Dear NEO family, Please know that you are loved and appreciated.  As we prepare for the district assembly there is much to be grateful for in each of our churches.  My prayer for Homecoming 2012 is that it will provide many great times of encouragement and inspiration. Everyone is invited to remain after the ordination service on Sunday evening, June 3 for a celebration for our ordinands and their families. I know it will be a wonderful opportunity to spur the ordinands on, to fellowship, and to bond as a district family.

School of Stewardship led by Dr. Mark Lail Saturday, June 2, 9am

Church treasurers, finance committee and board members, pastors, this is especially for you. Topics include: ·       Understanding Generational Giving Trends ·       Denominational Funding, Connectivity, & Mission ·       From Zero to Steward in 7 Difficult Steps ·       Heads Up in a Down Economy ·       Building a Budget and Sticking to It ·       Housekeeping Skills for Pastors & Treasurers          (Audits, Online Giving, & Fraud Prevention) ·       Stewardship Jeopardy! The session will be practical, motivational, and fun. If you have not called or emailed your reservation for this event, please do so. We want to be sure we have food for everyone!

District Assembly Begins Sunday Evening, June 3, 6pm

In the service we will be celebrating the multi-faceted missional outreach taking place in NEO and ordaining three of our pastors. Dr. Stan Toler is our General Superintendent for 2012–13 and you are going to realize what a treat that is as he preaches and leads at our Assembly. We will be utilizing Dr. Toler on Monday during Assembly in a couple of unique ways: We will have a Q & A time at 1:30pm for those who come back early from lunch; and during the afternoon session I have asked Stan, an internationally recognized developer of leaders, to teach on “The Five Secrets of an Exceptional Leader”. Dr. Toler will have a gift for all lead pastors.

Dr. Daniel Ketchum to be Featured Speaker at NMI/NYI Conventions Saturday, June 9 - Tulsa Central

Dr. Daniel Ketchum

We are thrilled to have Dr. Ketchum with us for this day focused on making Christlike disciples in the nations. Dr. Ketchum is Director of Nazarene Missions International (NMI), global prayer renewal, EngageMagazine.com, and Global Mission partnerships. Until mid-2006, Daniel and Carol served in the Eurasia region as field strategy coordinator on the India and South Asia fields. There 25% of the world’s people live in eight nations. Those fields include 19 districts with more than 2,300 organized churches, growing by more than one new organized church per day each year (370 new churches last year). Prior to India and South Asia, they served as field strategy coordinator for two fields: Western Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe (20 nations across northern Africa and southern Europe). Before becoming missionaries, the Ketchum’s served as lead pastor, last at College Church in Nampa, Idaho. Daniel, an ordained elder, also served as a general board member, global president of Nazarene Youth International (NYI), district superintendent, and university trustee. Saturday, June 9 9:00 am – Registration 9:30 am – Great Commission Rally. Worship led by Central’s youth worship band; Message by Dr. Ketchum.   11:00 am – Nazarene Missions International (NMI) and Nazarene Youth International (NYI) Business 12:30 pm – Lunch.   NMI Delegates and friends will have box lunch in fellowship hall; $7 each. NYI will have free pizza for all of their delegation. 1:30 pm - NMI Workshops/inspiration with Dr. Ketchum                  and NEO leadership              - NYI Service Projects around Regency Park

Prayer and Fasting for Homecoming 2012

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly” (Joel 2:15, NIV). As we move near Assembly, I ask you to make our Homecoming Gatherings a prominent part of your prayer time. We continue to pray for AWAKENING on our District and in every local church. The Lord is able, willing, and ready to respond, and we need Him to pour out mercy, to redeem us, and to bring holiness revival in community.

Crisis Care Kits and Peanut Butter and Jelly for Manna House

Troy Farmer will be picking up Crisis Care Kits(CCKs) at the District Assembly, June 3rd. & 4th. For a copy of the inventory list and instructions go to www.nazarenemissions.org/crisiscarekits If you have questions feel free to contact Troy by e-mail or phone @918 207 0617 or cell 918 650 2064.  District Gatherings are also a great time to bring a gift for Manna House. They always can use peanut butter and jelly.

NEO Parsonage Families - Additional Graduate

Kailiana Odom received a B.S. in Ministry & Theology from Southern Nazarene University.

