contact july 9, 2010

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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.

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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

[email protected],

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

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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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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.

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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,

[email protected],

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,

[email protected].

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 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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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

8/8


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

contact july 9, 2010

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