New Hope Uni t ed Metho d i s t Church 1 1 600 N. C ounc i l Road , Ok la hom a C i ty , OK 7 3162 405 -721-5 015 newhopeok c .org

March 10

Daylight

Savings!

Change

your

clocks.

Spring

Forward!

will be performed at New Hope again on Thursday, April 18. This is a living dramatization recreating Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, “The Last Supper”.

Sermons and Scriptures

Series: Steps to Discipleship

March 3 “A Divine Encounter” Luke 9: 28 - 36

March 10 - first Sunday of Lent “We Must Search for God’s Will and Way” Jeremiah 29: 11; Psalm 119: 105; Matthew 6: 33-34

March 17 - “ We Must Become Aware of God” Genesis 28: 10 - 22

March 24 - “We Must Practice Our Faith” Luke 5: 27 - 32

March 31 - “We Must Decide to Follow Jesus” Luke 9: 23 - 27

April 7 - “We Must Mature in the Faith” Philippians 1: 3 - 11

Lenten Study

Wednesdays at 6:30

led by Rev. Cali Eck

Stitchers invite you to join them on Saturday, March 16 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Bring any project you want to work on and stay as long as you like. A sheet is on the counter.

NEW HOPE NEWS March, 2019

Please WELCOME new members

Gene Hoffman Daniel and Cecelia Peed

Seth, Sunne & Harper Day Heaven Brady

Forty Day Challenge Issued by David Darter!

Wednesday, March 6 was the first day of Lent. We have a challenge for you!

Each day of Lent, remove one item from your closet that you no longer wear or need and put it in a trash bag.

At the end of the forty days, donate these items that can share them with someone who can really use them.

We will be taking the “Challenge” items to Second Saturday homeless outreach. Thank you!

The Living Last Supper will be performed by some New Hope men at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.

The week of March 17 is Spring Break. CDO will not meet and there are no even-

ing classes. Check with your group if you’re in doubt as to whether they meet.

March 3 Communion Offering went to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. UMCOR will be responding to the needs of people who are suffering from devastating storms. Pray for Alabama and join us as we continue to receive funds so UMCOR can respond to disasters.

Attendance

February

3rd - 317 10th - 315 17th - 305 24th - 316

March 3 - 185

Lenten Study

Wednesdays at 6:30

led by Rev. Cali Eck

Please help yourself to other materials for Lent from the welcome desk: “Practicing Love - Family Devotions for Lent”’

“Hope-Full Living” - daily devotionals for the individual

and a calendar sheet with daily scripture readings and reflections.

I recently completed my first assignment in the work the church staff is doing with The Unstuck Group. I received this e-mail request from Unstuck:

“Hi J.D.! As we start our journey with you and your church, our first priority is to get perspective on where you are today. The "discovery phase" helps us do just that.

As one part of this process, we like to ask the senior leader to take the Leading From Your Strengths Assessment. This is our favorite personality survey as it focuses on the God-given strengths of an individual. It will help us get to know your personality and communication preferences better, which we hope will help us serve you as best as possible over the coming months!

Later in the process you will have 7 additional codes for other team members to take the assessment as part of the Staffing & Structure Review. Your results will be included in the team assessment at that time.”

A number of United Methodist Churches are currently receiving coaching and training from various church helpers. Tony Morgan is founder and lead strategist of The Unstuck Group, which helps churches get unstuck through consulting and coaching experiences designed to focus vision, strategy, and action. Unstuck has worked with Chapel Hill UMC in OKC, First United Methodist Church in Tulsa, and Saint Andrews UMC in OKC, as well as churches of various backgrounds all over the country.

Mark Meyer will serve as a ministry coach for Cali and me this year. Mark has been part of Granger Community Church for 23 years leading various teams and currently is the leader for the Development Team. Previously, he served as the Chief Operations Officer for a technology/ consulting firm in South Bend, Indiana. He facilitates strategy for various organizations, believes the Church and businesses can learn a lot from each other, and thrives on maximizing team performance and culture. By the way, Granger Community Church has five weekend services with approximately 4,000 attendees, making it the ninth-largest United Methodist church in the United States.