Moving Pastors

Broken Arrow First Pastor Larry Morris and family are moving to Houston where Larry will be lead pastor at Living Word Church of the Nazarene. Family Church Pastor Brady Wisehart and family are moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana where Brady will be lead pastor at Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene. These pastors leave a huge hole in their local churches and on the District. Pray for these families and the churches involved during this time of transition.  Camp Season is Near Exciting plans have been made for Kids Kamp and Youth Camp. Go to www.neonaz.com for more details. Grace and peace,   Dave

Dear NEO family, I love it when the District family gathers for worship, celebration, service, learning or inspiration. We will have times for all of the above during Homecoming 2012!! I can’t wait to see you. Don’t miss it! We will start with a School of Stewardship led by Dr. Mark Lail on Saturday, June 2, 9am. Church treasurers, finance committee and board members, pastors, this is especially for you. Topics include: ·       Understanding Generational Giving Trends ·       Denominational Funding, Connectivity, & Mission ·       From Zero to Steward in 7 Difficult Steps ·       Heads Up in a Down Economy ·       Building a Budget and Sticking to It ·       Housekeeping Skills for Pastors & Treasurers          (Audits, Online Giving, & Fraud Prevention) ·       Stewardship Jeopardy! The session will be practical, motivational, and fun. If you have not called or emailed your reservation for this event, please do so. We want to be sure we have food for everyone!

District Assembly begins on Sunday evening, June 3, 6pm. In the service we will be celebrating the multi-faceted missional outreach taking place in NEO and ordaining three of our pastors. Dr. Stan Toler is our General Superintendent for 2012 – 13 and you are going to realize what a treat that is as he preaches and leads at our Assembly. We will be utilizing Dr. Toler on Monday during Assembly in a couple of unique ways: We will have a Q & A time at 1:30pm for those who come back early from lunch; And during the afternoon session I have asked Stan, an internationally recognized developer of leaders, to teach on “The Five Secrets of an Exceptional Leader”. Dr. Toler will have a gift for all lead pastors.

Prayer and Fasting for Homecoming 2012 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly” (Joel 2:15, NIV). Our Board of General Superintendents and Nazarene Missions International have urged us to join in prayer with fasting during at least one meal each week, suggesting Wednesday mid-day if possible. As we move near Assembly, I ask you to make our Homecoming Gatherings a prominent part of your prayer time. We continue to pray for AWAKENING on our District and in every local church. The Lord is able, willing, and ready to respond, and we need him to pour out mercy, to redeem us, and to bring holiness revival in community. Crisis Care Kits and Peanut Butter and Jelly for Manna House Troy Farmer will be picking up Crisis Care Kits(CCKs) at the District Assembly, June 3rd. & 4th. For a copy of the inventory list and instructions go to www.nazarenemissions.org/crisiscarekits If you have questions feel free to contact Troy by e-mail or phone @918 207 0617 or cell 918 650 2064.  District Gatherings are also a great time to bring a gift for Manna House. They always can use peanut butter and jelly.

NEO Parsonage Families have many graduates From High School: Kassie Hazelton, Pryor; Sydney Nichols, Ft. Gibson; Daniel Normandin, Edmond Santa Fe; Hannah Powers, Epic Charter School; Brittany Proctor, Charles Page in Sand Springs. College or Graduate Degrees: Gabby Behrens received an education degree from SNU; Lauren Edwards received her masters from SNU; Sharon Nichols received an MBA from Northeastern State University; David Stevens received a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Rogers State University.

SNU’s Commission Unto Mexico is a “Work and Witness adventure for all ages.” This year we are going to a northeastern Mexico city called Monclova and surrounding towns for our annual over-the-New-Year’s-holiday trip. We’ll have construction work, Vacation Bible Schools, medical clinics and soccer outreach ministry. Check out all the information at : www.snu.edu/mexico

Doug and Lecia Gunsalus Moving Duncan, OK Heritage Oaks voted unanimously to extend a call to Doug Gunsalus as Lead Pastor! Doug and Lecia are planning their first Sunday for June 3! Doug has served in NEO with distinction, serving for several years as a youth pastor at Tulsa Central and for the past four years as a new start pastor at South Community Community Church. Doug has also served the District as a leader of our youth ministry. We will miss you, Doug and Lecia!

