Dear NEO family,

I hope you are staying cool and enjoying God’s presence and power in your life today. I have been reminded again this week, through many great conversations at Kidz Kamp and the opportunity to meet with four church boards, of how blessed I am to serve alongside the dedicated and gifted people who are in NEO Nazarene Churches. Thanks for the chance to rub shoulders with you and to catch your passion for Christ and people.

Tomorrow we resume the District Service project in Drumright. Here is the latest: The kitchen cabinets are assembled and bathroom renovation is getting close to completion. We need to trim out doors and newly installed windows and put the flooring down throughout the project. We have completed the addition of a couple of electric circuits. We hope to complete the new water service piping by the end of this project day. This project is starting to take shape with the help of the willing folks able to sweat it out with us. If you would like to join in this one please contact Jerry Wilburg at 918-607-8561.

Doug Dawson, our District Prime Time Director and staff member at Broken Arrow First, is dealing with some degerative arthritis in the L-1-5 vertebrae, Consequently, we are cancelling the NEO August Prime Time Event. Let’s pray for Doug and for the doctors who are caring for him.

NEO Pastors share, "I WANT TO CELEBRATE…"

Dan Hazelton, Pryor… two people becoming followers of Christ. One person receiving the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… We held a “One Day Revival” with Randy Dority this Sunday, and a couple came forward to receive Jesus for the first time ever! God is working here!!! We will be transferring in a new member this coming Month.

Geoff Gunter, Tulsa Regency Park…Great VBS. Reached lots of neighborhood families. Raised $830.00 for Scott Riggins in Papua New Guinea. Also had a free pancake breakfast for Regency Park neighborhood.

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea…Our Sunday School and Worship attendance have increased compared to this time last year.

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… I’m off at Asbury for my next round of classes in my D. Min. program. Be back to Tulsa on Friday, August 20.

Angela Bentley, Bristow… God’s Spirit and Presence in our services and in our people, continued growth demonstrated in the increasing involvement of new comers to our family, nine new babies in our family, 10 teens went to camp, 5 kids went to kids camp, and the 5th anniversary of the continually growing and deepening relationship between pastor and people in this place!

Gerald “J.J.” James, Claremore… Our VBS was a huge success with over 100 kids and 65 adult and teen workers!

Jim Johnson, Barnsdall… Greetings from the Barnsdall Church. We haven't reported recently, but we indeed have reasons to celebrate. Three recent high school graduates have come to the altar and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior . Also, we have accepted 5 new members on their profession of faith. Glory to God! Barnsdall Church is indeed being used to fulfill the Great Commission. Our building improvement projects are still in full swing. Pastor's office has been completely re-modeled and is a wonderful addition to our church. Also, a new sound system has been purchased and installed. Wonderful! New basement doors will be installed this week and speaking of the basement, we have knocked out a wall to accommodate our Wednesday Night service. Our attendance is still growing on Wednesday night with 34 in attendance this week. Our next project is to install new indoor and outdoor carpet in the basement and to insulate our attic. God has blessed us beyond measure. Praise his name!

Steve Davis, Sapulpa…11 attended Kidz Kamp; Increasing unity among the body; New teens attending our student ministries gatherings; Planning baptismal service for August 29th

David Stevens, Vinita…Slight increase over last year’s number this month. The year is going well statistically. Two of the girls who attend Caravans testified that they prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior; one at Church camp and the other based on the first girls testimony, she also wanted to be saved. God is working. We plant the seed, someone else waters it, and someone else reaps the harvest. We all work together on God’s team!

NEO DISTRCT LEADERS in Attendance Growth

Sunday School/ Discipleship
Barnsdall +29
Tulsa Regency Park +22
Tulsa Fuente de Vida +20
Wagoner +20
Nowata +15
Okmulgee +12
Pryor +11
Bristow +10
Chelsea +7
Cushing +6
Mannford +6

AM WORSHIP
Tulsa Regency Park +41
Tulsa Fuente de Vida +25
Wagoner +17
Coweta +14
Okmulgee +14
Barnsdall +13
Mannford +11
Chelsea +9
Sand Springs +9

May the Lord bless you and keep your spiritual heart as warm as the temperature outside.

You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

I was grieved yesterday morning to hear that Rebecca Jetton, wife of Max Jetton who served as pastor at Broken Arrow First for many years, had died after a seven year battle with cancer. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 11:00 am in Molalla, OR. Rebecca’s father, a member of Tulsa Central, recently passed away, so the family has had a lot of loss recently. Let’s remember them in prayer.

I would also ask you to pray for Davenport and Tulsa Southwest as they are seeking God’s direction for their next pastors. A couple of other churches are facing some special challenges and need your prayers.

Two of the best things that have happened on the District this summer are camps and District work projects. Youth camp was outstanding and kids camp began tonight at Cave Springs. As you think of Camp Director Linda Holland and the 200 + workers and campers, lift them up in prayer this weekend.

Our work projects at NEO churches continue to make incredible progress. I received the following report today from Jerry Wilburg:

"We are in need of some guys willing to do the grid installation for the drop-in ceiling at Tulsa Southwest Church. If anyone has expertise in this area of construction we could use your help in getting this one going. This project is part of our effort to get District Work and Witness going in our "Jerusalem". Please let Jerry Wilburg know of your interest in helping out with this project. Cell (918)607-8561. Additionally there will be some forms and concrete work to do for the outside location as well. Once we know who is interested we will begin to decide the timing for the work and let everyone know. Thanks for all your help.

Update on the Drumright project. 17 people got together for a fun and hot work day July 17. Did I mention hot. Whew. Ok we have passed a milestone on this project as we have completed the phase where we are removing and demolishing. Now we only have to put things back together again. A small team is going back this weekend to complete installation of the HVAC unit to get the AC on for our next workday July 31.


Kitchen cabinets are assembled, Bathroom renovation is getting close to completion. We need to trim out doors and newly installed windows. And put the flooring down thoughout the project. We have completed the addition of a couple of electric circuits. We hope to complete the new water service piping by the end of this project day. This project is starting to take shape with the help of the willing folks able to sweat it out with us. If you would like to join in this one please contact Jerry Wilburg at 918-607-8561.


Tahlequah Parsonage
Thanks to the folks who went back out to this project to tidy up some loose ends last week. The new flooring in in and the baseboards are all replaced and stained. And Pastor Jason is moving in.. Welcome to the NEO District pastor!"

Have a great weekend! You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

Greetings in the strong name of Jesus! The rain is gone and the heat has come! Aren’t you thankful for the wonderful opportunity you have to adjust to change in Oklahoma?

NEO Kidz Kamp is only 9 days away. It is not too late to register!
Where: Sky Ranch at Cave Springs
When: July 23-25
Who: Finished 1st Grade through finished 6th Grade
Cost: Early Bird Special: $115 if sent by July 15th (snacks included)
For Downloadable forms go to http://www.neokidskamp.com/
More Information: Contact Linda Holland, hollandlinda@cox.net  

District Work Projects are continuing this weekend at Tahlequah and Drumright. The Drumright project still has much to complete and will begin on July 17 at 8:30am. Another work is scheduled for July 31. The project will involve the following:
Run wiring for some extra electrical circuits.
Replace water piping with PEX tubing
Putting up wall coverings ( exterior siding - not sheetrock)
Assemble Kitchen cabinets and build counter top
Formica laminate on Kitchen counter
Replace windows in three locations.
Remove windows and side over the hole in three locations
Apply flooring (engineered wood and vinyl laminate)
Install HVAC system including floor vents.
Contact Jerry Wilburg for more information: 918-607-8561 or jerryw@thermoflo.net

Season permits for parking at OU football games available from the 2:8 House:
Passes will be available for a $300 donation to the 2:8 House and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who park at the house will be invited to a tailgate party that will begin two hours prior to each kickoff. "We have found that OU football games are a great way to introduce others to our ministry," Dave Kyncl said. "Our hope is that these season passes will allow us to build relationships with others and share with them how God is at work here. We hope to sell all 11 parking spots within the next few weeks."
The 2:8 House is located at 700 Chautauqua Avenue, which is one block south of Boyd Street. For further information, please contact Dave Kyncl at kyncl@28house.org.

A Call to Civility
I was waiting to meet with a Nazarene elder at a restaurant this afternoon. While waiting, I heard a television report on the need for civility in our discourse. The speaker cited recent comments by Jessie Jackson and some associated with the NAACP, as well as statements made by some associated with the Tea Party, as examples of the kind of attacks that are weakening our beloved country.

I would hope that Christians would be the example of how to engage in civil discourse - being quick to listen and slow to anger, telling the truth, doing justice and promoting basic respect for other human beings. After all, since 83% of the American population identifies with the Christian religion, that 83% could make an enormous difference in the tone of American politics if those Christians actually practiced what they profess to believe. They could also make a positive difference in American politics if they held other Christians accountable when they engage in deception and slander in order to score political points. Of course, at times as a DS, I just wish we would practice what Jesus taught in their relations within the church! As my college professor, Dr. Robert Sawyer said often, “You can disagree without becoming disagreeable.” I hope  am hearing an "amen"

A Tulsa World Editorial on April 9 told of Senator Tom Coburn’s call for fairness and civility in discussing the important issues of the day during a Town Hall Meeting in Edmond. I couldn’t have agreed with the Senator more. And a host of Christian leaders have also spoken to the issue and drafted “A Covenant for Civility”. See the article below from one evangelical leader.

