Dear NEO family,

It is a joy to be a part of the family of God in NEO that is called by the name of Jesus the Nazarene. We certainly need each other in times of loss. The Riggins family, Muskogee Church and NEO District lost a true saint this past Sunday around 12:45 pm. Sue Riggins, wife of elder, Ben Riggins, and mother of missionary Scott Riggins, modeled great faith and hope in her battle with cancer. Sue was Church Board Secretary, NMI President and Sunday School teacher. She will be deeply missed. Sue Riggin's funeral will be Thursday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 2700 E. Peak Blvd., Muskogee, OK 74403

As a family, we weep together and also rejoice together. Being a part of the NEO family gives me great reason for rejoicing. For example, just last Sunday:

• I had the privilege of worshiping with the Chelsea Church and Pastor Wayde Normandin. The worship center had a new look and the church was filled with expectancy and love. Good days are ahead for this congregation.


• I went from there to Vinita and visited with David and Carol Stevens. Carol is recovering from her broken hip and surgery. Rehab is painful, but Carol is strong and determined. David and Carol mentioned the joy of pastoring a church that is so unified and supportive.


• Sunday afternoon I attended a Biker's Rally at Grove. Pastor Phil Buck and this congregation are small, but their vision and commitment are large. This rally demonstrated again their willingness to try new things to reach out to their community. Pastor Phil fixed up some wonderful pulled pork and led in a meaningful time of blessing each biker and bike.


• After the biker rally, I wiped off the sweat and headed to Claremore where the Nazarene Church was packed for a concert with Carson Wagner and the Booth Brothers. We laughed, cried, and worshiped the God who has redeemed us and whose grace is sufficient for every need! I hear rumors that Pastor J.J. is thinking about going on the road after sharing the stage with the Booth Brothers.
  

Following are pictures from the services Sunday, as well as the installation service with Pastor Rodney Amos and Tulsa First.
Tulsa First Installation July 13: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTC2g&emid=sharview&linkid=link5

Chelsea: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTDBg&emid=sharview&linkid=link5

Grove Biker's Rally: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTDJA&emid=sharview&linkid=link5

Claremore Concert: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTDYA

Tonight I was blessed and challenged as some of our leaders gathered to hear Chip Ingram teach on "How to Grow a High Impact Church". Coweta and Pastor Gerald Burch gets the attendance prize with 5 people from their church in attendance.

God also blessed NEO with a wonderful Kidz Kamp last week. Camp Director Linda Holland writes: God’s Power! God’s Power! God’s Power! Our theme for Kidz Kamp 2008 was the cry of our week. We definitely experienced God’s Power! We witnessed 12 children give their hearts to Jesus for the very first time in Kidz Kamp I and over 50 asked Jesus into their hearts in Kidz Kamp II. By the end of the kamp almost every child had made a decision to get in the wheelbarrow and let God be in charge of his or her life.
Rev. Tim Willison preached and demonstrated what we can do with God’s Power. Rev. Monty Nichols lead us in worship. We had campers from 23 of our district churches………..106 at Kamp I and 167 at Kamp II. God protected, gave us beautiful weather and most of all blessed us with His presence. We will never forget our week of God’s Power.
Thanks to all of you who lifted us in prayer and who gave to allow the children from your church to come.

On Saturday, Tulsa Central and Pastor John Whitsett had a work day for one of our NewStart churches. Pastor Doug Gunsalus writes: Wow! What an amazing workday we had here at SoCo. We tore down walls, changed door jams, painted upstairs and down and did a ton of yard work. All in all, it was truly a great day.....I can't tell you how indebted we are to Central Church for their showing at the work day. Together we had over 40 adults and a ton of children. Nearly 70 were here to experience the work day. There was so much work that was done. Continual comments on the tenacity of the workers were made. There was no one that didn't give their all. It took me back to three-a-days when I played soccer at SNU. Everyone is getting into shape and gearing up for something big. I feel like this is exactly what is happening here. I can't wait for the season to start; I can't wait for our first preseason game. Well, I guess I will wait since our place is a mess, but as soon as we are cleaned up, we will be ready for company. Our next sponsor church work day will be on Aug. 2 and our first sneak preview service is on Aug. 10. Please be praying for us. If you would like to see the video that we shot for Central, it is on youtube at...http://youtube.com/watch?v=yBUaE4SUwtc

We also rejoice in the on-going involvement of the District through our Compassionate Ministry Center, Manna House. Director Howard Essary reports:
Quarterly report April - June 2008 from Manna House Ministries.

