Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the majestic name of Jesus! I pray you are walking by His Spirit today and experiencing his joy, peace and hope.
I am encouraged by the reports of those who attended the Prayer Conference at Crossroads Tabernacle in Fort Worth last week. Those who attended from Tulsa First, Sapulpa, Regency Park and Tulsa Central seemed to be carriers of revival in their home churches last Sunday. I pray that the wind of the Spirit would spread the fires of renewal across the District.
A message from our General Superintendents: The Board of General Superintendents is calling for a special Challenge 2010 World Evangelism Fund (WEF PLUS) Offering. We are asking that each member/regular attendee of the churches on your district be encouraged to give $10 to this special offering. This would be over and above Faith Promise and/or any other Thanksgiving Offering they might have committed to give.
We need every pastor to prayerfully lead their church to give generously and sacrificially in WEF PLUS. Again, this offering is in addition to Faith Promise and planned Thanksgiving Offerings, and it will provide immediate funding to Nazarene mission fields globally.
For information and inspiration, click here: http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10005004&id=10009562> http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10005004&id=10009562>http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10005004&id=10009562
Prayer Requests:
Dr. Russell Human, District Superintendent Emeritus, has Spinal Stenosis (a shrinking of the spinal cord), which is causing him much pain. Surgery is being considered.
Angie Bentley is continuing to recover, but in a great deal of pain still with the magnitude of the surgery. Her newborn grandson is continuing to slowly gain weight and make some progress, but is facing possible surgery for the hole in his heart in the near future.
Jade Rogers has accepted a call to serve as Lead Pastor at Joplin Calvary Church of the Nazarene. Jade’s last Sunday at Bartlesville First, where he currently serves as Youth Pastor, is November 28.Let’s pray for the Rogers and the Bartlesville Church during this time of transition.
Marty Crossland’s mother, Lillie Fay Crossland, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening. Marty is the husband of our former office assistant, Vicki (who will be filling in for us again this next week).
Haiti is experiencing a cholera epidemic that already killed around 250 persons and more than 2000 are infected. The cholera is moving around the country and is killing more and more people. God is more than able to change the situation.
Elections in our cities, state and nation! For whom should you vote? You know that I can’t answer that. It’s your decision.. But I can urge you to vote. Every Christian should do the research, learn what issues are at stake, and then vote.
Have a great weekend!
Dave McKellips
Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24
Dear NEO family,
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful day in NEO! Like many of you, I wish I was working outside today … or better yet, playing outside today.
Gloria and I had a wonderful time last Sunday at the Davenport Church this past Sunday. We installed Lowell and Marilyn Clark and the people are so excited to have them. The church has done a major remodeling on the parsonage and the Clarks hope to be moving in within a few days.
This seems to be a season of transition in NEO. Here are some new announcements:
• Henry and Bess Reed are serving as interim pastors at Cleveland Church of the Nazarene.
• Scott and Sarah Behm are serving as interim pastors at Chelsea Church of the Nazarene. Thanks to the Claremore church for sharing these members of their pastoral staff.
• Aaron and Becky Horton are moving to a small town in Illinois where Aaron will serve a dynamic church as Spiritual Formation Pastor and one of the Teaching Pastors. Aaron has served Central Church as Worship Arts Pastor/Executive Pastor for five years and has served with excellence at many of our District gatherings. The Hortons last Sunday will be Nov. 14.
• Rodney Durr has accepted a call to Family Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Rodney has served Muskogee for seven years and led them through a building program, relocation and several capital campaigns. Rodney has also been a great team player on the District, serving as Adult Ministries Director and Zone Coach, while leading Muskogee Rodney and Cindy’s last Sunday at Muskogee First will be December 5.
We also still have many prayer concerns for our pastors:
• Pastor Dwain Young (Hominy) continues to make progress in dealing with his back pain. He is not currently a candidate for surgery, but the injections and treatments are helping.
• Pastor Angie Bentley (Bristow) had major surgery on Monday, October 18. We rejoice that the surgery went well and they found no cancer.
• Jody William’s mother had surgery on her hand on Tuesday, and the recovery is quite extensive. Jody will be staying with her mom in Nebraska to help her with the recovery. Kevin Williams’s mother was in the Hospital in Kansas City this week with chest pains Please keep the whole family in your prayers.
