Summer 2015
aliveguide... Do you know a story that needs to be told? Have photos you’d like to share? Curious about something in our church and faith community? Let us know! We want to create the magazine YOU want to read! Sandy Huse, Communications Director shuse@mcfarlinumc.org 405-321-3484 ext. 116
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McFarlin UMC PO Box 6390 Norman, OK 73070 www.mcfarlinumc.org
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Changing Lives that Change the World
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Soul Keeping
From OUR PASTOR
Dear McFarlin Family,
W
hen I sat down to consider this summer’s ALIVE newsletter and its theme, “The Power of Presence,” I became interested in exactly what we mean when we talk about presence. What is it that is so powerful about one’s presence? Presence comes from the Latin word praesentia, which refers to being at hand or being in view, or being available to be used. Presence also is related to the word “presented,” as in “to offer a gift.” Imagine that! When we are present to another, we are within hand’s reach, available to them, offering the gift of our very selves. This happens throughout the Bible. God’s people don’t just “phone it in,” they show up and so does God. Think about it: in the night, Samuel runs to Eli’s side to answer his call; an angel appears before Jesus’ mother Mary, and even more show up in a Bethlehem field before shepherds. Zacchaeus climbs a tree to get closer to Jesus. Caring friends carry a sick man to Jesus and lower the man through the roof within arm’s reach of the Savior. The newly healed leper returns to Jesus’ side to thank the Lord. Mary goes to see Elizabeth, Jesus travels to be with Lazarus’s family and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet while Martha scurries about the house. God himself came to be present with us when he sent his son as a baby.
Linda Harker, Senior Pastor
Over and over we see that important things happen when we offer our presence to one another. Stories in this issue of ALIVE show that there is, indeed, power in presence. In prisons and in Haitian classrooms, in grief groups and coffee shops, in hospital waiting rooms and in line dance classes, beside the chair of a homebound member or at the snack table with a preschooler, God enters into the holy space between us and changes the world. What a privilege to be among those whom God calls to be present with others! Thankful for your presence,
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From CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DRAWS 500+ TO EXPLORE GOD’S MIGHTY POWER From Taylor Concialdi, Elementary Children’s Director, and Kristy Varva, Early Childhood Director
Wow! What an amazing week it was! It’s hard to believe that over 550 children, youth and adults came together in June to share in the good news of God’s mighty power through vacation Bible school. The theme of the week, EVEREST: CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER, energized the children as they rotated through their stations – exploring the theme through worship, science, prayer, storytelling, missions, and even snacks. They learned that God has the power to provide, to comfort, to heal, to forgive, and most importantly, to love us all. Of course, vacation Bible school isn’t possible without the selfless, sacrificial, servant hearts of those in the church. Whether you volunteered at the last minute to be a part of the team that fed all the other volunteers each night, or were a shepherd or station leader, or if you worked security or lead us in dance and song each night, because of your service, hundreds of lives were changed for Jesus Christ. As VBS was wrapping up, Gloria Jean Fenn, our team leader in the early childhood prayer room, shared with us: “The time with the four and five year olds was an exhilarating and memorable experience!” She told us of a child who came up to her saying, “I don’t know how to listen to God talking to me. When I hear a voice in my head… it’s Mommy.” Even at such an early age, this child showed that we have the opportunity, both here at the church and especially in our homes, to raise our children so that they expect to hear God’s voice and know that they can go to God for comfort, healing and love. One of the key components of VBS is missions, and for the last several years, we’ve asked children and families to collect change during the week. On the last night, we gather the coins in an effort called “Change for Change.” Because of the generous hearts of our children, we were able to raise $1,900 this year. Those funds will help provide shoes for children and adults in Haiti and help purchase a school bus for students of the Wesley Primary School in Tanzania, where our missionaries Umba and Ngoy Kalangwa serve. Thank you McFarlin for your support, service, and love! Together, we’re changing the lives of children, and we trust that God is at work through us all to change the world.
