In the first 300 years of Christianity, the early church grew exponentially. During these centuries, many Christians were in hiding for fear of persecution and even death. They did not speak openly about their faith. So, how did people come to trust Jesus?

The evidence we have points to one thing: a compelling witness. Christians lived differently. Curious folks wanted to know more because the early Christians were marked by compassion for the most vulnerable, a commitment to nonviolence, and faithfulness in their relationships. To put it succinctly, they were known by their love.

It took time, mentoring, teaching and prayer to form inquiring folks into professing Christians who could carry this witness, even amidst challenges. They had to sacrifice for each other, be generous of spirit, and protect peace and unity among themselves. In our stewardship campaign this year, we are learning about the early Christian witness to illuminate our own witness. What are the practices that shape us into Jesus followers? Last week, I named two: a life of deepening prayer and increasing financial generosity.

This Sunday, I’ll invite you to put your commitment card in the offering plate – let us know your financial commitment next year. Financial generosity is a mark of a faithful life. Let us pray for our congregation this weekend as we consider God’s call to deepen our compelling witness.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Charla

The Youth’s Annual Thanks-for-Giving Meal and Dessert Auction is Sunday, November 17th, in the Family Life Center multi-purpose room.  A traditional Thanksgiving meal is prepared and served by the youth at 11:15am and again at 12:15pm, including a Dessert Auction during each seating. The meal is free of charge, but donations are accepted. Donations and auction proceeds help fund our youth ministries for the entire year! This includes mission trips, activities, Bible study materials, and much more. This is the only fundraiser the youth have each year, and it is also their way of saying, “Thanks, FUMC, for giving!”  To RSVP for the meal, and/or sign up to bring a dessert to auction, CLICK HERE. 

Momentum Youth will be sending Christmas cards to college students again this year! If you have a student you’d like to include, send their name and mailing address to Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org or (405) 762-9551, by December 1st. Cards will be mailed on December 3rd wishing them a Merry Christmas and letting them know we are thinking of them during finals!

Our Momentum Youth went to Lost Creek UMC last Sunday where they joined up with youth from several local United Methodist congregations. Lost Creek hosted the evening of worship, supper and a service project before treating everyone to an ice cream bar. The youth put together hygiene kits that will be delivered to Stillwater’s Mission of Hope. What a great example of our UMC tradition of being connectional.

The United Women in Faith recently received the Heart of the Community Award from the Payne County Children Services. The award was for the continued financial support given for services to children.

Each year we gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus by recreating the manger scene for the Stillwater community as an immersive experience.  This year, our event will take place December 21st, from 5:30-7pm, in the Labyrinth area.

We are also looking for specific contributions to help this year:
Do you have tame 'manger' animals that can add to the atmosphere?
Feel comfortable portraying a King or shepherd?
Know a baby Jesus with a Mary and Joseph?

Costumes and guidance are provided.
Please contact Irene Upson at iupson@fumcstw.org if you're interested or have questions.

Join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens on November 24th, at 6:30pm, in the Sanctuary.  On this night, our church family gathers to prepare the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Led by Momentum Youth, it’s an evening of beautiful music, scripture, and readings that explain the significance of each decoration put in place. At the end of the service, everyone will have a chance to place an ornament on the Sanctuary’s Chrismon Tree!

Bishop Medardo of the Methodist Church in Bolivia has invited us to come in May of 2025 to share in the fellowship of our South American brothers and sisters! This mission team will again be a combination of medical, construction, and children’s ministries. We can schedule dates for after our schools are dismissed for the summer, which would possibly allow for more younger people to be available including students and teachers.

Our partnership with Bolivia goes back 40 years, and those of us who have participated can testify to the good that has been accomplished. Many Bolivian lives have been improved and many Oklahoma lives have been significantly changed. Service to our God through these mission teams has greatly furthered the Kingdom.

So please, prayerfully consider your support of a 2025 Mission Team representing Stillwater First UMC. No special skills are necessary as there is always a job for everyone. We are recruiting team members now, but you do not need to commit at this time. For more information contact Doug Valley at doug.dvllc@gmail.com

Supplies for this year’s Operation Christmas Child are located in the Tower Room and Parlor. They will also be available on Sunday mornings in the Family Life Center hallway.  Please pick up a box or boxes, fill with items suggested in the pamphlet and drop off at Eagle Heights Church.  Dropoff will begin on Monday, November 18, and continue through Monday, November 25.  Dates and times are on the front of the pamphlet. Also consider making a donation of $10 for each box to cover shipping, see the pamphlet for details. Thank you and Merry Christmas!