Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 156, Number 48 • April 2, 2010

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

n The Upper Room—75 years of devotion. Special section

www.okumc.org n Summit yields ideas to recruit clergy, 4A

Hungry to serve
Working in shifts on a Sunday
morning at OKC-Church of the
Servant, more than 1,200 people
pack more than 100,000 meals
for a school feeding program in
Africa. “Stop Hunger Now” was
hugely successful, church
leaders agreed. Volunteers took
part both in worship and in the
mission project—an exceptional
pairing on a Sunday morning at
Church of the Servant. Pastor
Robert Gorrell said young adults
especially want to move
beyond talking about their faith
and do things that transform
the world for Christ. He said
the March 7 effort brought new
people to the church that day.
Story, page 8A.

New on
the ‘Net:
www.okumc.org
The Oklahoma Conference has a new online presence,
with new and enhanced features, at www.okumc.org.
One new, interactive feature is OKVideo. This is the
place to upload videos from your church, youth group, mis-
sion team, or other groups, to share with United Methodists
everywhere. The Department of Communications wel-
comes your video submissions, which are approved before
release online.
You now can search for churches by geographical
area. Using the zip code field, select one of the radius
searches.
With Google translator, found on each page of the
Web site, you can select the language of your choice and
text will be translated for you.
Volunteer Opportunities, which appear in the “About Us”
section, spotlight current mission and ministry needs of our
Conference. Churches are encouraged to submit their
volunteer opportunities. All posts will be considered for
this bulletin board. Upon approval, they will appear as Vol-
unteer Opportunities. Are you looking for places to serve?
Click on the opportunities to get more details and learn who
to contact.
In the enhanced calendar section, a new feature
called ical allows you to download the Oklahoma Confer-
ence’s calendars into your own computer or cell phone
calendar applications.
These are just a few of the new features. We invite you
to explore the site to learn more.

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit 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.
Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010

‘The Great Oklahomans’ Specialist in Older Adult ministry

Notable speakers in leadership series
A group of outstanding
Oklahomans who are United
Methodists will share their
personal life lessons this month
in “The Great Oklahomans,” a
leadership training series for the
public. They are:
• Paula Marshall, owner of
Bama Companies;
• Harold Hamm, CEO of
Continental Resources;
• Bob Parker, chairman
emeritus of Parker Drilling;
• Ret. Major Gen. William
Bowden, former commander of
Tinker Air Force Base;
• Tom McDaniel, president
of Oklahoma City University;
• Bishop Robert Hayes of
the Oklahoma Area.
• Also speaking will be Brent
Price, who played professional
basketball. He is of the Baptist
faith.
More information about
the presenters is showcased at
www.greatoklahomans.com.
All these leaders will speak
Register online at:
www.greatoklahomans.
com, or by phone: 580-
237-2041. Clergy discount
of $50 is available, all
faith affiliations. Continu-
ing Education Units are
­offered.
at each of three events:
• April 9—Enid-First UMC
• April 12—Tulsa-Asbury UMC
•April 16—OKC-St. Luke’s UMC
Among the sponsors is the
Oklahoma United Methodist
Foundation.
Bill Junk, president of the
Foundation, said, “We are fortu-
nate to have such a high caliber
of leaders within Oklahoma and
our denomination. The wisdom
shared from just one of the
‘Great Oklahomans’ speakers
would be an unforgettable ex-
perience, let alone a day with
all six speakers.”
People who attend an event
will gain lessons of leadership
readily applicable to their own
lives and also will support glob-
al efforts to save children’s lives
through their registration.
The major portion of each
registration is designated for the
Global Polio Eradication Initia-
tive, through Rotary, and the
Nothing But Nets campaign of
The United Methodist Church.
Organizer for “The Great
Oklahomans” is David Wiggs,
pastor of Enid-First.
“Our leaders can help de-
velop even more leaders for the
good of our state and to make
a greater difference for good in
the world,” stated Rev. Wiggs
in an advance brochure.
Wiggs said special emphasis
at each event will be given to the
ideal of serving people as good
ethics, good business, and a su-
perior foundation for success.
Other program sponsors are
OCU, Autry Technology Center,
and Rotary International.
will teach in Oklahoma City
“It is highly likely that, by 2030,
adults age 65 and older will outnum-
ber both children and youth” in the
United States.
—Quote by Richard Gentzler, director,
Center on Aging and Older Adult Minis-
tries, UM General Board of Discipleship
In light of this tremendous demo-
graphic shift, the Oklahoma Confer-
ence Older Adult Council is working
to resource churches as they plan min-
istries for, with, and by older adults.
“Fully Alive, Fully Mature!” will be
offered April 30-May 1 at OKC-First
Church, to help churches energize their
Senior Adult Ministries.
Presenter will be Rev. Dr. Gentzler,
who is recognized nationally as a teach-
er and leader in the field of aging and
older adult ministries. An adjunct pro-
fessor at Wesley Theological Seminary,
Washington, D.C., he teaches courses
on aging and related ministries.
His nine books include “Aging and
Ministry in the 21st Century” and “The
Graying of the Church.”
Teams of three or four people from
each church are encouraged to attend.
Registration fee is $15 if
received by April 16. Saturday
lunch is included. A group dis-
count is available. Contact Ann
Browning at the United Methodist
Ministry Center, Oklahoma City,
abrowning@okumc.org, 405-
530-2199.
Clergy can earn Continuing Education
Units. Topics are:
• Myths and realities of aging;
• Spirituality and aging;
• Designing an older adult ministry,
which includes a survey; and
• Intentional ministry with older
adults, presenting ministry models and
visioning.
The event begins Friday evening
and continues through Saturday. Bev-
erly Alexander of Perry will provide
musical entertainment, and a book
signing is scheduled.
For more information, contact
George Shepherd, McFarlin UMC,
Norman, 405-321-3484, ext. 109.

