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8/9/2019 Contact July 9, 2010
1/8
Contact, an edition ofThe United Methodist ReporterTwo Sections, Section A 039000 Volume 157, Number 10 July 9, 2010
THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST
www.okumc.org
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Prot Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275.
n Irish church welcomes couple, 5An Jones completes building project, 6A
Local Pastors Licensing School: Class of 2010
A moment for memoriesMike and Lindsay Murray, with their sons Nathan and Waylon,watch June 14 as the 1909 sanctuary building is razed
at Poteau-First UMC. That day, memories mingled with visions
of the future. The Murrays had not been active in a church
before joining Poteau-First in recent years; they have given their
support to the new sanctuary project. See story, page 6A.
Photo by Carol Baker
In mid-June, 33 people attended this two-week training course.
Oklahoma City University annually hosts the school. Sessions range from how to
conduct weddings and funerals, to nancial information, to Church history
and polity. Participants must attend the full course to receive the license to preach;
some United Methodists, already certied, attend specialized training segments
offered during the school. Above are, from left: front row, dean John Breon,
Chris Stinnett, Laurie Long, Scott Ware, and Richard McIlney; second row,
Becky Pierson, assistant dean Kay Buchanan, Caroline Lovett, Susan Rice,
Ron Luka, and Wanda Littrell; third row, Jonathan Bates, Arron Grantz,
Callestro Vasquez Jr., Tiffany DAmours, and Sharon Cochran; and back row,
Dean Taylor, Clark Struebing Sr., Thomas Trautlein, Phil Beatty, and David Gordon.
From left are: top row, Rusty Husted, Chris Symes, Ralph Wangler, William Pasieczny,
and dean John Breon; middle row, Keith McArtor, Aaron Tiger, Richard Norman,
Jim Stilwell, and Paul Staat; and lower row, assistant dean Kay Buchanan, Yvonne
Buchanan, Erica Thomas, Madlyn Ruch, Nancy McCullough, and April Coates.
8/9/2019 Contact July 9, 2010
2/8
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 2A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Phone: 405-530-2075
Fax: 405-530-2093
1501 N.W. 24thOklahoma Ct, OK 73106
Robert E. Haes Jr., bsho
Joseh Harrs, drector of communcatons
Holl McCra, edtorTo subscribe, send mailing information
and $15 to our address at left.
Movng? Send change b mal or e-mal: [email protected].
Nla Walln, admnstratve assstant/vdeo coordnator
Alca Galon, Web mnstr/grahcs desgn
Amela Ballew, The Meda Center
Sign up online forContact Digest, a free electronic newsletter. Find information at www.okumc.org.
Send news to [email protected]. Next publication date: July 30.
Is your church considering relocating?Does your church plan major renovations?
Perhaps a building addition?
On Aug. 26, A Day of Church Reloca-
tion will be offered at Piedmont-First for
pastors of congregations pondering such
changes.
This event is sponsored by Congrega-
tional Development and the Discipleship
Ministries Team of the Annual Confer-
ence Council (ACC).
Among topics to be addressed that day
by various experts: demographics, budget
and debt, capital campaign,Book of Disci-pline requirements, psychology of the pas-
tor, and psychology of the congregation. A
builder and architect will speak to What
would I want my pastor to know before
starting this process?
This event is designed for pastors
of congregations seeking to relocate their
churches to a new facility. It also will be
helpful for those pastors whose churches
will be undergoing major renovations or
additions, said Sam Powers, an ACC co-
chairman and pastor at Piedmont.
For more information, contact Rev.Powers, [email protected], 405-
373-2298.
Each year, Oklahoma City University presents
the Bishops Scholar Award to deserving new high
school graduates as a part of its effort to iden-
tify and support academically advanced United
Methodist young people who are committed to
careers in Christian service to the Church. Weare very proud to announce the Bishops Scholars
for 2010.
Molly BeenFrom the age of 14, Molly Kate Been has ac-
knowledged the call of God upon her to full-time
ministry. This comes as no surprise to those who
know her well.
Her family has been active in Pocola-First
UMC for generations. She has followed this tradi-
tion by participating in Vacation Bible Schools and
nursing home visitation and volunteering at church
camps for children with special needs. Her pastor,
Darin McCarty, credits her leadership in restarting
a dormant youth program at that church.
Muskogee District Superintendent Linda Harker rst
met Molly at Pocola UMC, and conversations followed at
church camp. She said Molly is well respected wherever
she goes.
Kaleb OakleafKaleb Oakleaf is a young man of many talents. In high
school he was a member of the baseball team and Future
Farmers of America. He served two years as a Student Coun-
cil representative, played alto saxophone in two bands, andearned the rank of Eagle Scout.
When he sensed Gods call upon him for ordained
ministry, he pursued that calling with the same energy and
passion.
At Pond Creek-First UMC, Pastor Sonja Tobey guided
him through the initial stages of discerning his call. Rev.
Tobey wrote, He is in every Bible study I teach, and he is
active in Sunday school, worship, and youth group.
Kaleb attended the recent Annual Conference session
in Tulsa as a youth delegate from the Enid District. He also
already has had many opportunities to preach; he is trainedas a Certied Lay Speaker.
