“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” Samuel Chadwick
Dear NEO Nazarene family,
What a way to begin an Advisory Board Meeting! Last Thursday night as we began a long meeting, I asked Pastor Casey Hollinsworth to share about the “fresh wind and fresh fire” they are experiencing at Miami New Life Church. Casey shared about the manifestation of God’s glory and power in service after service this past month. People are getting saved and sanctified, miracles of healing are taking place and hearts are being refreshed. Casey said people can hardly wait for the next service and they come with anticipation. I praise God for the revival and growth New Life and other churches on our District are experiencing.
I got ahead of myself last week when I mentioned the website has been launched again. It looks like we are live with the new server this week. There is still a lot that needs to be added and it is always a work in progress, but I appreciate the work of Gloria Mckellips in getting up and running again.
Fun times for NEO kids the next 10 days:
Fun Quiz this Sunday, April 3, 3 – 5pm, Regency Park Church
Kid’s Mission Day with Beverly Gruver, Saturday, April 9, Claremore Church
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. receives four-star rating
A U.S. charity evaluator awarded Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. a four-star rating for its management practices. Charity Navigator, based in Glen Rock, New Jersey, rated NCMI after a review of the organization's fiscal and administrative records.
"As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency, and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars," wrote Ken Berger, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator, in a letter to NCMI. NCMI, based on 2009 data, goes above and beyond the demand for accountability, Berger said.
Charity Navigator, ranked one of the top nonprofit evaluators in the U.S. by Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, highlights the work of efficient charities and provides donors with information they need to make a charitable contribution. "Only 19 percent of the charities we rate have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America," Berger wrote. "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."
NCMI provides funds from donors outside the denomination to support Nazarene Compassionate Ministries' projects around the world. For the past three years, approximately $4 million annually has been directed to Nazarene programs responding to human suffering in the U.S. and around the world, Nees said.
As a U.S. nonprofit corporation, with a board elected by the Church of the Nazarene General Board, NCMI is one of several international resource partners for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and the Church of the Nazarene. For more information, visit the NCMI website, www.ncmi.org.
General superintendents appeal to U.S. churches for full support of P&B Fund
The Board of General Superintendents is calling all U.S. churches to a renewed commitment to full payment of the Pensions and Benefits Fund, said J.K. Warrick, BGS chair. The general superintendents will give special attention to support of the P&B Fund at each U.S. district assembly in 2011.
"Full support of the P&B Fund is vital to the Church of the Nazarene fulfilling promises made to her ministers and widowed spouses under the Basic Pension Plan," said Warrick. "The fund has been hurt by a decline in giving by churches over the last 20 years. Further weakening of investments has contributed to sluggish growth toward the goal of fully funding the plan. However, our board is confident that, as in the past, when Nazarenes are made aware of the need, they will rally to the support of our retirees."
"Will We Be There for Them?" is the theme for the emphasis to support P&B Fund giving. The general superintendents will present a video at this summer's U.S. assemblies and give special recognition to retired ministers on each district.
Have a blessed week! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God's standing challenge, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not!'" J. Hudson Taylor
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus,
Let’s Prayer in Unity
NEO Youth Camp Website: http://www.neocampcatalyst.com/ .
Men’s Ministry Bass Fishing Event Report from Jeff Wooten
I want to say thanks to all the NEO pastors for helping to get the information to the multitude in the NEO. We had a good time in fellowship, fun, food, and fishing. The wind did however change its mind and limited the bounty of bass.
District Work and Witness update from Jerry Wilburg
First I want to say thanks for those brave souls who came out to Southwest Church for a Work Day on the weekend following two big snowfalls. Together, we were able to complete the ceiling grid so that the electrician could finish up his part of the lighting. We also completed the kitchen wall sheetrock and mud/ tape.
Since then, some of the Southwest guys have cleared the fence line of most of the small trees and only a couple of big stumps need to be pulled out. (Any takers?)
And this week a team from Broken Arrow jumped in there with the Southwest guys and put the ceramic tile flooring down.
So we want to get a group together to finish up on April 16, 2011 at 8AM. List of things we need to do:
• Concrete Pad for AC unit, Step and platform for double door, and ramp and platform for single door.
• Finish with outside trim on sheetmetal building.
• Install cabinets in Kitchen area.
• Demo block building behind new facility.
• Grout tile
• Install Bathroom partitions
• Celebrate with our Brothers and Sisters over the work that has been accomplished.
