This nation is affluent and has more than it needs. The realization that what we have is a free gift can deepen our desire to share this gift with others who cry out for help. When we bless the fruits of the harvest, let us at least realize that blessed fruits need to be shared.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen, from his book The Genesee Diary
Dear NEO family,
I feel kind of like a kid who has been told that Christmas has been postponed! We have been planning and praying for months for our Spiritual Renewal Weekend with Susie Shellenberger. Anticipation has been building. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating. This morning I have been doing a "Best/Worst Analysis". What is the best that can happen if we go ahead with our plans this weekend? What is the best that can happen if we postpone it? What is the worst that can happen if we go ahead or postpone? In doing so, it seems like a no brainer to postpone our District Spiritual Renwal services and events (youth, ladies and primetimers) for this weekend and reschedule them for March 5 - 7. Susie and our facilities are available that weekend. Let's just adjust our plans and expect God to work in the change for the good of his people who love Him!
You are invited to attend the annual Forever. For Real. program. Whether dating, engaged or married for years, this event is for you! More than 200,000 Oklahomans have already experienced an Oklahoma Marriage Initiative program, and we invite you to set aside time during the Valentine’s season to focus on your own relationship. This is a free workshop designed to help couples like you strengthen your relationship. Through this one-day event you can learn simple, hands-on, fun ways to improve communication and enhance fun and friendship. We will offer the program at multiple sites so that you may participate in a location close to you. Come be a part of this statewide event!
College and Career Retreat: A college and career retreat has been in the works for a long time. We are proud to offer this event for all of the college students and young adults connected to the NEO District. The event takes place on 2/19-21 at Cave Springs Camp Ground in Quapaw, OK.
Although our weekend activities are canceled, you can use the following section from the Wesley Coventant Renewal Service to renew your own relationship with Christ:
I throw myself upon Your grace and mercy. I cast myself upon Your blood. I trust your saving death alone to save me. I have nowhere else to go, so here I will stay. I’m trusting You ... resting in You ... risking everything on You. On You I’m placing my hope for pardon ... for life ... for salvation. If I perish, I perish on your shoulders. If I sink, I sink in your vessel. If I die, I die at your door. Don’t ask me to go away, for I will not go.
Leader: In the first covenant, God chose Israel to be a special people and to obey the Law. Our Lord Jesus Christ, by his death and resurrection, has made a new covenant with all who trust in him, and we stand within this covenant and bear Christ’s name. God’s part of the covenant is to keep his promises to give us new life in Christ. Our part of the covenant is to live, not for ourselves, but for God.
So, friends, let us claim the covenant God has made with his people as our own this morning. Let us give ourselves unreservedly to the Lord.
Leader and People: I am Yours, O God; I reverence You. I dedicate myself to Your service.
Leader: In giving yourselves to the Lord, you are affirming that you will be content with whatever it is He asks you to do.
Let us allow Christ to guide all that we do and are this coming year. Christ has many ways for us to serve him. Some will be easy, others will be difficult. Some will receive applause; others will bring only reproach. Confessing Christ and His name is never easy when it costs us shame and ridicule. It is never easy to sail against the wind, swim against the tide, or surrender our rights and privileges because Jesus Christ is our Lord. See what it is that Christ expects and then give yourselves totally to His will, without bargaining and without reservation. Do not think of making your own terms with Christ, for that will never be allowed. Rather, trust Christ to strengthen you and give you the power to do all these things.
Therefore let us make this covenant with God this morning. Let us give ourselves completely to Him, trusting in His promises and relying on His grace. Join me now in praying . . .
Leader and People: Lord Jesus, if you will welcome me into Your house and own me as Your servant, I will not insist upon conditions. Impose on me whatever terms You wish, and direct me in any way You deem appropriate. Assign me to my proper place in Your creation
Make me what You wish, set me wherever You want, and rank me wherever You choose. Put me to doing; put me to suffering. Let me be employed for You or laid aside for You. Give me many tasks, or have me step aside while you call others. Let me be full; let me be empty. Let me have all things; let me have nothing. I freely give all that I am and all that I have to you.