Nathan DunnNathan Dunn is eager to begin his journey
toward a degree in youth ministry at OCU. At his
home church, Klein UMC in Spring, Texas, he is
known as a respected leader among the youngpeople and an active participant in mission trips,
including one to Belize.
His high school teachers noted that Nathan
does not settle for merely acceptable work; he
strives for excellence. This has enabled his suc-
cess in extracurricular activities, such as Speech
& Debate Team and the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, while maintaining good grades and work-
ing part-time.
It is when speaking about his faith that Nathans
passion for ministry becomes evident. He is inten-
tional about learning from positive role models at thechurch and following the example of Jesus.
Pastor Mark Young wrote, Nathan loves the
church. He exemplies what all pastors are look-
ing for: people who desire to be in discipleship and grow in
their faith.
Maggie Ball, vice-president for University-Church Rela-
tions, notes that all applicants for this award often are eligible
for other scholarship assistance. We encourage all clergy and
laypersons to identify youths in your congregations who
express interest and ability in ministry. Encourage them
to apply to become a Bishops Scholar and for other OCUscholarships as well.
2010 Bishops Scholars announced
nSt. Yootz Day
Aug. 14
Frontier City amusement park,
Oklahoma City
www.okumcministries.org/youth
nOrders Meeting
Aug. 17
OKC-St. Lukes
nSafe Sanctuaries Training
Sept. 11
United Methodist Ministry Center,
Oklahoma City
No registration fee
405-530-2199
nCommission on
Religion and Race
Leadership Training Retreat
Sept. 10-11
Canyon Camp
You can view on-
line and download
videos of presenters
at the 2010 Annual
Conference.
The new OKVideo
tool enables you to
access these videos.
They are offered as
free resources for education and inspiration to your congregation,
through the Conference Department of Communications.
Among the videos available are: Cookson Hills Center,
CJAMM (Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries), Addiction Min-
istries, Lydia Patterson Institute, Campus Ministries, Communica-
tions, and Imagine No Malaria.
Go to www.okumc.org and click OKVideo to link to the
website.
Your church can upload videos, too, for posting on the OKVideo
site. Did you lm volunteers at a mission service project? Gather
for a building dedication? Nyla Wallin, video coordinator for Com-
munications, welcomes your submissions. Guidelines are included
on the OKVideo site.
CalendarChurch relocation seminar set Aug. 26
Videos from Annual Conference are online
Piedmont to hostpresentations by experts
Been Oakleaf Dunn
Registration, $10, includes lunch
and handouts. Sign up by Aug. 10.
Mail checks for Day of Church
Relocation to Piedmont First United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237,
Piedmont OK 73078.
www.ourchurchvideos.com/okumc
8/9/2019 Contact July 9, 2010
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 3A
2010 Episcopal Address
To the people called United MethodistB BiSHOp ROBERT HAyES JR.
Ibid you greetings, grace, and peace in the matchless
name of our risen Lord and Savior!
It is truly amazing to me that already I have served
almost six years as the bishop of the Oklahoma Annual Con-
ference and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
(OIMC). I am grateful to God for sending us here and for
allowing us to be in servant ministry alongside you.
Already there are people speculating about what will
happen two years from now, when my current four-year as-
signment concludes as your episcopal leader. Let me be as
clear as I can about my future and this annual conference.When the Jurisdictional Conference convenes in 2012in
Oklahoma Citythe assignment of bishops is considered
for the next four years. I declare this to you: If I have the
endorsement of the Episcopacy Committee for both this
Conference and the OIMC, I will ask to stay in Oklahoma
through 2016, to culminate my ministry career in two confer-
ences I love dearly.
I will make that request based upon the work that still
must be accomplished here. We planted seeds of possibility
and hope through the adoption of our Strategic Plan for this
conference two years ago. We initiated a strategy to examine
and enhance how we build healthy congregations; to plantnew faith communities; to identify, recruit, equip, and send
forth spiritual leaders. We agreed to hold ourselves account-
able as we reach out to more people, more diverse people,
and younger people.
I believe if we remain faithful and follow the plan, as
our 2010 Annual Conference theme suggests, the results truly
will transform every place.
It has been a productive, fruitful year. I want to highlight
some of it for you.
n Despite this time of national economic scarcity, the
Oklahoma Conference has done more than survivewe have
succeeded in doing even more with less! We will continue todo all we can to be good stewards of what you entrust to us.
In comparison to other conferences across the denomination,
Oklahoma has fared extremely well.
nAnother shining example of fruitfulness that I want to
afrm is our Volunteers In Missions ministry. Congregations
engaged in missions seem to better understand their purpose
and reason for being. This ministry literally has the power
to transform the lives of those who are serving, as well as
those who are being served. In February I traveled to Liberia
with a team of volunteers. Unemployment in that nation is
estimated around 85 percent; the average salary of a United
Methodist clergyperson is $10 dollars a month. Last year ourannual conference collected an offering of $30,000, and I am
delighted to inform you the money for Liberia will go to:
drilling 20 new water wells, at a cost of $200 each;
$10,000 to supplement salaries of those pastors who
only earn $5 a month; and
the major portion of the funds will be used to build a
elementary school.
n I have created a new position within our VIM pro-
gram: coordinator of mission projects in Bolivia. This posi-
tion, including salary and benets, has been totally funded
through private donations, not from our Conference budget.