The decision to do this came from my work on the Renovated Faith Community Team. I have worked on this team to encourage area churches to find new vitality and experience growth. My guess is that I was asked to serve on this team because New Hope has experienced numerical growth during the ten years I have served as pastor. We are one of the “success stories” of The Oklahoma Conference.

However, I have discovered that growth is challenging and a bit exhausting. If I am going to continue to be effective in ministry, I need help from the Lord and from those who can evaluate my effectiveness in ministry and the spiritual health of the church. Here is the current schedule we have with Unstuck:

Online Health Survey: March Health Assessment & Planning Retreat: May 4 - 5th Staffing & Structure: June 17 Action Checkpoint: August 15th

The Health Assessment and Planning Retreat on May 4 and 5th will be very important. We are looking for some church lay leaders who are interested in being a part of the retreat. Please let us know if you are interested and pray for us as we seek to be more effective in serving the Lord!

Rev. Dr. JD Ward, Senior Pastor

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Please pray for those in our congregation

March Service Project ! Everyone is invited to donate!

The children will be putting together Hygiene Kits on UMCOR Sunday, March 31st. Here is the list of items needed for each kit. Please note the exclusions listed by some items:

· One hand towel (15 x 25 –17 x 27 inches) - No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels

· One washcloth - No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels

· One comb - Must be sturdy with at least 6 inches of teeth - No pocket combs or picks Rattail and combs without handles are acceptable but must have at least 6 inches of teeth

· One toenail or fingernail clipper - No emery boards or metal nail files · Bath-size soap (3 oz. bar or larger) - No Ivory or Jergen’s soap - Do not remove from packaging

· One adult toothbrush - Do not remove from packaging -- brushes with personal advertising are not acceptable

· 10 adhesive bandages (¾ by 3 inches) - Common household bandages acceptable

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Food Pantry

Thank you for all your generous donations! The pantry is open the

second and fourth Tuesdays from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. We serve our church family and those in need in zip codes 73132, 73142 and 73162.

Acolytes: 1st Service 2nd Service

* bearing the Cross

Sunday 1 Jacob Miller Camden Wetzel Kamden Goff Christian Plender

Sunday 2 Landon Aita Maggie Rogers Jackson Koeneke-Moore Brooklyn Eck * Brian Johnson *

Sunday 3 Kamden Goff Brooklyn Eck Cole Wigley Lauren Hawkins Carly Smarra * Jacob Miller *

Sunday 4 Jacob Williams Camden Wetzel Christian Plender Laura Langert * Brooklyn Eck *

Sunday 5 Abigail Williams Owen Attebery Landon Aita* Jacob Miller Laura Langert *

Pastoral Partners by Donna Reynolds

New Hope's Pastoral Partners Ministry wel-comed seven new members at a training class in late January. They are: Elaine Boyd, Paul and Ann Detwiler, Patti Miller, Max and Frances Murrell, and Jan Voss.

They are joining the present members: Dave and Donna Reynolds, Steve Clark, Greg Wells, Deloris Freeland, Julie Guilford, Paul Stillwell, Samantha Norton, and Pastor JD and Karrie Ward.

What a blessing they all will be to this loving and caring ministry. Please welcome them when you see them.

This ministry visits our members in the hospital, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and at home as well as sending cards and making phone calls.

New Hope has a large number of people that are fighting severe illnesses and a very large number living alone that need regular attention.

If you are a very good listener and very patient and caring, you might be interested in finding out about this ministry.

Please let any of the members know and you will be contacted.

Thank You!

by Nellyne Hanlin

Last year you donated

f ifty-eight pair of glasses with cases; eleven other pair

of glasses; ten pair of sunglasses; four pair of reading glasses and

forty-eight cases, including thirty -one beautiful handmade ones!

These are very much appreciated by the cl ients of Skyline Urban Ministries. There

is a desk near the nursery where you may drop off future donat ions.

Considering going on the trip to the Holy Land in

2020? The dates are June 13 - 25. Pick up a brochure from the desk near front

door or contact Chris Porter at

cporter299@gmail.com

Here is the link to the tour page where you can find more

information and register for the trip.

