November 27, 2014November 27, 2014November 27, 2014November 27, 2014 Volume 19, Number 24Volume 19, Number 24Volume 19, Number 24Volume 19, Number 24

Newsletter

articles for the next issue are due in the church office

by noon Thursday,

December 4th

(You may e-mail articles to office@

eastcross.org)

East Cross East Cross East Cross East Cross

NewsNewsNewsNews

www.eastcross.org

Bi-weekly

publication of

East Cross United

Methodist Church

East Cross United Methodist Church 820 S Madison Blvd. Bartlesville Oklahoma 74006 918-333-0810

Sunday Worship Information:

Sunday, November 30th Advent Sermon Series: The First Carols of Christmas Sermon: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Scripture: Luke 2:8-11, 16-18 Sunday, December 7th Advent Sermon Series: The First Carols of Christmas Sermon: “Ave Maria” Scripture: Luke 1:26-28, 39-42

8:30am Traditional Service 9:45am Small Groups 9:45am Traditional Service, Grace-Epworth, 706 SE 3rd St. Downtown 11:00am Contemporary Service

learning to follow Jesus, inviting others to join the journey

THE ANGEL TREE...We are again offering the Angel Tree as a way of showing God’s love to children in our community. We have several names of children from the Foster Care Program and Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program from which you can choose. (Be sure and put your name on the sign-up sheet indicating which ornament you have taken.) On the back

of each ornament tag will be the child’s first name, gender, age, and a short wish list. You may choose to get some or all of the gifts on the tag. Families may want to go together to purchase some of the larger items.

The gifts, along with ornaments, which will be used as gift tags, need to be returned to the church no later than Sunday, December 14th. Please do not wrap your gifts. Place them in a gift bag with the ornament tag attached. If you are unable to take a name, but would still like to help or for more information, please give Jeretta Amburn a call at 918-607-8741. Thank you. Outreach Committee

The church office will be closed Wed. and Thurs.,

Nov. 26th and 27th for

the holiday.

Staff Appreciation...We are so thankful for our wonderful pastors and staff members and would like to provide all of us an opportunity to show our gratitude. If you would like to participate, simply make a donation by Dec. 15th and note it is for Staff Appreciation on the memo line of the check or giving envelope. The Staff Parish Relations Committee will distribute your gifts to the staff in December. Your generosity is appreciated. Joyce Taylor, SPRC Chair

STOCK DONATION...For those planning to donate stock before year’s end, please ensure that the stock is received in the church’s account at Arvest Asset Management by Tuesday, Dec. 23rd to allow for 3-day settlement of the stock sale and one-day transfer to the church’s bank account. Thank you, Bob Shell, Financial Secretary

East Cross New s - page 2

Singing Carols has been a part of Christmas traditions for Christians for many years. One of my favorite stories is from World War I, when at midnight on Christmas eve, the soldiers in the trenches in Europe laid down their rifles, and sang Silent Night, both sides, in different languages, but the carol wafted up to the heavens as they all sang together. What were the first Carols to be sung at Christmas? We will look at the Carols sung that very

first Christmas, some even months before Jesus was born this year during the Advent and Christmas season. Please join us in worship each week as we anticipate the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus. There are three opportunities to worship each Sunday morning, 8:30 and 11:00 at East Cross and 9:45 at Grace-Epworth. Nov. 30 Series: The First Carols of Christmas: Go Tell It on the Mountain Luke 2:8-11, 16-18 Dec. 7 Series: The First Carols of Christmas: Ave Maria Luke 1:26-28, 39-42 Dec. 14 Series: The First Carols of Christmas: The Magnificat Luke 1: 46-55 Dec. 21 Series: The First Carols of Christmas: The Benedictus Luke 1:67-79 Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Series: The First Carols of Christmas: The Angels’ Song Luke 2:8-20 Dec. 28 Series: The First Carols of Christmas: The Song of Simeon

(A Glimpse of What’s to Come) Luke 2:25-32

Pastor JeffPastor JeffPastor JeffPastor Jeff

It is that time of the year again when we as church family are asked to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christmas-the birth of our Lord and Savior. That's right, it is the Advent season and there is so much going on during this time of year that if we don't slow down, Christmas will have come and gone and we will have missed the opportunity to truly accept the amazing gift of love, joy, peace and hope that God gives freely.

