February, 2016

“...encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association, Shawnee, OK ~ Dr. Russell R. Cook, Director of Missions Vol. 20, No. 2

Youth Pastors/Leaders Gathering

February 4, 2016, 6:30 p.m. at the PLBA Office

Speaker, Todd Sanders, Student Education BGCO

Anyone who works with youth is invited to this event. Meal catered by Rob’s Smokehouse

RSVP to Chris Groves at 405-277-6531 by February 1

EXECUTIVE

BOARD

February 8

10:30 a.m.

Thomas Jordan BGCO Church &

Employee Benefits Services

Guest Speaker

Support Team-9:00

Partnership Team–1:00

Lunch Provided

Please RSVP

ROSE DAY

Association

Website

www.plba.org

PLBA Office will be Closed February 15 for President’s Day

PRO-LIFE Rally

February 3 Oklahoma State

Capitol

4th Floor

Rose Distribution

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Pro-Life Rally-

House Chamber 11:45 a.m.

Southern Hills Baptist Church

Oklahoma City

February 29 & March 1

The cost this year is $50.00

Speakers include:

Bryan Chapell, Jim Shadix and Juan Sanchez

To Register: www.bgco.org/ministries/leadership/pop

The Association will be offering scholarships to pastors from PLBA churches

who register. Call Janice at 405-273-4558 for more details before February 18.

THE

PRIORITY OF PREACHING CONFERENCE

For more information or to register your church call 405-273-2105 before Thursday, February 4

Hershell Green-Director

March 5 ~ 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

$10 in advance, $15 at the door

Location

Portland Ave. Baptist Church

1301 N. Portland, OKC

PLBA WOMEN

“The Greatest of These Is Love” I Corinthians 13:1-8

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” Someone has called love the “circulatory system” of the body of Christ. Paul clearly states in this chapter the superiority of love over all other virtues or any of the spiritual gifts. God’s kind of love is characteristic of God’s essential nature (I John 4:8, “God is love”).

I. Genuine love is Enduring (vv. 1-3) A. It endures when there’s nothing else TO SAY (v. 1) B. It endures when there’s nothing else TO KNOW (v. 2a) C. It endures when there’s nothing else TO PREDICT (v. 2b) D. It endures when there’s nothing else TO BELIEVE (v. 2c) E. It endures when there’s nothing else TO GIVE (v. 3) II. Genuine love is EVIDENT (vv. 4-8) - evidences of love: A. Love is PATIENT (v. 4a) B. Love is KIND (v. 4b) C. Love is NOT JEALOUS (v. 4c) D. Love is NOT BOASTFUL (v. 4d) E. Love is NOT ARROGANT (v. 4e) F. Love is NOT UNBECOMING (v. 5a) G. Love is NOT SELF-SEEKING (v. 5b) H. Love is NOT PROVOKED (v. 5c) I. Love DOES NOT HOLD GRUDGES (v. 5d) J. Love DOES NOT REJOICE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 6a) K. Love REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH (v. 6b) L. Love BEARS ALL THINGS (v. 7a) M. Love BELIEVES ALL THINGS (v. 7b) N. Love HOPES ALL THINGS (v. 7c) O. Love ENDURES ALL THINGS (v. 7d) P. Love NEVER FAILS (v. 8a)

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” John 13:34-35). The Apostle Paul declared, “The fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Gal. 5:22). Of all the virtues a believer can develop and exhibit, “the greatest of these is love” (I Cor. 13:13).

- rrc

It Might Preach!

Word of Encouragement Words of Wisdom for the Preacher from Jerry Vines

(as printed in Southwestern News, Fall, 2015, page 17)

“Looking back over 62 years of preaching, I was greatly benefited by some words of wisdom from older, seasonal preachers. Here are some that helped me; they might help you as well” -Jerry Vines.

If you are in the ministry for any other reason but Jesus, you are destined to become a bitter old man. Give your mornings to God, your afternoons to the church

and your evenings to your family. Minister to your own family as you minister to other families. Preach through books of the Bible to teach your people

God’s Word and feed your own soul. Love the people...the mean ones, the ornery ones, the ir-

regular ones...all the people. Whatever unjust criticism you receive in the ministry, pass it

on to the Lord. Tell the Lord on them! “In summary, I would say to the newer or younger preachers: Keep yourself clean and healthy in mind and body, love your people with God’s love, faith-fully study and preach God’s Word and stay in one place as long as you can.”