Witnessing Without Fear Seminar conducted by Dr. Chic Shaver
Saturday October 23, 8:30 am to 1:00 PM (hourly breaks)
Regency Park Church of the Nazarene
(there is no charge but we need to know who is coming. Call the church office 918-663-9717 to register
Dr Shaver is the former Professor of Evangelism at NTS. He has taught evangelism all over the world and his evangelism resources are used all over the world. Since retiring from teaching he continues to travel almost weekly to preach and teach.
GORDON MOTE IN CONCERT - OCTOBER 24, 2010
CLAREMORE, OK NAZARENE CHURCH - 6:00 PM, DOORS OPEN 5:00 PM
claremorenazarene.com 918-260-4478
I will install Pastor Wayde and Jena Normandin at Tulsa Southwest this Sunday. I hope it is a powerful day of worship and preaching at your church this Sunday. May God be glorified in our midst.
Blessings,
Dave McKellips
Dear NEO family,
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful day in NEO! Like many of you, I wish I was working outside today … or better yet, playing outside today.
Gloria and I had a wonderful time last Sunday at the Davenport Church this past Sunday. We installed Lowell and Marilyn Clark and the people are so excited to have them. The church has done a major remodeling on the parsonage and the Clarks hope to be moving in within a few days.
This seems to be a season of transition in NEO. Here are some new announcements:
• Henry and Bess Reed are serving as interim pastors at Cleveland Church of the Nazarene.
• Scott and Sarah Behm are serving as interim pastors at Chelsea Church of the Nazarene. Thanks to the Claremore church for sharing these members of their pastoral staff.
• Aaron and Becky Horton are moving to a small town in Illinois where Aaron will serve a dynamic church as Spiritual Formation Pastor and one of the Teaching Pastors. Aaron has served Central Church as Worship Arts Pastor/Executive Pastor for five years and has served with excellence at many of our District gatherings. The Hortons last Sunday will be Nov. 14.
• Rodney Durr has accepted a call to Family Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Rodney has served Muskogee for seven years and led them through a building program, relocation and several capital campaigns. Rodney has also been a great team player on the District, serving as Adult Ministries Director and Zone Coach, while leading Muskogee Rodney and Cindy’s last Sunday at Muskogee First will be December 5.
We also still have many prayer concerns for our pastors:
• Pastor Dwain Young (Hominy) continues to make progress in dealing with his back pain. He is not currently a candidate for surgery, but the injections and treatments are helping.
• Pastor Angie Bentley (Bristow) had major surgery on Monday, October 18. We rejoice that the surgery went well and they found no cancer.
• Jody William’s mother had surgery on her hand on Tuesday, and the recovery is quite extensive. Jody will be staying with her mom in Nebraska to help her with the recovery. Kevin Williams’s mother was in the Hospital in Kansas City this week with chest pains Please keep the whole family in your prayers.
Witnessing Without Fear Seminar conducted by Dr. Chic Shaver
Saturday October 23, 8:30 am to 1:00 PM (hourly breaks)
Regency Park Church of the Nazarene
(there is no charge but we need to know who is coming. Call the church office 918-663-9717 to register
Dr Shaver is the former Professor of Evangelism at NTS. He has taught evangelism all over the world and his evangelism resources are used all over the world. Since retiring from teaching he continues to travel almost weekly to preach and teach.
GORDON MOTE IN CONCERT - OCTOBER 24, 2010
CLAREMORE, OK NAZARENE CHURCH - 6:00 PM, DOORS OPEN 5:00 PM
claremorenazarene.com 918-260-4478
I will install Pastor Wayde and Jena Normandin at Tulsa Southwest this Sunday. I hope it is a powerful day of worship and preaching at your church this Sunday. May God be glorified in our midst.
Blessings,
Dave McKellips
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Good afternoon, NEO family,
I am sending out my weekly update a couple of days early because I will be at a Board of Pensions and Benefits meeting on Friday. Last weekend I had the wonderful privilege of preaching at a revival at the Vinita Church. David and Carol Stevens are doing an outstanding job shepherding this loving group of disciples. This Sunday I have the privilege of installing Pastor Lowell and Marilyn Clark as pastors in Davenport.
