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Contact, an edition ofThe United Methodist ReporterTwo Sections, Section A 039000 Volume 157, Number 28 November 12, 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 Nov. 28 is UM Student Day, 6An Panhandle campus ministry gets boost, 8A

Churches registering now for gift giveawayB Holly McCray

Arthur Lyons was worried. The Anadarko church he

pastorsSt. Paul UMCwas participating in Project

Noel. He had hoped St. Paul would have more gifts to

give children for Christmas 2009. The supply seemed

meager.

Then he helped deliver those gifts, and his perspective

was transformed.

What we thought was not enough was seen as

abundance by those we delivered to, said the pastor.

He saw teachers in tears when they witnessed childrens

excitement.

Rev. Lyons brings his new view to the Christmas

2010 effort. He urges all Oklahoma churches that sign

up for Project Noel to discard any sense of entitlement

and embrace whatever blessings come from the Project

Noel national donors.

Project Noel is a blessing to the churches

to, in turn, be blessings, he said. God loves a

cheerful giver. This is just going to grow.

The holiday gift-giving project is sponsored

by the Commission on Rural/Smaller-Membership

Churches. In 2009, a total of 96 Oklahoma churches

participated.

Oklahoma churches must connect with more diverse people to

grow Gods kingdom, according to the Strategic Plan.

Such variety can be measured by age, income level, family

size, etc. Racial/ethnic diversity, united by Kingdom work, is given

attention in this Contactnewspaper.

n In Lawton, a primarily Korean-speaking congregation is wor-

shipping in a new building.

n In Oklahoma City, Native American students renovated the

Leland Clegg church.

n Four churches in the Tulsa area joined in a pilot green Bible

study; two are in the Oklahoma Conference, and two in the Okla-

homa Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC).

n And a new United Methodist church at Durant was estab-

lished by the OIMC.

Pages 4 and 5A

Dear readers,

We are pleased to announce Contact, the

Magazine has won a national award from the United

Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC).

The Department of Communications role usu-

ally is one of pursuing news across our statefrom

Conference, district, and local church groups. We

enjoy our work behind the scenes, to connect,

educate, and inspire Oklahoma United Methodists.

This time, we are in the news.

Contact, the Magazine won rst in its judging

category (annual conferences magazines). The award

was announced in October in San Francisco, Calif.,

at the associations annual meeting. Our partner, the

UMReporternewspaper, also won its category.

Two issues of the magazine were judged as a

package: Women of the Word and Stories from

Gods Playbook. The next magazine will be pub-

lished in January 2011.

The UMAC award story claims a headline here

because Oklahoma United Methodists are newsmak-

ers, living out Gods good news in effective, trans-

forming ways. Thank you. We love to tell the stories.

Holly McCray, editor

Contactmagazinehonored

Following the Plan: Photosby

HollyMcCray

Continued on page 2A

In Lawton, New Light UMC moved to a new building this year. Above, a

young member adds her offering to the churchs carved collection box, dis-

played by Ok Yi Williams. At right: Julie Slaughter describes the childrens

garden at St. Stephens UMC in Broken Arrow to Becky Thompson of Tulsa

Indian UMC while another woman picks cherry tomatoes.

http://www.okumc.org/http://www.okumc.org/

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010Page 2A

The Oklahoma United Methodist Phone: 405-530-2075

Fax: 405-530-2093

1501 N.W. 24thokhm Cit, oK 73106

rbet E. Hes J., bishp

Jseph His, diect f cmmunictins

H McC, editTo subscribe, send mailing information

and $15 to our address at left.

Mving? Send chnge b mi e-mi: bew@kumc.g.

N Win, dministtive ssistnt/vide cdint

aici Gn, Web minist/gphics design

amei Bew, The Medi Cente

Sign up online forContact Digest, a fee electronic newsletter. Find information atwww.kumc.g.

Send news to edit@kumc.g. Next publication date: Dec. 10.

Any church, of any size, is invited

to take part. And Project Noels general

coordinator, Joe Tilton, hopes more

congregations plan to do that. He saidshipments of tons of donated items$3

million worthare expected, an in-

creased value of about $500,000 over

last Christmas.

No one knows in advance what na-

tional donors will ship to the distribution

center in Oklahoma City.

But on Oct. 21, the commission did

specify other steps.

nTo participate, a church must pre-

register online between Nov. 1 and Nov.

30. No exceptions.n Limit is one registration per

church, regardless of how many groups

are a part of that church.

n Each church is limited to receiv-

ing items for no more than 100 childrenand 75 families, and is not guaranteed a

specic number of items.

nNo inventory listing will be posted

online or provided via phone. (Inventory

changes as new shipments arrive at the

distribution center.)

n The distribution center, an Okla-

homa City warehouse at 201 N. Ann

Arbor, will open on Dec. 13. Final day

to pick up items is Dec. 23.

nA church is limited to one trip to

pick up gifts at the warehouse beforeDec. 23. On the 23rd, churches may

make additional trips and select from

remaining items.

nThe proper forms must be present-

ed to warehouse workers when arrivingto pick up gifts. Registration coordina-

tors are James and Shirley Farmer.

nWarehouse hours will be Monday-

Friday, from 1 p.m. until 4:30, through

Dec. 23. The site will not be open Dec.

24. If a church is unable to pick up dur-

ing these hours, due to an emergency,

other arrangements may be made.

Extensive details are online atwww.

kumc.g/PjectNe . Questions?

