Dear NEO Family, I trust you had a wonderful celebration of Thanksgiving. Gloria and I joined her family in Branson for a couple of days. We enjoyed good food, laughter and dominoes, along with a trip to Silver Dollar City. I didn’t have opportunity to go on many rides, but I loved the Broadway-style stage productions  of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life! As you know, both shows highlight how God can use us as impact players for good in our world. I am thankful for the way God can use all kinds of media to stimulate growth. This week, I feel especially thankful for the way God can use good books to change us. Two books I have read in the last few weeks have challenged me be an impact player for Christ by living an upside down life. If you haven’t read Crazy Love by Francis Chan or Radical by David Platt, I highly recommend them both. But don’t read them if you aren’t open to your world and faith being shaken (in a positive way)! My biggest fear is that I will be stirred but not changed. Please pray for me that I will not be content to settle for less than radical obedience to Christ. I also read Shift by Daron Brown last week. I have given a copy to all of our pastors and trust it will be helpful to them and our local church leadership. As the author says, the purpose of the book is not to offer a recipe for church growth. Instead it is a report of common ways the Holy Spirit is working in some churches today. I trust you will be encouraged and challenged by this fine book! Grace and peace, Dave

NEO November Statistics

Attendance for November                                    2012-13               2011-12         SDMI                           2718                    2931         Morning Worship         3429                      3774

view full report

I Want to Celebrate. . .

David Stevens, Vinita. . . Small (tiny) church ministry requires patience and flexibility. The live-in friend of a relative of some of our members was placed in hospice care due to cancer. Her husband, a cousin to some of our people, expressed a desire to be saved and baptized, and his live-in partner also stated this desire. We went and prayed with them, three including a daughter. Two weeks later (this past Sunday) we held a baptism service in their home with family present. Due to her weak condition we could not immerse, so I used a white flower and sprinkled them. God blessed the time with His presence and His touch. Since praying to be saved the man has stopped drinking, and others testify to a change in him. Also this has opened doors to other members of the family. Thank God for the special moments of ministry. Don Engie, Grove. . . The heart of Christ He has developed in the people here at Grove Nazarene. I am so humbled to pastor such loving, caring, and compassionate people – who love God and want to serve Him by loving others. In November we had a privilege to give away 10 Thanksgiving Baskets to families in our community – as well as provide a home for a family who were living in their car. He continues to open doors – and I pray we will continue to respond in obedience. Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . Wednesday nights have been committed to prayer.  People are desperately seeking God, and God is honoring that desperation with His powerful Presence.  We are spending time learning about the power of prayer and then spending sweet time in His presence at His altar.  Fruit is and will continue to be birthed as a result of "pressing in" to God! Cole Weston, Okmulgee. . . New visitors, and new outreach efforts taking place. Nathan Farmer is coming into his own leading the youth group, and I am supporting him in his efforts. Scottie Behm, Chelsea. . . Our teens hosted a church-wide traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner.  They led a passionate blessings message, including their personal witness about what Christ has done in their lives. Our worship team and I participated in the Chelsea Community Revival - we focused on personal evangelism and sharing Christ with our neighbor.  (We used two key scriptures:  “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house” Acts 20:20 and prepare yourself “...  he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21) Christmas Alive Fridays & Saturdays Nov 30 - Dec 22 6-9pm Join us for a free hay ride that will take you on a trip through time and witness the story of Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and a beyond-the-manger look at Jesus of Nazareth.   Muskogee First Church of the Nazarene 2700 E Peak Blvd.   Call 918-682-2592 for more information. December 2 6pm Drumright Church Mike Howard’s brother, Chuck Howard, has produced another movie starring John Schneider of Dukes of Hazard.  The movie is “Luke Warm”. Drumright church will be showing it this Sunday evening, Dec. 2, at 6 pm.  New Pastor Tony Siebels will be installed as Pastor at the Pawhuska Church of the Nazarene on December 16th.  We welcome Tony and his son, Anthony, to Northeast Oklahoma!

