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
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
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
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
Friday, April 16, 2010
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
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
Friday, April 9, 2010
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
Friday, April 2, 2010
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
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
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