We are excited to announce that Darla Ferguson joined our family of faith this past Sunday! Next time you see Darla, be sure to give her a warm First UMC welcome!

The memorial service for long-time First UMC member, Dick Overholt, will be on Good Friday, April 18, at 2pm in the Sanctuary. We pray for God's joy and peace for his family and friends during this time.

Above, you’ll see the certificate of appreciation we received from Bishop Laura Merrill this week for our financial support toward Annual Conference ministries. It means a lot to me when I get this certificate in the mail each year. I give thanks for the connectional strength of the United Methodist Church and all the good work we accomplish for Christ when we do it together.

Best definition I’ve ever heard for apportionments — “a portion meant for others.” We are asked to give back 10% of our revenue to support the work of the Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church around the world. Yes, those dollars pay salaries and keep the lights on at the Conference Office; but, they also mean I received a phone call the day after the wildfires assuring me that a check was in the mail to help us help those most affected.

Our unique identity as United Methodists is expressed most tangibly through apportionments and appointments. This spring, we’ve seen the impact of both as we support the recovery efforts after the fires and as we prepare to receive a new associate pastor.

On that note, I have an updated invitation to share. We will have a come-n-go gathering for Rev. Cindy Robertson Riedel on her final day with us, Sunday, June 15, 3:30-5:00pm, in the Social Hall. Presentation of gifts will be at 3:50pm. Please plan to join us and thank Pastor Cindy for her 6 years of loving and serving our congregation.

Looking forward to Holy Week with you,
Pastor Charla

This Sunday, April 13, we will be hosting our quarterly blood drive in the Family Life Center from 8:30am-12:30pm. To sign up, please CLICK HERE

Total raised so far: $8,754.85

Throughout the season of Lent, we are raising funds for Rise Against Hunger, along with our sister UMC congregations: Eden Chapel, Highland Park, Lost Creek, Perkins First. During the season of Lent, it is traditional for Christians to make a sacrifice...maybe that favorite cup of coffee, Sonic drink, entertainment outing, one meal a week, etc. The money saved can be donated to the Rise Against Hunger Lenten project. Our community goal is to raise $10,000 by Easter Sunday. These funds will then be used for a meal packaging event in May. We aim to package over 24,000 meals that will be sent around the world where food is scarce.

Reed Bonge is our new bass section choral intern. He is a freshman at Oklahoma State University, majoring in theatre with a minor in psychology. He has been in various choirs since he was in the fifth grade and is grateful to add the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir to his list!

Would you like a care package sent to your college student in time for finals week?  The Youth want to let them know they are being thought of and prayed for during the most stressful week of their year!  Register your college student by Saturday, April 19th, by clicking HERE.  An option to receive only a card, is also available.  

If you have questions, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org

Come one, come all for this community-wide celebration on April 19th, from 10am-12pm! This year we will have inflatable games, face painting, kona ice and popcorn, and of course tons of fun! If anyone would like to be the Easter Bunny or assist with face painting, please contact Irene at iupson@fumcstw.org

REGISTER NOW! $20 Early bird discount is through April 15.
 
CHILDREN
June 16-18:  Growin' In Grace, EGNG1  (for kids entering 3-5th grade in Fall ’25)
@Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK  

June 16-20: 5th and 6th Grade Camp, EGNX1 (for kids entering 5th & 6th grade in Fall ’25)
@Camp Egan, Tahlequah, OK  
 
YOUTH
June 16-20:  Crosspoint Youth Camp, XPH1  (for youth currently in 6 – 12th grade)
@ Cross Point on Lake Texoma, Kingston, OK  

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

You may purchase an Easter Lily in honor or in memory of a loved one. The cost per lily is $20.00.  All forms need to be turned in no later than Sunday, April 13th.