Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contact Newspaper May 6, 2011
Contact Newspaper May 6, 2011
Course of Study:
Continued from page 1A
homa,” said Elaine Robinson, who leads can support, we’re going to do our best to
Saint Paul at OCU. “Over the past three make it happen. That’s always been my
years, we have worked to figure out how commitment from the beginning.”
we can. To bring it here means people She said about 200 people typically
don’t have to travel away.” attend Course of Study each summer in
The General Board of Higher Edu- Kansas City.
cation & Ministry (GBHEM) oversees “Part of educating is for each person
Course of Study for the denomination. to discover who God created them to be,
The five-year curriculum consists of 20 their gifts and graces to be the Church of
classes. Jesus Christ,” Robinson said.
Saint Paul School of Theology in Kan- “To be ordained, you ordinarily go
sas City, Mo., is one of the seminaries au- through seminary, one path of education.
thorized by GBHEM to offer the course. Course of Study is another path. Both
Thus approval extends to the seminary’s are intended to allow persons to serve
Friends of Children site at OCU, described Rev. Dr. Robinson.
In Kansas City, Rev. Dr. Darby is the new
in ministerial functions in the Church. It
depends on how you think your educa-
Circle of Care honored two individu- Maulding is an active fundraiser for director of Course of Study. tion is best served.”
als with the Burrel & JoAnn McNaught the ministry and an emeritus member “In whatever way we can support Register via email, cos@spst.edu, or
Heart of Ministry Award, presented at the of the Board of Directors, serving there the education of persons for ministry— call 816-245-4815.
organization’s recent Friends of Children since 1999. He also works through his whether clergy, Local Pastor, or laity— Learn more online—required read-
banquets in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Sapulpa men’s group and church to that’s what we do,” said Dean Robinson. ing, pre-session assignments, enrollment
Left photo: Dwight Maulding of Tulsa, enhance the program sites. “If there’s a need of the Church that we form.
right, accepts his recognition from Circle Rev. Dr. Wells was executive director
of Care President Don Batson. for the Circle of Care in the 1980s, over-
Right photo: the award for the late seeing building of the Frances Willard More from Saint Paul at OCU:
Charles Wells of Oklahoma City is Center in Tulsa. A pastor and district su- n First-ever graduation ceremony, Aug. 19, at OKC-St. Luke’s Church
presented to his widow, Royleen Wells, perintendent, he also was key in building n Seminary Lite, new educational program for laity, Fall 2011
by state Rep. Harold Wright, right, and Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City. He died
Batson. in 2010. www.spst.edu
Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop
A
By BiSHop roBErT HayES Jr. Behind closed doors, they waited in ous, and that transformed the instruments of the power of the Resurrection. We rise from
long, bloody week had ended. stark fear. hatred into implements of love, using an old being frightened and discouraged followers
The crucifixion of two thieves Suddenly, Jesus was in the room with rugged cross—the emblem of torment and to being courageous, Spirit-filled people
and a so-called them! The mysterious pres- shame—to save the world. of hope who now know even death cannot
prophet was a fading memory. ence of Christ penetrated even It was courage that sent a young David to defeat us!
Life was returning to normal. locked doors! Yet with his first meet Goliath and that kept Daniel’s window In John Masefield’s play “The Trial of Je-
The restrictions of Sabbath, words, “Peace be with you,” he open toward Jerusalem. sus,” Pilate’s wife asks the Roman centurion,
which governed even how shattered their fears. And Jesus Courage is the essence of our faith that “Do you think He (Jesus) is dead?”
far a person could walk, were showed them the wounds in his keeps us going forward, not seeing what lies The centurion replies, “No, lady, I don’t.”
lifted. Most people likely went hands and his side. ahead, but knowing we will encounter God “Then where is he?” she persists.
outside, where lilies were Then he “breathed on them.” and God will make a way for us. The centurion answers, “Let loose in the
abloom and fresh air was free What was that all about? The courage Jesus gave to those disciples world, lady, where neither Roman nor Jew
for all to enjoy. It wasn’t an act of bestow- quivering in that room is the same courage can stop His truth.”
