1. Art and Diseño

REVELATIONS
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
February 2015
SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM
A Word from Our Pastor
During the Season of Lent leading up to
Easter, I will be preaching on “Signs of
the Kingdom.” The scriptures will look
at different indications Jesus gave us of
signs of the Kingdom of God breaking in
upon this earth. As followers of Jesus
Christ, we are called to be people of
God’s Kingdom even as we live on this
earth. We don’t have to wait to join
God’s Kingdom when we die because
we are already part of it here. We know
that the Kingdom of God has not been
fully established on this earth as it
someday will be, but we see glimpses
of God’s Kingdom as we observe God
working in this world. Jesus taught
about and demonstrated the Kingdom
through his encounters with others.
Some of those demonstrations were
miracles he performed while others
were conversations he had with people
that led to changed lives. Leading up to
and during the Season of Lent we will
look at some of those different signs by
exploring the following scriptures:
Philip Yancey is a Christian author and journalist. In his book, The Jesus I Never
Knew, he challenges conventional wisdoms about our perceptions of Jesus and
our perceptions of the world. In his section on the Beatitudes, he makes the claim
that the Beatitudes are to be understood not only as pointing to some future
reality, but can serve as an ideal for our present reality as well. Maybe his
discussion of the Beatitudes strikes me so hard because I confess that the
Beatitudes disturb me. It seems too easy to dismiss the Beatitudes as
metaphorical or as pointing only to the future, in part because these explanations
seem designed primarily to allow us to say that we believe in the words of Jesus
without feeling bound to have to do anything about them.
February 15: Luke 9:28-36
(Transfiguration of Christ)
February 18: Romans 3:21-26 (Ash
Wednesday Service- Repentance)
February 25: Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus
Tempted)
March 1: Matthew 9:2-8 (Healing of
the Paralyzed Man)
March 8: Mark 5:1-20 (Healing of the
Demon-Possessed Man)
March 15: Mark 12:28-34 (The Great
Commandment to Love)
March 22: Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter’s
Declaration that Jesus is the Christ)
March 29: Luke 19:28-40 (Palm
Sunday)
April 5: Luke 24:1-12 (Easter!)
What signs of the Kingdom of God will
you observe during this time?
As an example of the present reality of the Beatitudes, though, Philip Yancey
writes the following words about “Blessed are the poor in spirit” and Blessed are
the meek:”
“My career as a journalist has afforded me opportunities to interview ‘stars,’
including NFL football greats, movie actors, music personalities, bestselling authors, politicians, and TV personalities. We fawn over them,
poring over the minutiae of their lives: the clothes they wear, the food they
eat, the aerobic routines they follow, the people they love. Yet I must tell
you that, in my limited experience, I have found that our “idols” are as
miserable a group of people as I have ever met. Most have troubled or
broken marriages. Nearly all are incurably dependent on psychotherapy. In
a heavy irony, these larger-than-life heroes seem tormented by self-doubt. I
have also spent time with people I call “servants.” Doctors and nurses who
work among the ultimate outcasts, leprosy patients in rural India. A
Princeton graduate who runs a hotel for the homeless in Chicago. The
Ph.D.s I met in Arizona, who are now scattered throughout jungles of South
America translating the Bible into obscure languages. As I reflect on the
two groups side by side, stars and servants, the servants clearly emerge as
the favored ones. Without question, I would rather spend time among the
servants than among the stars: they possess qualities of depth and
richness and even joy that I have not found elsewhere. Servants work for
low pay, long hours, and no applause, ‘wasting’ their talents and skills
among the poor and uneducated. Somehow, though, in the process of
losing their lives they find them.”
What a powerful statement of faith! And a reminder that whenever we go about
chasing what the world tells us is important and valuable, we lose who we are.
But when we seek what God tells us is important and valuable, we find ourselves
and become more fully who God created us to be. Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they
will inherit the earth.
Peace in Christ,
Chris
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the first day in the Season of Lent, which is a forty day period (not counting Sundays) leading up to
Easter. The season of Lent is a time to focus in a particular way on the ministry and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. Sundays, by the way,
are not counted because they are like “little Easters,” reminding us that even in the midst of trial, suffering, and even death, the promise of the
Resurrection is always with us.
We will begin the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary on Wednesday, February 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. On this
night, we will still serve supper, but we will not have our regular children, youth, or adult programs. A nursery will be provided.
This service focuses on our need for repentance and the mercy of God that forgives our sin when we confess our sin before God. While more
somber in tone than other worship services, this service is a meaningful and important one in helping us realize the depth of our sin but also the
greater depth of God’s forgiveness.
Adults
FILL MY CUP
Hey Moms, Fill My Cup meets on Monday
from 9:30-11:00 in the church parlor. Need a
little “grown up” fellowship and Bible Study?
This is the place for you. Childcare provided.
PRAYER TEAM
The Prayer Team meets each Wednesday at
5:00 pm in the Church Library to pray for our
church, our community, our nation and our
world.
MEN’S CLUB
All men are invited to Men’s Club on
Monday, February 2 at 6:00 pm in the Family
Life Center.