Hymn: I Surrender All
Lord Jesus, if you will welcome me into Your house and own me as Your servant, I will not insist upon conditions. Impose on me whatever terms You wish, and direct me in any way You deem appropriate. Assign me to my proper place in Your creation
Make me what You wish, set me wherever You want, and rank me wherever You choose. Put me to doing; put me to suffering. Let me be employed for You or laid aside for You. Give me many tasks, or have me step aside while you call others. Let me be full; let me be empty. Let me have all things; let me have nothing. I freely give all that I am and all that I have to you.
You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God, I abandon myself into your hands. Do with me whatever you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures. Into your hands I commend my spirit. I offer it to you with all the love that is in my heart. For I love you, Lord, and so want to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve and with boundless confidence. Amen. A prayer of Charles de Foucauld
Dear NEO family,
Next week at this time we will be in the middle of our Spiritual Renewal Weekend. I had a call this morning like many I have received during January. The caller told me how excited she is about having Susie Shellenberger here next weekend and expressed appreciation for the devotions that have been sent out daily.
There seems to be more anticipation of this weekend of renewal than I have sensed in years. I sense a holy discontent among our District family – we are not all that God wants us to be; some are not abandoning ourselves into God’s hands; some have allowed the devil to have a foothold in their lives through flirting with sin or through bitterness and unforgivenss; there is a growing hunger for God’s life-changing touch on our lives. I don’t know all that God wants to do in me and in our District churches, but I am praying and longing for his life changing touch. For all the details of the weekend schedule, go to www.neonaz.com. Be sure to get your reservations in for the Ladie’s brunch and the Primetimer’s dinner by Monday.
I have been so proud of the churches of NEO as I have seen you respond to the human suffering in Haiti! Thank you for being the church! Elizabeth Johnson sent me the following prayer that may express your thoughts:
Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral, but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti. Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness in to light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye. For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus!!!
Congratulation to Don and Jackie Engie, staff members at Dewey. Don has accepted the lead pastor position at Norwood, MO Church of the Nazarene.
The blog immediately below gives all the details of our recent District Children’s Quiz. Thanks so much to District Quiz Director, Rachel Bess, and to all the local church quiz leaders and parents who helped our kids study and learn God’s Word. Every participant is a winner!
See you next Friday! Anticipating,
Dave McKellips
Dear NEO family,
Next week at this time we will be in the middle of our Spiritual Renewal Weekend. I had a call this morning like many I have received during January. The caller told me how excited she is about having Susie Shellenberger here next weekend and expressed appreciation for the devotions that have been sent out daily.
There seems to be more anticipation of this weekend of renewal than I have sensed in years. I sense a holy discontent among our District family – we are not all that God wants us to be; some are not abandoning ourselves into God’s hands; some have allowed the devil to have a foothold in their lives through flirting with sin or through bitterness and unforgivenss; there is a growing hunger for God’s life-changing touch on our lives. I don’t know all that God wants to do in me and in our District churches, but I am praying and longing for his life changing touch. For all the details of the weekend schedule, go to www.neonaz.com. Be sure to get your reservations in for the Ladie’s brunch and the Primetimer’s dinner by Monday.
I have been so proud of the churches of NEO as I have seen you respond to the human suffering in Haiti! Thank you for being the church! Elizabeth Johnson sent me the following prayer that may express your thoughts:
Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral, but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti. Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness in to light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye. For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus!!!
Congratulation to Don and Jackie Engie, staff members at Dewey. Don has accepted the lead pastor position at Norwood, MO Church of the Nazarene.
The blog immediately below gives all the details of our recent District Children’s Quiz. Thanks so much to District Quiz Director, Rachel Bess, and to all the local church quiz leaders and parents who helped our kids study and learn God’s Word. Every participant is a winner!