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20061320n58861….

Young at Heart will take their first

trip of 2019 on March 28. They leave at 10:45 to go to Pepper’s

Ranch in Guthrie. Lunch will be

catered there. $5 for gasoline and then the cost for lunch. There’s a sign-up sheet on

the counter.

Cali’s Corner

We are entering the season of Lent. The 40 days that we think more deliberately about our relation-ship with Christ and the sacrifice made for us and our sinfulness. In a world filled with hate and hope-lessness I am so glad that we have Hope! We have hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. I love the song by Stuart Townend, In Christ Alone, in it we are reminded that our hope and assurance is in Christ, the firm foundation. Its lyrics focus on the death and resurrection of Christ as strength for living in this world today is powerful. Here are verses for you to ponder:

In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand 'Til He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I stand

In this season of Lent, I have found that the more I focus on Christ the more hopeful I become. It is both eye-opening and heart healing. This is my prayer for you. I pray we will search to find the heart of God. I pray you practice going deeper with discipleship. May your journey through Lent give you opportunity to practice love and share the hope of Christ with those you rub shoulders with every day.

We will begin our Lenten Study “24 Hours that changed the World”, by Adam Hamilton March 13th. Be sure you pick up a Lenten Calendar or devotional to journey together through this Season.

Blessings, Pastor Cali

Notes from Kevin

If there is a season in the church year I love more than Advent, it is the season of Lent. You may notice that during this season we refrain from

singing “alleluia” in worship (this is referred to as “burying the alleluia” in many liturgical traditions). The season of Advent is a season of growing anticipation that allows me to burst with joy as we welcome Christ each year with the singing of Christmas carols as Advent ends and Christmastide begins. Likewise, burying the alleluia as we worship through Lent allows me to understand the gift of the crucified and risen Christ in a deeper way each year when we reach the season of Easter and sing it once again.

The music we sing and liturgies we encounter remind us of our mortality and of the struggles of this world, and they remind us of the difficulties Jesus endured during his ministry on earth – but I do not believe these reminders should lower our spirits. I love the chance to explore the themes of the Lenten season and embrace the opportunity to reexamine where I am in my own walk of faith. For me, these forty days are not just a time to discover that I have human insufficiencies (they make themselves apparent to me all year). The season of Lent is a time for me to realize the incredible miracle of resurrection and to find new ways to allow the resurrection to change our world.

I’m sure many of you will notice that we have replaced the Gloria Patri (“Glory be to the Father…”) for this season with the third stanza of “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”:

What language can I borrow

to thank Thee, dearest Friend,

for this, Thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever!

And should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never,

Outlive my love for Thee. concluded on next page

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Kevin’s notes continued:

For me, these are some of the most powerful words in all hymnody. They remind me of the incredible sacrifice God made on the cross and of the endless and boundless love God has for me. They remind me that there is nothing I can say or do to make myself deserving of that sacrifice – that only God’s grace redeems me – and that there are no human words or actions that can adequately express my thanks. And they also call me beyond those feelings to respond to God’s love with the words and actions to which God’s love calls me. I recall the words of Jesus in the twenty-fifth chap-ter of Matthew, where the king tells the ‘sheep’ and the ‘goats’ that “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40) and, conversely, that “just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me” (Matthew 25:45).

When we celebrate Communion with the Great Thanksgiving at New Hope, we pray a prayer of corporate confession:

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray.

As I look at the world around me, my heart breaks for the multitude of people who are not aware God’s radical and transformational love – and I acknowledge that is because of the failure of the church universal, my failure, to allow God’s love and grace to shine through the way I encounter others. We have not loved God with our whole heart – I know this because we have not loved all of God’s children with our whole heart. We have not been an obedient church. We have not done God’s will, we have broken God’s law, we have rebelled against God’s love, we have not loved our neighbors as fully as God has called us to love, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. And we need God’s forgiveness. But through each season of Lenten reflection and penitence we seek the joy that comes when we yoke ourselves to one another and seek to do the work to which God calls us, a desire expressed in the final two lines of that prayer:

Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I hope as we sing together this Lent we find two responses to God’s love in our prayers and declarations through music – that we must seek reconciliation with one another and with the world for those times we have caused pain, and that we must not only work to avoid the pitfalls of sin, but reach out to one another and the world in love. Because as we realize more and more fully the meaning of the gift of resurrection, we are called deeper into lives as disciples of Jesus, the One who called us to view our entire existence through the lens of two commandments when he said “‘[you] shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:36-39, New Revised Standard Version).

