Bartlesville First United Methodist Church

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Bartlesville First United Methodist Church Sunday Small Groups: 9:00AM
Coffee & Community: 10:00am
United Worship: 10:30AM

God Made Me—And I Can Shine!These recurring words were the theme for Children’s Sunday that we observed last Sunday. It ...
10/14/2026

God Made Me—And I Can Shine!

These recurring words were the theme for Children’s Sunday that we observed last Sunday. It proved most fitting for not only our youngest disciples, but our older ones as well.

And what a blessing this Sunday was! Twenty-five young disciples took part – handing out bulletins, helping to take the offering, and even serving as liturgists.
While my message was crafted especially for those young disciples, I think we can all agree that those words were and are applicable to us all. We were reminded of God’s word:

We are God’s handiwork, made for good works - Ephesians 2:10

and

You are the light of the world, so let your good deeds shine forth - Matthew 5:14-16

And in the spirit of impactful mission, we blessed the comfort bears and the care bags which go out to help neighbors in need. These bags were assembled last Wednesday by the kids, and now they will do their comforting work in the world.

Our Children’s Ministry has two big upcoming events that we can’t wait to share:

*Trick or Treat Trail, where at last count we were at 19,000 pieces of candy, but we’re going to have to count again because we just got a huge donation… Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 to 4 pm.

Speaking of which, we still have 4 spots open for candy stations!

* A Christmas musical program, Once Upon a Holy Night… Wednesday, December 9, 6:30 pm.

After the amen, all of us are called to glow with God’s love, shine grace into every place we go, and light the world, doing all the good we can.

Hope to see you Sunday!
Pastor Terry

Little Hands. BIG love. 86 ways to make a difference!During last week's Midweek Discipleship, our kiddos learned what it...
10/14/2026

Little Hands. BIG love. 86 ways to make a difference!

During last week's Midweek Discipleship, our kiddos learned what it means to love thy neighbor and care for those who are sick, poor, or in need.

But they didn't stop at reading scripture, they put those lessons into action!

Together, they prepared:
🫧24 hygiene kits for those in need
😃25 smile bags for individuals experiencing homelessness
🍎25 after-school snack bags
🧸12 comfort bears for children, each with a handwritten note

On Monday, these gifts of kindness made their way into our community through CMS After School Tutoring, The Lighthouse, Concern, and our local police department.

Faith isn't just something we learn about, it's something we live out.

***A quick midweek note: We're taking a break today for Fall Break, but we'll be back next Wednesday from 5-7pm. Children ages 5 through 5th grade are invited to join us for dinner, friendship, fun, and faith in action. There's always room for more little hands and big hearts!💗

Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading. And sometimes, a little extra encouragement can make a B...
10/13/2026

Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading. And sometimes, a little extra encouragement can make a BIG difference!

Project Transformation After School is a completely FREE program helping 1st - 5th grade students strengthen their reading skills, build confidence, and discover just how much they're capable of!

Through one-on-one reading time with caring volunteers, snacks, movement, and fun activities, children are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.

📖 Who: All area students in grades 1–5
💚 Cost: Absolutely FREE!
📅 When: Tuesdays | 4:15–5:45 PM
📍 Where: Bartlesville First United Methodist Church, 4715 Price Road
🚌 Transportation: Provided from Hoover and Ranch Heights elementary schools. Students from other schools are welcome with family-provided transportation.

Contact the church office at 918-336-3361 to register your child or to learn more.

A Wonderful Series of Sundays Await Us This Month!My message last Sunday, drawn from I Corinthians 11, was a meditation ...
10/07/2026

A Wonderful Series of Sundays Await Us This Month!

My message last Sunday, drawn from I Corinthians 11, was a meditation on the Lord’s Supper (often referred to as “holy communion” or just “communion”).

A key word for sharing in that “meal,” as we call it, is the word “remember.” As in, “We remember how, on the night in which Jesus offered himself, he took the bread…he took the cup…” It’s important to realize that to “remember” is not only to look back on a long ago evening Passover meal Jesus had with a handful of those who were committed to him. It is also critical that we recall the future day ahead when (as Revelation describes) there is a great feast to which God invites everyone.