A Covenant for Civility


The political polarization of our society has now reached a new and dangerous level. Honest disagreements over policy issues have turned into a growing vitriolic rage against political opponents, and even threats of violence against lawmakers are now being credibly reported.


Just a few months ago, a deeply concerned, veteran member of Congress called me to express real despair about the alarming level of disrespect, personal attacks, and even hateful rhetoric that was occurring among her colleagues -- reflecting a degeneration of public debate in our national culture. This month, another member of Congress called to express real fear about threats of violence he and other elected officials had experienced against themselves and their family members. Political debate, even vigorous debate, is a healthy thing for a democracy; but to question the integrity, patriotism, and even faith of those with whom we disagree is destructive to democratic discourse, and to threaten or even imply the possibility of violence toward those whose politics or worldview differs from ours is a sign of moral danger, and indeed, a sign of democracy’s unraveling.


Both members are people of faith and were calling to ask for help from the community of faith to lead in this dangerous moment and to begin to help heal what was becoming an increasingly alarming and frightening situation. I recently had lunch with a friend, a political conservative with whom I both agree and disagree on various policy issues. He expressed his real discouragement over how more and more Americans now get their news and information from only highly ideological and partisan media sources with whom they already agree, and who daily fuel the most passionate emotions of their loyal followers -- on both sides of the political aisle.


So for several months, a group of Christian leaders have been praying, talking, and discerning how the churches might lead by example to help create a more civil and moral tone in our national politics. We have confessed that, too often, Christians have merely reflected the political divisions in the body politic instead of trying to heal them in the body of Christ. People of faith from all our religious traditions could help create much-needed safe, civil, and even sacred spaces for better public discourse at this critical moment in our nation’s history. What has come from our prayerful discernment is “A Covenant for Civility: Come Let Us Reason Together.” Church leaders from across the political and theological spectrum -- who have voted Democratic, Republican, and Independent in recent elections -- have come together around this civility covenant, and the breadth of the signatories is a powerful statement in and of itself. Together we offer what we feel is a strong biblical statement motivated by deep concern about our present situation; we are now inviting thousands of other pastors and lay people in all of our churches to sign this covenant and then seek to implement it in our congregations, communities, and nation.


The Covenant for Civility begins: "As Christian pastors and leaders with diverse theological and political beliefs, we have come together to make this covenant with each other, and to commend it to the church, faith-based organizations, and individuals, so that together we can contribute to a more civil national discourse. The church in the United States can offer a message of hope and reconciliation to a nation that is deeply divided by political and cultural differences. Too often, however, we have reflected the political divisions of our culture rather than the unity we have in the body of Christ. We come together to urge those who claim the name of Christ to 'put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you' (Ephesians 4:31-32)."


I ask our readers and friends to consider both signing on and acting to make the commitments of this covenant in our lives and faith communities -- and offer a much-needed prophetic witness to the nation at this time of crisis.


We need to behave differently, for both the sake of our spiritual integrity and the health of our democracy. We have forgotten some of the key values of faith: respect, truth, honesty, humility, patience, kindness, confession, forgiveness, prayer, and the unity of the body of Christ. It is time to recover them again. Let the change we call for begin with us.

Thanks for being a part of the solution in our great country and in our churches! You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, and to follow Thee more nearly. Amen.        St. Richard of Chichester

Dear NEO family,

Greetings in the strong name of Jesus! Have you had enough rain this week? The weather is always an adventure in NEO. Let’s focus on the positive: The grass is sure looking green for July, the weather has been cooler than normal and we are saving on our water bills.

If you have tried to get on our website, I apologize that it has been down most of the week. The same group that hacked it a few weeks ago got us again. Thanks to our webmaster, Ed Phillips, for his work getting our web site rebuilt and getting more security on our site.

This Sunday we will say goodbye to three of our beloved pastoral staff members: Gary and Jennie Reynolds at Regency Park; John and Moneita Teel at Broken Arrow; Levi and Stephanie Lunsford at Family Church. God’s best to each of them in their new assignments.

The week ahead is a one of celebration for Gloria and me. On Saturday, July 10, 2 – 4 pm we will be celebrating my parents 60th wedding anniversary at Tulsa Central. A 30 minute program will begin at 2:30pm. On July 15, my son-in-law, Scott Dermer, will be ordained on the Dallas District. On July 16, we will celebrate my granddaughter, Ellianna’s, first birthday. Life is just one big party for us this week.

Thanks to Jerry Wilburg, Brian Loderhose and all who participated in our work projects at Tahlequah and Drumright last weekend. An amazing amount of work was accomplished. At Tahlequah - Bathroom floors down, new French doors, counter tops, sink, faucet, gfi outlets, kitchen cabinets and drawers painted, doors hung, windows replaced and more. Pastor Jason is putting down new flooring throughout the house. There is still a lot to be done at Drumright. And projects are waiting at Davenport and Tulsa Southwest. It is great to be a part of a District family that supports one another!


Kid’s Kamp, July 23 – 25  For Downloadable forms go to http://www.neokidskamp.com/
Camp Director, Linda Holland, says we can use a few more campers and there will be late charges until after July 15.

Are youth interested in religion? I read a fascinating article this week (http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/young-adults-open-religious-participation ) which looks at factors which impact youth involvement in religion. In a quiz on Youth and Religion, the question was asked:  "What is the weakest predictor of teens remaining religiously active into young adulthood?" Possible answers were: • Frequent teasing about religion • Mission trips • Supportive religious adults.Would you be surprised that the weakest predictor was "mission trips"?

Examining results from the National Study of Youth and Religion in their book “Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults,” researchers Christian Smith and Patricia Snell of the University of Notre Dame identify factors that do predict high levels of religious commitment. They include frequent prayer and Scripture reading, personal religious experiences, highly religious parents, and caring and supportive adults in congregations.

Adult involvement, in particular, should not be underestimated, they say. No slogan or appeal empty of religious substance will have young adults knocking down the doors of houses of worship. But the hard work, starting at an early age, of integrating young people into communities where they are nurtured, cared for and given spiritual direction makes a difference.

This generation is open to being spiritual and religious. In fact, several major national studies show that the core faith of young Americans has changed little in the last four decades. In the Panel Study of American Religion and Ethnicity led by researchers at Rice University and the University of Notre Dame, more than half of respondents ages 18-29 said religion or religious faith was very important, extremely important or the most important part of their lives. Only 14 percent of respondents in this age group, compared with 11 percent of all respondents, said religion was not important. Eighty-two percent of young adults said they believe God loves them and cares about them, the same percentage as the overall response.

There was a good article on Ministering to Young Adults in the last Holiness Today. http://www.holinesstoday.org/nphweb/html/ht/article.jsp?sid=10005102&id=10009244

Have a great weekend! You are loved!
Dave

Dear NEO family,

Hope you have had a wonderful celebration of our nation’s birthday! Gloria and I were at Sapulpa on the morning of the 4th and I was moved by how many veterans were in our service. We are indebted to these men and women who have sacrificed for our country. We sang the third verse of “America, the Beautiful” yesterday: “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.” And I resonated with the prayer that concluded this verse: “America, America, may God thy gold refine; till all success be nobleness and every gain divine.”

On Sunday, Pastor Steve Davis was installed as pastor at Sapulpa. Go to the link below for pictures from this event:
Sapulpa, July 4, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTPCg

Last week 33 of our pastors participated in Pastors and Leaders Conference (PALCON) at Southern Nazarene University. One pastor wrote: “This was probably the best conference that I have been to, in terms of speakers and workshops. Truly enjoyed "Closing the Backdoor" with Woody Stevens, and the Theism class with Crutcher. Informative. Middendorf’s sermon, and MacDonald's wisdom were truly life changing.” Thanks for giving our pastors time and financial support to attend PALCON!

Last weekend we had District Work Projects at Drumright and Tahlequah. Jerry Wilburg shares this report on the work project at Drumright last weekend: We had a successful 2 day work gathering. Churches involved included Southwest, Mannford, Bristow, and BA First. The teams made a huge dent in the work list but much is left to be done. Rain hamperred our work on the second day but we were able to do things inside during the heaviest rain. Thanks to all the churches who have supported this effort.

I was at Tahlequah on Friday for the total makeover of the parsonage, led by Brian Loderhose. A good group from Tahlequah and Owasso Silver Creek were involved and were very productive. The ladies of the church fed us well! New pastor, Jason Powers, arrived on Friday. I will share a more complete report later.