www.mcfarlinumc.org
Taylor Concialdi
Kristy Varva
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From CARE MINISTRIES
Bearing Our Burdens Together: The Ministry of Presence By Associate Pastor Shyloe O’Neal
“I wonder why it’s called McFarlin Memorial UMC,” I thought to myself when preparing to begin ministry here last year. Then I learned the story of a church that long ago provided the presence of God’s grace and friendship to a hurting family, the McFarlins, following the death of their infant son, Robert. As a church, we have continued to grow in understanding that we can be a powerful witness to God’s love and grace by being present in others’ lives. Pastoral care, providing the presence of God in moments of crisis, pain and difficulty, is in the DNA of our church. We have experienced the power of God’s presence in our own lives and, in turn, share that blessing with people across the Norman community. Today we have Stephen Ministers, Congregational Care Ministers and ministries for the home-bound and those in nursing homes – all directed toward communicating the love of Christ through the presence of one person to another.
Stephen Ministry STEPHEN MINISTERS OFFER ONE-TO-ONE CARE Through Stephen Ministry, we offer one-to-one caring ministry where lay caregivers, called Stephen Ministers, provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. It is fundamentally based in scripture, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2, NRSV Susan Carruth, one of our Stephen Ministry volunteers explained it this way, “The power of presence is not just within this congregation or within the walls of this church. That is the beauty of Stephen Ministry and Stephen Ministers. We are available to anyone who just needs someone to be present with them as they go through this journey of life.” What leads one to join in the ministry and to reach out to others? For Judy Hyden, a current Stephen Minister, experiencing her own loss and receiving the ministry of others led to a call to serve. “In 2000, I began traveling to an Oklahoma City church to avoid seeing people who might know me in Norman,” she explained, “because after 31 years of marriage I was divorced. 66
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“I struggled emotionally and spiritually trying to understand why a divorce had happened to me. The church that God led me to had a very large and active Stephen Ministry. I had never heard of a Stephen Minister, but joined a Divorce Care class facilitated by two Stephen Ministers. This was where my healing began,” Judy recalled. “The participants were broken, disillusioned, and grieving over the loss of family, home, and marriage. We shared and were listened to, prayed over, encouraged, given hope, but most of all were shown God's unconditional love. Through the presence of God and these two Stephen Ministers, I came to truly know and understand God's love. A seed had been planted in my life, and God was calling me to serve as a Stephen Minister,” said Judy. “God led me back to Norman and to McFarlin. When the announcement appeared in the church bulletin for Stephen Minister training, I prayerfully inquired, filled out the paperwork, and went through my interview. I was accepted to begin my training and then found myself commissioned to serve. My serving as a Stephen Minister would never have happened, but for the confidential caring I received from the two Stephen Ministers God so intentionally planted in my path,” she said. LISTENING IS AT THE HEART OF CARING Preparing volunteers to care for others and also to care for themselves as they take on such responsibility is the aim of Jane Cook, Congregational Care Coordinator, who leads both Stephen Ministers and Congregational Care Ministers. “We focus much of our training for Stephen Ministers and Congregational Care Ministers on the power of presence,” said Jane. “We have each experienced the power of presence: we were in need, and someone came to be with us. Presence didn’t mean coming in with information to share with us or wonderfully worded messages. They might not have said anything in particular, but they were present. “Anyone who learns to listen well brings the power of presence into a situation and helps others know that they are not alone," said Jane. "Stephen Ministers and Congregational Care Ministers go to listen, not give advice, to hear without judgement, and to offer a calming presence in whatever situation,” she explained. The power of God’s presence can show up in unexpected places, just ask Carol Dean Schreiner, Senior Adult Director. She began a line dancing class five years ago in an effort to help people who were interested in improving
their physical health. Some came to improve their balance, while others worked on their stamina and still others came just to exercise and have fun. In the process, the dancers found true companionship and care. Today the group goes to 18 Norman-area retirement, assisted living and nursing homes to visit with seniors who no longer can live alone. When they finish dancing, each dancer walks around to visit with as many people as possible, blessing audience members not only with performance, but with their presence too.
