The Spirit May 2026

The Spirit Newsletter for May 2026

Letter From the Pastor

Mother’s Day kicks off a great month at St. Paul, and this year, we are celebrating all women. Whether you are a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a mentor, or simply someone who has loved people well, we honor you. The faithfulness and strength women bring to our families and our congregation do not go unnoticed.

May is also a good time to think about the rhythm of regular worship. Showing up consistently matters. It matters for your own faith, and it matters for the people sitting around you. Community is built week by week, not all at once. If you have been away for a while, we would genuinely love to see you. And if you are here every week, invite someone to worship every week. Those invitations change lives more often than we realize.

At the end of the month, May 28 through 30, I, along with our lay delegates, will be attending the Oklahoma United Methodist Annual Conference. If you have never heard of it, here is the short version: Annual Conference is the yearly gathering of clergy and lay delegates from across Oklahoma, where we worship together, conduct church business, ordain new ministers, and make decisions about our shared mission. It is one of the things that makes United Methodism distinct. We are a connectional church, meaning St. Paul is not out here alone. We are linked to congregations across the state and around the world, and Annual Conference is where that connection becomes visible. I would ask for your prayers over those three days for wisdom, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose for the church in Oklahoma.

May is a good month to be part of this church. I am glad we get to do it together.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Dylan

Theology Minute by Rev. Dylan Ward

Does the Bible Have Everything We Need?

Article V | United Methodist Articles of Religion

Article V of our United Methodist Articles of Religion makes a bold claim: the Bible contains everything necessary for salvation. If something cannot be found in Scripture or reasonably proven from it, the church has no right to demand you believe it as essential to your faith.

This doesn’t mean Scripture answers every question we might ask. It means nothing extra is required for salvation beyond what Scripture teaches. No church tradition, no pope, no council, no creed can add to Scripture’s list of salvation essentials.

The article also specifies which books count, listing the 39 books of the Old Testament and all 27 New Testament books as commonly received. At its heart, this article protects ordinary believers from religious overreach, anchoring authority in the text itself rather than in any human institution.

Ministry Updates

What’s Happening at St. Paul

Kids Ministry

This year our Kids Ministry has been centered around one big idea: HOME — Habits of Faith, Open Conversations, Meaningful Relationships, and Embrace the Call. Each part of HOME helps our kids grow in a faith that is lived out both at church and in their everyday lives. Right now we are focusing on Open Conversations, learning that we can talk honestly with God and with trusted grown-ups about anything on our hearts. As we have been reminding them each week: God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

How You Can Get Involved
Prayers: Pray for our children, families, and volunteers as we continue to grow. Ask God to draw new families in and to guide each child to walk closely with Christ.
Presence: Serve one Sunday a month as an extra set of hands in kids ministry or the nursery. Your presence makes a real difference!
Witness: Share what God is doing at St. Paul! God can use your simple invitation to encourage someone to come and see!

Learning Tree Preschool – Spring Update

We are filled with gratitude for the incredible ways God has been at work through our preschool ministry as we close out the year. Each week our students have spent time in Scripture, growing in their understanding of God’s love. In the classroom they have been building strong foundations in writing, spelling, literacy, and math, while also exploring God’s creation through science. Just as importantly they have been practicing kindness, cooperation, and confidence, learning what it means to be part of a loving community. We have seen friendships form, faith take root, and children grow not only academically but spiritually. Join us for the Learning Tree Spring Showcase at noon on Sunday, May 17 during the potluck lunch.

Youth Mission Trip – Youth Force Tulsa

Join our God Squad this summer as our youth serve as missionaries with Youth Force in Tulsa, June 21-26. Deadline to register is June 1. We need sponsors for the 7-8 youth attending at $350 each to sponsor a student with tools. We are also still looking for a male sponsor to attend in order for the boys to participate. Contact Barbara Kent for information packets or pick one up in the church office.

Upcoming Events

May Events at St. Paul

Mother’s Day Celebration – Sunday, May 10th

This year we are celebrating all women on Mother’s Day. Whether you are a mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor, or simply someone who has loved people well, you will receive a special gift from St. Paul. A photo booth will also be set up in the Atrium — come and celebrate with us.

Bridges Out of Poverty Graduation – Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 PM

Come and celebrate the achievements of the graduating class of 2026 from the Bridges Out of Poverty program. Your presence as community is a significant part of each graduate’s success. Come cheer for those who have worked so hard.

Dinner Church – May 13th and May 27th, 5:30 PM

Dinner Church is an open community meal shared with friends. Enjoy a delicious meal and laughter around the dinner table. All are welcome — come dine with us.

All Church Potluck Lunch – Sunday, May 17th

Join us for an All Church Potluck Lunch with a “Bring Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish” theme following the 11AM service on Sunday, May 17. The Learning Tree Spring Showcase will also take place at noon during the potluck.

Oklahoma Annual Conference – May 28th-30th

Pastor Dylan and our lay delegates will be attending the Oklahoma United Methodist Annual Conference May 28-30. Please keep them in your prayers for wisdom, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose for the church in Oklahoma.

Project Transformation – June 1st- July 23rd

Project Transformation Summer Reading Program runs June 1 through July 23, Monday through Thursday, 8:30AM to 3:00PM for children in 1st through 5th grade at a cost of $10. Volunteer to be a Reading Buddy or sponsor a dinner for the interns. See Barbara Kent to sign up.