Volume 22 Issue 10 October 2013

The First United Methodist Church

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Friday - closed

CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dan Pulver, Senior Pastor Rev. Matt Thompson, Associate Pastor Laurie Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministry

Larry Clark, Minister of Music Kathy Caudle, Praise & Worship Leader

Jeana Malone, Office Administrator Kim Campbell, Secretary Matt Erickson, Facility Manager

15502 South Memorial Bixby, Oklahoma 74008

THE FLAME is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, 15502 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby, OK 74008. Phone: 918-366-4463 Fax: 918-366-4465 Website: www.fumcbixby.org Church E-mail: fumcbix@olp.net Newsletter: fumcbix@olp.net

The November, issue of THE FLAME will be mailed on October 30. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 23.

SUNDAY SERVICES Praise & Worship 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m.

New Associate Pastor Is Coming! Matt Thompson has been appointed as our new Associate Pastor by Bishop Robert

E. Hayes, Jr. Matt has been serving Ponca City Asbury UMC as the solo pastor for the

last 16 months, helping that congregation move from an average attendance of 35 to a

high attendance of 110. He is new in ministry, still working to accomplish his

undergraduate degree and will need to complete a Master’s Degree in seminary. He

comes to us as a Licensed Local Pastor, which means he has full sacramental rights

within the bounds of Bixby First UMC.

Matt brings with him his wife, Shelly, who will be working as a hair stylist at Gill’s

Barbershop, 71st and Sheridan, while attending classes at TCC to become a Physical

Therapist. Matt and Shelly have three daughters: Aurora, 11; Emily, 8; and Olivia, 6.

They are going to be a wonderful addition to our congregation. We thank Bishop

Hayes and our Superintendent, Dan Peil, for working so hard to bring us the kind of

Associate we need. See a picture of the Thompsons on page 3.

Family Fall Festival

Mark your Calendars Now! This year our Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 from 5:30 -- 8:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come enjoy some food, games, and fun! Our Bible Story room will be featuring Moses.

We hope to see you there!

Page 2 The Flame

ATTENDANCE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday, Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22

8:30 a.m. 61 74 46 64 11:00 a.m. 205 219 204 196

TOTAL 266 293 250 260

Out of the

Lions’ Den...

Several people have asked for a copy of James Fowler’s 6 Stages of Faith Development, which I shared in my sermon on Intentional Faith Development. I thought I might share them with you in this space. Stage 1 – Becoming aware of the power behind the majesty of creation, wondering what God is like, even wondering what God looks like. (Children asking me if I’m God) Stage 2 – Logic begins to affect how we view God. (Dan is definitely NOT God) Stage 3 – Literal Faith, we learn the characters of the Bible and begin to enter the perspective of others, finding ourselves in the stories of the Bible. Stage 4 – Abstract Thought, we begin to make sense of how our life story intersects with the biblical stories, and we create connections. Stage 5 – Some crisis or change in life occurs, and we begin to question, examine, and then reclaim the values and beliefs of our faith. We choose our personal commitments. We discover who we are, having been created in the image of God. Stage 6 – Universalizing Faith, we become grounded in the fullness of God. Wesley referred to this as Christian Perfection, where everything we say and do is because of who and whose we are in Christ. As Paul put it, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” As I said in the sermon on Intentional Faith Development, it is possible to get stuck at each stage of development. The only way to get un-stuck is to become part of a nurturing small group of people who will speak the truth in love to you, and help show you the way to move on to the next level. Small groups are essential for our development as disciples-in-the-making. They hold us accountable and encourage us in the effort of being intentionally like Christ. Are you being intentional in the way you are becoming a disciple of Jesus? Do you value learning and growing in Christ? Do you value the disciples around you who might be in a different place than you in the faith journey, and can lend a hand in getting you on down the road? We discipline ourselves in school, in band, in athletics, at work, and even in our families, yet we fail to value the learning that can only occur within the small groups of the church. Then we wonder why we and our children struggle in matters of the faith. The answer – Intentional Faith Development in small groups.

