Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 157, Number 28 • November 12, 2010

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Nov. 28 is UM Student Day, 6A

n

www.okumc.org n Panhandle campus ministry gets boost, 8A

Churches registering now for gift giveaway

By Holly McCray
Arthur Lyons was worried. The Anadarko church he
pastors—St. Paul UMC—was 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 children’s
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. Continued on page 2A

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

Photos by Holly McCray

young member adds her offering to the church’s carved collection box, dis-
played by Ok Yi Williams. At right: Julie Slaughter describes the children’s
garden at St. Stephen’s UMC in Broken Arrow to Becky Thompson of Tulsa
Indian UMC while another woman picks cherry tomatoes.

Following the Plan:

Oklahoma churches must connect with more diverse people to
grow God’s 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 Contact newspaper.
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,
Contact We are pleased to announce Contact, the
Magazine has won a national award from the United
magazine Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC).
The Department of Communications’ role usu-
ally is one of pursuing news across our state—from
honored Conference, district, and local church groups. We
enjoy our work behind the scenes, to connect,
educate, and inspire Oklahoma United Methodists. package: “Women of the Word” and “Stories from
This time, we are in the news.
Contact, the Magazine won first in its judging
God’s Playbook.” The next magazine will be pub-
lished in January 2011.
category (annual conferences’ magazines). The award
was announced in October in San Francisco, Calif.,
The UMAC award story claims a headline here
because Oklahoma United Methodists are newsmak-
at the association’s annual meeting. Our partner, the ers, living out God’s good news in effective, trans-
UMReporter newspaper, also won its category.
Two issues of the magazine were judged as a
forming ways. Thank you. We love to tell the stories.
—Holly McCray, editor

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 Nov. 12, 2010

Project Noel Continued from page 1A Update church officers

Any church, of any size, is invited
to take part. And Project Noel’s general
coordinator, Joe Tilton, hopes more
congregations plan to do that. He said
shipments of tons of donated items—$3
million worth—are 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.
n To 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 children
and 75 families, and is not guaranteed a
specific number of items.
n No 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.
n A church is limited to one trip to
pick up gifts at the warehouse before
Dec. 23. On the 23rd, churches may
make additional trips and select from
remaining items.
n The proper forms must be present-
ed to warehouse workers when arriving
to pick up gifts. Registration coordina-
tors are James and Shirley Farmer.
n Warehouse 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 at www.
okumc.org/ProjectNoel. Questions?
Contact a commission member; find
their names on page 26 of the 2010
Journal.
between Dec. 15-31
Between Dec. 15 and 31, each church is required to
update information on its 2011 church officers in the
Conference’s 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 specific database are the
building blocks for our United Methodist connection.
You will find instructions for the updating process at
www.okumc.org. Follow these links: Finance—Local
Church Officer Update Information—Instructions for
Updating Church Information. The procedure uses the
Brick River system, accessible via your church’s log-
in code. Send questions to websupport@okumc.org or
mmyers@okumc.org.

Candlelight vigil denounces bullying

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
A candlelight vigil on the OCU campus makes a strong statement against bullying. more than 100 purple ribbons were
distributed that day to students and
staff, as well as fliers 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
specifically 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. The
university 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.”

Roast scheduled Dec. 2

The Bishop Hayes Roast Event will be
held 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.
Christmas presence:
n Dec. 1—“Light the Campus”
and “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 fill 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 the
presentation of the greens by the Spirit of Grace liturgical dancers.
n Dec. 10-11—Christmas Vespers
with 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 o’clock.
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 women’s choir; the 48-member University
Men’s Chorus; and the 36 singers of the Chamber Choir.

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 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: Dec. 10.
 Page 3A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

All talk, no walk?

“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded
with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can
be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even
though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is
vigorous and requires total attention.”
(Matthew 7:13-14, The Message Bible)
those claims of easy ways to achieve change? The advertisers
get away with outlandish statements because we are gullible
enough 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 influencing
Christian living. People also want to believe that it takes only
The church has an obligation to remind people that a price
was paid for their access to redemption, salvation, and eternal
life!
There is no easy way to understand the Scriptures. You must
make the effort to read and study to uncover the meaning of
God’s Holy Word.