“Pastoral care, providing the presence of God in moments of crisis, pain and difficulty is in the DNA of our church.” The daughter of one assisted living center resident recently called to ask if McFarlin had a clothes closet because her mother had died, and she wanted to give her clothing to someone. She said, “My mother enjoyed your line dancers entertaining there. The thing she mentioned most was that all of the women greeted and visited with her and did so even though neither she nor I were members of your church.” When we extend the hand of friendship, we are truly extending the presence and power of Christ. GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS HOPE I have had the great joy and privilege to pray with people in the hospital or going into surgery. Early one morning, I made my way to Oklahoma City to pray with a member. Long before the sun was due to rise, her family had gathered to be present and support her prior to surgery. I joined her family as they waited for their wife, sister and mother to prepare with the nurses. We sat and talked about their family and the joys and sometimes difficulties of loving one another. They told family stories, laughed and staved off anxiety through God’s grace. When the nurse came to get them, I was invited to go back too. Together, we held hands in a big circle to pray. I have no idea what words were spoken, but I remember the enveloping sense of love in that small space. God was present, and there was a powerful sense of calm and hope. Such is the power of God’s presence and the beautiful privilege of being people of Christ who get to stand handin-hand in the holy spaces where God transforms hearts and the world. www.mcfarlinumc.org
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Changing Lives: By Executive Minister Michael Andres
Back from Haiti, our missionaries reflect on servanthood, the beauty of standing up straight and what God can do when you’re willing to re-arrange your plans.
For several years, McFarlin missionaries have traveled to the village of Source Philippe on the island of La Gonave, off the coast of Haiti to provide desperately needed medical and dental care. The mission has begun to expand to include training and equipping Haitian educators in a nation where approximately half the population cannot read or write. Talking with Michael are team leader Jonathan Bryan and members Chuck Morin, Nancy Koplowitz, Libby Hatter, Rand Baker, and Cliff and Cathy Naifeh. Pastor Linda also joined the team for her second Haiti mission. 88
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A Conversation
Michael: Welcome back, team! By all accounts,
this mission was really fruitful. Tell me a little about how you came to find yourselves serving in Haiti.
Dr. Jonathan Bryan: Well, this was my third
mission there, and Haiti 2015 was, for me, about promises fulfilled. The eight of us served through a medical clinic, a dental clinic and by running educational activities with the local Methodist primary school. There still remains a great need to serve an underserved community that needs medical and dental help, but it is so much more than that.
Rand Baker: Even though considerable time
passed between my initial interest in the mission and being able to actually arrive in Haiti, and there were multiple scheduling challenges, the peace I felt from that very first commitment never wavered. And the support of my family and friends continued to strengthen me. It’s difficult to put into words how special it felt to finally walk into the community we were there to serve.
Cathy Naifeh: We weren’t initially part of the
team, in fact we were trying to make vacation plans, but we couldn’t find any time in the spring that worked for that. That’s when God’s nudging was
evident. Then, while Cliff was volunteering with the McFarlin Missions Market before Easter, he got another nudge, so he asked Pastor Linda about the Haiti mission, and we prayed, “Lord, what would you have us do, and when would you have us do it?” At that point, Jonathan had bought what he thought were the last plane tickets available for the mission, but the next week he was able to get some for us. What had God wrought?!
Michael: Sometimes a particular team or mis-
sion develops a kind of theme or personality. Can you tell me how you’d characterize this one?
Jonathan: A wise pastor once taught me that
missions are about relationships, not tasks, and that is what Haiti has become for me.
Rand: The joy in the faces of the many people,
both old and young, who came to greet us and be present with us over those next few days was extremely special. It was clear that our purpose was much larger than to just attend to the health issues of the day. We were there to witness and represent Christ.
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Libby Hatter: Yes, relationships are key. For example, I think that the vision of working cooperatively with churches from Virginia to provide more regular health, dental and educational service to the village (as well as other services that might be identified) is still viable. Jonathan: Teachers in this rural Haitian community often survive with minimal training, and are thirsty for ways to better educate and equip their students - McFarlin has a plan for that. Haitian community leaders said that cooks work in a dark dilapidated building with ceilings so low they must stoop as they work - McFarlin has a plan for that. Relationships between Oklahomans and Haitians long for the reach of love that surpasses economic and cultural barriers - and God has a plan for that. Relationships matter, and McFarlin will be back. Michael: We all know that God sometimes surprises us, especially in the mission field. Can you tell me about ways you were stretched or surprised in your work in Haiti? Dr. Chuck Morin: I was surprised how well-equipped our little clinic was to meet the needs of residents. The chair and light and fans I used worked so well that at one point, I instinctively reached for tools as if I were in my clinic back home! Also, the "servant-leader" role of our team members impacted me more than anything else. I would encourage other dental/medical professionals in our church community to "step out in faith" to experience authentic service to those living in the neediest of conditions.