See you next Friday! Anticipating,
Dave McKellips
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Children’s Bible Quizzing held their District Quiz on Saturday, January 16. We had 12 Red Level and 20 Blue Level from six churches to compete. We had 21 to qualify for our Regional Quiz on June 12 at SNU. Those who qualified are:
Red Level – Luke Macomber and Lindsey Magness from Borken Arrow
Kenzie Huffaker and Nora Nelson from Tulsa Central
Jonah James from Claremore
Lauren Force, Sierra and Sienna Busking from Owasso
Blue Level – Nathan Dautermann from Bartlesville
Isaiah Jared, Abby & Drew Magness, Jason Morris and Madeline Pratt from Broken Arrow
Lauren Gilley, Carley Huffaker, Bryce Nelson and Avery Winfield from Tulsa Central
Jesse Ewton from Family Church
Amber and Clayton Smith from Pryor
Those who received trophies for being the Top Ten Quizzers for the year are:
Red Level – possible perfect score 675
1. Sienna Busking 665 Owasso Silver Creek
2. Sierra Busking 665 Owasso Silver Creek
3. Nora Nelson 645 Tulsa Central
4. Luke Macomber 630 Broken Arrow First
5. Kenzie Huffaker 625 Tulsa Central
6. Lauren Force 615 Broken Arrow First
7. Jonah James 595 Claremore
8. Liondsey Magness 565 Broken Arrow First
9. Mackenzie Hundley 565 Cleveland
10. Riley Thomasson 550 Claremore
Blue Level – possible perfect score 90
1. Bryce Nelson 870 Tulsa Central
2. Isaiah Jared 860 Broken Arrow First
3. Jesse Ewton 855 Family Church
4. Abby Magness 865 Broken Arrow First
5. Lauren Gilley 850 Tulsa Central
6. Madeline Pratt 840 Broken Arrow First
7. Drew Magness 840 Broken Arrow First
8. Carley Huffaker 830 Tulsa Central
9. Levi Ewton 825 Family Church
10. Avery Winfield 825 Tulsa Central
We have two Fun Quizzes planned before we attend Regionals on June 12. Our first Fun Quiz will be on March 7 at Bartlesville from 2 to 4 pm and our second Fun Quiz will be held at Family Church on April 25 from 2 -4 pm. A special thanks to all the quizzers, parents, directors and coaches who have worked so diligently with our study from Joshua, Judges and Ruth.
Submitted by Rachel Bess
NEO Bible Quizzing Director
BLUE LEVEL Regional Qualifiers - Standing: Avery Winfield,
Lauren Gilley Abby Magness, Madeline Pratt, Amber Smith.
Kneeling: Jesse Ewton, Bryce Nelson, Nathan Dautermann,
Clayton Smith, Isaiah Jared, Drew Magness.
Red Level – Luke Macomber and Lindsey Magness from Borken Arrow
Kenzie Huffaker and Nora Nelson from Tulsa Central
Jonah James from Claremore
Lauren Force, Sierra and Sienna Busking from Owasso
Blue Level – Nathan Dautermann from Bartlesville
Isaiah Jared, Abby & Drew Magness, Jason Morris and Madeline Pratt from Broken Arrow
Lauren Gilley, Carley Huffaker, Bryce Nelson and Avery Winfield from Tulsa Central
Jesse Ewton from Family Church
Amber and Clayton Smith from Pryor
Those who received trophies for being the Top Ten Quizzers for the year are:
Red Level – possible perfect score 675
1. Sienna Busking 665 Owasso Silver Creek
2. Sierra Busking 665 Owasso Silver Creek
3. Nora Nelson 645 Tulsa Central
4. Luke Macomber 630 Broken Arrow First
5. Kenzie Huffaker 625 Tulsa Central
6. Lauren Force 615 Broken Arrow First
7. Jonah James 595 Claremore
8. Liondsey Magness 565 Broken Arrow First
9. Mackenzie Hundley 565 Cleveland
10. Riley Thomasson 550 Claremore
Blue Level – possible perfect score 90
1. Bryce Nelson 870 Tulsa Central
2. Isaiah Jared 860 Broken Arrow First
3. Jesse Ewton 855 Family Church
4. Abby Magness 865 Broken Arrow First
5. Lauren Gilley 850 Tulsa Central
6. Madeline Pratt 840 Broken Arrow First
7. Drew Magness 840 Broken Arrow First
8. Carley Huffaker 830 Tulsa Central
9. Levi Ewton 825 Family Church
10. Avery Winfield 825 Tulsa Central
We have two Fun Quizzes planned before we attend Regionals on June 12. Our first Fun Quiz will be on March 7 at Bartlesville from 2 to 4 pm and our second Fun Quiz will be held at Family Church on April 25 from 2 -4 pm. A special thanks to all the quizzers, parents, directors and coaches who have worked so diligently with our study from Joshua, Judges and Ruth.