Encouragingly yours, Russell Cook

Women’ Ministry Opportunity With the help of generous people and organizations, OBU International Student Services strives to provide the basic necessities for dorm life through Welcome Baskets, which meets the needs of the incoming Interna-tional Students and Missionary Kids (MKs). Many of these students are only allowed to bring a limited amount of personal items with them. This past fall, we had a large group come in needing baskets, which de-pleted our supply. About 12 new students will arrive on campus for the 2016 spring semester, most are male students. The main items needed are sheet sets: twin XL (male), twin (female), Comforters: twin XL (male), twin (female), laundry baskets or bags, plastic reusable plates, bowls, utensil set (fork, knife, spoon), shower caddies, towels and wash cloths. Monetary donations and Wal-mart gift cards are also accepted. Your help will be greatly appreciated. For more information, contact the International Student Services Office at 405-585-5285 or jennifer.barnett @okbu.edu. Donations will be received on campus at the Cargill Advance-ment and Alumni Center located on MacArthur.

A Nugget From My Spiritual Journey...

We recently helped move our daughter’s family to Arizona. We travelled through many different terrains (plains, mesas, high altitude mountains—some covered with pines, some covered with cacti—and deserts). They live in a desert now, but it is actually more of a beautiful oasis. Oddly, it is very close to the same area where we once had an associational partnership for six years. So, we personally have gotten to watch some of the incredible growth and transformation of the area happen in recent years. There are many people, businesses, and homes in that “desert” area, but also much uniquely beautiful vegetation. We saw multiple varieties of palm trees, evergreens, sage, mesquite, cacti, beautiful flowering plants, and pro-lific citrus fruit trees! How is all of this possible in a desert? Because there may not be as much rain as the rest of us are used to getting, but there is apparently enough water underground to support all of that life—human, animal, and vegetation! Underground streams and springs covered by the sands of a desert are a local hidden treasure. How amazing is that??? What once appeared desolate and apparently devoid of life and beauty can actually sustain life because of a hidden source of hydration/nutrition! Beauty and vitality are springing forth out of the most unlikely of places. The same can be true in each of our lives. At times we feel like we are in desolation and dryness and lack of vitality—yes, even in our spiritual lives. Yet, as Christians, we have residing within us living water—the Lord—Who wants so much to share with us His power, His strength, His sustenance, His life, His vitality, His beauty. We must never lose hope. One of the most helpful books I read during the energy-draining and sad time of caring for my parents as they finished their lives in the seeming stronghold of Alzheimer’s was STREAMS IN THE DESERT by L.B. Cowman. It is a soothing, encouraging, strengthening book of 366 daily devotions. I encourage you to get a copy and let it take YOU through your own personal desert times.

Marsha Cook, Director

BGCO WOMEN’S

RETREAT

April 22-23 ~ Falls Creek Conference Center

$75 until March 24 $85 after March 24 ~ Final deadline is April 4

Keynote Speakers: Lisa Harper & Liz Curtis Higgs

Worship Leader: Doug Matlock

Register today at http://www.bgcowomen.org/

Association Website — www.plba.org

Budget Receipts

TOTAL CHECKING AND SAVINGS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR Beginning Bal. Income Expenses Ending Bal. 12-1-15 12-31-15 Budget 38,951.33 18,723.93 23,985.66 33,689.60 Designated 172,812.31 178,178.47 Total Monies $211,763.64 211,868.07