-Daniel

CHURCH DIRECTORY

It is finally here - we will soon begin taking the photos for the new directory. Photography sessions have been scheduled beginning Tuesday, October 1st through Saturday October 5th . We have also added some dates, Monday, October 14th through Wednesday, October 16th. Photo sessions will be held on weekdays from 2:00 – 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You may schedule your family photo sessions now by contacting the church office at 366-4463 or by going to the church website. Those scheduling online will receive an automated email reminder with a $10.00 coupon to use at the time of their photo session. You will also be able to sign-up manually using paper appointment sheets on the tables in the Narthex before and after Sunday church services. Those families who are photographed for the directory will receive a complimentary pictorial church directory and a complimentary 8x10 portrait just for participating. You do not have to be a member of BFUMC to participate. If you are interested in volunteering to help man 3 hosting teams (2 persons each) per day for 2-1/2 hour segments during each of the 8 days photography sessions are scheduled, please contact Paula Applegate at paapplegate@cox.net or 518-6330.

CONNECT

Matt and Shelly Thompson

With Aurora, Emily, and Olivia

Welcome to Bixby

GROW

KINGS DOMINION

Rotation Sunday School

King’s Dominion Daniel in the Lion’s Den

September 22 -- October 20th, 2013

Scripture: Daniel 6: 1 -- 28 Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 Objectives and Life Applications:

God is with us in good and bad times.

God listens to us when we pray. Daniel prayed regularly. God helps us when we are in

trouble. Daniel trusted God even when it

was hard.

Preteen event

Sunday, October 27th

We will be having a Fall Party at

the home of Katti Schwin (Avery

Kroeker’s mom). Meet at the

church at 1:30 PM or at Katti’s

home at 2:00 PM. We should be

back at the church by 5:00 PM.

There is no cost for this event

but please bring a snack to

share with everyone.

Please let Ms. Laurie know if

your child will be attending.

Children’s Christmas Program

Rehearsal has begun for the Children’s Christmas Program. The Preschool Choir

practices at 7:00 p.m. and the K-6 Grade choir practices at 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday

evenings. All children are invited to participate whether you attend the other Wednesday night activities or not. We

would love to have a huge group this year. You may contact Laurie Pratt for more

information. Teacher Jodie Sweet leads children in Bible Study.

There are many activities geared for our young

people. Come and check it out!

Wonderful Wednesdays

GROW & SERVE

The Wonderful Wednesday Dinner and Bible Studies take place every Wednesday evening. Dinner is served in the gym at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family.

Classes follow dinner. There is something for everyone!

Save your books!

We will be having the used

book sale in the spring.

The date will be set when

the church calendar is

completed for 2014. Please

save your books; we will

let you know when to bring

them in. Thank you so much

for your continued

support of this project. It

has been a success each

year, thanks to you.

Fall Festival -- Saturday November 2nd, 2013 We will need lots of candy to give out during our Fall Festival.

Please put your donations of candy in one of the donation boxes downstairs. Thank You!

Also, we will be setting up for Fall Festival on Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd. We will need lots of help preparing for this big event.

Please come on Friday or Saturday at 9:00 AM to help. Volunteers are needed to run the games during the festival from 5:30-8:00 PM.

Questions, call the church office. It is always a FUN event-See you there.

The Ladies Night Out Group show off their

craft projects. All women are invited to

participate. It is a great way to meet new

friends and become better acquainted

with some you already know!

Preschool Friends

CHURCH COOKBOOKS

$10.00

October Meeting Reminders:

(known meetings from the office calendar)

Stephen Ministry-Tuesday, Oct. 1

Room 205 at 6:30 p.m.

Vision Meeting-Sunday, Oct.6

Gym at noon

Grow Team-Thursday, Oct. 10

Conference Room at 6:30 p.m.

Trustees-Sunday, Oct. 13

Room 205 at 5:00 p.m.

SPRC-Sunday, Oct. 20

Room 205 at 4:00 p.m.

Ladies Night Out

Save the following dates for our

fall activities

Tuesday, October 22

Dessert Preview Night

Thursday, November 21

Craft Night

Tuesday, December 10

Cookie Exchange

Erin at 918-366-6166 or

Laurie at 918-281-9997

Stitchers of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry

Tuesday, Oct. 8

10:00 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 24

6:30 p.m.

Chapel

Second Friday Club

Friday, October 11

At 10:30 a.m.

Lunch follows at 11:30

It is a great time for

fun and fellowship!

SERVE

You are invited to a

Wedding Shower

Tea at Two Johnny Paxton & Tyler Butler

Johnny is the son of John & Terri Paxton Sunday, October 20th at 2:00 Room 108/109

Johnny & Tyler will be married in November. Shortly after the wedding they will be returning to India to make their home. Due to a lack of luggage space, it will not be possible to transport traditional household gifts. Therefore, in lieu of the traditional gifts, a blessing basket will be available to share your favorite recipe, card, or monetary gift that would be useful for setting up their new home. They would greatly appreciate your kindness! If you have questions call Vicki Heister 918-813-0150

Please pray for these military personnel who are currently deployed:

Air Force: Kyle Seaman,

Son of Lee & Jean Seaman.