Dear NEO family, Two-thirds of our churches had representation at our District Thanksgiving Service last evening. I want to thank all of you who made the effort to attend. Special thanks go to Tulsa Central for hosting our event and to Pastor Phil Burkhart for leading the worship. Phil did the best job I have seen of planning a worship service that was bi-lingual. We are blessed to have talented, godly servants like the Burkharts on our NEO team. In addition to thanking God for His lavish grace, we spent a few minutes last night expressing appreciation to those who serve the District throughout the year: · Our dedicated, gifted pastors · Our District Advisory Board - Jeff Cotner, Nate Burns, Casey Hollingsworth, Steve Davis, Duane Cox, Rodney Amos, Barbara Gunter, Jerry Wilburg · Our Auxilliary Leaders: NMI President – David Stevens; NYI President – Ryan Amey; SDMI Chairman – Steven Lester · Our paid staff: Marla Shepherd, Sharon Gunter, Gloria McKellips; Hispanic Coordinator - Otoniel Danneman; District Secretary – Jim Thornton; District Treasurer – Bud Lauhon · District Superintendent Emeritus – Russell Human I encourage you to drop these leaders a note or give them a call to say “thank you”! Nate Burns reminded us last night that when a disaster occurs, the Nazarene Church is there to help. We are working to form a NEO Nazarene Disaster Relief Team. A trailer has been donated and now we are raising money to buy the equipment needed by a relief team. Sunday night at our Thanksgiving Service, $980.48 was raised. Thank you! We value your input about the Thanksgiving service. Please take a moment to take our very brief survey.

Each year at Thanksgiving, Nazarenes around the world raise money for World Evangelism. Is your money being invested well? Let’s hear a recent report from the Church in Cote d’Ivoire: After noticing a major disorder in Protestant-Evangelical churches, Côte d'Ivoire's Department of Religion of the Ministry of the Interior launched the registration of evangelical churches in August. Pastor Djaha N'da Ésaü, in charge of the Côte d'Ivoire's Sassandra-Marahoue zone for the Church of the Nazarene, and a group of pastors from the town of Daloa went to town hall to present the denomination's registration papers. When Tra Lou Xavière, the official in charge of cultural affairs, saw the documents, she exclaimed, "I know this church through the broadcast The Nazarene Hour (l'Heure du Nazaréen) on the radio Fréquence-Vie from Abidjan. I was edified thanks to your broadcasts. Therefore, for the Church of the Nazarene there is no problem; it is a true church of God." Pastor Ésaü told her that she would receive copies of the broadcasts from the district superintendent, who is the producer of the broadcast. "It is with joy that our leaders left the building of the town hall with the feeling that they belong to a great church of God, very respected in Côte d'Ivoire," said Central District Superintendent Prao Kouakou. Thanks be to God!

RA Dickey wins National League Cy Young award

New York Mets pitcher R. A. Dickey became the first knuckleballer to win a Major League Baseball Cy Young award last week, and a Nazarene general superintendent couldn't be happier for him.  Dickey, 38, received 27 of 32 first-place votes to win the National League's award for being its top pitcher. The all-star won 20 games for the Mets this season, a far-cry from when Dickey was toiling in the minor leagues for Oklahoma City. It was there he met a Nazarene pastor — Stan Toler. "I'm thrilled with R. A. Dickey winning the Cy Young award," said Toler, now a general superintendent. "His persistence and discipline have paid great dividends." Dickey began his baseball career when he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 1996 draft out of the University of Tennessee. The Rangers offered the Nashville native an $800,000 contract, but during a physical doctors discovered he was missing a bone in his right elbow. When doctors told Rangers leadership Dickey wouldn't be able to continue pitching without seriously injuring himself, Dickey's contract was reduced by more than 90 percent. He spent the next 14 years in the minor leagues, including six seasons with Oklahoma City's AAA team, the Redhawks. Stan and his wife, Linda, were Dickey's host family for parts of four seasons.  "It was a pleasure to keep him in our home," Stan Toler said. "We love him like a son." In 2006, the Rangers signed Dickey again and he switched from being a traditional pitcher to a knuckleball pitcher. The knuckleball, thrown by gripping the ball with the thumb and two to four knuckles or fingertips, barely rotates, making its motion unpredictable and difficult to hit. Over the years Dickey perfected the pitch and later earned stints with the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, and now the Mets.  He was named an All-Star this year for the first time in his career. Toler and his two sons, Seth and Adam, met up with Dickey during the All-Star Game in Kansas City. "Going to the All-Star Game was a dream come true for me since my days of playing baseball," Toler said after the game. "The event was made even better because R. A. Dickey made the team and pitched the sixth inning. I was like a proud father when he stepped on the mound." Toler said Dickey, who studied briefly at Trevecca Nazarene University, is a strong Christian. "His commitment to Christ and his family is evident in all aspects of his life," Toler said. "The Cy Young is a great honor for a man who told me, as it relates to this baseball season, 'only God could orchestrate a script like this!'" In January, Dickey risked his career by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Bombay Teen Challenge, a nonprofit organization that combats human trafficking in India. He works with a nonprofit organization called Honoring the Father Ministries, which began spreading the gospel through baseball in Cuba. Dickey's co-written biography, Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball, was released in March. NEONYE!?! NYI New Year's Eve event. $10 at the door. Concert. Food. 8:00pm - 1:00AM /OR/ 7:00AM -- you choose! X-Box tourney. 9-Square in the Air. Human Wrecking Ball? Whose Line is it Anyway? NEONYE will be the best New Year's party you have ever been to. Dec. 31. 8:00 PM. Central Church.tv  More info coming.