Rev. David Stephenson will be based in Tulsa, traveling toBolivia regularly. Having gone to Bolivia, I saw rsthand
the tremendous investment the Oklahoma Conference has
in this struggling nation. It seems tting to have a person
giving full-time attention to the multitude of mission projects
we have there.
nOur fruitful relationship with Oklahoma City University
also continues to deepen and prosper. OCU offers tuition-
free education to Oklahoma United Methodist clergy, their
spouses, and other dependents. I know of no other college or
university doing that! OCU is truly our school and our rela-tionship with it has never been better. Join me in congratulat-
ing President Tom and Brenda McDaniel for their outstanding
leadership, as they near retirement. Likewise, welcome Judge
Robert Henry as the universitys new president, and his wife,
Jan, who take up their new roles in July.
n The continued progress of the Saint Paul School of
Theology at OCU is yet another glowing achievement. The
dean, Dr. Elaine Robinson, was invited recently to speak
to leaders of several denominations about the possibilities
of training (their) candidates for ministry. That tells me the
creation of this seminary has an appeal to other denomina-
tions eager to effectively train and prepare individuals forministry. In 2011, we will celebrate the rst graduating class
from the seminary.
These are just a few of the positive signs that lead me to
believe we are bearing fruit for Christ.
One issue consumes me at this time. It goes to the very heart
of who we are and what we will be in the coming years.
For more than a year, you have heard me speak on the
issue of how much it costs for a seminary education and how
much debt our pastors are bearing when they nish their
required studies. Our denominations research shows it is
common for pastors to owe tens of thousands of dollars in
seminary debt as they graduate and enter service at lower-salaried churches.
If we are going to recruit, equip, and send out the best
pastors to ll our pulpits, then we must change the system
of how we go about educating them!
The Methodist movement has always placed special
emphasis on training and educating its clergy. We were
literally birthed on a university campusOxfordand, as
early as 1789, the rst church publishing house in America
was established by the Methodist Church to supply preach-
ers and Sunday schools with Christian literature. (Page 13,
Book of Discipline)
I announced last year that, with the help of the Okla -
homa United Methodist Foundation, we would establish an
endowment fund to address this issue of seminary debt. We
have done that. The Leadership Investment Fund (through)
EducationLIFE, as we call itis the best investment we
can make for the future of ministry in the Oklahoma Con-
ference.
A national study by the Lewis Center for Church Leader-
ship revealed that 48 percent of all United Methodist clergyelders are older than 55. The percentage is alarmingly small
among young adult candidates for ordination as elders. At
this time, only about 5 percent of provisional and ordained
elders are younger than age 35.
What these statistics point out is this: Gifted and qualied
young women and men desiring to go into ministry cant
afford it!
The church is poorer because we cannot attract talented
individuals into a system that demands an education, but does
little or nothing to help pay for it.
I intend to devote a great amount of time to building up
the resources of the LIFE fund, and I ask you to share thisappeal in each of your churchesand with anyone who may
unite with us in this concern.
At our Bishops Retreats for all clergy in September,
applications will be given to every clergy member seeking
assistance to repay what they owe for their seminary train-
ing. We will compile those applications, assess the scope
of need and, hopefully by the middle of next year, begin
paying off those debtsfreeing our pastors FROM these
nancial burdens and FOR the wonderful ministry to which
God calls them.
I have seen rsthand how Oklahomans stand together to
face all kinds of challenges. I recall us reaching out this yearafter tornadoes and hailstorms swept our state. A May letter
from UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief,
stated that the people of the Oklahoma Conference had given
more than $613,500 for relief and recovery in response to the
devastating earthquake in Haiti.
When there is need, Oklahoma United Methodists re-
spond. The matter of seminary indebtedness is a nancial
crisis that cannot go unaddressed.
We have the capacity to change the system and, with our
success here in Oklahoma, the entire Church will stand up and
take notice. Power is in our hands and in our pocketbooks.
We will act because, as Eugene Peterson translates Paulsletter, God doesnt want us to be shy with Gods gifts, but
bold and loving and sensible (II Timothy 1:7).
I uninchingly proclaim to you that God has given all we
need to face the challenges of doing ministry and missions
in a world trying to nd its way. God has called us to make
a difference and equipped us to claim victory in the name of
Jesus Christ.
We must answer Gods call boldly. If not now, when? If
not us, who?
May Gods blessings be with us as we bravely continue
marching to Zion!
(View the full speech by Bishop Hayes online. Go to www.okumc.org and click OKVideo.)
To join the bishop
in support of the LIFE fund,
use the form on page 8A.
