Volume 5, Number 3
Catch the Spirit
January 18, 2012
I am writing on the evening of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Needless to say, the trending comments on Facebook focused on the life of a man who had a dream of equality for all people. While his life ended on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, his dream has not ended. However, in many ways his dream needs to be further realized. One of my favorite speeches of Dr. King’s is his famous Riverside Speech delivered at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967. Here is a quote from that speech: I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin with a shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.’ This speech, delivered almost 45 years ago, continues to give guidance to us today. Currently, our world provides more “things” than any other time in history. The temptation to be a “thing-oriented” society is stronger now than ever. That is why Dr. King’s words remain vitally important. As people of the Kingdom, we proclaim that our Lord is person-oriented, and not thing-oriented. When Jesus enters into the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth his focus is clearly on his mission to people. He states:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 18-20, CEB).
I pray that we would reject the trappings of a “thing-oriented” society that values materials over the well-being of all people. Instead, may we commit to embrace a way of life that proclaims to all people how important they are to Christ. A fellow pilgrim on the journey,
Steve Pulliam Pastor of Discipleship
Created By God The Created By God Human Sexuality Workshop will be held THIS Sunday, January 22nd. Checkin for this event begins at noon on the first floor of the Wesley Building, Room 102. Lunch will follow. A parent should accompany their student to check-in. Students will need to bring their personal Bibles, and will receive a book as a gift from the church. Parents will meet back in the Wesley Chapel at 5:00 p.m. for our closing ceremony. Please be advised that registration for this event is closed and all classes are full at this time. No walk-up registrations will be taken. Only children who have pre-registered and whose parents have attended the required parent meeting will be allowed to attend the workshop.
Summer Mission Trips CUMC’s Amazon Project is coordinating a mission to the Amazon July 14th-22nd, 2012. We are praying for a team of 12-15 people who have a love for God and a heart to serve. We are looking for 1-2 doctors, 3-4 nurses, 1-2 dentists, and 7-10 non-medical servants to help us offer medical counsel and care, along with sharing the gospel and leading people to faith in Christ. The cost is $1500 + immunizations. We will be having an informational meeting this Thursday, January 19th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel for those who are interested. Attendance at the meeting is encouraged but not required for participation on the trip. CUMC’s Uganda Project is coordinating a mission to Uganda June 5th-18th, 2012. We are praying for a team of 12-15 people who have a love for God and a heart to serve. We are looking for 1-2 doctors, 3-4 nurses, 1-2 dentists, and 7-10 non-medical servants to help us offer medical counsel and care, along with sharing the gospel and leading people to faith in Christ. The cost is $3000 + immunizations. We will be having an informational meeting next Thursday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel for those who are interested. Attendance at the meeting is encouraged but not required for participation on the trip.
Discovery Class for Prospective Members Central’s next Discovery class for those desiring to explore membership in Central will be held on Sunday, January 29th. The class will begin at 4:00 p.m. and conclude around 8:00 p.m. A light meal will be served halfway through the evening, and childcare is available with reservation by January 25th. Registration is available online at www.centraltolife.com, or by contacting Lora Hayes in the church office at 442-4237, or
[email protected].
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement Since 1974, more than 70,000 believers in North America have experienced the Perspectives course. In 15 lessons, you’ll engage with a range of dynamic speakers, including missionaries from around the world. Weekly readings and study will help you dig in even deeper, so you can see God’s work in the world and learn how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth - no matter your location or vocation. In 2012, the Perspectives course will be held here at Central in the Student Ministries Building Worship Center every Thursday evening from 6:30-9:30 p.m. from January 19 - May 3. The cost is $235. There is also the possibility of obtaining Undergraduate or Graduate credit for an additional fee. If you would like more information, including how you can register, please contact Jody Farrell at
[email protected] or 442-1805.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Pastors Tony Holifield and Steve Pulliam departed for Israel this past Tuesday, with a group of 40 persons from Central and the surrounding area. They will return on Thursday, January 26th, after ten days of touring the Land of the Bible. Please remember to pray for this spiritual pilgrimage that our group will have good health, safe travel, timely luggage transfers, good weather, and a life altering experience of walking in the footsteps of Jesus, Peter, Paul, Abraham, David, and many other familiar biblical personalities. If you would like to follow the group’s activities, search for CUMC Holy Land Tour 2012 on Facebook and click “Like” to be a member of the Facebook group. This will enable you to follow the group and enjoy pictures, conversation, etc. May God receive glory!
Children’s Ministries’ Family Fun Night On Saturday, January 28th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Central’s Children’s Ministries will host a Family Fun Night including a “Drive-in” Movie on the “Big Screen” in Central Park. A special family–friendly flick, Ramona & Beezus, will be shown with popcorn, snacks and drinks provided. Bring your favorite chair, pillow or blanket and join us for a night of family fun! There is no cost to attend, but tickets are available by contacting Michele Crippen, at
[email protected] or 442-1800. Also, you can “Swap a Movie.” Bring a movie (DVD please) from your home movie collection. There will be a table set up where you can swap it for a “new-to-you” movie.
