider doing so; that letter can be read by CLICKING HERE

THIS SUNDAY - Bolivia Craft Sale

On February 9th you will have an opportunity to support our Bolivia mission trip by purchasing homemade Bolivian crafts and two very interesting books on the history of Methodism in Bolivia. We will have these items for sale during the fellowship time in the Parlor after the 8:30 service and also right after the Closer Walk service in the FLC.

Over the years many of us have had the opportunity to bring back items that remind us of the many blessings we have received during our time in South America. Even if you have never been on one of FUMC’s Bolivia Mission teams, you can be part of our ongoing partnership with our Bolivian brothers and sisters by supporting this year’s team.

Half of the proceeds will be delivered to the Methodist Women (FeFeMe) in Bolivia during our upcoming mission trip. The rest will go to help with the expenses for this mission team such as construction materials and medicines for our medical team to distribute.

We still have openings for our Bolivia mission in Mid-May. For more information contact Doug Valley at doug.dvllc@gmail.com.

Upcoming Church Council & Charge Conference

The Church Council will meet on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 5:30pm in the Social Hall to receive and approve the 2025 budget. This will be the main item of business. A portion of this meeting will be convened as a Charge Conference to approve a raise for the associate pastor’s salary. Our superintendent, Rev. Tish Malloy, will preside during the charge conference. Our chair, John Fenderson, will preside during the rest of the meeting.

Rev. Malloy’s retirement was announced last week. After 37 years of service as clergy in the Oklahoma Annual Conference, she looks forward to retirement. In two different seasons, Rev. Malloy has served as superintendent for Stillwater First UMC. This will be an opportunity for us to congratulate her and offer our gratitude for her faithful service.

Thanks for your Photos

Several of you sent photos from your camera roll that bring you a sense of calm. Thank you! I thought you might like to see a few of the photos I’ve received.

Hope to see you Sunday,
- Pastor Charla

District Leadership Training Event

Stillwater First UMC has been asked to host a leadership training event for our district. This session will be held on Sunday, February 16, 1:30-4:30pm, in our Family Life Center. The schedule for the afternoon includes a presentation from Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase called, “What did the General Conference really change?” There will also be training sessions for leaders in the following areas: youth ministry, lay leaders and lay servant ministries, legacy giving, church finances, personnel matters, and stewardship of property.

Direct invitations to our leadership in these areas have been sent. Anyone is welcome to attend this training. Registration is requested. There is no charge to attend. Please use the link to sign up by the registration deadline, February 12.

3rd Grade Bible Sunday

Calling all 3rd graders! This Spring we will embrace the milestone of our third graders receiving a bible from our church and then learning to study the bible together. If you have a child who hasn't had the chance to be part of this before 3rd (or 4th or 5th ) they are invited to participate.

Please contact Irene at iupson@fumcstw.org for further information and to ensure enough supplies are gathered. Thanks!

LAUNCHING THIS SUNDAY - Rooted Families

Come join our new Sunday school class for all types of family structures, with school-aged children or younger. The "Rooted Families Class" will launch this Sunday, February 9th, 11:00am – 12 noon, in Family Life Center – Room #104. This class seeks to develop deep relationships rooted in scriptural truth that provides support while in the thick of growing a family. There will be a monthly fellowship lunch at a class member’s home. For more information, contact Pastor Cindy at crriedel@fumcstw.org or at the Church Office: 405-372-5854.