Dear NEO family, I love the way ordinary NEO Nazarenes, empowered by an extraordinary presence are proclaiming the gospel everywhere they go! That was the key to the incredible growth of the church in the Book of Acts and it is still the way the church is growing around the world in 2013. Yesterday I met Pastor Michael Howard at Hillcrest Hospital where he is having radiation treatments every day. I was taking him some additional copies of the book, Radical, which he ordered for the Drumright Church. Michael was through with his treatment and ready to leave, but as soon as I gave him the books, he took a copy inside to give to the person who administers the radiation every day. He has been talking about Christ every day with this person and wanted to share the book with her. Last Sunday I attended Sunday School at Tulsa Central Church. The teacher, Barbara Gunter, shared how she felt burdened to talk about Christ with someone in her home to repair the security system. Another member told of someone she encountered in a store who she engaged in conversation about Christ. These Nazarenes are learning that the great commission is not a choice for them to consider, but a command for them to obey. Though having fears about bringing Christ into the conversations, they understand that every one of us is to be fishing for men and making disciples. They are relying on God to help them as they obey. NEO Nazarenes must not settle for anything less!

Record Enrollment at Southern Nazarene University! A traditional student enrollment of 1,100 and a census day record in Professional and Graduate Studies of 1,166, accounted for SNU’s fall enrollment total of 2,266, the highest in the university’s 115 year history.   The traditional student enrollment figure reflects back-to-back years of increases and the adult and graduate studies number is a record high for the program. We rejoice with President Loren Gresham and all of the team at our university, SNU! Southern Nazarene University's mission is to transform lives through higher education in Christ-centered community. As a Christian community of scholars, we model the hospitality of grace, the pursuit of truth and the practice of discipleship, all within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, as we prepare graduates who THINK with clarity, ACT with integrity and SERVE with purpose.

Revivals Impacting NEO Churches!

It is my treat to hear the reports of revival on the District. Last week our churches in Sapulpa and Pryor had wonderful times of refreshing from the hand of God. Pastor Steve Davis said, “Lives are being transformed by the power of Jesus.” People sought to be sanctified holy and give up the divided heart; others testified to physical healing; others were delivered from shame and fear and depression. Glory to His name! I was in Pryor for the Sunday evening service and enjoyed 15 – 20 people giving spontaneous testimony to the way God was working in their lives. I also was delighted to see a number of people from Claremore joining them for the service. I encourage you to look at the district calendar and attend revival at a church nearby. A key to revival is a desperation in God’s people. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. As I was reading the book, Phineas Bresee, Pastor to the People, by Carl Bangs, I saw how God used circumstances in Breese’s early ministry in Iowa to create a desperation in this young pastor.  This desperation was a turning point. Bresee would later reflect: “That charge did me more good than any I ever had. It broke me up, and broke through the chrysalis that was about me, and in some way taught me and impressed me that desperation, earnestness, intensity, would win, God helping, in doing God’s work.” (p. 42) Quiz Location Change Kidz Bible Quiz #1 this Saturday, September 28, has been moved to Owasso Silver Creek

NEO NYI Mission Trip Registration Now Open! Our NYI Mission trip registration is up and limited to the first 80 students and 20 adults.  I will be launching a website to accompany the registration at some point over the next week, however, you can register now!   Please follow the link to register: https://centralchurch.ccbchurch.com/w_form_response.php?form_id=14 Todd Barker Youth Pastor 817.933.9382 pastortodd@centralchurch.tv

Parenting Seminar at Tulsa Hills Church Tickets are $20/person before 10/19; $25 after 10/19. Groups of 10 or more receive $2 off per ticket. Seating is limited so buy early! To register, call Tulsa Hills church office: 918 445-1793

Simulcast live at SNU Tulsa Register

Engage the Word is an exciting and easy way to deepen your connection to God and others through daily reading of His Word. This 40-day emphasis is uniquely designed for individuals, families, small groups, and congregations to develop life-long habits of daily Scripture engagement. Through a simple online registration process, you will receive daily Scripture passages which will take you through God’s story from Genesis to Revelation. Be part of a global family who, beginning September 29, 2013, will journey through Scripture together. To be a part of this incredible journey as a church with printed resources, click here. To be part of this incredible journey electronically, click here.

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Register November 8-9 Info/Register

Dear NEO family, This past Sunday I was privileged to speak for the opening service or our New Start Church, Open Skies Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Georgina Lopez is dynamic and gifted and, as expected, overwhelmed. J Pastor Otoniel Dannemann and Fuente de Vida have been great help in getting the church started and providing temporary workers. Several people came forward at the end of the service  to  joining Pastor Georgina as the core team in this new faith venture.   At least five individuals/families saw the church sign and came as guests for the first service. I love the way Georgina welcomed their visitors. It took me back to days at KC First Church when layman Dick Fields would so warmly welcome each visitor by name. Every visitor introduced at Open Skies was welcomed with a warm ovation and later many handshakes. Let’s pray for Pastor Georgina and her team that they will reach the Hispanic Community around TU with the gospel!

