District Thanksgiving Service
Sunday,
November 18th, 5pm
Central
Church of the Nazarene
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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
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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.
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Living
in Vision, not in Circumstances
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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.
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NEO
Hispanic Ministries Continue to Thrive
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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!
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Positive
Church/Pastor Review
at
Tulsa Southwest
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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
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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.
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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.
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NEO
October Statistics
Attendance
for October
2012-13
2011-12
SDMI
2896 3000
Morning Worship
3599
3762
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I
Want to Celebrate. . .
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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.
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Grace and peace,
Dave
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