I know your lives are crazy with numerous parties and family get-togethers, but I want to let you know about some of the events happening at the church to help you as you plan. We have the traditional events such as the Christmas Cantata which is always wonderful on Saturday, December 13th, at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 14th, at 8:30am. The children will once again be a part of the worship services on December 7th, 14th, and 21st. Christmas Eve services will be at 6pm, 8pm and 11pm. We have just two more weeks of Connections left for the year with a lot of offerings for people of all ages, but one in particular, "Under Wraps: The Gifts You Never Expected", is designed to help us focus and prepare for the gifts God has for us. And of course we have a new sermon series planned just for Advent entitled "The First Carols of Christmas", and believe me, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is not one of them. But we have also added something new this year. On December 14th and 21st, we will have an area setup in the gathering area downstairs for you to take a Christmas picture. The camera will be setup between first and second service and following second service. You will receive a 4x6 print, free of charge, and we will email you a digital copy for you to post online or get more prints made. We want to encourage you to post it on social media like Facebook and link it to East Cross. Once again there will be no charge to you for this--it is our gift to you. But let me leave you with a word of caution: as the Advent season kicks into full gear, make sure you take the time to slow down, reflect on the last year and prepare your hearts for the blessing that is to come. Make this Christmas different than those in the past as you patiently wait for God to come to us once again in the baby born in Bethlehem.

Pastor ChadPastor ChadPastor ChadPastor Chad

East Cross New s - page 3

SSgt. William G. Ware Capt. Derek Smith Capt. Neil Gorham LTC Darrin Cox Mark Hathaway LCDR Robert Staten A1C Alex Hedgecock Captain Daniel Smith Major Todd Abshire Sgt. Justin Smith AB Jared Draney Sgt. Jared Seat SPC Gary Mabry Lt. Eric Rolfs Sgt. G. McKeehan Robbie Lawson

All persons serving in the military and their families.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES…

EXPERIENCE IT!

East Cross Family Pray For…Val Cottle (Medical Lodge), Gary Brown, Anna Lee Dodd, Ruth Baldwin, Janet Sloan (cousin of Cheryl Lansdown), Doreen Hazelwood (friend of Cheryl Lansdown), Dorothy Clark (friend of Carol Herman), James Green, Toby Kirchman, Jewell Baker, Hopie Taliaferro (Claudia Rolf’s mother), Russell William-son, Val Cottle, Barry Knuth, Cindy Wilcox (Curtis McLaughlin’s daughter), Pat Smith, Bob & Mon-te Murnan, James Fitch, (Crystal Kirchman Fitch’s son), Sue Ann Glasgow (Jeff Glasgow’s sister), Dee Uzzell, Marcia Goode, Irene Geymann, Kent Brewer, Wesley Anderson (Peggy Yelton’s broth-er), Darlene Coe, Ken Salamy, (nephew of Tootsie Bryan), Keith Hesslen (Liz McLaughlin’s son), Joan Collins (friend of Pam Knuth), Charles Hill, Brian Smith (husband of Ashley Hargis Smith), Bill & Allie Zoldoske, Virginia Fugett (family of Carolyn Fugett), Fred Facker, Barbara Bryant (Rick Bryant’s sister-in-law), Kaylee Weaver (friend of the Kliewers), Velma Roby, Mona Frailey (Jack Clark’s sister), John Lindsey (Coleen Oldfather’s son), Linda Colberg, Bill Facker (Fred Facker & Mary Ann Clark’s broth-er), Jocelyn Morris, James Kuntz.

Condolences to… Tim, Cathy and Kaci Cowan on the recent death of son and brother, Jeremy. His memorial service was Tuesday, Nov. 18th at East Cross.

Pray for our Military

A prayer was offered for the recipients of our mountain of food, and then our volunteers went

right to work delivering 831 cases of food, valued at $13,901.00 to Agape, Concern and

the Lighthouse. What a blessing to these three organizations as they enter their months of

highest need. Thank you East Cross for your continued support of this important ministry!

