02.21.25
What's New?
Sunday Worship, February 23
| Scripture -- Psalm 91:14-16 Sermon -- "Leave Your Concerns with God" Preacher -- Pastor Charla Gwartney Our Livestream link is available on our church app and website each week. |
A BIG Thank You to David Lane!
| David worked tirelessly this week to clear our parking lots and sidewalks so they will be safe for you when you arrive on Sunday morning. When you see David, please offer him your thanks. We appreciate you, David! |
New Members
| We are so excited to have Trevor and Ashley Hudgeons and Aidan Shelton, joining our family of faith! Please make sure that when you see them that you give them a warm Stillwater First UMC welcome! |
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday
| Lent, a 40-day period of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5. Throughout most of Christian history, faithful followers have seen this as one of the holiest seasons of the year. The Lenten journey usually involves an intentional sacrifice, known as fasting or abstinence. This reminder – that we’ve chosen to give up a particular habit or item – also reminds us of what Christ gave up on the cross for our salvation. Themes of Lent are: repentance, self-examination, faithfulness, and sacrifice. The worship on Ash Wednesday incorporates all of these themes, providing a solemn entry into this important season. We receive the imposition of ashes – when a pastor uses ashes to mark the sign of the cross on your forehead or on the back of your hand. You are reminded that, “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.” We embrace our mortality on Ash Wednesday, even as we hold forth the hope of eternal life with Christ. After receiving the ashes, you can receive Holy Communion, an act of trust in God’s providence and grace. We welcome you to join us for Ash Wednesday worship in our sanctuary or on our livestream. This worship service will happen at 12:10 pm and will be repeated at 7:00 pm. Only the 7:00 pm service will be livestreamed. Choose the time that works best for you and your family. Come in person or join us on the livestream. Children are welcome at both services. If you’ve never experienced Ash Wednesday, make it a point to join us this year. This service is always a moving entry into a powerful time of deepening our faith, the season of Lent. |
Church Council Update
| Our Church Council met last night, Feb. 20, via Zoom because of the inclement weather. We received a recommendation from the Finance Committee for our 2025 budget. This budget projects $1,615,556 in contributions, plus an additional $41,900 in other revenue. Our total income is projected to be $1,657,456, matching the revenue from 2024. On the expense side, we are projecting $1,657,456 – a balanced budget. A few highlights of this budget:
If you’d like to see a copy of our 2025 budget, reach out to Daniel Guthrie, our business administrator. A big thanks to our leadership who worked hard together to provide us with a balanced budget. Approval of the budget was the main item of business. We also received several grant proposal to our Foundation. And, we approved an Advisory Council that will assist our Early Childhood Center, a weekday childcare ministry of our church. If you have questions about the work of our Church Council, please reach out to John Fenderson, chairperson, or Pastor Charla Gwartney. Thanks to everyone for their hard work on a cold night. |
Shrove Tuesday
Join us for a delicious evening of food and fellowship at our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner!
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Social Hall
Before we begin the season of Lent, let’s gather as a church family for a time-honored tradition—fluffy pancakes, warm syrup, and great company! Bring your appetite and invite a friend!
Donations are welcome, and all proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger, our Lenten offering emphasis.
Come hungry, leave happy, and start Lent with a full heart (and stomach)! See you there!
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Social Hall
Before we begin the season of Lent, let’s gather as a church family for a time-honored tradition—fluffy pancakes, warm syrup, and great company! Bring your appetite and invite a friend!
Donations are welcome, and all proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger, our Lenten offering emphasis.
Come hungry, leave happy, and start Lent with a full heart (and stomach)! See you there!
Senior Parent Meeting
Parents of graduating high school seniors, please attend this brief informative meeting on March 2nd, at 7:00pm, in the large room upstairs in the FLC, regarding this year’s SENIOR SUNDAY! Senior Sunday is May 18th, when we will honor our graduating seniors during morning worship. We want to honor all FUMC's graduating seniors, regardless of their current level of participation in youth activities. If questions contact Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org
Souper Bowl Day of Caring
The Momentum Youth would like to thank everyone who dropped cash in their “SOUPER BOWL DAY OF CARING” jugs that were out and about after worship on Super Bowl Sunday! The sum of $125 was collected to benefit our Thursday Night Community Dinner.