If you can come out for half day or full day we welcome your assistance. Bring tools you have to assist in the work you think you will be able to help with. Please give me a call or e-mail to let us know who/how many to plan on being there (. Thanks.
SNU Grad Selected: The University of Oklahoma announced yesterday that Toby Rowland, the sideline reporter on OU football broadcasts for each of the last two years, will take over duties as the radio play-by-play announcer for both football and men’s basketball. He succeeds Bob Barry, who retired after the 2010-11 football and men’s basketball seasons. The two-time Emmy Award winner graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 1995 and is son of Oklahoma District Superintendent, Terry Roland and wife, Judy.
NEO Homecoming 2011, June 4 – 6, Central
Grace and peace to you,
Dave McKellips
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus,
Let’s Prayer in Unity
- The Father of Pastor Rodney Amos (Tulsa First) has been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer.
- Ruth Human had knee replacement surgery yesterday. The surgery went wll and we pray for her and Russell during this time of healing and rehabilitation.
- Global Prayer Need (from the wife of one of our General Superintendent's) "There is a terrible situation going on in Ethiopia. One person is waging war against the church and our good people. He is making false claims but unfortunately has money behind him and especially there money equals power. Some of our good and faithful people are being thrown in jail. There it is you are guilty until you can prove otherwise and the officials have been bought so it is getting very hard to find a fair judge. It has been going on for the 2 years we have been over there but now it has gained momentum. Our people are scared and discouraged. Please pray for our church especially in Awassa where the district center is. The other side is claiming ownership of the buildings and at this time they just might be able to bribe enough government officials to get it and have our people displaced or jailed. It is urgent."
- Pray for the people of Japan and Libya.
NEO Youth Camp Website: http://www.neocampcatalyst.com/ .
Men’s Ministry Bass Fishing Event Report from Jeff Wooten
I want to say thanks to all the NEO pastors for helping to get the information to the multitude in the NEO. We had a good time in fellowship, fun, food, and fishing. The wind did however change its mind and limited the bounty of bass.
- There were a total of 22 fisherman attending and 26 for lunch.
- 1st Place was Jim Seratt from Cornerstone Community
- 2nd Place and biggest bass was Josh Medlock from Broken Arrow.
- 3rd Place was Rich Stafford from Cornerstone Community.
District Work and Witness update from Jerry Wilburg
First I want to say thanks for those brave souls who came out to Southwest Church for a Work Day on the weekend following two big snowfalls. Together, we were able to complete the ceiling grid so that the electrician could finish up his part of the lighting. We also completed the kitchen wall sheetrock and mud/ tape.
Since then, some of the Southwest guys have cleared the fence line of most of the small trees and only a couple of big stumps need to be pulled out. (Any takers?)
And this week a team from Broken Arrow jumped in there with the Southwest guys and put the ceramic tile flooring down.
So we want to get a group together to finish up on April 16, 2011 at 8AM. List of things we need to do:
• Concrete Pad for AC unit, Step and platform for double door, and ramp and platform for single door.
• Finish with outside trim on sheetmetal building.
• Install cabinets in Kitchen area.
• Demo block building behind new facility.
• Grout tile
• Install Bathroom partitions
• Celebrate with our Brothers and Sisters over the work that has been accomplished.
If you can come out for half day or full day we welcome your assistance. Bring tools you have to assist in the work you think you will be able to help with. Please give me a call or e-mail to let us know who/how many to plan on being there (. Thanks.
SNU Grad Selected: The University of Oklahoma announced yesterday that Toby Rowland, the sideline reporter on OU football broadcasts for each of the last two years, will take over duties as the radio play-by-play announcer for both football and men’s basketball. He succeeds Bob Barry, who retired after the 2010-11 football and men’s basketball seasons. The two-time Emmy Award winner graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 1995 and is son of Oklahoma District Superintendent, Terry Roland and wife, Judy.
NEO Homecoming 2011, June 4 – 6, Central
- NMI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
- NYI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
- Opening Service of Assembly, June 5, 6pm
- District Assembly, June 6, 8:30am - ?
- Ordination Service, June 6, 7pm
Grace and peace to you,
Dave McKellips
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
"Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer." John Bunyon
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus. Many Christian communities around the world observe the seven weeks prior to Holy Week each year for times of reflecting on the events leading to the Passion of Jesus. "Lent" is the name given to this time of remembering. In one Oklahoma church, the leaders have asked all attendees to commit to four personal disciplines during these seven weeks--(1) Attend Worship weekly; (2) Attend a Sunday School class weekly; (3) Participate in a small group meeting each week; and (4) Engage in a personal devotional time daily. I wonder if you would accept this challenge.
