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Eufaula First United Methodist Church
Rev. Michelle McCarty, Pastor Cell Number: (580) 695-4775 email: mmccarty2011@gmail.com Church Office (918) 689-2109 251 Matthews Lane, Eufaula, OK 74432 https://www.eufaulaok-fumc.org/ For more infomation visit: |
Pastor's Pen
Jesus sent two disciples [ahead], saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and at once you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you should say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and without delay the owner will send them [with you].” This happened so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion (the people of Jerusalem), ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Gentle and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” [Is 62:11; Zech 9:9] Then the disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them, and they brought the donkey and the colt, and placed their coats on them; and Jesus sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road [as before a king], while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him, and those that followed Him, were shouting [in praise and adoration], “Hosanna to the Son of David (Messiah); Blessed [praised, glorified] is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest [heaven]!” [Ps 118:26] When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was trembling [with excitement], saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”” Matthew 21:1-11 AMP The energy was electric. There was excitement and enthusiasm so vibrant with possibilities and hope that it worked like a magnet, attracting crowds from every direction. Shouts of hosanna, singing psalms of triumph, spreading palm branches and cloaks to pave the procession for God’s Glory — humble, meek and gentle — riding on a lowly donkey as He entered into the heart (the holy Temple) of the City of Peace. What a moment to be alive and present!?
Last year, Holy Week invited us to enter deeply into the story … to contemplate how humanity could have entered the procession with eyes to see such possibilities in the Messiah… only to take a tragic turn in a matter of a few days. What is it about our human condition that causes passionate believers to become helpless and incapable of making a “mid-course correction” before it’s too late?
This year during Lent, we were invited to “Remove the Scales” before Holy Week, in an attempt to see more clearly our own human condition, allowing the Christ-mind to guide us. In order that we may choose differently.
We have entered into the passion of Christ again, watching familiar scenes unfold, getting swept up in the drama (yet, feeling certain we won’t make the same mistakes again — confident we can make a mid-course correction). How do we stop the momentum of dangerous collective attitudes and actions? How do we ensure that we won’t be swept away by pressure to keep the “status quo?” Or, can we, disengage from the collective energies of fear, unbelief and anxieties that pressure us?
If you have been observant (clear eyed and prepared) during Lent, you will see that the gospel lessons were inviting us, as individuals and as a community, to “metanoia” (change our mind-set, rethink and re-frame perspectives) by becoming the “Living Word.” So that we may remove the scales from our eyes (Recall the stories of Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the man born blind, the raising of Lazarus). Seeing with spiritual eyes, and making Godly adjustments before it’s too late!
Each Sunday, as we “prepare to hear the Word” (letting the message fall in the “good soil” of our hearts) allowing the seeds of God’s Word to take root within our lives; so that we may manifest and build up the Kingdom of Heaven among us now. [Not simply viewing it from afar, as though it is a narrative that cannot affect us personally – but, allowing the Living Word to take root and grow, flowing the new creation — the New Heaven and New Earth, infinite with abundant life, potential and possibilities.]
In other words, dear friends, we have the opportunity (again) this Holy Week to enter the procession of Glory — of salvation, reconciling forgiveness, healing and wholeness, and for transformative power to change our perception and mindset. Not just healing our individual inner state of being, but contributing to the collective awakening and consciousness of humanity. That is why Jesus boldly proclaimed, “Even greater things than I shall ye do!” Simply because we now clearly see our human condition, and choose to make a “mid-course correction,” “removing the scales from our eyes,” and contributing to the collective well-being.
And, when we see as God sees (with compassion on the world) we enter the Easter Promise as a new creation in Christ – as Resurrected Easter People.
What a moment to be alive in His presence, indeed! You are His holy Temple prepared to receive the gentle Savior, revealing God’s Glory! And, you are the dwelling place of His Peace.
May you accept the invitation of Grace and invite others into our Easter season series, “Easter People.” For in this way, we will heal deeply within as we heal the world without.
I am grateful to serve the Risen Lord alongside you, blessed to be a blessing to the world!
