Thank you Sam Harlin, Emily Wagner, and Ashley Thompson for the wonderful update you shared last week regarding your experience at the CYCM (a leadership training event for youth).  While at this event, each of these young ladies were able to take basic and advanced courses for their certification as Lay Servants.  What an amazing thing to have so many Certified Lay Servants in this church and what is even more amazing is how many of our Lay Servants are from our Youth Group!  You are examples for us all!
Pastor Allen.

Last Thursday night the cross & Flame Road Show was on fire.  Not literally (we didn't set the cooker on fire) but in terms of participation, excitement, fellowship, and the presence of God's Spirit.  First of all the Sapulpa Fire Department showed up with one of their trucks.  This is always a popular attraction for the kids in the park.  Fireman gave a "tour" of their truck and allowed visitors to examine their equipment.  They even joined us for hamburgers and hot-dogs.  The Christian motor-cycle club also decided to pay a visit.  They didn't give any "rides" but kids and adults could get a close up look at their marvelous motorcycles.  They too ate and visited with friends from the church and the park.  It also just happened to be the night that the feature story writer from the Sapulpa Herald decided to come.  He took some great pictures and our church was featured as a front page story in the next edition.  Off course free-prayer was offered to anyone who desired.  What a wonderful outreach and effort in Living the Love of Jesus.  This was a great evening provided by all of our Cross and Flame Road Show team!

Recently a youth mission team (112 youth plus sponsors) from the Texas Central Conference, stayed in our church while doing a week of work and outreach throughout community.  (Very similar to our Oklahoma Youth Force program.)  The Trustees, staff, and I would like to thank them for their cooperative spirit in the use of our facility and for the positive witness they shared with our community.  However, they also sent a special word of thanks to us.  It reads as follows:  "Kay, a great big thanks to you and the wonderful people at Sapulpa UMC.  Throughout the week you exhibited Radical Hospitality at its finest!!!  Thank you so much for opening the doors to us and for putting up with us throughout the week.  You blessed us beyond words...  I hope and pray we got everything put back in order.  Please pass along our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Allen, Paul and the rest of the congregation.  Grace and Peace, Pastor Steve."  I'm so glad that the feelings were mutual.  What a joy it is when we can work together to further the kingdom of God!
​Pastor Allen