But one group of people ing peace, for Jesus greeted the he gives us today to meet our own crises. I wonder how many of you this hour are
stayed indoors, shutters drawn, men with those words. It wasn’t He gives us courage to meet life head- in your inner rooms, unsure the Lord is truly
hidden from the parade of gos- an act of power, because Jesus on, without fear and doubt. When we alive. You’ve heard others talk about seeing
sipers still talking about the Bishop Hayes knew the supreme power would encounter our own dark Fridays, we know him, being with him, and being transformed
events of the previous Friday. come some 50 days later. Resurrection Sunday is coming! We take by his presence. Can all of it really be true?
On such a night, what would cause 10 An older version of the New Testament on courage, believing Christ will find us Yes, it is true. However, you will not be-
men—several of them fishermen who loved may carry us nearer to the original mean- behind our locked doors of failure, hope- lieve it until you encounter him for yourself!
the out-of-doors—to bar themselves inside ing than most modern-day translations. A
a room? You might think they simply were translation from the Aramaic, the language
planning their fishing the following morning. which Jesus spoke, gives us this reading:
A closer look reveals they were afraid. “And when he had said these things, he gave
Fear gripped their lives, for they knew them courage.”
their actions of cowardice three days earlier He breathed on them and gave them
had made them targets for the Romans, the courage!
religious leaders, and maybe even Jesus— If you name all the ways and times cour- $50,000
Matching Grant
Tushka: announced
MATCH
Continued from page 1A a few short months later when rebuilding CONDITIONS:
funeral at Atoka UMC and presided at her was complete.
graveside service later that day in McKin- “They are resilient, wonderful people,”
● After your church
fulfills your 2011 Give through your local church
ney, Texas. He is also pastor at Atoka UMC. Hayes said. “Even though they are small, Urban Ministry
to Restore Hope and help
He reported the tornado felled a large tree Apportionment
they’re very active. They’ve been worship-
that pierced New Zion’s metal roof in at least ping there over 100 years. I treasure the
request (Line 462),
additional special
families avoid homelessness.
three places. Volunteers from McAlester- memories of my visit.” gifts to Restore
First UMC quickly removed the brush. He continued, “They had to replace the Hope must be Your generosity will enable
reported separately this United Methodist urban ministry in Tulsa
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. recalled two organ because it, too, burned up. They went (Line 499) on
times he has worshipped with the congrega- online and found an organ exactly like the the Oklahoma to secure a $50,000 Matching Grant,
tion in southeastern Oklahoma. one that had been destroyed. But it was in Conference from the George Kaiser Family Foundation,
Contribution Form. for emergency rent assistance.
“When you lose life in these storms, it’s Tampa, Fla. The price was $39.95! A brother
• Kaiser will match,
always a sad day,” he said. “I’ve preached (of a church member) lived in Tampa and was up to $50,000 total,
there. I can remember the faces of the people, coming to the opening of the new church. financial support
Your gifts in 2010 helped 1,687 families
and their church. My heart goes out to them. He put the organ in his truck and brought it that exceeds the that experienced a sudden loss of
I pray for those families and for that church, to the church, and they had that organ in the
agency's $89,250 income and faced eviction from their
Apportionment
as they seek to get beyond this tragedy.” church on the Sunday we dedicated the new funding in 2010.
homes. Help us prevent homelessness!
He noted the storm’s occurrence during building. That’s how God works!”
the Christian season of Lent, leading into Since the April tornado, the disaster
Learn about all our
Easter. “We mourn and we grieve, but we response office of Oklahoma Conference
programs at:
also realize God makes all things new. God Volunteers In Mission is actively coordinat- www.restorehope.org
has even defeated death. We celebrate their ing help for Tushka. Volunteer groups should
lives and ministry, and we hope and pray contact Richard Norman in the Conference Restore Hope Ministries
God will restore and renew the work of that VIM Office. He emphasized the goal is to 2960 Charles Page Blvd.
little church there.” direct help to where it is most effective in Tulsa, OK 74127-8318
The church burned about six years ago, the area where 149 homes were destroyed.
according to Ramey. Bishop Hayes met The Oklahoma Conference Treasurer’s 918-582-5766
with the congregation, prayed with them, Office is accepting donations. Checks should
and viewed that devastation, then returned have “Tushka” in the memo line.
