Dear NEO family,

I have had the chance to visit with many of our pastors the past few days. I am impressed with their competence, but even more so with their heart for God and passion for the mission of the church. Pastors, let me add my voice to others who are telling you “we appreciate you”!

Our Ministers and Mates retreat is next Tuesday through Thursday in Branson. Pray that it will be a time of meaningful fellowship and renewal.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of worshipping with the Barnsdall and Pawhuska congregations. Pastor Jim Wilson leads both of these churches. I was treated to good preaching (Jim), warmth and love (both congregations) and good food (Pawhuska). I also was a judge for a Cake decorating contest (my first…and hopefully my last!). See pictures at the following links:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTFZg Barnsdall
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTFRA Pawhuska

NEO Nazarene Youth International News

I am very grateful for the leadership Doug Gunsalus has given our NYI for the past two years. Unfortunately, Doug has more on his plate than he can say grace over – husband, father of a six month old, starting a new church, taking classes to finish his BA. For several months, Doug has been considering the need to step down from his leadership of NYI and he sent me a letter of resignation two weeks ago. He has made this decision prayerfully and carefully, so we support Doug in his decision.

Kevin Williams, our Vice President, is very willing to help in any way but feels he does not have time to take away from work to devote to this demanding job.

I met last week with our NYI Executive Council, and with their support, I will be recommending Jonathan Odom, Youth Pastor at Broken Arrow First Church, to serve as President until our next NYI Convention. Our NYI Council will meet on Nov. 6 to vote on Jonathan and to plan for exciting events for the next seven months.

Due to recent unexpected changes in the government in South Africa, and the current financial situation in the United States, the Northeast Oklahoma District NYI Executive Council thought it was in the best interest of all students and sponsors, to cancel our June 2009 travel plans to that region. Our Northeast Oklahoma District NYI delegation to the Global NYI Convention will travel to Orlando, Fla. instead. All monies paid in for the trip will be returned. The NEO NYI Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held at the Golf Club of Oklahoma on Monday, Nov 3, 2008 is also cancelled. Thanks so much for supporting our NEO NYI. Pray for our Nazarene brothers and sisters in South Africa.

Fall Retreat ’08 is Nov. 14 – 16 at Cave Springs. In these times of economic concern, I am pleased that our Fall Retreat is still the same price it was seven years ago. Thanks NYI for keeping our costs low. Call Ryan Amey with any questions (520-0286).

Our 30 Hour Planned Famine will again begin the day before our District Spiritual Renewal Emphasis. A Lock-in with games, worship and food to break the fast are planned for after the service on January 23. Cost for everything will only be $5 per person.

Marriage and Family News

NPH is carrying materials related to the movie Fireproof that has been showing in theatres across America. Fireproof small group resources and the book The Love Dare can be found at www.nph.com/go/marriage.You can call or go online to place orders and some quantity discounts apply.

The OMI is bringing our “Relationship U” workshop to the University of Tulsa campus on Saturday, October 25th. The workshop will run from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with check-in beginning at 10:30 a.m. This workshop will include some of the key PREP concepts (Speaker/Listener, XYZ statements) and will also incorporate new info (the Relationship Action Model, 7 Principles of Smart Love) and is geared toward college students. As always, engaged participants will qualify for the discounted marriage license. We are asking you to think about any contacts you may have at TU or with students in general. Maybe some of you are alumni of TU, have children or friends attending, or just know of a cool coffee shop in your neighborhood where you could post the flier. If so, please pass along this information and let Amanda Carter (amanda.carter@publicstrategies.com or 405-473-3678) know if you need printed copies of the flier. And if you’re on MySpace, you can check out our Relationship U page at www.myspace.com/relationshipU. Registration information is available there or at www.okmarriage.net/event.

Have a blessed weekend!
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

Aren't you thankful for good books! Last week I read a little book of practical wisdom by S. Truett Cathy, It's Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men. Cathy not only has a passion for the boneless breast of chicken sandwich (he is the founder of Chick-fil-A), but he seems to have a greater passion for mentoring and teaching Sunday School to 13 year old boys. (Oh, how I pray that every church in NEO will have someone with this passion!) Cathy's life was gripped by this verse while he was in grade school: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1

This week I have been reading in Joseph M. Stowell's book, Coming Home, The Soul's Search for Intimacy with God. Be encouraged today by this quote: "While we have life and breath God will not cease to pursue a rewarding, deepening intimacy with us. He is not content to leave us alone. His unceasing, unconditional love for each of us compels Him. He wants to meet us at intersection of every dream, every desire, every choice, every thought and He urges us to turn toward Him and actualize the finished work of His Son, the gift of the Spirit and the resource of His Word. He welcomes us to begin a pilgrimage that puts our backs toward the aloneness in our souls and turns our faces toward the spectacular glow of intimacy with Him - towward life the way it was meant to be."