Contact a commission member; nd

their names on page 26 of the 2010Journal.

Update church ofcers

between Dec. 15-31Between Dec. 15 and 31, each church is required to

update information on its 2011 church ofcers in the

Conferences online database.This brand-new procedure and its timing are crucial

to the accuracy of communications throughout all levels

of the Church in Oklahoma. The names, addresses, and

other content collected in that specic database are the

building blocks for our United Methodist connection.

You will nd instructions for the updating process at

www.okumc.org. Follow these links: FinanceLocal

Church Ofcer Update InformationInstructions for

Updating Church Information. The procedure uses the

Brick River system, accessible via your churchs log-

in code. Send questions to websupport@okumc.orgor

mmyers@okumc.org.

More than 100 students and

staff and faculty members recently

rallied against bullying. Their wit-

ness on Oct. 20 on the OCU cam-

pus lawn gave visible support to a

national anti-bullying campaign.

Their candlelight vigil was held

to call attention to recent cases of

bullying that have been associated

with the suicide deaths of young

gay people, and as a testament to

the safe and caring community that

is Oklahoma City University.The event was organized by the

SPECTRUM student group, with

support from a number of other

campus groups, including the Mul-

ticultural Student Organization,

Sociology Department, and OCU

Law Student association.

Jessica McArthur, SPEC-

TRUM co-president, reported

more than 100 purple ribbons were

distributed that day to students and

staff, as well as iers with informa-

tion on suicide prevention hotlines.

Liz Donnelly, associate vice-

president of Student Affairs, noted

that the OCU Student Code of

Conduct strictly prohibits bully-

ing and other uncivil behavior. It

specically prohibits hazing that

endangers the mental or physical

health of a student and regards ac-

quiescence in the presence of such

acts as a violation of policy. Theuniversity also provides in-service

training on the issue of preventing

bullying.

Of the vigil, Donnelly wrote,

It was very moving to witness

passionate young people sharing

their past pain and future hope.

It is inspiring to collaborate with

student leaders who regularly put

their commitment to action.

n Dec. 1Light the Campusand Hanging of the Greens

Everyone is invited to join the activities Dec. 1 that mark the

beginning of the holiday season on the OCU campus.

Beginning at 5 p.m. in the University Center, food for adults and

children will be served. Craft tables for children will be open from

4:15 until 6. University musicians will ll the air with festive music.

At 6:15, a candlelight processional will lead celebrants to the chapel

for the Hanging of the Greens service at 6:30. This service heralds

the beginning of the Advent season with hymns, readings, and thepresentation of the greens by the Spirit of Grace liturgical dancers.

n Dec. 10-11Christmas Vesperswith 250 OCU musicians

A holiday ensemble of more than 250 OCU singers and orchestral

musicians will present the 32nd annual Christmas Vespers on Dec.

10-11 in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. An organ and orchestral

music prelude starts at 7:30 p.m. The main program is at 8 oclock.

Tickets, $10 per person, are at the door or call 405-208-5227.

The concert will feature the OCU Symphony Orchestra and

four OCU vocal ensembles: the 52-member University Singers;

Ad Astra, the 84-voice womens choir; the 48-member UniversityMens Chorus; and the 36 singers of the Chamber Choir.

Candlelight vigil denounces bullying

Christmas presence:The Bishop Hayes Roast Event will beheld Dec. 2 in the Great Hall of the Tom &

Brenda McDaniel Center on campus.

Theme is Planting Seeds for the dinner

and program that begins at 6 p.m. Emcee is

Jane Jayroe, a former Miss America. Tom

McDaniel leads the planning committee.

The event will fund scholarships for

Oklahoma United Methodists to attend

Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma

City University. For more information,

contact Rachel McClain, 405-208-5757,Rachel.mcclain@spst.edu.

Roast scheduled Dec. 2

A candlelight vigil on the OCU campus makes a strong statement against bullying.

Continued from page 1AProject Noel

mailto:aballew@okumc.orghttp://www.okumc.org/mailto:editor@okumc.orghttp://www.okumc.org/ProjectNoelhttp://www.okumc.org/ProjectNoelhttp://www.okumc.org/ProjectNoelhttp://www.okumc.org/mailto:websupport@okumc.orgmailto:mmyers@okumc.orgmailto:Rachel.mcclain@spst.edumailto:Rachel.mcclain@spst.edumailto:mmyers@okumc.orgmailto:websupport@okumc.orghttp://www.okumc.org/http://www.okumc.org/ProjectNoelhttp://www.okumc.org/ProjectNoelmailto:editor@okumc.orghttp://www.okumc.org/mailto:aballew@okumc.org

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

Bishop Hayes

Page 3A

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

All talk, no walk?Dont look for shortcuts to God. The market is ooded

with surere, easygoing formulas for a successful life that canbe practiced in your spare time. Dont fall for that stuff, even

though crowds of people do. The way to lifeto God!is

vigorous and requires total attention.

(Matthew 7:13-14, The Message Bible)

By roBErT HayES Jr.

Isnt it amazing how the advertising industry bombards

us every day with claims that we can change who we

are, how we look, and everything else about us in just

a few easy steps? Not a day goes

by that we dont hear about or read

about how wethe consuming

publicquickly can make our-selves smarter, thinner, better built,

and more beautiful.

