08.29.25

August 29th, 2025
by Stillwater First UMC

What's New?

Worship on Sunday, August 31

Sermon Series: The Power of Words
Sermon -- Hurtful or Life Giving?
Scripture -- Colossians 3 (selected verses) and James 1:19
Preacher -- Rev. Charla Gwartney
You can always catch our livestream on our website and our app!

The Power of Words

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” Do you remember singing that? I knew, even as a kid, it wasn’t true. I would’ve surely chosen a broken bone over hearing, “I don’t want to see you ever again.” Words from people who know me best can cut the deepest. Whether they know how much it hurts doesn’t really seem to matter. Careless words play on repeat in my mind and hurt every time I remember them.

Last week, Pastor Corey quoted from the book of James, “but no one can tame the tongue— a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” I nodded. Taming the tongue is not something I have mastered. I know how words can wound and yet I still hear words come out of my mouth that I instantly regret. That’s why I’m glad we are acknowledging the power of words in this sermon series. I hope our sermons won’t leave you in despair though. While we can’t tame the tongue through our own power, God’s grace can gently correct and guide us on this journey.

This week, my sermon will be about the power of speaking blessing into one another’s lives. I want to teach you how to construct a blessing and how to give it meaningfully to one another. I hope you’ll be praying for me as I seek just the right words to help us encourage one another.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Charla

Celebration of Life Service for Jerry Gill

Longtime First UMC member, Jerry Gill, passed away on Friday, Aug. 22. His celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at 11:00 am in our Sanctuary. The service will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Another Great Food Packing Event in the Bag

The August Weekend Food Sacks for Children packing event was fantastic! With the wonderful help of our faithful volunteers (including the OSU Cowgirls basketball team), we were able to pack more than 2800 bags. What an amazing way to start the new school year!

From our Trustees

Here at Stillwater First UMC, our congregation members have shared in planting and maintaining our landscaping over the years. Opportunities vary from plant selection, planting, weeding, mulching and fall cleanup. We frequently have spring or fall workdays; this will continue, but we are requesting assistance from individuals and/or groups. We need folks to take ownership of the various flowerbeds and landscaping areas to keep up our facilities on an ongoing basis. Our Trustees will be visiting Sunday Schools and other groups in the near future to discuss further. Please contact the office if you feel called to serve in this area. A Trustee member will coordinate volunteers to best utilize their desires and skills.

Church Council Recap

Our Church Council met on Aug. 21 to consider several updates and action items. We heard reports from the Worship Committee, Trustees, Staff Parish Relations Committee, and Nominations. Reports from the Mission Committee, ECC Advisory Council and Children’s Ministry Committee were submitted in writing. Items of note: our pastors will begin sharing preaching duties on Sunday mornings and our nominations slate, coming in October for approval, will be shorter this year.

Items of business included final review and approval of the 2025/26 budget for our Early Childhood Center, consideration and approval of a change to our budget year, approval of a new funeral and memorial service policy, and approval of a grant request to be funded by our Foundation.

We had 24 of our 31 voting members present and great discussion on all items. For more information on items discussed and approved, please contact our chair, Mr. John Fenderson. If you’d like to review a copy of the new funeral policy, please CLICK HERE.

New Study - Life Lessons from Acts

A new weekly women's bible study begins on Tuesday, September 2, at 9:30 am in the Parlor. They will be using Max Lucado's book, Life Lessons from Acts. Participants are not required to purchase a book, but books can be purchased from Amazon for $7. All are welcome to join us. If you have any questions, please call Velda Lorenz, 405-269-8287.

New Young Adult Groups Launching

Starting Thursday, September 4th, our church is kicking off two brand-new young adult groups designed just for you! Whether you’re looking for free food, real conversation, or just a break from the stress of school or work, these groups are all about finding community and faith together.

Lunch Break – Sundays at Noon
Right after worship, stick around for Lunch Break! We’ll head out (or bring in) lunch together every Sunday at 12:00 pm. It’s laid-back, no pressure, and a great way to connect with other students while sharing a meal. Come hungry, leave encouraged.

The Way – Thursdays at 7:00pm
Need a midweek reset? The Way meets every Thursday night at 7:00 pm in the Chapel (next door to the sanctuary). We’ll dive into real conversations about life and faith, ask big questions, dig into scripture, and figure out together what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world. Plus, there will always be snacks and laughter!

Both groups are open to all young adults. Whether you’re new in town or have been around forever, there’s a place for you here.
Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring your appetite.
For more info, contact Pastor Corey by CLICKING HERE or just show up! We’d love to see you!

Connect: Uniquely United Methodist

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Pastor Charla will launch a 6-week Sunday morning class covering the basics of our Christian faith and the United Methodist Church. She’ll be teaching this hour-long class at 11:00am in the FLC, shortly after Closer Walk worship is dismissed.

An RSVP is requested to prepare needed materials and arrange for childcare. Please CLICK HERE to submit your RSVP. Thanks!

New Music Intern - Emily Ingram

Emily Ingram is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University majoring in Sociology with a Pre-Law concentration. She loves musical theatre, the color pink, and Dolly Parton. Emily is excited to share her love of music with you tonight and is thankful for the opportunity to perform!

First Confirmation Class

Welcome to our 25-26 Confirmation class! With two weeks of classes under their belts, these youth are already learning new things, growing in their understanding of what it means to be Christ followers, and asking a lot of great questions! They will meet weekly through the end of the year with our pastors then switch to meeting with mentors in the spring. We ask you to lift up our new Confirmands in prayer as they continue on this special part of their faith journey!