Engage the Word is an exciting and easy way to deepen your connection to God and others through daily reading of His Word. This 40-day emphasis is uniquely designed for individuals, families, small groups, and congregations to develop life-long habits of daily Scripture engagement. Through a simple online registration process, you will receive daily Scripture passages which will take you through God’s story from Genesis to Revelation. Be part of a global family who, beginning September 29, 2013, will journey through Scripture together. To be a part of this incredible journey as a church with printed resources, click here. To be part of this incredible journey electronically, click here.

Manna House a Vital Part of NEO District Church of the Nazarene

It is hard to believe that Manna House is entering its 14th year of service! I can still remember being in Advisory Board meetings where the vision, plan and logistics were being developed. The ministry developed out of Faith Church of the Nazarene and was adopted by the District as our compassionate ministry center. I have to be honest and admit that I had no vision for the number of families Manna House would touch in a typical week fourteen years later. Look at the quarterly statistics – 882 families served, 37,377 lbs of food distributed and 2,855 pieces of clothing distributed the past three months - and marvel with me at the way God has used this ministry! I have volunteered at Manna House on several Tuesdays in 2013 and I have seen the families served and the appreciation they have. So, I say thank you to the NEO District for your vision and  support. Of course, the keys to any ministry are the leadership and volunteers. We have super leadership and dedicated and skilled volunteers at Manna House, beginning with our director, Howard Essary and his wife, Vicki. The Essarys, like many of the volunteers, are “retired” but finding great purpose and meaning as they offer a cup of cold water (and food and clothing) in Jesus’ name.  Are you amazed as you see that in the last quarter we have had 1,691 volunteer hours? These good people could sit home and watch TV or go golfing, but they take seriously the challenge to see God’s glory spread throughout our city. I am so grateful for each one. Would you like to volunteer one day a week? Contact Howard and discuss future possibilities. Manna House has a great reach, yet operates on a shoe-string budget. The District, a few churches and some individuals support Manna House on a monthly basis. Howard is always so appreciative of the money given. But the need is continuing to grow and the expenses are growing, as well. Requests for help have gone up 20% the last couple of years and expenses have increased 30%. I would ask that readers pray about whether Manna House could be a part of  the regular monthly giving of your family and church (Manna House is an approved Missions Special). Please send all contributions directly to:             Manna House Ministries 4921 East Admiral Place Tulsa, OK 74115 And although Manna House is in Tulsa, any church on the District can refer families to Manna House for assistance (contact me if you need referral forms). I met with our Advisory Board this week and we are starting to dream about ways to expand our Compassionate Ministries. Part of being “Radical Together” involves following Christ, Wesley and Bresee is concern for “the least of these”. We want to build on the success of Manna House by expanding into other needed ministries in our city. Pray for us...and pray with us about how together we can make a difference for the Kingdom.

Join us at Clary Fields Golf Club on September 23, 2013 in support of sending our district students on a mission trip to Nazarene Indian Bible College in 2014. All proceeds of this tournament will go to supporting that mission. Info / Register Our NEO NYI Missions Scramble is ON!  We currently have 9 (and a half) teams on board and there is still time!  One week of registration is still left.  We would love to have representation from multiple churches, and we need at least 2 more teams! Please get your golfers and come out to support a missions trip for the NEO NYI this coming spring break.  Our desire is to get radical for Christ. Questions?  Call Pastor Todd @ 817.933.9382.   Ready to sign up?  www.neonaz.org for electronic registration.

NEO August Statistics

Full Report

Financial Stewardship for August Received year to date 2013-14 NEO Budgets                     $ 58,716.55 WEF                                   $ 83,217.44 P&B                                    $ 34,886.40 SNU                                    $ 30,061.56

I Want to Celebrate. . .