OIMC Youth Day tops all attendance records

For many years, the University-
Church Relations team at OCU has
welcomed young persons and their
families from the Oklahoma Indian
Missionary Conference (OIMC)
for a special day filled with activi-
ties and worship. This cooperative
event is planned jointly by OIMC
young people and students from
the Wesley Center at OCU.
Several months ago, these
groups decided to revisit the pur-
pose for the day and see if changes
should be made to more effectively
address current needs of the young
people who attend.
That effort yielded great results
and record-breaking attendance at
the 2010 OIMC Youth Day, held on
campus Saturday, Feb. 20.
Approximately 300 individu-
als, representing 25 churches, at-
tended Youth Day.
The Cookson/Canterbury charge
had the largest participation by a
group. The award to the group trav-
eling farthest was well deserved;
that honor went to Lawrence Indian
Church, for traveling more than
300 miles from Lawrence, Kan., to
participate in the day.
Some of the changes this year
included scheduling the event
earlier in the year and at an earlier
time of day.
Lunch was moved to the Freede
Center, allowing easy access to the
free-throw contest site and oppor-
tunity for others to visit and play
games in the same area. Dr. Sharon
Betsworth, Wimberly School of
Religion director, happily accepted
the invitation from participants to
visit with a professor.
OCU students enrolled in the
American Indian Scholarship Pro-
gram were on hand to share their
stories and help with the event.
Bishop’s Scholars assisted with
games and led tours of the campus.
Kendall Weimer from the Admis-
sions Office shared information
with high school juniors and se-
niors about applying to attend OCU
and financial aid opportunities.
The closing worship service
featured Native hymns led by par-
ticipants from across the Confer-
ence. Mike Svitak, pastor of New
Hope UMC in Dewey, was the
preacher. His message, “Dreams Photo provided by Josephine Deere
and Visions,” encouraged young
Participants work together during a scavenger hunt, one of
persons and adults to claim their
the icebreakers for OIMC Youth Day.
identity and heritage as Christian
Native people. religion major, for coordinating the more about the American Indian
After the service, many at- day. This intergenerational event is Scholarship program. Each year,
tended the basketball game and always one of the highlights of the OCU awards 15 scholarships—
cheered the OCU men to a home year in the ministry of The United covering tuition, fees, basic room
victory. Methodist Church on the OCU and board, and books—to qualify-
Special thanks go to Josephine campus. ing American Indian students who
Deere of the OIMC Conference of- OIMC Youth Day also is a great choose to pursue their education
fice staff and to Erin Floyd, a junior opportunity for participants to learn at OCU.

