Dear NEO family,
These are exciting days on the NEO District. I spoke with a pastor today who told me they have had the altars filled in their church every Sunday for weeks. A layperson at another church told me their pastor had preached one of the most memorable sermons he had ever heard last Sunday. He told me God’s presence was all over the service. Another pastor texted last week to report encouraging trends in worship attendance.
I know these are challenging days in our world and many of you are experiencing financial, health, or relational stressors, but God is still on the throne and working in the midst of his people! Read the “I want to Celebrate…” comments of our pastors to have additional reasons to rejoice:
I WANT TO CELEBRATE. . . .
David Steven, Vinita …I am thankful to be able to serve God in the Church of the Nazarene. I am thankful for the people of Vinita Nazarene. The Pastoral Review was overwhelming and humbling. These are great people and I pray that God will use us to make a great impact on Vinita.
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… In addition to a positive review with the board, I’m really excited that a number of our people stepped up and committed to giving one Sunday every three months to prayer during the Sunday School hour. Joel Heid is going to coordinate this effort, as we are taking tangible steps to develop a tide of corporate prayer as a part of the ministry DNA of the church.
Gordon Smith, Dewey…Virgil Stevens asked Jesus Christ into his heart! We have been praying for him for some time now. “Fireproof Your Marriage” series has really gone well, and we have had tremendous turnout for it. We have had a number of people from the community attend and people are growing in Christ. “Dinner with Jesus” Communion Service. This is an intimate communion service that we do during Valentine’s weekend where we decorate the sanctuary like an elegant restaurant and it is a very intimate setting to get in touch with Jesus, and so many people were touched and strengthened. It was very touching.
Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills…13 people being trained for the Congregational Care Team. VERY proactive steps having been taken by the board to bi-vocational philosophy.
Wayde Normandin, Chelsea… our church has been focusing on several financial goals this year. We met one of our goal of paying our budgets in full by February.
Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… We have had a number of new children in church for Sunday School.
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… This is a celebration and also something we’re doing to be a high-impact church. We finally kicked off our ‘Life Groups’ this month with all groups meeting on Sunday nights. Our goal was 80% attendance and we had 85% attendance the first night of our small group ministry with 97 in attendance. Had several in attendance who would not normally come to Sunday School or a Sunday evening church service. The early reports were very positive with relationships between God and each other being strengthened. We’re very excited about Life Groups and look forward to the things God is going to do through them!
Stephen Hundley, Cleveland… Our Community Dinner, every other Friday, has grown from averaging 45 to averaging 70. We only began a little less than a year ago.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… Many in the Bristow family have been praying for Elton Roberts, the husband of one of our members, for years. On Feb. 13th I had the privilege of praying with Elton in his home as he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior! We have joined the rejoicing in heaven for Elton. I also want to celebrate the amazing growth we are experiencing, both numerically and more importantly spiritually. God is faithful and good!
Phil Buck, Grove Lakewood Community…We had the best crowd last Sunday that we have had all winter. Our new Thursday morning midweek service is going well too. We had 19 last week. Compared to the Wednesday evening service, that is more than double.
J.J. James, Claremore…We started construction on our new Family Center and Parking Lot this month!!!
Don Nichols, Tahlequah…We want to celebrate the Native American Camp Meeting scheduled for April 20 to April 26, 2009.
Don Cowan, Sapulpa….Crazy Love Spring Harvest and continued presence of God in our worship services.
Brad Farnsworth, Connection Church… We have organized Connection Groups, beginning with 5 initial groups which will meet in homes during the week, and the beginning of our Connection Youth Ministry on March 1.
NEO TOP LEADERS in Attendance Growth (Feb. 09 over Feb. 08)
Sunday School
Tulsa Family +103
Tulsa Fuente de Vida +55
Claremore +39
Sand Springs +16
Bristow +15
Dewey +15
Drumright +15
Owasso Silver Creek +14
Tulsa First +13
Locust Grove +10
AM Worship
Connection Church + 130
Claremore +50
Fuente de Vida +40
Owasso Silver Creek +32
Collinsville +27
Sand Springs +24
Bristow +22
Dewey +20
Broken Arrow +17
Tulsa Central +8
Horton Chapel +6
And for those of you who like pictures, following are pictures from some recent NEO events:
Pastor's/Spouses Breakaway
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTIlA&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview
Chandler
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTIeg&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview
Tomorrow I will be at Miami and will meet with their Board for a Pastoral Review. Then on Monday thru Thursday, Gloria and I will be speaking at the Joplin Distict Ministers’ and Mates’ Retreat. This is a new experience for us and we welcome your prayers. On Thursday evening I will begin teaching a nine week class on “History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene” in our Oklahoma School of Ministry. Contact me or Bill Hilton if you want to attend.