One of the most exciting things happening across NEO is the Work and Witness projects. I love the way members and churches are coming alongside churches on our District needing assistance. Jerry Wilburg, our NEO Work and Witness Coordinator, has started a Facebook page specifically for NEO Work and Witness topics. He invites you to follow the link below to see pictures of projects this year and to contribute to the discussions about what has been done and could be done in the future.
http://www.facebook.com/n/?pages%2FNazarene-Work-and-Witness-NE-Okla%2F114034518656175&mid=3134b3bG5113e251G23d4e59G4c&n_m=dmckellips%40neonaz.com
Our next “Theologically Speaking” session will be on Monday, October 18. The topic is an important one, “The Word of His Power: Our views on the Bible and Science.” What do we mean by the sola scriptura? The infallibility or inerrancy of scriptures? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral? Are science and Christian faith allies or adversaries? The session will be at Tulsa Central, Room 104 at 6:30pm.
Witnessing Without Fear Seminar conducted by Dr. Chic Shaver
Saturday October 23, 8:30 am to 1:00 PM (hourly breaks)
Regency Park Church of the Nazarene
(There is no charge but we need to know who is coming. Call the church office 918-663-9717 to register)
Dr Shaver is the former Professor of Evangelism at NTS. He has taught evangelism all over the world and his evangelism resources are used all over the world. Since retiring from teaching he continues to travel almost weekly to preach and teach. Dr. Shaver will also be preaching at revival services/lay witness services at Regency Park on Oct. 24 – 27.
GORDON MOTE IN CONCERT - OCTOBER 24, 2010
CLAREMORE, OK NAZARENE CHURCH - 6:00 PM, DOORS OPEN 5:00 PM
claremorenazarene.com 918-260-4478
Prayer requests:
• The Broken Arrow Church Board has voted to give Pastor Larry Morris a paid leave of absence as he deals with the grief associated with the loss of his mother. We love and appreciate Larry and want to lift him up during this time where he is emotionally and physically drained.
• Bristow Pastor, Angela Bentley, is having some tests and faces possible surgery. She and Terry’s grandson also faces open-heart surgery.
• I meet with Chelsea Board tonight and Dewey Board next Tuesday as they search for new pastors.
• Pray for Pastor John and Angie Whitsett as they step away from ministry at Tulsa Central and seek God’s direction for the next step in their lives and ministry. Pray for the healing and unity in the church.
• Pastor Lowell Clark’s sister, Karla Lesslie, has cancer tumors in her liver and stomach.
• Rev. Curtis and Lesta Martin recently moved back to NEO in the Kelleyville area. Curtis fell trying to get from the roof to the ladder and has fractured his wrist and also broken his pelvis. Curtis had surgery yesterday on his wrist.
God’s best to you!
Dave McKellips
I am sending out my weekly update a couple of days early because I will be at a Board of Pensions and Benefits meeting on Friday. Last weekend I had the wonderful privilege of preaching at a revival at the Vinita Church. David and Carol Stevens are doing an outstanding job shepherding this loving group of disciples. This Sunday I have the privilege of installing Pastor Lowell and Marilyn Clark as pastors in Davenport.
One of the most exciting things happening across NEO is the Work and Witness projects. I love the way members and churches are coming alongside churches on our District needing assistance. Jerry Wilburg, our NEO Work and Witness Coordinator, has started a Facebook page specifically for NEO Work and Witness topics. He invites you to follow the link below to see pictures of projects this year and to contribute to the discussions about what has been done and could be done in the future.
http://www.facebook.com/n/?pages%2FNazarene-Work-and-Witness-NE-Okla%2F114034518656175&mid=3134b3bG5113e251G23d4e59G4c&n_m=dmckellips%40neonaz.com
Our next “Theologically Speaking” session will be on Monday, October 18. The topic is an important one, “The Word of His Power: Our views on the Bible and Science.” What do we mean by the sola scriptura? The infallibility or inerrancy of scriptures? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral? Are science and Christian faith allies or adversaries? The session will be at Tulsa Central, Room 104 at 6:30pm.
Witnessing Without Fear Seminar conducted by Dr. Chic Shaver
Saturday October 23, 8:30 am to 1:00 PM (hourly breaks)
Regency Park Church of the Nazarene
(There is no charge but we need to know who is coming. Call the church office 918-663-9717 to register)
Dr Shaver is the former Professor of Evangelism at NTS. He has taught evangelism all over the world and his evangelism resources are used all over the world. Since retiring from teaching he continues to travel almost weekly to preach and teach. Dr. Shaver will also be preaching at revival services/lay witness services at Regency Park on Oct. 24 – 27.