The Oklahoma United Methodist

Phone: 405-530-2075 Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator
Joseph Harris, director of communications Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design
Fax: 405-530-2093 Holly McCray, editor of publications Amelia Ballew, The Media Center
To subscribe, send mailing information
1501 N.W. 24th and $15 to our address at left. Sign up online for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter. Find information at www.okumc.org.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@okumc.org. Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: April 23.
 Page 3A
“When Jesus arrived, he found that La-
zarus had already been in the tomb four days.
Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some 2
miles away, and many of the Jews had come
to Martha and Mary to console
them about their brother...
“Martha said to Jesus,
‘Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have
died. But even now I know that
God will give you whatever
you ask of Him.’ Jesus said
to her, ‘Your brother will rise
again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I
know that he will rise again
in the resurrection on the last
day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am Bishop Hayes
the resurrection and the life.
Those who believe in me, even though they
die, will live.’”
—(John 11:17-19 and 21-25, NRSV)
Part 3
(An imaginary and personal
encounter)
By Bob Hayes
N
Reporter for the OKUMC Press
ear BETHANY, Israel—Can
you ever recall a time in your
life when the air was so charged
with electricity that you sensed something
was about to happen?
This was one of those times.
I had been camped just outside of
Bethany, which is only a stone’s throw from
Jerusalem, with Jesus and his disciples. I’ve
been traveling with this remarkable man as
he makes his way to the Holy City to observe
3 churches join to launch Tulsa worship service
On Feb. 21, three churches in Tulsa
combined efforts to launch a new evening
worship experience called “Connexion.”
Instead of competing for members,
Southern Hills, Trinity, and Christ churches
connected to create a fresh worship experi-
ence that they hope will attract people who
are not drawn to traditional church services.
The three pastors—Ashley Green-Young,
Shelly Coulter, and Jeff Jaynes—already
had connected as good friends, said Rev.
Green-Young.
The connected ministries of The United
Methodist Church are historic within the
denomination but not always understood in
current churches. Rev. Coulter said, “We all
have different first names but the same last
name: United Methodist Church. We simply
want to make that connection more visible,
and use our combined resources to make a
difference in our world.”
The name “Connexion” comes from the
old British way of describing the Methodist
movement, but Rev. Green-Young noted it has
modern meaning, too. “We talk about Wi-Fi
connections, Facebook connections, and other
social networks. What we are forming is a new
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop
The story of Lazarus
the yearly Jewish Passover.
Throughout this journey I have witnessed
so many people pressing in on him—to see
him, hear him, even just to touch his clothing.
This has been an unbelievable
experience! When we were
in the village of Bethsaida, I
witnessed him healing a blind
man; in the city of Caesarea
Philippi I got close enough to
hear him ask, “Who do people
say I am?”
And all along the way I
have noticed people who have
delivered warnings of danger
to Jesus. They tell him to stay
away from Jerusalem because
Herod has threatened Jesus’
life. He shuns those warnings; he simply says
he has a date with destiny.
The disciples and I have no idea what that
means. We have continued to follow him,
simply to be in his presence.
But I admit this reporter has felt a grow-
ing sense of apprehension. As it turned out,
my instincts about something happening
came true.
Late one night at the campsite, word
reached Jesus that the brother of Mary and
Martha—Lazarus—was ill. They asked Jesus
to come right away to their Bethany home.
But instead of going immediately to see
about his friend, Jesus chose to stay camped
out two more days! And, when asked why he
didn’t go at once, Jesus said, “I am glad I was
not there—just so you could believe.”
Jesus says a lot of things I don’t un-
social network, a community of individuals
coming together for a common purpose.”
That first worship service drew 30 young
people, which doubled the number from the
group’s “launch team.”
Rev. Jaynes reported, “Our goal was
worship—there is nothing more important
for Christians than worship—but secondarily
we wanted to create momentum. This service
succeeded on both fronts. Several people told
me after the service they knew exactly who
they would invite to the next service.”
He described the liturgy, which offered
a fresh way of looking at ancient forms of
worship. It followed the pattern for Word and
Table, in the UM Book of Worship. The group
met in Trinity’s activity center, rather than
derstand, and that remark was yet another
mystery.
I certainly know that Bethany means
“house of misery,” and that meaning became
so applicable when we learned later that
Lazarus had died. Jesus knew Mary and
Martha would be angry and sorrowful, but
he informed us that he was ready at last to
go to Bethany to see his friend.
Among ourselves, his followers mur-
mured, “Why?” If Lazarus was already dead,
why was there any need for us to go?
When we arrived at the house of Mary
and Martha, people from all over the com-
munity had already gathered, to console the
sisters. Mary was so mad that she didn’t even
come out to greet Jesus.
Martha charged at him, declaring, “If
you had been here, my brother would not
have died!” Jesus tried to reassure her, but
I saw that her pain and loss were so heavy
she could neither hear nor understand what
Jesus was saying.
Jesus used words that I never before
have heard a human being say. He said to
Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.
Those who believe in me, even though they
die, will live.”
Quickly I looked at the faces of those
close enough to hear what Jesus said. I
couldn’t believe my own ears. What did he
say? Did he say he is the resurrection? Does
he mean that he has the power over life and
death? Can this be true?
Then Jesus walked to the tomb where
Lazarus had been buried. He asked that the
stone covering the grave be rolled away. The
sanctuary, and creative lighting and furniture
arrangement was important.
“Some of my members didn’t even rec-
ognize their own activity center!” Coulter
said. “It was amazing to see our building
transformed for ‘Connexion’ worship. This is
a great way for us to reach new people, more
diverse people, and more young people living
right here in our community.”
The evening began with gathering time
and food. Participants then moved to round
tables, with a central altar table, for sing-
ing and prayer. Music was provided by
leaders from Christ UMC. Lectio Divina, a
centuries-old way of reading Scripture, was
led by Becky Pierson. Each table discussed
the Scriptures, and Jaynes concluded with his
April 2, 2010
pain and disbelief of Mary, Martha, and all of
us brought him to tears. In a prayerful voice,
he thanked God for always being present to
hear him and asked that God’s power work
through him.
Loudly, he called, “Lazarus, come out!”
And suddenly I saw! The dead man came
out of his tomb! He was still bound in strips
of cloth, from face to feet, and Jesus said to
shocked onlookers, “Unbind him, and let
him go!”
It was the day that death died. Now I
am able to solve the mysteries surrounding
who Jesus is! With this single act of defeat-
ing death, everything becomes crystal clear.
New life—eternal life—is suddenly more
than possibility—it now is a promise to those
who believe!
What a fitting end to a story that has taken
me into the heart of the Christian message.
So this reporter is signing off—Wait!—I
realize this story has not ended. Another
chapter awaits Jesus, in the city of Jerusalem,
on a hill called Calvary.
And, deep within my heart, now I some-
how know that YOU are the person who can
finish the story. You will record what happens
on that dark Friday and on that glorious Eas-
ter morning. Only you can describe what you
see, hear, and tell others.
My fervent Easter prayer is that your
first words on that “­great getting-up morn-
ing” will be the same words of the angels,
the women, and the disciples: HE LIVES!
HE LIVES!
(“In That Great Getting Up Morning” is by gospel
singer Mahalia Jackson.)
application of the story of Jesus’ temptation
in the wilderness.
After further prayer, Holy Communion
was offered at four prayer stations in the room:
a tent for personal prayer time (alone in the
wilderness), and table displays representing
temptations in money, fame, and power.
Announcements for each church’s activi-
ties concluded the service.
“The worship leaders from my church
sent out messages after the service about
what great worship we had,” Rev. Green-
Young said.
“Connexion” now meets on a monthly
basis at Trinity UMC, plus Wednesday night
fellowship at a restaurant. A service compo-
nent also is integral to the ministry.
“Anytime there are five Sundays in a
month, we will use that fifth Sunday to serve
our neighbors,” Jaynes said. “Worship is not
just getting together to sing songs or hear
Scripture; it is also how we live each day. We
want to worship through service in addition
to our regular worship service.”
For more information, contact Jaynes,
918-743-2013, pastor@shumc-tulsa.com; or
find “ConnexionTulsa” on Facebook.
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010