The next time you near the cash

register in the grocery store check-

out line, glance at the display of

magazines and tabloids. (Word of

warning: Be wary of that newsstand

camouflaging as a simple gum-

dispensing stationit is the most

expensive piece of real estate in the

store!) You will see headlines in large print designed to capture

your attention; some will intentionally shock you. How ToLose 20 Pounds in 10 Days! 10 Easy Steps to a New You!

Shrink Your Stomach in 4 Weeks! Same-Day Surgery That

Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger!

You may think companies that advertise this way could be

held accountable, or eventually would stop such exaggerated

promotions. But how many of us secretly want to believe

those claims of easy ways to achieve change? The advertisers

get away with outlandish statements because we are gullibleenough to think they could be true.

It was just a matter of time before these professions of

quick, easy steps to a better life found their way into inuencing

Christian living. People also want to believe that it takes only

a few easy steps to be a Christian disciple, and that sacrice,

denial, struggle, and cross-bearing were only necessary long

agonot now.

Well, this may disappoint you, but I must tell you there

is no easy way, no shortcut, no surere formula to cultivate

a relationship with Jesus Christ. Todays Scripture is clear. It

begins with total attention and absolute faith.

Jesus says this in so many verses throughout the NewTestament. One is Luke 14:27; where he says, Whoever does

not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Nowhere does Jesus attempt to make it easy for people to

follow him. Nowhere does he mince words just to win people

over. He always lets people know there is no easy way to nd-

ing life in all its fullness.

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army (and a

former Methodist minister), predicted the chief danger facing

churches and Christians is that a time will come when we

will have religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity with-

out Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without

rebirth and renewal, atonement without sacrice, and heavenwithout hell.

In the modern church, we are guilty of xing up our

Christianity. To win people over, we dont make it sound too

hard, for fear we may turn people away. Yet people are unful-

lled in their Christian walk because they put little or nothing

at all into it and, consequently, they get little or nothing from it.

The church has an obligation to remind people that a price

was paid for their access to redemption, salvation, and eternallife!

There is no easy way to understand the Scriptures. You must

make the effort to read and study to uncover the meaning of

Gods Holy Word.

There is no easy way to a deeper prayer life other than

constant practice and discipline. Do you get into bed, realize

youve forgotten to pray, and then fall asleep.

W.C. Fields, a famous comedian of the 1920s and 30s, was

a notorious atheist. He never went to church, never confessed

a belief, and criticized anyone who did. Once when he was

severely ill and hospitalized, a nurse walked into his room

and discovered him reading a Bible. She said, Mr. Fields, Ididnt know that you had a religious bone in your body! Why

are you reading the Bible?

He replied, My dear, Im looking to see if there are any

loopholes!

Let me assure you, my friends, there are no loopholes! The

requirements for a happy, satisfying, and signicant Christian

life have not changed in over 2,000 years.

If that is what you seek in life, there is a price demanded

of you.

Dorothy M. Johnson was a gifted writer who penned the

novels The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Hanging Tree,

and other great works. She died at age 78 in Missoula, Mont.Before her death, she said she wanted her gravestone to be

inscribed with one word: PAID!

God knows what it means, and I know what it means, and

nobody else needs to know! she said.

I wonder how many of us are willing to pay the price for the

greatest reward in this life and, might I add, the next one, too!

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I theLord will hasten it in his time.

- Isaiah 60:22

Will You Join Us & Become One of the

1000Lissa & Bill Wright Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes

Don & Lynn Batson Jenny & Jono Helmerich

David & Laura Beal Keith & Patricia Kennedy

Mary Wheeler & Spencer Brown Christy & Mike Mordy

Lloyd Cole Shannon Nakvinda & Mike Self

Dr. John & Jamie Crooch Martha & Bill Smith

G. Michael Crooch Rev. Craig Stinson & Dr. Krista Jones

Rev. Linda & Ralph Harker Barbara & Donald Wright

Circle of Care Staff(Admin. Services/Communications/Pearls Hope)

To make your pledge today, please call 405-530-2078

or visit our website at:

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html

DearFriends:Iwouldliketomakeyouawareofa

newcampaignthatthe

CircleofCareisundertaking.Itisanefforttotaketheministrytothenextlevel,topursueagrandvisionofextend-inghelp,healingandhopetoevenmorechildren,youthandfamilies.ItiscalledProject1000.Weareseekingtorecruit1000newdonorswhowilleachpledge$1000peryearforthreeyears.Project1000isanambitiouscampaignthatwillallowCircleofCaretolookahead:HowmanymoreChildSHAREfosterfamiliescanbeliftedup?HowmanymoreyouthscanbeservedattheBoysRanch,theChildrensHome,theInde-

pendentLivingProgram?HowmanymorefamiliescanbehelpedthroughPearlsHope?Howmanymorelivescanbeforeverchanged?Injustsevenshortyears,CircleofCarewillcelebrate100

yearsofministeringtothoseinneedinOklahoma. Our

boardofdirectorshastakenthisboldstepforwardtoenvision

afutureinwhichevenmorelivesareimpactedbyCircleofCaresprograms.Ihopethatyouwilljoinmeandtheotherslistedhereinsup-

portingCircleofCare,andourministrytothechildren,youthandfamiliesofOklahoma.FortheChildren,

LissaWrightBoardChair

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.htmlhttp://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

We want to reach more diverse people.

A core belief of the Strategic Plan

This page continues a series focusing on the Oklahoma Conference Strategic Plan.

www.okumc.org/strategicplan

B Holly McCray

Seung Sook picked up a craft project, a small hand-

print on red paper. Tracing their ngers, the chi ldren were

learning to pray, explained the childrens Sunday School

director at Lawton New Light United Methodist Church.