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011
Annual Conference:
Continued from page 1A
Also Monday, voluntary practice voting offices. Deadline to sign up is May 6 for day’s Celebrate the Laity Luncheon, with a.m., St. Luke’s
using the machines will be offered between youth programming, open to sixth- through presentation of the “It Worked for Us” • Tuesday—Retirement Service, 11 a.m,
noon and 1:30 p.m. in the Freede Center 12th-graders; contact Youth Ministries at the awards, and Wednesday’s United Methodist OCU Freede Center
arena. Oklahoma Conference headquarters. Rural Fellowship Luncheon. • Tuesday— Service of Ordination, 7
Direct any questions to Joseph Harris, Schedules for both age groups include n The Retired Clergy’s annual used- p.m., St. Luke’s
jharris@okumc.org, 405-530-2077. Monday evening, to accommodate the vot- book sale will be held in the OCU softball
building, north of the Freede Center. To Free health screening:
Items of note: ing session.
n A number of United Methodist-related volunteer or donate, contact Phil Davis at • Monday—7 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Luke’s
n Housing reservations are due by May
groups host special meals, award presenta- OKC-Wesley Church, 405-525-3524. Vaught Chapel
13 for OCU’s United Methodist Hall, and
by May 15 for Crown Plaza on Northwest tions, and programs during the meeting. Primary worship: • Tuesday/Wednesday—7 a.m.-1 p.m.,
Expressway. Ticket deadlines vary; contact the group for • Sunday—Service of Commissioning, 7 OCU Kramer School of Nursing (West)
n Reserve childcare, for infants through more information. p.m., St. Luke’s
fifth-graders, by May 15, through St. Luke’s Among those special events are Tues- • Monday—Memorial Service, 10:30 www.okumc.org/pages/detail/924
Page 5A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011
members. Five of them have each served 40 or more years in ministry. Not shown above is Gary Graham.
Annual Conference ‘New Christians’ training set for Broken Arrow Deadline to order Journal
special offering In Broken Arrow on May 14, Bishop Scott Jones of Kansas will headline a Conference- is July 1
Churches are encouraged to take a special wide evangelism training opportunity, at Abiding Harvest UMC. Deadline is July 1 to order the
offering and send it with their delegates. Bishop Jones is a former professor of evangelism at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. 2011 Journal printed as a book.
One-hundred percent of the offering will go Following his presentation, nine workshops will offer help to build your skills as a witness Each Annual Conference delegate
to these three areas— for Christ. The program is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a cost for lunch. will receive a CD copy, paid for by
The Saturday training is part of an ongoing evangelism initiative, named “New Christians.” the Conference.
It is led by the Evangelism Task Group of the Conference Discipleship Ministry Team (DMT). Cost is $15 for the printed book. If
Some of the workshop titles and leaders are: you prefer this version, you are urged
• Local Church Hospitality—Bob Johns to place your order during the an-
• Developing a Bringers Culture in Your Congregation—Chris Buskirk nual Conference. Fill out the coupon
• The Mobilized Prayer Unit—Ben Williams and Temple Diehl in the Pre-Conference Workbook,
• Assimilating New Members—Cindy Robertson attach payment, and turn them in at
• Who, Me, Evangelism?—Frank Denney the Communications display.
• Evangelism and Young Adults—James Lambert Or mail to: Jan Polson, 1501 N.W.
• How To Share Your Faith—Bob Pierson 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
To register, e-mail rev. Dr. pierson, bpierson@tulsacoxmail.com. Books will be sent in September.