‘Women of the Word’

For Denney, a Capitol opportunity to help others
Editor’s note: Laywoman Lee Denney of I won and still hold that office. My district
Cushing talked with writer Cindy Mason about
new routes her faith journey has taken.
is mainly Payne County and part of Logan
County. I don’t see my job as any different
Stories celebrate women
By Lee Denney from my participation in my church. I see
with Cindy Mason them both as a means to help people.
In 2008, my daughter and I accompanied From pulpits, at ­disasters,
I am a lifelong member of First Church
in Cushing.  My parents always had me in
Wesley church in Shawnee on a mission trip around a board table,
to Rio Bravo, Mexico. We built a casita for a
church. As a youth, wonderful family. 
around campus—women
I was active in Meth- At the urging of my of The United Methodist
odist Youth Fellow- district superintendent, Church in Oklahoma pro-
ship. I attended Bertha Potts, I took
camp. I have always claim God’s good news.
leader training from
sung in choir; I have Volunteers In Mission Read their inspiring stories
sung in our Chancel and led a team from the of transformation and
choir for 37 years. Stillwater District to
I would say I have witness in the Spring 2010
Belen, Costa Rica, in
had a very fortunate the summer of 2009. We edition of Contact, the
faith journey. A new started building a se- Magazine. You also can
aspect of my journey
is mission work be-
curity wall around the read the stories online.
church and led a Vaca-
yond the local com- tion Bible School for
Go to wwww.okumc.org.
munity. about 60 children. 
I am United Meth- It was an incredible
odist to the bone—I experience. They are
believe The United doing so much down At the Capitol, we are privileged to have ———
Methodist Church there with so little. Bib- ministers from several denominations pray- Lee and Frank Denney married in 1977,
leads with grace. lically we are called to ing with us each day and delivering mes- and Frank joined Cushing-First that same
We accept others for have empathy for one sages to us once a week. These messages are year. Both are veterinarians. They have two
who they are and let 'The United Methodist another and help one always inspirational.  children, Will, who is a student in the Great
God work with their
bobbles.  Our faith Church leads with grace' another. I try to live my faith daily at the Capitol. I Wall MBA program with Oklahoma City
As a representative, am in my office Monday through Thursday University; and Kate, a third-year pharmacy
journey, my faith —Rep. Lee Denney I have the opportunity and work directly in my district on Friday. student. 
journey, is just that— to help people access I do try to keep Sundays for my family and Lee has served in a number of posts at
not an event but a journey, a process.  their state government. To truly help people, church. Cushing-First, including as a trustee and
We take our faith outside the walls of the especially in these economic times, the Living my faith means I don’t thump my as director, teacher, and music director for
church to help others.  Church and state government need to work Bible at the Capitol, but I try to make deci- VBS. She has taken Disciple Bible Study
In 2004 I ran for office as a member of together to maximize our efforts. It is our sions that are connected to my faith—some- I-III. She is on the Stillwater District Mis-
the (Oklahoma) House of Representatives. Christian duty. times consciously, often subconsciously. sions committee.

Legislator honored for child advocacy

State Rep. Harold Wright of Weatherford
was honored March 4 at the State Capitol by
a coalition of child welfare agencies for his
long history of child advocacy.
The coalition, Oklahoma Care, named
Rep. Wright as the recipient of its Terry
Hyman Legislator of the Year Award. The
award is named for the late Rep. Hyman,
who died in 2008. Since joining the legis-
lature in 2009, Wright has stepped forward
in support of legislative proposals to protect
children and youth and to strengthen families
in Oklahoma, the coalition noted.
“We see over 2,000 bills in the House
alone each year. If I can help with legislation
at this point that deals with kids, that’s a good
deal,” Wright said.
Wright, a grandparent, is a member of
Weatherford-First UMC and former chair-
man of the Oklahoma United Methodist
Circle of Care. He has taught Sunday school
classes for fourth- and fifth-graders at his
home church. He also has been a Boy Scout
volunteer. For the Oklahoma Conference,
he has been a General and Jurisdictional
Conference delegate.
Prior to his election to the Legislature,
Wright devoted countless hours and energy
to the Board of Directors of the Circle of
Care, reported officials of the agency. Wright
served eight years as board chairman.
He oversaw the almost complete rebuild-
Attending foster care support program.
the award His pastor initially asked Wright to con-
presentation sider Circle of Care for volunteer service be-
on March 4 yond his home church. “In the radio business,
at the Capitol I dealt mostly with sales and management.
are, from left, Working with kids through Circle of Care
Carol and gave me a great deal of satisfaction to do
Harold Wright more to help in another way,” Wright said.
and Circle of He saw confidence and good communica-
Care officials tion skills grow within the young people he
Don Batson met at Boy’s Ranch and Children’s Home.
and Lissa “Circle of Care gave them lots of tools
Wright. to help them get along in life,” Wright said.
“Some kids may not have that kind of leader-
Photo by ship at home. Sometimes it is necessary to be
Tod Bryant able to have a young person in an institution,
like Boy’s Ranch, where they can get outside
of their environment and start a new life.
“Circle of Care is an outstanding ministry.
I challenge the members of our Conference to
ing of Children’s Home in Tahlequah and realize there are always kids out there who need
Boy’s Ranch in Gore. He was instrumental help. This ministry is only limited by dollars.”
in development of Holsinger Home in Oklahoma Care is a nonprofit network of
Enid, a professional foster home for sibling public and private agencies, such as Circle of
groups or other children with special needs, Care, that work together to provide quality
and in development of the Child SHARE care to troubled children and their families.
 Page 5A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010

Is God calling you? A primary goal for the Oklahoma Conference

Strategic Plan is to recruit, assess, equip, and send
spiritual leaders. Fruitful congregations will cultivate a
culture of call. They will offer ways for people to tell
the stories of how God is working in their lives and
Leaders brainstorm big issues for clergy develop church leaders at all age levels.

“Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. 40 people who are preparing for clergy “The Church in Crisis.” He said, “We are closing more
Give yourselves to him, that you may careers. churches than we are having new-church starts. The only
belong to him. The youngest Elder would be age 25 denominations growing today are those that are prolifi-
Christ has many services to be done … or 26 due to educational requirements, he cally starting new churches. If we can move more aggres-
It is necessary, then, that we consider what said, and Local Pastors are often second- sively toward more church starts, then the percent of young
it means to be a servant of Christ.” career people. Elders must hold seminary clergy and the need for them will increase tremendously.”
—from Wesley’s Covenant Service, degrees, which are not required for Local
The United Methodist Book of Worship. Pastors.
Specific plans

A s the new year began, a special

meeting about the servants of
Christ was convened at the Conference
headquarters in Oklahoma City.
Led by Sam Powers and Craig Stinson
of the Annual Conference Council (ACC),
the Summit on Ministerial Recruitment
explored some big issues. Among them:
Where are our churches?
Where are our new ministers coming
from?
What needs to happen in the local
church for effective ministerial recruitment?
If the Conference made ministerial recruit- Clergy receive
ment a priority, what might it look like? Communion and kneel
The outcome of the Jan. 7 summit: spe- to pray during the Jan. 19 asked to provide input on “best practices”
cific goals for 2010, set by representatives Orders Meeting at
of the various Conference entities that took OKC-St. Luke's.
part in the meeting.
“Let’s look at where we’re headed in the future for min-
istry and maybe do a reset,” said Rev. Powers. “Let’s share
in the wisdom of the group. The Holy Spirit will hopefully
work through us so that we can help the local church help
people find God’s call on their lives.”
What churches are growing?
Rev. Stinson compared worship attendance statistics for
529 churches in the state. He reported about one-third of
them have higher attendance now than they did five years
ago.
Then he sought to identify which churches are in that 34
percent.
“It had nothing to do with how big you started out or
with whether the population was thriving,” Stinson ex-
plained. “About one-third of small, medium, and large
churches are growing.”
Surprisingly, he found that levels of clergy training
impacted his findings.
He said, “Full-time Local Pastors are growing their
churches at a 39 percent rate. Probationary elders, 48
percent. The highest percentage is 57 percent, by part-time
Local Pastors.”
He noted 24 percent attendance growth in congregations
listed as “To Be Supplied” (no appointed pastor). Of the 240
churches led by full-time Elders, 28 percent are growing.
“If I was talking to Elders, I would say, ‘We came in at 4
points above nobody at all,’” said Stinson, who is an Elder.
“What are the implications about this for ministerial
recruitment? What do we give people in the training tool
box? Should we think strategically about what we should
do regarding Local Pastors?”
Who are our pastors?
Representing the Board of Ordained Ministry, Doyle
Sharp provided data about clergy in the Conference. He
said 335 elders, 35 deacons, and 114 Local Pastors cur-
rently serve, plus clergy in other categories.
Rev. Sharp said the board annually works with about
Sharp also reported district totals of
certified ministerial candidates, as of early
2010. Those with the most candidates
were Tulsa District, with 18, and Musko-
gee, 15.
Oklahoma Conference ranks fifth
nationally in the number of clergy younger
than 35, noted Jack Terrell-Wilkes, coordi-
nator of Ministerial Recruitment/Nurture
for the Conference.
Terrell-Wilkes said, “We are track-
ing a total of 106 students enrolled at nine
seminaries, and many are listed as certified
candidates for ministry.”
He added that the Conference was
developed by the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry for recruiting.
What needs to happen?
“If the need is great for Local Pastors, that changes
how we recruit. We have some very effective Local Pas-
tors,” said Muskogee District Superintendent Linda Harker.
“We need to lift that up. That might be one of the most
effective ways you can minister in a community.”
Maggie Ball of Oklahoma City University pointed to
Lay Speaking training as “a strong place for second-career
people to plug in to ministry.”
Others at the summit spoke about clergy morale—
“if you as a pastor are excited about your job, that’s an
encouragement to other pastors.” They urged spiritual
formation through small groups and nurturing a culture of
call throughout the Conference.
Mike Chaffin, dean of the Cabinet, referenced the book
www.okumc.org/strategicplan
The group named a number of ways each church can—
and often does—help people identify what God calls them
to do. Lay people tell their testimonies. Leadership regu-
larly rotates. Young people attend summer camps. Mission
opportunities are offered.
“Think about all kinds of categories of people,” Stinson
urged, “from Local Pastors who have lived where they are
all their lives to those of us who itinerate throughout the
state. What does this group need to do?”
Here are some responses.
The Department of Congregational Development will
ask Edmond-Acts 2 about its successful recruiting efforts.
The Commission on Religion and Race will share its
sensitivity-training program.
Camps ministry will re-emphasize sharing call stories
in its curriculum; design a discernment retreat; and create a
mechanism to record stories of call to share with churches,
district superintendents, and others.
The Board of Ordained Ministry will form a subcom-
mitte on ministerial recruitment.
Diana Northcutt, as director of Discipleship for Small-
Membership Churches, will write a commitment service.
The Department of Communications will develop on-
line training for Staff-Parish Relations Committees.
The Council on Young Adult Ministry will continue to
help fund participation by young people at singular events
that have theological education components.
The Cabinet will work with the Ministerial Recruit-
ment Task Force on building relationships with seminary
students. District superintendents will welcome one-on-one
conversations with people who have identified a call.
“Go forward and put these ideas into action,” Powers
said. “This is important to who we are in the Conference
and what we want to accomplish.” —Holly McCray
Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010