Sook was lighting the way for young disciples.

New Light Church is aptly named. The designation

not only ts Christian imagery, but also describes design

features of the brand-new building in southwest Lawton.

On Oct. 24, brilliant sunlight streamed through the

windows; the church faces south. High ceilings and white

walls extended the sensations of newness and openness.

Inside the 250-seat sanctuary, the chancel furnishings are

translucent, including the Communion table. It is etched

with the iconic Last Supper scene. The focal point is a large

cross of solid oak, made by church member Gary Williams.

The $2 million church, at 5901 S.W. Lee Blvd., was

consecrated May 2.

But this building resulted from an idea sown decades

ago in the Lawton District: the Kingdom Builders program.

District Superintendent Chuck Horton said money dona-

tions have grown, over time, for planting a new church.

Eventually, 6 acres in Lawton were purchased.

Meanwhile, a primarily Korean-language congregation

was worshipping in shared space at Lawton-Wesley UMC.

And growing.

Gods harvest season arrived.

Pastor Kiyoung Jeong saw Gods hand at work when

the congregation of 70 to 90 people made quite a leap of

faith to raise $2 million for a building. And the district

provided a gift of the land it had been holding.

Way back when, they could not know there would be

a Korean church on that land, Rev. Horton said. This is

a good argument about districts planning in advance for

what needs to happen in the future.

The May consecration drew a multi-cultural crowd of

300 and the offering totaled $30,000again afrming

Gods presence for Rev. Jeong.

New Light has a vision thats going to carry them

FollowingthePlan

A luncheon follows worship each Sunday

at Lawton New Light. On Oct. 24, the menu

featured both hot dogs and kimchi with

noodles. Pastor Kiyoung Jeong is greetingone of the four youngest churchgoers.

New Light

for Christin Lawton

The choir of Lawton New Light UMC was invited to sing

On Oct. 9, the American Indian Scholars and the Clara Luper Scholars from Okla-

homa City University volunteered at Leland Clegg UMC in northern Oklahoma City.

(Photo at right)

More than 120 OCU students worked at the church and also at the Mustard Seed

program site. They painted classrooms, did landscaping, worked in the garden, cleaned

the church, washed and sanitized childrens toys and church furniture, and completed

other tasks.

Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Superintendent David Wilson said the

people at Leland Clegg UMC were excited to be blessed by so many students working

at their church. OIMC and Oklahoma Conference congregations share the building.Both conferences are united as the Oklahoma Area, with episcopal leadership by

Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. They have cooperated in leadership training, mission service

projects, and collecting emergency supplies for UMCOR, among other ministries.

Apportionment giving nurtures the smaller missionary conference, about 90 churches.

Workday at Leland Clegg UMC

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010Page 5A

Go green has become more than an environmental statement for four

Tulsa-area churches.

They agreed to jointly study the Green Church curriculum offered through

Cokesbury. Yes, participants expected to nd consumer wisdom in materials

subtitledReduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice! But they also unearthed biblical

bedrock and spiritual gems.

The study groups crossed annual conference boundaries. St. Stephens atBroken Arrow and Boston Avenue at Tulsa are part of the Oklahoma Confer-

ence. Tulsa Indian and Haikey Chapel are churches in the Oklahoma Indian

Missionary Conference (OIMC).

Representatives gathered outdoors on Oct. 17 at St. Stephens to share their

parallel learning experiences. Repeatedly, they spoke of growth in spiritual and

scriptural understanding.

One pastor had reluctantly exchanged the regular Bible study material for

a green curriculum. But the unconventional topic led to good spiritual discus-

sions he didnt expect to have, said one participant.

Among comments:

Sometimes we take the beauty of creation for granted as Native Americans.

God was joyful as He created. What if we left His house (in poor condition)rather than bringing Him joy?

We cant change everything, but there are things we can do.

The resurrection is a form of recycling for us.

This was not a political study but a study about what God calls us to do.

Leader Marita Morgan of Boston Avenue said, Now become intentional.

Whats something I can start doing today because I think its going to help Gods

world? She instructed people to be accountable in their plans by telling others.

Among the actions taken during the study period:

A prayer walk that included picking up trash.

Adding a raised garden in the childrens playscape at St. Stephens. Who

weeds it? The children! Its not work for them, said childrens director Julie

Slaughter. Reusing lawn clippings as yard fertilizer, rather than bagging and sending

them to a landll.

Running a dishwasher only when full, and declining to use plastic foam

dinnerware.

A church boiler was made energy-efcient.

The six-week Green Church experience began after 10 Oklahomans

attended a Cokesbury workshop. The curriculum has age-appropriate materi-

als. Suzann Wade, a diaconal minister in Oklahoma City, is co-author of the

childrens resources.

Were excited about what can happen, said Marjorie Monnet of Tulsa, a

retired Cokesbury regional representative.

Holly McCray

OIMC members recycled cardboard to display their green ideas.

Green studygets thumbs upfrom 4 churches

a long way into the future, Horton said.

They are always one of the rst churches

in the district to pay their Apportionment

100 percent. In their Strategic Plan, they

decided to become multi-cultural and began

working on that.

They have a big vision of winning

people to Christ regardless of ethnicity.

They are a real Kingdom church.

Jeong said up to 20 people meet for

early-morning prayer at the church on

Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Numerous small groups are patterned in

the Wesley class-meeting style.

