Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene

"The bottom of the soul may be in repose, even while we are in many outward troubles; just as the bottom of the sea is calm, while the surface is strongly agitated."—John Wesley


Dear NEO family,

Greetings in the strong name of Jesus. I continue to hear great stories of how God is working in the churches of NEO. Won’t it be fun to hear a one minute report of God’s goodness and grace from every church at our annual Homecoming? Our gathering is less than a month away.

                                    NEO Homecoming 2011, June 4 – 6, Central

NMI and NMI Conventions, June 4, 10am – 4pm   Bob Skinner, Missionary to the Ukraine, speaking; youth worship band from Silver Creek

Opening Service of Assembly, June 5, 6pm  The worship band, "Remedy" from SNU; Dr. Jesse Middendorf, speaking

District Assembly, June 6, 8:30am – 4:30pm  Exciting reports from our DS and every church

Ordination Service, June 6, 7pm  Also recognize retiring pastors and first time licensed pastors. Dr. Jesse  Middendorf speaking

Joel Heid has accepted the call of the Dewey Church to serve as their pastor. Joel, Julie, Braden, Chandler and Cadet Heid have been members of the Tulsa Central Church. About a year ago, God impressed upon Joel’s heart that it was time to return to pastoral ministry. We welcome Joel to the NEO Pastoral Team.

Attention all youth: SNU Extravaganza is May 27 – 30, 2011. Extavaganza is more than a sports, talent, and quizzing competition weekend. It is a chance for teens to gather for awesome worship, meet other teens from around the region and experience life on SNU’s campus! And this year, it includes festivities on May 28 at Frontier City. More info and all the details can be found at www.snuextravaganza.com

                                                          Disaster Response

Regarding Tahlequah and Crisis Care Kits
     I visited with Jason after church last night and we came to the conclusion that we did not need CCK's for this area. Most of the people had flooding (4 inches to 4 feet) and had some warning, so they were able to get some things out.
     My suggestion is that we pick up the CCK's at the District Assembly as usual and take them to the warehouse to replenish any they may have sent out. I will pick them up on Saturday the 4th and Monday the 6th.
     We are waiting on Insurance Companies, FEMA, and other agencies before we go forward from here with helping. Thank you, Troy Farmer

Regarding Work Team to Alabama
Wanted to thank my district family for their prayers and support of the work team that will be travelling to Alabama next Thursday. Wanted to remind all churches that if there is anyone still wanting to go with us to let me know we'll try to fit you in. Your church can also support us by gathering up a few of the items listed below. I will be in Tulsa on Monday and Tuesday and would be happy to stop by your church to pick any of these items up. I'm sorry for the short notice, and understand if you cannot collect the items. We do need your prayers and thank you for them! Thanks again!    Casey Hollingsworth
Peanut Butter     Jelly      Small individual bags of chips      Cleaning Supplies including bathroom cleaning items     -Clorox Wipes     -Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner     Rubber Gloves     Toilet Paper
Handi Wipes/Paper Towels    Small bottles of hand sanitizer
Also they could use $10/$20 gift cards to wal-mart or lowes/home depot

The media has been focusing this week on the death of Osama bin Laden. How do we respond as Christians? I have appreciated many thoughtful responses I have seen this week, including the one below:
"Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end. In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred." - Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, on the death of Osama bin Laden.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Mother's Day to all our Moms! You are loved!

Dave McKellips