Troy Farmer reports that the Crisis Care Kits collected from NEO were delivered to the warehouse in Fawn Grove, PA, Wednesday AM, June 16th, 2010. Thank you to all who participated in this effort.Two shipments are going out from the warehouse the next week to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In approximately one year from now, thousands of Nazarene youth from across the stretches of the U.S. and Canada will converge on the city of Louisville, Kentucky, for Nazarene Youth Conference 2011 - A World Unbroken. Youth and youth leaders will be in for a week of spiritual formation, missional outreach, inspired worship, and of course, fun.

Kid’s Kamp, July 23 – 25
For Downloadable forms go to http://www.neokidskamp.com/

More and more marriages represent the forming of a stepfamily. As these families form, often what is brought to the table is "his", "hers" and "ours." This refers to kids, finances, step-relationships, house hold items, and more! Forming a stepfamily brings about some of the same challenges as any relationship, but due to the sheer number of relationships woven into the complexities of stepfamilies there are unique circumstances and challenges. The goal of couples in stepfamilies is to create a marriage and family all at the same time. Let the Forever. For Real. – For Couples in Stepfamilies workshop help! Come and learn the major differences between first families and stepfamilies, be guided through how to develop new step-relationships, and pick up some step-parenting tips. Come away with the communication skills that are the key to a successful remarriage and stepfamily.

Saturday, July 17, 10 am - 4 pm, Tulsa Technology Center – Riverside Campus, 801 East 91st, near the Jenks airport. For more information or to register for this FREE workshop, visit www.ForeverForReal.com or contact Kristin at (877) 435-8033.

I WANT TO CELEBRATE… (shared by pastors from monthly reports)

Cole Weston, Okmulgee…Held my first ever baptism, for a beloved teen in our church. We’re proud of her and hope that many more will join her soon. Also celebrating the 40 year old heaters in the baptistry that are running strong! :) Brainstorming on holding a leadership series in August, and holding our first (to me) VBS next month. Then completely re-doing the kindergarten room, expecting that if we make way for the Lord to work, He’ll fill it up. Also paid everything according to the new budgets this month, and working on catching up with last months too!

Carl Brown, Hominy…Thirteen Baptized June 20th with new lives dedicated to serve Christ as Lord. We start VBS with the theme “The Ten Commandments” Starts July 20 – 23rd

Dwain Young, Horton Chapel…On June 6, we had our second Children's Day Celebration with Del Wilson, who lives in Tulsa. He is serving as president of Fellowship Christian Magicians. Our boys and girls responded to him and the gospel message. We had families in attendance who do not attend regularly. One child responded to the invitation. This day was a highlight for us this month.

H. Gordon Smith, III, Dewey…Thanks to our church family who kindly had a fellowship dinner in recognition of my being ordained an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. I want to also celebrate our Youth Group that went out and volunteered at The Concern Center in Bartlesville painting.
David Stevens, Vinita…In recent weeks I have been asking God to renew our spirits and bring a revival to Vinita. As we pray and prepare ourselves, it is so nice when we have a Sunday when God is particularly close. The last Sunday of June was one of those special days. From the opening worship song all through the final Amen many of us felt God’s presence in a tangible way. He is so good!

Nick Vernier, Tulsa Southwest… We want to celebrate...our attendance is up from last month!!!! God is good and Southwest is resilient.

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea…Our Sunday School and Worship attendance have increased compared to this time last year. We also had five teens and a sponsor attend Golden Bell Camp in Colorado! They went with the Claremore Church. Each of our teens had a lot of fun and grew spiritually from the experience.

Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection…Baptized an entire family on Father’s Day, with the father dedicating his young daughter; very successful Dadfest (aka, Sweatfest) on Father’s Day.

Randy Schuneman, Bartlesville…21 teens went to NYI NEO Camp. God used this camp to bond our teens together. We had a great VBS this month! Many children came to hear about how our Savior Jesus! Our faith promise weekend went wonderful as well; our speaker Terry Baker did a fantastic job.

Dan Hazelton, Pryor…We received $5000 in pledges and offerings for an emergency fund.

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska…God is moving here, I don’t know what He’s doing but He’s moving and that is exciting.

Steve Davis, Sapulpa…6 teens saved and several others re-dedicating their lives at Teen Camp; Wonderful VBS with several new families; Being blessed to lead Sapulpa as their new pastor.

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central…Our Spanish work is having Sunday Bible studies … an outreach VBS at The Lakes Apartments this past month that looks like it will yield some prospects for us as well as the new Spanish work … some genuine “God stuff” happening in my heart at PALCON … some positive visitor flow in recent weeks … a number of things to be encouraged about.


NEO DISTRICT LEADERS in attendance gain in June, 2010 over June, 2009
 Sunday School/Discipleship
Bristow +23
Barnsdall +21
Tulsa Fuente de Vida +20
Pryor +11
Nowata +9
Horton Chapel +8
Cushing +7
Vinita +6
Chelsea +3
Coweta +4
Dewey +3
Drumright +3
Miami New Life +3

AM Worship
Pryor +32
Tulsa Faith +18
Broken Arrow First +17
Sapulpa +15
Barnsdall +13
Vinita +11
Bristow +10
Coweta +7
Miami New Life +7
Dewey +5

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Prayer is no panacea, no substitute for action. It is, rather, like a beam thrown from a flashlight before us into the darkness. It is in this light that we who grope, stumble, and climb, discover where we stand, what surrounds us, and the course which we should choose.
- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, from his book Man's Quest for God


Dear NEO family,

310 pastors from the South Central Region are registered for PALCON (Pastors and Leaders Conference) next week, June 28 – July 1, on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. Please pray for our pastors that God will use this to encourage, equip and inspire them.

In my report at Assembly, I shared a portion of an email I had received from a member of our District family. She was writing regarding her concern for a co-worker that needed a relationship with Jesus. “I long for a deeper and more effective walk. It isn't enough to be able to see the sickness if I can't take them to the Healer. It isn't enough to feel the bleeding emotions and quiet desperation if I can't introduce them to the Comforter. It isn't enough to know of a financial crisis if I can't lead them to the One with unlimited resources and a different perspective. It isn't enough to observe them being completely lost if I can't connect them with the Shepherd. If all I do is see, and feel, and know, then I just get crushed with the load. I want to see these poor injured lambs walk in wholeness and joy. I want burdens lifted. I want the bondage broken. I most of all want the blood that covers sin to flow over these sin-scarred lives and purify their hearts."

I praise God for the passion my sister in Christ shows for those who don’t know Jesus. I have been praying that I would have a similar passion, and that every church in NEO would have at least a few folks with this passion. Will you be the one in your church and community?

On July 2 and 3 we are going to have work days to give a makeover to the Tahlequah Parsonage and another to fix up a house bought for a youth center in Drumright. Could you give a day to one of these projects?

In Tahlequah, the following tasks need workers:

• New Ice Maker Line
• New Counter Tops
• Paint Cabinets
• Replace /Paint Hardware
• Install New Stove
• Install New Dishwasher
• Install New shelf Under Kitchen Sink
• Install New Sink and Faucets
• Remove all Linoleum (carpet is already up)
• Tile Bathroom Floor Master Bath w Marble Tile from another project
• Replace Floor and Tile Main Bathroom w Ceramic
• Pull All Tack Strip and Nails in Floor From Old Carpet Pad
• Cut Trees back
• Clean and Repair Gutters
• Install New French Doors
• Then…New Laminate Floors

Much of the prep work (pulling nails, tack, strip; cabinet doors off and sanded; pull up linoleum and stools, etc.) can be done in the evenings prior to the July 2 and 3. Call Project Manager, Brian Loderhose at (918) 520-1361 for more information or to sign up.

Jerry Wilburg is Project Manager of the Drumright project. Mike Howard has gotten the project on the front page of the local paper and has many city officials behind the project. Contact Jerry (jerry@thermoflotulsa.com  ) for information on how you can help.

Below are links to pictures from recent visits by Gloria and me:

BA Connection Church, June 13, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOfA

Tahlequah Ladies Day, May 22, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOO

Family Church, May 30, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOXg

Kids Kamp is July 23- 25
For Downloadable forms go to http://www.neokidskamp.com/

Have a great weekend? You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought by day or by night; waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor earth's empty praise; thou mine inheritance, now and always. Thou and thou only, first in my heart; high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.


Dear NEO family,

Almost 300 of the NEO family are at youth camp this week. I was with them Monday thru Wednesday morning. Camp Director, Jason Isaacs, has put together an outstanding camp. You would be proud of your sponsors and campers. Camp WOW is incredible, especially its recreation facilities! That made my conversation with a young lady on Tuesday evening even more special. When I ask her about her favorite activity that day, she told me it was the worship service. She said she could really relate to the message on the broken places of our lives. Let’s pray that the closing services tonight and tomorrow morning will be powerfully used by God in the lives of our students!

The pictures are now available from HOMECOING 2010. Thanks again to all who made our annual gathering such a rewarding time.

District Assembly/Ordination, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTO9A

Homecoming 2010: Closing Service/Commuinion
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTO1g

NYI Convention 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOsA

NMI Convention 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOkg

There are many transitions on the NEO District:

I just received notice from Bartlesville – “our precious, beloved Jennie has gone to be with Jesus. She passed away about 3:50 this afternoon.” Please keep the Schuneman family and the Bartlesville church in your prayers during this time of loss.