It is a joy to serve alongside you! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dear NEO family,
It is 10:30pm on Thursday evening. I am sending out emails following a 4 ½ hour District Advisory Board Meeting. A highlight of this meeting was reports by several of our NewStart pastors.
- Brad Farnsworth of Connection Church shared of the recent surge in attendance as they reach out to the unchurched and dechurched with a message of hope. Brad will be baptizing 5 – 6 people in a few weeks. The church had 177 in attendance two Sundays ago.(Connection Church has a 24 foot U-Haul truck they would like to sell. Contact Brad if interested.)
- Doug Gunsalus of South County Community Church shared stories of recent conversions and of 5 people responding to a sanctification message.
- Our Hispanic Coordinator, Otoniel Dannemman brought Pastor Saul and Rosa Ramirez, pastors of our new Hispanic Church at Faith. The church has grown to 30 people in just a few months. Pastor Melissa King and her husband are working to make contacts for a new Hispanic Church in Claremore. There are 21 students in training to be pastors and leaders in our Hispanic churches.
Each year, the Church of the Nazarene sends a number of college and university students to minister cross culturally in areas around the world through the dynamic ministry of Youth in Mission. Kendra Hansen, a member of Tulsa Central, is one of 70 students selected to participate this year. Kendra will be serving in Saipan.
District Women's Ministry Director,Gloria McKellips, sent me a wonderful video Lynne Peterson created for the BA First Church to help advertise our district women's retreat, "Fill My Cup, Lord"!
http://www.banazarene.com/water.wmv
Gloria says, "I met yesterday with Pam Wheeler and Kelli Odom who are enthusiastically leading our fellowship time after the first session. We are going to have a huge bunko party with added surprises! I think it'll be great fun. If you've never played bunko...it's easy. Trust me. I have to refresh my memory every time I play it because I don't very often, and it's easy to learn.
"After meeting with Pam and Kelli and then speaking with Cyndi this week and the Lord gave me a fresh excitement for the retreat. Cyndi has such a message of hope...and is a wonderful communicator. You will be glad you came! I needed that fresh excitement. Sometimes when I'm covered up in details or feeling the weight of the signed contracts, I forget to remember that God is doing His thing in the midst of all the preparation and commitments. I hope to see all of you there!"
Women's Retreat 2009
March 6 & 7
Doubletree Hotel Downtown Tulsa
Speaker: Cyndi Lamb
Early Bird Registration: February 23, $40
After February 23, $50
www.centralchurch.tv/connect2central/adults/women/documents/FillMyCupLordRegistrationFormandSchedule.pdf
http://www.centralchurch.tv/connect2central/adults/women/documents/2009RetreatPoster.pdf
Dave Kyncl, Director of 2:8 House and the OU Nazarene Student Center writes: Anyone interested in receiving monthly updates can sign up for the newsletter by visiting our website at http://www.28house.org/.
Congratulations to Pastor John Whitsett of Central Church and Pastor David Stevens of Vinita Church on positive Pastoral Reviews this month.
Lou Burch was going home today after having surgery early this week.
We will have a Pastor's Breakaway on Saturday at Tulsa Family Church. Pray that it will be refreshing and rewarding for our pastors!
Next week I will be at Nazarene Bible College for the annual Board of Trustees meeting. Pray for President Harold Graves and our NBC leadership team.
Let's also pray for Family Church as they search for a Lead Pastor.