Air Force: CJ Griffith

Son of Eric Griffith

Grandson of Jack & Joyce McKenzie

Please pick up a Strength of Service devotional book for your deployed loved one.

October, 2013 TUESDAY, October 1 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Meeting

WEDNESDAY, October 2 9:30 a.m. Yoga 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 5:45 p.m. Handbells 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Preschool Choir 7:20 p.m. K-6 Grade Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal 8:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Basketball-Gym

THURSDAY, October 3 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 8:00 p.m. Venture Scouts

FRIDAY, October 4 2:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, October 5 All Day Upward Games

SUNDAY, October 6 Communion Sunday 7:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Noon Vision Meeting 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth Small Groups

MONDAY, October 7 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, October 8 9:30 a.m. Preschool 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl 3:30 a.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training

WEDNESDAY, October 9 9:30 a.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Preschool Choir 7:20 p.m. K-6 Grade Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal 8:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Basketball-Gym

THURSDAY, October 10 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl 6:30 p.m. Grow Team Meeting 8:00 p.m. Venture Scouts

FRIDAY, October 11 10:30 a.m. Second Friday Club 2:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, October 12 All Day Upward Games

SUNDAY, October 13 8:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 2:00 p.m. Upward Celebration 5:00 p.m. Trustees 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth Small Groups

MONDAY, October 14 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:00 p.m. Abbett Dinner 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, October 15 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training

WEDNESDAY, October 16 9:30 a.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 5:45 p.m. Handbells 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Preschool Choir 7:20 p.m. K-6 Grade Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal 8:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Basketball-Gym

THURSDAY, October 17 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 8:00 p.m. Venture Scouts

FRIDAY, October 18

SATURDAY, October 19 9:45 a.m. Care Center Open

SUNDAY, October 20 8:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 4:00 p.m. SPRC 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth Small Groups

MONDAY, October 21

9:30 a.m. Yoga 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, October 22 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training 7:00 p.m. Ladies Night Out

WEDNESDAY, October 23 9:30 a.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 5:45 p.m. Handbells 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Preschool Choir 7:20 p.m. K-Grade 6 Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal 8:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Basketball-Gym

THURSDAY, October 24 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Preschool-Field Trip 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 5:00 p.m. Upward Practice 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl 7:30 p.m. Venture Scouts

FRIDAY, October 25 2:30 p.m. Afterschool

SATURDAY, October 26

SUNDAY, October 27 8:30 a.m. Worship Preparation Prayer- Chapel 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services 2:00 p.m. Preteen Party 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Ignite Youth Small Groups

MONDAY, October 28 9:30 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 7:00 p.m. Scouts

TUESDAY, October 29 9:30 a.m. Preschool 3:30 p.m. Afterschool 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training

WEDNESDAY, October 30 9:30 a.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Gym 5:45 p.m. Handbells 6:30 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Children (3yrs-6grade) Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Preschool Choir 7:20 p.m. K-Grade 6 Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise & Worship Rehearsal 8:30 p.m. Adult Pickup Basketball-Gym

THURSDAY, October 31 8:30 a.m. Quilters 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study 8:00 p.m. Venture Scouts

Non-Profit Organization

Pre-Sort Standard

Bixby, Oklahoma 74008

Permit No. 18

October 2013

Or Current Resident

First United Methodist Church 15502 South Memorial Bixby, OK 74008 (918) 366-4463 email: fumcbix@olp.net Website: www.fumcbixby.org

Altar Flowers If you would like to honor a loved one with

the purchase of Sunday altar flowers,

please contact the church office to

reserve your desired date. The cost is

$40, and the honoree will be listed in that

Sunday’s bulletin .

UPWARD SPORTS

Enrolling Soon For

Basketball &

Cheer

Register Online at

www.bluesombrero. com/fumcbixby.

Questions or

further information

upward@olp.net or call

(918) 366-4463

Upward Football and Cheerleading wraps up the 2013 season with an end of season celebration Sunday, October 13th, from 2-4pm on the football fields. Come out and enjoy the day filled with inflatable jumpers, snacks, music, and more! All football players and cheerleaders need to be at the field lined up behind the tunnel by 1:45pm.