GORDON MOTE IN CONCERT - OCTOBER 24, 2010
CLAREMORE, OK NAZARENE CHURCH - 6:00 PM, DOORS OPEN 5:00 PM
claremorenazarene.com 918-260-4478
Prayer requests:
• The Broken Arrow Church Board has voted to give Pastor Larry Morris a paid leave of absence as he deals with the grief associated with the loss of his mother. We love and appreciate Larry and want to lift him up during this time where he is emotionally and physically drained.
• Bristow Pastor, Angela Bentley, is having some tests and faces possible surgery. She and Terry’s grandson also faces open-heart surgery.
• I meet with Chelsea Board tonight and Dewey Board next Tuesday as they search for new pastors.
• Pray for Pastor John and Angie Whitsett as they step away from ministry at Tulsa Central and seek God’s direction for the next step in their lives and ministry. Pray for the healing and unity in the church.
• Pastor Lowell Clark’s sister, Karla Lesslie, has cancer tumors in her liver and stomach.
• Rev. Curtis and Lesta Martin recently moved back to NEO in the Kelleyville area. Curtis fell trying to get from the roof to the ladder and has fractured his wrist and also broken his pelvis. Curtis had surgery yesterday on his wrist.
God’s best to you!
Dave McKellips
Friday, October 8, 2010
Dear NEO Family,
Greetings to you on this beautiful, fall day! This Sunday seems to be full of special services across the District. Since it is 10/10/10, some have planned special outreach events; others are having missionaries speak; and some are in revival. I will be speaking at a Revival in Vinita beginning tonight. Ark Noel will be speaking at a revival at Hominy beginning on Sunday and concluding on Wednesday the 13th. I pray every church will experience the manifest presence of God this weekend!
Our next “Theologically Speaking” session will be on Monday, October 18. The topic is an important one, “The Word of His Power: Our views on the Bible and Science.” What do we mean by the sola scriptura? The infallibility or inerrancy of scriptures? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral? Are science and Christian faith allies or adversaries? We will meet at Central Church, Rm. 104.
Our speaker and location for District Men's Retreat, scheduled for October, both cancelled. Watch for a new time and place in the near future.
Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, I want to share with you the new model that has been developed for a model pastor. It is guaranteed that he/she will please any church that calls him. He preaches exactly 14 minutes and then sits down. She condemns sin, but will never hurt anyone's feelings. He works from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every type of endeavor, from preaching to custodial services. She makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, has a nice family, drives a fine car and gives $30.00 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good cause with which he is confronted.
She has a burning desire to work with the young people and spends all her time with the old folks. He smiles all the time with a straight face, because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. She makes 15 calls a day on church members, spends all her time evangelizing the unchurched and is always available in the office. He gives every organization and group in the church his total leadership and never discourages the initiative of the lay people.
Hope you have a great weekend! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Greetings to you on this beautiful, fall day! This Sunday seems to be full of special services across the District. Since it is 10/10/10, some have planned special outreach events; others are having missionaries speak; and some are in revival. I will be speaking at a Revival in Vinita beginning tonight. Ark Noel will be speaking at a revival at Hominy beginning on Sunday and concluding on Wednesday the 13th. I pray every church will experience the manifest presence of God this weekend!
Our next “Theologically Speaking” session will be on Monday, October 18. The topic is an important one, “The Word of His Power: Our views on the Bible and Science.” What do we mean by the sola scriptura? The infallibility or inerrancy of scriptures? The Wesleyan Quadrilateral? Are science and Christian faith allies or adversaries? We will meet at Central Church, Rm. 104.
Our speaker and location for District Men's Retreat, scheduled for October, both cancelled. Watch for a new time and place in the near future.
Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, I want to share with you the new model that has been developed for a model pastor. It is guaranteed that he/she will please any church that calls him. He preaches exactly 14 minutes and then sits down. She condemns sin, but will never hurt anyone's feelings. He works from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every type of endeavor, from preaching to custodial services. She makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, has a nice family, drives a fine car and gives $30.00 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good cause with which he is confronted.
She has a burning desire to work with the young people and spends all her time with the old folks. He smiles all the time with a straight face, because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. She makes 15 calls a day on church members, spends all her time evangelizing the unchurched and is always available in the office. He gives every organization and group in the church his total leadership and never discourages the initiative of the lay people.