Gary Reynolds has accepted a call to be the lead pastor for the Yukon OK Church of the Nazarene. Gary and Jennie’s last official Sunday as Worship/Admin Pastor for Regency Park will be July 11.

Levi Lunsford, youth pastor at Tulsa Family, has accepted a call to Detroit First Church.

Jason Powers has accepted a call to be the pastor of our church in Tahlequah. Jason and three of the kids (Hudson Taylor, Hope and Halee) plan to get to Tahlequah on July 2 with his wife, Kim, and daughter, Hannah, coming later in July.

Steve Davis has been nominated by the Church Board to the Sapulpa Church to be their next lead pastor. Steve has been Associate Pastor/Music Director at Sapulpa for 20 years but has recently sensed God redirecting him toward a preaching ministry. The Sapulpa Congregation will vote on June 27.

Lowell Clark is now serving as interim pastor at Davenport.

Tulsa Southwest is beginning the process of finding a new pastor.

A big THANK YOU to Ed Phillips, our web master. Our web site was recently hacked and Ed quickly worked to get it repaired and back up and running. Ed is Church Board secretary at Collinsville.

Speaking of the website, the 2010 journal is already completed and available on the website: (http://www.neonaz.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=39 ). Thanks to Jim Thornton, our District Secretary, and his lovely bride, Christy, for getting this done so quickly. (This involves an incredible amount of work, detailed work!)

In the past two weeks I have conducted very positive pastoral reviews for Pastor Nate Burns at Owasso Silver Creek, Pastor Tim Odom at Collinsville and Pastor Rodney Amos at Tulsa First. Congratulations to these pastors and churches.

A couple of pastors turned in “I want to celebrate” comments after the last publication.

Rodney Durr, Muskogee First…the cooperative let’s-do-what-it-takes-to-make-it-happen attitude when we recently needed to make some adjustments in classrooms and age groupings in the children’s department.

Cole Weston, Okmulgee…We held my first membership class and SEVEN people became members! How wonderful! We also had a new family with three teens come, who are now part of the youth group. Very excited about how nice the Youth Center is coming together

Have you ever had a student come up to you and tell you that God was calling him or her into full time ministry? Helping a student sort out that call can be a challenge. Six years ago the South Central Regional NYI council had a dream to put together a conference designed specifically for students in high school that felt a call to full time ministry. We call it the YES conference. YES stands for Youth Equipped to Serve. This year's YES conference is July 6-9, 2010 on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. The YES conference is a four day conference that is designed to help students understand what it means to be called, understand the preparation that is inherent in that calling, and explore possible areas of ministry. There are general sessions each day when we all meet together to learn about what it means to be called. This year's speaker is Kendall Franklin who is a SNU alumnus and currently pastor's College Church in Bourbonnais, IL. Throughout the week, we also have breakout sessions in several ministry areas: senior pastor, youth, children, music, urban, and missions. We also have a special session for women in ministry that deals with specific challenges our young ladies may face. Registration is already available online at www.nyi-snu.org.
The early registration deadline is June 17th, so be sure to register as soon as possible.

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

What a joy it was to meet as a District family this week for HOMECOMING 2010. I will be sharing about portions of our meetings in coming weeks, but today let me just hi-light one aspect of my report. The theme of my report was “Engagement”. The first priority I hi-lighted for our churches in the year ahead is to help people engage with God.

Today I was reading H.B. London’s letter to pastors and he emphasized this priority. He told about his reaction years ago when he first saw the movie “Dead Man Walking”:

“As I was walking out of the theatre after the showing, I was quiet. Beverley, my wife, said "What's wrong?" I then burst into a response that even to this day troubles me. I said, "Didn't you hear the prison guard say, 'Dead Man Walking'?" She nodded. Then I said, "We are surrounded here by dead men and women walking. Without Jesus in their lives, they are all dead men walking."

I still believe that. But, I wonder in this day, when it appears evangelism has taken a back seat to style and programming — where is the passion? Where is the urgency?

I am probably talking to the choir today. But, if we are surrounded by "dead men and women walking," what are we going to do about it? What am I going to do about it? We just cannot leave it to chance.”

"He is patient ... not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance"
(2 Peter 3:9).
"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
(1 Cor. 9:22).

With the holiday weekend and HOMECOMING, several of our churches did not turn in their monthly reports, but of those who did, the following reasons to celebrate were noted:

I WANT TO CELEBRATE…

Steve Davis, Sapulpa…The contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings. Beginning of new Life Application Groups on Sunday evenings.

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea… Our Sunday School and Worship attendance have increased over last year at this time.

Jade Rogers, Bartlesville… How the church has gotten behind our Pastor and his family. This tragedy God has used to make us one as a church. Our prayer is for this to continue and for the Schuneman family to know they are loved!

David Stevens, Vinita...A great District Assembly! Pastors are able to report successes in spite of the economic slowdown. We praise God that we were able to pay our budgets, several new people are taking their place as contributors and helpers in the work. One new member was an ordained Lay-Minister in the Methodist Church. I plan on using the CLT training for lay ministers for her and others who are interested.

Dan Hazelton, Pryor… 1 teen new believer...Wahoo!

Prady Thimmaiah, Nowata… Praise God we had a new convert. Tanya accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior!

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central…Some really good services during the month of May---a service of worship led by our Arts Ministry on May 1, Mother’s Day, Graduation Sunday, and Pentecost Sunday. I believe we have strung together a number of successive weeks of positive worship experiences.

NEO DISTRICT LEADERS in attendance gain in May

Sunday School/Discipleship Ministries
Barnsdall +26
Nowata +12
Coweta +8
Bristow +6
Cleveland +6
Owasso Silver Creek +6
Pryor +6
Cushing +5
Drumright +5
Mannford +5

AM Worship
Tulsa Faith +17
Barnsdall +17
Tulsa Hills +12
Drumright +10
Manford +9
Owasso Silver Creek +7
Miami New Life +5
Pryor +5
Chelsea +4
Cushing +4

Troy Farmer, our Crisis Care Kit Coordinator writes: I plan to leave for the warehouse Monday the 14th. If anyone has boxes to go and will get in contact with me ASAP, I will try to arrange to pick them up. Contact me by phone 918-207-0617--home, cell 918-650-2064, or e-mail tvfarmer56@hotmail.com .

Abba Homes and Ministries is sponsoring a fundraising golf tournament Saturday June 19th. Abba Homes and Ministries is a Christian Sober living home for men who have a desire to begin a new life in Christ. Buddy and Alicia Davis of Family Church's Celebrate Recovery Program recognized a great need in the community and began to pray that God would make a way. God is good and Abba opened it's first home in June of 2009. If you would like to sponsor a hole or play golf, contact Buddy (buddy@familychurch.tv ).


An SNU student whose father is a Nazarene preacher in Ponca City will be in an 8 week internship at the OU Schusterman Center beginning on June 14. Call me if you would like to know more about helping with this need.

You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Hi, NEO family,

Next Tuesday and Wednesday we will be gathering at Tulsa Central Church for our HOMECOMING 2010: A Celebration of Mission and Ministry. I love it when we get to hang out together – worship together, eat together, play together and serve together. You will love our General Superintendent, Dr. Jesse Middendorf. And our Zone Cluster meetings are becoming a hi-light for our laity as we hear reports from churches on our Zone and pray for one another (notice we had to move the Zone Cluster meetings to after lunch!). I am excited about my report – I quote Angie Bentley, Roger Staubach, Hal Perkins and other great church leaders.

Check out the schedule below. Make plans to attend. Pray that God will use these gatherings to inspire, equip and correct His church so that we can more effectively “make Christlike disciples in the nations.”

NEO Homecoming 2010

A Celebration of Mission and Ministry

Tulsa Central Church


Tuesday, June 1 District Assembly

8:00 am Registration

8:30 am Opening Session.

Message from our General Superintendent, Jesse Middendorf

Welcoming new NEO pastors and spouses

Report of District Superintendent, Dave McKellips

Elections of District Leaders

Vote on Constitutional Amendments

Reports from District Leaders, Boards and Committees

Report of SNU President, Loren Gresham

Noon SNU Luncheon for Lead pastors, spouses and Advisory Board

2:00 pm Zone Cluster Meetings

3:30 pm Concluding Session of District Business

7:00 pm Ordination Service with Dr. Middendorf. In addition to ordaining four pastors, we newly licensed ministers will be challenged and retiring pastors will be honored.

Wednesday, June 2 NYI and NMI Conventions

9:30 am Registration

10:00 am Great Commission Rally – Parade of Flags w/Children and Youth; Youth worship team; Missionary John Williams, speaking; Reports of how NEO is “taking Christ to the Nations”!
11:30 am Lunch for all

12:30 pm NMI Convention in Worship Center; NYI Convention in youth room (203)

2:00 pm Youth and Family Service Projects around Tulsa ; Missions workshops

5:30 pm Dinner together

7:00 pm Closing Service – A Gathering to Give Thanks. In one hour, our DS will preach, we will engage in corporate worship and thanksgiving and join together at the Lord’s table in communion.


