As a kid, I loved sugary breakfast cereals – all those advertised during Saturday morning cartoons. Many of you remember them and most are still around! Cereals like Captain Crunch, Sugar Pops, Lucky Charms (I actually had a bowl on the Men’s Retreat last weekend plus a Moon pie too – no, not for breakfast!), and of course the biblically based – “Frosted Flakes!” (See Exodus 16:14 for the first mention in the Bible!) Why all this talk about breakfast cereals?

It’s a stretch… but it’s my way of introducing our new Youth Pastor, another famous fun-loving Tony, Tony Moran. After nearly three months of prayer, conversation, interviews, and prayerful consideration, our Staff Parish Relations Committee, under the leadership of Sue Kuntze, hired Tony this last Sunday. He was introduced officially to our Youth last night. You’ll get an opportunity to meet him this Sunday morning, along with his bride of five years, Amanda, and their new four month-old son, Jacob.

Tony is an OKC native graduating from Mid-America Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Specialized Ministry, with an emphasis in Youth Ministry and Christian Education.  He served most recently at CrossRoad’s Community UMC in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Youth Ministries at St. Andrew’s UMC in South Oklahoma City. He has experience in Disciple and Dayspring Camps and with Youth Force. He also implemented Jesus University at St. Andrews, so he is familiar with our JU Sunday morning program.

Tony surrendered his life to Christ during a college Bible study and considers Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” as one of his recent favorite Bible verses. He’s shared with me that he is excited about the opportunity to be involved in downtown ministry and to see our Student Ministry spread across the City.                             

We feel very blessed to have Tony join our Staff and to lead our students forward in their walk with Christ.  Members of our staff, along with Jan Chapman, welcomed Tony on Tuesday by surrounding him in prayer in his office. We’re excited about God’s answer to our prayers. Please keep Tony, Amanda and Jacob in your prayers during this new chapter in their lives as they become a special part of the First Church Family!

Blessings!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

PS - I can’t wait for Sunday – hope to see you in Worship!  God is doing some new things!