Contact, an edition of
The United Methodist Reporter
Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 157, Number 38 • January 21, 2011
THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST
n ‘New Christians’: evangelism
www.okumc.org emphasis begins in prayer. 5A
Lawton District churches open
Doors of
opportunity
By Holly McCray
Behind so many doors, hungry
people wait. Churches in one district
united to open those doors by offering
physical and spiritual nourishment.
Reports confirm the famished were
fed at Christ’s table as the result of an
extensive welcoming campaign and
food drives in Lawton District last
year. The project was titled “A Life
That Matters.”
Bread for the body
Outside a Duncan grocery store,
Chuck and Nancy Horton handed
empty red bags to arriving shoppers.
They asked each person to purchase
one additional food item, place it in the
bag, and donate it as they left the store.
The United Methodist food drive
on Nov. 6 had started slowly in that
Bearing prayer requests, the large door shown is at Lawton-St. Paul’s. Member Jack Amyx brought it from his
family homestead, and it is at least 80 years old. The doors surrounding it, clockwise from lower left, are dis-
played in Duncan-St. Paul’s, Verden, Lawton-First, Fletcher, Lawton-Centenary, Gracemont, and Anadarko-First.
Tony Campolo headlines Church & Society retreat in March
Tony Campolo will bring his power- retreat will seek to answer that poignant Sunday offering received annually by
ful perspective on social justice issues to question for Christians today. Oklahoma’s churches.
Oklahoma when he headlines a United “Social Holiness: On Earth as It Is The public is welcome. Register
Methodist program on March 11-12 at in Heaven” is co-sponsored by Peace online and download a brochure at:
Canyon Camp. With Justice and the Board of Church www.okumc.org/church_society.
In the Bible, Micah asks, “What does & Society. The event has funding help Rev. Dr. Campolo is the author of
Campolo the Lord require?” and the overnight from the “Peace With Justice” Special 38 books and a highly respected media
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.
city. District Superintendent Horton
and his wife hoped to boost the effort
by securing the store’s OK to give out
the recyclable bags and describe their
purpose.
“People were so generous,” said
Rev. Horton. Upon exiting, shoppers
presented bags filled with food gifts. A
clerk requested more bags to accommo-
date donors at checkout. Bulging bags
of food soon crowded the sidewalk,
and volunteers began shuttling the
donations to nearby St. Paul’s UMC,
the designated drop-off site.
A trickle of donations had swelled
into a tsunami of generosity.
Ultimately, 3,120 food items were
received that day at the church, re-
ported Gerry Rawlings Mortson. Wor-
shippers even found two more sacks of
Continued on 5A
From left, food
was collected
at Lawton-New
Light, Elgin,
and Duncan-
St. Paul’s,
among other
sites.
commentator on religious, social, and
political matters.
Campolo “has a long history of intro-
ducing people to aspects of social justice
and letting it transform them,” said Kirt
Moelling, chairman of Church & Society
Continued on 3A
Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 21, 2011

January is Oklahoma UM Foundation Month

Each year, January is recognized as
Special Sundays Oklahoma United Methodist Founda-
tion Month throughout our Annual
Conference.
Recommended for 2011 by the Council The work and resources of the
on Finance & Administration: Foundation are emphasized; churches
and individuals are encouraged to
January—Oklahoma
United Methodist Foundation Month learn more about the financial min-
istry it performs and how it can help
Jan. 16—
Human Relations Day them be good stewards of what God
Feb. 13—
provides.
Circle of Care Sunday
Especially during this designated
April 3—
time, the Foundation seeks to create
One Great Hour of Sharing
awareness of the need for proper es-
May 1—
Rural Life Sunday/Camps Day tate planning.
May 15— More than half of all adults in our
Native American Ministries Sunday country do not have a will.
June 19— If you die without one, the state
Peace with Justice Sunday will decide how your estate is dis-
Oct. 2— tributed, and who will care for your
World Communion Sunday
minor children or dependents with
Nov. 27—
United Methodist Student Day
special needs.
The Foundation confirms that the
cost of preparing a will is worth the
(Call to Ministry Sunday—set by your church)
—Oklahoma Conference Journal peace of mind in knowing your desires
will be accomplished. With just a
few words, you can take care of your
family, your friends, and the causes
important to you.
Consider including a tithe of your
will to benefit your church or favorite
ministry. By doing this, you ensure
your passion for ministry continues.
A bequest is perhaps the easiest
and most tangible way to have a last-
ing impact on the people and organi-
zations that mean the most to you. A
bequest also can be an effective way to
make a gift and lessen the tax burden
on your family or your estate.
The purpose of the Foundation is
to ensure and enrich the ministries of
future generations through endow-
ment funds for our United Methodist
churches, institutions, and agencies.
This month, contact the Founda-
tion, 800-259-6863, www.okumf.org,
for information about legacy planning
and establishing permanent endow-
ment funds. Your generosity and
planning today will make a significant
difference to your church’s future.
Did you know?
The Oklahoma United Methodist Foun-
dation:
n assists churches to establish and
promote permanent endowment fund pro-
grams.
n presents seminars to encourage es-
tate planning and charitable giving.
n assists individual donors, and their
professional advisers, with gifts to their
churches or other United Methodist causes.
n has four planned-giving staff specially
trained in estate planning, endowment
formation, and church finance.
n is a resource for donor recognition
programs; gift acceptance policies; financial
literacy programs; and seminars on wills/
trusts and stewardship, offered to church
leaders, Sunday school classes, and other
groups.
n provides customized brochures,
will-and-trust guides, and bulletin inserts
to increase awareness about permanent
endowment programs within a church.
Contact the Foundation at 800-529-
6863, www.okumf.org.