See you on Tuesday! You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

NEO Homecoming 2010 is only a few days away – June 1 and 2. I love it when the District family gathers together to celebrate our mission and ministry. The past year has been a challenging one in many ways. We have endured some brutal weather, a troubled economy and all kinds of attacks of the enemy, but God’s church and His truth is marching on. Come join us June 1 and 2 as we celebrate God’s faithfulness and the victories He has given us.

Thanks to the great work of Jim and Christy Thornton and all the NEO leaders who turned in reports, our Assembly Handbook has gone to the printer and we are finalizing plans for the Assembly on June 1. Dr. Jesse Middendorf, our General Superintendent, is an outstanding leader, theologian and preacher. I am excited for our District family to get to catch his passion for Christ and the church. Our time of reporting by Zones and praying for each church has become a hi-light of our assembly. We expect to have four pastors ordained in the evening service, along with recognizing many first time licensed ministers.

I have had several meetings, emails and phone conversations with NMI President, Debbie Martin, and NYI President, Jonathan Odom, and the plans for the combined conventions on June 2 are coming together beautifully. It will be a day of worship, inspiration, challenge, some business and service to our community. Of course, we love to eat and fellowship together and meals for the whole District family are being planned for lunch and dinner.

Troy Farmer will be picking up Compassion Care Kit boxes during the District Assembly and NMI Convention. Please put church name on each box, put 1 CCK box inventory in each box, and tape the box. Manna House can always use peanut butter and jars of jelly. Let’s bring these to registration tables on June 1 or 2.

For the complete schedule and details for Homecoming 2010, go to our website, www.neonaz.com .

Pastor J.J. James reports on the latest on our response to Tennessee flooding: “We sent some ladies out to TN yesterday with a truck load of supplies. They are helping out at a distribution center today. We still need at least one more welder to go with us next week. We are leaving Monday and will be back on Friday. We will be building the bridge that was washed out at the Tennessee District Campground. Do you know anyone who might be able to go with us?”

ThePornEvent.com (http://thepornevent.com ) is a response to the influence of pornography in our community, and you are welcome to participate. From May 23-28, LIfeChurch.tv and XXXChurch.com are offering this event to help people who are caught in pornography’s grip. It’s an interactive 25-minute online experience with segments for men and women. Anyone from any church, any country, and any place can attend. They can be anonymous if they want, they can receive prayer, and they can get connected with a next-steps group that will offer preliminary help and a path to a safe recovery group.

Pastor John Whitsett sent his congregation a wonderful note this week on the power of our expectations, especially focusing on the expectations we bring to corporate worship. Let me share a small portion of the article with you: “I believe our expectations powerfully shape and influence our experience. If we come to church with positive expectations---with the belief we’ll encounter God---then it’s highly likely it’ll happen … not because we willed it so, but because we were open to God’s presence, and He was able to capitalize on that openness. But if we come to church with negative expectations---that we’ll be disappointed, or that the service is a drudgery to be endured---it’s highly likely that we’ll go home dissatisfied and embittered. For our close-mindedness will have significantly quenched the Spirit’s ability to use what happened in a meaningful way.
This Sunday, do me a favor. Come to church with a singular expectation---that you’ll encounter God, and that He’ll speak to us in a meaningful way. I believe it’s going to be a great service---Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the reality and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. We’ll hear a couple of first-hand accounts of how the Spirit that arrived at Pentecost is continuing to make a difference in people’s lives---just as He did those first followers that were gathered in the Upper Room. It’s going to be a great day!”

I pray that Pentecost Sunday will be a great day in every Nazarene Church in Northeast Oklahoma!

Anticipating,
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

I have been at Southern Nazarene University the past two days for meetings, first with the SNU Region District Superintendents followed by the SNU Board of Trustees. The school has had another good year. Enrollment was above projections and the school was in the black again (I think it is about 20 straight years!) A hi-light of the trustee’s meetings are always the testimonies from students about how God is using the university to impact their lives. Our own Travis Vernier was one of the students who shared this year. Nick and Kay would have been proud of him, as I was. I am grateful to the impact of Nazarene Higher Education on my life and on the lives of my daughter’s and their spouses. Let’s continue to invest in our school for it is an investment in the future of our church! Let's also pray diligently for Dr. Gresham and SNU. I hope you pray for them regularly, but they can especially use your prayers these next two months.

A number of the people on the NEO know Glen and Thelma Miller from Work and Witness trips. They will be celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary next Sunday May 16 at Horton Chapel from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

NEO Students - You don't want to miss the opportunity to meet with 1,000 other teens and adults from around the South Central Region on the beautiful campus of Southern Nazarene University for a weekend of fun sports, talent, and quizzing competition. Plus, we will have some epic worship experiences! Extravaganza is May 28 - 30. Go to www.snuextravaganza.com for more info and get registered today!

Pastor Rodney Amos had a wonderful Faith Promise with Dr. Fletcher Tink from Nazarene Theological Seminary. The good, generous people of Tulsa First Church had a goal of $10,700 and their pledges were $11,025. Rod recommends Dr. Tink ( Fltink@nts.edu )

Work Project on the Tennessee District Campgrounds
Claremore Pastor, J.J. James, writes: Heather and I have been hearing a lot of stories about the devastation from the floods in Tennessee. Many homes, businesses, and churches were flooded and folks out there are saying that it will take months for that area to be fully restored. Yesterday, we finalized the plans that we have been making to go out and help. Some ladies are going out there next week to help in a distribution center. Many people that have lost everything that had. They need basic every day supplies like bathroom supplies and cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, or non-perishable food that doesn’t need to be prepared. A group of men will be leaving a week from Monday (May 24th) to build the bridge that washed out at the Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene Campground. We hope to complete it in time for their camps to begin. Several from the NEO district are going to help build the bridge but we could still use some help. Any men (especially those with welding experience) are welcome to go with us. Call me if you would like to go with us.

We are only about two weeks away from NEO Homecoming 2010! It is going to be a great time of inspiration, positive accountability, training and service. Reserve the dates – June 1 and 2!

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 1:2, 3).

Dear NEO family,

By the time many of you receive this blog, we will be in the National Day of Prayer. I hope you will join thousands of your brothers and sisters in setting aside time to pray for our nation, our state our NEO cities and leaders. And pray for members of your own church and our District family that we will be salt and light, speak grace and truth and demonstrate the love and care of God.

One of the ways we put God’s love on display is through simple acts of service. I am sensing somewhat of a “Servolution” in Northeast Oklahoma. Dino Rizzo says that a “Servolution” starts when the church moves out beyond its walls and looks throughout the community for someone in need. I am hearing of this happening more and more in our NEO churches. Following are some exciting opportunities for service:

Burn a Rod for Kids, May 22 at Hope Ranch in Ponca City
Jerry Wilburg reports that we currently have 11-12 welding crews with welder rigs on trucks or trailers to help out at the ranch. We have two runs of 600 feet of pipe rail fence to do and n additional side of about 330 feet. Brian Loderhose from Owasso Church is volunteering to bring a piece of equipment to bring down several dead elm trees that are in the fence row. Other crewmembers are from Miami, Regency Park and Broken Arrow, along with a Boy Scout troop and a boy’s SS Class.
Much to do but it is exciting.

Assistance in Tennessee with Flood Cleanup.
Pastor J.J from Claremore I reports that 9 folks from three different NEO churches have already contacted him and are planning to go with him on Sunday afternoon to help with the flood clean up at the Nazarene Campground in Tennessee. Jim Reeves is helping design a bridge and we will be building it when we get there. There is still some room for many more to go if they want to but J.J. will need to know by Thursday so that he can finalize travel plans. Praise the Lord for the great response!

District Service Projects at NYI/NMI Convention
As you hopefully have heard by now, during the afternoon session on June 2, we will have several service projects in the Tulsa area for children in third grade through Senior Adults.

Zone Service Projects in 2010-11
We are gearing up for work projects at a local church or parsonage on every zone in the year ahead. Plans are in the works for a Parsonage Makeover at Tahlequah on July 2 and 3, a “Sheetrocking the new Facility” Party at Miami, a new paint job for Pawhuska church, finishing up the new Family Life Center at Tulsa Southwest and finishing the youth center at Drumright.

Change a Child’s Forever
Join us for a community gathering to learn the many ways you can help foster children.
Monday, May 17, 2010 Fellowship Bible Church, 5434 E. 91st ST, Tulsa
For more info, call 405-522-0606 or visit www.faithlinksok.org/FeaturedEvents.htm

And God’s call to serve continues throughout our lives. I received an exciting email today from Gary and Elaine Narron. Gary has already retired a couple of times, but he and Elaine are now starting a new church with another couple (the other couple is young – in their 50’s) in Richmond, Virginia. Gary writes, “We have been praying about this for a number of months now and we feel very comfortable this is a calling from God and we are excited about saying yes.” May God continue to raise up people of all ages who are passionate about serving – yes, we need a “Servolution”!

