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

Dear NEO Naz family,

I hope you are enjoying the season of Advent. It is wonderful to tell the old,old story of Jesus - God moving into our neighborhood to redeem us. It is crucial that we again invite him to come into our lives in a fresh way to shape us as Christlike disciples. And we look forward with hope to the return of Christ when his rule and reign will be manifest throughout the earth.

The return of Christ takes on new meaning to our family this week after the passing of Gloria’s father, Rev. Bobby G. Robison, on Dec. 2. A friend sent me this sentence: May the anticipation of heaven be greater than your grief. As the people of God longed for the coming of the Messiah, we long for his return and a day when there will be no separation, no sickness or Alzheimers and no tears.

Southern Nazarene University will be offering an MBA Health Care, both online and on ground, starting after the first of the year. Participants will have their choice of which modality they would prefer. The on ground program is still just one evening per week. Anyone interested should contact Dale Young at 664-1949 X235.

Luke Olson, a member of Family Church and a student at SNU in Bethany, was selected as Central States Football League All-Conference defensive back, as well as Academic All Conference. Congratulations, Luke!

January, 2010 is Spiriutal Renewal Month in Northeast Oklahoma, culminating in our weekend of services with Rev. Susie Shellenberger on January 29 – 31. We will have daily devotions sent out electronically during the month of January and special events for children, youth, women and primetimers. All Zones will have a service of worship and prayer for Spiritual Renewal on Sunday, January 10, 6pm. For more information about this exciting month, go to http://neonaz.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=52

I love reading the reports of our pastors celebrating God’s work in our churches!
I WANT TO CELEBRATE…

Nathan Burns, Owasso Silver Creek...We gave 8 baskets full of thanksgiving groceries to families who otherwise would not have had a meal. Several new families coming and talking about how much Silver Creek feels like home. We had a fantastic Thanksgiving Banquet led by Pastor Brian & Sally Loderhose, and two incredible testimonies of God's amazing grace. We have also found a pianist! Praise God for all His blessings!

David Stevens, Vinita…The Lord is faithful! His Love and Mercy endure forever! A lady and her husband started attending our evening services a few weeks ago because the church they were attending does not have evening services. On Wednesday night 2 weeks ago she requested prayer for her eyes. She testifies today that God has touched her eyes and here vision has cleared. On Sunday morning a few weeks ago the Lord specifically touched a young man so clearly that it startled him. That morning the message was about God’s call of ministers today. I am praying for him that God will clearly reveal His will for him and his family.

Harold Johnson, Cushing… We have had a significant number of visitors over the last several weeks with about 20% of our attendance being first time and/or returning visitors. Most of these people come from an addictive life style.

Jim Wilson, Pawhuska… A Great Trunk or Treat, Hanging of the Greens, and New faces since my last report.

Gordon Smith, Dewey… God is doing a new thing at D-Naz. Services have been tremendous and challenging our hearts, and people are getting motivated to witness their faith. Step by step God is doing something new! We have been going out into our community on Wednesday nights instead of doing a traditional service. We are getting into groups and going to the homes of people in our church to pray, and we are going door to door to see if there is anything we can pray for with people in our community. God is helping us to minister beyond the walls of our church!

Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection… Moving volunteer service to be included in 11am service has been very successful; a new attendee said she was driving home wondering if she had ever asked God into her heart, so she asked Him into her heart and “instantly got goose bumps all over her body and felt God had come into her heart.” This individual is now active as a volunteer in our service.

Wayde Normandin, Chelsea… Even though our economy is going through some economic hardships we have been able to still stay current on budgets and other financial obligations.

Dwain Young, Horton Chapel…A highlight for this month was having the Steve Young Family Singers on Sunday morning November 22. Steve’s wife, Cathy Maynard, grew up attending Horton Chapel. The Young's and their five children aging from 10 to 25 blessed our church family with Blue Grass and Gospel music. Pastor had a short message. We followed this with one of our famous potluck dinners. We enjoyed a beautiful day and an increase in the attendance.

Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life…Welcomed 11 new members into New Life Church membership. Many have already begun to get involved in the ministry here at New Life. Can’t wait to see what kind of impact these individuals will have on God’s ministry.

Keith Cole, Chandler…We are thrilled to have three new families regularly worshiping with us in recent weeks. God is good all the time!

Gerald “J.J.” James, Claremore… We had an incredible Fall Festival called G.L.O.W. (God Lights Our Way) with more kids attending than ever. New families are beginning to get involved in the life of our congregation. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving our church family was able to share dinner with everyone together in our new Fellowship Hall. We’ve had two people receive Christ in the last couple of weeks.

Doug Gunsalus, Glenpool South County… Our services have been well received and there seems to be a stir among our people about Sunday mornings, even when we don't have all the attendance we would like to see. Glenpool Schools asked us to come and help them shovel pea gravel in their playground area. We did this for Be The Church Sunday this last week. They are talking about SOCO at their meetings!!! How wonderful! We also helped Cassidy "feed December." Last year we did a project and collected canned food for our local pantry. This year, one of our students was convinced that we could fill the church trailer with canned food. Her name is Cassidy. So, we let her run with that and supported her with our feed December campaign through feeddecember.com. Check it out sometime! We raised over 4,000 cans of food in November! Praise God!

Don Cowan, Sapulpa…Greatest Christmas Ever; New excitement & vision for student ministries; New families coming to church; Launching new worship venue on Sunday evenings

Angela Bentley, Bristow… We continue to have new families coming into our church. They testify to the love and acceptance they receive from the body of Christ here. There is also a continual increase in people becoming involved in the ministries of the church. We hosted a community Thanksgiving service, led by our new pianist and worship team, which resulted in 151 in attendance and 10 churches participating. It was a great service!

Dan Hazelton, Pryor… some making spiritual advances...decision to fix up house across the street for teens...a storage shed being purchased for my house.

Alan McBroom, Davenport… God allowed us to provide over 75 people with clothes last month. Many people donate quality used clothes in Davenport, which are then organized and offered to anyone.

Cole Weston, Okmulgee… The further work on our teen center – we’ve almost got the heat fixed and the pipes no longer leak! We’ve launched a kid’s play for the first time in years (according to the church). All the sets are done and the play is Sunday! A wonderful love offering for Christmas from Broken Arrow Church. We’re able to do so many things we’d put off. An experienced former Sunday School Superintendent is stepping forward to take over the position.

NEO District Leaders in attendance gain over 2008

Sunday School/Discipleship
Bristow +22
Wagoner +19
Horton Chapel +10
Skiatook +8
Chandler +7
Miami New Life +6
Tulsa Family +6
Drumright +5
Vinita +5
Hominy +3

AM Worship
Bristow +24
Owasso Silver Creek +23
BA Connection +19
Wagoner Cornerstone +16
Miami New Life +14
Horton Chapel +13
Barnsdall +8
Cushing +5
Tulsa Regency Park Hispanic +5
Mannford +3

Thanks for all you are doing in your church and community to bear witness to the Kingdom that is here now and yet to come! It is a joy to be a partner with you.

Grace and peace,
Dave McKellips