Dear NEO Family, We just finished the 2011-12 Church Year and we have much to be thankful for. At our Assembly on June 4 we will take time to hear words of thanksgiving from each pastor and church and from the District Leadership for God’s guidance and provision. Homecoming is going to be great. Don’t miss it!

NEO Homecoming, June 2-4 & 9, 2012 Tulsa Central June 2 — School of Stewardship 9:00am-4:00pm — Dr. Mark Lail, Director of Stewardship Ministries, will teach pastors, church treasurers, finance committee and board members to build more and better givers by developing a culture of holy generosity. The session will be practical, motivational, and fun. June 3 & 4 — 61st Annual District Assembly Sunday 5:00pm — Registration. Delegates pick up packets. 6:00pm — A Celebration of Mission and Ministry. Dr. Stan Toler preaching. Ordination of three ministers, recognition of those getting District license for first time, honoring retiree, and more. Monday 8:30am-5:00pm — NEO family business with Dr. Stan Toler, General Superintendent, presiding and preaching; District Superintendent Dr. Dave McKellips’ Annual Report; Sixty-one 61-second reports to the Assembly–Lead pastors, District Leaders; SNU luncheon for Lead Pastors, SNU Trustees and DAB; SNU report by Dr. Loren Gresham; Zone prayer; leadership teaching by Dr. Toler; Q&A time with Dr. Toler. June 9 — Youth and Missions Conventions 8:30am – Registration 9:30am – Service for all ages. Worship led by youth worship band; Message by Dr. Daniel Ketchum, Global President, Nazarene Missions International. 11:00am – NMI and NYI Business Meetings 12:30pm – Lunch. NMI Delegates and friends will have box lunch, $7 each. NYI will have lunch for all of their delegation. 1:30pm — NMI Workshops/Inspiration & NYI Service Projects Please bring peanut butter or jelly for Manna House. For additional details, visit www.neonaz.com

Our churches do a great job every year in giving generously to others. Most have already met their giving goals for 2011-12. Some are making the last payments to meet all goals. Thanks for your commitment to the global team! In case you missed the word, the formulas for our giving goals have been changed for the new church year: " By decision of the USA National Board, the percentages for P&B and EDU have been adjusted to 2.25% each, effective for the 2012-2013 assembly year. Churches will be in full support if their WEF is 5.5%, P&B is 2.25% and EDU is 2.25% of their adjusted income (below line 30) less amounts given to WEF (line 31) and Mission Specials (line 32). For complete information regarding the funding plan, approved unanimously by the 2010 General Board and USA National Board, visit www.fundingthemission.org.  District users should have access to the general website, to the application containing a church contributions summary, and, as long as churches report their income, their progress towards allocations." PASTOR and Treasurers: If you have not begun to use the fundingthemission.org site to report income at least monthly, PLEASE DO SO now. This will assist greatly the ministry of the District to you and will make your accounting of giving goals much easier!!

April NEO Statistical Leaders

view full report

I Want to Celebrate. . .