Bishop Hayes, center, receives a DVD gift, a
recording of the 2010 Memorial Service from the
Texas Annual Conference. The recording contains
the ritual roll-call that included his late father,
Robert E. Hayes Sr., a clergyman in that Confer-
ence. Texas and Oklahomas annual conferences
ran concurrently, and both memorial services
were held the same evening. Bishop Hayes ful-
lled his duties at the Oklahoma event while other
family members attended the ceremonies in the
Houston area. Joseph Harris, left, and Craig Stin-
son presented the gift on behalf of all the people
of the Oklahoma Conference.
Gift to bishop
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 4A
Ministrysnapsh
ots
At Agra UMC, prepping
the front windows forpainting are Jim and
Judy Brewer of Highland
Park UMC in Stil lwater.
n HELpiNG ONE ANOTHEROn Holy
Saturday, members of Highland Park in Stillwater,
along with Richard Buchanan of Stillwater-First
UMC, prepared an Easter surprise for the members
of Agra UMC.
Ten missioners descended upon Agra for a
painting project.
The task: Paint all window sills, eaves, and
front and back porches at the church, and paint
the downtown cross-and-ame sign that directs
people to the church. Located on Highway 18,
Agra is about 15 miles south of Stillwater.
Pastor Derrek Belase of Highland Park coor-
dinated this project after a district-wide facility
needs survey was completed by the Stillwater
District Board of Church Building and Location.
Windows were recently updated in the 103-year-
old church building, and painting was needed.
When I read Agras report, I realized we could
easily do this project with the resources in our
church, he said.
The Agra project was a combined effort. The
district paid to have the church prepared for painting and hired a professional to
paint the tallest portions of the building. Highland Parks mission team provided the
supplies, and First UMC provided transportation and ladders.
On April 3, the painting was completed and the work team was treated to lunch,
courtesy of the women of Agra UMC.
What an Easter gift! commented Hugh Willoby, a retired pastor who serves the
Agra/Ripley charge. It was great to see that on Easter morning.
nHOLy MOMENTRancher Ernie Milligan, center, is baptized at his home inlate May by Pastor Billy Wright, left, of Copan UMC and Maurice Major, Bartlesville
District superintendent. Milligan, an award-winning competitive steer roper, has been
homebound after an injury. He and his wife, Susie, live on 160 acres near Dewey, with
horses, guinea fowls, and a dog. They have an arena where he practices roping.
n EASTER OUTREACHThe
Easter Bunny cradles a child April 3 at
Okemah City Park during a free com-munity egg hunt hosted by St. Pauls
UMC in Okemah.
Some 1,400 Easter eggs were hunted
by more than 300 children, according
to the Okemah News Leader. St. Pauls
also served about 500 free hot dogs.
This Easter project launched in 2009
to offer radical hospitality to families
in Okemah, according to Pastor Brian
Matthews. He said the church is follow-
ing a Strategic Plan and sees its great-
est potential on the four-part FruitfulCongregations Grid as the community
of faith focused outward.
There are hundreds of families in
Okemah who do not actively practice
their faith, said Rev. Matthews. Ener-
gized by the Strategic Plan, the church
is seeking to build relationships with the entire family.
nMiSSiON iN KANSAS
The churches at Calumet and
Red Rock joined forces for
a Spring Break mission trip,
serving at Cross-Lines com-
munity outreach in Kansas
City, Kan.
For the non-prot agency,
the Oklahoma group of 13
took part in various projects,
from helping prepare food for
the breakfast and lunch pro-
grams to sorting prom dresses
and tuxedos for distribution to
teens. Some worked outside
the Cross-Lines complex, planting owers, removing rocks, and raking leaves.
Our focus was to do good wherever we are, and the group set such a good ex-
ample. This mission trip was a good experience to see things we do not see on a daily
basis, said Pastor Matthew Franks.
Darlette Edwards said, Cross-Lines relies daily on donations, and it was amazing
to see how God provided each day what they needed.
Im looking forward to going back next year, said Jordan Tech.
nNEW yORK CiTy pERFORMANCEA dozen choir members performed at
Carnegie Hall on May 23 as part of the Distinguished Concerts International New
York Series.
The Norman group
was invited to perform
Haydns Lord Nel-
son Mass as part ofa 177-member com-
bined choir directed
by Jason Bishop, a
former St. Stephens
choir director who is
now director of choral
activities and founder
of the Young Peoples
Chorus at Penn State.
Steve Davis said,
When we rst walked
out for the dress re-hearsal, it almost took
my breath away. Then when we performedto see the expression on Jasons face
and a packed houseits something Ill always treasure.
Shown in New York City are St. Stephens choir members, from left, front row: Beth
Grimmett-Tankersley, Marilyn Nicely, Sharon Gray; center row: Steve Davis, Carol Lee,
Sharon Varnum, Jane Thomas; and back row: Sally Vandewater, Ron Gray, Marilyn
Ogilvie, Jeanne Stenis, former choir director Jason Bishop, and Christina Doak.
nHANGiNG HANDiWORKClaudia Graham, right, created these quilted ban -
ners that represent the seasons of the Christian year and now hang at Verden United
Methodist Church, in Lawton District. Pastor is Charles Watson, at left. A funding
gift from the estate of Fern Cassel was used to purchase the materials, and Graham
donated her time and skill.