You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Monday, February 9, 2009
Women's Retreat 2009
March 6 & 7
Doubletree Hotel Downtown Tulsa
Speaker: Cyndi Lamb
Early Bird Registration: February 23, $40
After February 23, $50
http://www.centralchurch.tv/connect2central/adults/women/documents/FillMyCupLordRegistrationFormandSchedule.pdf
http://www.centralchurch.tv/connect2central/adults/women/documents/2009RetreatPoster.pdf
http://www.centralchurch.tv/connect2central/adults/women/documents/2009RetreatPoster.pdf
Dear NEO Family,
I got back from the Denominational Leader's Conference Wednesday evening. We enjoyed good services with our General Superintendent's preaching on different aspects of holiness. B J Johnston did a wonderful dramatization of John Wesley, "The Man From Aldersgate". We had presentations on the Nazarene Future, especially related to the stucture of the Global Ministry Center and the General Board, and on changes in Pensions and Benefits so that we can continue to "Honor the Trust, Serviing Those who Serve" in these changing economic times.
I met with Tulsa Family Church Board for the fourth time on Thursday evening. What a great Board and Staff we have at this church. Continue to pray for them as they search for a new Lead Pastor.
Connection Church had 170 in attendance last Sunday. We rejoice in the way God is blessing and using Pastor Brad Farnsworth and this congregation that is only about six months old!
Pastor Geoff Gunter and Jenny Reynold’s mother, Ila Mae Gunter, will be having some surgery on her arm on Tuesday. She has an infection in it and they are going to clean it out.
Pray for her and that it will heal after the procedure is complete.
Lou Burch will be having major surgery on Monday. Pray for succesful surgery and patience and strength for Lou, Pastor Gerald and the boys during the recovery.
Here are some pictures from recent events or visits by the DS:
Family Church Feb. 1 http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTHzg
Spiritual Renewal Weekend http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTH7A&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview
Tulsa Zone http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTIPg&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview
Northwest Zone http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTIHA
Annual Report for 2008
Of Manna House Ministries
4921 E. Admiral Pl.
Tulsa, OK 74115
918-836-5541
The Nazarenes of Northeast Oklahoma are passionate about making a difference in the world. We believe in serving others. Contributions from Nazarenes make possible the administration of NEO Compassionate Ministries (dba Manna House Ministries). Following the example of Jesus, Manna House seeks to clothe, feed, counsel and offer a prayer ministry.
We have given out Bibles, Christian books, magazines and other gospel literature provided by the Nazarene Church. Some of the individuals we pray with are Christians and they also pray for us. We refer individuals to the Nazarene churches. Most of our Manna House staff will pray with individuals. We have Rev. Doug Dawson and Rev. Debbie Simpson working with Manna House as pastors.
During 2008 our staff prayed with 139 people (actually more as we forget to note the situation). We had 3 people accept Christ. We gave out 77 bibles. Truly we are making a difference in people’s lives and the Tulsa community. We are giving a cup of “cold water” in Jesus name.
Our clients come in, and many are in dire need of food, clothing, and sometimes it is dishes or other household items. It gives our volunteer staff the opportunity to tell them about the goodness of God, they are loved, and Christ answers prayers.
We had a child’s bicycle provided to us and we gave it to an 8 year old boy who didn’t get a bicycle for Christmas, as his parents couldn’t afford to buy one. We invite you to come and visit with our clients, see the needs and maybe pray with them.
I appreciate your kind support. As 2008 has come to a close I often look back and realize how faithful God has been to us. The people we are able to help and pray with is rewarding. Pray for Manna House, our staff, the people we serve and our finances.
For 2008 we served a total of 3,449 families or households. We served 11,137 individuals, this is an increase of 2,447 individuals over 2007. We share the love of Christ as people grapple with grim economic news and search for answers.
You can understand with this increase we need our volunteers and your donations. Yes, we also need larger facilities.
We are very appreciative of the individuals who bring food from the grocery store two days per week. They are with the Broken Arrow Nazarene church. We have a couple who are faithful to go the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma for weekly picking up of grocery items. We have volunteers who work with the clothing and household items. Our dedicated staff performs many duties. We praise the Lord for their perseverance and faithfulness.
If you know of an individual, business, or church that has a pick-up truck to donate, we need one. The pick-up I use is a 1987 and 23 years old. We need a replacement. The pick-up bed must be a standard width to accommodate the pallets loaded at the food bank. A small pick-up (ie: Ford Ranger) will not handle a standard size pallet. Would you please make this a matter of prayer.