Neustadt Lectures feature eminent scholar
Benjamin Sommer, a re-
nowed professor of Bible and
ancient Semitic languages, will
present the 2011 Neustadt Lec-
tures on Feb. 17 on the campus
of Oklahoma City University.
The theme is: “Psalms in
Modern and Ancient Perspec-
tives: Notes from a Contem-
porary Jewish Commentator’s
Workshop.”
Sommer Dr. Sommer will make his
first presentation at 1 p.m., in
the weekly chapel service, and
also will lecture at 3 and 7. All
events are in Bishop W. Angie
Smith Chapel; they are free
and open to the public.
He teaches at Jewish Theo-
logical Seminary of America,
in New York City. Previously
he directed the Center for Jew-
ish Studies at Northwestern
University, Evanston, Ill.,
where he taught from 1994
through 2008.
He also has authored a num-
ber of well-received books. He
is editor of the Psalms volumes
of the Jewish Publication Soci-
ety Bible Commentary Series
Neustadt Lecture topics will be:
n “Reflections on Psalm 137,” 1 p.m.
n “How Do We Know About God?
Psalm 19 in Light of Archaeology
and Karl Barth,” 3 p.m.
n “A Little Higher Than Angels”:
Psalm 29 and the Genre
of Heavenly Praise, 7 p.m.
and is writing the first of that five-volume set.
Professor Sommer and his wife, Jennifer Dugdale,
have three children. The family attends Congregation
Beth Sholom, Teaneck, N.J.

OCU participates in Skyline’s Angel Tree ministry

Brightly wrapped packages and other gifts streamed into
the OCU Chapel during December, as the OCU commu-
nity provided for the Angel Tree families at Skyline Urban
Ministry.
Chapel Administrator Sarah Krivy coordinated this proj-
ect that has become an annual occurrence. She reported 25
families, representing 112 people, received gifts this year.
In addition, food donations were collected through the
Light the Campus holiday event. This made it possible to
distribute food baskets to each of those families as well.
The baskets contained provisions for a complete holiday
meal—turkey, stuffing, vegetables, desserts, and many non-
perishable foods. Staff from across campus joined efforts to
put the baskets together and deliver them to Skyline. Food
baskets and bags of personal hygiene items also were pre-
pared for every household at Exodus House.
Those who participated in the Angel Tree project this
year were faculty and staff from: financial aid, administra-
tive services, the law school, nursing, campus police, teacher
education, student affairs, university-church relations, busi-
ness office, music school, president’s office, facilities, and
the business school.
Robert Taylor, the site director at Skyline’s McKee Center,
expressed his appreciation for this shared ministry.
“The students, faculty, and staff at OCU exemplify what
the Christmas spirit is all about, and we could not be more
happy with the partnership we share. Because of the gener-
osity of our friends at OCU and through their Angel Tree Photo by Leslie Berger
Program, 25 needy families in Oklahoma City were able to From left, OCU staff Diana Silver, Blythe Ben-
experience the joy of Christmas,” he said. son, and Joey Croslin help sort toys donated in
December.

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: Feb. 11.
Page 3A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 21, 2011

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

What do you lack?

“The young man said to Jesus, ‘All these proached Jesus and asked him a question focus is the understanding that God is the from the day I got the poor of London on my
things I have kept from my youth up. What about eternal life. He was looking for some- first and great loyalty in our lives, and that heart and caught a vision of what Jesus Christ
lack I yet?’” (Matthew 19:20, KJV) thing. Scripture tells us he was rich—yet, by creating us in His image, we are sons and could do with them, on that day I made up
in spite of having everything he needed, he daughters of the Spirit. my mind that God should have all of William
By BISHoP roBErT HayES Jr.

D
o you feel you are living on
the outer edge of the good life
you have always wanted? For
some reason, you sense that you never have
reached the fullness of your life’s center. I sure our security by material possessions.
believe this is a common
predicament of our time.
You know the ultimate
goal of living is to become
a citizen of that special place
where life makes sense and
existence has purpose and
meaning. But for some rea-
son, the passport in your
possession is unable to get
you there.
It is my sincere belief
that you can, indeed, find Bishop Hayes
that measure of happiness
and wholeness that evades so many people.
It’s closer than you think.
Examine your visa that allows you to
enter 2011. As your “spiritual customs
agent,” I feel I must ask you these questions
as you do so:
n What are you looking for?
n What have you to declare in the way
of joy and contentment?
n What do you feel you are you lacking?
Matthew writes that the young ruler ap-
was in search of what his wealth could not
bring him.
How are we like this young man? Some
of us live on the surface. We build our enjoy-
ments around physical things, and we mea-
Despite things that should bring us
satisfaction, our lives remain hectic
and confused.
At times we are carried away
by wild enthusiasms—and brought
back to earth by dreary monotony.
It seems our days are filled with
sequences of non-related events.
The great weakness of this kind of
life is it carries no inner reserves
to meet the demands placed upon
us. When difficulties and crises in-
vade our lives, there is no depth of
strength from which we can draw.
In this simple but profound teaching,
Jesus taught that the full life is centered on
an idea. In fact, he pleaded for singleness
of intention.
He exposed the confusion of multiple
purposes, which result in multiple visions.
He advocated the focused life, and he decried
attempts to serve two—or more—masters.
In 2011, if we are going to get off the edge
of life and get into the heart of significant
living, the central idea on which we must
God has given us hungers that riches
alone cannot satisfy. Only when we acknowl-
edge God, praise Him, and commit ourselves
totally to Him will we move from the edge
of life into the fullness of it.
The writer W.P. Merrill says it best:
“You want to enter into life? You want to
find the real secret of joy and zest and heart-
contentment? Very well! Let commandments
go, forget about rules; do something vital,
original, daring, costly, generous, devoted.
Gather up your whole self and throw it into
some venture. Find some cause, some person,
something you will love so much that any
sacrifice for that adored object seems trifling.
Lose your heart, fall in love, with God, with
humanity, with a cause, with an ideal, and
beggar yourself in its service.”
Gen. William Booth, the founder of
the Salvation Army, is one of the people I
most admire. I often speak about him in my
sermons because his life was shaped by the
focused idea of helping the poor of London.
When asked about his success with the
Salvation Army, Booth said: “I will tell you
the secret. God has had all there was of me.
There have been men with greater brains
than I, men with greater opportunities. But
Booth there was. And if there is anything
of power in the Salvation Army today, it is
because God has had all the adoration of my
heart, and all the power of my will, and all
the influence of my life.”
God stands outside the door of many
lives, seeking entrance. If you will open your
life to Him unreservedly, if you will yield
your questing pride and bow in adoration
for all you have received, if you will lose
yourself in some breathtaking pursuit for the
sake of the One who died for your sins—I
can promise you will move from the edge
and into the very heart of life itself!
Pray with me:
O gracious and loving God, it is with no
sense of right or worthiness, with no aware-
ness of merit or achievement, that we lift this
prayer before You this day. We come before
You because You have so fashioned us that
we are restless until we rest in You. Help
us to keep life simple, yet face it whole, by
resting quietly in Your power, Your wisdom,
and Your unfailing love. May Your peace
descend upon us in this new journey of 2011,
understanding that the deepest and fullest
expression of our essential selves can only
be found in You. Amen.