What a privilege it is for Gloria and me to visit the NEO churches. Here are pictures from recent visits:
Sapulpa, April 18, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTN5g

Chelsea, May 2, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTOGg

Have you ever had a student come up to you and tell you that God was calling him or her into full time ministry? Helping a student sort out that call can be a challenge. Six years ago the South Central Regional NYI council had a dream to put together a conference designed specifically for students in high school that felt a call to full time ministry. We call it the YES conference. YES stands for Youth Equipped to Serve. This year's YES conference is July 6-9, 2010 on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. The YES conference is a four day conference that is designed to help students understand what it means to be called, understand the preparation that is inherent in that calling, and explore possible areas of ministry. There are general sessions each day when we all meet together to learn about what it means to be called. This year's speaker is Kendall Franklin who is a SNU alumnus and currently pastor's College Church in Bourbonnais, IL. Throughout the week, we also have breakout sessions in several ministry areas: senior pastor, youth, children, music, urban, and missions. We also have a special session for women in ministry that deals with specific challenges our young ladies may face. Registration is already available online at www.nyi-snu.org. The early registration deadline is June 17th, so be sure to register as soon as possible

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO Nazarene family,

Grace and peace to all of you, especially to our pastors who are completing their Annual Pastor’s Report and all the related forms this week. We sure have a great team of pastors in NEO!

As Churches turn in their last budget payments of the year, I hope they are encouraged by all the good their giving is accomplishing. I received this week the 2009 Benefits Received Report from Pensions and Benefits. In 2009, our District paid $157,367 and our retired pastors received $213,966 assistance. I sure appreciate the faithful giving of NEO Nazarenes to World Evangelism Fund, District Fair Share, Pensions and Benefits and Southern Nazarene University. We are better because we have joined hands and resources in ministry.

Nate Burns, Pastor at Owasso Silver Creek called me last Sunday with great joy and thankfulness. They had a Baptism service planned and 2 people had decided to be baptized last Sunday. During the service the Holy Spirit moved and they baptized 6 people! Praise God! Also they took in 6 new members. I love hearing reports almost daily about how God is working in our churches.

Family Church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry has been graciously hosted by Faith Church the past six years. The ministry is averaging over 250 people on Saturday evening and has outgrown the facilities. Pastor Buddy and Alicia Davis report the Celebrate Recovery Ministry will be moving to the Family Church facilities beginning May 29.

Prayer Requests for parsonage families:
Jennie Schuneman (Daughter of Bartlesville pastor, Randy Schuneman) had her first chemo treatment at M.D. Anderson this week. She is doing well, without any seeming side effects, except fatigue.

Nan Holley (Pastor's spouse at Tulsa Faith Church) had to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours and I spoke with her a little while ago. She is doing better and they think it might be due to a low potassium level.

Nina Marroquin (Pastor's Spouse at Tulsa Regency Iglesia del Nazareno) also had to be monitored for 24 hours after blacking out. The doctor working with her thinks it is due to a lack of vitamin D and anemia. We are grateful the Lord protected her as she fell (she said her neck is very sore).

Change It!, an initiative launched by three of Central’s teens, is hosting an officially registered Guinness World Records event! Change It! will attempt to break the world record for the most change collected for a charity in one place this Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater in Jenks, Oklahoma. The event will kick-off at 10 am and will feature local bands between 2-8 pm. There is no charge for the event. Change It! is attempting to collect over $200,000 in loose change in support of organizations combating HIV/AIDS. They would love to have you join them Saturday and bring all of your spare change!

SNU Tulsa is hunting for a good communicator, Christian lawyer to teach the MBA law class.

The Academy of Senior Professionals at Southern Nazarene University is hosting a Senior Adult Conference 2010 on May, 21. Find out more and register at www.snu.edu/senior-adult-conference-2010.

Pastor's "I want to celebrate..."
Wayde Normandin, Chelsea…The last Sunday of the church year was set aside to review the previous 12 months and record God’s faithfulness to our church and thank Him for it. It was a wonderful way to look back at the year and look forward to a fresh beginning. We also praised the Lord for a great Easter Breakfast and Service. We had 39 people attend our breakfast which was held at the Chelsea Senior Center and then we moved to our church for the service. This was our largest attendance for the year. Also, through the obedience of God’s people all allocations were paid and all other financial obligations were met.

Dwain Young, Horton Chapel… I want to celebrate the Family of three children and two adults who joined Horton Chapel this month. The dad was one of our boys who attended Horton Chapel 30 years ago. Our Church reached out to him then and he felt the love and when he moved back they came to Horton Chapel. Praise the Lord!

Brad Farnsworth, Connection…TEN people gave their lives to the Lord on Easter Sunday; baptized two on Easter Sunday, then two teenagers baptized two weeks later who are related to mother who was baptized on Easter; new families continue to attend each Sunday, one family drives one hour all the way from Keystone Lake area.

Claude Guy, Sand Springs…Spirit-filled services every time we gather for worship.
H. Gordon Smith, III, Dewey… A beautiful Maundy Thursday service where the Spirit of the Lord was truly among us! (2) A fantastic Cajun Dinner fundraiser for Youth Missions Trip coming up in July, (3) The blessing it was to have the Lepley’s join us for deputation and to soak in the memories of this last years missions trip to the Dominican Republic, and (4) 10 members joined our church.

Cole Weston, Okmulgee… New families finding the church God sending us people who truly need help! New people with new energy to begin new ministries. Additional teens for our youth group!

Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… We’ve seen much progress in our family life center. We had a work day where we had 30 individuals show up to help construct a connecting corridor for our new building. Conducted a successful review of our worship leader. Areas to be improved upon were discussed and strengths were affirmed as well.

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… A number of positive things---an very good Easter Sunday with two stylistically different services with six believers baptized and a combined attendance of over 600 … a deputation service with Dan & Michelle Lepley with an offering of almost $3800 … a wonderful class of twelve new members, most of whom have great stories of how the church has already added value to their lives … a vision-casting Sunday on April 25 that seemed to be well-received and resulted in a number of people stepping forward to volunteer for some key areas of need.

David Stevens, Vinita… I know I am repeating myself, but it is just amazing how God always blesses our Church services. He has answered many prayers, some miraculously. There is a sense of love and care among our people. May He receive all the Glory! Budgets are paid (whew!) and our attendance figures are stable, with small steady growth.

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… I want to celebrate: Our senior adult ministry has established a small group on Tuesday mornings at Cedar Ridge (local retirement community) and they had 8 in their group this week.

Jim Johnson, Barnsdall… I am so excited about the way God is working in our Barnsdall Church. We are indeed being blessed! Our church attendance is still growing and our increased finances have enabled us to complete much needed building improvements with several more projects in the planning stage. April 18, the Hominy Church invited our congregation to attend a "Barnabas" service. This was a service to encourage and bless our ministry at the Barnsdall Church--wonderful outpouring of Christian love from both churches. To God be the Glory!

J.J. James, Claremore… We had four amazing weekends this month. The first weekend was Easter and we had our annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. The next weekend we had a wonderful revival with John and Ruth Briscoe. The next weekend we had Guy Penrod and the Talley Trio in concert. Last weekend we had our annual meeting and we set a brand new vision for our congregation; “Experiencing God’s Power. Sharing God’s Love.” Things are starting to look up for us in Claremore!

Alan McBroom, Davenport… Easter Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and the baptism of two young ladies!

Angela Bentley, Bristow… So many things! We had a wonderful Easter service with 102 in attendance. We hosted a great community revival service with 140 in attendance and our new worship leader and team were AMAZING! We have a new children’s director and new youth leaders –a husband and wife team! We had a successful annual election with God placing people in just the right positions. We took in 5 new members and have others in the membership class. The Holy Spirit is present in our services – last week we didn’t even have any preaching the Spirit was so powerful! We continue to experience great growth and such a sweet spirit of unity. God is so good – and brings many things to celebrate!

NEO DISTRICT LEADERS in attendance growth verses May, 2009

Sunday School/Discipleship
Tulsa Central +50
Barnsdall +21
Bristow +15
Dewey +15
Miami New Life +15
Wagoner Cornerstone +11
Pryor +10
Okmulgee +9
Chelsea +6
Cushing +6
Sand Springs +6

AM Worship
BA Connection +42
Miami New Life +33
Hominy +21
Pryor +20
Okmulgee +19
Barnsdall +15
Coweta +8
Skiatook +8
Mannford +7
Chelsea +6


Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Can’t wait to hear of more “God sightings”!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

Aren’t you thankful for “God Sightings”? The last two weeks have been very demanding for me, physically and emotionally. But almost every day I see the evidence of God’s activity and care. Let me just share a few “God sightings” this week:

• Claude Guy called Monday reporting on the service Sunday at Sand Springs. After the Board secretary reported on the positive pastoral review, they had special music and the Lord took over the service. Ten people came to the altar, they anointed some for healing and a young couple found help in their marriage. As a D.S., I had no idea how God could use an announcement of a positive pastoral review!

