Dear NEO Family, These have been exciting days on the District. How thankful I am for the great spirit and participation we had at District Assembly. ·  Every pastor and every church helped us thank God for the good work He is doing in our midst. What a great team we have in NEO! ·  Our General Superintendent, Stan Toler, and Missionary Davide Cantarella, preached incredible sermons... just what we needed. We laughed and cried and renewed our commitment to the Lord of the church! ·  I still can hardly believe the level of giving for our local church giving goals! Dr. Human says he never remembers us reaching 100% for our District Giving Goal and this year we were 103%! And we were at 103% for World Evangelism Fund and over 95% for both SNU and Pensions and Benefits! Thanks be to God and generous NEO Nazarenes! NYI President, Ryan Amey, reports that we had one of the best youth camps he can remember. Over 250 youth and sponsors from NEO participated in Camp Luminous. I was at Bristow last Sunday and one of those campers, Jason, reported that this camp had the two priorities to making it a GREAT CAMP: lots of fun and God moments. Thanks be to God. I also want to thank our pastors and churches for supporting the camp with your prayers. Kids camp is only a month away at Cave Springs!

Kidz Kamp July 19-22, 2013 Sky Ranch at Cave Springs More Info

General Conventions & Assembly

By the time you receive this update, many NEO Nazarenes will be in Indianapolis for the quadrennial Conventions and Assembly of the denomination. If you can’t attend, you can still participate through live streaming of the services and plenary sessions. And please pray daily for these meetings that God’s spirit would offer guidance, unity, passion for mission and spiritual renewal. When: June 19 - 27, 2013 Where: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Live Streaming is available of worship services and plenary sessions For detailed information, visit http://web.nazarene.org/site/PageNavigator/GA13_Home.html

NEO May Statistics

Attendance for May                                              2012-13               2013-14         SDMI                               3035                      2718         Morning Worship            3841                      3580

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I Want to Celebrate. . .

David Stevens, Vinita. . . In spite of a large number of people on vacation, we averaged the same as a year ago.. There is something to be said about remaining faithful even in the hard times. I am thankful for faithful folks. We have started the paperwork on a young ministerial candidate. It is inspiring to see his passion for God’s work grow. We also have a new piano player, and this is a great help. Mark Hiehle, Claremore. . . One of our members had a daughter who was in the middle of the tornado in Moore.  Her house was totally destroyed except for the small closet that she was in along with 5 dogs.  She and her father prayed together over the phone the entire time the tornado destroyed her home.  Her amazing story is on our church website at www.claremorenaz.com.    In response to the tornado that hit Moore, an offering was taken to minister to those affected.  Just under $4,200 was given. Scottie Behm, Chelsea. . . We celebrated the life of Fred Hemphill who was a World War II veteran, and we are so thankful that he was surrounded by such a wonderful family and with the help of hospice; he was able to live out his days at home.  Fred was one of the pioneering members of Chelsea Church; he was obedient in faith to the Lord. The military honors shared at the cemetery, were very touching. On Mother’s day, our joyful celebration also included a gift of a rosebush for each mom to take home. We also returned a redbud tree to the spot Fred Hemphill once planted one, years before on the southeast corner of the church. Casey Hollingsworth, Miami New Life. . . The ways in which our church continues to reach out and support our teachers, administrators, and students in Miami!  We had a "Teacher Appreciation" service where we honored those who work with our students.  We had approximately 25 teachers, administrators, and support personnel who attended our service and luncheon.  We concluded our after school program, H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Excel) for the summer in a strong fashion.  We averaged 35 kids who attended this important outreach! Praise God, our schools/community know that we are a church who truly cares!  Brian Stephens, Broken Arrow First. . . We continue to grow; we took in 4 new members, we received a good response from the marriage series, and we had over 200 attend our Spring Fling event.

Once again, Danny Dyer and our Regional NYI Council rose to the occasion and provided nearly 1000 youth of our region a fantastic opportunity to connect, play, worship, and hear from God. The entire event went extremely well this year. Bailey and Jeremiah were a great team who led us to the throne of God. Many, many teens and sponsors were touched by the power of the Holy Spirit this past weekend. Extravaganza is very much "kingdom work!" Danny Dyer was honored on Saturday night for his 11 years serving as our Regional President. Our youth are worth every ounce of energy we put forth. May God be praised for life change through NYI!

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.