Grace and peace, Dave

Election PRAY and VOTE District Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 18th,  5pm Central Church of the Nazarene

Join us for a wonderful time of corporate thanksgiving and praise.  The service will include: ·  Songs and testimonies of Thanksgiving. ·  Reports and awards from God’s work in our churches through Engage the Word. ·  Expressions of thanksgiving to our District Leaders and pastors for their faithful ministry through the year. ·  Communion as a District family After the service, you are invited to stay for Pie Fellowship

NEO Nazarenes, you are cordially invited to a pie social following our Thanksgiving Service on November 18th. Pumpkin, Pecan, Cherry, and Apple Pies will all be served. There will be some specialty pies like Coconut Cream that will be available in limited quantity and will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of $5 per person will include pie, ice cream, beverage (hot or cold), and wonderful fellowship. All the proceeds will go to Owasso Silver Creek Student Ministries' Youth Room Remodel.

Living in Vision, not in Circumstances

As if watching their rookie quarterback put on an extraordinary record-setting display wasn’t enough, the emotions surrounding the Indianapolis Colts went through the roof following Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Miami Dolphins. Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who was diagnosed with leukemia in September, visited the Colts locker room following the big win and delivered a heart-wrenching speech to his team. “I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in vision, and you weren’t living in circumstances,” Pagano said. “Because you know where (pundits) had us in the beginning — every last one of them. “But you refused to live in circumstances, and you decided consciously, as a team and as a family, to live in a vision. And that’s why you bring things home like you brought things home today. That’s why you’re already champions, and well on your way. “I’ve got circumstances — you guys understand it, and I understand it. And my vision that I’m living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings, and then hoist that Lombardi (Trophy) several times. “I’m dancing at two more weddings, and we’re hoisting that trophy together, men.” As I listened to Coach Pagano’s speech, it sounded like church, even including a chorus of “Amen’s” from the players and coaches. The message is what we proclaim every day as Christians. Our actions and hope are not based on circumstances but on the vision we have of the current and coming Kingdom of God. Let’s live like those who are “more than conquerors” today as we live by faith and vision.

NEO Hispanic Ministries Continue to Thrive

Last Saturday, November 3, I had the chance to sit down with ten of our key Hispanic leaders. I wish you could have been there to hear of their passion to make disciples and of their love and appreciation for the Church of the Nazarene.  Many of our Hispanic churches have instituted the Master’s Plan and are seeing our membership grow in depth and commitment. Many strong lay and clergy leaders are being developed. This year we have re-started the Hispanic congregation at Central and another pastor is just waiting for God to open a door for ministry. Praise the Lord!