Faith and Deeds: James 2:15-17
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, it if it not accompanied by action, is dead.
The above scripture was recently impressed upon me as I heard a report on a children's orphanage in Mexico.
Manna House is not an orphange but we are supplying food, clothing, prayer and counseling for the clients when they come in. This is made possible through your prayers, donations of clothing, etc. and your financial giving.
We give THANKS to individuals and the following churches that have assisted financially: NEO District Missions (Dist. Assembly), NEO District Home Missions, Broken Arrow First Nazarene Church, Tulsa Central Nazarene Church, Sand Springs Nazarene Church, Chandler Nazarene Church, Okmulgee Nazarene Church, Silver Creek Nazarene Church, Tulsa First Nazarene Church, Sapulpa Nazarene Church.
Recently as we had our prayer time before we opened for business and asked God to give us 3 people we could pray with. In approximately the first 10-15 minutes a young man, age 23, comes in of the street and requested prayer. He didn't want food or clothing. Pastor Doug Dawson and I prayed with him, he professed to being a christian but wanted deliverence from using and (selling drugs when he needed money). Two ladies came in together, we had prayer and counseling with them.
Thanks for excelling in "this grace of giving" (II Corinthians 8:7). May God bless you for your commitment to His work through Manna House.
For this quarter we have served 779 households and 2,883 individuals.
Our financial commitment to you...
We seek to follow the teaching and example of the apostle Paul, who wrote:
WE WANT TO AVOID ANY CRITICISM OF THE WAY WE ADMINISTER THIS LIBERAL GIFT. FOR WE ARE TAKING PAINS TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT ONLY IN THE EYES OF THE LORD BUT ALSO IN THE EYES OF MEN. (II CORINTHIANS 8:20-21)

SNU Hall of Witnesses: SNU Homecoming emphasis this year – November 7-9, 2008 – is on the School of Theology and Ministry, utilizing the theme “Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus.” As a part of the weekend’s events, The Hall of Witnesses will be dedicated on Saturday, November 8th at 9:00 a.m. This dedication ceremony will include all honorees whose sponsors have fully funded their nomination by September 1, 2008.
I’m sure you are aware of a number of persons connected to the Northeast Oklahoma District who are worthy candidates, and we would be delighted to include them in this group of honorees.
Again, because of the design element deadline, this inaugural group to be inducted must be submitted and funded by September 1st, so if you or someone you know is still interested in making a nomination, please feel free to give our office a call and we’ll assist you or them in any way we can.

It is a joy to be a part of the family with you! Have a blessed week!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

I have received several positive comments about our Blog. We welcome your suggestions and comments as we attempt to improve our communication methods.

"How to Grow a High Impact Church" featuring Chip Ingram will be offered again this year for pastors and lay leaders. On July 21 we will offer "The Law of Purpose" and "The Law of Expectation" and on August 25 we will offer "The Law of Design" and "The Law of Liberation". We will meet in Room 104 at Tulsa Central.

"The Law of Purpose" - Rediscover the importance of an ongoing commitment to both the great commission and the great commandment, and learn how to retain that focus.

"The Law of Expectation" - Status quo is not an option. Learn your direct role and function in church growth and what it takes to set the tone and attitide of your current congregation so they expect change.

NewStarts continue to make progress! Tulsa Central is leading a work day at South Community Community Church on Saturday, July 19. If you have some time, join us in Glenpool tomorrow and help us get the facilities ready for company.

Brad Farnsworth reports another successful preview for Connection Church: When it all shook out we had a great Sunday. I was really encouraged. The service could not have gone smoother. We were even able to have a preservice (full band and message) with the volunteer launch team. Everybody was hittin’ on all cylinders!

Attendance: 94
Salvations: 3 (1 was my classmate from OWU that was raised a Hindu!!!!!!)
1st Time Guests: 25
2nd Time Guests: 10

We are moving into new offices in August and in need of office equipment. Desks, chairs, copiers, etc.

SNU President Loren Gresham reports on mission to Swaziland: Colleagues: you were informed in the May meeting, and in previous meetings, of the initiative of SNU and Bethany First Church to come alongside our Swaziland church in a time of unprecedented human tragedy as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are receiving a great deal of interest both from our campus community and from district assembly communication as the details have been shared.

We are now just days from the departure of our 13 SNU representatives on the BFC/SNU joint effort which leaves from here on July 29th. Dr. Brad Strawn is giving leadership to our part of the group which includes over 30 participants total. We have faculty, staff and students as part of our group, and I know they would appreciate your support through prayer. Their task will be to assess the top priorities in which we can be involved with our partners from the Swazi church. Most of our involvement will be with the Nazarene Higher Education Consortium (NAHEC), a move toward merging schools of Nursing, Theology and Teacher Education. The needs there are more than we can supply, but we'll do our best to assist in helpful ways.

I am of to Children's Camp in a few minutes! Continue to pray for our kids and workers. Lives are changed by Christ at our camps!