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Dear NEO Family, In only 2 ½ weeks, we will be gathering for our Annual Missions Convention and District Assembly. You may be asking, “Why do we have these annual District meetings?” Let me give a few reasons: 1.  Corporate District Worship. Our purpose as individuals and as a District is to glorify God. John Wesley considered time together for Christian Conference as a means of grace. I have been working with leaders on the District to plan our times of worship and they are going to be powerful! I can’t wait to spend time together in song and the Word. 2.  Community. We are a District family, so we need points to connect and deepen our relationships together. 3.  Networking. As we gather for our annual meetings, we will share ideas, support, encouragement and prayer. 4.  Inspiration and encouragement. As we hear from Davide from Russia, our General Superintendent, Dr. Stan Toler, and pastors and leaders from across the District, we will get a larger view of the work of our church. 5.  Accountability. Are we on track on our mission? 6.  Vision Casting and Mission Direction. Where is God leading us as a district and denomination? Here is the schedule for our upcoming District gatherings:

more info on SNU ice cream social

Congratulations!

Jordon Leibold of Broken Arrow First Church of the Nazarene has been elected Student Body President of Southern Nazarene University for the 2013- 14 school year. Congratulations, Jordon! We are proud of you! Pastor Joel Heid and the Dewey Church of the Nazarene, for a very positive Church/Pastor review on May 5. We discussed recent accomplishments, major decisions facing the church, strengths of the pastor and board, areas needing attention and progress on the “Annual Written Goals and Expectations” developed in 2012. Pastor Joel’s  pastoral relationship shall continue according to the Manual provisions.  Pastor Buddy and Alicia Davis and the Core Church Celebrate Recovery Ministry Team! This Saturday, May 18, they will celebrate 10 years of ministry: 6:00 pm for dinner; 7:00pm for big group;  8:10 or so for small group; 9:00 for He-brews coffee shop and Goodies Graduates from our Parsonage Families: Drew Lester, Metro Christian Academy (Going to ENC) Tyler Thornton, Christian Education Alliance (Going to       SNU!) Allison Woolery, Owasso High School (going to SNU!) Dylan Wilson, Muskogee Hilldale High School College or graduate degrees: Zack Hazelton, Oklahoma University, Engineering Degree Jennifer Hiehle, Rogers State University, Bachelor of       Science in Nursing Kristin Lester, Trevecca Nazarene University, BA in Applied       Mathematics Ashton Peterson, OU-Tulsa,  Bachelors of Science in Nursing  Emilee Richburg,  Southern Nazarene University (Dec.),       Business Administration Avery Richburg, Southern Nazarene University (next  Dec.),       Business Administration/Pre-Law Alisha Hazelton Solomon, Oklahoma University School of       Medicine Kay Vernier, Master of Social Work, University of Oklahoma       Tulsa

Prayer and Healing Service at Drumright

The Southwest Zone has planned a special prayer & healing service at Drumright Church of the Nazarene on May 19 at 6pm. They will pray for Pastor Mike Howard & his family as Mike is treated for Prostate Cancer  and for any others who would have need. The whole district family is invited. Mike asks you to bring finger foods and stay for a fellowship time after the service.

God Answered Prayer Swiftly

Howard Essary, Director of Manna House, our compassionate ministry center, sent this story out last week. I forward it to you so you have a glimpse of how God is working at The Manna House.         As probably all of you know I am the director of Manna House Ministries, a food pantry.  The Lord is using the food pantry to reach out to the community and we reach people spiritually, also. We are sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene. Many times I pray with individuals, especially if a pastor is not there.  One recent day we had several clients in the waiting area to receive their food.  I announced that we had a prayer room and Bibles to give out if they needed one.  If anyone needed prayer I would be glad to pray with them.   A lady stated she would like to have prayer so we went into the prayer room. I introduced myself (I had my name badge on). Her name was Viki (not her real name). I inquired about her prayer request and whether she was a Christian.  She stated she was a Christian, giving her heart to the Lord at age 19. She stated that she had a 14 year-old son in the car and they were homeless.  They had been sleeping in their car.  She stated her son was autistic and could turn violent at any time due to his mental state.  He is on medication for his autism but it doesn’t always control his behavior.  His behavior had presented problems in finding lodging. She has family in Tulsa but they cannot stay there due to her son’s behavior.  Her son receives Social Security but she was out of money. They had tried room & board with a family, had used their funds for this and had to leave due to his behavior.  She was desperate for lodging and asked if we could we pray that something would be available. As I started to pray about her need for lodging, I believe the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to quote the scripture Ephesians  3:20: “Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” However, in my prayer I didn’t say it that way but I told God that he said if we are serving Him, he would supply our need more abundantly than we could ask for. I believed the Holy Spirit was telling me, “she doesn’t need lodging tomorrow, she needs lodging today.”  I prayed, “Lord, she doesn’t need lodging tomorrow, she needs a place to stay tonight.  I’m asking you, Father, to provide a place for her to stay today.  Lord, I know you can do it, nothing is impossible with You.” As we prayed  about her finances, lodging and then for her son, we told the Lord we knew He was able and believed He was going to meet her need.  As we concluded our prayer, she was crying and so was I.  (I have been crying as I am writing this when I think about how God answered and answers our prayers.) Viki received a phone call at this time. She thought it was her ex-husband and she went to the car to talk with him. Her son was asleep in the car. I wrote down some phone numbers she might call to check on housing.  I also was interrupted by other calls that came for me, so approximately 30 minutes went by.  I took the information to her, but she informed me the call was from her daughter who is in the military. More time went by as I was handling other duties and she was still on the phone. Later, she came in with a smile on her face and crying.  She said, “ Your prayer was answered.  My daughter has talked to military personnel and they are going to help me.  I am driving to Sapulpa to meet with the military personnel now. The Lord answered our prayer.”  She was crying and so was I, as we told the other volunteers  working there with us (also Christians) they were crying also, thanking God for answering prayer. Another scripture also comes to mind:  Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Viki promised to keep us at Manna House informed.  Praise God from who all Blessings flow. God gives to His servants this promise: You’ll not have to face life alone; For when you grow weak in your struggle, His strength will prevail--not your own. -Hess