Positive Church/Pastor Review at Tulsa Southwest

I conducted a Church/Pastor Review at Tulsa Southwest on November 3. It was a very positive review. The church is excited about the vision to reach the Eugene Fields neighborhood in which they serve. They were appreciative of Pastor Wayde’s vision, compassion, preaching and leadership style. And Wayde commended the board for their input, hard work and leadership within the congregation. Pastor Wayde and Jena will continue their service at Southwest according to the Manual provisions. Wayde, Jena, and Austin Normandin

Oklahoma School of Ministry Winter Session Nov 12, 2012-Dec 3 & Jan 7- Feb 4 History & Polity of the Church of the Nazarene This is a prerequisite course for obtaining a district minister's license. It includes the history of the denomination and the official polity as set forth by the General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene. Books: Called Unto Holiness I & II, current Manual of the Church of the Nazarene (available online) Church History I (first of 2 classes) This course traces the roots and progress of the Christian church from the Book of Acts into the medieval period. The 2nd class goes from the medieval period to the modern church. More complete details may be found at the web site   http://osm-neo.weebly.com. Scheduling, meeting places, etc. are found there.

Here is a report from Jay Height in New York: There are numerous churches on the Metro New York District that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, such as the Jersey City Church, which was totally flooded. Many pastors’ homes were damaged by flood waters as well. The pastors of Far Rockaway Church, Flushing First Church, and Brooklyn Bethel Church all had their homes damaged by Sandy.  Countless churches are active in their neighborhoods to relieve those suffering. Millions in the region are still without power. No power means no heat and; for those in high rises, no elevators. In many neighborhoods, power is not expected to return for at least another week. It is expected that a nor'easter will arrive next week, which may be devastating for those affected. Other needs include water, food, gas, batteries, flashlights, and blankets. Please continue to pray for those affected. Contributions can be sent through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. District News Congratulations to Bernie and Paula Brown who have been honored by inclusion in the Southern Nazarene University 2012 Hall of Witnesses inductees. The induction ceremony will be on Saturday morning during Homecoming weekend at SNU. NEO District Marriage Enrichment Conference February 15-16, 2013 Tulsa Central Church with Bryce & Beth Fox

NEO October Statistics Attendance for October                                   2012-13       2011-12 SDMI                               2896            3000 Morning Worship              3599            3762

view complete report

I Want to Celebrate. . .

Carl Brown, Hominy. . . Our commitment to Engage the Word and reach out to our community -- we are excited about what God has planned for us. Brian Stephens, Broken Arrow First. . . Our Fall Festival we had on Sunday, October 28th. We had over 300 people from the nearby elementary school and our neighborhoods come and spend time with us. We had free candy, games, face painting, horse rides, hay rides, pumpkin decorating and more. The families were very grateful that they were invited to the event. There was one family from the neighborhood whose mom told us it was her daughter’s birthday Sunday. She wasn’t sure what they were going to be able to do for her and were very happy that they could go as a family to an event like this. Many smiles, laughs and sugar-filled kids!! David Stevens, Vinita. . . Faithful church folks who express their love to their Pastor during October; God’s presence and inspiration each time we meet; faithful people who give above the tithe out of their love for God and His work all over the world. Mark Hiehle, Claremore. . . We had a tremendous revival with Pastor Kirk Zahniser from Sarasota, Florida.  The Lord moved in every service as people came forward to be filled with the Spirit, to give their life to Him, and to be baptized.  Over the 4 days of revival, we had 13 people get baptized.  If anyone is looking for a great revival speaker, I would highly recommend Pastor Kirk Zahniser. Don Engie, Grove Lakewood Community. . . The way this church has come together. God has developed a group of people here who simply desire to grow in Christ and see others come to faith in Christ. We have had several ministry opportunities this past month, and every time this church has come together and sacrificially been Christ to the people in need. I am beyond humbled to pastor such a group of people. Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . Experienced a "Holy Encounter" with God at the 2012 Prayer Conference in Dallas.  Once again, I received a mighty touch from God and all my inadequacies and fears that come with being a pastor were washed away in His mighty stream of Grace!  Praise Him! Scottie Behm, Chelsea. . . That fall is time when we are reminded of the seasons of life. As we rake our leaves, the reality of the frailty of life becomes evident.  One member of church again today celebrates the miraculous healing power of Jesus.  After suffering a stroke, losing his ability to speak and most of his mobility, in just a few days he was home again speaking and walking.  We not only praise Jesus for His ability to make a difference in this life but also for the perfect provisions by which He has provided for us in the next. We are very thankful to the Claremore church for their gift of a video projector; it is wonderful to be part of the NE Ok District - thank you Pastor Mark Hiehle.

Grace and peace, Dave