SHUMC TIMES

How We Can Grow…Naturally!

There are a lot of different ways to “grow” a church. Some of those ways bring
quick numbers that die out at the slightest change. Others follow individual people
or programs and rise when times are good and fall when times get tough. The best
way to “grow,” however, to grow naturally (that’s true for people, plants, AND
churches!).
So when the Annual Conference asked each church to come up with a
Strategic Plan to become more “fruitful” (i.e. to “grow” fruit from our ministries),
we naturally turned to a program called Natural Church Development to help us in
that effort. Natural Church Development is a process that has been undertaken by
tens of thousands of churches worldwide in an effort to better understand the reasons for church success and
areas that need improvement. Methodists around the country are using the process to evaluate their church’s
effectiveness. We are looking into using this valuable resource to help us be more effective too.
But we need your help. The process will not work without participation from people within the church.
That’s why we are having an all -church lunch (lunch is pot -luck so bring something tasty to share) on August
30th after worship to discuss this process. Rev. James Graham of Verdigris UMC has offered to “coach” us
through the process and will present what Natural Church Development has meant to his church and what it
might do for us. I hope each of you will make an effort to come that Sunday and then to participate in the
process. If you have questions, please bring those to the lunch on the 30 th. See you then!

The Pumpkins are Coming...

Every year, Southern Hills UMC is invaded by a sea of pumpkins. This year
we will again be hosting our annual Pumpkin Patch, under the able leadership of
Katie Alfred and Sarah Ferguson for the second year! This year’s patch will be a
little different than previous years but the fun and fellowship will stay the same!
Of course, we will need volunteers to sell pumpkins and to tell stories at
story time. Regular patch hours will be 12 -7 (two shifts, 12 -4, 4-7). We only need a
couple of people for the 12-4 shift and probably three during the 4 -7 slot. If you would like to help with story
time (read pumpkin stories to groups of kids), consider signing up to read one day each week (every Tuesday
during the three week patch, for example) or share a day with someone and rotate weeks. We will be handing
out the "Pumpkin Cards" the first of September at church service for any other services you wish to offer.
We also need carts or wheelbarrows. If you have and can loan us carts or wheelbarrows,
we would greatly welcome them. Be sure to put your name
on the cart so we canHere
get are important dates to put on your calendar for next month’s orange invasion:
set up day for the big tent and the orange fencing around the patch.
it back to you
after the patch. October 7th, 5pmstraw—and pallets delivered. Time to be determined later.
Contact Katie or October 10— PUMPKINS ARRIVE, after service
Come dressed in clothes to help unload the truck (or bring a change!).
Sarah 743-2940 to October 11— 7, with two shifts 12 -4, 4-7)
volunteer your (Patch hours are 12 - Friday)
—
—
Patch Officially Opens(Story Time hours are 9:30 -12:00 Tuesday -
time or wagons. October 12 Story Time Begins
October 13— Last Day of Patch and Great Pumpkin Gifts
October 31—
 Pastor Jeff Writes
I love vacation. Who doesn’t? It’s nice to get away from everything, rest for a while, and enjoy a
change in scenery. I’ve been fortunate in my life to be able to take some pretty great vacations and,
like every kid, looked forward to every school break for a chance to get away (from school if
nothing else!).
But there are a couple problems with vacation, that, looking back, even existed in those days in school:
1) trying to get everything done before the break and 2) getting caught up and in gear after the break is over.
Before vacation starts you have to rush to get everything done before you leave. Back in school, this
meant the teachers usually found ways to cram projects, tests, or more homework in before the break started…
meaning less sleep and more stress. While I no longer have tests, getting ready for vacation for me now
means planning extra worship services and making sure everything is lined up. I even try to cross a few things
off the to-do list that have become regular fixtures there. Sadly, the end effect is pretty much the same: less
sleep and more stress before leaving.
And just when you think you’ve de -stressed while on vacation, you come back into the thick of it when
you get back. I can easily spend days on the plethora of e -mails in my inbox, the pile of regular mail in
another inbox, and voicemail on my phone inbox. All that can make me want to climb into a box…or take
another vacation!