Photo provided by the Okemah News Leader
Volunteers Charlie Beard, left, and
Marshal Williamson prepare breakfast.
8/9/2019 Contact July 9, 2010
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 5A
For the quilters who meet at Velma United Method-
ist Church, its about giving back to the community and
about fellowship.
During 2009, the quilters raised $1,250 for the Velma
Volunteer Fire Department and $500 for an air condition-
ing unit for Velma UMC.
After presenting the funds to the reghters, quilter
Tommie Romine-Roskam said, This is our way of help-
ing them because they help so many people.
It makes you feel good when you can contribute your
time to your community, to give back to the volunteer,
said Pastor Linda Lusnia, who serves both Velma and
Duncan-Wesley.
Since December 1990, quilters have gathered at 8 a.m.
every Tuesday at Velma UMC and steadfastly worked
until 3 p.m.
One of the neatest things is its not just Methodist,
Rev. Lusnia said. Its a nondenominational group that
gets together.
And its far more than a quilting group.
It is the women coming together, not only to quilt,
but to support one another, Lusnia said. Its people
from all kinds of backgrounds. We learn a lot from our
differences and similarities. Whether members are deal-
ing with a funeral, wedding, or birth, they are all there
for one another.
During the quilting session, Lusnia leads a Bible study
at 10 a.m. She is a new quilter. It has been very interesting
to learn, she said. It has its own language. I still cant
say all the things like they can.Excerpted, with permission, from a story by David Laughlin,
The Duncan Banner. http://duncanbanner.com/
Leslie Long and Don Wheeler will never forget
a churchs kindness to strangers.
The Oklahoma couple wanted to renew their
wedding vows in Ireland, Leslies ancestral
homeland, to mark their 25th anniversary. Theyhad visited Ireland in 2007 with their children,
Keegan, London, and Brenna. But the anniversary
trip was parents only.
They began an Internet search for Methodist
churches in the part of Northern Ireland that Les-
lies predecessors called home in the 1840s.
I found Cavandoragh. I liked the many things
they were doing, I liked what it said about their
history, and so I e-mailed the minister, said Rev.
Dr. Long, director of the Wesley Foundation at the
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.
My husband and I were planning on a simple
ceremony, probably the preacher and ourselves.
But Rev. John Beacom asked if we would mind if
some of the church people came. We really werenot sure anyone would want to attend.
On the evening of Dec. 13, 2009, the Irish pas-
tor escorted them to the country church.
Long described, There were around 30 folks
gathered. They had someone playing the piano.
John did a full service, with a homily. The church
had a reception for uscake, mince pies, tea,
nger sandwiches, and other snacks.
She expressed, What a gift to be treated so
kindly by Methodists in another country! I really
did feel connected to these folks. The hospitality
they shared was more than I ever imagined. The
ceremony and reception came from a desire to
celebrate and commemorate a milestone in our
lives. What came from their care and hospitalityare memories I will cherish forever.
The couple has felt Gods sustaining grace
throughout their marriage. Long said her hus-
bands support has been crucial for her clergy
journey.
He was a PK (preachers kid) and knew a little
about this church stuff, but honestly I could not
have done everything I have done without him,
she said. Her ministry has included a Christian
Education project in Bolivia.
Opportunities
Couple nds unexpected kindness in far country
'My husband and I were
planning a simple
ceremony'Leslie Long
Group stitches lovefor wider community
youth Drector: Part-time.
Rick Robart, First UMC, P.O.
Box 610, Dewey, OK 74029.
Drector of Musc Mns-
tres: youth Mnstr Drec-
tor: Church Secretar: First
UMC, Cynthia Wilson, 200 S.
6th St., Ponca City, OK 74601,
[email protected], 580-
762-1681.
Chor Drector: Part-time.
Sam Powers, Piedmont UMC,[email protected], 405-
373-2298.
panst/Organst: Part-
time. Ponca City-Albright UMC,
580-765-6432.
Muscan: Part-time. Che-
cotah UMC, Wayne Loftin,
918-473-5714.
Drector of Mnstres to
youth, Chldren and Fam-
les: Full-time. Tulsa-Memorial
Drive UMC, pastor.mdumc@
tulsacoxmail.com, 918-398-
3891.
Admnstratve Assstant:
Full-time. St. Stephens UMC,
Donna Dodson, 400 W. New Or-
leans St., Broken Arrow, 74011,
Needed: Warehouse spaceand truck in Oklahoma City for
Project Noel. November and
December Joe Tilton, 580-331-
7733; or Amanda Lockwood,
405-257-3105.
Pews, light fxtures, etc.:
Free. Church is remodeling.
Duncan-First UMC, 580-255-
3353.
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 6A
The Hitchcock Church has heard God calling and has
answered, Send me, Lord.
Lay Speakers James and Shirley Farmer are appointed
as Supply Pastors at Hitchcock, where worship attendanceaveraged 31 in 2009.
One member asked what could be done to help a heart-
transplant patient and her family. A Benet Gathering for
her was organized and raised $18,000.
