Moelling’s Musings

AKESIDERAKESIDERTHETHE

…TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE “Do no put your trust in princes…in whom there is no help…. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.” —Psalm 146:3, 8

“How am I supposed to make a living?!” he screamed. He was standing in the middle of the street outside the government office that had confiscated his scale used to weigh the fruit he sold from his cart. The scale was worth $100 and to get it back would take a bribe – one he had paid too many times before. So he complained to the female official who confiscated it – and she slapped him. He ran to the gov-ernment office to get his scale back, but they refused to let him in. He had nowhere else to go. The $10 a day he made from selling fruit was how he supported his family. So, Mohamed Bouazizi went and got a can of gasoline, doused himself in the middle of traffic in front of the same government office and screamed out his question above. Then, he struck a match – and ignited a revolution in Tunisia that has spread across the Arab world. Things will never be the same. Mohamed Bouazizi’s life, you see, was a life mirrored in millions of Arab people who have lived under the heel of oppressive dictatorial regimes for years. Theirs has been a life with little economic opportunity and even less hope. But, amazingly, Mohamed Bouazizi’s flaming protest has changed all that. From Tunisia to Egypt to Libya and elsewhere across the Arab world, winds of unrest are blowing from long-oppressed peoples. You can only hold people down so long; human beings can only take so much. Mohamed Bouazizi could take no more. Since his self-annihilating protest, thousands have gathered in defiance and many hundreds have given their lives to affect change. While a real stake in the political process of the country fuels the unrest, this is mostly about economics. Unemployment even for college graduates in Tunisia is near 50% - but the rich, ruling elite and their cronies kept getting richer. Given time, that kind of house will always fall. (continued on page 2)

Opportunities at LakesideAsh Wednesday ServiceWed., March 9th 6:00 pm We will engage the ancient Christian tradition of the Imposi-tion of Ashes. Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day (not counting Sundays) season of Lent. It is a season of repentance and reflection to prepare us for the wonder and joy of Easter. Come and participate.

Work Day at Canyon Camp Saturday, April 2 Meet at the church at 8:00 a.m.; return at 4:00 pm This is a good service opportu-nity. We will be given tasks to complete according to how many people sign-up and what their skills are. Please sign up at the Welcoming Center.

March 2011

March 2011—Page 2

(continued from page 1) There is something of God in the movement of people for freedom – economic and political. The Hebrew Scriptures are replete with pro-phetic warnings to those in power, that unjust and oppressive ways, particularly toward the poor, are an offense to God and will not stand. Jesus echoes the heart of the God of justice when, at the outset of his ministry, he issues his purpose statement: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” —Luke 4:18

On March 9, we will enter the Christian season of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and repentance, when I hope we will look at our-selves and our lives, critically, set against the life and the call of Jesus. Maybe we should also look at the policies of our city, state and national governments through that lens. Is this good news for the poor and oppressed? To make Lent a time of growing closer to God, many engage the ancient spiritual discipline of the “fast.” Contrary to popular belief (and current practice) this is not a discipline to test your endurance and willpower regarding chocolate or TV. Hopefully, any self-denial will be for the purpose of testing–and growing–your relationship with God. I ask that one of the things we do during this Lent is pray for those long-oppressed people of the Arab world, most of whom simply want a fair chance to “make a living,” like Mohamed Bouazizi. If they ever did, they no longer “trust in princes.” We Americans, of all people, should have a soft place in our hearts for such people who yearn for economic justice and freedom from tyranny. May God “lift up those who are bowed down.” In Isaiah 58, the prophet gives voice to God in rejecting fasts and other disciplines done for show, while thumbing the nose at justice. In fact, God says through the prophet: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke; to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” There really is something of God in the quest for human dignity, justice and freedom. This Lent, may we gratefully remember the one who truly sets us free.

Fasting with you,

—Pastor Kirt

PS: if you missed 60 Minutes on Feb. 20th, you can watch the segment on Mohamed Bouazizi from CBS’ website, http://www.cbs.com/primetime/60_minutes/video

Summer Camp Is Coming! Check-out he new Summer Camp Booklets are located at the Welcoming Center in the main hall.

LUMC – Book Club 4th Wed. of the Month

10:00 a.m., Parlor

Wed., March 23 “The Faith Club: A Muslim,

A Christian, a Jew” by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne

Oliver, and Priscilla WarnerWed., April 27

“The Help” by Kathryn Sockett

These books are available at the public library. Join the group as they discuss these intriguing and inspirational

books.