Bolivia
http://bokp.org
The Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist
In memoriam
Partnership began in 1986. Today John Morgan Arkansas. He retired in 1978 to Rolla, but Leo Culver. Funeral was April 8 at Paul
several ministry options enhance the Rev. John Baber Morgan, 98, died April continued to serve churches. His ministry Thomas Funeral Home in Miami.
partnership, coordinated by David 18, 2011, in Rolla, Mo. Service was April 22 stretched across 61 years. Iona Jo was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Penn-
Stephenson through Oklahoma’s at Rolla-First UMC. He officiated at the marriages of all his sylvania. A homemaker, she and Rev. Culver
Volunteers In Mission. Born on March 16, 1913, in Winfield, children and grandchildren, and one great- were married for 67 years. The couple moved
Kan., he received his Doctor of Philosophy grandchild. from Grove to Miami six years ago. Rev.
from California Graduate School of Theol- Survivors include three children: Johnie Culver died March 4, 2010.
ogy. He began his ministry in the Evangelical Morgan of Branson West, Mo.; Ruth Hagg Survivors include sons Keith, of Jay,
United Brethren Church (EUB). He was a of Floyd, Iowa; and Rev. Michael Morgan of and Tad, of Pennsylvania; daughters Shelby
delegate to the conference at which the EUB Tulsa, pastor at Keota and McCurtain UMCs; Coltharp of Miami and Darlene Taylor of
and Methodist Churches merged. 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Grove; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grand-
Beginning in 1973 in Oklahoma, he Two wives predeceased him. children, and six great-great-grandchildren.
was pastor at Walters, OKC-Epworth, and iona Culver • peggy June langrehr, 64, of Piedmont
Cleveland/Blackburn. He also served in Iona Jo Culver, 88, of Miami, Okla., died died April 5, 2011. She was the mother of
Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, California, and April 5, 2011. She was the widow of Rev. Pastor Will Langrehr of Wister UMC.
Wedding
Michelle Coulter and Adam Daigle mar-
ried on March 26, 2011, at Tulsa-Trinity
Cookson Hills United Methodist Church, where Rev. Coul-
ter is pastor.
www.cooksonhillscenter.com
The Cookson Hills Center ministry is Opportunities
a joint effort of the Oklahoma Confer-
ence, the Oklahoma Indian Mission- Financial Secretary: Part-time. St. Mark’s
ary Conference, United Methodist UMC, Search Committee, 8140 N.W. 36th St.,
Women, and the General Board of Bethany, OK 73008, 405-789-9033.
Global Ministries. The UM presence youth Director: Part-time. Roland Young-
among rural, low-income people in berg, Clinton UMC, 580-323-3179, ryoungberg@
Northeastern Oklahoma has shown cableone.net.
an important aspect of the way we Business Manager/administrative Coordi-
care for others as concerned Chris- nator: OKC-First UMC, Staff Parish Relations
tian people. Committee, sprc@firstchurchokc.com, 405-239-
6493.
Bookkeeper/accountant: Full-time. Nichols
Hills United Methodist Church, Randy Scraper,
rscraper@nicholshillsumc.org.
New Hope Elementary Music Director: Will Rogers UMC, Bob
Johns, 1138 S. Yale, Tulsa, OK 74112, 918-834-
School in Liberia 0891, bjohns@willrogersumc.org.
accompanist: Part-time. Tulsa-Trinity
Funding is UMC, Shelly Coulter, shellycoul@yahoo.com,
needed for 918-743-8911.
a facility to Director of youth Ministries: Full-time.
house this Wagoner United Methodist Church, Shannon
school on Davis, sdavis@wagonerfumc.org.
family land Director of youth Ministries: Part-time.
given by Tulsa-New Haven UMC, 918-743-6491, info@
Bishop Ben- newhavenumc.org.
nie Warner. Senior High Minister: Part-time. Special
The focus of angels (Special Needs) Director: Part-time.
the school is Tulsa-Faith UMC, Heather Scherer, hscherer@
holistic in ap- faithtulsa.org, 918-252-1679.
proach. This Director of Children’s Ministry: Full-time.
new facility will include a medical clinic. Tulsa-Faith UMC, Chris Tabberer, ctabberer@
faithtulsa.org.
Page 7A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011
1000
Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the
The oklahoma United Methodist Foundation inc., 4201 Classen Blvd., oklahoma City 73118; www.okumf.org; 800-259-6863