Manna House Ministries thanks the children’s department of Broken Arrow Nazarene church for their assistance several times in 2008. Our thanks to Sapulpa Nazarene church for the 172 pairs of jeans donated in celebrating the Nazarene 100 Year Anniversary. The financial aid from the churches and individuals is a must – otherwise Manna House would cease to exist.
If you would like for the director, Howard Essary or one of our volunteers to come to your church or a Sunday School class and speak, please let us know.
Manna House – 836-5541
Howard Essary – 274-8242 (home – the easiest way to reach us)
“Praise God from whom all Blessings flow”.
In the service of the King,
Howard Essary Director
As I recently re-read Pastor Rick Warren's inauguration invocation, I was impressed, and blessed. Here are some excerpts from his prayer:
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of You.
We celebrate a hinge point in history with the inauguration of our first African-American President of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility ...
Of Manna House Ministries
4921 E. Admiral Pl.
Tulsa, OK 74115
918-836-5541
The Nazarenes of Northeast Oklahoma are passionate about making a difference in the world. We believe in serving others. Contributions from Nazarenes make possible the administration of NEO Compassionate Ministries (dba Manna House Ministries). Following the example of Jesus, Manna House seeks to clothe, feed, counsel and offer a prayer ministry.
We have given out Bibles, Christian books, magazines and other gospel literature provided by the Nazarene Church. Some of the individuals we pray with are Christians and they also pray for us. We refer individuals to the Nazarene churches. Most of our Manna House staff will pray with individuals. We have Rev. Doug Dawson and Rev. Debbie Simpson working with Manna House as pastors.
During 2008 our staff prayed with 139 people (actually more as we forget to note the situation). We had 3 people accept Christ. We gave out 77 bibles. Truly we are making a difference in people’s lives and the Tulsa community. We are giving a cup of “cold water” in Jesus name.
Our clients come in, and many are in dire need of food, clothing, and sometimes it is dishes or other household items. It gives our volunteer staff the opportunity to tell them about the goodness of God, they are loved, and Christ answers prayers.
We had a child’s bicycle provided to us and we gave it to an 8 year old boy who didn’t get a bicycle for Christmas, as his parents couldn’t afford to buy one. We invite you to come and visit with our clients, see the needs and maybe pray with them.
I appreciate your kind support. As 2008 has come to a close I often look back and realize how faithful God has been to us. The people we are able to help and pray with is rewarding. Pray for Manna House, our staff, the people we serve and our finances.
For 2008 we served a total of 3,449 families or households. We served 11,137 individuals, this is an increase of 2,447 individuals over 2007. We share the love of Christ as people grapple with grim economic news and search for answers.
You can understand with this increase we need our volunteers and your donations. Yes, we also need larger facilities.
We are very appreciative of the individuals who bring food from the grocery store two days per week. They are with the Broken Arrow Nazarene church. We have a couple who are faithful to go the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma for weekly picking up of grocery items. We have volunteers who work with the clothing and household items. Our dedicated staff performs many duties. We praise the Lord for their perseverance and faithfulness.
If you know of an individual, business, or church that has a pick-up truck to donate, we need one. The pick-up I use is a 1987 and 23 years old. We need a replacement. The pick-up bed must be a standard width to accommodate the pallets loaded at the food bank. A small pick-up (ie: Ford Ranger) will not handle a standard size pallet. Would you please make this a matter of prayer.
Manna House Ministries thanks the children’s department of Broken Arrow Nazarene church for their assistance several times in 2008. Our thanks to Sapulpa Nazarene church for the 172 pairs of jeans donated in celebrating the Nazarene 100 Year Anniversary. The financial aid from the churches and individuals is a must – otherwise Manna House would cease to exist.
If you would like for the director, Howard Essary or one of our volunteers to come to your church or a Sunday School class and speak, please let us know.
Manna House – 836-5541
Howard Essary – 274-8242 (home – the easiest way to reach us)
“Praise God from whom all Blessings flow”.
In the service of the King,
Howard Essary Director
As I recently re-read Pastor Rick Warren's inauguration invocation, I was impressed, and blessed. Here are some excerpts from his prayer:
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of You.