In Jesus’ Name Prayer Line If you have a prayer request, please call Central’s Prayer Line at 582-HOPE (4673). Prayer requests will be received in a confidential manner and lifted up to the Lord in prayer by Central’s Prayer Team, a group of volunteers who come to the Prayer Room daily to listen and pray for the requests that have been left. At Central, we believe that prayer is essential. It is important to the individual believer, but is also essential for the Church to be an effective vessel of God’s grace and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Dinner for Eight Would you like to be part of a short-term fellowship group where you can meet and get to know other members of Central? Dinner for Eight was designed to bring couples and/or singles together in groups of eight. The groups will meet once a month for four months beginning in February and will gather in the various homes of the participants to enjoy a meal and time of fellowship together. The host provides the entrée and other participants provide the sides and dessert. If you are interested in being a part of a Dinner for Eight group, call Lora Hayes at the church office at 442-4237, or write “Dinner for Eight” by your name on the friendship pad this Sunday. Mission to India A small team from Central will soon depart for a mission trip to minister to a small Christian community and orphanage in Northern India in the state of West Bengal and Bihar. The team will have opportunity to participate in evangelism, Bible teaching and health teaching. The ministry has the following needs: vitamins for children, ibuprofen for children and adults, bicycle repair kits, small soaps and shampoos. Any financial donations can be made to CUMC for India Mission 2012; donations will be used for evangelism materials, Bibles and building needs for the orphanage. The team departs on February 3rd and returns on February 14th. Please contact Julie Thibodaux,
[email protected],479-6334397, for more information.
The Bridge Mixed Trivia Night Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get more involved in the church? Well young adults, here’s your chance! Join us for pizza and “Bridge Mixed Trivia” night on Sunday, January 29th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. We’ll meet in room 210 of the Education Building and enjoy pizza, games, and fellowship. No charge, but donations will be accepted. Reservations are requested, and childcare will be available with a reservation made by Tuesday, January 24th. To register or for more information, contact Leigh or Tim Stidham at
[email protected], or call 479-466-2731. Online Giving Available Online giving is available as another avenue of giving to Central UMC. To access information about how online giving works, please go to Central’s website, www.centraltolife. com and click the Online Giving tab. The first time it is used, you will be asked to set up a user profile, which may then be utilized for future site visits. Through this tool, you may give using electronic checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Giving may be of a one-time or periodic nature, or set up to use at regular intervals of your choice. It may also be updated at anytime. If you have any questions whatsoever about online giving, please contact Cindy Alphin at 442-1801, or by email at
[email protected].
“There’s an App for That!” There’s another way to keep up with what’s going on at Central. Those who use iPhone or Android smart phones can download the Central UMC app for free. You can access podcasts, news, photos, giving, and many other features. Go to www.centraltolife.com/mobile for more information, or just use your phone’s QR scanner to scan the code to the left.
Stephen Ministers Available All alone? Don’t be. God doesn’t want us to be all alone. He wants us to turn to others when things are bothering us. Stephen Ministers will walk with you through your troubles and be there for you when you need them. For more information, call Beverly Melton at 466-7101.
Hospitalizations WRMC - Connell Brown NWMC - Springdale - Nancy Robb
HealthSouth - Joe Crouch UAMS - LR - AD Poole
Previously Hospitalized & Released - Morgan Rhoads, Tommy Van Zandt, Phil Stewart Note – Due to privacy laws, our pastors are unable to access hospital admission records as they have in the past. For our pastors to know you are in the hospital, please inform the Church Office or let the hospital admission officials know you are United Methodist.
Record of Our Stewardship
Sympathy to... J.R. Arnold in the death of his mother, Alice Arnold, of Fayetteville. George Bradley in the death of his wife, Freda Bradley, on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Freda joined Central in June, 1960, and was a member of the Asbury Sunday School class, United Methodist Women Rebekah Fellowship Circle, Senior Saints, an Office Volunteer, and a participant in the XYZ Program. Here We Grow Again...
General Operations Needed each week Received this week Property Maintenance Needed each week Received this week Count Me In Received this week Life to date
1/15/12 $ 65,170 $ 53,622 $ 4,707 $ 1,892 $ 29,077 $ 1,472,087
Jason & Jenny Sachs Jason is joining Central by Profession of Faith, and Jenny transfers her membership from First United Methodist Church in Tahlequah, OK. Jason is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Ozark Orthopedics, and Jenny is Senior Manager of North American Delivery with Staples, Inc. They have an infant son, Grant, who is almost 6 months old.
Check out our website for all the details on what’s happening with Central Student Ministries! www.centraltolife.com/students • studentlife This Sunday, January 22nd studentlife is our regular Sunday night program. Come, join in the fun, and get plugged in to a small group. It’ll be the best decision you ever made!