Hope you have a great weekend! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Friday, October 1, 2010
Dear NEO family,
I was in Colorado Springs this week for the Trustees Meeting of Nazarene Bible College. President Harold Graves is doing an wonderful job leading our college and NBC continues to do an outstanding job of helping ministers in training. Harold and Cheryl send greetings.
Barbara Hornbeck Welch, who has been our NBC Board Secretary, but has stepped down because of a brain tumor, gave a devotional for us on “Peace Like a River”. She attributed some of the thoughts to Beth Moore, who reminds us that a river is a moving stream of water. God’s Word doesn’t say “peace like a pond.” It is a peace when life twists, turns, rolls over rocks and cliffs and through narrow places. The peace comes from our continuous connection with the One who is the source of peace as we move through the current of life. Aren’t you thankful to be connected to the Prince of Peace? I sure am.
Tomorrow is the District Work Project at Miami. You are invited to join the crew for work in their new multi-purpose facility. Approximately 25 – 30 workers are needed. Work will start at 8:30 am and continue through the OU/Texas game, which will be on the big screen, along with snacks, beverages and good fellowship. Call Jerry Wilburg at 918-607-8561 if you need transportation from the Tulsa area.
Pastor Brian Loderhose from Owasso Silver Creek had surgery on his knee on Wednesday and is still planning on being a part of the work crew at Miami tomorrow and going on a Work and Witness trip to the Dominican Republic in two weeks. These NEO Nazarenes are tough!
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I trust that every local church will take time to recognize the contribution your pastor, your staff and their families make in the local church.
Pastor John Whitsett has resigned at Tulsa Central. His last Sunday will be October 31. Let’s pray for Pastor John and Angie and the Central family during this time of transition.
NEO Pastors’ “I WANT TO CELEBRATE…”
Carl Brown, Hominy… How good God in and He is truly working in Hominy Church of the Nazarene. God has been busy in Hominy we have had a tremendous Sunday School Drive and have seen a great answer to the call to come with an increase in attendance that was fantastic. We have had three people baptized and lives changed. We cannot wait to see what He has in store for our future – God Is In Control!
Cole Weston, Okmulgee…• The completion of our “Right Now” series
• A good turn out for our Romans Bible Study
Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills... Started 3 new Connection Groups; Two people from my work have started coming to church; Raised $1000 towards NYC at desert auction
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… Had 14 men from our church attend our church’s second annual men’s retreat at Branson, MO. God did some amazing things during our weekend retreat. Many giants were conquered with God’s power leading the way. Am looking forward to seeing the fruits of God’s work in the life of these 14 men.
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… A wonderful third installment of Serve People Sunday on September 19. For those that participated, it was a wonderful expression of God’s Kingdom in action. Also, a powerful sense of God’s presence in our services in spite of the tension in the congregation.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… the love of the Lord as seen in our people as they love others in very tangible ways and get more involved in the ministries of the church. I also want to celebrate the very successful launch of our new Caravan program. We have already had family members of new children visit our Sunday morning services. Our current SS/discipleship numbers are higher than our morning averages because we are ministering to two different groups of people weekly.
Randy Schuneman, Bartlesville… We have hired a new Children’s worker Jan Wilton from Arizona. Jan and her husband Bob will first Sunday will be October 17th. All of us are very excited to have them join the team!
Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection…9 Salvations and 7 baptisms on 2nd Birthday Bash, Sept. 12, Record attendance of 180 on 2nd Birthday Bash
Jason Powers, Tahlequah… Sunday night we have started the "Truth Project" from Focus on the Family...we have been having awesome attendance of around 35, with a high of 38! We also would like to share we have had three people saved, two teenage girls and a 7 year old girl! God is doing some amazing work! The girls names are: Chelsie, Taylor and Hope! Please pray for them and us as we disciple them. By the way, the 7 year old Hope is my daughter. We were working in the sanctuary arranging chairs etc. and she was crying by herself and we were wondering what happened. She had been singing with the mic, some iWorship praise songs with the dvd/projector...She told mom, "mom, would you forgive me for all the bad things I've done...I asked Jesus too!" Wow!!! how cool is that?
Steve Davis, Sapulpa… The kick-off of reading through “the Bible in 90 Days” New Bible studies for men and women
David Stevens, Vinita… God has been with us and blessed our services. We are praying for Revival in our Church. We have a Spiritual Renewal Weekend planned with Dr. H. David McKellips October 8-10.