MORE: Church & Society

Continued from 1A
and pastor at OKC-Lakeside UMC.
“We hope this event will highlight some of
our pressing social justice issues in Oklahoma
and also encourage and equip individuals and
congregations,” said Rev. Dr. Moelling.
He noted the denomination’s mission:
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. And he pointed
to a guiding question within the Oklahoma
Conference Strategic Plan: How does your
congregation encourage and support people
to step outside their comfort zone and get
involved in acts of justice?
“We believe this retreat is about ways
disciples can engage,” Moelling said.
Campolo’s work draws interest from
people across a wide theological spectrum.
“He pushes the Church to get out of old
habits,” Moelling said.
In 2010, three books by Campolo were
released: “Stories That Feed Your Soul,”
“Connecting Like Jesus,” and “Choose Love
Not Power.”
He is founder and president of the Evan-
gelical Association for the Promotion of
Education, and professor emeritus of sociol-
ogy at Eastern University, Pennsylvania. He
has served American Baptist churches in that
state and New Jersey.
Also providing leadership at the March
retreat will be Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. and
the presenters of eight workshops:
n Dealing With Controversy, Neal Chris-
tie, UM General Board of Church & Society
(GBCS)
n Domestic Violence, Chrislyn Sperry,
Hope Center, Edmond
n What Our State Budget Says About
Us, David Blatt, Oklahoma Policy Institute
n Predatory Gambling, Les Bernal, Stop
Predatory Gambling
n Caring for Creation, Mark Davies,
Oklahoma City University
n Immigration, Richard Klinge and Mar-
gie Solis, Catholic Charities
n Restorative Justice, Stan Basler, UM
Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries
n How To Advocate for the Least, the
Last, the Lost, Jim Winkler, GBCS
The retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Early-bird registration is due by Feb. 1.
For more information, contact Bruce
Davis, pastor at Altus-Grace and Blair,
revbrucedavis@hotmail.com, or Rev. Dr.
Moelling, lakesideumc.pastor@coxinet.net.
Appointments
Steven and Wanda Littrell to Carnegie/
Mountain View Senior Pastor and Associate
Pastor, respectively, (Lawton District) from
Hunter/Garber (Enid), effective Jan. 15.
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 21, 2011

n PaNHaNDlE GroUP rEaDS BIBlE—In Goodwell, Pastor Alex True chal-

lenged members of Centenary United Methodist Church to join her and read the Bible
Ministry snapshots
in 90 days.
Her proposal was offered as

