RETHINK  CHURCH

Easter Lilies

The United Methodist Youth are receiving orders for lilies to adorn our sanctuary on Easter, April 4. If you would like to place one, contact Anita Shelton or the Church Office. You may place one or more in honor or memory of someone.  The cost of each plant is $10.

Lunch with the Easter Bunny

You are urged to invite your children, grandchildren, and any other children in your life to Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Saturday, April 3 from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m. There will be food, an Easter Egg Hunt, games and a picture taken with the Easter Bunny.   

Car Needed

“The Way Station,” a place dedicated to giving released prisoners a “second chance” is in need of a vehicle to replace the old Jeep with 237,000 miles. This car is used to pick up prisoners when they are released from prison at midnight on the corner of Linwood and E. Kings with just $10 in their possession. They are brought to the Way Station’s “GOD House” where they are provided shelter, meals, A. A. Meetings (required), Bible study (required), and transportation to find a job and become self-sufficient.   

Do you or someone you know have a usable car or van that can be donated to this investment in others’ lives?  See Jerry Shelton or Steve Caraway and they’ll make the connection for you.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee meets March 21st at 5 p.m. in the New Seekers Classroom.  Russ Rogers is chairperson.

Wednesday Evenings in Lent 

Each Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.; one member of our church family will lead us in worship.  February 24, Carolyn Salter led us;  The following Wednesdays, these folks will lead our worship.   

March 17 — Ann Bremer

March 24 — Steve Caraway

Please make this a part of your Lenten journey.

Our Spiritual Director

Jan Moss is Mangum’s Spiritual director and Spiritual Growth Co-ordinator.  She received certification in this field in 2008 and is trained in helping others meet life’s spiritual challenges. Though not counseling or even pastoral care, the work of the Spiritual Director is to help others find understanding in their lives under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The result is a closer relationship with God after going through the struggles of searching, questioning — “wilderness experiences” — to know one’s place in life. 

Jan is willing to spend as much time with you as necessary to help you find ways to grow spiritually. Contact her at 635-1472. Her services are free to anyone interested in such a spiritual endeavor.    

 Our New Covered Walkway 

A new cover for the walkway leading from the parking lot to our newly re-located office area has been given in memory of Gerard Hoffman, by his wife, Rose Marie. In the relatively short time the Hoffman family has been associated with Mangum, they have made great contributions to the life and witness of the church.  And even though Gerry has since entered the Church Triumphant, we continue to celebrate his life and give God thanks for Rose Marie.   

$25 on the 25th

25/25 and the One Great Hour of Sharing

If you’ve been keeping up with your Lenten calendar, you should know that today is the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. This funds the operational costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in responding to the world’s natural and civil crises. This will also be our $25 on the 25th offering for this month, so if you did not bring your OGOS offering today, you may do so anytime between now and March 25.  Please plan to give generously.  

Beth Moore Bible Study 

“Believing God” is the next Beth Moore Bible Study. It continues each Tuesday, from 1-3 p.m.  Facilitator is Betty Howard. 

On-going Bible Study

Every Wednesday morning since 1989, a group of ladies have met here at Mangum for a mid-week Bible study.  It is a great time to get out and savor a period of enjoyment and and learning with each other.  The leader has been Beverly Werntz.  Presently, the group is studying “Unlikely People that God Has Used.”  Fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m. and the study is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m..  You are welcome to join us.  For more information, contact Martie Powell.

 NORTHWEST LOUISIANA FOOD BANK

Will you help feed the hungry? Beginning Sunday, August 16, you will find baskets for non-perishable food in the hallway

The food items will be taken to the NW Louisiana Food Bank.  We know there are those in need of our help here in Northwest Louisiana. If we all do our part, we can make a real difference. 

Also, there will be a basket for basic school supplies for children in the area.

Feedback needed… 

Significant changes have been made in our worship experiences at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.  Each effort is made with the earnest intent of making worship a more fulfilling experience for you. We’d like your feedback (since we have not received any) and encourage you to offer your comments to the pastor or the church office or the chairperson of our Celebrations Committee, Merry Davis.

Mangum Prayer Line

Our Prayer Line ministry is in place.  When an urgent need for prayer arises in the Mangum Church family, please call Jane Salter (631-7871) and she will get the prayers going through the Prayer Line. 

Prayer Group meets Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., in the parlor.

WE ARE A CONNECTIONAL CHURCH …

… and, as such, we hurt when one of our other churches in Methodism suffers. 

             Much of the New Orleans District of the United Methodist Church suffered significant damage during Hurricane Katrina and the flooding which followed.   Many of the facilities are not usable and (may never be).  Dozens of  Louisiana United Methodist clergy have been “displaced,” meaning they are either temporarily or permanently unable to live in their homes or parsonages.   And because many of the churches are no longer usable and as many in their congregations have relocated, they have no place to work and little or no parishioners to serve. 

The Louisiana Conference is working to help these clergy and to help our churches.  A goal of $1.1 million has been set to assist the clergy in relocating while maintaining their salaries and benefits. 

Mangum has been generous in its response to the wrath of Hurricane Katrina.  You’ve contributed over $3,100 in one week to the relief efforts.  Additionally, some have volunteered in shelters and many others have contributed the loads of donations we’ve carried to Hirsch Coliseum and other places to provide bedding, clothing, toiletries, etc. for evacuees.  

Now, we need to support our clergy in Louisiana.  The Bishops’ Appeal — Hurricane Katrina — will help toward this end.  We seek your generous donations in these extraordinary and pivotal times.  Make your check out to Mangum and denote “Bishops’ Appeal — Hurricane Katrina.”