We celebrate a hinge point in history with the inauguration of our first African-American President of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility ...
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget You, forgive us.
... May we have a new birth of clarity in our aims ... humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.
May we never forget that, one day, all nations and all people will stand accountable before You.
Amen! Have a blessed weekend!
Dave McKellips
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dear NEO family,
I want to make sure you are aware of the fact that General Superintendent Emeritus John A. Knight died in his sleep February 1, in his home in Daytona Beach, Florida. Click below for more information on this giant man of faith:
http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16859812&msgid=264695&act=REA5&c=254762&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncnnews.com%2Fnphweb%2Fhtml%2Fncn%2Farticle.jsp%3Fsid%3D10000023%26id%3D10006758
I want to thank you for your support of Spiritual Renewal Weekend. Our attendance, offering and public response to the altar calls were all excellent! Many have reported how helpful the Devotional Guides and Zone Prayer Clusters were. I remind you that SRW is designed to benefit our local churches. Please contact me or a member of the SRW committee to let us know what was helpful and what you would like to see changed, added or deleted to make the SRW more beneficial to your local congregation. Next year we have Susie Shellenberger scheduled for January 29 - 31, 2010. Worship leaders and children's workers have not been selected.
As you probably know, our NYI had a 30 Hour Famine event along with SRW. NYI President Jonathan Odom report the following:
We had 243 students and 25 sponsors, which totals 268.
We raised a total of 3,369.11 for the Famine.
We had 15 churches involved.
We collected 7 boxes of grape jelly, spaghetti noodles, and beans.
Way to go, NYI!
Did your team win the Super Bowl? I was cheering for the underdog Cardinals, but it was sure a great game. Most of the Super Bowl ads were not that impressive to me. Did you see the Super Bowl ad that was rejected by NBC? The 30-second ad can be viewed at CatholicVote.org.
The church must continue to battle for the dignity of human life.
"Upon knowing God, I realize that my case, which legalized abortion on demand, was the biggest mistake of my life. You read about me in history books, but now I am dedicated to spreading the truth about preserving the dignity of all human life — from natural conception to natural death." — Norma McCorvey, the former Jane Roe of the infamous Roe v. Wade, in a current television commercial speaking out against abortion.
We have some wonderful reports from our pastors this month. Let me share the top numerical gainers, along with some of the ways God is working that numbers alone cannot tell.
NEO TOP LEADERS JAN 09
Sunday School/Discipleship
Collinsville +76
Tulsa Regency Park +66
Claremore +41
Bristow +15
Sand Springs +13
Owasso Silver Creek +10
Muskogee +7
Chelsea +6
Tulsa Central +3
Tulsa First +3
Vinita +3
AM WORSHIP
BA Connection +103
Claremore +52
Owasso Silver Creek +30
Sand Springs +16
Collinsville +14
Wagoner +11
Bristow +9
Sapulpa +6
Mannford +4
Vinita +4
I want to celebrate…
Don Nichols, Tahlequah…We want to celebrate the Block Party we are hosting on March 14, 2009
Wayde Normandin, Chelsea…One of our shut-in's health is strengthening which is a blessing. We had almost half of our congregation in attendance at the Spiritual Renewal Weekend in Tulsa. I celebrate the opportunity to experience as a congregation the impact Rev. Nathan Covington can make on individual lives as they grow in their relationship with the Lord.
Nathan Burns, Owasso Silver Creek …Our biggest loser campaign has 27 participants and we have lost over 300 lbs. in January. We have had several new families, praise God! It is truly a marvelous blessing to serve Silver Creek each week! God is moving and we are anticipating an awesome outpouring of His Spirit!
Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills…Growing momentum in the lives of our young married group. They have started a small group Bible study and are connecting in their lives. We’ve dedicated more babies over the past 6 months than I can recall in our history here.
Brad Farnsworth, Broken Arrow Connection … During our series, “I’m Rich”, we gave each household free money. Each envelope contained $10. The 24/7 Experiment is to take that $10 and invest it in people in need. Ch 6 and Ch 8 news came out and did a feature story. You can watch the video by clicking on the link. http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=9729508
Gordon Smith, Dewey…Our “Invest In a Child” Service. We had a number of kids, and some guests, and we were able to appreciate and value our children. Currently we are in a 40-day series that we do every year called “On Bended Knee” where we as a church begin to pray together for specific needs! Had a person ask to be a Sunday school teacher for our children.