March 2011—Page 3

Camps and Conferences - Oklahoma Conference Apportionments Maybe you had a special opportunity to experience God in a fresh, new way at one of our Oklahoma Conference camps. Or perhaps it was some of the children, youth or adults in your church family who were a part of the 40,000 “camper days.” Frequently, we sense God’s call on our lives, and we return with a renewed spirit and commitment. This apportionment provides approximately 12 percent of the total operating budget for our camps, with the remaining support coming from user fees. We have three camp and retreat sites under the supervision of Rev. Randy McGuire. Camp Egan, located near Tahlequah, overlooks the Illinois River. Canyon Camp and Conference Center is nestled in the red sandstone canyons near Hinton. Cross Point Camp, near Kingston, is located on Lake Texoma. Each camp has its own unique features, but all three feature a cross that serves as a focal point. Many lives have been forever changed. You are probably aware of the camps for children and youth that are held each summer. In addition, many churches and church groups conduct retreats at the camps. Emmaus groups and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are regular users. Others who frequent the camps include the Bishop and the Cabinet. The Bishop’s Retreats have been hosted by the camps. In addition there are “special needs” groups that find an extraordi-nary degree of caring at camp each summer. New Day Camp, spon-sored by conference Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM), offers love and hope to the children of incarcerated parents. Another very special group includes the children, parents, and medical staff who attend Camp Cavett. It is a camp for children and youth who have debilitating diseases. Many are accompanied by their parents. This camp is strongly supported by medical personnel, especially from Children’s Hospital. The opportunity to be in such a setting is treasured by these children and youth.

New Day CampDonations Requested If you would like to contrib-ute to New Day Camp, 2011, please make checks payable to CJAMM with New Day Camp in the memo section and mail to : New Day Camp, 1501 NW 24th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. The last two years, New Day Camp has been struggling finan-cially. It cost around $74,000 for both camps in 2010. We have been forced to dip into CJAMM’s savings to put New Day Camp in the black. Remember, camp-ers attend New Day Camp at no expense to them. Any donation that you are able to send to New Day Camp to help offset some of these costs would be greatly appreciated and tax deductible. If you need any additional information, please contact Rev. Steve Byrd at home 405-691-1615 or Penn Ave. UMC 405-528-0963 or by e-mail at redemptionumc@coxinet.net.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Even in the midst of difficult economic turmoil in our nation and around the world I continue to be amazed over the number of churches in our conference that pay 100% of their apportionments. The contributions that are received represent the important link which sustains important ministries here in Oklahoma and beyond our borders. Last year your church generously gave the full measure of what was asked of you. For paying all of your apportioned funds, I want to say “thank you!” On behalf of the Treasurer, the Council on Finance and Administration, and so many who have been helped by your support, I would simply add: “A job well done, thou good and faithful servants!” —Robert E. Hayes, Jr. Bishop

March 2011—Page 4

2 Bible Studies 4 Lent Go deeper this Lent. Lakeside is offering you a choice in Lenten Studies this year. Our Lay Leader, Pat Donnelly, will be leading “Blessings of the Cross” a study by UM pastor, Robert Martin Walker. This traditional study is based on the Revised Common Lectionary, which follows the scripture readings used in worship during Lent. It really looks good! Pastor Kirt will be leading “Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back,” a study by Native American writer and UM pastor, Ray Buckley. This non-traditional study uses the metaphor of dance in describing the disciple’s relation to God, each other and the world. Both will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. (unless the groups determine a day/time better for them). See the descriptions of the studies below. Books are $8.50. Sign-up lists are on the Welcoming Table near the Sanctuary east entrance!

Study Descriptions from Cokesbury: “Blessings of the Cross” invites you to explore God’s hope and presence presented in the scripture readings for Lent and Easter. Key Bible readings call us to praise God as we contemplate God’s redemp-tion and new creation through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the readings, we hear the call to celebrate the blessings of new life offered through Jesus Christ. The study for Lent and Easter in the Scriptures for the Church Seasons series is based upon the Revised Common Lectionary scriptures for the church year, a three year cycle that includes readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Gospels, and the Epistles. Blessings of the Cross offers the opportunity to explore these Bible readings in a seven-session study. It will help you understand, appreciate, and participate in prayerful reflection and celebration of Lent and Easter and inspire you to live each day with God’s blessings of life and salvation through Jesus Christ.