Bolivian folk musicians

trumpet Christ’s cause
By Aloise McCullough
A concert-and-dinner series in
March met with mild success in rais-
ing money for Methodist ministries
in Bolivia, South America.
Sponsored by the Bolivia/Okla-
homa Conference Partnership Com-
mittee, the events were March 6-9
at five Oklahoma United Methodist
churches. “We’ve had the partnership
for 23 years,” said David Stephenson,
chairperson of the committee and
Skiatook pastor.
Anyi, a three-member Bolivian
folk-music group, performed as part
of their “Midwest Tour.”
At OKC-Chapel Hill and Musko-
gee-St. Paul’s churches, Anyi’s music
and potato bar meals raised money to
complete two Methodist churches in
El Alto, Bolivia.
“These are two churches that are
in the fastest-growing cities in the
Western Hemisphere and one of the
poorest parts,” Rev. Stephenson said
of Manantial de Vida (River of Life)
Church and Nueva Canaan (New
Canaan) Church.
The events at Chapel Hill and
Muskogee-St. Paul’s raised $2,000
for River of Life Church and almost
$3,000 for New Canaan, Stephenson
reported.
New Canaan needs $3,000 for
a new sanctuary roof, he said, and
the fund-raiser appeared to meet
that goal.
Chapel Hill’s Mission Commit-
tee gave an additional $5,000 for
construction materials for River of
Life.
The Bolivian congregation, cur-
rently a house church, needs funds to
finish the floor of its new building.
That goal appears to be met, too,
Stephenson said. Chapel Hill Vol-
unteers In Mission have ministered
there in the past.
The three concerts and dinners
at Norman-McFarlin, Owasso-First,
and Tulsa-First raised money for
Engineers in Action, another branch
of the Bolivia-Oklahoma Conference
partnership. Almost $25,000 total
has been raised for that ministry,
Stephenson said.
At Chapel Hill church, the
folk musicians said they enjoyed
performing at the concerts.
“We are helping engineers in
order to keep this project going on
behalf of the poorest communities,”
said Juan Carlos, the leader of Anyi.
“We have to learn how to live to-
gether in friendship and solidarity.”
Carlos, Mirtha Carrazana, and
Lucas Conrady played more than
five instruments for an appreciative
audience.
“It was great communication
with the audience,” said Conrady.
“We feel very good.”
The Oklahomans they encoun- Pastor Robert Rose greets a member of Anyi, a folk-music
tered showed a distinct awareness group from Bolivia, when their tour stopped at his church,
of Bolivian history, said Carrazana. OKC-Chapel Hill UMC.
“The people are very nice. They are
sweet and have a lot of respect.” together,” he said. we’ll have to do some evaluations on
Audience members also ex- The partnership began in 1986 our part,” he said.
pressed enthusiasm about the effort. between the Evangelical Methodist Stephenson reported Church
Bob Macemon, choir director Church of Bolivia and Oklahoma membership in Bolivia has grown
for Yukon-Good Shepherd UMC, Volunteers In Mission. Since then, from 80,000 to more than 1 million
went to the concert with his wife, 647 mission teams and 831 people during the years of the partnership,
Margaret. He said they attended have served in Bolivia. More efforts making it the second largest denomi-
because of the blend of purpose the through the partnership are to be an- nation in that country.
concert offered. nounced, Stephenson said. For more information, contact
“We love mission and we love “We’re looking on the possibility him, tulsadstephenson@yahoo.com,
music, and it has everything put that we’ll do something next year, but 918-346-5181.