On Palm Sunday, our service will conclude with these words:

…love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

How will this season of Lent lead us to an Easter where we have a greater understanding of what God has given us and where we, in the only appropriate response to that realization, dedicate ourselves with even more conviction to the work of sharing God’s love and grace with a world that yearns so deeply? Kevin Wilkinson

Lilies may be ordered to decorate the

Sanctuary on Easter. They are $15 each.

Yellow slips will be in chair backs. Please

print clearly any names and circle if it’s in honor

or in memory of the person! Thank you!

April Holy Week Events

Sunday, April 14 - Palm Sunday

Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. Living Last Supper performed

April 19 at 7:00 - Good Friday Service

Saturday, April 20 - 10:30 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

2:00 p.m. - Beeping Egg Hunt for visually handicapped or disabled children and their siblings.

Sunday, April 21 - Easter Services at 9:45 and 11:00

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UMW by Elaine Pierce

The New Hope UMW met for its regular meeting on Thursday evening, Feb. 21, at 6:30 for a very informative and captivating talk by Kristin Harlin, who is the Executive Direc-tor of CJAMM (Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries). She presented some very sober-ing facts about the need for prison reform legislation in Oklahoma. It seems that Okla-homa leads the nation in incarcerations, some of which are merely misdemeanors in other states, but in Oklahoma are federal offenses. She has been in this position for 3

three years and feels that this is her calling. Her dedication to this work is evident! One of the ministries under this umbrella of service is the New Day Camp, which provides children with incarcerated parents a one-week time to just be a kid and feel that they are not alone, they are loved, and that God loves them, no matter what! Expenses for a camper is $250. Funding comes from churches organizations and dona-tions from individuals. New Day Camp is one of the UMW budgeted amounts, and this was presented to Kristin Harlin at the conclusion of her program.

It was our pleasure to host the Winter Workshop District Meeting at New Hope on Saturday, Feb. 16th with approximately 60 women in attendance. We provided a delicious (and plentiful) brunch at 8:30 and then met in the sanctuary for a welcome from our president Lacricia Norman and welcoming words from our pastor JD. The speaker was Stacey Ninness, who is the director of NSO (Neighborhood Services Organization). She talked about being bold in action to carry out one's agenda of service. This carried out the theme for 2019 of our Conference UMW, which is "The Power of Bold: Faith, Hope, Love in Ac-tion." She was a powerhouse speaker! We heard many comments about how beautiful our church is and that the attendees enjoyed being here!

A big event coming soon is a celebration of the 150th birthday of the global United Methodist Women. It was started in 1869 and will celebrate 150 years on March 23rd. We will be providing a cake for all members of the church to enjoy during the passing time on Sunday, March 24th. Elaine Parrent will present a special program celebrating this birthday during our March meeting. Ladies of New Hope, feel free to join us anytime!

Hearts of Hope by Norene Valentour

The group wishes to extend a special Thank You for supporting their December Bake Sale! In the January meeting, Hearts of Hope reviewed and set forth the 2019 Agenda

February 10th Random Acts of Kindness / February 17th New Hope Congregational Thank You / April 20th Beeping Easter Egg Hunt / August 17th Coping with Vision Loss

February and March meetings centered around The Beeping Egg Hunt for the Blind and Disabled which also welcomes these children’s young siblings. It’s a time for families enjoyment of the Easter festivities, The Story of God’s gift of His son, Jesus. Easter bunny, face painting and balloon animals gifts. Time dedicated to special children and their special families.