Cliff Naifeh: I worked in the dental clinic part time and with Nancy at the school part time. It was humbling to help in the least and to observe the thankfulness for relief. Cathy worked in the chart room, the pharmacy, fitting eyeglasses, and taking pictures throughout the trip. The best part for me was watching Cathy go room to room at the clinic and pray for each person in each room. That's why she was sent to Haiti. Michael: Libby, I know you’ve felt called in recent years to learn more about mission leadership. What’s that like, and how does this trip to Haiti fit in with what God’s doing in your life? Libby: When I took the Volunteer in Mission team leader training a couple of years ago, I definitely felt “on fire” to explore that role. I greatly appreciate Jonathan's attention to sharing the "behind the scenes" preparations and some of the trip duties. This gave me a better look at what he did as team leader, and he was a great example. I hope to talk to Jonathan about whether he really felt as calm about his leader duties as he appeared, and how he does that! I’m also talking to God about what he wants from me. I keep thinking about Moses protesting because he stuttered, but we all know how that ended, right? Michael: The education component of the Haiti mission is new, Nancy, and largely due to God’s getting your attention about exploring the needs there. What is the situation for students and teachers in La Gonave? Nancy Koplowitz: That part of the mission was fruitful in that I gathered valuable information, and I am making plans to return in September 2016. I can report that the teachers of the younger students had no materials to teach with, teachers of older students had only one or two student books to teach from. There were no bathrooms, no playground and no cafeteria. Students are fed white rice two or three times a week, and school is in session only three hours a day. I hope to develop lesson plans and materials that the teachers can use to improve education using the Methodist student books available for us to purchase for them. Michael: Any final thoughts on Haiti Mission 2015?
Cathy: Cliff and I aren't health care professionals and have no medical/dental training. We are old, in fact, the oldest on the trip! What in the world can we do? We prayed that God would use us in any way he needed. 10 10
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Jonathan: Again, it centers on relationships. I can see it in the eyes of the people we work with in Haiti, Pastor Lamar and my friend Renauld, when they ask, “Will you come back to Haiti?” I don’t hesitate to say YES.
"I do know this: I feel a special bond with the people of Haiti and I left part of my heart behind there." Libby Hatter
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From MUSIC MINISTRIES
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR MINISTERS IN THE MIDWEST
"I feel that these experiences, where you can sit in relative silence and reflect are like a reset button for our lives" From Ian Gill, Associate Director of Music Ministries
I’m beyond blessed to be able to work with a group like the Chapel Choir as well as with my colleagues Libby Waldenville and John Morrow. In June we hit the road for the annual summer choir tour, and I have to say that it was, and always is, my favorite time of the year. There were so many memorable moments in the ten days of touring, and each one helped to bring perspective as to why we go out to sing and ring for people all over this great land. Our first concert was at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Overland Park, KS. The faces of the residents told a story as we sang and rang 12 12
Changing Lives that Change the World
familiar songs that these people had grown up with. They told us what it meant to be visited by such talented young people and they hoped that we would come back soon. It warmed the heart to see their expressions as they received the knitted pocket prayers that are so artfully crafted by volunteers at McFarlin. At another rest home concert in Minneapolis I was taken aback by what a resident said to me. We had just performed for the group in their dining hall and the students were handing out pocket prayers. One of the senior ladies directly behind me motioned for me to come talk to her, and so I did.