What a wonderful day I had last Sunday on the NEO District. I started by worshipping with and preaching to the wonderful congregation at Coweta. They had a surpise birthday party for Pastor Gerald Burch at the end of the service.

Coweta Church, October 12, 2008
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTFAA

That afternoon I joined our Hispanic Coordinator, Otoniel Danneman, in organizing Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno, led by Pastor Mito Marroquin. There were 80 people in attendance and I understand about 46 of them are the charter members of this new church. Thanks to Pastor Geoff Gunter and Regency Park for hosting this congregation.

Organization service for Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno, October 12, 2008
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTE_g

On Sunday evening I went to Tulsa Central to join in the laughter and fun of a dinner theater, Uncle Phil's Diner #2. Ed Burguiere and the cast and crew did an outstanding job.

Uncle Phil’s Diner, #2 at Tulsa Central, October 12, 2008
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTFIg

NYI FALL RETREAT 08, NOV 14-16, 2008
CAVE SPRINGS, 7750 S. 655 ROAD, QUAPAW, OK 74363
SPEAKER :Tim Evans from Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene Little Rock, Arkansas.
BANDChristine DeMeo Band: She was the guitarist from the band that played at summer camp.
ANY QUESTIONS CALL RYAN AMEY 918-520-0286

Have a blessed weekend!
Dave

Dear NEO family,

I have heard many wonderful reports about the Centennial Celebration in churches across the District. It seems obvious from scripture that God likes to have his people gather for times of festival and celebration. It is good to give thanks for his activity in our midst and to claim his leadership for the future. We have a wonderful heritage to celebrate…and best of all, God is not finished with us. May we unite in seeking God’s power to “make Christlike disciples in the nations!”

Gloria and I had the privilege of celebrating the Centennial with South County Community Church. This was launch Sunday and Pastor Doug and Lecia and all of the launch team did a great job, including having rockets launching at the end of the service. Pictures of our visit are available at the link below:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTEug

I also was able to attend a revival service at Broken Arrow 1st last week. Pastor Larry Morris and the BA family have done a fantastic job of remodeling and updating their facilities. See pictures below:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTE3A

Praise and prayer requests:

Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno will be officially organized this Sunday afternoon at 3pm. Join Pastor Mito and Nina Marroquin and this growing church family as we celebrate this milestone. We thank our Hispanic Coordinator, Otoniel Dannemann, founding pastor Francisco Gonzalez and Pastor Geoff Gunter and the people of Regency Park for their contribution to this church.

Gordon and Stephanie Smith were blessed with a new baby boy, Isaiah Gordon Smith, last Tuesday.

Don and Jaci Engie were blessed with the arrival of Breana Rachel Engie on Friday.

Elaine Narron has been having some heart issues, but tests showed no blockage.

Stan Meek and Pryor Pastor Jake Reese are now in China and appreciate your prayers for their work.

Gloria Dannemann is still detained and in legal battles in Argentina.

Manna House Ministries continues to stand with us in the battle to supply food, clothing, prayer support and counseling for the financially depressed citizens in the NEO Oklahoma areas. For July through September they served 942 families and 3,187 individuals.

SNU Tulsa has great programs that could benefit you!
Southern Nazarene University Tulsa now has two Master's degrees in Nursing. Master's of Science in Nursing Education and Master's of Science in Nursing Leadership. For more information call 918-664-4100 or e-mail jcottam@snu.edu.

What: Family Studies and Gerontology BS Program
for people who have at least 60 hours from an accredited school.

When: Orientation M 11/10 and first class on Nov. 17. Classes only one night per week for approximately 15 months

Where: SNU Tulsa (11th and HY 169)
Laptops given to this group!!

Contact: Jeri Mann (918) 664-4100

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO Nazarenes,

After many months of preparation, it is finally here - Centennial Celebration Sunday. As I hear of all of the creative ways you are celebrating this special day, it makes me want to be in 44 churches on Sunday. I will have the privilege of being with Pastor Doug Gunsalus as we launch our restart in Glenpool. Pray for the SoCo Community Church as they attempt to be an impact church in South County.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. SNU is having a Pastor Appreciation Day on Tuesday, October 14. We conclude the month with a fun-filled retreat for our pastors. I trust every church will make efforts throughout the month to honor our pastors and let them know how much we love and appreciate them.

Your educational budget payment benefits SNU students from NEO! As you may know, when our District pays over 90% of our educational budget, the amount paid over 90% is awarded back to SNU students from our district. The total amount over 90% this year was $8,549.29, giving our 27 students a grant of $316 for the year. Thanks for your generosity which allows us to assist our worthy students.