Coping with Vision Loss, the blind and vision impaired were pleased to have an opportunities to learn of available services. The manuals distribut-ed by Heartland Council of the Blind filled with countless “Help Tips”. Each person chose an interest group, 4 sessions - 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. As the sessions were closing, the participants expres-sions reflected the time and quality of the Heartland’s presentation for this day was well received and enjoyed. Hearts of Hope appreciates the oppor-tunity to work with the Heartland Council of the Blind and New Hope’s availing facilities. Thanks for All your support New Hope

May 2019 will also be a time of service and Outreach.

Other Hearts of Hope Activities throughout the year: Will Rogers School Supply Drive ------ Crayon Initiative - (Collection of Broken Crayons for melting and reforming into triangular crayons for approved children’s hospitals around US. ----- Pillow Cases for Victims of Domestic Abuse Shelter - (Hearts of Hope & Stitchers) ----- Teen Quilts for OU Children’s Hospital - (Hearts of Hope & Stitchers)

Other Groups

Men of Hope have a breakfast meeting at 8:15 the third Sunday of each month. All men and their sons are invited.

Ruth Circle meets at 6:30 the second Tuesday of each month.

Mary Martha Circle meets the second Thursday morning at 9:30.

Al-Anon and AA meet every Thursday morning at 10:00.

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Happy Anniversary!

Dan & Doris Korner Troy & Moira Harrison Justin & Haley Smith Jim & Sandi Morgan

Don & Sheri Wetekam Roland & Jennifer EchoHawk

Jim & Jo Martin Dustin & Sarah Rowland John & Donna Wakefield Cameron & Christi Wetzel

Katherine Morgan Curtis Paul Bill Bond

Rylee Goff Pamela Morgan

Mary Seay Elise Dean Vicki Hanlin Rick Howell

Luis Aita Paul Detwiler Jerry Tippett Jackson Peed

Norman Foster Carly Smarra Trina Geer

Thomas Hoffman Cody Johnson Gracie Grant

Melvin Lawson Amy Scott

Midweek Meals

March 6 - chicken March 13 - lasagna, salad March 20 - spring break - no meal March 27 - potato bar April 3 - Swiss steak Ham Dinner March

10 at Noon Prepared by Mary

Martha Circle.

Time’s Nearing!!! We have two Easter Egg Hunts on April 20.

Individually-wrapped candies & plastic eggs are being collected for the 10:30 a.m. hunt. The ladies of Ruth Circle will pre-pare the plastic eggs to be hidden that morning but it would be nice if they had a head start during this

busy spring! AND the Beeping Egg Hunt for children with visual or other disabilities will be that afternoon. This is sponsored by Hearts of Hope. They would also welcome donations or help that day! Watch the gathering area for tables and tubs for donations!

Stitchers sponsor their

first Saturday Sew Day on March 16. They hope to have these monthly! They will be here from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You’re welcome to bring your

lunch and stay all day or just come for a while.

Bring any project you have at home (where you can seldom find time to sit down and work!) or come see what project they may have where you can assist! Contact Nancy Beale if you have questions.

New Hope has had to say good-bye to several members recently. Our sympathies and love are with the families and friends of Carolyn Collier, Porter Mitchell and Grover Palfrey.

Congratulations to our newly-baptized:

Charlotte Marie Hepner Daniel John Rowland Heaven Lee Brady

Greg Wells

would like you to know that he is now a notary. Greg is in the church office on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 until 3.

There is no charge to members of the congregation. A $5 donation is requested from non-members.

Frances Murrell Evan Aita

Kim Castner Kayla Howell Ryan Rogers

Barbara Shideler Gene Hoffman Daniel Peed

James Anderson Cole Wigley

Terry Hepner Robert Lakin

Donna Reynolds Lisa Brimacombe Marissa Edstedt Michael Miller Steve Barnett Helen Johnson Nancy Hanneld

Donette Johnson

John Hannah Staceee Hoye Douglas

Caleb Leonard Derrick Nelson

Patti Miller Kristine Morgan

Teddy Reid Marcia Coffman

Mitch Davis

Please also keep in prayer those of our congregation who have lost loved ones who did not attend New Hope.