Once a month, a contemporary wor-

ship replaces the traditional one. The

Korean-language service includes English

translation.

This is the congregations 25th year in

Lawton; Jeong is its fth pastor. His Meth-

odist heritage dates back to his grandfather,

and a brother also is a pastor.

Jeong explained his calling simply: My

parents always said I was going to become

a pastor. So I did.

He and his wife, Sunny, are from South

Korea. He graduated from Perkins seminary

in Dallas. He also became an Army chap-

lain. Scheduled for deployment to Iraq, he

instead was assigned to Fort Sill. Thus the

couple became connected to the Lawton

ministry.

On July 18, Chihowa Okla UMC in Durant ofcially

welcomed 20 charter members and three constituent

members. Nine children and youths were baptized on

that special day, according to TheAdvocate, the OIMC

newspaper.

The churchs name means Gods people in the

Choctaw language. The congregation will continue to

meet at the Choctaw Nation Community Center. Lay

Missioner Diana LaRocque is newly appointed as pastor.

The church had been meeting as Durant Indian Fellowship

for ve years.

The OIMC recently launched two other fellowships: at

Bryant Chapel, Pryor; and in Kansas City, Mo.

OIMC charterschurch at Durant

Photos by Holly McCray

at a district-wide celebration Nov. 7 at Lawton-First.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010Page 6A

Order your 2011ConferenceCalendars

Name of church:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Your name:

Number of calendars:

Mail t: Annual Conference Council, Attn.: Barbara Venable, 1501 N.W. 24th St.,

Oklahoma City, OK 73106. or fax rder t: 405-525-4164.

Sendnopaymentnow; wewillbillyou.CalendarSwillbemailedtoyou.

Briefy

SIGN OF HOSPITALITYPastor Dan Eischen stands by Wetumka churchs

new sign, purchased with memorial funds. New directional signs will soon

be in place along the highways that lead into the town in McAlester District.

Camps, special meetings, event dates,

the lectionary, and colors for the Christian

year are included on the calendara help-

ful tool in local church planning.

Cost is $7.50 each. Each currently

appointed clergy receives one free. Fill

out and mail this form, or order online

at: www.kumc.rg.

McMurry University

honors SolomonIn Abilene, Texas, McMurry University

recently dedicated Bishops Hall to honor

three alumni who became episcopal leaders

in The United Methodist Church. Among

them is Bishop Dan Solomon, who served

the Oklahoma Area 1988-96.

It is quite humbling to be recognized in

the naming of Bishops Hall, said Solomon,

who retired in 2000. McMurry prepared

me in exceptional ways for my ministry as

a pastor and a bishop, and continues to bless

my life. I shall be forever grateful.He graduated summa cum laude from

the UM-afliated university in 1958. Solo-

mon currently serves as president of Texas

United Methodist College Association and as

Bishop-in-Residence at McMurry.

E-book explores campus ministry

The Promise of Campus Ministry:

Theological Explorations is a free electronic

book that explores campus ministry as a

calling from God framed in the Wesleyantradition, said Bridgette Young, with the

General Board of Higher Education & Min-

istry. Find it at www.gbhem.org/publications.

Epworth Villahires new president

John Harned will become new presidentand CEO of Epworth

Villa, announced

Oct. 27 by the United

Methodist-related re-

tirement community

in northern Oklaho-

ma City.

He will begin his

duties in early De-

cember.

Harned previ-

ously served as ex-ecutive director of Tallgrass Creek, an Er-

ickson living community in Overland Park,

Kan. The facility was ranked rst among all

18 Erickson centers for resident satisfaction

and second in employee satisfaction.

The new president is active in com -

munity work. He is nancial chairman for

the Southwest Liturgical Conference and

the interfaith dialogue representative for

Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries. Harned is a

fundraiser for the Diocese of Tulsa Capital

Campaign and has received the Parish

Council of the Year award.

He holds bachelors and masters de-

grees in accounting from Oklahoma State

University and a Master of Theological

Studies from Ave Maria University in

Florida. He is a licensed nursing home

administrator in Oklahoma as well as a

Certied Public Accountant.

OU campus ministryplans basketball fun

The Wesley Foundation at OU will hostUnited Methodist Day on Dec. 11 in Nor-

man.

This event is open to all ages. Activities

begin at noon at the campus ministry build-

ing, 428 W. Lindsey St.

Registration fee, $15 per person, provides

lunch, T-shirt, and a ticket to the Tulsa/OU

mens basketball game. Deadline to register

is noon Nov. 29. Call Pam at 405-321-6266

with the number of tickets needed and T-

shirt sizes.

General Conferencegets an identity

The theme for the 2012 General Confer-

ence is Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to

Transform the World, echoing the denomi-

nations mission statement.

The global meeting of United Method-

ists is scheduled April 24-May 4, 2012, in

Tampa, Fla.

The logo that complements the theme

depicts a cross (representing the presence

of Christ at the center of our mission), with

circles extending from it (expressing energy

and movement in ministry), against a sun andblue water (representing Tampa).

The General Conference website address

will be: http://gc2012.umc.org.

United Methodist Student Day

will be observed Nov. 28. The

Scripture at right appears in re-

source material available throughthe General Board of Higher Edu-

cation and Ministry (GBHEM).

Donations to this Special Sun-

day provide scholarships and loans

to deserving UM students. Oklaho-

mans are among those who receive

these funds.