Submitted by Rachel Bess
NEO Bible Quizzing Director
RED LEVEL Regional Qualifiers - Left to right - Jonah James,
Nora Nelson, Kenzie Huffaker, Luke Macomber, Lindsey
Magness, Sierra & Sienna Busking, Lauren Force.
BLUE LEVEL Regional Qualifiers - Standing: Avery Winfield,
Lauren Gilley Abby Magness, Madeline Pratt, Amber Smith.
Kneeling: Jesse Ewton, Bryce Nelson, Nathan Dautermann,
Clayton Smith, Isaiah Jared, Drew Magness.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Lord Jesus, if you will welcome me into Your house and own me as Your servant, I will not insist upon conditions. Impose on me whatever terms You wish, and direct me in any way You deem appropriate. Assign me to my proper place in Your creation
Make me what You wish, set me wherever You want, and rank me wherever You choose. Put me to doing; put me to suffering. Let me be employed for You or laid aside for You. Give me many tasks, or have me step aside while you call others. Let me be full; let me be empty. Let me have all things; let me have nothing. I freely give all that I am and all that I have to you. From John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service
Dear NEO family,
10 minutes ago I was starting to have a pity party. I was the only one I was inviting to the party. Who else has time to hear of my challenges? Who doesn’t have enough troubles of their own? Who really cares? But God showed up…. without invitation … and reminded me of what I have been viewing on the television screen the past two days regarding the earthquake in Haiti. I suddenly realized that my troubles are very small in the big picture.
I also was reminded of the covenant I renewed last Sunday evening (see a portion of the liturgy above). I told God he could do with me whatever He wants, including many tasks and suffering. I freely gave all that I am and all that I have to Him. I renewed that commitment again today. …Do you need to do the same?
I praise God for the wonderful reports I have received from the Zone Prayer Cluster meetings last Sunday evening. Let’s continue to pray and place ourselves in God’s hands, seeking His renewing and purifying touch.
Tulsa Zone Cluster Worship and Prayer
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNKg
In addition to a few pictures from one of the Zone meetings, I have pictures from recent visits to Miami and Dewey. I praise God for the passion for reaching their communities these churches display.
Miami, December 20, 2009 Ground Breaking
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTM9g
Dewey, January 10, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNCA
Last Wednesday evening I was at Tulsa Southwest. They took an offering that night to send to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for Haiti. I appreciate the generosity of the Nazarene family for those who are hurting. We have amost 120,000 Nazarene brothers and sisiters in Haiti. More information concerning Haiti relief efforts and additional reports will be posted to ncnnews.com as it is received. Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for Haiti Earthquake Relief online can do so through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org. Checks can be marked "Caribbean Disaster Response ACM1204 " and mailed to Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City , MO 64184.
Congratulations to Jason and Jessica Hill, former staff members at Tulsa Family. Jason has accepted the pastorate at Cape Girardeau, MO Church of the Nazarene.
Our Spiritual Renewal Weekend begins two weeks from today. I look forward to seeing you at the services. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us!
Grace and peace,
Dave McKellips
Make me what You wish, set me wherever You want, and rank me wherever You choose. Put me to doing; put me to suffering. Let me be employed for You or laid aside for You. Give me many tasks, or have me step aside while you call others. Let me be full; let me be empty. Let me have all things; let me have nothing. I freely give all that I am and all that I have to you. From John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service
Dear NEO family,
10 minutes ago I was starting to have a pity party. I was the only one I was inviting to the party. Who else has time to hear of my challenges? Who doesn’t have enough troubles of their own? Who really cares? But God showed up…. without invitation … and reminded me of what I have been viewing on the television screen the past two days regarding the earthquake in Haiti. I suddenly realized that my troubles are very small in the big picture.