REGISTER NEO Youth Camp June 7-11, 2013 Camp Bond Register now! Promo video website Kidz Kamp July 19-22, 2013 Sky Ranch at Cave Springs More Info

Saturday, June 8 8am - 4pm For more information, call 918-682-2592 or email musknaz@gmail.com

The World is Here!

Last Thursday evening, I had the privilege of attending the International Community Outreach Banquet with Dianna Potter, who has worked with this group at Tulsa University. What an education I received! Did you know that 60 different nations are represented at TU? The best and brightest from all over the world are at our doorstep! Have you wondered how we can reach China? There are 400 Chinese students at TU. How can you reach those in Saudi Arabia, where it is a crime to share the gospel? There are 150 Saudis at TU. How does ICO try to reach these students? Through acts of service and hospitality, demonstrating the love of God! All of us have what it takes to make a friend. All of us, as believers, have the Holy Spirit living within us. If you would like to know more about this exciting ministry, go to www.icotulsa.org or contact Jerry Lillard.

End of Year Reporting

April 28 was the last Sunday of the 2012-13 Church Year. In the next week, pastors, treasurers, board secretaries and office personnel will be busy putting the finishing touches on all the annual reports: ·   Annual Pastor’s Report ·   Certificate of Election ·   List of Church Members who died this year ·   Church Directory Information ·   Legal/Insurance Information Form ·   Handbook Page ·   Missional Church Awards – identifying behavior that each church has put into practice to stimulate and fulfill our mission. I want to thank in advance all who will ensure that the reports are completed and in by Monday, May 6. You are a great team!

Why We Pay Giving Goals

In addition, every treasurer and church board are ensuring that all of their giving goals are met in full. I have been asked a few times why we pay giving goals. Let me answer like this: We Pay Giving Goals Because ... We love our Church which supports hundreds of missionaries, thousands of national workers, and maintains hospitals, Bible Colleges, Seminaries, and is building beachheads for Christ in South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and around the world. We Pay Giving Goals Because ... We love Home Missionary Pastors and wives who are making  serious sacrifices to grow a church in communities that need to hear the Gospel so much. We Pay Giving Goals Because ... We are grateful for our colleges, seminary and Bible College for providing a Christian education for our youth, and for the training of future pastors, missionaries and evangelists. We Pay Giving Goals Because ... We are grateful for the provision they make to care for retired pastors and widows and for a group Pension Plan that will not leave them totally abandoned by the churches they have served. We Pay Giving Goals Because ... We believe in our denomination and the importance of a personin the field to help fill vacancies, deal with problems, and superintend the work. We Pay Giving Goals Because ... WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? To fulfill the Divine Commission, it would be necessary for each local church to: 1. Sponsor its own foreign and home missionaries.  2. Search out colleges sponsored by others to train our youth.  3. Abandon the smaller church that needs the care of a District Superintendent.  4. Do away with all District Programs including Youth, Sunday School and Mission programs as well as Spiritual Renewal Weekend, Youth Camps, New Starts, and Hispanic Ministries.  5. Disregard our retired ministers and widows, leaving them abandoned by pension and health care programs.  We Pay Giving Goals Because... when we think of the alternatives..... We Can't Help But Get Excited ... We'll Pay Ours,  How About YOU?