n Where’s Wesley? Ask here
“Where’s Wesley Weekend” will be held
4-7 p.m. April 11 at Edmond-First UMC and
is sponsored by the Wesley Foundation at the
University of Central Oklahoma.
Reservations are due by April 7. Call 405-
341-5450. The free event informs junior-high
and high school students about what Wesley
Foundations offer on college campuses.
n OMM announces new
administrator
Oklahoma Methodist
Manor (OMM) in Tulsa
named Matthew Loyd
as new administrator of
health services, effective
March 8.
Loyd brings to the
center 13 years of experi-
ence in the senior living
field. He is a licensed Loyd
long-term care administrator,
and he holds a degree in Communications
Sciences & Disorders and Gerontology from
Kansas State University.
n Retreat set at Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock Farm, near the town of
Red Rock, will host a Shepherd’s Retreat
for clergy April 19-20. Contact Pat Hoerth,
580-917-6011, pathoerth@gmail.com. To
register, e-mail Susan Ross, ross-susan@
sbcglobal.net.
Briefly
n It’s time for a sound check
at your church
Use of wireless microphones that operate
in the 700 megahertz band is banned after June
12, as ordered by the Federal Communica-
tions Commission (FCC). The FCC action
will clear the band, which will be dedicated
to commercial and public-safety wireless
systems.
Each church needs to determine if it
has wireless microphones that transmit in
the 769-806 MHz range. Such equipment
should be replaced or not used after June
12. The devices could disrupt public-safety
communications.
FCC spokesman Matt Nodine said most
wireless microphones operate on bands other
than 700 MHz, especially newer ones. Some
of the devices can be retuned for use in another
band, he added.
“We’re trying to notify every organiza-
tion we can think of that could potentially
be affected by this,” Nodine said. “That
ranges from school systems to churches,
amusement parks, theaters, and civic the-
aters.”
To learn whether your church’s devices
need to be replaced, check with your audio/
visual provider, phone 800-CALL-FCC, or
go to the commission’s Web site, http://www.
fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_ad-
visory.html.
n Sleep out to end malaria churches to report their activities in connec-
tion with the “Sleepout to End Malaria.”
On April 24-25, churches are being asked
to spotlight the denomination’s new ministry n Award applications due
to eradicate malaria globally. Deadlines are approaching to submit
That weekend, churches nationally will applications for the awards that each year
host mosquito-net sleepouts, screen the honor individuals and churches for
new documen- their Christian ministry and mission.
tary “When the The 2010 Annual Among those honors are the Okla-
Night Comes,” Conference offering will homa Conference Harry Denman
hold community support “Imagine No Evangelism Award.
workdays, and Malaria” globally and Deadline is April 15 to submit
present infor- Cookson Hills Mission nominations for this award. Two
mation Sunday Center locally. The An- are presented, to a lay member
morning about nual Conference guest and a clergyperson, for personal
the “Imagine No preacher, Bishop Thomas evangelism.
Malaria” cam- Bickerton of Pennsylva- “It’s our privilege to celebrate
paign. Special nia, is traveling in support those who are making an active
offerings are en- of the Church’s campaign difference in sharing Christ with
couraged. against malaria. He leads others,” said Mark McAdow, Den-
“Change the UM World Health man committee chair and pastor of
the World” is Initiative. OKC-First.
the name of the To find application forms, go to
weekend promotion, and it coincides with “Resources” on the homepage, www.okumc.
World Malaria Day, April 25. The promotion org.
officially launches “Imagine No Malaria,”
which expands on the “Nothing But Nets” ef- n Hunter visit rescheduled
fort initiated several years ago by the denomi- The evangelism task force has rescheduled
nation and the National Basketball Associa- a Tulsa visit by George Hunter. He will speak
tion. “Imagine No Malaria” is in partnership at two events on April 26, after plans for a
with the United Nations Foundation. February appearance by the widely acclaimed
Find lots of resources online at www.Imag- evangelist were cancelled. To register, contact
ineNoMalaria.org and www.RethinkChurch. Randy Thompson, rthompson@okwu.edu.
org/changetheworld. The sites also ask
 Page 7A
n In memoriam
Billy Cooke
Rev. Dr. Bill Howard “Dusty” Cooke, 88,
of Cramerton, N.C., died Feb. 6, 2010. He
was ordained as an elder in 1986.
Billy was born Jan. 20, 1922, in Kan-
napolis, N.C. He was a World War II veteran.
He married Thelma Blackwelder on July 24,
1944. He held two master’s degrees and two
doctorates.
He served churches at Morning Star, Oo-
logah, and Davis, between 1982 and 1993.
He also was a college professor and safety
educator.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma; son
Phil Cooke of Burbank, Calif.; daughter
Beth Carpenter of Cramerton; and four
grandchildren.
Funeral was Feb. 9 at McEwen Pineville
Chapel, Charlotte, N.C.
Leo Culver
Rev. Leo Virgil Culver, 88, of Miami,
Okla., died March 4, 2010. An associate
member of the Oklahoma Conference, he
received his license to preach in 1955 and
retired in 1987.
He was born at Edinboro, Pa., on Dec.
13, 1921. He attended Pastor’s School at
Southern Methodist University.
He served at Foyil, Commerce, Jay, Chel-
sea-Memorial, Harvard Avenue and Haglar
Memorial in Tulsa, Comanche, Addington,
Bartlesville-Oak Park, Westville, and Zion.
After he retired, he was a chaplain at Grove
Hospital.
Survivors include his wife, Iona Jo Cul-
ver; four children, Shelby Coltharp of Miami,
Keith Culver of Jay, Darlene Taylor of Grove,
and Tad Culver of northeast Pennsylvania; 11
grandchildren; and great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral was March 9 at Grove UMC.
Richard Benefield
Rev. Dr. Richard G. Benefield, 75, of
Anadarko, died March 3, 2010. He was a
Local Pastor.
Richard was born July 29, 1934. He
served in the U.S. Army during the Korean
War and in the National Guard.
In the 1960s and ’70s, he served at Mann-
ford, Carter, Port, Noble, Wayne, Criner,
n Appointments
Jeni Markham Clewell, leave of ab-
sence, to Cherokee UMC associate (Enid
District), effective March 1.
Judi Brown, Manitou UMC (Lawton
n Opportunities
Youth Director: Part-time. OKC-Nichols
Hills UMC, Janice Meese, 405-842-1486,
jmeese@nicholshillsumc.org.
Pianist/Choir Director: Part-time. Coweta
UMC. Contact Susan Whitley, 918-486-5544,
swhitley@cowetafumc.org.
Pianist/or Organist: Part-time. Pawnee
UMC, 405-714-0064.
Youth Director: Full-time. Ada-First UMC,
Donna Jamar, donna_jamar@fumcada.org, 580-
332-1398.
Children’s Minister: Full-time. OKC-St. An-
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010
Weleetka, Dustin, Kenton, Felt, Cheyenne,
Reydon, Cookson, Bunch, Erick, Liberty,
Duncan-Stephens, Bethel, and Bridgeport.
He was Ada District superintendent. He also
served in the North Arkansas Conference.
He also was an educator and held multiple
degrees.
Survivors include his wife, Alma June
Benefield; children Debbie Pittman, Rich- Friends of Children
Fundraising Banquets
ard Benefield Jr., and Ginger Gonzalez; and
seven grandchildren.
Graveside service was March 8 at the
cemetery in Martha.
Dorothy Moore
Dorothy P. White Moore, 91, of Okla- April 8th: Tulsa
homa City died Feb. 23, 2010. She was the
widow of Rev. Leslie Orman White, who
died in 1979.
Asbury UMC
She was born in Alma on April 15, 1918.
Dorothy and Leslie met in Duncan, and they April 15th: OKC
Church of the Servant
married on Feb. 29, 1937, in Comanche.
She was presented a lifetime membership
in the Women’s Society of Christian Service
in Lawton District. She worked 22 years for
Dillard’s.
Survivors include a daughter, Beverly
Snow of Oklahoma City, four grandchildren Keynote:
and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial service was Feb. 27 at OKC-St.
Luke’s UMC.
Bishop Robert Hayes
Table Sponsorships Start at $200
FayDel Sewell
FayDel Sewell, 85, of Plano, Texas, died Contact: 405.530.2078
March 11, 2010. She was the widow of Rev.
O. LeRoy Sewell, who died in 1997.
She was born in Black Rock, Ark., on
Oct. 25, 1924. FayDel and LeRoy married
on May 28, 1944, at Epworth UMC.
She was a Sunday school teacher, choir
member, and church pianist/organist. The
Sewell Prayer Chapel in the planned Wesley
Center at Oklahoma City University will
honor the couple.
Survivors include three children, Carol
Lansdown of Oklahoma City, Mark Sewell
of Altus, and Stanford Sewell of Plano; five
grandchildren; and three great-grandsons.
Graveside service was March 15 at Rose
Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, followed by a
memorial service that same day at OKC-May
Avenue UMC.
District), moved out of Conference, effec-
tive Feb. 15.
Kevin McClain, new, to supply Hugo
(McAlester District), effective Jan. 15.
drew’s UMC. Send resume with three references
to DA Bennett, dabennett@saokc.org.
Director of Music Ministries: Part-time.
Norman-St. Stephen’s UMC, ststephensumc@
coxinet.net.
Children’s Minsitry Intern: Part-time. Now
through August. Bethany-St. Mark’s UMC, 405-
789-9033, or children@stmarksbethany.org.
Basketball Goals: Free. Comes with wall
mountings. Yukon-First UMC, fumcyukon@
coxinet.net, 405-354-8858.
Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 2, 2010

The Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Inc., 4201 Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City 73118; www.okumf.org; 800-259-6863

Sunday-morning volunteers amass 100,000 meals

The idea of offering a mission op- train and organize people in advance for
portunity for people was not new to an effective mission.
leaders at UM Church of the Servant Gorrell continued, “Worship is a pri-
in Oklahoma City. But offering such ority for us; we were seeking to enhance
an opportunity on a Sunday morning, that. We asked each person to make a
without canceling worship services, was commitment to be in worship as they also
unprecedented. took part in the mission—and then we
The “Stop Hunger Now” meal- made it possible for them” to do both.
packaging project began as a dream for “Mission, when it’s done like that, is
church leaders more than two years ago. evangelism. It brought in new people.
It became reality on March 7. Its off- Younger adults want to be a part of
the-chart success already has triggered transforming the world. They want to go
plans for a similar effort, said Pastor beyond talking about faith to doing.”
Robert Gorrell. The church offers opportunities to be
When the mission event was intro- in mission throughout the year, Smith
duced to the congregation, initial goals noted. But schedules make it difficult for
were to raise $20,000 (to purchase the some people to carve out time to partici-
food) and to make 80,000 meals, ac- pate in weeklong trips or even one-day
cording to project leader Scott Smith. projects. Other factors he listed that can
To package all those meals, organizers deter mission involvement are the expense
hoped to have 500 volunteers sign up to of trips, not knowing other volunteers, or
participate in shifts. having to take off from work.
“God had bigger plans,” Smith said. By hosting the event on a Sunday
By the day of the event, the congre- Volunteers prepare a recipe using dried ingredients, including rice, during the morning, Smith said, organizers envi-
gation had given $43,000, more than “Stop Hunger Now” event at OKC-Church of the Servant. sioned people serving during time already
twice that original goal. More than 1,200 carved out for church, working with others
children, students, and adults had volunteered. “This was probably the best intergenerational thing I’ve they knew, and no additional cost for volunteering.
The volunteers participated in making 101,160 meals, by seen,” said Rev. Dr. Gorrell. He observed 5-year-olds working Worship and mission were intentionally entertwined that
working in shifts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals will be dis- next to people in their 90s. Some people worked two shifts morning, Gorrell said. The food was taken into the sanctu-
tributed by Smile Africa, an organization that supports school as well as attending a worship service. ary and blessed. Emphasis in worship was given to Christ’s
feeding programs in Angola, Ghana, and South Africa. The pastor said leadership is crucial for such an event, to calling to be his hands and feet in service.