In every culture and time, persons of faith, of all ages, have sum-moned trials and tribulations to find the endurance and strength to “dance.” They have danced with the weight of the world upon their shoulders, sustained by God and others dancing near them. “Hard to Dance With the Devil On Your Back” is a seven-session Lenten study that looks at the transcendent struggle in the lives of believers, while helping us to enter the continually crumbling world surrounding Jesus and the disciples in the days preceding Easter.

Schedule of Upcoming Mission Projects March 27, April 3 & April 10 - Easter BlanketsApril 2 - All-Church Mission/Work Day at Canyon CampComing in April - Faith Promise Missions CampaignJune - Child Share Diaper DriveMay - Regional Food Bank TripJune or July - Project TransformationFall - “Be The Church” Local Missions WeekendNovember - Skyline Month: Food, Money & Clothing CollectionDecember - Christmas Projects: Cookson Hills, Northwest Nursing Home, D.D. Kirkland

What’s Happening in Sunday School?

March 2011—Page 5

Upper Elementary Sunday School The Upper Elementary Sunday School Class is continuing to meet on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. upstairs. Those in attendance have been Molly, Sarah (along with her friend), Christi, Devi and James. We are always looking for more kiddos. So come and see what the fun is all about!

Disciples Adult Sunday School We are continuing our study of Christ’s Sermon on the mount and would love to have you join us. Our discussion is very applicable and helpful as we desire Jesus to shape us to be more like Him. Sunday School begins at 9:30 with a time of sharing and prayers for one another. At 9:45 we begin our lesson. We are the greeters for the month of March.

March BirthdaysCarl Green .......................04Gaye Tow .........................09Curtis Cromwell ..............12John Gentry .....................14Marion Kincaid ................15Bobbie Kaserman ............20Stephen Baca ...................21Joyce Gragg .....................22Pam Green .......................23Roxie Yetter .....................29Music Notes:

Can you believe we are already thinking about EASTER?! Come be a part of music at Lakeside…we will begin preparations the first week of March for all the exciting, uplifting music that heightens our experience in worship during Lent and the Easter Season. Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. and Bell Choir at 6:30 p.m. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by calling 405-227-9181. We are always looking for instrumentalists, singers and pianists to share their talents and praise during the worship service. Give me a call and we can find the best Sunday and part of service to feature you. Offertories, preludes, communion music … there are numerous opportunities for you to make music even if the choir or bells aren’t for you. Great things continue to happen all around us at Lakeside…I urge you to get involved! —Jason Grife, Music Director

Please contact A.M. Nowlin with prayer requests and updates (843-6811).

Prayer RequestsBarbara Johnson Linda HoogBrian Wright Lorene RussellChuck Groves Louise PebworthCurtis Cromwell Lynn WheelerDavid Althouse Marilyn VikDavid Burnett Phyllis McGerry's familyDebbie Hamlin Ron WilliamsDonnie Roberson Tara & Adam BrownGenaro Ortiz Ted & Jean WolfordHouse Family Tom HowardJudy Chapman William WalkerKeith Lashbrook Peace in the Middle East Family concerns Pres. Obama and other world leaders

Appreciation is expressed to all the Sunday School Classes for providing Greet-ers and Ushers every Sunday. The following is the next 3 months schedule: March—Disciples April—Share May—Wesley & Youth

As we do our part in serving may we be mindful of Jesus’ words from Matthew 25:35, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Hospitality has us seeing people as Jesus sees them and seeing Jesus in the people God brings before us.

Greeter and Usher Schedule

MARCH 2011

SPRINGBREAK

March 2011—Page 6

The Lakesider (USPS 021-154) is published monthly by Lakeside United Methodist Church located at 2925 NW 66th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Periodicals Postage Paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 2925 NW 66th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

The LAKESIDER PERIODICALS

Ruth Ann YerdenJean Shackleton

Due Piano & Organ ConcertSunday, March 6th, 2011

4:00 p.m.Lakeside United Methodist Church

Orientation Luncheon March 27th Following Church If you are a new member or would like to learn more about the church please attend this luncheon on March 27th. Find out about opportunities for involvement and Sunday School classes which may be of interest.

“New Christian” Evangelism Training Sat., March 5th, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Chapel Hill UMC, 2717 W. Hefner Road

http://www.mychapelhill.orgCost: $10 per person includes lunch

Keynote speaker: Rudy Rasmus

Rasmus is well known as one of the most clear, motivational and exciting speakers in our denomination. His is pastor of St. John’s UMC Downtown in Houston. The church is an inner-city church that had only 9 members in 1992. Now it is one of the largest United Methodist churches in our denomination. Please make reservations.