I
By roBErT HayES Jr.
sn’t 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 don’t hear about or read
about how we—the consuming
public—quickly 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 station—it is the most Bishop Hayes
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 To
Lose 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
a few easy steps to be a Christian disciple, and that sacrifice,
denial, struggle, and cross-bearing were only necessary long
ago—not now.
Well, this may disappoint you, but I must tell you there
is no easy way, no shortcut, no surefire formula to cultivate
a relationship with Jesus Christ. Today’s Scripture is clear. It
begins with total attention and absolute faith.
Jesus says this in so many verses throughout the New
Testament. 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 find-
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 sacrifice, and heaven
without hell.”
In the modern church, we are guilty of “fixing up” our
Christianity. To win people over, we don’t make it sound too
hard, for fear we may turn people away. Yet people are unful-
filled in their Christian walk because they put little or nothing
at all into it and, consequently, they get little or nothing from it.
There is no easy way to a deeper prayer life other than
constant practice and discipline. Do you get into bed, realize
you’ve 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, I
didn’t know that you had a religious bone in your body! Why
are you reading the Bible?”
He replied, “My dear, I’m 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 significant 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 the
Lord will hasten it in his time. Dear Friends:
I would like to
- Isaiah 60:22 the Circle of Ca
make you awar
e of a new cam
paign that
re is undertaking
Will You Join Us & Become One of the
ministry to the . It is an effort

1000
next level, to pu to take the
ing help, healin rs ue a grand vision
g and hope to ev of extend-
families. en more childre
n, youth and
It is called Proj
ect 1000. We ar
donors who will e seeking to re
each pledge $1 cruit 1000 new
Project 1000 is 000 per year fo
an ambitious ca r three years.
of Care to look m pa ign that will al
ahead: How m low Circle
families can be any more Child
lifted up? How SHARE foster
served at the Bo many more yo
ys Ranch, the Ch uths can be
pendent Living ildren’s Home,
Program? How the Inde-
helped through many more fam
Pearl’s Hope? ilies can be
How many mor
e lives can be fo
In just seven sh rever changed?
ort years, Circle
years of minist of Care will ce
ering to those in lebrate 100
board of direct need in Oklahom
ors has taken th a. Our
a future in whi is bold step forw
ch even more liv ard to envision
Care’s program es are impacted
s. by Circle of
I hope that you
Lissa & Bill Wright Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes porting Circle
will join me an
d the others lis
of Care, and ou ted here in sup-
Don & Lynn Batson Jenny & Jono Helmerich and families of
Oklahoma.
r ministry to th
e children, yout
For the Childre h
David & Laura Beal Keith & Patricia Kennedy n,

Mary Wheeler & Spencer Brown Christy & Mike Mordy

Lloyd Cole Shannon Nakvinda & Mike Self Lissa Wright
Dr. John & Jamie Crooch Martha & Bill Smith Board Chair
G. Michael Crooch Rev. Craig Stinson & Dr. Krista Jones
Rev. Linda & Ralph Harker Barbara & Donald Wright
Circle of Care Staff
(Admin. Services/Communications/Pearl’s Hope)

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

or visit our website at:

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html
 The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

“We want to reach more diverse people.”

—A core belief of the Strategic Plan

New Light
for Christ
in Lawton
By Holly McCray
Seung Sook picked up a craft project, a small hand-
print on red paper. Tracing their fingers, the children were
learning to pray, explained the children’s Sunday School
director at Lawton New Light United Methodist Church.
Sook was lighting the way for young disciples. The choir of Lawton New Light UMC was invited to sing
New Light Church is aptly named. The designation
not only fits Christian imagery, but also describes design Meanwhile, a primarily Korean-language congregation
features of the brand-new building in southwest Lawton. was worshipping in shared space at Lawton-Wesley UMC.
On Oct. 24, brilliant sunlight streamed through the And growing.
windows; the church faces south. High ceilings and white God’s harvest season arrived.
walls extended the sensations of newness and openness. Pastor Kiyoung Jeong saw God’s hand at work when

Following
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 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

the
The $2 million church, at 5901 S.W. Lee Blvd., was a Korean church” on that land, Rev. Horton said. “This is
consecrated May 2. a good argument about districts planning in advance for
But this building resulted from an idea sown decades what needs to happen in the future.”

Plan
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.
The May consecration drew a multi-cultural crowd of
300 and the offering totaled $30,000—again affirming
God’s presence for Rev. Jeong.
New Light has a vision “that’s going to carry them

Workday at Leland Clegg UMC

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 greeting
one of the four youngest churchgoers.
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 children’s 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.