Those families dealing with serious illness also need your healing prayers.

to the many who

have offered prayers and

condolences as well as sending gifts, beautiful cards and

thoughtful notes after the recent loss of my mother.

The past six months have been difficult and I appreciate all

your love and support. Kaye Merriam

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Greetings from the Children’s Department Happy March! Spring is just around the corner…hopefully! This month the children of New Hope will be very busy. Spring Break week of fun and service 2019! Join us as we spend a fun spring break week together. Each day will be devoted to both fun and service to our community. Here is our schedule for the week. Keep in mind that times are flexible and depending on reservations, things could change. I will keep everyone in the loop on that! Monday - Volunteer at Skyline Urban Ministries and trip to the Movies! We will leave the church at 8:30! Tuesday - Trip to the Zoo! (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Thursday - Cook, serve and clean up Strengthening Families Meal! (2- 6 p.m.) The children are continuing rehearsals for our spring musical! This will be performed as an act of worship, during both services on Sunday, April 28th. Our musi-cal is “The Tale of the Three Trees.” Rehearsals for this will be every Sunday night, during regular class time. Remember to practice, practice, practice! The Easter Egg Hunt is right around the corner! We begin collecting large size plastic eggs, candy and small toys on Sunday, March 17th! We need everything to the church BY April 14th! Anything you can bring to help with this community outreach event will be helpful! The Egg Hunt will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th! Note: we will NOT have regular evening classes on Sunday, March 17th or Wednesday, March 20th. Anchor Point (AP): Observing Lent with your Family! March 3- The Stories of the Lost - Luke 15: 3 - 10 March 10- The Forgiving Father - Luke 15: 11 - 32 March 17- The Two Debtors - Luke 7: 41 - 43 March 24- The Last Supper - Matthew 26: 17 - 30 March 31- In the Garden - Matthew 26: 31 - 58 As always, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know! Blessings, Luisa Medina luisa@newhopeokc.org

New Hope’s Little Blessings by Amy Aita

March is here and hopefully winter is on its way out! This month in preschool ministry the children will be learning about Jesus and the Children. The Bible stories, songs, and crafts center around Matthew 19: 13 -15. We have had a few visitors lately and we always welcome new faces!

CDO has a busy month planned out! The letters taught this month are: W, X, and Y. The themes for the month are: weather, x marks the spot/pirates, and yellow/yarn. March 14th the kids will dress up like pirates and on March 28th they will dress in yellow to go along with our themes. March 13th Staceee Douglas, one of our Staff Parish nurses, will come and do a hand-washing demonstration with our kids.

We will be closed the week of March 17th due to Spring Break.

Beginning March 5th, CDO enrollment for the summer and fall opens to the communi-ty. Most spots are filled for the summer and fall so please let us know ASAP if you would like to enroll your child or you know someone who would be interested in our program and we can see what is still available.

We do welcome elementary-aged kids in the summer so please let us know if you

March Service Project ! The children will be putting together Hygiene Kits on UMCOR Sunday, March 31st. Here is the list of items needed for each kit. Please note the exclusions listed by some items: · One hand towel (15 x 25 –17 x 27 inches) - No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels · One washcloth - No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels · One comb - Must be sturdy with at least 6 inches of teeth - No pocket combs or picks Rattail and combs without handles are accept-able but must have at least 6 inches of teeth · One toenail or fingernail clipper - No emery boards or metal nail files · Bath-size soap (3 oz. bar or larger) - No Ivory or Jergen’s soap - Do not remove from packaging · One adult toothbrush - Do not remove from packaging -- brushes with personal advertising not acceptable · 10 adhesive bandages (¾ by 3 inches) - Common household bandages acceptable · One one-gallon size re-sealable bag

Nursery Volunteers 9:45 11:00

Sunday 1 Anna Langert Robin Paul Sunday 2 Carly Smarra Peggy Morgan Sunday 3 Ryan Rogers Leslie Heathman Sunday 4 Paige Jones Julie Gosdin Sunday 5 Jonathan Eck Keely Ellsworth

February United Methodist Women by Elaine Pierce

Happy New Year to all: may this year be the best ever for you, for our church, and for our country! Greetings from your New Hope UMW. We had our first meeting of this new year on January 17th at 6:30 with 14 members and one guest -Rose Marie Moore-in attendance, along with member pastor JD. We're always happy when he can attend!