Bill Hilton, Tulsa Living Hope. . . We had 37 this past Sunday, including one new family of 5 children and a grandmother.  We have rearranged rooms and furnishings to accommodate the new growth. Despite no cooling in the sanctuary, we still had a great time of singing and worship. David Stevens, Vinita. . . How precious to enjoy our children and grandchildren! It is just as fulfilling to see our “children in the faith” grow and carry on the faith. Two people in the Vinita Church are studying for ordination. There is a positive attitude in the Vinita Church. Steve Davis, Sapulpa. . . New guests every week; salvations; answers to prayer. Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . Amazing services!  God continues to pour out His Spirit on us as we continue to maintain a spirit of desperation for the Presence!  People are worshiping with a freedom like I have not seen in our church.  He is changing our lives and we are seeing the fruits of His work!  We will continue to "press in" and receive the life giving words of Jesus!  We can't wait to see what happens next! Scottie Behm, Chelsea. . . (1) The faithful service of our people who volunteered throughout the summer in our three VBS Saturday events, the Claremore Church (who provided leadership volunteers and a bounce house), Shawn Couch (his horses, leading them, keeping our kids safe), Cherri Murray and Opal (Master Gardeners who helped with our outdoor classroom garden projects.) Then also Sarah, Margaret, Louise, Orville, Linda, Jewell, Nancy, Jim, Jenny, Kimmy, Amber, Colton, Madi, Jalen, Chubs, Rasean, Sam, Kiara, Andrew, Tyra, Taylor, Pete, Penny, Dennis, Starla, Shallon, Cotton, Carol and Brett.   (2) Sarah and I enjoyed taking part in the Pastor and Mates district retreat. We want to celebrate our congregation for allowing us to go, and we also want to thank our friends, Delmar Bowman and Linda Heriford, for providing pulpit coverage. Steve Brown, Cleveland. . . We had a wonderful August in Lord. We held a two day VBS on Friday and Saturday evening. We had seven children each night, nine children altogether.  We had 14 adults/teens involved in all the different areas. On Sunday we had some of the children attend and they helped lead the adults in worship through the songs and motions they had learned. We have had a family start to attend as a result of one child who attended the VBS. (It has been at least three years since there was a VBS here, and we thank Central for the use of their material.)

Simulcast live at SNU Tulsa Register

Parenting Seminar at Tulsa Hills Church Tickets are $20/person before 10/19; $25 after 10/19. Groups of 10 or more receive $2 off per ticket. Seating is limited so buy early! To register, call Tulsa Hills church office: 918 445-1793 Guymon Church of the Nazarene Guymon Church of the Nazarene is inviting any and all to a Prayer Encounter on September 19 – 22. Cory Jones and Daniel and Carol Ketchum are facilitating and leading this Encounter as we pray: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” For more information, go to www.guymonnazarene.org. info

Ministers and Mates Retreat

What a privilege it was for me to be with our Pastors and Spouses last weekend for our Annual retreat in Branson. We had the highest turnout in the years I  have been Superintendent. Our speakers, Dr. Stan and Linda Toler, were outstanding, as usual. Pastor Tyler Dunlop (Bartlesville), one of the outstanding young worship leaders on our District, led our times of corporate worship. It was fun to see our pastors and spouses share, laugh, pray and worship with one another. The NEO pastoral team is fun to be around and all seemed to have a great time.

NEO Youth

Tuesday night of this week we had our District NYI Council meeting with President Ryan Amey. It was the first meeting of the year and a time to evaluate events of the summer and plan for the future. We spent a lot of time reflecting on summer camp and planning for next year. I especially loved it when they asked the youth representatives to comment on this past summer’s camp. One of our college age reps who has been to camps for years said, “It was the best camp I have ever attended.” Other teens spoke of the spiritual impact of the camp and the balance of fun activities and worship services. All of them could hardly wait for camp again next year. Thank you camp directors, Todd Barker and Dustin Wine! As we planned for next summer, I saw the care being taken to plan a great camp but make it affordable so as many kids as possible could attend. In 2013 we had five or six more churches involved than in 2012. The council hopes to involve five or six more churches in 2014. The council wrestled with dates and the advantages and disadvantages of each. As the council unveils their plans in the next few weeks, I hope that every church will put the dates on the calendar and begin to plan to send as many students as possible. Our NEO youth are planning to be involved in our “Radical Together” experiment and are planning Radical Mission Days in February and a mission trip to Albuquerque over spring break. Fundraisers for the mission trip include a golf tournament (we need to register this week!) and handling parking at TU football games.  Let’s continue to support our youth as they follow Christ.

New Hispanic Congregation Starting September 8

“Open Skies Church of the Nazarene” will have its first service in a little over a week. Pastor Georgina Lopez, who has served as Associate Pastor at Fuente de Vida for the past few years, will be the lead pastor. Worship services will be on Sundays at 2:30pm at the former facilities of Tulsa First Church. Midweek services and weekend prayer times are also planned. Join us in praying for God to bless Pastor Georgina and this new missional outreach.

The NEO 60-Day Radical Experiment doesn’t begin until January 13, 2014, but now is the time to prepare by reading the book, Radical, by David Platt. Copies of the book can be ordered online or picked up from a Christian bookstore. Ask your pastor if you need help locating a copy.

If you participated in the Webinar on Discipleship on August 26, you can notify David Stevens for CEU credit.

Tickets need to be ordered from Jason Powers this week! 918-316-5899.

Join us at Clary Fields Golf Club on September 23, 2013 in support of sending our district students on a mission trip to Nazarene Indian Bible College in 2014. All proceeds of this tournament will go to supporting that mission. Info / Register

Register this week!