Thank you to everyone who volunteered this past Sunday as we gathered together to finish our Lenten mission with Rise Against Hunger. Our church, along with the congregations of Lost Creek, Highland Park, and Eden Chapel, raised over $17,000 and packed over 32,000 meals! This was an amazing experience for all involved. The meals we packed together will further the work of ensuring no person goes hungry.

The Scholastic Book Fair ends this Sunday, May 10! We’ve restocked, so if you didn’t find what you were looking for last week, please do try again! If you can’t make it in person, you’re also welcome to use our link to shop by CLICKING HERE!

Through the end of April 2026, Stillwater First remains on solid financial footing. Total income year-to-date is $584,038, which is about $64,406 ahead of budget, thanks largely to strong overall giving. Total expenses year-to-date are $500,370, which is $45,493 under budget, as many ministry, administrative, and personnel costs are staying at or below planned levels for this point in the year.

During April, expenses were $129,498, while income was $138,593, resulting in a good financial month. Year to date, the church is ahead income to expenses in the amount of $83,667, reflecting careful spending and faithful generosity. Church leadership will continue monitoring financials while celebrating this encouraging financial position as we move forward. Your gifts are making a difference. Thank you!

- Pastor Charla

Our regularly scheduled Church Council meeting will also convene as a Charge Conference on May 21 at 5:30pm in the Social Hall. The item of business before the Charge Conference is consideration of a raise in the pastoral salaries for Pastor Charla and Pastor Corey. Our district superintendent, Rev. Valerie Steele, will preside over this item of business before the Charge Conference.

The Church Council will address all other business under the direction of our chair, Kathy Heil. There are several items before the Council this month: approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, consideration of online church directory, Foundation grant requests and signatures on a covenant for welcome and inclusion requested by our Annual Conference.

All are welcome to attend and participate with us. Voting is limited to members of our Church Council.

Sunday, May 17, is "Senior Sunday" when we will honor 18 of our high school seniors!  These soon-to-be graduates will help lead worship, deliver the message, and receive their Bibles as we recognize this important milestone! You are invited to a reception in their honor starting at 9:30am, upstairs FLC!

If you are considering joining our Vacation Bible School volunteer team, NOW is the time to sign up. Use the link below to register. All volunteers must be registered by May 17 to ensure that all safety training and background checks are completed before the main event. This event truly depends on our volunteers—we need you, and it wouldn’t be possible without your support! We want you to join us, but ask for your understanding that we can’t plug you in at the last minute due to the time required to follow proper safety guidelines.

CLICK HERE to sign-up!

Now on display on the second floor of the Early Childhood Center and in the north end of the social hall, our special art exhibit showcases the creativity and hard work of our young artists. The children have put so much effort into creating their beautiful artwork, and we're excited to share it with you. Come take a look and celebrate their imagination and talent!

Last week, the Lincoln Academy Luncheon was held to celebrate graduating students and their families. During the event, the Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Masons presented special awards in recognition of the students’ achievements. Members of UWF also took cap-and-gown photos of each graduate, which were framed and presented to them as a keepsake to commemorate this important milestone.

The UWF Women’s Bible Study will begin on June 2nd and all women are invited to participate. This will be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and growing together in faith. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Velda Lorenz at (405) 269-8287.

Pastor Corey is looking to launch a NEW young adult group, tailored for our young professionals! If you are under 35 years old and do not consider college as your full-time focus, this just might be the group for you. Please CLICK HERE to fill out a few brief questions and help us form this new community! 

Join us at Camp Egan for two exciting opportunities this summer. 5th and 6th Grade Camp will take place June 15–19, 2026, and Growin’ in Grace 1 (those entering 3rd- 5th grade) will be held June 15–17, 2026. The last day to register for both camps is May 31, 2026. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact Irene at iupson@fumcstw.org. To register CLICK HERE

Have you ever wanted to learn to read music, improve your singing, or pick up a new instrument? As your Director of Worship and Music, I am excited to offer free, 30-minute private music lessons exclusively for adults in our church family!

Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to build on existing skills, you can benefit from tailored, one-on-one instruction. As an experienced choral conductor and university instructor, I am thrilled to share my passion for music with our community.

Areas of Instruction Include:
Private Voice Lessons, Beginner Piano, Beginner Guitar, Music Theory Fundamentals, Beginning Conducting, Handbell Techniques, How to Read Music

Lessons are limited to adults (18 yrs or older) at this time. I have two days available for lessons: Thursdays (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) & Sundays (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM.) Length of lesson: 30 minutes. Space is limited! I am currently only taking 3 to 4 students per week, and all lessons must be scheduled in advance. If you are interested in claiming one of these weekly spots, please reach out to me, Keegan Rose, at krose@fumcstw.org or by phone at (405)-246-8419 to schedule your time. I hope to see you for a lesson soon.