After the amen, in the spirit of looking ahead, let’s consider the upcoming Sundays.

This week, October 11, will be Children’s Sunday. This is also referred to as Children’s Sabbath, due to its focus not only on celebrating the gifts of children in our midst, but also on the need to advocate for children around the world who are affected by disease, hunger, warfare, and other threats.

I hope we have lots of children present in worship this coming Sunday, as they help lead and share. And my message will be created especially for them (although grownups are welcome to listen in!).

Then, October 18th will be Confirmation Sunday, when we’ll pray for our youth and celebrate steps of faith some of them will be taking. Again, I will share a message especially for them, but relevant for us all.

This will be a day of blessing. So much hope comes from seeing evidence of God’s grace working in young people’s lives!

We will conclude the month’s worship with Laity Sunday on October 25. That day, one or more of our certified lay speakers and lay servants will share a brief message. A major part of the growth of the Methodist movement from the time of John Wesley was the use of lay preachers to share God’s Word. My own first experience preaching as a United Methodist was on a Laity Sunday over thirty years ago now.

And, while I’m on the topic, that same weekend (Saturday, October 24) our district lay servant training will be held in Tahlequah; I will be teaching an advanced course, and it’s not too late for you to register. (For more details, please reach out, if you’re curious and want to learn more.)

A great month stretches ahead which can bless and inspire each of us!

I hope to see you Sunday!
Pastor Terry

We Are All One in Christ: a Celebration of Women as Faithful Followers and Servant-LeadersAs September ended, we observe...
10/01/2026

We Are All One in Christ: a Celebration of Women as Faithful Followers and Servant-Leaders

As September ended, we observed “United Women in Faith” Sunday. Our UWF group (formerly known as United Methodist Women, or UMW) is a service and learning organization. As we heard from Paula Barnes, our UWF president, they are involved in many local missions throughout the year. What a beautiful picture on the screen which showed several of our members’ hands in a circle!

Fun fact: as a United Methodist pastor, I am also a UWF member!

My message on this occasion was based on Romans 16:1-16, a passage that is mostly names and references to people—twenty-nine specific persons, along with several groups, to be exact. It’s not an easy passage to read, but it’s an important one.

(Thank you to Peggy White for her great reading… the spontaneous applause afterward was well-deserved!)

Over a third of the persons mentioned in that Romans passage are women. And Paul’s clear sense of respect and admiration is clear, even referring to some as “apostles” and “co-workers” in the Lord.

This is remarkable because the status of women in the first century, in many places, amounted to not much more than property. It would be inaccurate to think that people in the first century had the same outlook we have today on matters of inclusion. However, it is possible that one reason the movement of Jesus got traction in many places was because of its honor toward and acceptance of women’s leadership, contrasting with the surrounding culture.

With this passage came the opportunity to celebrate and affirm the gifts of women in ministry, and to state clearly our United Methodist conviction that God’s Spirit also calls women to serve as pastors and clergy.

Here, I have a chance to also say a word of appreciation for the ministry of Bishop Laura Merrill. It will always be a highlight of my own ministry that, if only for a little over a year, I was able to serve alongside our first female Bishop in Oklahoma and in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conferences.

When I first heard her preach, I thought, “This is a major part of why the church set her apart as a Bishop.”

After the amen, we can be thankful that the Holy Spirit continues to plow through human-made roadblocks to deliver God's call.

I hope to see you Sunday!
Pastor Terry

Could your child use a little extra support with reading?Project Transformation After School is returning to Bartlesvill...
09/29/2026

Could your child use a little extra support with reading?

Project Transformation After School is returning to Bartlesville First UMC beginning Tuesday, October 6!

This free program gives 1st - 5th grade students extra reading practice, one-on-one encouragement from caring adults, and an afternoon filled with snacks, movement, and fun!

And it make a difference! Many of the children who participated last year increased by at least one reading level. Some advanced multiple levels over the course of the program!