Photo courtesy of KOTV, News on 6, Tulsa

the fall Bible study program at
the church in the Oklahoma Pan-
handle. And 14 people signed up
for the effort. Church members
supported the readers through
prayer.
Participants were encouraged
to attend weekly video lessons,
always followed by discussion.
The curriculum was from www.
biblein90days.org. From left, among those at Goodwell
Rev. True said 13 people who read the Bible in 90 days are: bot-
completed the challenge and tom row, Pastor Alex True, Jean Mee,
n aSBUry SEWS For CaNCEr PaTIENTS—More than 1,000 Healing Hats
overflowed with positive feed- Sue Lark, Jolene Strong, Nikki Stork;
for chemotherapy patients have been knitted and crocheted by a new group at Tulsa’s
back about their experience. “I and top row, Moylene Davis, Norma
Asbury United Methodist Church. Sue Fisher started the ministry last summer. Kenley
am so proud of their achieve- Strain, Doris Looper, and Gayla Mull-
Hayes, age 10, is one of the members. The group was spotlighted in TV news reports
ment,” she said. DeWitt.
Dec. 8. View the video at: www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=13640228.
n lIVE NaTIVITy IS WIlBUrToN'S WIT-
n a MoBIlE WITNESS—A new “Our volunteer members will refur- NESS—For three days in December, members of
ministry by Glencoe UMC is refurbishing nish and repair these units for recycling. Wilburton UMC braved cold weather and tem-
motorized wheelchairs and scooters to as- We will gladly pick up donated units and peramental animals to create a live Nativity in the
sist people who face mobility challenges. issue a receipt for the value of the chair, parking lot for the Chamber of Commerce office
The name of the program is for tax purposes,” the letter states. in the southeastern Oklahoma town.
GUMMM—Glencoe United Methodist “Often the power chair is taking up Donning thermal underwear as well as cos-
Mobility Ministries. Its mission in the space in a storage unit or garage. How
tumes, children, teens, and adults rotated through
name of Christ is “to provide mobility wonderful to know these can take on a
the roles, while other volunteers offered treats to
devices to non-ambulatory persons who new life by helping someone in need.”
passers-by.
have few resources, in order to encourage Kenneth Brake, one of the GUMMM
“The message of the event was simple,” said
a more active lifestyle.” founders, has used a power chair for
Pastor April Coates. “Jesus is the reason for the
The target population includes elderly years and serves as the resident expert
for this project. season—no more, no less.”
or disabled people who lack financial re-
sources but do not qualify for assistance Retired pastor Harold Wheeler also She provided photos to Contact, noting she had
from government, private insurance, or was key in establishing the ministry. In promised to share how, “even in the remote parts of Michael Moore portrays
other agencies or sources. GUMMM will early 2010, he shared with the Church our Conference, congregations are seeking faith- Joseph in the live Nativ-
aid in finding and acquiring mobility de- Council at Glencoe UMC his concerns fully to witness to the Gospel in creative ways.” ity scene at Wilburton.
vices for them, at little or no cost to them, for people unable to afford such devices,
according to a letter from the ministry his research, and his idea for ministry. n Try CHUrCH IN BarTlES- earned a 2010 “It Worked for Us” award
team at the Glencoe church. The council agreed. VIllE—An advertising campaign is from the Oklahoma Conference Board
The team is seeking used power Phone contacts are: 580-478-6496, raising awareness for Bartlesville-First of Laity.
chairs and scooters, in any condition. 405-377-3954, or 405-831-2379. UMC. It is built upon the tagline “Try First Church budgets $20,000 for
church.” advertising, according to Pastor Kevin
“Feeling taxed? Try church.” (Ap- Tully. He values the committee’s work
propriate for April) and its results.
“Take a break from the madness. Pinkerton explained the group pur-
Try church.” (A nod to March’s college chases specific time slots on cable TV
basketball playoffs)
“Looking for di-
rection? Try church.”
(A Christmas star
points the way)
“Looking to con-
nect? Try church.”
(An online banner ad)
First Church’s Ad-
vertising Committee
drives the campaign
series that uses multiple media platforms. networks and rents billboard space in
The purpose is “to change people’s prime locations. “TV ads are fairly
perceptions about church,” said com- cheap on cable in Bartlesville,” he said,
mittee member Mark Pinkerton, 21. The although that may not be the case in
college student and part-time church staff larger markets.
member is majoring in Strategic Com- “I think multiple platforms are impor-
Photos by Holly McCray
munications. tant. You can’t catch everybody on one.”
n FaSHIoNaBlE FUND-raISING—An upcoming Volunteers In Mission project “These are clever reminders that Bartlesville-First welcomes inquiries
in Liberia benefitted from the “International Fashion Extravaganza & Tea” held Dec. stick in people’s heads. Seven words is about “Try Church” from other United
11 at Oklahoma City University. The show began with Rachel Howard, modeling a optimum,” he explained. Methodist congregations. “We’re willing
vintage powwow stomp dress made by her grandmother 50 years ago, and included “This is about external communica- to share,” Pinkerton said.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr., whose shirt was a gift from South Africa’s Nelson Mandela. tions.” Bartlesville-First is developing Contact him at: mark.pinkerton@
In February a VIM team will help build a school on land given by Bishop Bennie and brand recognition in its community. fumcbville.org. Visit the church’s web-
Anna Warner of Oklahoma City. In the group photo, the young models include Howard, The campaign’s appeal is reach- site, www.fumcbville.org, to see the
right, in the Muscogee-Creek dress. At right, two hostesses complete their costuming. ing beyond the city, too. “Try Church” latest design.
 Page 5A
MORE: Doors
Continued from 1A
food outside St. Paul’s doors the next morning. All the food
was transported to Christians Concerned, a local aid agency.
(Four UM churches minister in Duncan.)
The Hortons’ experience reflected the success of the day to
benefit feeding programs in the eight-county area.
David and Jana Gardner said food collected during a
scavenger hunt at Grandfield helped fill backpacks for local
elementary students without enough to eat on weekends. The
Gracemont congregation of about 20 collected 292 items. In
Marlow, some UM youths trick-or-treated for cans of food. The
Snyder church set up a collection trailer at a football game.
Verden UMC converted an unused room in the church
into a community food pantry; the town previously had none.
In Lawton, live radio appeals helped promote donations,
which replenished supplies at the Lawton Food Bank. An
agency official told Tom Sutherland of Lawton-Centenary
UMC, “These Methodists really mean business.” Sutherland
said he is proud to be part of a Church that serves.
Motivated to do more
Duncan-St. Paul’s Lay Leader Mortson wrote later, “As a
congregation, we were blessed! It was an overwhelming feel-
ing to do this for the community. It was also humbling to hear
stories of people who brought food because they had received
help in the past (from Christians Concerned).”