The rural church in Enid District learned Campbell Soup
Co. donates food to organizations that aid the hungry. Mem-
bers secured a donation and picked up the food in Paris, Texas.
They distributed it to people in Hitchcock, Okeene, Watonga,
Loyal, Omega, Marlow, Ringwood, and Beaver.
With the products received through the Conferences
Project Noel program, the church prepared about 75
Christmas packages for childrenand then added food giftsfor families.
The former Hitchcock school now serves as a community
center. Church members on the centers board envisioned
staging a Christmas play and called for young performers.
Initially, 12 youths stepped up. When that number grew to 19
young people, planners chose to present three one-act plays.
Children of multiple faiths performed, supported that evening
by an attendance of more than 200 people.
The Blaine County Health Department needed baby
clothing and blankets. Learning of the need, the church
delivered more than 35 sets of pajamas and many blankets,
and placed some childrens books in the waiting room at thecounty health center.
After the earthquake in Haiti, the church voted to donate
at least 150 UMCOR emergency health kits.
The Farmers wrote to District Superintendent Gary
Holdeman: This is a church on re for God. They requested
Bible Study every Wednesday night; almost the whole church
family comes. Its a wonderful thing to see them work. They
want to make a difference.
On May 9, Jones
United Methodist
Church dedicated a
new educational wing,
free of debt.
M o th e r s Da y2010 was an appro-
priate date to celebrate
a building project that
began as A Step of
Faith on Mothers
Day 2008. On that ear-
lier date, Pastor Sherry Heath encouraged the members to pray, asking
God if they should make a step-of-faith commitment for an addition to
house Sunday school classes.
By Mothers Day 2009, the congregation had raised money to fully
fund the work, and a ground-breaking was held June 6, 2009. Sunday
school classes rst met in the new building on April 25, 2010.The wing comprises eight classrooms, with one doubling as a nurs-
ery; three restrooms; and storage space.
Giving for the project continued beyond the capital campaign, en-
abling the church also to construct a new parking lot and to purchase
furnishings for the classrooms and common areas of the addition.
It is a great feeling to have a new building for our church family,
and one that is mortgage-free, said Rev. Heath.
At the dedication, guest preacher was North Oklahoma City District
Superintendent Dan Pulver. We have a purpose in life. Life is going
somewhere. Whats next? he challenged.
In Tulsa, a new prayer chapel was dedicated May 23 by the Nueva
Esperanza congregation.
The Hispanic congregation and Rose Hill UMC share the building
at 748 N. Louisville Ave. Their food pantry on site recently was moved
into a larger room. Working with Pastor Daniel Llanos-Jimenez, a small
group in the Hispanic fellowship transformed the newly vacated room
into the Mount of Prayer chapel.
Rev. Llanos-Jimenez said the chapel will be used for small-group
services, prayer vigils, and for counseling and prayer sessions with
people assisted through the food pantry ministry. The space will seatabout 20 people, according to Pastor David Reynolds of Rose Hill.
On Pentecost Sunday, the dedication ceremony was led by Joe Lynch,
who chairs the Tulsa District Hispanic Ministries Committee. Most of
the committee members also attended.
B CAROL BAKER
Church Hstoran, poteau UMC
On May 30, the nal Sunday morning worship ser-
vice took place in the sanctuary of Poteaus First United
Methodist Church.
This service had a special purpose: to help the
congregation say goodbye to the 100-year-old sanctu-
ary. Demolition began June 14, launching a new era in
worship, nurture, and outreach ministries.
The Christian Family Life Center on the property is
serving as a temporary sanctuary until a new buildingis complete.
Building a new sanctuary has been a dream of many
church members for several years, said Pastor Greg
Tener. The decision to build it was not made easily,
but prayerfully. This is a growing congregation that
simply needs more spacespace that is as inviting as
the congregation.
Church members have, for more than a year, been in
diligent prayer, including a weekend prayer vigil, before
voting to proceed with a building project.
The years had taken a great toll on the aged, out -
grown, and outdated building. Major structural prob-lems had surfaced. Steep stairs provided the only access
to every area in the building.
Now there is excitement about the prospects of a
beautiful, spacious facility, modern in every way. Yet
the undertaking also generates grieving. We imagine
those historic walls were saturated with the praise and
prayers of all those disciples who worshipped there
across a century.
Throughout our fund-raising campaign, we used the
theme May all who come behind us nd us faithful.
We aspire to do for our descendants what was done for
us in 1909, when that stately building was constructed
by people with a vision for the future. We wonder: Did
they imagine a congregation here in the year 2010?
Of concern has been the fate of the sanctuarys
stained-glass windows. They were professionally re-
moved, and they will be refurbished, stored safely, and
placed in the new structure. Other sanctuary artifacts, in-
cluding the cross, also will be used in the new space.
Poteau-Firsts ministry wil l be enhanced by: more
adequate space for welcoming people into the building,
improved space for music ministry, an enlarged chancel
area to support worship activities, and improved sound
and audiovisual equipment.
Rev. Dr. Tener reminded the congregation to keep
foremost in mind that the new sanctuary is being builtto honor God and to be of service to our community
and neighbors.
Please hold our church members in your prayers dur-
ing this time of demolition, construction, and change.