Eleven members of CIA (Christians In Action) recently shopped for four angels from the East Cross Angel Tree. The children took time to carefully select “just the right gifts” from the wish lists that would satisfy both the needs and the wants of their angel. CIA members are always excited to help others and jumped with joy after a successful shopping trip!

Above Photo: Carah

Miller & Lily Weimer

Above Left: Michael Rhett Gilbertson, Asher Myer, Xavier Hatter

Note of thanks...Dear East Cross Family, I have been remiss in thanking all of you for the visits phone calls, love and concern you all showed me after the August 28th home invasion burglary that was so devastating. You all helped me through this difficult time and I appreciate it! God Bless! Helen Goodwin

Dear East Cross, Thanks so much for helping me round up items for the 50th event. I really appreciate your help and the willingness of the church to help meet our needs at Mutual Girls Club. God has big plans and I’m so glad all of you are a part of those plans. Thank you! Penny Meadows, MGC

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHEER 2014…THANK YOU EAST CROSS!!!! You are sending 50 packages to

soldiers overseas and providing them with a taste of home during the holidays. Your support of Operation Christmas Cheer has been nothing short of AWESOME!!! Mike Smith, Military Coordinator

CHAIRS FOR SALE...We have approximately 80 folding chairs as well as 4 sets of 3-chair movie type seats for sale. All are available to see on the 3rd floor in rooms 304 and 323 through Dec. 31st. Prices for folding chairs are 1 for $5 and 2 for $8—the 3-chair movie seats are $20 each. All chairs will be sold on a first come-first serve basis. Make your checks payable to East Cross noting chairs on the memo line and drop your check by the church office.

EAST CROSS NEWS (USPS 164-540) Published twice monthly Postmaster: Send address changes to:

East Cross United Methodist Church 820 SE Madison Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74006-8533

PERIODICALS U.S. POSTAGE PAID AT BARTLESVILLE, OK 74003

USPS 164-540

East Cross News - page 4 Visi t our website at www.eastcross.org

Rev. Jeff Burress

Pastor

Chad Perceful Pastor

Drew Shahan Youth Director

Linda Smith Children’s Minister

Lesli Perceful Children’s Church Director

And Activities Paula Lindblom

Ministerial Coordinator

Rita Neff Treasurer-Membership

Coleen Williams Early Childhood Center Director

Aimee Bloom Nursery and Childcare Director

Ariel Ortega Music Director, 1st. Service

Margie Green Pianist/Organist Emily French

Music Director, 2nd Service

Seth Weimer Sound Tech

Nathan Snowden Building & Maintenance Coordinator

Church Office: 918-333-0810 FAX: 918-335-1664

E-Mail: office@eastcross.org Website: www.eastcross.org

Early Childhood Center 918-333-3814

GRACE EPWORTH UMC

Every Sunday: 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Sunday School

Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at 6:30pm. Bible study - Studying the book of Numbers.

Monday, Dec. 1st at 6:30 pm. Prayer Shawl Ministry

UMW Newsletter

supplements this issue.

STUDENT MINISTRY NEWS

Our Confirmation class is up and run-ning, but if you have a student in the 7th grade or above who hasn't been through the program and would like to, let me know and we'll get them hooked up!

A couple of dates to be aware of for the holiday season are Dec. 14th and 21st. On Dec. 14th, we will have our yearly youth Christmas Party and trip to Woolaroc to see the lights.

On the 21st, we will be caroling as a group with Pastor Jeff, and then we will go out for dinner after we are finished. Can't believe the holidays are already here!

Drew SANCTUARY CHOIR CANTATA,,,

Mark your calendars now for this wonderful event! Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm

and Sunday, Dec. 14, 8:30am

(Details next

newsletter.)

A GIVING OPPORTUNITY...“2014 GIVING TUESDAY” On Dec. 2nd United Methodists are once again invited to extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season by participating in UMC “Giving Tuesday”. Every gift made online through the Advance will be matched up to $1 million! Global Ministries will match dollar for dollar to Advance projects received online on Dec. 2nd, 2014 between midnight and 11:59pm. Check it out at www.umcmission.org/give - Multiply your Impact!

Cookson Hills Center: Advance #582161-6 Meri Whitaker/Missionary: Advance # 982994