I also was reminded of the covenant I renewed last Sunday evening (see a portion of the liturgy above). I told God he could do with me whatever He wants, including many tasks and suffering. I freely gave all that I am and all that I have to Him. I renewed that commitment again today. …Do you need to do the same?
I praise God for the wonderful reports I have received from the Zone Prayer Cluster meetings last Sunday evening. Let’s continue to pray and place ourselves in God’s hands, seeking His renewing and purifying touch.
Tulsa Zone Cluster Worship and Prayer
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNKg
In addition to a few pictures from one of the Zone meetings, I have pictures from recent visits to Miami and Dewey. I praise God for the passion for reaching their communities these churches display.
Miami, December 20, 2009 Ground Breaking
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTM9g
Dewey, January 10, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNCA
Last Wednesday evening I was at Tulsa Southwest. They took an offering that night to send to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for Haiti. I appreciate the generosity of the Nazarene family for those who are hurting. We have amost 120,000 Nazarene brothers and sisiters in Haiti. More information concerning Haiti relief efforts and additional reports will be posted to ncnnews.com as it is received. Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for Haiti Earthquake Relief online can do so through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org. Checks can be marked "Caribbean Disaster Response ACM1204 " and mailed to Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City , MO 64184.
Congratulations to Jason and Jessica Hill, former staff members at Tulsa Family. Jason has accepted the pastorate at Cape Girardeau, MO Church of the Nazarene.
Our Spiritual Renewal Weekend begins two weeks from today. I look forward to seeing you at the services. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us!
Grace and peace,
Dave McKellips
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Dear NEO family,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration, despite the snow, ice and cold temperatures.
Marion Guy, beloved pastor and evangelist, and father of Pastor Claude Guy, went home to his eternal reward on Wednesday, January 6. Marion pastored in Claremore, Coweta and Tahlequah on the NEO District. His funeral will be on Monday, January 11 at 11am at the Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene.
January is Spiritual Renewal Month in Northeast Oklahoma. The theme is “Never the Same; A Life Changing Encounter with Jesus Christ.” I hope you are profiting from the daily devotionals. This Sunday evening at 6pm we will have gatherings for worship and prayer on each of our five Zones. We trust these times of corporate prayer will be another opportunity to encounter the living Christ. Then we will gather for services for renewal with Susie Shellenberger on January 29 – 31. Go to the website for all of the details (http://www.neonaz.com/)
I love the opportunities of a new beginning a new year brings. Let’s make it a great year: set some goals; write them down and place them where you will see your goals at least weekly; develop plans to help you fulfill your goals; and tell a few trusted friends what you are attempting to accomplish so they can encourage you throughout the year.
I was reminded this week how our attitudes and actions can make even the unpleasant experiences of our lives an opportunity for growth. Pastor Otoneil Dannemann told me yesterday how Gloria used her time of confinement in Argentina to grow physically and spiritually stronger. She exercised daily, including doing hundreds of sit ups; she studied the Bible and read many helpful books; she developed a wonderful intimacy with God, deeper than she had know before; and she saw God work in miraculous ways for her release. Was it an easy year? Definitely not. But we rejoice at the way Gloria placed herself on the potter’s wheel and allowed God to shape her and work in her trials for good!
Many of our other pastors share reasons for celebration in their churches:
I want to celebrate. . .
Harold Johnson, Cushing…We had 41 in attendance for our Christmas Program.
Brad Farnsworth, Broken Arrow Connection…messages are reaching people’s hearts and making changes; people are being challenged with each message.
Jim Wilson, Pawhuska…We were busy this month with Christmas celebrations and outreach. This time of year is stressful, but the looks on the faces of those impacted are so worth it.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… I want to celebrate the many blessings of the Lord showered on us in this year of great growth and transition. We are a comeback church experiencing the Presence of the Lord in our services, a renewed passion for Sunday School, increased – almost doubled attendance averages at our Sunday worship services, an excitement in the people about what God is doing in our congregation, and a genuine and growing bond of love amongst the people for the Lord and one another. God is so good!