David Stevens, Vinita. . . Another great month to close out the year. Thank God for great people. He is blessing us and helping us. Joel Heid, Dewey. . . Answer to prayer.  One of our members was admitted to the hospital.  He had pneumonia and high fever.  We were in a board meeting on Thursday night when we got a call that his family had been asked to come, for they did not expect him to live through the night.  We stopped our board meeting and all went to the hospital.  It was past visiting hours so we used the service elevator and ten of us got around his bed and prayed and sang hymns.  My dad died last year and this man looked just like him physically -   laboring to breath; involuntary movements; and they said his organs were being poisoned (sepsis?).  After we prayed and sang over him he came out of an almost comatose state and said, “Hi, what is going on?”  Ten minutes after we left, his fever broke -- the fever they tried breaking all day.  We rejoice that God has spared him and answered our concerted prayer!  The whole hospital wing has been talking about it! He is home now and taking it easy. God is glorified when we seek Him together! Don Engie, Grove Lakewood. . . God is working here! We have started a prayer service on Sunday nights – focused on praying for the church, God’s direction here, the lost around us, and that God would help us reach them for the Glory of God. We have also been spending a lot of time praying for workers for the harvest. After posting some needs on the Nazarene Job Board, we have received resumes from people praying about coming to help in some areas we really need workers. We are also starting ministries focused on outreach – including collecting clothes for a transitional living facility in the area. We are also starting a free clothes and food closet focused on helping the grandparents in the area who are taking care of their grandkids. Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . We finished the 10-week 10/10/10 Challenge.  For the past 10 weeks 65 people committed to spending 10 minutes a day in prayer, 10 minutes a day in the Word, and increasing their giving(with an 10% increase of their current giving being the benchmark).  Several people have reported how this challenge has blessed them and their family and has caused them to become more dependent upon God.  One family reported that they had never tithed before.  They had only put in "a ten or twenty" at times when the plate was passed.  They began to tithe and during the course of their 10/10/10 commitment the husband and wife experienced a 47% pay increase.  Now they are giving more!  That's what it's all about!  We truly can't out give God! Carl Brown, Hominy. . . The love of God that is alive in our Church and we have come together to help others with hope, finances, and support in difficult times. We are making plans to do more community outreach. We have had a great end year with a Great Easter Attendance of 112 and a Singspiration and Pastor Celebration on the 22nd with 105 in attendance. God is moving and we are holding on for at great events that are to come. Larry Allen, Bristow. . . Received three new members in April. Brad Farnsworth, Connection. . . Third largest attendance on Easter Sunday of 205; Kid City (children’s ministry) continues to grow; held a very successful block party on April 1 with over 300 present. Steve Davis, Sapulpa. . . 4 out of 5 Sundays in April were over 200 in attendance. Increase in first-time guests. God’s provision is being seen. Greater unity in the body. Moving of God’s Holy Spirit in our services. Scott Behm, Chelsea. . . Our church has amazing unity; we had 100 % affirmation in member voting for all positions in our annual meeting. We elected a new NYI President with our new emphasis to train our teens to participate actively in leading themselves.  Together we are setting up a new teen leadership council under the new President. Our Easter attendance was the highest AM worship attendance for the year.  We had an Easter egg hunt for the children and Linda Heriford led a wonderful music filled emphasis in our morning worship service.  We had a wonderful father/daughter duet provided by Larry Couch and Stacie Shrier. Our teens have been studying Hebrews and 1st and 2nd Peter, on Wednesday nights we have been enjoying a fun "teens versus the church” quizzing type challenge. New families are starting to participate actively in the life of the church. We have high expectations for the coming church year and for what the Lord will do in our church.

Already over 700 people have registered for Extravaganza, the regional gathering of youth on the campus of SNU for fun sports, talent, and quizzing competition on May 25 – 28. Extravaganza will also include some awesome times of worship and opportunities for students to experience God through services designed to reach and teach them with special guests One Time Blind and Bailey! Whether you go to Extravaganza or not, the entire NEO family is invited to join the Extravaganza folks for Nazarene Night at Frontier City (theme park) on May 26. You can find details and registration info at www.snuextravaganza.com .

Pawhuska Seeking a Youth Band

Pawhuska is hosting a Father's Day Outreach event on Saturday June 16th from 11am to 4pm with Food, Fun for the whole family, Live Music, and all for free. They are looking for a youth band that could play for a love offering and who would appeal to a younger crowd. They already have a country/western/gospel group playing a couple of sets, and maybe a contemporary group, but want a group of young people to "spice it up." If anybody can help, call Pastor Jim at 918-287-3906.

Grace and peace, Dave

Homecoming 2012

As we prepare for the district assembly and conventions, there is much to be grateful for in each of our churches.  My prayer for the Homecoming is that it will provide great times of encouragement and inspiration. Please look over the schedule below, especially noting the ordination service will be on Sunday evening followed by a reception for all.  It will be a wonderful time to spur the ordinands on and to fellowship and bond with the district family.