We are one week into Lent. I pray that it is already becoming a meaningful journey with Jesus towards the cross. I am especially thrilled for all those, like me, who are using the “Ashes to Fire” resources. Let’s swap prayers and stories of how God is at work within our churches.
Rev. Mito Marroquin has resigned as pastor of Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno but will be staying in the area and get involved in another Nazarene church. Pray for Mito and Nina during this time of transition and for our Hispanic Director, Otoniel Dannemann, as he finds interim and long term leadership for this church.
Thanks be to God for gifted and godly interim pastors!. Last Sunday I was in Muskogee where John and Glinda Williamson are serving during the time of pastoral transition; next Sunday I will be in Cleveland where Henry and Bess Reed have been serving for several months. Both church boards speak in glowing terms of their interim leadership. The same is true at Tulsa Central where Bob and Libby Huffaker are serving, at Dewey where Al and Phyllis Rathbun have served since October and Grove where Gerald and Joy MacDonald will be serving for at least a year. We are blessed by the wonderful service of these pastors and spouses.
Thank You Celebration. Some of the churches which were birthed by Central Church over the years asked Pastor Bob Huffaker about coming together in a service to praise God for what He has done through the vision and passion Central has had for reaching the unchurched through NewStarts. The service is planned for this Sunday, March 20, 6pm in the worship center at Central. Any of the District family is invited to join Family Church, Connection Church and SoCo Church, along with Central Church, in the music and celebration.
When Tsunamis Invade Our Lives by H. B. London
In light of all that has happened in Japan recently, questions may begin to arise in our minds, such as: Where is God? What is to blame? Where do we go from here? In these situations, many times, all we can do is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). Below is an excerpt from my new devotional book, Pause — Recharge — Refresh, that might help.
TRUSTING GOD
How do you explain sadness? How do you make sense out of suffering? Why are we so surprised when evil triumphs? Why do bad things happen to good people? So many questions — so few answers.
I don't begin to understand how God works, but I do know He is always love. Kenneth Samples wrote, "While God's universe is majestic and eloquently designed to provide humankind with a fine habitat on Earth, it can also be a powerfully dangerous place at times."
So often in trials, we have a tendency to say, "Where is God?" The answer is not a simple one, but from His Word there is comfort amidst the suffering: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). The psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam. ... The Lord Almighty is with us" (Psalm 46: 1-3, 7). Where there is no answer, there comes this word from our loving Lord: "Trust me."
I don't understand God's ways, but I trust Him. I remember reading once where C. S. Lewis, in deep despair over the loss of his wife, cried out to God, "Why?" The answer he received was, "Son, even if I could explain it to you, you would not understand. It would be like attempting to teach physics to a four-year-old." We just trust Him — even when the answers don't always emerge!
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God'" (Psalm 31:14).
Call to Prayer
The Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents, while scattered in global assignments and ministry, is issuing a call to prayer for the people of Japan. As the church journeys through the season of Lent, anticipating the memorial of the Lord's crucifixion and the glorious message of His resurrection, believers know God is present in times of suffering. Prayers invoke the mercy, grace, and compassion of the Savior on behalf of all those affected by this disaster.
The Church asks Nazarenes everywhere to pause and pray on behalf of the Japanese people, and provide assistance if possible. For information on how you can help through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries go to http://www.ncm.org/ .
Dates to make sure you have on your calendar:
Men’s Bass Fishing Tournament, March 19
Children’s “Fun” Bible Quiz, April 3, 3- 5pm, Regency Park
Kids Mission Day w/ Beverly Gruver, April 9
Close Statistical Year, April 24
Annual Pastor’s Reports Due, May 2
NYI Extravaganza, May 27 - 29
NEO Homecoming 2011, June 4 – 6, Central
NMI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
NYI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
Opening Service of Assembly, June 5, 6pm
District Assembly, June 6, 8:30am - ?