You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

It is a joy to share week by week with the churches across NEO. Below are some pictures from recent visits:

Owasso Silver Creek: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTCcA

Tulsa Central Church: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTCUg

Tahlequah Veterans Appreciation Day: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTCng

Bristow, July 08: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTCvA

My apologies to Tulsa Family Church. Gloria was not able to be with me the day I preached there and I forgot the camera.

This Sunday we will be at Tulsa First where I will be preaching and installing Pastor Rodney Amos. Watch for pictures in coming weeks.

NewStarts Update
Connection Church. We had a great first sneak preview on June 15th. 138 people worshipped together in north BA/east Tulsa. 3 people made a first time commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Two weeks later we had a “connection event.” This event was designed to bring people together who attended the first service. We also advertised through yard signs in subdivisions around the school where we are meeting. We were blown away when 250 people showed up. We gained 101 brand new adult prospects and will be following up with them with information about the church. Our next sneak preview is this Sunday July 13th. We will begin weekly services in August and the grand opening is planned for Sept. 7th. We now have 53 people on our launch team. Please continue to pray for our Launch Team as we reach the people of north BA/east Tulsa.
We have a major sound issue because we meet in a gym. Imagine a band performing in a public restroom. The sound just bounced everywhere and sounded awful. The cost to put up acoustic panels is $20,000. We don’t have $20,000! However, if something isn’t done we will have to move and there are no other facilities open in our area. Big problem. We prayed like crazy and approached the school. They have agreed to pay for the materials if we pay the cost of the labor. Our cost will be less than $3,000. Praise God!
We are moving into new offices in August and in need of office equipment. Desks, chairs, copiers, etc. Call if you have something that can help. Pastor Brad Farnsworth

South County Community Church. Pastor Doug Gunsalus reports that prayer partners are being recuited, community surveys are being gathered, a launch team is forming, a new welcome area and nursery area are being built, and the children's team is developing discipleship and follow up plans. There are some areas of the building needing repair and remodeling. Work days are being planned on July 19 led by Tulsa Central and August 2 led by Sapulpa. If you can join one of these work days, your help is appreciated.


The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative is hosting a special retreat for married grandparents raising their grandchildren in Guthrie, OK on July 26-27, 2008. This retreat is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to:
· spend time enriching their marriage while spending quality time together,
· meet other grandparents raising their grandchildren, and
· learn about valuable resources for their family
The best news of all is that the entire retreat is free of charge including meals and lodging! Children do not attend but money is available to help with childcare expenses. For additional information or to register call (405) 848-2171 or go online to www.registernow123.com. To download the retreat brochure go to:www.yourthrivingmarriage.com/GRG/brochure.pdf Tony Russell, Thriving Marriages Manager

NEO 2008-2009 Calendar

July 2008
9-13 NYI Fuel Conference (Sr High Holiness Conference), Toronto
10 5:30pm District Advisory Board at home of DS
11 Noon NewStart meeting with Jim Dorsey at Rib Crib
12 10am Kid’s Camp Counselor/workers @ Tulsa Southwest
14-16 Kids Camp I, Camp Christian
16-19 Kids Camp II, Camp Christian
19 Work Day at South County Community Church
21 6:30 pm - How to Grow a High Impact Church-Law of Purpose, Law of Expectation Pastors/Lay Leaders
21-24 NYI “Yes” Conference (Students called to ministry), SNU
24-27 National Black Nazarene Conference, Orlando, FL


August 2008
8 Happy Birthday, Charles Gates, LINKS
16 NMI Council
17-24 Deputation- David and Carolita Fraley
19 Happy Anniversary, Charles and Roma Gates, LINKS
21 NYI Council
23 10:00 AM Children’s Quizzing Directors and Coaches meeting
24 Sunday School Promotion Sunday
25 NEO Pastors Golf at Battlecreek; $20 (includes cart); First group tees off at 9:20; Dutch treat meal afterwards. RSVP.
6:30 pm How to Grow a High Impact Church – Law of Design, Law of Liberation
28-9/1 Breckenridge Young Adult Gathering
29 Nazarene Night at Six Flags


September 2008
2-5 DS Leadership Development Program, Nashville
3 Happy Anniversary, Dan & Michelle Lepley
7 Grandparent/Prime Time Day
8 SNU Pastor’s Training Event, Craig Groeschell, founder/pastor of Life Church, “Creative Leadership” w/Breakaway option for NEO Pastors
17,21 Deputation-Scott and Jill Riggins
18 7pm Spiritual Renewal Board
22-23 Gallup Strengths Summit, SNU
27 Master Blaster Children’s Quizzing
29 Zone Cluster Meetings
30-10/3 Prime Time Retreat - Kansas City

Brad Farnsworth adds: I noticed there was nothing noted for August 18th. This is a huge day that I’m sure pastors and churches across the district will want to know about. It’s my birthday! I am registered at Target and Best Buy.

Grace and peace,
Dave McKellips