Harold Johnson, Cushing…We have started a men's discipling group that chose to meet every other Saturday morning. We meet for an hour to an hour and a half and share what God is doing. I am also using the time as an opportunity to give practical helps in growing deeper in their relationship with the Lord.
Don Cowan, Sapulpa…A gift of $1500 to Freedom House. Continued financial blessing allowing us to be up to date and current on monthly budgets. Continued presence of God in our worship services
Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… We have had a busy and productive month here in Pawhuska. The board and department heads met early in the month to plan for the coming year, and we began several new programs that are lending to renewed excitement here. A result of this has been an increase in attendance and offering for Sunday morning.
Jim Wilson, Barnsdall… We have had consistent attendance every Sunday.
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… Really good a.m. services during the month ... Kevin Lewis shared about being a “legacy Christian” on the 4th ... I recast our congregational vision on the 11th ... talked about the Holy Spirit as the “power source” of the church on the 18th ... and culminated with Nathan Covington’s ministry to us on the 25th where some first-time guests came to the altar at the end of the service. Very encouraging!
David Stevens, Vinita… Looking back over 2 years here I must say this is a great group of people to work with. They have great compassion, care and concern for Others, and they support their pastor. The Lord has blessed us with His presence in our services, and we have reached new people with the message of salvation and becoming an effective disciple.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… Because our people were willing to be obedient to God’s call to minister to the “least of these,” He is doing amazing things in us! He is shaping us into a family that knows no racial or generational boundaries and it is unbelievable to experience. He has been so faithful with His presence in our services and His provision and direction for our ministry. God has revived and is re-building His church in Bristow! There is an air of joy and excitement as we anticipate what He is doing in and through us.
Mito Marroquin, Tulsa Regency Park Hispanic… We are praying and fasting, to grow in numbers. We are going to evangelize this Saturday if weather permits and we still want to do the kids church. This month we have started a women’s bible study and it has been a blessing. We are only 4 but we have faith in our Lord that more are to be added; please keep us in your prayers.
Have a blessed day. You are loved!
Dave McKellips
I want to make sure you are aware of the fact that General Superintendent Emeritus John A. Knight died in his sleep February 1, in his home in Daytona Beach, Florida. Click below for more information on this giant man of faith:
http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16859812&msgid=264695&act=REA5&c=254762&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncnnews.com%2Fnphweb%2Fhtml%2Fncn%2Farticle.jsp%3Fsid%3D10000023%26id%3D10006758
I want to thank you for your support of Spiritual Renewal Weekend. Our attendance, offering and public response to the altar calls were all excellent! Many have reported how helpful the Devotional Guides and Zone Prayer Clusters were. I remind you that SRW is designed to benefit our local churches. Please contact me or a member of the SRW committee to let us know what was helpful and what you would like to see changed, added or deleted to make the SRW more beneficial to your local congregation. Next year we have Susie Shellenberger scheduled for January 29 - 31, 2010. Worship leaders and children's workers have not been selected.
As you probably know, our NYI had a 30 Hour Famine event along with SRW. NYI President Jonathan Odom report the following:
We had 243 students and 25 sponsors, which totals 268.
We raised a total of 3,369.11 for the Famine.
We had 15 churches involved.
We collected 7 boxes of grape jelly, spaghetti noodles, and beans.
Way to go, NYI!
Did your team win the Super Bowl? I was cheering for the underdog Cardinals, but it was sure a great game. Most of the Super Bowl ads were not that impressive to me. Did you see the Super Bowl ad that was rejected by NBC? The 30-second ad can be viewed at CatholicVote.org.
The church must continue to battle for the dignity of human life.
"Upon knowing God, I realize that my case, which legalized abortion on demand, was the biggest mistake of my life. You read about me in history books, but now I am dedicated to spreading the truth about preserving the dignity of all human life — from natural conception to natural death." — Norma McCorvey, the former Jane Roe of the infamous Roe v. Wade, in a current television commercial speaking out against abortion.