www.okumc.org/strategicplan
This page continues a series focusing on the Oklahoma Conference Strategic Plan.
 Page 5A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Photos by Holly McCray
at a district-wide celebration Nov. 7 at Lawton-First.
a long way into the future,” Horton said. Korean-language service includes English
“They are always one of the first churches translation.
in the district to pay their Apportionment This is the congregation’s 25th year in
100 percent. In their Strategic Plan, they Lawton; Jeong is its fifth pastor. His Meth-
decided to become multi-cultural and began odist heritage dates back to his grandfather,
working on that. and a brother also is a pastor.
“They have a big vision of winning Jeong explained his calling simply: “My
people to Christ regardless of ethnicity. parents always said I was going to become
They are a real Kingdom church.” a pastor. So I did.”
Jeong said up to 20 people meet for He and his wife, Sunny, are from South
early-morning prayer at the church on Korea. He graduated from Perkins seminary
Tuesdays through Saturdays. in Dallas. He also became an Army chap-
Numerous small groups are patterned in lain. Scheduled for deployment to Iraq, he
the Wesley class-meeting style. instead was assigned to Fort Sill. Thus the
Once a month, a contemporary wor- couple became connected to the Lawton
ship replaces the traditional one. The ministry.
OIMC charters
church at Durant
On July 18, Chihowa Okla UMC in Durant officially
welcomed 20 charter members and three constituent
members. Nine children and youths were baptized on
that special day, according to The Advocate, the OIMC
newspaper.
The church’s name means “God’s 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 five years.
The OIMC recently launched two other fellowships: at
Bryant Chapel, Pryor; and in Kansas City, Mo.
OIMC members recycled cardboard to display their green ideas.
Nov. 12, 2010
Green study
gets thumbs up
from 4 churches
“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 find consumer wisdom in materials
subtitled Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice! But they also unearthed biblical
bedrock and spiritual gems.
The study groups crossed annual conference boundaries. St. Stephen’s at
Broken 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. Stephen’s 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 didn’t 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 can’t 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.
What’s something I can start doing today because I think it’s going to help God’s
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 children’s playscape at St. Stephens. “Who
weeds it? The children! It’s not work for them,” said children’s director Julie
Slaughter.
• Reusing lawn clippings as yard fertilizer, rather than bagging and sending
them to a landfill.
• Running a dishwasher only when full, and declining to use plastic foam
dinnerware.
• A church boiler was made energy-efficient.
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
children’s resources.
“We’re excited about what can happen,” said Marjorie Monnet of Tulsa, a
retired Cokesbury regional representative.
—Holly McCray
Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

Bishop Dan Solomon and his family
join McMurry University officials at
the Oct. 15 dedication of Bishops
Hall on the Abilene campus.
McMurry University
honors Solomon
In 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-affiliated 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 Wesleyan
tradition,” said Bridgette Young, with the
General Board of Higher Education & Min-
istry. Find it at www.gbhem.org/publications.
Briefly
OU campus ministry
plans basketball fun
The Wesley Foundation at OU will host
“United 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
men’s 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.
SIGN OF HOSPITALITY—Pastor Dan Eischen stands by Wetumka church’s
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.
Kan. The facility was ranked first among all
Epworth Villa General Conference
18 Erickson centers for resident satisfaction
hires new president and second in employee satisfaction. gets an identity
John Harned will become new president The new president is active in com- The theme for the 2012 General Confer-
and CEO of Epworth munity work. He is financial chairman for ence is “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to
Villa, announced the Southwest Liturgical Conference and Transform the World,” echoing the denomi-
Oct. 27 by the United the interfaith dialogue representative for nation’s mission statement.
Methodist-related re- Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries. Harned is a The global meeting of United Method-
tirement community fundraiser for the Diocese of Tulsa Capital ists is scheduled April 24-May 4, 2012, in
in northern Oklaho- Campaign and has received the Parish Tampa, Fla.
ma City. Council of the Year award. The logo that complements the theme
He will begin his He holds bachelor’s and master’s de- depicts a cross (representing the presence
duties in early De- grees in accounting from Oklahoma State of Christ at the center of our mission), with
cember. University and a Master of Theological circles extending from it (expressing energy
Harned previ- John Harned Studies from Ave Maria University in and movement in ministry), against a sun and
ously served as ex- Florida. He is a licensed nursing home blue water (representing Tampa).
ecutive director of Tallgrass Creek, an Er- administrator in Oklahoma as well as a The General Conference website address
ickson living community in Overland Park, Certified Public Accountant. will be: http://gc2012.umc.org.