Grace and peace, Pastor Michelle
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EASTER SEASON — Year A (White/Gold)EASTER SERIES: “RESURRECTION PEOPLE” April 5 to May 24, 2026 (Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday) April 5, 2026 — EASTER Sunday (White/Gold) / Communion Sunday Acts 10:34-43; Ps 118:1-2, 14-24 (UMH 839); Col 3:1-4; John 20:1-18 or Matt 28:1-10 Sermon Title: “Go Tell It” Scripture Text: Matthew 28:1-10
April 12, 2026 — 2nd Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16 (UMH 748); 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 Sermon Title: “I Am Sending You” Scripture Text: John 20:19-31
April 19, 2026 — 3rd Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 (UMH 837); 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 Sermon Title: “Our Hearts On Fire” Scripture Text: Luke 24:13-35
April 26, 2026 — 4th Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23 (UMH 754 or 137); 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10 Sermon Title: “Enter The Gate” Scripture Text: John 10:1-10
May 3, 2026 — 5th Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) / Communion Sunday Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (UMH 764); 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Sermon Title: “Do Even Greater Works” Scripture Text: John 14:1-14
May 10, 2026— 6th Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) / Mother’s Day (flowers/UMM) Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20 (UMH 790); 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Sermon Title: “Keep My Commandments” Scripture Text: John 14:15-21
May 17, 2026 — 7th Sunday of Easter (White/Gold) / Ascension Sunday Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47 or 93 (UMH 781); Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 Sermon Title: “The Ascension Process” Scripture Text: Luke 24:44-53
May 24 — Pentecost Sunday (Red) / Heritage Sunday / Aldersgate Day Acts 2:1-21; Ps 104:24-34, 35b (UMH 826); 1 Cor 12:3b-13; John 7:37-39 Sermon Title: “Pentecost Power” Scripture Text: John 7:37-39
[Season after Pentecost begins May 31, 2026]
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Good Friday Observance
You are welcome to join us for a come & go contemplative experience at Eufaula First UMC, at 251 Matthews Lane, on Good Friday morning, April 3, between 9 AM and noon. This will be a sacred time for quiet personal prayer, silence, meditation, and Holy Week scriptural reflection during the hours Christ was on the cross. |
Thank youFrom Trustee & President of UMM, Michael Taylor Dear Church Family and Leadership Team, coordinated logistics, and stepping in wherever needed – you made this happen. The distribution of over 200 tickets alone speaks to the commitment and unity within our congregation and community. |
Fundraising Update from Patsy Kirk
The total for the envelope board and Chili Dinner/Dessert Auction is $11,269. This is a huge step toward meeting our 180 – Building the Future Together Building Fund,
The next fundraising event will be a Game Day on April 15 with Margaret heading it up. There will be a charge of $25 which will include a light breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack along with various types of games.
A flyer has been drafted and will be distributed to businesses and put on social media.
The May fundraising event will be the UWF Garage Sale May 22 and 23. This will be put on social media. The UWF will need many volunteers.
Future fundraisers will be discussed at the next meeting on April 26.
Thank you everyone for all your hard work and time in making our fundraisers so successful so far.
Submitted by
Patsy Kirk
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ATTENTION ALL TABLE GAME PLAYERSApril 15 @ 9:00am Happy Monday Church Family. I hope all of you who participated in the Chili Dinner have had a chance to recuperate from your hard work. Your dedication to our first fundraising event was clear in it's success. I realize it is soon to offer the next Fundraising opportunity. I have hosted several successful Game Days for the church before. While proceeds may not match the Chili Dinner, they will support the 180 campaign. How does it work? Anyone interested in playing table games is welcome. Participants pay $25 and receive a light breakfast, lunch, dessert, an afternoon snack, and drinks all day. Attendees can bid on Silent Auction items and buy raffle tickets for mystery envelopes. I am asking for assistance with setting up, serving, cleaning up, and selling raffle tickets, and collecting payment from winners of the auction items. If you are unable to be there to help, you can support the event by providing an auction item (baked goods, jewelry, lotions, plants, candles, and the like), a $10 gift card to a local business, fast food, gas, Amazon, Walmart, gift certificates, cash or lottery tickets. Another great way to be of assistance is to promote the event to your friends, family, hairdressers, nail salons, and local businesses you support. I have included a Flyer to share. If you have any questions, are willing to work, or are willing to donate an item, please text 918-617-3130 or email mghnurseok@aol.com, so I know who is willing to help and which items we have and which will be needed. I appreciate your consideration in helping make this event fun and in making a dent in the Building Debt. Margaret Kramer |
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Exciting News: Introducing QR Code Giving
We are proud to announce a new way to support the ministry and mission of our church through QR code giving. This new giving option provides a simple, secure, and convenient way for members, friends, and visitors to make a gift and help further the work of the church. Through your generosity, our church is able to continue meaningful ministries that make a real difference in the lives of others, including Friendship Kitchen, the Food Pantry, and other outreach efforts that serve our community with compassion and love. These ministries are a vital part of who we are, and every gift helps strengthen our ability to care for neighbors in need and share the love of Christ in tangible ways. We are excited to offer this new opportunity as we continue to grow in service, faith, and outreach. Thank you for your faithful support and for being part of the mission and ministry of our church. To use the QR code, simply open the camera on your smartphone and hold it over the code below. A link should appear on your screen—tap that link to open our secure giving page, where you may choose to give to the General Offering or the Building Fund, either as a one-time gift or as a recurring gift.