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… We broke ground on our ‘New Life’ family center. It has created much excitement and unity within our church. We have had $120,000 committed to the building project and are looking forward to having many more ministry opportunities which we believe our new building will help to create.
David Stevens, Vinita…The wonder, hope, and impossibility of the story of the birth of the Son of God always makes me pause. In all the thinking, exploring, and understanding that mankind seeks, there is no way to completely understand this cosmic paradox. “God made in to flesh.” Is what the Magi said in the “Nativity Story,” “The greatest of Kings born in the humblest of places?” And as Gaither put it so well, “Maybe, so that we would come to Him and not be afraid.” The gospel “Good News” is still so vital! God loves us enough to die for us, and all we have to do is accept His free gift: “A cradle in the shadow of a cross.”
Nathan Burns, Owasso Silver Creek…We gave to others this Christmas and raised $8,000.00 to build a well in the Solomon Islands. This well will give water to over 300 people.
Cole Weston, Okmulgee… We have three new people over the past month attending, and I’m hoping that we can start a membership class soon. I’ve spoken to one about it, and hoping for enough to make a class.
Work continues with BA to do a work project at the Youth Center, which would be a great benefit to our dilapidated facility. Our Christmas children’s program went well, and the cantata was great also. I love seeing my folks excited again about doing things for their church and the glory of God.
Gordon Smith, Dewey… Our emphasis for Christmas was, “All I want for Christmas is for ________ to be saved!” We are praying for the salvation of many souls. We are gearing up to train ourselves in evangelism, and we are church moving beyond the walls of our church proclaims the words of Christ to “Repent and Believe in the good news!” God is doing a new thing at D-Naz!
Dan Hazelton, Pryor… some forgiveness taking place in some individuals, offering for fixing up teen house at $1150 with a goal of $1500, good teamwork in pulling off an outreach event called "A Night in Bethlehem", a lot of love shown to my family from the congregation.
Don Cowan, Sapulpa…The beginning of a new early worship service on Sunday mornings. The blessings of connecting with our community through Community Care, Angel Tree & Freedom House
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… Our “Light of Hope” Arts Ministry Christmas worship experience, our Children’s Christmas program, went extremely well and contributed to our higher than normal numbers. Plus, our Small Group Christmas Communion was very well received.
NEO Leaders in Average Attendance Gain (over December, 2008)
Sunday School/Discipleship
Bristow +25
Broken Arrow First +21
Hominy +17
Horton Chapel +14
Owasso Silver Creek +14
Wagoner Cornerstone +13
Collinsville +10
Skiatook +9
Vinita +8
Okmulgee +5
AM Worship
Tulsa Central +108
Bartlesville +41
BA Connection +36
Bristow +35
Wagoner +20
Miami New Life +14
Collinsville +12
Okmulgee +11
Children’s Bible Quizzing: We held our 3rd Area Bible Quiz this past week end, Dec. 12. We had 23 Red Level and 29 Blue Level quizzers. We had eight churches participating – Bartlesville, Broken Arrow, Central, Claremore, Cleveland, Family, Owasso Silver Creek, and Pryor. Jesse Ewton from Family Church had three perfect rounds!!! Our District Quiz will be on January 16, 2010. This quiz will qualify them for Regionals on June 12. Congratulations to all the quizzers, parents, coaches and directors for their work in teaching our children the Word. Rachel Bess
Forever For Real, Feb. 6, 2010
Encourage your congregants and friends to join Oklahoma Marriage Initiative for a FREE relationship strengthening workshop for couples that are married, engaged or dating on Saturday, Feb. 6, 9am - 3pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Tulsa. See the link below for details or to register. http://www.foreverforreal.com/about/index.html
Southern Nazarene University is launching a new online MBA in Health Care (MBA - HC) program starting Feb. 20. 2010, designed to reach professionals who desire to pursue a career in management in a health care organization or are currently working for health care organizations and desire to increase their effectiveness as managers and/or professionals. You can earn an MBA in Health Care online in as little as 19 months or on-campus in as little as 22 months. Gain the knowledge and skills health care professionals need to lead organizations and secure your future with an MBA in Health Care. For more information call 405-491-6358 or log on to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102900226979&s=852&e=001vM89uBwb7oJO7q8NHb3MbQCOVMQZfnBGZmZNutoi8kvnH5ZTCHt5f77t97c4Nlqd0NURf72rXwjLRqtl901WFTOjaicdQvvyrnUKeHb4yIXtGxIuOCsUmA==.
