Iceland, Oklahoma

A Quote to Ponder

There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when,
whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees.

-- Victor Hugo

Methodist Leaders Victims of Haiti Earthquake

Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, Christian ministers with the General Board of Global Ministries (the United Methodist Church's mission and humanitarian organization), died of injuries received in the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

Good friends, they were trapped with four other people, who survived, for 55 hours in the ruins of the Hotel Montana. Dixon headed the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Rabb worked with mission volunteers. They were in Haiti in an effort to improve health services in the very poor country.

You can read more about these men at http://media.gbgm-umc.org/tribute-blog

Please remember their friends and family in your prayers.

Readings for January 24

Today's Lectionary Scriptures:

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
Corinthians 12:12-13a
Luke 4:14-21

Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord,
my rock and my redeemer.

---Psalm 19:14

United Methodist Committee on Relief

To read about UMCOR's presence in Haiti and/or donate click on this link:

http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor

100% of your donation goes directly to the people in Haiti. UMCOR administrative costs are covered by local Methodist churches.

Indiahoma United Methodist Church and Indiahoma Public School are collecting items for UMCOR health kits. If you would like to donate any of the following items for the relief effort in Haiti, bring them to the school library. Students will package the items and then everything will end up at the Methodist Church for shipping to Haiti.

• hand towels (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)
• washcloths
• combs (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
• nail files or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• bath-size bars of soap (3 oz. and up)
• toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
• adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

These items are packed into one gallon zip-lock bags so donations of these plastic bags are most welcome also.

When the Wind Comes Sweeping Down the Plain

Buffalo enjoying a windy day on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.


Katherine added this picture on Sunday, January 17. She took it on the 11th when the wind was so bad! She commented, "I had to laugh when I saw how much their hair was blowin' in the Oklahoma Wind as it comes sweepin' down the plain..."

You can view all of Katherine's display photos at the WMWR Visitor Center now through the end of February, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The Visitor Center is located at the junction of State Highways 115 and 49. From I-44, exit at the Medicine Park exit and go west 14 miles. From Lawton, take U.S. 62 west to the Cache exit and go north 6 miles.

New Year's Eve Party is Over

The 2009
New Year's Eve puzzle,
an exceptionally
difficult one
this year,
was finally completed
on Sunday evening,
January 17th.
Happy New Year!

Working on the puzzle.









Not working on the puzzle.

Tree Gnome

Photo by Katherine Hunt












This is one of Katherine's "Seek and Find" photographs. Check out others at her photo show at the Visitor Center on the Wildlife Refuge.

Health Kits for Haiti

If you'd like to donate money to purchase health kit items that will be sent to Haiti by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief), mark your checks "UMCOR Advance 418325" and 100% of your donation will go to health kits. Assembly, packing, shipping, and delivery have already been paid for by local churches and volunteer workers. Send your checks to:
Indiahoma United Methodist Church
PO BOX
Indiahoma, OK 73552

Coming Up Soon

Sunday, January 24 --- Lawton District youth will go see the movie To Save A Life at the Carmike Theater in Lawton. Indiahoma and Snyder youth will get together and go as a group. Afterward there is a gathering at Centenary UMC (Lawton) for food, fun, fellowship and discussion of the movie. Contract Pastor Patrick for details.

Sunday, January 31---The Lawton District Local Church Leader's Workshop (LCLW) will be held at Centenary UMC, 704 SW D Ave, Lawton, OK. There are two sessions of classes starting at 3:00 and 4:15 p.m. For details call 580-355-5660 or go to LCLE web site at www.okumc.org/LCLWregistration. I'm taking two classes: Web Ministry for Your Local Church and Your Church Newsletter. :~) SYD.

Photo Exhibit at the Wildlife Refuge

Don't miss Katherine Hunt's photo exhibit at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Her photographs will be on display now through the end of February, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The Visitor Center is located at the junction of State Highways 115 and 49. From I-44, exit at the Medicine Park exit and go west 14 miles. From Lawton, take U.S. 62 west to the Cache exit and go north 6 miles.

Katherine is one of our faithful church members. She loves and appreciates the beauty of God's nature and captures it in her photographs. Katherine says that a good photo is a happy accident. I say she has a talent for being where happy accidents happen. Make an effort to come see her show. You won't regret it.

Do Not Fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

The church family gathered for worship on Sunday to celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Sunday.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Sunday School class joins hands and prays the Lord's Prayer before dismissing.

Happy New Year!

From The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson

Prayer: God of new beginnings, guide me through the seasons of the coming year. Whatever joy or hardship I face, let me face it standing with you. Whatever building up or tearing down that I encounter, let me take action under your care. For you are the creator of every season. Amen.

Carry These Words in Your Heart Today: Loving God, journey with me this year.

Question: As you think of the coming year, what are the goals or changes you seek in your spiritual life?

visit
www.unclutteredheart.org