MES CIRCLE
All ladies are invited to the MES Circle on
Monday, February 23 at 6:30 pm in the
Family Life Center. Hostesses for the
meeting are Rita Burks, Joyce Lee, Sara
Pimm and Judy Shelton.
GOOD TIMERS
The Good Timers Steering Committee will
meet on Monday, February 2 at 2:00 pm for
a planning session.
All Senior Adults are invited to a potluck
lunch in the Family Life Center on Monday,
February 16 at 11:30 am. After lunch, we
will travel to the Meador Homestead for
dessert and tea. Join us for this special
treat. And remember as you are preparing
your delicious dish for lunch, no desserts
please!
GROCERY BAG SUNDAY
February 8 is Grocery Bag Sunday. Bring a
bag of non-perishable food items to fill the
shelves of the food pantry. Much needed
items: Canned Meat, Pasta Sauce, Pasta,
Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Vegetables,
Canned Fruit, Soup, Crackers, Cereal, Mac n
Cheese, Meat Dinners, Rice, Dried Beans,
Grits, Oatmeal, Powdered or Boxed Milk,
etc…
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
The Health and Wellness Team will be doing
blood pressure screenings on February 1
and 15 at 10:00 am in the Foyer.
KETTLEBELLS
Where can you get a great workout and have
lots of fun at the same time? Kettlebells!
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 pm in
the Family Life Center.
Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal
5:30 pm-6:15 pm
Adults ($6) Child ($3) Family Plan ($16)
February Menu:
4: BBQ Chicken, Loaded
Potato Casserole, Baked
Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls,
Assorted Desserts
Children’s Menu: Chicken
Drumsticks
11: Blackened Catfish,
Veggie Rice, Lima Beans,
Fruit Salad, Yeast Rolls,
Assorted Desserts
Children’s Menu: Pizza
18: Hamburger Steak w/
Onions & Gravy, Mashed
Potatoes, English Peas,
Garden Salad, Yeast Rolls,
Assorted Desserts
Children’s Menu: Same
25: Chicken Spaghetti,
Green Beans, Garden
Salad, Texas Toast,
Assorted Desserts
Children’s Menu: Same
Grocery Shopper:
4: Fred Boudreaux
11: Adelia Powe
18: Susan McQueen
25: Evelyn Wesley
Class to Serve:
Young at Heart
Dessert List:
4: Margie Farlow, Kay Cook,
Rita Burks, Judy Shelton,
Wendy Greene
11: Angela Jones, Kim
Napier, Kathleen
McCormick, Judy Brown,
Stephania Zeigler
18: Pam Baas, M.J. Cain,
Belinda Jo Mathias, Sandra
Scardino, Sheryl Bazemore
25: Carol Standland,
Lyndsey Sims, Trista
Boudreaux, Theresa
Scardino, Leigh Shelton
The Knit-Wits of Oak Grove United Methodist Church Women’s Ministry are so
excited. On Saturday, February 7, 2015, we are bringing Café Chocolat to the
Family Life Center from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. We’ll enjoy a lot of food and
fun, make new friends, worship, and learn from each other during meaningful
activities and devotions.
So what is Café Chocolat?
Café Chocolat is a retreat where women of all ages slow down and enjoy time
with each other and with God. It’s an in-depth Bible study, an unforgettable
worship experience, and an open invitation for women to delight in God’s
goodness and grace. Throughout the retreat we’ll use chocolate as a
metaphor for God’s grace—so even though we won’t eat more than a few
bites, we’ll taste God’s goodness in abundance!
Lunch is provided. The cost of the retreat is $20. Scholarships are available.
Register in the church foyer this Sunday morning.
Sunday, February 22 @ Oak Grove UMC
9:30 –1:00 pm
Sign up Begins Soon!
Students
STUDENT SMALL GROUP
2015 SPRING SCHEDULE:
FEBRUARY 4 — MAY 6
SUPER BOWL PARTY
DNOW WEEKEND
5pm – FEBRUARY 1
$25 – FEBRUARY 27-28
JOIN US AND WATCH
SUPER BOWL XLVIII
Which team will win it all?
“HIT PAUSE” AND SPEND TIME
GROWING YOUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD.
Meet at the church at 430PM for a ride.
Be sure to sign up today!
Registration/Forms are due Feb 8th
CONFIRMATION CLASS
If you have a child in the 6th grade, or if your youth has not gone through Confirmation, we will have a meeting on February 8 at 5:00 pm in Room
212 to discuss what Confirmation is, the Confirmation process, and the meaning of it for your child. Please contact Brother Chris or Dylan
Carpenter, our middle school youth intern, for more information if you have questions about what Confirmation is, or if you are not sure if your child
qualifies for this year. Confirmation is an important time in the life of the youth in the church as we spend this time talking about what it means to
be a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the church.
CHILDREN
We are looking forward to a wonderful 2015!
During the month of February we will be teaching our children how much God loves them! Below is our lesson overview!
We are always looking for great volunteers to help. If you are interested, please contact Erin at (817) 597-9493.