And yet, just like the kids who are streaming back into schools around the state, there comes a time for
summer break to be over and get back in gear for the Fall. We all take breaks in one way or another and we
need to—it’s good for the soul. Even God took a break at the end of creation, and then called us to do the
same. Taking a break recharges the batteries in preparation for what is to come. But the time comes when we
can put off the future no longer and must move into that next phase. Call that getting “back in gear,” “back in
the swing of things,” or “back in the saddle again” —whatever you call it, once you’ve recharged those
batteries, it’s time to put that energy to good use.
And now is a good time to do that in the life of the church. Because September is a time of change in
the culture at large (new seasons start for schools, sports teams, tv networks, etc.), many people use this time
to look for a church home. Maybe that is you this year. If so, welcome to Southern Hills UMC! If that is not
your situation, maybe you can make an effort to sit next to one of the guests who will be joining us in worship,
welcoming them to our church family. Or maybe you might want to invite someone you know to try us out
this month. Maybe getting in gear for you means going next door and checking in on your neighbor. Maybe
it means calling that person who’s been on your mind. Maybe it means being more consistent in coming to
church or Sunday school.
Maybe, like me, it means working on new programs and ministries to find new ways to connect our
church to God’s people in our community. I know a lot of our committee chairs are doing that too. And we as
a church are working on new ways to become more fruitful through the Strategic Plan and the Natural Church
Development program (see the article on the front page for more info.). Maybe you want to help us in this
important effort—and that’s how you “get in gear.”
There are many ways to “get in gear” this month. The choir is back from summer break, UMW is
ready to meet and eat, and our 50 th anniversary is right around the corner. These and many more are great
opportunities for you to use some of that energy you’ve gained over the summer. Call the church office for
more information on these and other activities re -starting this month.
I’m glad to have had a little break at the end of the summer. I hope you had a good break too. But I
can’t wait to “get in gear” and see what God does with all those newly recharged batteries!
Peace,
 A Tulsa District Event benefiting
All God's Children.
September 20 from 5 to 7 pm
Circle of Care (a United Methodist agency
to care for children and youth) is sponsoring a
chili and dessert (cakes only) cook-off to raise
funds and awareness of their programs. Each
Methodist church in the Tulsa area is requested
to enter at least one chili (with typed recipe),
and two desserts (cakes only with recipe).
If we do not offer a chili entry, then we
will be asked to donate something for the silent
auction. Please let Katie Alfred (743-2940) know
if you would like to enter your chili or dessert
recipe for this event.
Tickets for the event are only $5 for
adults. Children 12 and under are free. I will
have tickets with me at church starting August
30 so have your money ready for some tasty chili
and great cakes.
Please support the great work of Circle of
Care. Chili and dessert (cakes only) entries
must be submitted to our committee by
September 11 ( with recipe). Some local
firefighters will judge the best recipes.
Entertainment will be provided by some good
friends of our church: Joesf Glaude, Lon de Ada
and Pete Astor.
Thank you for supporting Circle of Care.
Book Club
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7:00 pm
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
By Barbara Kingsolver
Author Barbara King solver, in her first nonfiction
book, sets out to discover the truth
behind the age-old statement, “ you
are what you eat.” She and her
family leave the comfort of their home
in Arizona for family-owned land in
the Appalachia. Together they face
the challenges of eating only foods
that they grow or purchase from neighboring
farms. It is written as part memoir, part cookbook,
and part journalistic investigation. It will make
you more aware of what you are putting into your
body, where you shop and how you cook in your
kitchen. It also will raise questions about the how
our “choices will effect our future, our health and
our well-being. Animal, Vegetable and Miracle is
more than a story of one family’s experience.
Consider it a valuable resource to living.
Join us Tuesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm for good
discussion and possibly some “local” fare. If you
have not read anything by Barbara Kingsolver, this
is a good place to begin. She is a good storyteller.

Young Adults in Labor!