This collection supports goals

in both the Oklahoma Conference

Strategic Plan (to recruit, equip,

assess, and send spiritual leaders)

and the Four Foci of the denomi-nation (developing principled

Christian leaders for the church and

the world).

Here are the names of Oklaho-

mans who currently receive support

through the GBHEM Office of

Loans and Scholarships and their

home churches:

Caitrin Sneed and Anne Walker,

Boston Avenue, Tulsa; Joanna

Gomez, Cache; Jackie Haub, Can-

ton; Sy Stewart, Cordell; Hil-

ary Jones, Crown Heights, OKC;

Shannon Rodenberg, Drummond

Salem; Brandon Grifn, Edmond

First; Kelsey Jordan and Andrew

Thompson, Faith, Tulsa; SarahMitchell, Bartlesville First; Micah

Welcher, Elmore City; Devon

Krause, Enid First; Alexandria

Agee, Fort Gibson; Donald Harris,

Pryor; Lisa Dellinger, Morris; Brit-

tany Cagle, Gore; Taylor Woodley,

McAlester First; Valeria Luster and

Lisa Storm, Highland Park, Still-

water; Elyse Poland, Jones; Jane

Um, Korean First, OKC; Jannifer

Ahrens-Sims and Stephen Ziegler,

McFarlin, Norman; Carla Smither-

man, Quayle, OKC; Valarie Autry,

St. Matthew, Midwest City; Jillian

Robinson, St. Lukes, OKC; Jeffrey

Gibbens-Rickman, University, Tul-

sa; Blake Huggins, Village, OKC;Loreen and Sharon Chikanga,

Warren Memorial, Ardmore; Tessa

Stutzman, Weatherford; and Cheryl

Newton, Wickline, Midwest City.

L e a r n m o r e a t w w w .

UMCgiving.g. Apply for loans

and scholarships online at www.

gbhem.g.

Get wisdomits worth morethan money; choose insight

over income every time.(Proverbs 16:16, The Message Bible)

UM Student Day set for Nov. 28

Bishop Dan Solomon and his family

join McMurry University ofcials at

the Oct. 15 dedication of Bishops

Hall on the Abilene campus.

John Harned

http://www.okumc.org/http://www.gbhem.org/publicationshttp://gc2012.umc.org/http://umcgiving.org/http://www.gbhem.org/http://www.gbhem.org/http://www.gbhem.org/http://www.gbhem.org/http://umcgiving.org/http://gc2012.umc.org/http://www.gbhem.org/publicationshttp://www.okumc.org/

8/8/2019 Contact Newspaper November 12, 2010

7/8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010Page 7A

In memoriam

Conict management was sure to be

a hot topic during the recent LEAD clergyleadership seminar.

More than 60 pastors had attended ses-

sions on personal and corporate nancial

management before tackling this subject

during the Oct. 8-9 seminar at Oklahoma

City University.

Presenter Robert Martin described con-

icts within churches as one of the really

sticky problems. He pointed to the ritual

of Holy Communion as a solution.

We get enamored by issues. We talk

all day about what hymns are appropriate,what tasks, said Rev. Dr. Martin. How

are we relating to one another? Talk about

issues only after we have talked about re-

lationship.

The business agenda is not of rst im-

portance when a church committee meets,

according to this professor of church leader-

ship and practical theology, from Saint Paul

seminary in Kansas City.

In Eucharist, he sees a model of deeper

purpose for any groups work: gathering at

table, sharing of self for others, and leavingtransformed for Gods mission.

The pattern of Eucharist teaches us,

informs us how to relate to one another,

Martin said.

Workplaces and families act in conict.

Thats not Church. We are to embody Christ,

to put ourselves in the place of pure love,

he continued.Help people understand this vision

through your teaching and leadership, Mar-

tin urged pastors, and that will lead to more

harmony in ministry.

Help groups to form covenants of rela-

tionship for their work. What is the most

Christ-like way to come together for a

meeting? Martin asked and also answered.

Speak always in loveor dont speak.

Print the covenant and display it at the meet-

ing. Remind people of it. Establish patterns

of liturgy and hospitality for every meeting.Help people bring the messy bread of

their lives and give more of it to God, he

said.

The seminar series continues Feb. 18-19.

LEAD is a collaborative educational project

to sustain, improve, and inspire spiritual

leadership and clergy effectiveness. Topics

cover what you didnt learn in seminary,

according to brochures.

One seminar participant commented,

Tough issues. Thanks for the help.

The sponsoring groups are: Saint PaulSchool of Theology, the Oklahoma United

Methodist Foundation, OCU, the Oklahoma

Indian Missionary Conference, and the

Oklahoma Conference. Registration was

through the Oklahoma Conference Trea-

surers Ofce.

Bb Pnk

Rev. Barbara Sue Plank, 67, died Oct. 21,

2010. At the time of her death, she was the

pastor at Jay UMC. She also had served as

pastor at Big Cabin, in 2009.

Barbara was born May 31, 1943, in Chel-sea. She attended business school in Tulsa

and worked in the accounting department at

Rockwell & Cooper Manufacturing. She at-

tended seminary at University of the Nations,

Kona, Hawaii.

She married John Edwin Plank on Aug. 1,

1971. He predeceased her.

Through the years, she was active in mis-

sionary work, traveling to Malaysia, England,

Switzerland, Hong Kong, China, Latvia,

Singapore, the Philippines, and Holland. In

Hawaii, the Planks were mission builders.Survivors include a daughter and son, An-

gela Hayes of Chelsea and Troy Bowman of

Nowata; stepdaughter Mary Kathlene Davis

of Clinton; seven grandchildren and seven

great-grandchildren.