Ordination Service, June 6, 7pm
Nazarene Youth Conference, Louisville, July 5 – 10
NEO Kidz Kamp at Sky Ranch, July 14 – 17
Youth Camp at Camp Bond, July 22 – 25 http://www.neocampcatalyst.com/
Ministers and Mates Retreat, August 26 – 28, Branson Hilton on the Promenade
You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus. Many Christian communities around the world observe the seven weeks prior to Holy Week each year for times of reflecting on the events leading to the Passion of Jesus. "Lent" is the name given to this time of remembering. In one Oklahoma church, the leaders have asked all attendees to commit to four personal disciplines during these seven weeks--(1) Attend Worship weekly; (2) Attend a Sunday School class weekly; (3) Participate in a small group meeting each week; and (4) Engage in a personal devotional time daily. I wonder if you would accept this challenge.
We are one week into Lent. I pray that it is already becoming a meaningful journey with Jesus towards the cross. I am especially thrilled for all those, like me, who are using the “Ashes to Fire” resources. Let’s swap prayers and stories of how God is at work within our churches.
Rev. Mito Marroquin has resigned as pastor of Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno but will be staying in the area and get involved in another Nazarene church. Pray for Mito and Nina during this time of transition and for our Hispanic Director, Otoniel Dannemann, as he finds interim and long term leadership for this church.
Thanks be to God for gifted and godly interim pastors!. Last Sunday I was in Muskogee where John and Glinda Williamson are serving during the time of pastoral transition; next Sunday I will be in Cleveland where Henry and Bess Reed have been serving for several months. Both church boards speak in glowing terms of their interim leadership. The same is true at Tulsa Central where Bob and Libby Huffaker are serving, at Dewey where Al and Phyllis Rathbun have served since October and Grove where Gerald and Joy MacDonald will be serving for at least a year. We are blessed by the wonderful service of these pastors and spouses.
Thank You Celebration. Some of the churches which were birthed by Central Church over the years asked Pastor Bob Huffaker about coming together in a service to praise God for what He has done through the vision and passion Central has had for reaching the unchurched through NewStarts. The service is planned for this Sunday, March 20, 6pm in the worship center at Central. Any of the District family is invited to join Family Church, Connection Church and SoCo Church, along with Central Church, in the music and celebration.
When Tsunamis Invade Our Lives by H. B. London
In light of all that has happened in Japan recently, questions may begin to arise in our minds, such as: Where is God? What is to blame? Where do we go from here? In these situations, many times, all we can do is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). Below is an excerpt from my new devotional book, Pause — Recharge — Refresh, that might help.
TRUSTING GOD
How do you explain sadness? How do you make sense out of suffering? Why are we so surprised when evil triumphs? Why do bad things happen to good people? So many questions — so few answers.
I don't begin to understand how God works, but I do know He is always love. Kenneth Samples wrote, "While God's universe is majestic and eloquently designed to provide humankind with a fine habitat on Earth, it can also be a powerfully dangerous place at times."
So often in trials, we have a tendency to say, "Where is God?" The answer is not a simple one, but from His Word there is comfort amidst the suffering: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). The psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam. ... The Lord Almighty is with us" (Psalm 46: 1-3, 7). Where there is no answer, there comes this word from our loving Lord: "Trust me."
I don't understand God's ways, but I trust Him. I remember reading once where C. S. Lewis, in deep despair over the loss of his wife, cried out to God, "Why?" The answer he received was, "Son, even if I could explain it to you, you would not understand. It would be like attempting to teach physics to a four-year-old." We just trust Him — even when the answers don't always emerge!
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God'" (Psalm 31:14).
Call to Prayer
The Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents, while scattered in global assignments and ministry, is issuing a call to prayer for the people of Japan. As the church journeys through the season of Lent, anticipating the memorial of the Lord's crucifixion and the glorious message of His resurrection, believers know God is present in times of suffering. Prayers invoke the mercy, grace, and compassion of the Savior on behalf of all those affected by this disaster.
The Church asks Nazarenes everywhere to pause and pray on behalf of the Japanese people, and provide assistance if possible. For information on how you can help through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries go to http://www.ncm.org/ .
Dates to make sure you have on your calendar:
Men’s Bass Fishing Tournament, March 19
Children’s “Fun” Bible Quiz, April 3, 3- 5pm, Regency Park
Kids Mission Day w/ Beverly Gruver, April 9
Close Statistical Year, April 24
Annual Pastor’s Reports Due, May 2
NYI Extravaganza, May 27 - 29
NEO Homecoming 2011, June 4 – 6, Central
NMI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
NYI Convention, June 4, 10am – 4pm
Opening Service of Assembly, June 5, 6pm
District Assembly, June 6, 8:30am - ?