We are starting off this year with exciting things happening already. On February 16 at 8:30 in the morning, we host the Crossroads District Meeting called the Winter Workshop. We will serve a brunch of breakfast casserole, as-sorted breads and pastries, and fruits to an ex-pected 60 ladies from across the district. JD will then welcome the group at 9:00 in the sanctu-ary, as well as President Lacricia Norman wel-coming them. We are excited to showcase our beautiful church, which is our first time to host this event. The speaker for the morning is Stacey Ninness, who is head of NSO (Neighborhood Services Organization), one of the local missions that our UMW supports with part of our pledge contributions.

Then in March we will have a birthday party for the global UMW, which is celebrating its 150 year anniversary. Elaine Parrent will present that program. Maybe we will even have a cake? More about that next month!

The budget for 2019 was approved at $3100. Our extra giving at the end of 2018 was $1400, which a part of was money we made from the bazaar luncheon and jewelry sale. All of the money we receive during the year goes to sup-port our local missions, with only a small portion kept for local expenses.

Thanks to Lacricia Norman for putting together our new membership booklets, as well as Debbie McGlohon for an inspiring pledge service. Our February speaker will be Kristin Harlin, who is the Executive Director of CJAMM.

We extend an open invitation to all ladies of New Hope and friends to come join us. You do not have to be a member of New Hope.

February Mary Martha Circle by Donna Reynolds

Mary Martha Circle at New Hope met the second Thurs-day of January. I'd like to share the devotional that a member of the Circle shared with us.

“Happy New Year! Many people generally look at the New Year as a fresh beginning, as an opportunity to kind of start over - to do a better job of something that they see is important and that needs improvement.

It may be developing different priorities, using our time better or a whole host of things. The New Year IS an opportunity to reflect and think about the past year and what the New Year could be like. It is a time to stop and analyze our priorities, values, pursuits, and goals.

We might ask questions like ‘Who am I? What should I be doing as a Christian with my life and the stewardship God has given me?’ According to the Word of God, all of the life God has given us is a stewardship - a stewardship of our time, talents, treasures, and God's truth. In other words, since God's plan and our stewardship revolve around and through the life of Christ, we need to ask, ‘How well as I responding to the Savior and the spiritual life that He has given me?’ If the Word does not affect our lives, we might as well read a magazine.”

Good words to contemplate.

The Circle invites all ladies to join us on second Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for a light brunch, a meeting and lots of fun and fellowship with Mary Martha members. We discuss ministries that we've just finished and plan the next ministries. We would love to have you.

February Men of Hope by Gregg Miller

The Men of Hope had their first meeting of the year on January 20 and Had a great turn out. The planning for our first Valentines’ dinner was discussed and the they are ready to get cooking.

We encourage all the women to attend as it will be a fun-filled night with entertainment and some great food. Please sign up in the gathering area. If you have trouble driving at night, give us a call and we will have you picked up and taken home. Remember, this is a free event so there is no reason not to attend!

We are starting plans for our Shrove Tuesday pancake fundraiser on March 5 so please mark your calendars and plan to attend. This is one of the few fundraisers that Men of Hope do each year and we would appreciate your support.

The men of Hope meet the third Sunday each month at 8:15. As we continue to grow in our church, we would like to see this group become a major force. ” BOTH the banquet and pancake dinner were huge successes! We look forward to next year’s!

My apologies for there being no February Newsletter. People sent some articles, I just didn’t get it finished. Pages 9 and 10 have February articles and birthdays and anniversaries. Other articles are on earlier pages of this March issue. Kaye

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Rachelle England Pam Goodman Randy Scott Diane Layton Emily Warren Earle Marks Bruce Chaney Larry Morgan Scott Ward

Sara Ethridge Jason Grant Moira Harrison Diane Moore Carola Whittet James Yates Zac Ellsworth Rose Marie Moore

Steve & Nancy Nowlin Bill & Trina Geer Jerry & Marty Crawford Art & Vicki Hanlin Earl & Earline Baker Steve & Rachelle England Jonathan & Julie Poe

Youth offered child care during the Men of Hope Valentine's dinner on Saturday, February 9th. .