Memorial service was Oct. 25 at Clare-

more-First. Graveside service that same day

was at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Jck Butn

Rev. Jack Dean Burton, 80, of Oklahoma

City died Oct. 9, 2010. He ministered 40 years

in the Oklahoma Conference, from the state

panhandle to Durant in the southeast.

Jack was born Sept. 13, 1930, in Poteau.

He was a graduate of the University of Okla-

homa and Perkins School of Theology.

In 1962, he married SuAn King of Bixby.

His ministry began in 1955. His rst ap-

pointment was to organize and build a church

in Cyril. He also served at Noble, Guymon,

Davis, Wilburton, Okemah, Penn Avenue and

Chapel Hill in Oklahoma City, Aldersgate and

University in Tulsa, and Durant.

After ofcially retiring in 1995, he was a

chaplain at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma

City for 10 years.

Survivors include his wife, SuAn; a

daughter, Lisa Murray of Edmond; and a

granddaughter.

Memorial service was Oct. 14 at OKC-

Church of the Servant.

Wne Ck

Rev. Waddell Wayne Cook, 82, of Smith-

ville, Mo., died Oct. 25, 2010.

Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Dec.

5 at Smithville UMC, where he attended.

Wayne was born July 22, 1928, in Oke-mah to Waddell and Hettie Duncan Cook.

He was a member of the Creek Nation of

Oklahoma. Wayne and Billie Jo Slaughter

Cook were married 58 years.

He graduated from Southern Methodist

University, Dallas, and Phillips seminary,

Enid. He worked for the tribe before begin-

ning his clergy career.

Beginning in 1974, he served at Tyrone,

Union Center, Duncan-St. Pauls, Medford,

Kingsher, Cleveland, and Sallisaw. He was

on staff of the Oklahoma United MethodistFoundation, 1986-90, based in Tulsa. He

retired in 1995.

Survivors include three children, Su-

san Cook of Smithville, Gwen Cook of

Oklahoma City, and Rev. David Cook of

Lexington; four grandchildren and three

great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by

his wife and a son, Mark.

In the spring, a Native American celebra-

tion of his life will be held in Oklahoma, at

Thopthloppo in the tribal lands, during the

wild onion harvest.

Mie Cvet

Mable Marie Calvert, 66, of Tom Bean,

Texas, died Oct, 15, 2010. She was the widow

of Rev. Donald Rea Calvert, who died in 2007.

She was born Sept. 28, 1944, in Tupelo,

Okla. The Calverts married on May 24, 1987.

Survivors include daughter Christy Lee

of Tom Bean; son Ed Stearns of Creighton,

Mo.; four grandchildren and a great-great-

grandson; three stepchildren, Cathy Graves,

Carol Christian, and Mike Calvert, all of

Bixby; and four stepgrandchildren.

Funeral service was Oct. 18 at Hardesty

UMC, with burial at Elmhurst Cemetery.

Jse Nieves Espinz of Saltillo, Mex-

ico, died Oct. 27. He was the father of Tino

Espinoza, pastor at OKC-Hillcrest Fuente

de Vida.

yuth Diect: Part-time. Henryetta.

Dale Durnell. 918-652-4452, 580-660-0353.

Guit Pe/Singe: Part-time. Con-

temporary service. OKC-St. Andrews UMC,

Ginny Pass, 405-692-4242 ext. 102.

Executive Diect: Oklahoma Con-

ference of Churches. Rev. Dr. RockfordJohnson, johnson.rockford@gmail.com .

Deadline Nov. 16.

Site Diect: Skyline Urban Minsitry.

Claudia Lovelace, 500 S.E. 15th, OKC 73129,

clovelace@skylineurbanministry.org.

Chidens nd yuth Diect: Full-

time/part-time. Eufaula UMC, John Breon,

918-689-2109,johnbreon@yahoo.com.

yuth Diect: Part-time. Altus-Grace

UMC, 580-482-4093, altusgraceumc@

sbcglobal.net.

Cntemp Wship lede: Part-

time. Chris Tiger, Owasso United Methodist

Church, seniorpastor@fumcowasso.org.

Wship lede: Contemporary service.Barry Collins, Fort Gibson UMC, bcollins@

sbcglobal.net, 918-478-3811.

ogn: Free for pick-up. Leedy UMC,

Beth, 580-705-0023.

Chidens ministies diect. Part-

time. Crown Heights. Rev. Dianne Peters,

1021 N.W. 37th, OKC 73118, Dianne@

crownheightsumc.org..

Opportunities

AppointmentsLee Hilliard to discontinued from Welch UMC (Bartlesville District), effective Aug. 31.

Jerry Baker, retired OIMC, to Calvin (McAlester), effective Sept. 1.Robert Van House, retired, to Welch (Bartlesville), effective Oct. 15.

Sarah Hickson de Salazar, discontinued, from Panhandle Hispanic (Woodward), effective Nov. 1.

Linda Lusnia to Lone Wolf/Granite (Clinton) from Duncan-Wesley (Lawton), effective Nov. 1.