She added, “We are motivated to do it better. At our
Strategic Planning meeting, we talked over ideas to remind
parishioners to bring food. We decided to tie a monthly food
drive to our Fellowship Dinner—we might remember to bring
food if we are going to be served good food.”
“A Day Without Hunger” was one aspect of the overall A
Life That Matters evangelism endeavor. More important to
the Kingdom was the accompanying challenge to open 10,000
doors—to invite people to join in the life of the Church. That
delivered the feast that satisfies hungry souls.
Food for thought
Ryan United Methodists collected 100 pounds of food—
and the church grew by three new members.
“Each church was urged to be part of opening 10,000 doors
across the district by inviting friends, neighbors, and newcom-
ers to experience what United Methodists were doing to show
that every life matters to God and to the Church,” explained
Norma Quinn, the program’s coordinator and senior pastor at
Lawton-Centenary UMC.
Superintendent Horton recalled a biblical story about
opening a way to Jesus: a lame man’s friends made a hole in a
roof—a door of sorts—and lowered him into Christ’s presence.
“God’s got a door just right for every person. People are
looking for places to dig in and make a difference,” he said.
Doors displayed in some churches promoted action. Mem-
bers placed on them pictures and notes with names of people
invited to visit and for whom they were praying.
On Nov. 7, hundreds of United Methodists traveled to
First UMC in Lawton to celebrate the impact of the district
initiative. Other reports of answered prayer joined the one
from Ryan UMC.
Four couples had visited the Apache church. More than 20
newcomers were counted at a Lawton church.
Eight new members had been welcomed that morning at
Lawton-Wesley Chapel.
‘This begins a new era’
“Throughout the months of this campaign, churches have
experienced growth and new levels of vitality as they go be-
yond the walls of the church,” reported Rev. Dr. Quinn.
“This begins a new era. It is one thing to attract new wor-
ship attendees and members. It is entirely different to engage
them and help their discipleship take root. Because of that,
each church will be encouraged to adopt and refine a path
of discipleship; this will be discussed at the Local Church
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Photo by Holly McCray
At the Lawton District Conference on Nov. 7,
Pastor Ken Baden of Lawton-Wesley Chapel UMC
collects gift bags for eight new members. Each
bag contains a New Testament, red wristband
imprinted with “A Life That Matters,” and booklet
summarizing United Methodist beliefs, among
other items.
Leaders Workshop (Jan. 30). In addition, each church will be
encouraged to revisit their ‘Day Without Hunger’ outreach and
execute similar events at least twice during 2011.”
District connects with UMCom
Endorsed by the District Council early last year, A Life That
Matters was undergirded by an Impact Community Grant from
United Methodist Communications (UMCom), the denomina-
tion’s media and marketing agency.
It’s a great example of the Church’s connectional strength.
The partnership of a district and General Church agency
is unusual, Horton said, but UMCom provided “phenomenal
support and materials.”
“This grant enabled the profile of the district and the food
drive to be raised to unprecedented levels through all kinds of
media exposure,” Quinn said.
The grant totaled more than $46,000 for media purchases
and marketing, including newspaper and radio ads. Promo-
tional materials were created and customized by UMCom,
and included those red shopping bags, T-shirts, postcards, door
hangers, and more. A website was launched.
An extensive “10,000 Doors” ministry is part of the
denomination’s “Rethink Church” initiative, based on the
Church’s “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors” brand.
More information about these is available online; the denomi-
nation’s website is: www.umc.org.
“This is a wonderful moment,” Horton summarized.
“One of our clergy spouses has been fasting and praying for
this and the impact it can have for our churches and in people’s
lives. That struck me to the core, because that person believes
what’s at stake here is eternally important.”
Jan. 21, 2011
‘New Christians’
evangelism emphasis
Weekly prayers
launch year
“New Christians,” an evangelism emphasis in Okla-
homa, launched a weekly prayer program this month
that calls United Methodists to focus on growing their
lives and churches in spirit and in number for God.
Some 150 laity and clergy—a total of 14 groups—
last year began developing “New Christians.” They are
working through the Oklahoma Conference Disciple-
ship Ministry Team’s evangelism task force.
The weekly prayer calendar will be accessible at
www.okumc.org. These are the selections for the next
three weeks:
n Week of Jan. 23—Focus: Humility. Scripture:
Luke 18:4. Prayer: Gracious God, humble us in order
that you may receive all the glory.
n Week of Jan. 30—Focus: How can we prepare
hearts to accept Jesus? Scripture: Matthew 3:3b.
Prayer: Lord, prepare our hearts to make paths for those
who need to find you.
n Week of Feb. 6—Focus: What message is God
giving us to share with the lost? Scripture: Matthew
11:10b. Prayer: Like John the Baptist, send us to prepare
the way to you for those who are lost.
The goal of “New Christians” is to compile and
share a comprehensive set of resources and program
suggestions for churches, of all sizes and situations,
to reach more people for Christ. Various media will be
used, and one-day training events will be offered. The
first of these will be March 5 at OKC-Chapel Hill UMC.
Each congregation can draw from the materials
to design an approach to evangelism that reflects its
distinctiveness.
Task force leaders identified key words for this
two-year emphasis: resources, training, motivation,
and encouragement.
Temple Diehl and Ben Williams chair the Prayer
Subcommittee. Others are leading evangelism classes at
Local Church Leaders Workshops this winter. Recogni-
tion for “Magnetic Church” and “Welcoming Congrega-
tion” are in development. A Lenten initiative is planned.
Here is the full list of subcommittees and leaders.
• Hospitality congregations program—Bob Johns
• Plans for evangelism that are more effective
in a smaller church—Jim Hollifield
• Plans for evangelism that are more effective
in a larger church—Ray Crawford
• Social networking and evangelism—Becky Pierson
• Assimilating new members—Janelle Brammer
and Jim Stilwell
• Training—Bob Pierson
• Ministry to young adults—James Lambert
• Older Adult Council—Frank Nelson
• Children/youth ministry evangelism program—TBD
• Lenten emphasis—Brad Humphrey
• Home for Christmas—David Daniel
• Follow-up to Advent and Lent—Chris Buskirk
• Local Church Leaders Workshops—Randy Scraper
• Prayer—Ben Williams and Temple Diehl
“New Christians” seeks to reinforce the Oklahoma
Conference Strategic Plan, evangelism leaders noted.
The emphasis uses proven concepts from the denomi-
nation’s programs such as Rethink Church, Welcoming
Congregations, etc.
Further information will be shared in future issues of
the Contact. —Holly McCray
Page 6A
More than 70 members attended the Dec. 19 groundbreaking for McAlester-First UMC.
Building on unity
McAlester United Methodists launch capital project
In McAlester on Dec. 19, the members of First UMC