Pastor Greg
Tener and
acolyte
Versile
Johnson
prepare May
30 to lead
the congre-
gation of
Poteau-First
from the
sanctuary to
the Christian
Family Life
Center, the
temporary
worship
location.
Poteau making space
for next century of ministry
Hitchcocks lay pastors explain why This is a church on re for God
Nueva Esperanza creates chapel
Jones dedicates wing
Joe
Lynch,
left, and
Daniel
Llanos-
Jimenez
pray
at the
chapel
dedica-
tion.
New educational wing at Jones UMC
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 7A
Oklahoma Annual ConferenceFollowing the Plan: Faithful Witness, Transforming Presence
May 30-June 2, 2010, Tulsa
Video and Audio Recording Order Form
Audio CD DVDSession
Memorial and Communion (Sunday) ________ ________
Episcopal Address (Monday) ________ ________
Service of Commissioning (Monday) ________ ________
Retirement Service (Tuesday) ________ ________
Service of Ordination (Tuesday) ________ ________
Number of Audio CDs ________Cost per CD: $6, Complete Set $25
Number of DVDs ________ ________Cost per DVD: $15, Complete Set $70
Total cost per column ________ ________
$ ____________________ Grand Total
Name__________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________City _____________________ State _____________________Zip code ___________
Phone _________________________________________________________________
E-mail _________________________________________________________________
Mail to: Oklahoma Conference Department of Communications1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Verln Snell
Memorial service for Rev. Dr. Verlyn
R. Snell will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at Nardin
UMC. Rev. Snell, 75, of Overland Park,
Kan., died June 18, 2010.
He was born Nov. 10, 1934. Verlyn andSammie Snell married on Aug. 17, 1960. He
received his doctorate degree in 1976 from
Phillips Theological Seminary, Enid.
His ministry career began in 1957. He
pastored churches in the Free Methodist de-
nomination for 20 years before his Oklahoma
Conference service began, in 1985.
He was pastor at Nardin, Madill, Miami,
Cushing, and OKC-Nichols Hills United
Methodist Churches. He also served on the
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry; he
cherished opportunities to commend andmentor persons in the candidacy process.
After retiring in 2004, the Snells began at-
tending Valley View UMC, at Overland Park,
and he was active in choir, United Methodist
Men, and the outreach committee.
Survivors include his wife, Sammie; three
daughters, Anne Heinrich of Aurora, Ill.,
Alathea Voss of Lenexa, Kan., and Ardeth
Arman of Overland Park; and 10 grand-
children.
Al Scfres
Rev. Alfred Kent Scifres, 51, of Ardmore
died June 22, 2010.
Al was born Dec. 18, 1958, in Los Ange-
les, Calif. He married Margaret Irene Mobley
on Oct. 7, 1978. He served in the Navy for 16
years. He also was a volunteer reghter.
From 2005 through 2009, he was pastor
at Calvin, Erick, Reydon, Forgan, and Gate
churches.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two
daughters and a son, P.J. Scifres of Ardmore,
Carrie Scifres-Harvey, and Billy Harvey; anda grandson.
Memorial service was June 26 at Ard-
more-First UMC. Arrangements were by
Corbett Funeral and Cremation Service,
Oklahoma City.
Davd Bates
Rev. Matthew David Bates, 73, of Okla-
homa City died June 29, 2010. A retired elder,
he had pastored for more than 40 years.
David was born Oct. 13, 1936, in Tulsa.
David and Elaine Bates were married for
52 years.
His ministry began in 1957 at Avant.
He also served at: Mannford, Keystone,
Bokchito, Bennington, Oilton, Cleo Springs,
Oakdale, Carmen, Guymon-Christ, Owasso,
Tulsa-Hale Heights, Coweta, Porter, Jones,
Ardmore-Asbury, Lawton-Heights, Henry-
etta, Dustin, OKC-Asbury, Jenks, Broken
Bow, Eagletown, Prague, Arlington, and Red
Rock. He is credited with building projects at
four churches. He ofcially retired in 1998.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine; four
sons, Matt Bates of Richmond, Va., Phil
Bates of Alpharetta, Ga., Steve Bates of
Garland, Texas, and Tom Bates of Oklahoma
City; and nine grandchildren.
Service was July 3 at OKC-Putnam City
UMC, with arrangements by Bill Merritt
Funeral Services, Bethany.
Charles Wells
Rev. Dr. Charles Edgar Wells, 85, of
Oklahoma City died June 14, 2010. He was
a retired elder.
Charles was born Feb. 10, 1925, in Okla-
homa City. While working as a youth pastorat OKC-First, he met Royleen Kizziar, and
they married in 1946.
His ministry began in 1946. He was the
pastor at Capitol Hill, May Avenue, and
Asbury churches in Oklahoma City; and
at Miami, Pauls Valley, Tulsa-Christ, and
Stillwater-First. He was director of the Okla-
homa Conference Council on Ministries for
10 years. He served as South Oklahoma City
District superintendent from 1988 until his
retirement in 1993.