SPRING BREAK

EXPERIENCE!

Who: 8th Grade and up

What: Mission Trip

Where: Granbury, TX

When: March 17 - 22,

How much: $200 We will be going on a mission trip with Yukon FUMC for Spring Break! We will work with a community center in Granbury, TX (about an hour SW of Fort Worth) to work on homes for families in an area of need. The church is paying for all the building materials, so your cost will be $200.

PARENTS: We have a Remind app for parents now! The youth already have one for the students; now we have one for the parents as well! If you didn't get the link in a recent e-mail, tell Philip you want instructions. (youthministries@ newhopeokc.org)

Youth Winter Retreat in January was enjoyed by thirteen youth and five adults

Hayden Hasty Matthew Miller Lauren Coffman Julie Guilford Donna Johnson Charles Kietzman Madison Scott Alexandra White Dayna Powell Allyssa Hurt Jeremy Sturniolo Kerwin Crist

Kristin Attebery Robert Goff Elizabeth Hepner Cole Ward Cecelia Peed Lacricia Norman Melba Lovelace Jerry Crawford Shay Johnson Jeremy Hayes Lisa Martinez Tony Smarra Regina Engling Alejandra Johnson Emma Bruce Kirk Castner

February

Anniversaries and Birthdays

Pictured above: Men of Hope Valentine Banquet ….. Shrove Tuesday pancakes ……..Our UMW ladies hosted the Crossroads District Meeting/ Winter Workshop

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Women’s Retreat

2

3 4

10:00 a.m. Prayer Team

5 9-2 CDO

6:00 - 8:00 Shrove Tuesday Pancakes

6 9 - 2 CDO

7:00 Ash Wednesday Service

7 9-2 CDO

9:30 a.m. Hearts of Hope

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2:00 - memorial service for Carolyn Collier

9 9:15 - Second Saturday outreach at Concordia -- 3:00 memorial service for Porter Mitchell Move Clocks forward Tonight

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Noon - Mary Martha ham dinner noon - finance committee 3:00 - Living Last Supper rehearsal

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10:00 a.m. Prayer Team

12 9-2 CDO

1:00-3:00 Pantry Open 6:30 p.m. Ruth Circle

13 9-2 CDO 5:30 - lasagna, salad 6:30 - L:enten Study begins 6:30 - classes: youth, children, adult; choir

14 9-2 CDO

9:30 a.m. Mary Martha Circle 10:00 - Al-Anon and AA

15 2:00 - memorial service for Grover Palfrey

16 Stitchers Sew Day 10 - 4 all welcome

17 8:15 Men of Hope

breakfast

3:00 - Living Last Supper rehearsal Youth leave for mission trip NO Evening events or classes

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10:00 a.m. Prayer Team 1:00 - 3:00 Stitchers

19

CDO off for spring break this week

20

no meal or evening events

21

10:00 - Al-Anon and AA

6:30 - UMW

22

Youth return late evening

23

24 3:00 - Living Last Supper rehearsal

31 3:00 - Living Last Supper rehearsal

25

10:00 a.m. Prayer Team

April 1

26 9-2 CDO

1:00-3:00 Pantry Open

April 2 CDO 9 - 2

27 CDO 9 - 2

5:30 - potato bar 6:30 - Lenten Study, classes; youth, children

April 3 CDO 9 - 2 5:30 - Swiss steak 6:30 classes; youth, children

28 CDO 9 - 2 10:00 Al-Anon and AA 10:45 - Young at Heart leaves for Pepper’s Ranch

April 4 CDO 9 - 2 9:30 - Hearts of Hope 10:00 - Al-Anon & AA

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April 5

30

April 6

March 10 - noon

Refreshments

3rd -New Beginnings and/or AIM

10th - Open Forum / Friends & Believers

17th -Lamplighters and/or JOY

24th- Wesleyan

31st - Seekers and/or Beyond the Box

2019

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