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Help Needed
We believe everyone is called to serve God's purpose, with each member of Christ’s Body acting as a minister. As Paul writes, the Spirit gives different gifts—wisdom, faith, healing, teaching, encouragement—for the good of all, uniting us as one church. Each gift strengthens our community and fulfills Christ’s teachings. Now is a great time to reflect on your unique gifts and consider how you can support our congregation. Serving with humility—through prayer, presence, talents, service and witness - helps create an inviting and grace-filled environment. By sharing our gifts in unity, we build up the body of Christ and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. We welcome humble helpers for various needs:
If you are interested in discipleship and outreach,
there are many opportunities for you to use your gifts and help our church thrive. If you feel called or need more information, please contact Pastor Michelle! |
Don’t miss Sunday Morning Fellowship and Coffee at 9:30am every week!
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From Patsy
I now have a mailing address for my granddaughter, Madyson. She is in the Air Force. Pastor Michelle suggested putting it on the newsletter in case anyone might want to write or send her a card. Madyson Satterfield PSC 50 Box 264 APO AE09494 |
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Sondra Coughlin Gordon Pennington & family Connie Anderson Maurice Arnold Gloria Stubbs Bob Sunday David Conatser Ellen & Rod Rink Yuriv & Iryna Zherebko Bill Smith Teressa Bell’s Son, Luke Doug Kuykendall’s Sister-in-Law, Betty & Daughter, Jill Michael Taylor’s Grandmother, Delores Patsy's Husband, Allen & Daughter, Susan Patsy’s Daughter-in-Law, Sherry & Friends, Polly & Kevin Patsy Kirk’s Daughter-in-Law’s Pastor’s Grandson, Coope Patsy’s Granddaughter, Madyson & Neighbors, Jerry & Marsha Kerrington Satterfield’s Friend, Bryer Our Church and Community |
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Food Pantry Donation
Kim Woodruff, the Executive Director of Under One Roof, recently presented Jim and Gail Shroyer, the coordinators of our EFUMC Food Pantry, with a generous gift of $800 to support the work of the Pantry. This check was part of a gift to Under One Roof from a wonderful community member wanting to help reduce food insecurity in the region. Kim Williams distributed the gift to several local food distribution centers to purchase and distribute food to those in need. |
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Food PantryFood Pantry Update The Food Pantry is open every Saturday from 11:30 - 1:00. |
Psalm 100:3New International Version
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; |
Come Join Us
Sunday Morning Fellowship and Coffee at 9:30am every week. Adult and Children's Sunday School meet at 10am every Sunday. Worship every Sunday at 11am. Youth Group will meet every Sunday afternoon at 3:30. Choir Practice join us for weekly choir practice. Friendship Kitchen meets Saturdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm. All are welcome for lunch and fellowship! SAS Leadership Team meets the 2nd Sunday of the month following Worship and the Fellowship Meal. Fellowship Meal gatherings meet 2nd Sunday of the month following church worship. |
Youth Group & Sunday School
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UMC Vision & Mission
UMC Vision: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UMC Mission: “The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” |