• Cole Weston emailed me on Wednesday. On Sunday he told the Okmulgee Church that the mission of the church is to reach out, and that they would try to find new ways to get to those in our community to help. But Cole didn’t have to find ways to reach out this week. God immediately began bringing some people to Cole that he had opportunity to minister to. Cole wrote, “I feel like I'm doing what this job is all about. You just can't beat Jesus for job satisfaction!”

• On Thursday, Jenny Schuneman was taken on a Cononco Phillips Angel Flight to M.D. Anderson Hospital. Today she was to have an appointment with Dr. Rabi. They will not be admitting her to the hospital, she will be on an outpatient basis. Dr. Rabi will evaluate everything they have on her, run some tests of his own and then determine whether or not they can do anything for her. This is NOT a promise of a cure, nor that they can even treat her, BUT this IS the opportunity we have been praying for - that they would be willing to see her and evaluate her and give her this chance. God is answering our prayers!

• I stopped by and saw the progress being made on the new building at Miami New Life yesterday. The new building is huge and is going to be a tremendous blessing, but even more exciting to me was hearing Pastor Casey Hollingsworth report of the way God is blessing their services and helping this church reach new people.

God is at work in our world. I am blessed to be able to be a recipient and partner in His work!

Tomorrow is Sunday School Training Day, “Building Foundations That Last” at Broken Arrow First. This will be a time of inspiration and practical helps for those who work in children’s, youth and adult ministries. Registration is at 9am and we will conclude by 2:30pm It is not to late for you to decide to come. Hope to see you there.

Continuing Lay Training (CLT) is committed to equipping laity for effective ministry by facing important issues in our culture. On Thursday, April 29, 2010, Dr. Bryce Fox CLT will host an educational conference call on sexuality in young adults and how the church can communicate Christian values about sexuality in our current culture. To join the call, dial 760-569-6000 and enter the access code 793452#. The time of the call will be 7pm Central time zone.

SNU Tulsa’s MBA in Health Care will start its first group on August 10. This master’s in administration is for people who have a bachelor’s degree (accredited and in any field) and who have experience in any aspect of the healthcare field and who would like to fulfill positions of leadership in the healthcare industry. This could also include people interested in medical missions. It might be people who work in health insurance companies, those in allied fields such as respiratory therapy, or physical therapy, for example, or nurses or even doctors who want to go into administration. They do not have to have a background in business such as accounting and finance. We will teach those things to them.

The instructors, all committed Christians who subscribe to SNU’s mission, are MDs and others who are in positions of leadership in Tulsa medical facilities and organizations. For example, Dr. Pat Bolding, family physician, who was an administrator for over 20 years for In His Image, and Dr. Jack Sommers (MD, MBA), who is the Chief Medical Officer for Community Care Managed Healthcare, will both be teaching in the program. So will the HR Manager for Eastern Oklahoma Red Cross, among others. The students in this program will be getting really good “real world” information.

Our General Superintendents recently released this week an important affirmation of belief that I want to share with you. We are to contend for the faith that was once entrusted to the apostles. May those who come behind us find us faithful!

WE BELIEVE

As General Superintendent Emeritus Don Owens suggests, every movement of God has a binding address. We believe that the Church of the Nazarene was birthed in the heart of God and that she continues as an expression of the movement of God in our world.

The church revealed a level of genius a century ago when it expressed the nonnegotiable elements - a binding address - of biblical faith in eight simple yet profound stated beliefs in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene:

Agreed Statement of Belief
26. Recognizing that the right and privilege of persons to church membership rest upon the fact of their being regenerate, we would require only such avowals of belief as are essential to Christian experience. We, therefore, deem belief in the following brief statements to be sufficient. We believe:
26.1. In one God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
26.2. That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.
26.3. That man is born with a fallen nature, and is, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.
26.4. That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.
26.5. That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.
26.6. That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
26.7. That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.
26.8. That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place.

In these days of theological experimentation and inquiry, it seems prudent to the Board of General Superintendents to lay special emphasis on some of these agreed beliefs.

We believe in God. Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, He is holy love and light; eternally existent and infinite; Sovereign of the universe; holy in nature, attributes, and purpose; all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present.

We believe in the inspiration and authority of Scripture. We hold that the Word of God is the primary source of revelation for knowing God. Dr. H. Orton Wiley, who helped shape our theology in our formative years, wrote: "We conclude that the Scriptures were given by plenary inspiration ... in the manner that and to the degree that the Bible becomes the infallible word of God, the authoritative Rule of Faith and Practice in the Church" (Christian Theology, Vol. 1, p. 170).

We believe in the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6). We believe that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

We believe that, subsequent to regeneration, believers are to be entirely sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit. We further believe that in the work of entire sanctification the believer's heart is cleansed from all sin and that the believer filled with the Holy Spirit is enabled to love God with the whole heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as oneself. We believe that growth in grace and the disciplines of holy living are a lifelong necessity for a life wholly sanctified to the will and purposes of God.

We believe in the Church, "the covenant people of God made new in Christ" (Manual, paragraph 15), as the visible expression of God's presence and mission in our world.

This is our binding address!

Ephesians 4:12-13 makes it clear that every effort should be made for believers to be "built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." This, the Bible declares, will prevent us from being unsettled by every wind of doctrinal experimentation that blows across the religious landscape.

We call upon our churches, our institutions of higher learning, and our people at large to hold fast to these agreed beliefs. Let us set aside anything and everything that distracts from our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

--Board of General Superintendents

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

My appreciation for the great lay leaders on the District continues to grow. The last four evenings I have met with the Church Boards of Davenport, Sand Springs, Bartlesville and Sapulpa. The board members are passionate about Christ and the church, full of wisdom and the Spirit, they love their pastors and they want their church to have an impact on their communities. May their tribe increase!

I recently conducted Pastoral Reviews at Sand Springs and Cushing. Both Pastor Claude Guy and Pastor Harold Johnson had very positive reviews and will continue their pastoral ministry as per Manual 121.

Below are pictures of visits to Cushing and Mannford:

Mannford, April 11, 2010 Spiritual Renewal Week
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNog

Cushing, March 28, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNxA


NEO Training Day is fast approaching on April 24th. Your district department heads and SDMI leaders have been working really hard to put together a top quality training/equipping event for our people. You won't want to miss the special speaker - Ms. Sophie Sunday School- and there will even be help for pastors in regards to annual reporting and the new funding the mission guidelines. The early bird price of just $10.00 will expire this Saturday the 17th. Then the cost will go up to $12.00. Registration is very simple. You can complete it by email and bring your money on the 24th. The flyer and registration information are on the NEO website, www.neonaz.com.


Prayer Concerns: Thanks for your prayers for Jennie Schuneman. Her kidneys are now fully functioning so we can focus on the cancer that is enveloping her liver. Bartlesville has given Pastor Randy a paid leave of absence to focus on his daughter and family. Also, keep praying for Southwest Church as it has been a very trying week for these dear people. Tahlequah is interviewing a pastoral candidate this weekend. Sapulpa and Davenport are beginning the search process.

Former pastor and district superintendent James R. "Dr. B" Blankenship of Lubbock, Texas, went to be with the Lord on April 15. During his pastoral career, Blankenship served at Pawhuska (Oklahoma), Tulsa Regency Park (Oklahoma), Austin Grace (Texas), and St. Louis Webster Groves (Missouri).

Manna House is in need of two (2) men to volunteer on Wednesdays from 9:30 am -1:00 pm. They need someone to help carry out groceries, serve coffee, visit with people coming into Manna House and praying for needs. There might be some lifting of boxes of vegetables from refrigerator to pick up table. If you can volunteer a couple of Wednesdays a month, please contact Howard Essary at 274-8242. Thank you for allowing God to work through you at Manna House.

Sunday night, Claremore Church will be having THE TALLEY TRIO in concert.

Pastor Phil and Karen Buck are Grandparents! “Our first grandbaby was born today – Olivia Monroe Buck – 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 ¼ “ long. Our youngest son Nick and wife Rachel are doing great. Papper and Nanna are ecstatic at the wonders of our Heavenly Father. The most precious little girl you ever laid eyes on!! “ PBuck

Hope you have a blessed weekend. You are loved!

Dave McKellips

Dear NEO family,

These are busy and exciting days on the District. 100 of us Primetimers met for our quarterly dinner at Broken Arrow a week ago. Doug Dawson and the BA crew did a super job of hosting us and we had a great time.

I have heard wonderful reports from Holy Week and Easter services across the District. Did you hear about the weekend at one of our New Start churches, BA Connection? Pastor Brad Farnsworth and the church family had been praying for weeks for over 150 people that the members were inviting to services. The people worked, and God worked in answer to their prayers. 285 people attended services and 10 made decisions to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord! Isn’t God good! And did you hear about Barnsdall? This church, which has averaged between 9 and 15 for the past decade, had 50 in attendance on Easter. Congratulations to new pastor Jim Johnson and the faithful people of Barnsdall and praise be to God for working in ways beyond our wildest dreams!