broke ground for the construction of a new church facility.
The ritual was held one week after a vote by the congre-
gation to move forward with construction.
“The contractors are eager to get started after the first
of the year,” said Charles Neff, senior pastor, “and so, with
Christmas and New Year’s occupying the last two weeks
of the year, we thought it best to break ground right away.
It ended up being a beautiful day for mid-December, and
the ceremony was very well attended.”
The start of construction comes two years after the
merger of the Grand Avenue and Wesley UMC congre-
OKC-Wesley celebrates 100 years
In Oklahoma City, Wesley UMC marked its 100th
year during special moments throughout 2010.
Pastor Diana Cox Crawford wrote in the church’s
newsletter:
“This year we have baptized babies and confirmed
young people. We have rejoiced in our centennial with
a renewal of vows, worship on the lawn, an ice cream
social, reunions, and a glorious celebration on Nov. 7.
“We have gone to Kenya and Bolivia, and next we
go to Mexico and Liberia. Our community outreach
served over 120 families with Operation Backpack. We
have served families in Project Noel. We have had great
fellowship and fun trips with our seniors and served at
Youth Force. We have completed the fellowship hall.
“We have performed ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Honk.’
We have had marvelous worship, with music that could
make angels weep. And, each Sunday, we have wor-
shipped in a beautiful, holy place where God is so close.
“In all of that, what is the most exciting and impor-
tant task we have accomplished? We have shared the
good news of the love of Jesus Christ with transformed
lives, strengthened journeys, and mended broken hearts.
Thanks be to God!”
Co-chairing the centennial planning were Melodie
Toland and Jim Rice. More than 300 people attended the
Nov. 7 event.
In 1910, the Oklahoma Conference set aside $300
for a new church in north Oklahoma City. Using the
money almost exclusively for lumber, volunteers built a
small tabernacle, dedicated by the bishop on Christmas
Day.
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Photo by Katie McCauley
gations, which formed First UMC of McAlester on Jan.
1, 2009. The new facility is being built on the former
Wesley site.
The building will include a Family Life Center,
classrooms, and office space, totaling 22,000 square feet.
A sanctuary and more classrooms will come in future
phases.
“This first phase will allow us to completely relocate
from downtown to the new site,” said Rev. Dr. Neff. “Our
new home will provide wonderful new opportunities for
ministry in our community, and everyone is very excited
to see it started. God is doing great things in McAlester!”
The women at OKC-Wesley sold donuts to pay
off the church mortgage in 1947. Burning the
note in a ritual that year are, from left, Wallace
Wood, Mrs. S.D. Bennell, C.S. McCreight, and
Mrs. R.J. Potts.
The pews were rough planks, the dirt floor was cov-
ered with wood shavings and sawdust, and some chairs
were reclaimed from a park pavilion after a fire. This
first building was affectionately called “the cow shed,”
according to church history.
By 1921, in a larger structure, church membership
was 815, with Sunday school attendance of about 1,200.
The current building, at Northwest 25th and Classen,
was constructed during that decade.
Jan. 21, 2011
Wedding Births
Pastors Chris • Eliab Alba was born Jan. 12,
Stinnett and Laurie 2011. He is the son of Eunice and
Long married Dec. 26, Rev. Obed Alba, pastor of Heavener
2010. In Lawton Dis- Hispanic and Howe churches.
trict, Chris ministers • Caedmon David Penny was born
at Apache UMC, and Jan. 10, 2011. He is the son of Leanne
Laurie is appointed to and Rev. Kel Penny, campus minister
Cyril and Cement. at United Campus Ministries in Ada.
In memoriam
Irving Smith
Rev. Dr. Irving Lee Smith, 92, of Enid died Jan. 1, 2011.
He was born Feb. 18, 1918, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He married
Saleta Wentworth in 1942; she preceded him in death in 2001.
He held degrees from Northwestern Oklahoma State University
and Perkins School of Theology, including an honorary doctorate.
Smith’s ministry career began in 1943. He was a superintendent
for both Enid and South Oklahoma City Districts. In Oklahoma,
he was a pastor at Lamont, Wetumka, Seminole, Tulsa-University,
Stillwater-First, OKC-St. Luke’s, and Enid-First. He also minis-
tered in the nation of Cuba, in the 1940s. He retired in 1988.
Survivors include children Marilyn Rudebock of Denver, Colo.,
Lawson Smith of Estes Park, Colo., and Roger Smith of Albu-
querque, N.M.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial service was Jan. 15 at Enid-First UMC.
Bonner and lenora Teeter
Memorial service for Rev. Bonner Earl Teeter and his wife,
Lenora Rackley Teeter, was held Dec. 30, 2010, in Neil Chapel at
Carillon senior living center, Lubbock, Texas.
Rev. Teeter died Dec. 21, and Mrs. Teeter died Dec. 25.
Both of them were born in Pottsville, Ark. Bonner was born
Feb. 14, 1919, and Lenora was born Feb. 18, 1916. They were
married for over 71 years.
Rev. Teeter’s ministry career spanned half a century. He
directed the Oklahoma Conference Council on Ministries from
1984 until his retirement in 1987. He was superintendent for two
districts: Muskogee and Ardmore. He received an honorary doctor-
ate from Oklahoma City University.
In Oklahoma, he was pastor at Boswell, Soper, Chickasha-
Epworth, Sulphur-First, Guthrie-First, Tulsa-Sheridan Avenue,
Tulsa-University, Ponca City-First, OKC-Nichols Hills, and the
Roff circuit. He also served churches in North Texas and New
Mexico Conferences. He was a chaplain during World War II.
Mrs. Teeter spent the majority of her life as a homemaker.
Their survivors include sons Eddie, of Lockney, Texas, and
Lara, of Webster Grove, Mo.; daughters Paula Marshall of Trini-
dad, Colo., Bonnie Payton of Lubbock, Nancy Edwards of Owasso,
and Vicki Rogers of Mechanicsville, Va.; 16 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren.
Margaret Henderson
Margaret Ann Henderson, 87, of Stillwater died on her birthday,
Dec. 23, 2010. She was the widow of Rev. Herbert Henderson, a
Local Pastor who served from 1960 until his death, in 1981.
Margaret was born in 1923 and married Herbert Leon Hender-
son in Antioch, Calif., on July 3, 1943. She was a homemaker, a
lifelong member of United Methodist Women, and a member of
Lost Creek United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a son, Marvin Henderson of Broken Arrow;
daughters Susan Brock of Coyle and Nancy Osburn of Oilton; six
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Service arrangements were by Palmer Marler Funeral Home.
Frankie Gregory
Frankie Eugenia Gregory, 93, of Enid died Dec. 22, 2010. She
was the widow of Rev. Alvin Darl Gregory.
Frankie was born March 10, 1917. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include sons Darl, of Grove; Jerry, of Ashville, N.C.;
and Len, of Altus. Also, daughter Joy Wille of Newkirk. Also,
several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rev. Gregory died in 1997. Mrs. Gregory was also predeceased
by daughter Judith, son Richard, and a grandson.
Service was Dec. 27 at the United Methodist Health Care
Center, The Commons, Enid.
 Page 7A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 21, 2011