No, this is not a baby announcement…baby Jaynes is still a couple months away. It is a call to labor —the
work kind—for young adults across the state. The Young Adult Small Group here at Southern Hills UMC is
joining together with the Young Adult Ministry Council for the Oklahoma Conference of United Methodists
to spend a day of labor on Labor Day weekend ( Saturday, Sept. 5 th to be exact). We will be working to help
our brothers and sisters at Billy Hooten Memorial UMC in Oklahoma City, a
church in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. We will be working
from 9am to 4pm so our group will need to meet at the church around 7am to
make it down to OKC in time. Families are more than welcome, they are all
invited to join in on the fun (other kiddos will be down there as well). Please
contact Pastor Jeff ASAP if you’d like to be involved in this fun day of work
and fellowship with young adults from around the state. There will still be
plenty of time later in the weekend for a trip to the lake!
 Take Steps to Fight Hunger! Bring in your Memories!
Each year hundreds of people in Tulsa
gather together downtown to take steps to As we prepare for our big 50th Anniversary
fight hunger in our city and our world. celebration on November 15th (circle that date
They do so by participating in CROP Walk, an on your calendar now!), we need your
annual fundraiser for Church World Service —a help. Many of you have pictures, articles, and
Christian International Relief Agency. other memorabilia of the life of the people at
This year, like last year, our very own Southern Hills UMC (or even John Wesley Methodist --
Pastor Jeff is leading up the local effort for CROP our first name). The group planning our celebration
Walk and Southern Hills UMC is a sponsor. The would like to compile that information to showcase it on
walk itself will be Sunday, October 4 at 1:30 but the big day. For more information, call the church office.
please talk to Pastor Jeff today about participating
in this important event. Each year we’ve exceeded
our goal for fundraising and walkers and we want Parish Nurses Back in Action
to do the same again this year. After a short summer break our
So take the first step by contacting the
Parish Nurses are back in action! They
church office today and let Pastor Jeff know you
have many things planned for us this fall to keep
want to walk to fight hunger! You can also go to
us safe, healthy, and informed.
http://www.churchworldservice.org/goto/SHUMC
and sign up October is Disaster Preparedness Month.
online. They will focus on plans for the home, church,
community and even our precious pets!
Watch your October newsletter for details.
"Wendy's Walkers will be suspended during Don’t forget to check out the nurse’s bulletin
the months of September and October. board next to the kitchen!
November will be a good time
to get those walkin’ shoes on, Make a Joyful Noise: Join the Choir!
take a walk, and be thankful
for the wonderful body God What a wonderful time of the year this is. School
has started, schedules are put in place,
gave us. Please plan to join
Fall and Winter are on our minds and we
me in November, even if it is for 50 steps."
begin planning for the rest of the year
Wendy Reeder activities. Even the Choir begins to plan
for the rest of the year.
Schools…of FISH! We are in the process of
As kids go back to school, people planning for Thanksgiving and even Christmas for our
in need have even more expenses to face music. However, we need MORE VOICES to do any of
that take away needed funds from rent, our music justice.
utilities, or even gassing up their cars to take the
That’s where you come in … If anyone would
kids where they need to go. That’s where we can
like to join in and help us sing, just come on Wednesday
come in. Through our FISH program (Furnishing
nights to the church sanctuary at 7:00 and join us in
Individuals Support and Hope), we can help
praising God through SONG. No training or special skill
alleviate some of the burdens for these families
is necessary, only a willing heart and the voice God gave
while helping them return to self -sufficiency.
you. There are no auditions and all are welcome!
If you would like to help this important
If you know anyone who would like to sing,
effort, you can donate funds (just mark FISH on
invite them to come with you. The church needs you and
your envelope or check) or time (to meet with
God needs you.
prospective clients). Any and all support is more
than welcome. Please contact the church office See you Wednesdays!
today with questions or to offer your support. Jessie Feather
 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
6160 S. Lewis
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, OK 74136
Permit #72
Phone: 918-743-2013
Fax: 918-743-3151
Email: shumchurch@shumc -tulsa.com
Rev. Jeff Jaynes:
Pastor@shumc -tulsa.com
Linda Sisemore, editor:
Linda.sisemore@shumc -tulsa.com

Church School Classes 9:45 a.m.

Worship Celebration 11:00 a.m.
Monday Prayer time 7:00 a.m.

Website: www.shumc-tulsa.com

Our Mission
We are disciples serving God, Building a community of grace and love.

UMW Salad Supper

Look Inside
Sept. 1, 6:30pm
The United Methodist Women’s program Pumpkins in
September 1st will be a salad supper and  your future?
book review. Please join us at 6:30pm. All women of the
church are invited. The Trinity and New Do you smell chili?
Haven UMW are invited as our guests. UMW 
members should bring a big salad and Road Trip!
come early for set-up. For more 
information, contact Choir Wants You!
Becky Hamby at 827-4739. 

Our Vision
Focusing Outward, Growing Together, Practicing the Presence of God,
Living Lives of Worship and Inviting Others to Come and See.