I WANT TO CELEBRATE…

Don Cowan, Sapulpa: We had our 3rd Annual Block Party and had a great turn out. We were able to minister to 77 teens and adults and 55 children in our neighborhood though free music, food and games.

Jim Wilson, Barnsdall: We are forging ahead with our goal to pay all budgets this year and doing well enough that it may happen early.

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska: Our 2nd Bi-annual Biker Breakfast was a grand success with 125-130 Bikers in attendance, and $300 in unsolicited offerings. We continue to strive to show the love of Christ to this section of our community. Our next Breakfast is in May. We also raised $1000 for our Alabaster offering (which was our goal and a record high for Pawhuska).

Gerald James, Claremore: Finally breaking ground on our new parking lot and family life center. We baptized four new converts. We had 20 people joined our church last weekend and about 10-15 more will be joining this weekend.

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central: I want to celebrate... Outstanding participation in Serve People Sunday (over 200 people signed up to serve at a dozen different projects around the metropolitan area). And some of those who were outwardly skeptical of the idea when it was first announced had a change of heart as a result of participating in the day. There was a real buzz and sense of momentum about the day, and I believe we’ll see positive repercussions from it.

Brett Rickey, Tulsa Family: Great weekend. We set a goal of 100 salvations for 5 weeks beginning Sept 7. To date, at least 40 have said yes to an invitation to receive Jesus and more have come back home. We baptized 20 Sunday night in a little lined pit we dug on the land. The steel on our building will go up beginning this week.

H Gordon Smith III, Dewey: The baptism of Robert Hahn Jr., a 13 year old young man that has taken the step to say to the rest of the world that he has decided to follow Jesus! A couple is going to have a re-commitment wedding ceremony in October because God is renewing their marriage and family! God has taken a family that was on the brink of falling apart and this is their testimony: “We want to pass down a greater heritage than the heritage that has been passed down to us!” Praise God for people who are standing up for Jesus! The fragrance of Christ-like love is abundant in the hearts of the people!

Angela Bentley, Bristow: On September 3rd 16 of our children and youth made personal decisions for Christ! On September 28th we baptized 11 of them, with nine more planning to be baptized soon! Some of our young people are really starting to grow spiritually and we are detecting a sense of hunger in many of them. I believe God is bringing revival and He is beginning it in the hearts of our young people and those who work closest with them.

Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life: Great centennial pre-celebration services and small group studies.

Don Nichols, Tahlequah: Preparation for our Centennial Celebration continues. The whole community seems excited about our celebration.


Don Cowan, Sapulpa: Celebrating our 100th anniversary with the community of Sapulpa. We continue to work with South County Community Church

David Stevens, Vinita: Progress on the building repairs is going well; About 60-70% complete. We changed the order of the Morning Service and added worship choruses. Everyone is making comments about how much they like the new style of service. Carol Stevens (pastor’s wife) is doing very well and often walks without her cane around the house. She still uses it at work and out in public to help with balance. Her therapy is focused on building muscle strength now.

Stephen Hundley, Cleveland: We kicked off our new vision and a new ministry (Community Groups), which meet on Sunday evenings. We are excited about the response, so far. We were averaging 30 on Sunday Evenings. This month we averaged 43. Un-churched, pre-Christians have attended a couple groups. Praise God! People who wouldn’t ordinarily come to a church building came to church in someone’s home. That is what it’s all about…reaching people for Christ!

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea: We put a new roof on the church this month. The old roof was damaged by hail and declared a total lost by our insurance company. New family attending the church.

Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills: Another baby dedication. THC is becoming baby-central around here. Fresh passion for God’s presence in the life of the preacher.

NEO Leaders
September 2008

Church S. S.
1. Claremore +41
2.RP Hispanic +35
3. Pryor +20
4. Drumright +18
5. Broken Arrow +14
6. Dewey +9
7. Regency Park +8
8. Sand Springs +5
9. Nowata +2
10. Hominy +1

Church AM
1. BA Connection +102
2. RP Hispanic +40
3. Claremore +25
4. Dewey +15
5. Broken Arrow +13
6. Sand Springs +8
7. Mannford +3
8. Chandler +2
8. Collinsville +2
8. Drumright +2
9. Skiatook +1

Pastor Geoff Gunter of Tulsa Regency Park is organizing a W&W trip to the TX coast for November 10-15. AT this point the work project will depend on the progress up to that point but the work could consist of clearing trees, removing debris from previously flooded houses and remodeling. Each participant will be responsible to raise support for their own expenses and possibly provide money for some materials. Arrangements are being made to sleep in a church. Please email Geoff at Pastorg@regencypark.org if you have any interest.