NEO Homecoming, June 2-4 & 9, 2012 Tulsa Central June 2 — School of Stewardship 9:00am-4:00pm — Dr. Mark Lail, Director of Stewardship Ministries, will teach pastors, church treasurers, finance committee and board members to build more and better givers by developing a culture of holy generosity. The session will be practical, motivational, and fun. June 3 & 4 — 61st Annual District Assembly Sunday 5:00pm — Registration. Delegates pick up packets. 6:00pm — A Celebration of Mission and Ministry. Dr. Stan Toler preaching. Ordination of three ministers, recognition of those getting District license for first time, honoring retiree, and more. Monday 8:30am-5:00pm — NEO family business with Dr. Stan Toler, General Superintendent, presiding and preaching; District Superintendent Dr. Dave McKellips’ Annual Report; Sixty-one 61-second reports to the Assembly–Lead pastors, District Leaders; SNU luncheon for Lead Pastors, SNU Trustees and DAB; SNU report by Dr. Loren Gresham; Zone prayer; leadership teaching by Dr. Toler; Q&A time with Dr. Toler. June 9 — Youth and Missions Conventions 8:30am – Registration 9:30am – Service for all ages. Worship led by youth worship band; Message by Dr. Daniel Ketchum, Global President, Nazarene Missions International. 11:00am – NMI and NYI Business Meetings 12:30pm – Lunch. NMI Delegates and friends will have box lunch, $7 each. NYI will have lunch for all of their delegation. 1:30pm — NMI Workshops/Inspiration & NYI Service Projects Please bring peanut butter or jelly for Manna House. For additional details, visit www.neonaz.com

God is Writing a New Story at Okmulgee

On April 22, Gloria and I had the privilege of worshiping with the wonderful folks who make up the Okmulgee Church of the Nazarene. I rejoice in the partnership between Pastor Cole Weston and this congregation. There are many new signs of life and growth. A board member, Linda Summers, gave me three recent newspaper columns written by Pastor Cole. The articles are being read and creating a presence for the church in the community. I asked Cole for a link to the article that came out last Sunday entitled “Do the Math”. It is an excellent discussion of something we all face in our communities – gambling. I encourage you to check it out. http://okmulgeenazarene.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/good-news-do-the-math/

NEO Family Comes Alongside Cleveland Church of the Nazarene

On April 20-21, a team of NEO volunteers joined with members of the Cleveland Church in tackling several needed areas of repair. Led by Brian Loderhose and Lynn Quick, the group accomplished a lot in two days. Brian reports: “We completed the tile, carpet in sanctuary, the north side eves, trimmed out the new tile and the classroom, and painted ½ of the gym roof.  Claude Guy is coming back this week to work on the remainder of the eves.  I think we should finish the painting of the gym roof.  Three guys could do this in 6 hours by pouring the paint on the roof and spreading it out.  I think they still need the steeple roof leak repaired.” Contact me if you would like to help us finish strong! To see more pictures from Saturday’s work day, go the NEO Work and Witness page.

AWAKENING 2012 A Call to Prayer with Fasting from our General Superintendents

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly” (Joel 2:15, NIV). For such a time as this, God calls us to renew prayer with fasting as He called Esther, Joel, Isaiah, Anna, Jesus, Paul, and many others. Will you join the Board of General Superintendents and Nazarene Missions International in prayer with fasting during at least one meal each week? We suggest Wednesday mid-day or choose anytime that is more effective for you and your family. You could invite leaders in your church, district, and region to commit to prayer with fasting. Jesus said, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17a, NIV). The Lord is able, willing, and ready to respond, and we need him to pour out mercy, to redeem us, and to bring holiness revival in every nation. Today, we need more than principled leaders with deep convictions to biblical principles. Even if local churches, districts, fields, and regions select leaders who produce notable results, they will not be able to transform their cultures alone. Prayer with fasting is key. Adalberto Herrera, pastor of House of Prayer Church of the Nazarene in Cali, Colombia, declares, “When the Holy Spirit led us to prioritize Jesus and prayer with fasting in every ministry group, our church experienced revival in evangelism and disciple-making beyond any plan we had ever pursued.” Camp Season is Near Exciting plans have been made for Kids Kamp and Youth Camp. Go to www.neonaz.com for more details.

Christian Writing Workshop A day of facts, fun, & fellowship May 19, 2012 Cushing Church 116 E. Maple Cushing, OK Taught by Donna Clark Goodrich Author of 23 books, 700 articles, stories & devotionals For more info, contact the District Office or Cushing Church You are loved and appreciated! Grace and peace, Dave