Rev. Dr. Wells worked to establish acomprehensive United Methodist senior care
program in Oklahoma City. His vision led to
the founding and building of Epworth Villa
and Strawberry Fields.
Also an advocate for the protection of
children, he was honored in 1988 as Okla-
homa Child Care Worker of the Year.
Survivors include his wife, Royleen; son,
Chuck; daughters, Barbara and Mary; and six
grandchildren.
Memorial service was June 18 at OKC-
May Avenue UMC. Arrangements were byRose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City.
Sabrna Trujllo
Sabrina Bennett Trujillo, 51, of Fort Cobb
died June 17, 2010, in Dallas. She was the
wife of Rev. Tim Trujillo Sr., who is the pas-
tor of Fort Cobb and Highland churches.
She was born Aug. 5, 1958, in Oklahoma
City. She married Rev. Trujillo on May 7,
1988.
With degrees in music, she had led the
D.C. Youth Orchestra, played in the Irvingand Mesquite (Texas) symphonies, and
participated in the music ministries of Tyler
Street UMC, Dallas.
Mrs. Trujillo was employed by Fujitsu
Corp.
Survivors include her husband, Rev.
Trujillo; son, Timothy Jr.; daughter, Eryn;
and a grandchild.
Service was June 19 at Tyler Street UMC,
with arrangements by Jeter & Son, Dallas.
Lamar Tillery, 71, of Columbia, Tenn.,died June 17, 2010. Survivors include his
son, Rev. Brantley Tillery, pastor at Tulsa-St.
Lukes Redemption Ministry, and daughter-
in-law, Rev. Cydni Tillery, pastor at Locust
Grove UMC.
Appointment
Birth
Donald Jones to Nardin UMC (Enid Dis-
trict) from Minnesota Annual Conference,
effective July 1.
Sara Bodenstein to leave of absence from
Chapel Hill UMC (North OKC), effective
July 1.
Charlotte Elizabeth Smith was born May
18, 2010. She is the daughter of Allyson and
Rev. Trevor Smith, pastor at Sallisaw.
In memoriam
8/9/2019 Contact July 9, 2010
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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact July 9, 2010Page 8A
A seminary education is costly and it is important to help our uture and current pastors through seminary with
little or no education debt. Te Leadership Investment Fund throughEducation will help alleviate the fnancialburden o clergy responding to the call to serve our church in the Oklahoma Annual Conerence.
Contributing to the LIFE Fund represents one o the greatest investment we can make in the Oklahoma AnnualConerence. Please consider making a git to the LIFE scholarship und with a pledge over the next three yearsto support the uture leaders o our church. For more inormation about the und contact the Oklahoma UnitedMethodist Foundation at 800-259-6863 or www.okum.org.
Leadership Investment FundthroughEducation
Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________
Phone Number _________________________ Email Address _____________________________________
oI would like to make a pledge of $_________ per year for three years.*
oI would like to make a pledge of $_________ payable in one lump sum. **You will be contacted regarding how you would like to make your pledge (debit/credit card, bank draft, or by check).
oI would like to include the LIFE Scholarship Fund in my will or estate plan.(You will be contacted by David Battles at the Foundation for more information.)
oI am interested in establishing a LIFE Fund Charitable Gift Annuity.(You will be contacted by David Battles at the Foundation for more information.)
Te Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation 4201 N. Classen Blvd. OKC, OK 73118
Honored at Annual Conference
Above left: Given by the Board of Laity, a district It
Worked for Us awardwent to Bartlesville-First for its
Try Church advertising campaign. From left are Casi
Morris, Meredith Nelson, and Mark Pinkerton. Above
right: Growth at Gene Autry UMC propelled that
Ardmore District church into a larger judging category
forOutstanding Town & Country Church awards,
given by United Methodist Rural Fellowship (UMRF).
Worship attendance now is averaging 80 people at
the church. Last year, Gene Autry won in the 40 and
under worship attendance category. From left are
UMRF leader Gary Moody, Gene Autry Mayor and
church member Katherine McQuistion, and Pastor
Sharen Hale.
Award presentations at Annual Conference spotlight outstanding minis-
tries and inspire more efforts to transform the world as Christs disciples.
Above, on behalf of the Commission on Religion & Race, Chairman
Glenn Harris, right, presents Oklahomas bishop with a new award
named in his honor: the Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. Racial Unity Award.
The Commission recognizes your incredible contribution to our mission
of greater understanding and unity between races and ethnic groups in
our Conference, Harris told the bishop. Through your preaching, your
visits, your advocacy, your integrity, and your Christian example, you
have inspired us to greater heights in loving God and loving our neigh-
bors. For details about this new award, e-mail oklahomacorr@yahoo.
com. View online photo collections of more award recipients at the 2010
Annual Conference. Go to: www.okumc.org/galleries.
From left, outgoing Oklahoma
City University President Tom
and Brenda McDaniel accept
twin Francis Asbury Awards from
Campus Ministries, representedby George Warren and Mark
Whitley. The national award typi-
cally is restricted to one recipient
in each annual conference. An
exception was granted to honor
the McDaniels, due to their out-
standing service at OCU.
PhotosbyH
ollyMcCray