Ordination Service, June 6, 7pm
Nazarene Youth Conference, Louisville, July 5 – 10
NEO Kidz Kamp at Sky Ranch, July 14 – 17
Youth Camp at Camp Bond, July 22 – 25 http://www.neocampcatalyst.com/
Ministers and Mates Retreat, August 26 – 28, Branson Hilton on the Promenade
You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Friday, March 4, 2011
"Oh brother, pray; in spite of Satan, pray; spend hours in prayer; rather neglect friends than not pray; rather fast, and lose breakfast, dinner, tea, and supper - and sleep too - than not pray. And we must not talk about prayer, we must pray in right earnest. The Lord is near. He comes softly while the virgins slumber." Andrew A. Bonar
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus. It was a privilege to gather in Louisville last week with 3000 North American Nazarenes. God honored your prayers and blessed the services and workshops of M11. I was challenged and encouraged by the messages. I was hopeful as I saw and heard from some of the young leaders God is raising up in our church. I was humbled to join thousands of others in offering myself wholeheartedly to God to be used by Him for Kingdom purposes in this generation. Oh, I know there are challenges the church faces today in North America, but my outlook is positive and hopeful as we walk in step with the Lord of the church!
Tomorrow will be a big day in NEO. Our District Ladies Brunch will be held at Family Church at 10am. An Noon we will share in the dedication of our new facilities for SNU-Tulsa, 8210 E. Regal Court, Bixby.
This Sunday I will have the privilege of being at Bartlesville First Church as they burn the mortgage on their Family Life Center. We rejoice with Pastor Randy Schuneman and this great church body who have a beautiful church facility and it is now debt free! Others are celebrating the work of God in NEO churches:
I WANT TO CELEBRATE...2/2011
Jeff Wooten, Wagoner Cornerstone Community... Some healed relationships that were detrimental to the church.
David Stevens, Vinita . . . God is blessing our services. We are seeking His presence more and more. We are asking Him to pour out His Spirit on our services, reveal Himself to the people in real and relevant ways. He is honoring our prayers. He is the only one who can solve the major problems of life, both on the grand global scale, and in the private corners of the human heart. His will be done.
Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection. . . A successful “snow day” online service with estimated attendance of 140; 15 first time guests on Friend Day, one of which gave his life to Christ (he came as a favor to a regular attender).
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . A new, fresh movement of God’s Spirit in our Church. I have seen and experienced God’s Spirit during these recent days like never before! His Spirit has brought healing throughout our church. Depression, low self-esteem, a lustful spirit, and many other areas have been touched by the Holy Spirit! Several have experienced and testified to receiving the witness of the Spirit. Even I, as pastor, have not been immune to his touch. He has touched and sanctified my entire body through and through! He is so good! His work has just begun and I’m BLESSED to be a part of it! Praise God!
James Wilson, Pawhuska. . . renewed passion, focus, and enthusiasm.
Angela Bentley, Bristow. . . the Lord’s presence and faithfulness in all situations! I also celebrate the beginning of a new discipleship small group for young adults.
Steve Davis, Sapulpa. . .
• Beginning of Financial Peace University
• 2 New Ladies Bible Studies
• 2 men accepted Jesus as their personal Savior
• Leadership team established with young adults
• Beginning to see God answering prayers in a new way
NEO DISTRICT LEADERS – February 2011
(in attendance gain vs. February, 2010)
Sunday School/Discipleship
Tulsa Regency Park +45
Muskogee First +20
Owasso +20
Barnsdall +16
Collinsville +15
Miami New Life +14
Nowata +11
Davenport +10
Sand Springs +10
Tulsa First +9
AM Worship
Collinsville +29
Barnsdall +20
Miami New Life +18
Davenport +11
Tulsa First +10
BA Connection +9
Drumright +9
Fe y Esperanza +8
Chelsea +7
Sand Springs +7
Children’s Bible Quizzing Fun Quiz: Sunday, April 3, 3 – 5pm, Regency Park Church.