PASTORS CHURCH Dec. ‘15 YTD

Churches listed in red are Pastorless Roger Shaw Agra, FBC 278.92 4,973.56 Dale Griffin, Int. Asher, FBC 200.22 2,086.48 Larry Sparks Blackburn Chapel 423.44 4,005.50 Albert May Carney, FBC .00 1,408.95 Rick Blackwell Chandler, FBC 793.00 9,971.22 Keith Henley Chandler Southern 303.11 3,484.73 Doug Parker Dale 36.95 417.89 Mike Mitchell Davenport, FBC 366.75 7,000.73 Mike Haines Deer Creek 252.67 3,318.11 Mark Streetman Earlsboro, FBC .00 300.00 Galen Greenwalt Earlsboro Indian .00 873.19 Wayne Knight Fairview 138.49 1,452.02 Dan Campbell Faith 350.18 3,622.94 Jeff Bruton Forest .00 .00 Lee Witt Hazel Dell 418.34 4,217.15 Tuney Ropp Hillside 995.49 12,840.92 Gary Nickerson Hilltop 605.63 6,568.24 Bryan Cook Hopewell .00 50.00 Billy Benson Macomb 154.00 1,911.69 Mike Hazelwood Mammoth 421.00 4,020.00 Bobby Shatto Maud, FBC .00 200.15 Butch Bradley Maud, Trinity 174.25 2,039.01 Shawn Crawley McLoud, Covenant Hope 195.58 692.51 Doug Henson McLoud, Emmanuel 472.82 6,005.77 Jerry Gray McLoud, Emmaus 122.01 1,276.37 Matt Halsted McLoud, FBC 96.76 1,041.91 Joe Jones Meeker, FBC 278.01 3,073.19 Jerry Jackson Morning Star 150.00 600.00 R.J. Stokes Mt. Pleasant .00 289.31 ___________ Newalla, New Life 687.75 8,230.73 Ed More Newalla, Pecan Valley 85.64 943.20 Mike Collyer Pink 304.38 3,629.83 Jim Morningstar Pioneer .00 610.00 Nathan Howard Pleasant Home 179.20 1,940.54 Tim Emmons Prague, FBC 509.89 6,393.70 Danny Napier, Int. Rock Creek 898.09 9,570.42 Gaspar Reyes Rock Creek Hispanic 36.06 289.18 Tony Black Romulus 208.85 2,531.78 Monte Dean Sh-Aydelotte 471.16 4,919.70 David Henry Sh-Calvary .00 .00 Ray Miller Sh-First 294.75 3,304.26 Spencer Davis, Int. Sh-First Indian .00 1,221.09 Anthony Rhone Sh-Galilee 75.00 925.00 Bob Dawson Sh-Good Shepherd Chapel .00 573.20 Jay Sampson Sh-Heritage .00 3,728.40 Todd Fisher Sh-Immanuel 2,182.68 25,062.80 _______________ Sh-Karis .00 .00 _______________ Sh-New Life .00 283.25 John York Sh-Oakland Chapel .00 154.80 _______________ Sh-Sallateeska .00 1,068.00 Mike Craig Sh-Temple 1,261.55 11,677.00 Larry Norris Sh-Trinity 174.21 1,923.93 Steve Dominy Sh-University 457.03 4,731.89 Kent Wooster Sh-Wallace Ave. .00 1,395.74 Perry Tripp Sparks, FBC 65.89 814.67 Faren Coody, Int. St. Louis, FBC 278.78 3,755.73 Ben Little Stroud, Disciple’s Way 2.30 42.63 James Bond Stroud, FBC 439.08 5,541.42 Tony Peak Tecumseh, FBC 1,158.43 11,200.19 Will Wilson Tecumseh, New Hope 50.00 550.00 Clint Dawkins Tecumseh, Sharon 709.99 8,885.88 Bob Fowler Tryon, FBC 193.05 2,197.27 Britt Lesley Wanette, FBC .00 1,829.45 Bill Howse Wanette, Victory Pointe .00 35.00 Russ Houser Wellston, Cornerstone .00 .00 Darrell Sullivan Wellston, FBC 442.55 4,536.49 Lane Buckley Wellston, Trinity 330.00 1,430.00 Donation .00 1,368.00 TOTAL $18,723.93 $225,036.71

Children’s Ministry Workshop April 2 at First Baptist Church, Meeker

Seminars include:

1. Preschool,

2. Incorporating Missions into your Children’s Ministry

3. How to host camp for kids on a tight budget

4. Children’s camp ideas and resources

5. Group and Lifeway VBS presentation

6. Make and take crafts for your Children’s Ministry

God's Awesome Word Event

April 1, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m.

Immanuel Baptist Church, Shawnee

$5 per person or $20 per family

Presented by

PLBA Marriage and Family Ministry Team

Trinity Baptist Church, Wellston

Invites you to join them for a

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Wellston High School Gym

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Beast Feast begins at 5:30 p.m.

Featuring: Chris Griffin

For tickets and more information contact Lane Buckley @ 615-8600

Fun Food Fellowship Prizes

February 19 & 20

Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center Register at skopos.org/yec

Staff Needed Incorrect information...

please call the Association office, 405.273.4558.

Church News Please let us know of any upcoming events or news

from your church!

FIRST, SPARKS is taking resumes for bi-vocational music minister for blended ser-vices. Please send resumes to: Sparks FBC, c/o Earl Hall, 349117 E 980 Rd, Sparks, OK 74869, or email to: lori.foley@ymail.com. (Perry Tripp, Pastor)

FIRST, TRYON is taking resumes for bi-vocational youth/music minister, a small salary is included. Please send resumes to: Tryon FBC, P.O. Box 95, Tryon, OK 74875 or call 405-606-5621. (Bob Fowler, Pastor)

KARIS MINISTRIES is taking resumes for a F/T or BI/VO pastor. Please send your resumes to Pastor Search Committee , 219 E. Jefferson, Tecumseh, OK 74873

SALLATEESKA, SHAWNEE is prayerfully seeking a Bi-Vocational pastor. Please send resumes to Sallateeska Baptist Church, Attn. Pulpit Committee, P.O. Box 1842, Shawnee, OK 74802.