Order your 2011 UM Student Day set for Nov. 28

Conference
Calendars
Camps, special meetings, event dates,
the lectionary, and colors for the Christian
year are included on the calendar—a 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.okumc.org.
Name of church:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Your name:
Number of calendars:
Mail to: Annual Conference Council, Attn.: Barbara Venable, 1501 N.W. 24th St.,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106. or fax order to: 405-525-4164.
Send no payment now; we will bill you.
CalendarS will be mailed to you.
United Methodist Student Day
will be observed Nov. 28. The
Scripture at right appears in re-
source material available through
the 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:
“Get wisdom—it’s worth more
than money; choose insight
over income every time.”
(Proverbs 16:16, The Message Bible)
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 Griffin, Edmond
First; Kelsey Jordan and Andrew
Thompson, Faith, Tulsa; Sarah
Mitchell, 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. Luke’s, 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.org. Apply for loans
and scholarships online at www.
gbhem.org.
 The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12,
Page2010
7A

In memoriam First LEAD seminar:

Barbara Plank
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.
Jack Burton
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 first 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 officially 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.
Wayne Cook
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. Paul’s, Medford,
Kingfisher, Cleveland, and Sallisaw. He was
on staff of the Oklahoma United Methodist
Foundation, 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.
Marie Calvert
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.
•Jose Nieves Espinoza of Saltillo, Mex-
ico, died Oct. 27. He was the father of Tino
Espinoza, pastor at OKC-Hillcrest Fuente
de Vida.
Communion can replace conflict
“Conflict management” was sure to be
a hot topic during the recent LEAD clergy
leadership seminar.
More than 60 pastors had attended ses-
sions on personal and corporate financial
management before tackling this subject
during the Oct. 8-9 seminar at Oklahoma
City University.
Presenter Robert Martin described con-
flicts 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 first 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 group’s work: gathering at
table, sharing of self for others, and leaving
transformed for God’s mission.
The pattern of Eucharist “teaches us,
informs us how to relate to one another,”
Martin said.
“Workplaces and families act in conflict.
That’s 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 love—or don’t 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 didn’t learn in seminary,”
according to brochures.
One seminar participant commented,
“Tough issues. Thanks for the help.”
The sponsoring groups are: Saint Paul
School of Theology, the Oklahoma United
Methodist Foundation, OCU, the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference, and the
Oklahoma Conference. Registration was
through the Oklahoma Conference Trea-
surer’s Office.

Appointments
Lee 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.
Opportunities
youth Director: Part-time. Henryetta. youth Director: Part-time. Altus-Grace
Dale Durnell. 918-652-4452, 580-660-0353. UMC, 580-482-4093, altusgraceumc@
Guitar Player/Singer: Part-time. Con- sbcglobal.net.
temporary service. OKC-St. Andrew’s UMC, Contemporary Worship leader: Part-
Ginny Pass, 405-692-4242 ext. 102. time. Chris Tiger, Owasso United Methodist
Executive Director: Oklahoma Con- Church, seniorpastor@fumcowasso.org.
ference of Churches. Rev. Dr. Rockford Worship leader: Contemporary service.
Johnson, johnson.rockford@gmail.com. Barry Collins, Fort Gibson UMC, bcollins@
Deadline Nov. 16. sbcglobal.net, 918-478-3811.
Site Director: Skyline Urban Minsitry. organ: Free for pick-up. Leedy UMC,
Claudia Lovelace, 500 S.E. 15th, OKC 73129, Beth, 580-705-0023.
clovelace@skylineurbanministry.org. Children’s ministries director. Part-
Children’s and youth Director: Full- time. Crown Heights. Rev. Dianne Peters,
time/part-time. Eufaula UMC, John Breon, 1021 N.W. 37th, OKC 73118, Dianne@
918-689-2109, johnbreon@yahoo.com. crownheightsumc.org..
Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Nov. 12, 2010

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
church’s 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 benefits 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 benefits and help further the
work of your favorite United Method-
ist cause.
n Make a deductible gift of cash
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 Make a deductible gift of
securities
Making gifts of stocks, bonds, and/
or mutual funds directly to the
Oklahoma United Methodist Foun-
dation for the benefit 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.
n Make a deductible gift of real
estate and avoid taxes
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 will
receive a charitable tax deduction for
the fair-market value of the property and
avoid paying capital gains tax.
n Charitable gift annuity and
charitable remainder trusts
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 fixed 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 oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Inc., 4201 Classen Blvd., oklahoma City 73118; www.okumf.org; 800-259-6863

Panhandle campus
ministry makeover

T he United Methodist Student

Center (MSC) at Goodwell has
been 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

Photos provided by Barry Bennett

University. They upgraded lighting,
fixed emergency exits, and tackled
roofing, 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. Senior
Jacob Whiteley and sophomore Jake Barnes
are among MSC student leaders. From Tur-
pin, both are music majors and active in the
Thursday evening worship.
Jacki Banks “Our focus is about becoming more
rooted in our beliefs, becoming more than an
average Christian—about 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 identified global hunger and
human trafficking as significant issues for
MSC students.
Rev. Banks affirmed the student-driven
awareness projects. Goodwell is on a major
trucking route; law officers 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 Guymon’s Loaves and
Fishes community pantry. On Tuesdays, a
free luncheon serves about 250 people.