We rejoice with one another and we also pray for one another as a District family. Would you remember the following prayer requests:
1. Pastor Kevin Williams’ sister, Tammy Unruh, died suddenly following a heart attack on Wednesday. The memorial service for Tammy will be Sunday afternoon at the Cameron, Missouri Church of the Nazarene.
2. Evangelist Frank Chase passed away on Wednesday.
3. Jennie Schuneman (daughter of Pastor Randy and Bonnie) has been getting medical care all week. Tentative diagnosis from the Pathologist, Dr. Casner: low grade vascular neoplasm (cancer) It will be next week before they have a conclusive diagnosis. Remember Jen and this family in prayer.

Tomorrow is Kid’s Mission Day at Tulsa Southwest. We will learn about missions thru games, snacks, crafts and music. NEO missionaries to the Dominican Republic, Dan and Michelle Lepley, will be speaking. Children ages kindergarten through sixth grade are invited and the cost is only $2. Go to the www.neonaz.com for more information.

Flyers have been emailed to all pastors for the upcoming NEO Training Day on Saturday, April 24. Workshops are planned for childen, youth and adult workers. I will have information for Pastors and treasurers regarding the new plan for funding the mission. District Secretary Jim Thornton will be available to answer questions for pastors regarding completing the Annual Pastors’ Report. A new workshop has been planned for Primetime workers. Cost is only $10 and includes Rib Crib lunch if you register by April 17.. Go to the website, www.neonaz.com, for all the details.

NEO Homecoming 2010 is June 1 and 2. We have lots of changes with Missions and Youth conventions both together on June 2. We will have service projects, workshops and great times of worship and fellowship together. Be watching for details in coming days.

I LOVE Extravaganza and the chance to get our youth from across the region together at SNU for worship, fellowship and competition. You have already know that once again Extravaganza is over Memorial Day Weekend (May 28 – 31), which allows our students to have lodging on campus and not have to be excused from school and related activities. Students will have great opportunities to experience campus life and build friendships from across the Region. Whether you have 1 teen or 100, I hope you will help your kids get to Extravaganza. They don’t have to “compete” to go and have a great time. www.snuextravaganza.com


SNU has a opening for a Chair of the School of Nursing. For more information, the link for this position is: http://www.snu.edu/chair-of-nursing-position

You are loved!
Dave McKellips

Romantic love is blind to everything except what is lovable and lovely, but Christ's love sees us with terrible clarity and sees us whole. Christ's love so wishes our joy that it is ruthless against everything in us that diminishes our joy. The worst sentence Love can pass is that we behold the suffering that Love has endured for our sake, and that is also our acquittal. The justice and mercy of the judge are ultimately one. - Frederick Buechner

Dear NEO family,

It is Holy Week! I love hearing about all the special ways our churches are retelling the wonderful story of Jesus and his love during this most important week on the Christian calendar. Tonight some will be having a Tenebrae service, a somber service that focuses on the suffering and darkness associated with the death of Christ. These words from Christa Klosterman really spoke to me this week: “The darkness in worship reminds me that God walks into the darkest of places. Jesus knows the wounds of betrayal, the sting of rejection, the vulnerability of life. He did not avoid the darkness; He walked willingly into it.”

Gloria and I love to visit the churches of NEO. We haven’t shared some pictures for a few weeks. Here are some from January and February.

Bristow, January 24, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNbg

Broken Arrow, January 31, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNgA

Tulsa Hills, February 21, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNTA


Pastor Alan McBroom has resigned from the Davenport Church to give himself full time to chaplaincy ministry. Alan and Melissa have served in Davenport for eight years and will be greatly missed by their church family. Alan works as a Hospice Chaplain for St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.

Pastor Casey and Cynthia Hollingsworth report that Abigail Hope Hollingsworth came into our world on Thursday, March 25, a healthy and hardy 9 lbs., 1 oz. and 21 inches long. Abigail spent a short time back in the hospital with jaundice, but Mom and baby are now home and doing great!

Pastor Brad Farnsworth tells in his blog of some radical ways his congregation is reaching out to invite people to Easter services. Check it out! www.bradfarnsworth.org

Below is a link to SNU's Annual Report for 2009 in electronic format. I especially encourage you to look over the videos that are listed on the page. You may even choose to show some of them in your church. I hope you will enjoy them and feel even more "connected" to YOUR university.
http://www.snu.edu/connection

Here are some hi-lights from NEO pastors March report:

I WANT TO CELEBRATE…

David Stevens, Vinita…We had a wonderful day on March 28th. We held a dedication ceremony for a beautiful baby girl, and received 4 new members by profession of faith. In spite of the snow we had good attendance averages for the month. God seems to be closer than ever in my personal walk as well as in the Church services.

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea… Even though our economy is going through some economic hardships we have been able to pay our budgets in full and meet all financial obligations.

John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… Tremendous foot traffic for our Palm Sunday/Eggstravaganza/Family Day event. Also had our first All-Church Concert of Prayer on Palm Sunday evening … seemed to go very well … surprisingly good attendance (70-80 adults?) … will continue those on the 4th Sunday evening of every month. Our Prodigal God emphasis has been well received, although the small group resources were a bit disappointing.

Angela Bentley, Bristow… Great growth, both spiritually and numerically! People are inviting others to church and having spiritual conversations with unchurched friends and non-believers. We had 78 in our Palm Sunday service. We have 11 currently in our new membership class. We have started a new weekday women’s bible study with 14 involved. We are moving forward with our plans to build on our new property. God is building His church in Bristow and we are blessed that He has allowed us to be a part of His plan!

Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills… Ladies Retreat to Branson coming up; our weekly food ministry serves approx. 30-40 people each Friday; Chapel service and food distribution. The men of Tulsa Hills are beginning to grow more convicted about prayer; Increased focus on Children’s Ministry; planning our Spring Edition of “Faith In Action” Sunday.

Gordon Smith, Dewey… (1) Evangelism course has been completed by 10 people, and we have gone out on “fishing trips” as a church family to areas and we have witnessed our faith! (2) Had a great Youth Missions Trip fundraiser! (3) A good amount of people coming for membership class

Jim Johnson, Barnsdall…As we celebrate Holy Week God is indeed blessing our church. The handicap accessible ramp has been completed, thanks to our hard working lay servants.
This week the installation of a new heat and air-conditioning system will begin.
We give God all the praise for the necessary funds to complete this project.
Our Wednesday night services have been wonderful. They have been well attended and our generous ladies provide a wonderful meal before the service begins. To God be the Glory!

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska…Our worship this Sunday was awesome, our worship team has been willing to step out of their comfort zone and really focus on worshipping with the whole of their heart, and it showed this week. We also needed a new projector (since the old one died) and a new one was acquired and installed for us at a savings of 50% off of the market value. In addition to this the Muskogee church and Pastor Rod blessed us with VBS materials this month, many thanks to them and to all who offered to donate to us.

Doug Gunsalus, Glenpool SoCo…We had an incredible month! God has really been moving at SoCo. We had several people respond to our series on Rest. We had about 8 adults that said that they have been putting God on the back burner so that they can build their own kingdom. Now they want to get that straightened out. Praise God! Our men’s and women’s small groups are really taking off, too. As far as finances go, God has been taking care of us by sending exactly what we need to continue. Praise God!

Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… Had many seekers at our altars a couple of weeks ago. One young woman said that she was “tired of trying to do things on her own and failing miserably.” She gave herself over to Christ completely. Another young college student has felt the call to missions. It’s the first of what I hope is many young men and women accepting the call of God in their lives!


Cole Weston, Okmulgee… Our first Sunday School party and drive for more members. Our Sunday School Superintendent who is working hard to grow the church and SS. Steadily increasing attendance at morning service, with a family who seems to be returning among others.


Dan Hazelton, Pryor…112 at our Palm Sunday outreach event, 20 people handing out 500 Easter invitations door-to-door, gravel added for additional parking. I am getting better looking by the day.

Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection…Putting together Easter baskets for BA Neighbors; picking up new volunteers and leaders; plan to baptize 2-4 on Easter Sunday.

Don Cowan, Sapulpa…(1)The contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings. (2)The fellowship we have at our weekly bowling league. (3)The start of a Men’s basketball league. (4)Beginning of new Life Application Groups on Sunday evenings.

NEO DISTRICT LEADERS
March 2010 (weekly average verses last years monthly averages)

Sunday School/Discipleship
Broken Arrow First +60
Barnsdall +16
Tulsa Southwest +15
Bartlesville +11
Bristow +10
Okmulgee +7
Cushing +5
Vinita +5
Wagoner +3
Cleveland +2
Pawhuska +2

AM WORSHIP
Broken Arrow First +30
Tulsa Central +17
Bristow +11
Barnsdall +10
Okmulgee +9
Vinita +9
Pryor +6
Sapulpa +5
Cushing +4
Sand Springs +4


Have a blessed weekend as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord! He is risen!

Dave McKellips