Prayer Seminar with Nathan Covington, March 6th-9th, hosted by the Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene. Seminar begins Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and will continue Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with services beginning at 7:00 p.m. each night. Seminars will be broken into (2) 45-minute sessions with a short break in between. Prayer is one of the most talked about subjects in the religious world. But most of us have this “guilt” thing about prayer. We believe in prayer. Even non-Christians believe in prayer. The problem is, for the most part, Christians don’t pray! And the reason most do not pray is because we do not know why God wants us to. The prayer seminar gives biblical insight into why God asks us to pray, offers practical insights for the development of an effective life of prayer, and is designed to create a passion for a dynamic relationship with God. Topics covered in the seminar include the following:
Have a blessed weekend! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
Dear NEO family,
Greetings in the strong name of Jesus. It was a privilege to gather in Louisville last week with 3000 North American Nazarenes. God honored your prayers and blessed the services and workshops of M11. I was challenged and encouraged by the messages. I was hopeful as I saw and heard from some of the young leaders God is raising up in our church. I was humbled to join thousands of others in offering myself wholeheartedly to God to be used by Him for Kingdom purposes in this generation. Oh, I know there are challenges the church faces today in North America, but my outlook is positive and hopeful as we walk in step with the Lord of the church!
Tomorrow will be a big day in NEO. Our District Ladies Brunch will be held at Family Church at 10am. An Noon we will share in the dedication of our new facilities for SNU-Tulsa, 8210 E. Regal Court, Bixby.
This Sunday I will have the privilege of being at Bartlesville First Church as they burn the mortgage on their Family Life Center. We rejoice with Pastor Randy Schuneman and this great church body who have a beautiful church facility and it is now debt free! Others are celebrating the work of God in NEO churches:
I WANT TO CELEBRATE...2/2011
Jeff Wooten, Wagoner Cornerstone Community... Some healed relationships that were detrimental to the church.
David Stevens, Vinita . . . God is blessing our services. We are seeking His presence more and more. We are asking Him to pour out His Spirit on our services, reveal Himself to the people in real and relevant ways. He is honoring our prayers. He is the only one who can solve the major problems of life, both on the grand global scale, and in the private corners of the human heart. His will be done.
Brad Farnsworth, BA Connection. . . A successful “snow day” online service with estimated attendance of 140; 15 first time guests on Friend Day, one of which gave his life to Christ (he came as a favor to a regular attender).
Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . A new, fresh movement of God’s Spirit in our Church. I have seen and experienced God’s Spirit during these recent days like never before! His Spirit has brought healing throughout our church. Depression, low self-esteem, a lustful spirit, and many other areas have been touched by the Holy Spirit! Several have experienced and testified to receiving the witness of the Spirit. Even I, as pastor, have not been immune to his touch. He has touched and sanctified my entire body through and through! He is so good! His work has just begun and I’m BLESSED to be a part of it! Praise God!
James Wilson, Pawhuska. . . renewed passion, focus, and enthusiasm.
Angela Bentley, Bristow. . . the Lord’s presence and faithfulness in all situations! I also celebrate the beginning of a new discipleship small group for young adults.
Steve Davis, Sapulpa. . .
• Beginning of Financial Peace University
• 2 New Ladies Bible Studies
• 2 men accepted Jesus as their personal Savior
• Leadership team established with young adults
• Beginning to see God answering prayers in a new way
NEO DISTRICT LEADERS – February 2011
(in attendance gain vs. February, 2010)
Sunday School/Discipleship
Tulsa Regency Park +45
Muskogee First +20
Owasso +20
Barnsdall +16
Collinsville +15
Miami New Life +14
Nowata +11
Davenport +10
Sand Springs +10
Tulsa First +9
AM Worship
Collinsville +29
Barnsdall +20
Miami New Life +18
Davenport +11
Tulsa First +10
BA Connection +9
Drumright +9
Fe y Esperanza +8
Chelsea +7
Sand Springs +7
Children’s Bible Quizzing Fun Quiz: Sunday, April 3, 3 – 5pm, Regency Park Church.
Prayer Seminar with Nathan Covington, March 6th-9th, hosted by the Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene. Seminar begins Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and will continue Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with services beginning at 7:00 p.m. each night. Seminars will be broken into (2) 45-minute sessions with a short break in between. Prayer is one of the most talked about subjects in the religious world. But most of us have this “guilt” thing about prayer. We believe in prayer. Even non-Christians believe in prayer. The problem is, for the most part, Christians don’t pray! And the reason most do not pray is because we do not know why God wants us to. The prayer seminar gives biblical insight into why God asks us to pray, offers practical insights for the development of an effective life of prayer, and is designed to create a passion for a dynamic relationship with God. Topics covered in the seminar include the following:
Have a blessed weekend! You are loved!
Dave McKellips
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