Communion can replace confict

First LEAD seminar:

mailto:johnson.rockford@gmail.commailto:clovelace@skylineurbanministry.orgmailto:johnbreon@yahoo.commailto:altusgraceumc@sbcglobal.netmailto:altusgraceumc@sbcglobal.netmailto:seniorpastor@fumcowasso.orgmailto:bcollins@sbcglobal.netmailto:bcollins@sbcglobal.netmailto:Dianne@crownheightsumc.orgmailto:Dianne@crownheightsumc.orgmailto:Dianne@crownheightsumc.orgmailto:Dianne@crownheightsumc.orgmailto:bcollins@sbcglobal.netmailto:bcollins@sbcglobal.netmailto:seniorpastor@fumcowasso.orgmailto:altusgraceumc@sbcglobal.netmailto:altusgraceumc@sbcglobal.netmailto:johnbreon@yahoo.commailto:clovelace@skylineurbanministry.orgmailto:johnson.rockford@gmail.com

8/8/2019 Contact Newspaper November 12, 2010

8/8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010Page 8A

Jacki Banks

The year is quickly coming to an end,

and 2011 will be here before we know

it. Many times we get caught up in the

holiday season and planning for the next

year, and we forget about making year-

end gifts to our churches and beloved

United Methodist ministries.

These gifts, large and small, are im-

portant to ministry. They can be as simple

as giving an additional amount to your

churchs permanent endowment fund

or missions fund,

or supplementing

special projects

or programs your

church is already

doing.

Thoughtfully

addressing your

charitable giving

plans between now and Dec. 31 can help

assure maximum benets for both you

and your church or favorite ministry.

Carefully considering what to give, and

when to give it, can increase the impact

of your gifts and help meet personal

goals as well.

There are a number of ways to make

year-end gifts that provide you with

valuable benets and help further the

work of your favorite United Method-

ist cause.

nMke deductibe gift f csh

While all gifts mailed or hand-deliv-

ered by Dec. 31 qualify for the charitable

deduction, gifts of cash are the most

common and the easiest way to give. If

you itemize your tax deductions, gifts

of cash are deductible up to 50 percent

of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

n Mke deductibe gift f

secuities

Making gifts of stocks, bonds, and/

or mutual funds directly to the

Oklahoma United Methodist Foun-

dation for the benet of your church

can bring extra tax savings. If you

have held such assets longer than

one year, the gift can be deductible

at full fair-market value, not just

the original cost. Giving this way

enables you to bypass capital gains

tax. Gifts of securities are deductible up

to 30 percent of AGI.

nMke deductibe gift f e

estte nd vid txes

If you own appreciated real estate

that you no longer need, consider gift-

ing this property to the Foundation for

the benefit of your cherished United

Methodist cause. The Foundation will

sell your property tax-free, and you willreceive a charitable tax deduction for

the fair-market value of the property and

avoid paying capital gains tax.

n Chitbe gift nnuit nd

chitbe eminde tusts

If you are looking for ways to make a

tax-deductible gift this year and increase

your income for retirement or the future,

you might consider a charitable gift an-

nuity or charitable remainder trust.

With a gift annuity, you make a gift

of cash or appreciated property to the

Foundation and we pay you xed income

for life (with rates based on your age).

You receive a charitable deduction for

the value of your gift and a portion of

your payment could be tax-free.

If your gift is made to fund a chari-

table remainder trust, you can receive

income monthly, quarterly, or annually.

With growth in the trust, your income

stream may also grow over time. You re-

ceive a charitable deduction for your gift

this year and avoid paying capital gains

tax on the sale of your appreciated assets.

(The trust sells these for you tax-free.)

Contact the Foundation at 800-259-

6863 for more information on year-end

gifts.

We also have complimentary, cus-

tomizable, year-end giving brochures

available for churches and ministries.

Call Kristin at the Foundation to request

your year-end giving brochures.

The okhm United Methdist Fundtin Inc., 4201 Cssen Bvd., okhm Cit 73118; www.kumf.g; 800-259-6863

Panhandle campus

ministry makeover

The United Methodist StudentCenter (MSC) at Goodwell hasbeen blessed by volunteers from

several Woodward District church-

es. On Oct. 16, a workday drew

25 people to make repairs at the

center that serves Panhandle State

University. They upgraded lighting,xed emergency exits, and tackled

roong, guttering, painting, and

foundation work. Directing the ef-

fort was Don Heise, a member of

Victory Memorial UMC, Guymon,

and a trained Volunteers In Mission team

leader. A second workday is planned.

Campus minister is Jacki Banks. SeniorJacob Whiteley and sophomore Jake Barnes

are among MSC student leaders. From Tur-

pin, both are music majors and active in the

Thursday evening worship.

Our focus is about becoming more

rooted in our beliefs, becoming more than an

average Christianabout stepping up and

stepping out, Whiteley said. He welcomes

worship as a time, away from school, to re-

inforce his faith alongside other individuals.Barnes identied global hunger and

human trafcking as signicant issues for

MSC students.

Rev. Banks afrmed the student-driven

awareness projects. Goodwell is on a major

trucking route; law ofcers have investigat-

ed human smuggling and sex-trade crimes in

the thinly populated Oklahoma Panhandle.

Our school is just off the highway. We

want to be proactive and get the (safety)message out, Barnes said. God calls us to

help.

A recent hunger banquet spotlighted

needs both globally and locally; guest

speaker was from Guymons Loaves and

Fishes community pantry. On Tuesdays, a

free luncheon serves about 250 people.

PhotosprovidedbyBarryBennett

http://www.okumf.org/http://www.okumf.org/