Conference calendars corrected Learn about church property issues

Briefly
Next LEAD seminar: Feb. 18
Feb. 18-19 are the dates for the sec-
ond seminar of the clergy
LEAD series.
“Stewardship” and
“Leading the Laity” are
the topics for the pro-
gram, to be held at the
Meinders School of
Business at Oklahoma
City University.
All clergy are welcome, and meals are in-
cluded. Attendance at the previous event is not
a prerequisite.
On Friday evening, presenter will be Mi-
chael Reeves, pastor of Financial Discipleship,
University UMC, San Antonio, Texas.
Speaking Saturday will be David Carmichael,
retired dean of the Meinders School, and David
Bennett, senior pastor of Kirkwood (Mo.) UMC.
Joining Bob Spinks of OCU in a panel discussion
will be Oklahoma pastors Cindy Havlik, Bob
Long, Victor McCullough, and David Wilson.
It is important to note that several deadlines
apply in the registration process. Sign up online
at: www.okumc.org/registrations/register/18.
Also, brochures will be mailed soon to all clergy.
Questions? Contact Jan Polson, 405-530-
2064, jpolson@okumc.org.
More than 60 clergy attended the first LEAD
seminar, last fall.
Check your copy of the 2011 Oklahoma Con-
ference programming calendar. If you find pages
out of order or months missing, you can receive a
free replacement copy. Contact Barbara Venable
in the Conference office to request a corrected
version: bvenable@okumc.org, 405-530-2019.
Sias to receive OCU award
The Societies of Oklahoma City University
will honor Jeannette Sias, a member of OKC-
Nichols Hills church, during the annual Awards
of Excellence dinner Feb. 26 at the Skirvin
Hilton Hotel. She will receive the OCU Distin-
guished Philanthropist
Society Award.
Her volunteer activi-
ties include serving as
president of the Land-
men’s Wives Association
and the Ladies Music
Club, volunteering at the
Oklahoma City Speech
Sias
and Hearing Clinic, and
participating in Oklahoma City Arabian Horse
Shows. She taught pre-school children in Sun-
day school at Nichols Hills UMC for almost 40
years. Sias owns Joullian Vineyards, and she
taught speech therapy in Oklahoma City schools.
Licensing school dates set
The dates are June 20-July 1 for the 2011
Local Pastors Licensing School. Pastor John
Breon of Eufaula is dean for the annual training,
held at Oklahoma City University.
Now available for viewing online are all of
the webinars on church property issues that were
Opportunities
Director/Manager Camp
presented in 2010 by United Methodist Property Egan retreat Center: Full-time.
and Casualty Trust (PACT). Randy McGuire, 1501 N.W. 24th
Some of the topics are listed here. St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106;
• Affordable IT Security for Local Churches rmcguire@okumc.org, 405-530-
• CyberSafety for Families 2016. Deadline Jan. 25.
• Emergency Preparedness for Your Church Executive Director: Full-time.
• Ministry Protection Tips for Your Church’s Restore Hope Ministries in Tulsa.
Summer Activities Clarence Zitterkob, clarence@
• VBS and Safe Sanctuaries Online Training clarencezitterkob.us; 7820 E. 101st
(www.umcpact.org) St. Ste. E, Tulsa, OK 74133. Dead-
line Feb. 1.
T.E.A.M. is for laity administrative assistant:
Enrollment has begun for T.E.A.M. 2011, a Part-time. Canyon Camp in Hin-
laity leadership opportunity sponsored by the ton. For application, 405-542-
Board of Laity and Leadership Development 6967.
Ministry Team. youth Director: Part-time.
Each district is encouraged to identify two Norman-St. Stephen’s UMC,
laypersons to attend this program. During the ststephensumc@coxinet.net.
year, T.E.A.M. members will attend four over- youth Minister: Part-time.
night sessions. They will grow in their disciple- Jet UMC, P.O. Box 218, Jet, OK
ship and become better equipped to be servant 73749, jetprairievalleyumc@
leaders within and beyond their churches. yahoo.com.
Leon Wilson of Purcell attended the program administrative assistant/
in 2010, its debut year. He said he benefitted Communications Coordinator:
greatly and wrote, “T.E.A.M. 2011 may be that Part-time. Staff Parish Relations
next step for you as a Christian, as this year’s Committee, OKC-First UMC,
class has been for me.” SPRC@FirstChurchOKC.com,
The schedule is: March 4-6, Cross Point 405-239-6493.
Camp; May 30-31 and Sept. 9-10, Oklahoma youth Director: Part-time.
City; and Nov. 18-19, Camp Egan. Roland Youngberg, Clinton-First,
For more information, contact Judy Benson, ryoungberg@cableone.net, 580-
Conference lay leader, bensonjj@pldi.net. 323-3179.

Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the

1000
Dear Friends:
I would like to
make you awar
the Circle of Ca e of a new cam
re is undertaking paign that
ministry to the . It is an effort
next level, to pu to take the
ing help, healin rsue a grand vi
g and hope to ev sion 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 mpaign that will
ahead: How m allow 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
dent Living Pr ildren’s Home,
ogram? How m the Indepen-
through Pearl’s an y more families
Hope? can be helped
How many mor
Anonymous Rev. Linda & Ralph Harker Shannon Nakvinda Self & Mike Self In just seven sh
e lives can be fo
rever changed?
ort years, Circle
Donald & Cheryl Baker Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes Martha & Bill Smith years of minist
ering to those in
of Care will ce
lebrate 100
Don & Lynn Batson Jenny & Jono Helmerich Rev. Craig Stinson & Dr. Krista Jones of directors ha
s taken this bo
need in Oklahom
ld step forward a. Our board
future in which
David & Laura Beal Robert & Ann Ivester Ken & June Tucker Care’s program
even more lives
are impacted by
to envision a
s. Circle of
Clara Brown Keith & Patricia Kennedy J.M. & Patricia Vanderwiele Jr. I hope that you
will join me an
porting Circle d the others liste
Mary Wheeler & Spencer Brown Greg & Anita LaPat Lissa & Bill Wright and families of
of Care, and ou
r ministry to th
d here in sup-
e children, yout
Mary Butler Dwight Maulding Barbara & Donald Wright For the Childre
Oklahoma. h
n,
Dr. Ralph & Midge Coffman Robert & Doris McKown Circle of Care Staff:
Lloyd Cole Billy & Lora Meade *OKC/Communications/
Dr. John & Jamie Crooch Christy & Mike Mordy Pearl’s Hope Lissa Wright
G. Michael Crooch David & Laura Morrison *UM Boys Ranch Board Chair

Bobby & Shirley Darnell Lenert & Bobbie Pfeiler *UM Children’s Home
Gregory & Mary Ann Edwards John & Helen Riley *Independent Living
Robert & Prudy Gorrell Gary & Sharon Roth *Child SHARE

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

or visit our website at:

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html
Page *A
Law extends tax-free option for some charitable IRA gifts
Congress has extended the
legislation allowing donors to
make tax-free gifts from their IRAs
(Individual Retirement Accounts).
Because Con-
gress acted so late
in the year, individ-
uals can complete
an IRA rollover
through Jan. 31,
2011, and still elect
to have it count as
a 2010 IRA chari-
table rollover.
If you are age 70½ or older and
receive these distributions, you can
make tax-free gifts, totaling up
to $100,000, until Dec. 31, 2011,
Is it time to update your will?
Many significant things can
happen in a year. It is suggested
you consider reviewing your will or
estate plan every four years. Below
are several life changes and other
noteworthy reasons to update your
will or estate plans.
• You give birth to or adopt a child
• Your children reach adulthood
• You inherit or are given “new”
assets
• The needs of your beneficiaries
change
• Marriage
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 21, 2011
from your traditional IRA to quali-
fied charities such as your United
Methodist church or ministry
While you cannot claim a
charitable deduc-
tion for IRA gifts, Giving Through Your
IRA
your gift amount
will reduce your
taxable estate, and
you will not be re-
quired to pay fed-
eral income tax on Enjoy the benefits of giving
any amounts you
distribute to qualified charities. through your IRA
The Oklahoma United Method-
ist Foundation can help you make The rules have changed for charitable
your gift; contact the Foundation at gifts made from IRAs. If you are over
800-259-6863 for details.
age 70½, the federal government
now permits you to rollover up
• You give away or sell assets to $100,000 from your IRA to
mentioned in your current will a qualified charity such as your
• Significant change in your assets’
value
church or United Methodist ministry
• Purchase or sale of real estate without federal tax impact. Contact
• Relocation the Foundation today about making
• A named beneficiary dies
• Death, relocation, or disabled
your IRA rollover gift!
executor or trustee
• Death of a spouse
www.okumf.org • 800-259-6863
• Divorce
• You wish to make a gift to your
church or United Methodist cause