5:00 – 5:30 5:30 – 6:00 6:00 – 7:30
Hang Time (SMB & CAC) Snack Supper (CAC Great Hall) Worship/Small Groups (SMB 2nd Floor)
• Youth Sunday | February 5th Once a year, our congregation here at Central allows our student ministry the opportunity to lead worship at all four Sunday Morning Worship Services. We’ll be recruiting students for all kinds of roles (e.g. Ushers, Greeters, Announcements, Prayer, Music, Speaking, Photo/Video, Sound, etc.). Sign up this Sunday at Sunday School or studentlife. Questions? Contact Greg Gibson at
[email protected] or 442-1807. • Spring Break Important Dates It’s not too late to check out the great opportunities available to students over Spring Break. Head over to our website at www.centraltolife.com/students to learn more about these great opportunities to serve. - Joplin Deposit Deadline – January 29th: The trip to Joplin is currently full, but we are making space available on our waiting list. For more information, contact Andrew Brown at
[email protected].
Sunday, January 22
Calendar of Events
8:00 8:30 9:15 9:40 9:40
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) Traditional Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) Truth Seekers Class (Wesley 307) Sunday School Contemporary Worship Celebration (Great Hall)
9:45
College and Careers Class (Wesley 206) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) Traditional Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) Contemporary Worship Celebration (Great Hall) Created by God Workshop (Wesley Chapel) Joyful Noise! (Ed Bldg 112) Team 4:12 Leader Meeting (CAC Sideroom 3) studentlife Game Time (SMB Café and Great Hall) studentlife Leader Meeting (CAC Sideroom 1) studentlife Snack Supper (Great Hall) Ozark Bronze (Ed Bldg 109) studentlife Worship (SMB Worship Center) studentlife Small Groups (various locations)
10:30 11:00 11:00 12:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:15 5:30 5:30 6:00 6:30
3:30 5:45 6:30 6:30 6:30
Wednesday, January 25 9:30
10:30 4:45 5:45 5:45 5:45 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:30 7:00
10:00
Good SAM Meeting (Wesley 306) Apprentice of Jesus - Pulliam (Wesley 304) Timothy Team/Tiny Tims Teachers’ Meeting (SMB 206) Celebration Ringers (Ed Bldg 109) Jubellation! Handbell Ensemble (Ed Bldg 109) Boy Scouts Troop 102 (CAC Scoutroom) Young Adult Task Force (Wesley 306) Second Coming - Holifield (Wesley 310)
Tuesday, January 24 6:30 6:30 9:00 9:00 9:30 10:00
Community Meals (Great Hall) INDEX Class (SMB Central Park) Disciple I - Farrell (Wesley 102) Apprentice of Jesus - Pulliam (Wesley 304) Apprentice of Jesus - Thorn (Wesley 307) Second Coming - Holifield (Wesley 310)
The Gathering (Wesley Chapel) Senior Saints Choir (Wesley 104) WNL Express Meal (Great Hall) Timothy Team Classes (Ed Bldg) Tiny Tims Classes (SMB 1st Floor) Team 4:12 (SMB 2nd Floor) WNL Adult Classes (Various Locations) Intermediate Handbells (Ed Bldg 109) Disciple I - Haas/Jones (Wesley 102) Disciple I - Vaughan (Wesley 304) Disciple II - Graves/Tucker (Wesley 310) Disciple III - Johanson (Wesley 306) Contemporary Worship Team Rehearsal (Great Hall) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Thursday, January 26
Monday, January 23 9:00 9:30 10:00
11:30 5:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30
Men’s Small Group (Wesley 310) Men’s Bible Study - Broyles (3263 N. College) Worship Team Meeting (Wesley 303) Disciple III - Green/Herriman (Wesley 102) Disciple II - Gullett (Wesley 310) Staff Meeting (Wesley 307)
11:30 2:30 4:00 4:00 5:30 6:30 7:00
Community Meals Bible Study (CAC Siderooms 1 & 2) Community Meals (Great Hall) Children’s Ministry Prayer Gathering (Wesley 107) YouthBridge Board Meeting (Wesley 310) studentlife Praise Team Rehearsal (SMB Worship Center) String Coalition (Wesley 1st Floor) Perspectives Course (SMB Worship Center) Uganda Information Meeting (Wesley Chapel)
Friday, January 27 6:00
Men’s Fraternity (SMB Worship Center)
Saturday, January 28 6:00
Children’s Ministries Family Movie Night (SMB Central Park))
Wednesday Night Live Menu January 25 Chicken Strips, JoJo Potato Wedges, Salad Bar, Dessert, Drinks Feed My Sheep: Ross Team * menu subject to change due to availability of food
2012 Altar Flowers The following dates in 2012 are open for altar flowers in the Sanctuary: January 22, March 18, June 3, 10, 24, July 1, August 12, 19, 26, September 9, and 30. If you would like to place flowers on a special occasion or in honor or memory of a loved one, please call Susan Meek in the church office, at 442-1818.
Lord’s Day Celebration Sunday, January 22, 2012
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Services - Sanctuary Message
Does God Change His Mind?
Rev. Clefton S. Vaughan
9:40 & 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Services - Great Hall Message
Receiving - It, too, is Better
Dr. Jack A Wilson
To Reach the Pastor on Emergency Call this Weekend,
Call
479-799-7473