🗓Tuesdays, October 6 - May 4
⌚4:15 - 5:45pm
🚌Pickup is available from Hoover & Ranch Heights although friends from other elementary schools and the community in this age range are welcome!
1️⃣5️⃣Open to 1st - 5th graders who could use extra help with reading
📚Reading, Snack, Fun

We currently have room for at least 15 more students!

If you know a child who could benefit from a little extra reading practice (and a whole lot of encouragement!) we'd love to have them join us.

Contact the church office at 918-336-3361 for registration information.

Yesterday, we celebrated United Women in Faith Sunday with women across generations helping lead us in worship.From Paul...
09/28/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated United Women in Faith Sunday with women across generations helping lead us in worship.

From Paula sharing the mission and ministry of the UWF, to Peggie serving as liturgist (and tackling a particularly pronunciation-heavy Scripture passage), to ushers, youth welcoming folks with bulletins, and one of our young leaders serving as acolyte, women of all ages had a hand in Sunday's service.

United Women in Faith is rooted in putting faith, hope, and love into action. And yesterday, we were reminded that there are so many ways to serve, lead, welcome, and participate in the life of the Church.

And yes, Peggie gave us a LOOK. When the Scripture reading fights back, sometimes you just have to look it straight in the eye and keep going.

Thank you to everyone who helped make United Women in Faith Sunday special!

FRIDAY FUNNY 😂Around here, we believe in working smarter, not harder.Lisa: Why push one cart when you can push SIX? 🛒🛒🛒🛒...
09/26/2026

FRIDAY FUNNY 😂

Around here, we believe in working smarter, not harder.

Lisa: Why push one cart when you can push SIX? 🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒

Elaine: Why HOLD the mop when you can BE the mop? 🧹

You probably won't find these techniques in a training manual, but around here, when something needs to be done, our people find a way, AND usually manage to have a little fun doing it.

Whatever it takes. Whatever works. And preferably with a good laugh along the way.

It's officially fall! 🍂🍂🍂And apparently fall understood the assignment. After all those 100°+ days, a week in the low 80...
09/22/2026

It's officially fall! 🍂🍂🍂

And apparently fall understood the assignment. After all those 100°+ days, a week in the low 80's feels downright luxurious.

If you've been waiting for an excuse to get outside, this might be it. Our walking trail winds around the lake behind the church and is open for a stroll, a little fresh air, some time in nature, or simply a quiet moment to yourself.

Come walk a lap. Sit by the water. Listen to the birds. ENJOY THE ALMOST 20 DEGREES COOLER PART. 😅

A friendly reminder that the trail is for foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles only.

And while you're here taking a stroll, picture a little live jazz drifting across the lake...🎷🎹🎺

Jazz on the Lake is coming Saturday, October 10, from 5-7pm! Bring a lawn chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and join us lakeside for an evening of music and community.

And then, just a few weeks later, the trail gets a little more...spooktacular. 🎃 Our Trick or Treat Trail returns October 31, with trick-or-treat stations set up along the trail for a fun fall family adventure.

Happy fall, friends.

p.s. - Details about both of these two community events are in the comments!

There are two kinds of Children's Ministry team photos:The one where everyone smiles nicely for the camera.....and the o...
09/22/2026

There are two kinds of Children's Ministry team photos:

The one where everyone smiles nicely for the camera...
..and the one that probably gives you a much more accurate picture of what it takes to do children's ministry.

A little chaos. A lot of laughter. And a whole lot of love.

Week after week, these are some of the people who show up for our kids. Preparing lessons, leading activities, answering ALL the questions, giving hugs and high-fives, and making sure every child who walks through our doors knows they have a place here.

We're so grateful for the time, energy, patience, love, and yes...goofiness our Children's Ministry staff and volunteers pour into our kids each week!

Bring your wiggles. Bring your giggles. Bring you!
Wednesdays, 5-7pm
Kids age 5 through 5th grade

Address

4715 Price Road
Bartlesville, OK
74006

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 12:15pm

Telephone

+19183363361

Website

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