Nate Burns, Owasso Silver Creek... We had a great family camp at MarVal Ranch, over 70 people joined us during the weekend! We also had a great yard sale and pancake breakfast for our Work & Witness team to the Dominican Republic, we almost raised $1000. And our new Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting is making a difference!
Dan Hazelton, Pryor... I want to celebrate... three adult new believers that are in the 8 week follow-up study. Five students accepting the Lord or making a new commitment to be Christ-followers. The church supporting a trip to Mexico for work & witness. New believer working with children on Wednesday nights.
NEO Leaders in September, 2010
Sunday School/ Discipleship Attendance Growth over Sept., 2009
1. Sapulpa +50
2. Broken Arrow First +33
3. Bristow+14
4. Sand Springs +14
5. Tulsa Central +13
6. Tulsa Hills +9
7. Pawhuska +7
8. Miami New Life +6
9. Pryor +6
10. Cushing +5, Horton Chapel +5, Fe y Esperanza +5
Worship Service Attendence Growth
1. Broken Arrow Connection +20
2. Wagoner +17
3. Sand Springs +16
4. Drumright +10
5. Hominy +10
6. Pryor +6
7. Tulsa First +6
8. Fe y Esperanza +5
9. Okmulgee +5
10. Sapulpa +5, Tulsa Central +5
Pastors also share with me what they are doing to be a High Impact Church. Let me share what two shared this week:
Tulsa Hills - Encouraging everyone to get involved in “1X3” One worship service, One Discipleship Group, One Area of Ministry; Faith in Action Sunday, October 10
Sand Springs - We are gearing up for our new Sunday night ministry - Sunday Night Life. SNL begins Sunday, October 10th and features music, lesson, drama, games, crafts, food and more. Our mission is to bring kids K-6 and their families to come worship and discover together life in Jesus Christ. This is an all hands on deck ministry that incorporates all ages in our congregation to help with activities, administration, preparation, food, cleaning, teaching, music, prayer and outreach. We are excited and praying that lives will be changed through this ministry!
It is great to be a part of the NEO family!
Grace and peace (like a river),
Dave McKellips
I was in Colorado Springs this week for the Trustees Meeting of Nazarene Bible College. President Harold Graves is doing an wonderful job leading our college and NBC continues to do an outstanding job of helping ministers in training. Harold and Cheryl send greetings.
Barbara Hornbeck Welch, who has been our NBC Board Secretary, but has stepped down because of a brain tumor, gave a devotional for us on “Peace Like a River”. She attributed some of the thoughts to Beth Moore, who reminds us that a river is a moving stream of water. God’s Word doesn’t say “peace like a pond.” It is a peace when life twists, turns, rolls over rocks and cliffs and through narrow places. The peace comes from our continuous connection with the One who is the source of peace as we move through the current of life. Aren’t you thankful to be connected to the Prince of Peace? I sure am.
Tomorrow is the District Work Project at Miami. You are invited to join the crew for work in their new multi-purpose facility. Approximately 25 – 30 workers are needed. Work will start at 8:30 am and continue through the OU/Texas game, which will be on the big screen, along with snacks, beverages and good fellowship. Call Jerry Wilburg at 918-607-8561 if you need transportation from the Tulsa area.
Pastor Brian Loderhose from Owasso Silver Creek had surgery on his knee on Wednesday and is still planning on being a part of the work crew at Miami tomorrow and going on a Work and Witness trip to the Dominican Republic in two weeks. These NEO Nazarenes are tough!
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I trust that every local church will take time to recognize the contribution your pastor, your staff and their families make in the local church.
Pastor John Whitsett has resigned at Tulsa Central. His last Sunday will be October 31. Let’s pray for Pastor John and Angie and the Central family during this time of transition.
NEO Pastors’ “I WANT TO CELEBRATE…”
Carl Brown, Hominy… How good God in and He is truly working in Hominy Church of the Nazarene. God has been busy in Hominy we have had a tremendous Sunday School Drive and have seen a great answer to the call to come with an increase in attendance that was fantastic. We have had three people baptized and lives changed. We cannot wait to see what He has in store for our future – God Is In Control!