The late Jim Rohn's inspiration lives on from his writings ("Idaho Farm Boy Makes It to Beverly Hills."):
"If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree."
"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It is something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming."
"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."
"Failure is not a single cataclysmic event. You don't fail overnight. Instead, failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day."
"Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness—great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy."
"Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins."
"If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary."
"Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."
"Better understated than overstated. Let people be surprised that it was more than you promised and easier than you said."
Keep warm …especially your heart!
Dave McKellips
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration, despite the snow, ice and cold temperatures.
Marion Guy, beloved pastor and evangelist, and father of Pastor Claude Guy, went home to his eternal reward on Wednesday, January 6. Marion pastored in Claremore, Coweta and Tahlequah on the NEO District. His funeral will be on Monday, January 11 at 11am at the Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene.
January is Spiritual Renewal Month in Northeast Oklahoma. The theme is “Never the Same; A Life Changing Encounter with Jesus Christ.” I hope you are profiting from the daily devotionals. This Sunday evening at 6pm we will have gatherings for worship and prayer on each of our five Zones. We trust these times of corporate prayer will be another opportunity to encounter the living Christ. Then we will gather for services for renewal with Susie Shellenberger on January 29 – 31. Go to the website for all of the details (http://www.neonaz.com/)
I love the opportunities of a new beginning a new year brings. Let’s make it a great year: set some goals; write them down and place them where you will see your goals at least weekly; develop plans to help you fulfill your goals; and tell a few trusted friends what you are attempting to accomplish so they can encourage you throughout the year.
I was reminded this week how our attitudes and actions can make even the unpleasant experiences of our lives an opportunity for growth. Pastor Otoneil Dannemann told me yesterday how Gloria used her time of confinement in Argentina to grow physically and spiritually stronger. She exercised daily, including doing hundreds of sit ups; she studied the Bible and read many helpful books; she developed a wonderful intimacy with God, deeper than she had know before; and she saw God work in miraculous ways for her release. Was it an easy year? Definitely not. But we rejoice at the way Gloria placed herself on the potter’s wheel and allowed God to shape her and work in her trials for good!
Many of our other pastors share reasons for celebration in their churches:
I want to celebrate. . .
Harold Johnson, Cushing…We had 41 in attendance for our Christmas Program.
Brad Farnsworth, Broken Arrow Connection…messages are reaching people’s hearts and making changes; people are being challenged with each message.
Jim Wilson, Pawhuska…We were busy this month with Christmas celebrations and outreach. This time of year is stressful, but the looks on the faces of those impacted are so worth it.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… I want to celebrate the many blessings of the Lord showered on us in this year of great growth and transition. We are a comeback church experiencing the Presence of the Lord in our services, a renewed passion for Sunday School, increased – almost doubled attendance averages at our Sunday worship services, an excitement in the people about what God is doing in our congregation, and a genuine and growing bond of love amongst the people for the Lord and one another. God is so good!
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… We broke ground on our ‘New Life’ family center. It has created much excitement and unity within our church. We have had $120,000 committed to the building project and are looking forward to having many more ministry opportunities which we believe our new building will help to create.
David Stevens, Vinita…The wonder, hope, and impossibility of the story of the birth of the Son of God always makes me pause. In all the thinking, exploring, and understanding that mankind seeks, there is no way to completely understand this cosmic paradox. “God made in to flesh.” Is what the Magi said in the “Nativity Story,” “The greatest of Kings born in the humblest of places?” And as Gaither put it so well, “Maybe, so that we would come to Him and not be afraid.” The gospel “Good News” is still so vital! God loves us enough to die for us, and all we have to do is accept His free gift: “A cradle in the shadow of a cross.”
Nathan Burns, Owasso Silver Creek…We gave to others this Christmas and raised $8,000.00 to build a well in the Solomon Islands. This well will give water to over 300 people.