UNIVERSITY, SHAWNEE is seeking applicants for the position of part-time Minister to Youth. Email resume to Personnel Committee, University Baptist Church steve.dominy@gmail.com. (Steve Dominy, Pastor)

February 3 Rose Day-State Capitol 4th floor (Rally 11:45 a.m.)

4 Youth Pastors/Leaders Gathering-PLBA Office 6:30 p.m.

6 RA Racer Derby-Immanuel ~ Registration 8:00 a.m.

8 Executive Board Meeting-PLBA Office 10:30 a.m.

7-14 National Marriage Week

14 Valentine’s Day

14 Racial Reconciliation Sunday

15 Presidents’ Day-Assn. Office CLOSED

19-20 YEC ~ Falls Creek Conference Center

28 OBU in our churches

29 & March 1 Priority of Preaching Conference, Southern Hills, OKC

Director of Missions .............................................. Dr. Russell Cook, 405.273.4558 Moderator ................................................................... David Henry, 405.275.3450 Vice Moderator ............................................................. Will Wilson, 405-598-6430 Treasurer ................................................................... Clint Dawkins, 405.273.5502 Clerk & Office Manager .......................................... Janice Maynard, 405.273.4558 Media Manager .......................................................... Tanya Bruton, 405.273.4558 Discipleship Director .............................................. Mike Hazelwood, 405.279.2451 Family Director ....................................................... Shawn Crawley, 405.229.5813 Worship Director ....................................................... Jason Henson, 405.273.2105 Missions Director ....................................................... Kirk Holloway, 405.258.0175 Support Director ................................................... Dr. Russell Cook, 405.273.4558 Youth Minister ............................................................. Chris Groves, 405.760.5444 Licensed Counselor ....................................................... Brett Ellard, 405.275.2222 Licensed Counselor ................................................... Larry Roberts, 405.275.2222

CHANDLER SOUTHERN called Chase Rosado as their youth minister/ director on January 10, 2016. May God bless you and your ministry. (Keith Henley, Pastor)

OBU in our Churches February 28 & March 6

This year OBU is asking each church to find

someone within your church to talk about their

experience at OBU. They will also be offering a

video if no one is available to speak. If you would like more infor-

mation pleases call Dale Griffin at 405-585-5700.

Birthdays 4 Mrs. Jane Hazelwood 18906 13th Street Shawnee, OK 74801 Former Pastor’s Wife 8 Mrs. Leigh (Will) Wilson 1930 River Birch Dr. Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor’s Wife, New Hope 15 Mrs. Wynnelle Robinson 6 Jarrot Drive Shawnee, OK 74801 Former Pastor’s Wife 16 Mrs. Jeanne (Lee) Witt 39208 Moccasin Trail Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor’s Wife, Hazel Dell 19 Mrs. Kira (Nathan) Howard 130 E 45th Street Apt. 15 E Shawnee, OK 74804 Pastor’s Wife, Pleasant Home 22 Mrs. Sondra (Galen) Greenwalt 54 Father Joe Murphy Dr. Shawnee, OK 74801 Pastor’s Wife, Earlsboro Indian

22 Mrs. Candace (Keith) Henley 136 Meadow Lane Chandler, OK 74834 Pastor’s Wife, Chandler Southern 22 Mrs. Barbara (Britt) Lesley PO Box 159 Wanette, OK 74878 Pastor’s Wife, First, Wanette 28 Mrs. Pat Blair 1130 E Independence Apt. 319 Shawnee, OK 74804 Former Pastor’s Wife

Anniversaries 13 Rev. & Mrs. Bobby Shatto PO Box 867 Maud, OK 74854 Pastor, First, Maud 14 Rev. & Mrs. Britt Lesley PO Box 159 Wanette, OK 74878 Pastor, First, Wanette

REGISTRATION $65 By February 4 ~ $75 After

bgcoworship.org/leadershipsummit

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016

February 22 Council Road Baptist Church, Bethany

Topics include: Use of stems and loops in worship Creating a modern worship environment Planning Center online in-depth training How to run a sound check Developing a flow in worship services