Cole Weston, Okmulgee…• The completion of our “Right Now” series
• A good turn out for our Romans Bible Study
Jim Thornton, Tulsa Hills... Started 3 new Connection Groups; Two people from my work have started coming to church; Raised $1000 towards NYC at desert auction
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life… Had 14 men from our church attend our church’s second annual men’s retreat at Branson, MO. God did some amazing things during our weekend retreat. Many giants were conquered with God’s power leading the way. Am looking forward to seeing the fruits of God’s work in the life of these 14 men.
John Whitsett, Tulsa Central… A wonderful third installment of Serve People Sunday on September 19. For those that participated, it was a wonderful expression of God’s Kingdom in action. Also, a powerful sense of God’s presence in our services in spite of the tension in the congregation.
Angela Bentley, Bristow… the love of the Lord as seen in our people as they love others in very tangible ways and get more involved in the ministries of the church. I also want to celebrate the very successful launch of our new Caravan program. We have already had family members of new children visit our Sunday morning services. Our current SS/discipleship numbers are higher than our morning averages because we are ministering to two different groups of people weekly.
Randy Schuneman, Bartlesville… We have hired a new Children’s worker Jan Wilton from Arizona. Jan and her husband Bob will first Sunday will be October 17th. All of us are very excited to have them join the team!
Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection…9 Salvations and 7 baptisms on 2nd Birthday Bash, Sept. 12, Record attendance of 180 on 2nd Birthday Bash
Jason Powers, Tahlequah… Sunday night we have started the "Truth Project" from Focus on the Family...we have been having awesome attendance of around 35, with a high of 38! We also would like to share we have had three people saved, two teenage girls and a 7 year old girl! God is doing some amazing work! The girls names are: Chelsie, Taylor and Hope! Please pray for them and us as we disciple them. By the way, the 7 year old Hope is my daughter. We were working in the sanctuary arranging chairs etc. and she was crying by herself and we were wondering what happened. She had been singing with the mic, some iWorship praise songs with the dvd/projector...She told mom, "mom, would you forgive me for all the bad things I've done...I asked Jesus too!" Wow!!! how cool is that?
Steve Davis, Sapulpa… The kick-off of reading through “the Bible in 90 Days” New Bible studies for men and women
David Stevens, Vinita… God has been with us and blessed our services. We are praying for Revival in our Church. We have a Spiritual Renewal Weekend planned with Dr. H. David McKellips October 8-10.
Nate Burns, Owasso Silver Creek... We had a great family camp at MarVal Ranch, over 70 people joined us during the weekend! We also had a great yard sale and pancake breakfast for our Work & Witness team to the Dominican Republic, we almost raised $1000. And our new Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting is making a difference!
Dan Hazelton, Pryor... I want to celebrate... three adult new believers that are in the 8 week follow-up study. Five students accepting the Lord or making a new commitment to be Christ-followers. The church supporting a trip to Mexico for work & witness. New believer working with children on Wednesday nights.
NEO Leaders in September, 2010
Sunday School/ Discipleship Attendance Growth over Sept., 2009
1. Sapulpa +50
2. Broken Arrow First +33
3. Bristow+14
4. Sand Springs +14
5. Tulsa Central +13
6. Tulsa Hills +9
7. Pawhuska +7
8. Miami New Life +6
9. Pryor +6
10. Cushing +5, Horton Chapel +5, Fe y Esperanza +5
Worship Service Attendence Growth
1. Broken Arrow Connection +20
2. Wagoner +17
3. Sand Springs +16
4. Drumright +10
5. Hominy +10
6. Pryor +6
7. Tulsa First +6
8. Fe y Esperanza +5
9. Okmulgee +5
10. Sapulpa +5, Tulsa Central +5
Pastors also share with me what they are doing to be a High Impact Church. Let me share what two shared this week:
Tulsa Hills - Encouraging everyone to get involved in “1X3” One worship service, One Discipleship Group, One Area of Ministry; Faith in Action Sunday, October 10
Sand Springs - We are gearing up for our new Sunday night ministry - Sunday Night Life. SNL begins Sunday, October 10th and features music, lesson, drama, games, crafts, food and more. Our mission is to bring kids K-6 and their families to come worship and discover together life in Jesus Christ. This is an all hands on deck ministry that incorporates all ages in our congregation to help with activities, administration, preparation, food, cleaning, teaching, music, prayer and outreach. We are excited and praying that lives will be changed through this ministry!
It is great to be a part of the NEO family!
Grace and peace (like a river),
Dave McKellips
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