Cole Weston, Okmulgee… We have three new people over the past month attending, and I’m hoping that we can start a membership class soon. I’ve spoken to one about it, and hoping for enough to make a class.
Work continues with BA to do a work project at the Youth Center, which would be a great benefit to our dilapidated facility. Our Christmas children’s program went well, and the cantata was great also. I love seeing my folks excited again about doing things for their church and the glory of God.
Gordon Smith, Dewey… Our emphasis for Christmas was, “All I want for Christmas is for ________ to be saved!” We are praying for the salvation of many souls. We are gearing up to train ourselves in evangelism, and we are church moving beyond the walls of our church proclaims the words of Christ to “Repent and Believe in the good news!” God is doing a new thing at D-Naz!
Dan Hazelton, Pryor… some forgiveness taking place in some individuals, offering for fixing up teen house at $1150 with a goal of $1500, good teamwork in pulling off an outreach event called "A Night in Bethlehem", a lot of love shown to my family from the congregation.
Don Cowan, Sapulpa…The beginning of a new early worship service on Sunday mornings. The blessings of connecting with our community through Community Care, Angel Tree & Freedom House
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… Our “Light of Hope” Arts Ministry Christmas worship experience, our Children’s Christmas program, went extremely well and contributed to our higher than normal numbers. Plus, our Small Group Christmas Communion was very well received.
NEO Leaders in Average Attendance Gain (over December, 2008)
Sunday School/Discipleship
Bristow +25
Broken Arrow First +21
Hominy +17
Horton Chapel +14
Owasso Silver Creek +14
Wagoner Cornerstone +13
Collinsville +10
Skiatook +9
Vinita +8
Okmulgee +5
AM Worship
Tulsa Central +108
Bartlesville +41
BA Connection +36
Bristow +35
Wagoner +20
Miami New Life +14
Collinsville +12
Okmulgee +11
Children’s Bible Quizzing: We held our 3rd Area Bible Quiz this past week end, Dec. 12. We had 23 Red Level and 29 Blue Level quizzers. We had eight churches participating – Bartlesville, Broken Arrow, Central, Claremore, Cleveland, Family, Owasso Silver Creek, and Pryor. Jesse Ewton from Family Church had three perfect rounds!!! Our District Quiz will be on January 16, 2010. This quiz will qualify them for Regionals on June 12. Congratulations to all the quizzers, parents, coaches and directors for their work in teaching our children the Word. Rachel Bess
Forever For Real, Feb. 6, 2010
Encourage your congregants and friends to join Oklahoma Marriage Initiative for a FREE relationship strengthening workshop for couples that are married, engaged or dating on Saturday, Feb. 6, 9am - 3pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Tulsa. See the link below for details or to register. http://www.foreverforreal.com/about/index.html
Southern Nazarene University is launching a new online MBA in Health Care (MBA - HC) program starting Feb. 20. 2010, designed to reach professionals who desire to pursue a career in management in a health care organization or are currently working for health care organizations and desire to increase their effectiveness as managers and/or professionals. You can earn an MBA in Health Care online in as little as 19 months or on-campus in as little as 22 months. Gain the knowledge and skills health care professionals need to lead organizations and secure your future with an MBA in Health Care. For more information call 405-491-6358 or log on to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102900226979&s=852&e=001vM89uBwb7oJO7q8NHb3MbQCOVMQZfnBGZmZNutoi8kvnH5ZTCHt5f77t97c4Nlqd0NURf72rXwjLRqtl901WFTOjaicdQvvyrnUKeHb4yIXtGxIuOCsUmA==.
The late Jim Rohn's inspiration lives on from his writings ("Idaho Farm Boy Makes It to Beverly Hills."):
"If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree."
"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It is something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming."
"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."
"Failure is not a single cataclysmic event. You don't fail overnight. Instead, failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day."
"Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness—great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy."
"Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins."
"If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary."
"Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."
"Better understated than overstated. Let people be surprised that it was more than you promised and easier than you said."
Keep warm …especially your heart!
Dave McKellips
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