A report from Woodie J. Stevens, Global Director John Wesley said, “After all our preaching, many of our people are almost as ignorant as if they had never heard the gospel. …I found by experience that one of these (brothers of mine) has learned more from one hour’s close discourse, than from ten years’ public preaching.” Sunday School and small groups are essential for growing effective disciples and disciple makers. In recent months, New York Times Bestselling Author, Joel Rosenberg, published The Invested Life: Making Disciples of All Nations One Person at a Time. On November 1, 2012, Francis Chan released a book entitled, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples. On February 5, David Platt released a book entitled, Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live. These new books focus on intentional relational discipleship. A layman from the South USA wrote a general superintendent and said, “When I read about these new books, I thought of our BGS, and was so glad that y'all listened to God's prompting several years ago, and headed our denomination in the discipleship direction!”  Indeed, the Church of the Nazarene is leading the way in calling Christians to be about the mission of making Christlike disciples. Sunday School, small groups, and discipleship ministries are the essential infrastructures of the local church that conserves the converts we win. Pre and New Christians are drawn to the Church through compassion and community. Through challenge and commitment, they stay when a small group of believers intentionally become their friends and help them follow Jesus more closely. SDMI has focused on being a people of prayer, engaged in the Word, making Christlike disciples. People often ask me, “What do you mean by ‘disciple?’” I respond, a disciple has three characteristics. First: it is a person who actively seeks a relationship with Jesus Christ and has a passion to know him, love him, follow him, and obey him. Second: it is a person who actively seeks a relationship with a more experienced believer, who helps him or her grow and develop their spiritual gifts. Third: a faithful disciple is one who actively seeks relationships with others in order to invest in them spiritually; often just one conversation at a time. Or, as General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Jim Diehl says, “Every disciple needs a ‘Paul’ - an older and wiser believer to invest in their spiritual growth. They need, a ‘Barnabas’ - a friend who encourages them, teaches them and keeps them accountable, and they need a ‘Timothy’ - a person in whose life they can invest.” Wesley’s “one hour of close discourse” happens best in our churches through Sunday classes, small groups, adult Bible fellowships, and discipleship ministries around the world. The 2012 results include: The responsibility list is growing by 3.82% to 1,638,872. Every Week 1,094,975 people attended a Church of the Nazarene Sunday School or small group somewhere in the world. That is an attendance increase of .62% over last year and a decadal growth rate of 45.14%! Regionally the advance looks like this:                     Discipleship        Discipleship      Sunday School                     Responsibility     Attendance        Attendance Africa                254,820               53,295                132,777 Asia-Pacific         67,803               30,978                  38,883 Eurasia              100,112               26,542                  46,387 Mesoamérica     258,016               62,139                166,825 South America  163,927                42,994                102,134 United States    194,194              146,153                270,739 Total               1,638,872              362,101                757,745 Sunday School, small groups and disciple making is the glue holding our church together. SDMI is asking every follower of Jesus, “Who is investing in you and whom are you investing in?” – in order that we all might be and make Christlike disciples.

Audit According to Manual paragraph 129.23 the business of the church board is to appoint an audit committee or other qualified person(s) to conduct an audit of all the financial records of the church....this is to be done annually. Doing so will protect your members who care for the finances and give your people a sense of conscientious stewardship of the funds they have given into your trust. You may be able to conduct an internal audit inexpensively. One way or another, let’s “get er done”.       Crisis Care Kits A message from Troy Farmer I will be picking up CCKs at the district  NMI Convention, June 1st.  Put your church name on each box - you do not need to put the warehouse address on them.  Pay Phyllis Mayberry $10.00 for transportation fee to the warehouse for each box. Send $12.00 for warehouse storage and transportation to their final destination for each box to: Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184-3116. Mark the check: Nazarene Relief Shipments ACM1297. I will also pick up Pal-Paks and Yarn. Moving Ministers Congratulations to Phil and Karen Buck who have accepted a call to be senior pastor at Cisco, TX Church of the Nazarene. Phil and Karen have been valuable parts of the NEO family for almost 12 years, serving in Grove and Miami. Scott & Lindsey (McKellips) Dermer have accepted a call to serve as Lead Pastor at Webster Groves, MO Church of the Nazarene. Rodney and Tammy Amos, who have served our Tulsa First Church for five years, have accepted a call to serve as Pastor of the Houston, TX Southwest Church of the Nazarene.   Register info NEO Youth Camp June 7-11, 2013 Camp Bond Register now! Promo video website Kidz Kamp July 19-22, 2013 Sky Ranch at Cave Springs More Info   Saturday, June 8 8am - 4pm For more information, call 918-682-2592 or email musknaz@gmail.com Guymon Church of the Nazarene info current newsletter