She was from northern Germany, and we talked a great deal about her time there and my time in Germany and Austria. Just as I thanked her for having us visit, she grabbed my hand and whispered, “Enjoy the little pleasures in life because the big ones don’t come around very often.” She pointed at the students and said, “This, young man, was a big pleasure!” I was deeply moved by what she said, and it will be something I’ll carry with me for many years to come. On Sunday, June 7, we had the privilege of leading in worship at FUMC, Marshalltown, IA. The church has a beautiful sanctuary and a very hospitable congregation. We stayed in the church building the night before, and several ladies of the church fed us our meals. On Sunday, two of our youth leaders, Megan Corey and Caty Brown, delivered the message and children’s sermon. It’s a blessing to be surrounded by such talented young people who love the Lord and want to share his Gospel! In Sioux Falls, SD, we saw beautiful cascading waterfalls, and it was there that we opened our palancas (prayers with action), which many of you wrote for the students. Thanks for doing that; it means so much to have a home church that holds us up in prayer. I feel that these experiences, where you can sit in relative silence and reflect, are like a reset button for our lives. We need to be in our heavenly father’s aweinspiring nature to be reminded of what a mighty God we serve. As we close the book on #ChoirTour2k15, I’m excited to see what 2016 holds for the music ministry!
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From CHILDREN'S & STUDENT MINISTRIES
McFarlin Children Change the World Many little children in Morogoro, Tanzania, do not have a safe way to get to and from the Wesley Primary School, but thanks in part to the hundreds of children attending McFarlin’s vacation Bible school, that won’t be a problem much longer. Through an effort called “Change for Change,” VBS kids and students from Middle School and High School learned about sharing the love of Christ through mission work, and together they collected coins totaling almost $2,000, some of which will help buy a bus for their Tanzanian brothers and sisters in Christ. When McFarlin-supported missionaries Umba and Ngoy Kalangwa traveled 9,000 miles to visit Norman last fall from Morogoro, they told us that one of the most pressing needs for children at the Wesley Primary School was a school bus. The Kalangwas, who run the school, said that without safe transportation to and from school, children were in grave danger walking on busy thoroughfares and many families just keep kids home rather than send them in harm’s way. A new school bus, which costs about $10,000, can dramatically change the students’ lives and those of their families, and our Missions Committee has set a goal to provide a small bus by the end of 2015. If you would like to join our children and students in helping purchase a bus for students at the Wesley Primary School, please contact McFarlin Financial Secretary EAnn Robinson at 321-3484, ext. 106, or erobinson@mcfarlinumc.org.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
Beginning Sunday, August 23, we will begin a new six-week sermon series based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You." During this series, our preaching team will lead us in rediscovering our souls - the best connection to God there is - and help us find out why it's hurting and why neglecting it has set so many of us back spiritually. We'll study and talk about topics like: "What is the Soul," "What the Soul Needs," "The Practice of Grace," and "The Practice of Growth." We hope that you'll consider taking the series to a deeper level of examination and reflection by participating in our Growth Group during the Sunday school hour, or by inviting your Sunday school class to participate using the book, participant's guide, and DVD with special teaching from Ortberg. For more information about these resources, please contact Yvonne Maloan at ymaloan@mcfarlinumc.org. "Soul Keeping" also offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of our small groups. We believe that these are a key part of Christian spirituality, where are souls are strengthened and community is formed. It's easy to sign up! Go to our website (mcfarlinumc.org), click "CONNECT" and find a group that appeals to you. Or, you may also contact Eve Hawley at ehawley@mcfarlinumc. org. As Ortberg writes, "Jesus calls us to a deep life, one that goes beyond our everyday interests and desires. A rested, well-cared-for soul has the capacity to empathize and understand profoundly, to ask questions and not simply go through the motions of faith. It holds our connection to eternity, and has access to the kind of peace, gratitude, freedom, and blessing that comes only from a heavenly wellspring." We are really looking forward to this series and hope it will be a blessing to you as you continue your journey of faith. So we hope you'll join us beginning Sunday, August 23, as we begin "Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You." www.mcfarlinumc.org
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McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church 419 S University at Apache, PO Box 6390 Norman, OK 73070 405.321.3484 www.mcfarlinumc.org
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SUNDAY WORSHIP Sanctuary Worship 8:30 & 10:55 AM Lifeline Worship in Fenn Hall 10:55 AM Sunday School for All Ages 9:40 AM