Sunday, 2/1 - Sour Candy. Kids will learn that some things that seem sweet will turn sour on us because they are not God's plan for us. Kids will
learn the story of the Israelites trying to take the Promised Land after God said no.
Wednesday, 2/4 - Gum. Kids will learn from Solomon that nothing on this Earth can make them happy for very long. Only Jesus can give
eternal joy.
Sunday, 2/8 - Mints. Kids will learn they can't cover up their sin, but they need to confess it and let Jesus make them new.
Wednesday, 2/11 - Chocolate. Kids will learn how Creation reminds us of the goodness - and sweetness - of God.
Sunday, 2/15 - Cotton Candy. Kids will learn to put their faith on a firm foundation, not one that fades away, from the parable of the wise
and foolish builders.
Wednesday, 2/18 - Ash Wednesday, everyone will meet together.
Sunday, 2/22 - Jawbreakers. Kids will learn that there is no sense in arguing with God. He is unchanging, and his will is unbreakable. The story of
Jonah.
Wednesday, 2/24 - Taffy. Kids will learn how challenges in life help to stretch and shape us into the people God wants us to be through the story of
Joseph.
Upcoming Events - Sign up sheets are located in the children's hallway.
Sunday, 2/8 - Pajama Day - Kiddos wear your Pajamas to church! Mama’s enjoy the extra time in the morning!
Saturday, 2/14 - 6p to 9p - Date Night - Dinner will be provided. Please sign your children up no later than 2/11
CONTACT INFORMATION
LINKS FOR LIFE
Oak Grove
United Methodist Church
Hospitality Creed
Since hospitality means “love of a guest” and
since Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you
took me in,” I will always remember to…
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
4915 Old Hwy 11
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone: 601-264-8850
Fax: 601-264-2308
Website: www.ogumc.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Oak Grove UMC, MS

Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Worship Schedule
9:00 am Early Worship
10:00 am Sunday School
11:00 am Morning Worship
HOSPITALITY CREED

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Oak Grove UMC, MS
Church Staff
Reverend Chris Young
Pastor
Dr. Jamie Standland
Minister of Music
Margie Farlow
Pianist
Roy Windham
Student Minister
Dylan Carpenter
Student Ministry Intern
Erin Burks
Children’s Minister
Eva Ratliff
Nursery Director
Laureen Tuck
Nursery
Gloria Watkins
Secretary
Welcome others, especially the guest,
as though I was welcoming Jesus.
Receive no one merely as a stranger,
but rather as a dear friend.
Demonstrate through every means
available that my new friends are valued
and an integral part of our fellowship.
I gladly join with others at Oak Grove United
Methodist Church in affirming hospitality as
an integral part of the Christian witness.
“Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:8
SERMONS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Oak Grove
Student Ministry
The Sunday morning sermons are now available
online by following the link found on the OGUMC
Facebook page, Oak Grove UMC, MS or on our
church website, www.ogumc.com.
ALTAR GUILD
1 Tish Edwards
8 Esther Attkisson
15 Anitra Turner
22 Belinda Jo Mathias
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
2 Jackie & Lisa Shelton
14 Grover & Vickie Durant
25 Hoppy & Pat Bennett
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
1 Becky Shelton
4 Stacey Hagenson
5 Jesse Lang
6 Caroline Burnett
John Wichman
7 Andrew Lott
9 Caleb Gunter
11 Sebe Dale, III
13 Elizabeth Lucas
Mary Lou Powell
14 Andy Langford
15 Matt Lamar
15 Rayleigh Shelton
Chris Walters
16 Anna Kathryn Colbert
Jonah Mathias
17 M.J. Cain
Christy Maistros
Jonathan Sims
18 Laura Baird
Beth Meador
20 Dean Smith
21 Jim Ratliff
22 Tommy Thomas
23 Ashley Carpenter
24 Doug Lambeth
25 Emery Burch
27 Esther Attkisson
Ryan Hagenson
28 Susie Barefield
GREETERS
9 AM
8 Bill Norris
11AM
1 Esther Attkisson
8 Jane Boudreaux
15 Jimmy Carpenter
22 Mary Ann Cox
WELCOME CENTER GREETERS
9 AM
1 Tommy/Rita Burks
8 Jason/Wendy Greene
15 Rae/Anitra Turner
22 Laura Baird/Grover Durant
WELCOME CENTER GREETERS
11 AM
1 Gloria Bynum/Peggy Carpenter
8 Evelyn Wesley/Esther Attkisson
15 Dwain/Mary Ann Cox
22 John/Ann Bailey
FOOD PANTRY
2 Betty MacFarlane
4 Evelyn Wesley
6 Olivia Farish
9 Judith Biggert
11 Mary Ann Cox
13 Susan McQueen
16 Carol Guidry
18 Lynda Arban
20 Dawn Nuss
23 Margie Farlow
25 Gloria Bynum
27 Adelia Powe
MEETINGS
2 Good Timers Steering Cmt
8 Health Wellness Cmt
15 Children’s Council
15 Finance
15 Trustees
15 Admin Council
2 pm
4 pm
4 pm
5 pm
5 pm
6 pm