We have some wonderful reports from our pastors this month. Let me share the top numerical gainers, along with some of the ways God is working that numbers alone cannot tell.
NEO TOP LEADERS JAN 09
Sunday School/Discipleship
Collinsville +76
Tulsa Regency Park +66
Claremore +41
Bristow +15
Sand Springs +13
Owasso Silver Creek +10
Muskogee +7
Chelsea +6
Tulsa Central +3
Tulsa First +3
Vinita +3
AM WORSHIP
BA Connection +103
Claremore +52
Owasso Silver Creek +30
Sand Springs +16
Collinsville +14
Wagoner +11
Bristow +9
Sapulpa +6
Mannford +4
Vinita +4
I want to celebrate…
Don Nichols, Tahlequah…We want to celebrate the Block Party we are hosting on March 14, 2009
Wayde Normandin, Chelsea…One of our shut-in's health is strengthening which is a blessing. We had almost half of our congregation in attendance at the Spiritual Renewal Weekend in Tulsa. I celebrate the opportunity to experience as a congregation the impact Rev. Nathan Covington can make on individual lives as they grow in their relationship with the Lord.
Nathan Burns, Owasso Silver Creek …Our biggest loser campaign has 27 participants and we have lost over 300 lbs. in January. We have had several new families, praise God! It is truly a marvelous blessing to serve Silver Creek each week! God is moving and we are anticipating an awesome outpouring of His Spirit!
Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills…Growing momentum in the lives of our young married group. They have started a small group Bible study and are connecting in their lives. We’ve dedicated more babies over the past 6 months than I can recall in our history here.
Brad Farnsworth, Broken Arrow Connection … During our series, “I’m Rich”, we gave each household free money. Each envelope contained $10. The 24/7 Experiment is to take that $10 and invest it in people in need. Ch 6 and Ch 8 news came out and did a feature story. You can watch the video by clicking on the link. http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=9729508
Gordon Smith, Dewey…Our “Invest In a Child” Service. We had a number of kids, and some guests, and we were able to appreciate and value our children. Currently we are in a 40-day series that we do every year called “On Bended Knee” where we as a church begin to pray together for specific needs! Had a person ask to be a Sunday school teacher for our children.
Harold Johnson, Cushing…We have started a men's discipling group that chose to meet every other Saturday morning. We meet for an hour to an hour and a half and share what God is doing. I am also using the time as an opportunity to give practical helps in growing deeper in their relationship with the Lord.
Don Cowan, Sapulpa…A gift of $1500 to Freedom House. Continued financial blessing allowing us to be up to date and current on monthly budgets. Continued presence of God in our worship services
Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… We have had a busy and productive month here in Pawhuska. The board and department heads met early in the month to plan for the coming year, and we began several new programs that are lending to renewed excitement here. A result of this has been an increase in attendance and offering for Sunday morning.
Jim Wilson, Barnsdall… We have had consistent attendance every Sunday.
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… Really good a.m. services during the month ... Kevin Lewis shared about being a “legacy Christian” on the 4th ... I recast our congregational vision on the 11th ... talked about the Holy Spirit as the “power source” of the church on the 18th ... and culminated with Nathan Covington’s ministry to us on the 25th where some first-time guests came to the altar at the end of the service. Very encouraging!
David Stevens, Vinita… Looking back over 2 years here I must say this is a great group of people to work with. They have great compassion, care and concern for Others, and they support their pastor. The Lord has blessed us with His presence in our services, and we have reached new people with the message of salvation and becoming an effective disciple.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… Because our people were willing to be obedient to God’s call to minister to the “least of these,” He is doing amazing things in us! He is shaping us into a family that knows no racial or generational boundaries and it is unbelievable to experience. He has been so faithful with His presence in our services and His provision and direction for our ministry. God has revived and is re-building His church in Bristow! There is an air of joy and excitement as we anticipate what He is doing in and through us.
Mito Marroquin, Tulsa Regency Park Hispanic… We are praying and fasting, to grow in numbers. We are going to evangelize this Saturday if weather permits and we still want to do the kids church. This month we have started a women’s bible study and it has been a blessing. We are only 4 but we have faith in our Lord that more are to be added; please keep us in your prayers.
Have a blessed day. You are loved!
Dave McKellips
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