Highland Park UMC published a devotion booklet for this year's Lenten season. If you would like a copy of the booklet, click here.
Ash Wednesday Service
February 22 — 6:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
The observance of Ash Wednesday, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, dates from at least the eighth century A.D. The ancient custom was for the worshipers to approach the altar before the beginning of the Mass. A priest would dip his thumb into ashes made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms and make the sign of the cross on each person’s forehead.
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express penitence. Dusting themselves with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing his penitence is found in Job 42:3-5. Job says to God: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (v. 5, NRSV).
Living Faith 2012
Highland Park United Methodist Church is proud to host our fourth annual “Living Faith” series, an evening of presentations and discussions for those who have questions and seek to grow deeper in their lives of faith. Presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be served each evening from 6 to 6:30 p.m. for a small donation.
Monday, Feb. 20 -- Faith and the American Presidency ... speaker Dr. Mike Thompson, endowed religion professor, Oklahoma State University. For more information about Mike, click on the following link: http://religiousstudies.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=74.
Monday, Feb. 27 -- Faith and the Press ... speaker Carla Hinton, relgion editor, The Daily Oklahoma. For more information about Carla, click on the following link: http://newsok.com/carla-hinton
Monday, Mar. 5 -- Faith and Failure ... speaker Devrey Youngblood, author of "Successful Failure" and Oklahoma business person. For more informationa about Devrey and his book, click on the following link: http://successfulfailure.net.
Monday, Mar. 12 -- A Night of Highland Park Entertainment ... coordinated by our music director, Dr. Gayla Foster, this evening will be filled with special musical numbers, including two from our own choir!
The Stillwater District Local Church Leader Workshop will be held on Sunday, February 26 at First UMC.
This year, the workshops are called “Re-Ignite,” designed for all the United Methodist family—not just church officers, and for clergy as well as laity. Those seeking to enrich their leadership skills and their lives are encouraged to attend these workshops. They provide an opportunity to share ideas with individuals from other churches and to gain new insights from well-prepared leaders and participants will also be a part of an organized, energized worship experience. Cost is $10 per person. Preregister with the church office.
Schedule of Events
1 p.m. — Registration and Music
2 p.m. — Open Plenary session featuring a presentation by D.S. David Wiggs focusing on our district ministries.
2:40 to 3:40 p.m. — Class Session I
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VBS Preview
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Should faith mix with politics?
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Youth Ministry for churches with few or no youth
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Social Media and the Local Church
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Starting New Ministries
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Effective Financial Stewardship
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College and Young Adult Ministries
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Leading Through Conflict
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UMW
3:50 to 4:50 p.m. — Class Session II
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Children’s Ministry
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Passionate Evangelism
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Making Disciples In and Out of Prison
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Church Historians
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Small Membership Congregations
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Partnering for Missions
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Lay Leader 101
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Trustees
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Effective Dialogue on Social Principles
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Congregations working with Veterans
5 p.m. — Snacks and Displays
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Worship featuring the preaching of Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. His sermon, “The Three R’s for a New Age” is based on Acts 19:1-7. There will also be a combined choir from HPUMC and First UMC!
For more information, click on the following link: http://www.okumcministries.org/Local_Church/Stillwater_District.htm or contact Pastor Derrek.
Stillwater District UMW's Spiritual Day Apart
March 24, 2012
at Highland Park UMC
Guest Speaker: Josephine Deere, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
Meal will be served
Cost: $7.00
Reservations are due to Karen Mitchell by March 17th
(karen.mitchell23@yahoo.com)
For further details and a look at the spring issue of the UMW Newsletter