Lenten Worship Series: Believe Like Jesus
We enter Lent with humility and a prayer that during this season, we might come to believe like Jesus. During this holy season, we will follow themes of a new book by Rebekah Simon-Peter, “Believe Like Jesus: Rising From Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus.” If you are curious about her work, the link will give you more information and/or allow you to purchase her book by CLICKING HERE.
Our neighboring United Methodist congregations (Lost Creek, Eden Chapel and Perkins First) will join us on our Lenten journey. On Good Friday, April 18, we’ll gather in our Social Hall for lunch and a Good Friday observance, marking the conclusion of our shared Lenten experience.
Soon, we will provide cards to invite a friend to join us during Lent. Let us be praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us in observing a life-changing Lent this year.
Our neighboring United Methodist congregations (Lost Creek, Eden Chapel and Perkins First) will join us on our Lenten journey. On Good Friday, April 18, we’ll gather in our Social Hall for lunch and a Good Friday observance, marking the conclusion of our shared Lenten experience.
Soon, we will provide cards to invite a friend to join us during Lent. Let us be praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us in observing a life-changing Lent this year.
Children & Youth Summer Camp 2025
CHILDREN
June 16-18:
Growin' In Grace - Camp Code: EGNG1
For kids entering 3-5th grade in Fall ’25
@ Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK
June 16-20:
5th and 6th Grade Camp - Camp Code: EGNX1
For kids entering 5th and 6th grade in Fall ’25
@ Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK
YOUTH
June 16-20:
Crosspoint Youth Camp - Camp Code: XPH1
For youth currently in 6 – 12th grade
@ Cross Point on Lake Texoma, Kingston, OK
Registration and more information to come in future E-News! For more information, contact Director of Children’s Ministries Irene Upson at iupson@fumcstw.org, or Director of Youth Ministries Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org
June 16-18:
Growin' In Grace - Camp Code: EGNG1
For kids entering 3-5th grade in Fall ’25
@ Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK
June 16-20:
5th and 6th Grade Camp - Camp Code: EGNX1
For kids entering 5th and 6th grade in Fall ’25
@ Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK
YOUTH
June 16-20:
Crosspoint Youth Camp - Camp Code: XPH1
For youth currently in 6 – 12th grade
@ Cross Point on Lake Texoma, Kingston, OK
Registration and more information to come in future E-News! For more information, contact Director of Children’s Ministries Irene Upson at iupson@fumcstw.org, or Director of Youth Ministries Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org
Oklahoma Mission Opportunity
| The Mission Committee has authorized Doug Valley to form a mission team, assisting the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Northeast District Camp with the completion of a new bathroom for their Children’s Center. The work will consist of installing, taping and mudding drywall, installing wall insulation, and some minor plumbing like installing a sink and toilet fixture. This mission is scheduled for the weekend of March 14-17. Our host has informed us that they will be having “wild onion dinners” that Saturday night. From past experience, we will eat very well. We will also have an opportunity to worship in one of their local churches on Sunday. No real skills are needed to participate, just a loving heart. The cost for this mission will be $75/person. Financial assistance may be available through the Manning Mission Education Foundation. For more information, contact any member of the Mission Committee or Doug Valley at doug.dvllc@gmail.com |
3rd Grade Bible Sunday
Calling all 3rd graders! This Spring, our third graders will receive a bible from our church and learn to study together. We are inviting all students (3rd, 4th and 5th grade) that haven't particpated before to join us. If you know of a student that would like to particpate, please reach out to Irene Upson and let her know.
Please contact Irene at iupson@fumcstw.org for further information or to register your student Thanks!
Please contact Irene at iupson@fumcstw.org for further information or to register your student Thanks!
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