Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 158, Number 01 • May 6, 2011

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

In Russia, 7-year-old Veronika drew

this colorful dragon. See the Russia
Initiative Consultation story, 7A.
www.okumc.org

Tushka tornado rends church family life

By Holly McCray
On April 14, a tornado ravaged Tushka,
including the home of Leo and Sammie
Dement, members of New Zion United
Methodist Church there.
Killed were Sammie, 80, and her sister,
Ava Walkup, 75, of Sherman, Texas. Leo,
age 83, was critically injured.
As New Zion’s other members busy their
hands at work in storm cleanup, they remain
faithful in prayer for the Dements. Leo’s gui-
tar playing is missed on Sunday mornings; he
chairs the Trustees, too. Sammie sometimes
sang as he played.
“We don’t need a prayer chain,” said Pas-
tor Daniel Ramey, about the small congrega-
tion. Twenty worshipped on Easter.
According to Rev. Ramey, Sammie “was
there every time the doors were open, if she
was physically able.” Leo helped build the
parsonage.
They “always enjoyed music and singing,
bringing joy to many, especially ministering
at the local retirement and nursing homes,”
stated Sammie’s obituary.
Ramey assisted April 23 in Sammie’s
Continued on page 3A

2011 Annual Conference Saint Paul

Format blends new segments with rituals brings Course
By Holly McCray
A teaching moment. A photo contest. An
This segment responds to
young delegates’ requests for
of Study here
evening session solely dedicated to the election more education at the yearly Beginning in September,
of the 2012 General/Jurisdictional Conference meeting, explained Craig classes for Course of Study will
delegates from Oklahoma. Stinson, director of Connec- be offered at Saint Paul School
The 2011 Annual Conference will deliver tional Ministries/Congrega- of Theology at Oklahoma City
new elements, building upon 167 years of such tional Development. University.
meetings. President Henry is noted Course of Study is a path of
The conference meets May 29-June 1 for his excellence as a teacher education for Local Pastors. The
(Sunday-Wednesday) in Oklahoma City, at St. and is completing his 2010 Oklahoma Conference Jour-
Luke’s Church and Oklahoma City University first year as OCU’s nal lists 117 part- and full-time
(OCU). It opens Sunday afternoon at St. Luke’s, leader. Thus his talk Local Pastors under appointment.
with the Laity Session at 3:30 p.m. and Clergy introduces him as one Saint Paul at OCU initially
Executive Session at 4 p.m. of the annual confer- will offer study for those clergy
OCU will ence’s hosts who are in part-time service. Each
More news,
serve delegates and “is a way semester, one class will meet on
4-5A
a free picnic sup- for the delegates to see three Saturdays.
per on campus him in his element, doing the The first class will be “Pastor
Monday. thing he loves to do most, which is Voting on Monday: as Interpreter of the Bible,” taught
Livestream- teach,” said Rev. Dr. Stinson. All voting on General/Jurisdictional Confer- by Jim Darby. Dates are Sept. 10,
ing of the An- “I think everybody who has ever ence nominees is scheduled for Monday after- Oct. 8, and Nov. 5. Hours will be
nual Conference heard him has left wanting more.” noon and evening, at OCU’s Freede Center. The 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with lunch
made its debut in Photo contest entries will be dis- first ballot will be taken shortly after the 2 p.m. included.
2010 and returns played at OCU’s Freede Center. Dead- opening of the afternoon session. Subsequent Deadline is July 11 to sign up
this year. Anyone line is May 6 to enter your creative balloting will take place in the 6:30 p.m. session. for that class. Prior to enrollment,
with a high-speed photo of an Oklahoma bridge, reflect- Added recently to the online Annual Confer- a student must complete licens-
Internet connec- ing the Annual Conference theme, ence information are the three-digit numbers ing school, have superintendent
tion can join the “The Plan: A Bridge to the Future.” assigned to the lay nominees and eligible clergy approval, and be serving a local
virtual audience, Resolutions await action by church nominees. pastorate, explained Audrey Wil-
watching the in- representatives. Proposals include: 1) At St. Luke’s on Sunday, lay nominees liams, registrar.
formative minis- a short-term mission policy, from- will be introduced in the Laity Session, at 3:30 The Spring class will be “Pas-
try reports and in- Eugene Lowry is this year’s Volunteers In Mission; 2) a call for p.m. At 5 p.m., a Dinner for Laity will offer a toral Care for Spiritual Forma-
spiring worship. guest preacher. He is also a civility, from the Board of Church light meal and informal conversation with the tion,” slated for Jan. 28, Feb. 25,
On Monday jazz musician. Story, 5A. & Society; 3) a request to hold every lay nominees. On Monday at OCU, a “Meet and March 24.
morning at St. annual conference in Oklahoma City, the (Lay) Nominees” reception will be from 1 Because part-time Local Pas-
Luke’s, the Teaching Moment will feature from the Annual Conference Council; and 4) a to 1:50 p.m. in the upstairs Leichter Room at tors often are bivocational, Saint
OCU President Robert Henry, presenting “My 2012 Apportionment request of $16,674,647, Freede Center. Paul leaders hope the weekend
Favorite Methodist.” from the Council on Finance & Administration. format will best accommodate
Continued on page 4A
their needs.
Watch Annual Conference LIVE May 29-June 1 ! “When I started as dean, a
number of district superintendents
asked if we were going to have
Be a virtual guest and view the soaring worship and dedicated work of this gathering as it
Course of Study here in Okla-
unfolds in Oklahoma City at St. Luke’s and Oklahoma City University.
Continued on page 2A
Find instructions and more Annual Conference information at: www.okumc.org.
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275.
Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011

Friends of Children
Circle of Care honored two individu-
als with the Burrel & JoAnn McNaught
Heart of Ministry Award, presented at the
organization’s recent Friends of Children
banquets in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Left photo: Dwight Maulding of Tulsa,
right, accepts his recognition from Circle
of Care President Don Batson.
Right photo: the award for the late
Charles Wells of Oklahoma City is
presented to his widow, Royleen Wells,
by state Rep. Harold Wright, right, and
Batson.
Course of Study:
Continued from page 1A
Maulding is an active fundraiser for
the ministry and an emeritus member
of the Board of Directors, serving there
since 1999. He also works through his
Sapulpa men’s group and church to
enhance the program sites.
Rev. Dr. Wells was executive director
for the Circle of Care in the 1980s, over-
seeing building of the Frances Willard
Center in Tulsa. A pastor and district su-
perintendent, he also was key in building
Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City. He died
in 2010.
homa,” said Elaine Robinson, who leads
Saint Paul at OCU. “Over the past three
years, we have worked to figure out how
we can. To bring it here means people
don’t have to travel away.”
The General Board of Higher Edu-
cation & Ministry (GBHEM) oversees
Course of Study for the denomination.
The five-year curriculum consists of 20
classes.
Saint Paul School of Theology in Kan-
sas City, Mo., is one of the seminaries au-
thorized by GBHEM to offer the course.
Thus approval extends to the seminary’s
site at OCU, described Rev. Dr. Robinson.
In Kansas City, Rev. Dr. Darby is the new
director of Course of Study.
“In whatever way we can support
the education of persons for ministry—
whether clergy, Local Pastor, or laity—
that’s what we do,” said Dean Robinson.
“If there’s a need of the Church that we
More from Saint Paul at OCU:
n First-ever graduation ceremony, Aug. 19, at OKC-St. Luke’s Church
n Seminary Lite, new educational program for laity, Fall 2011
www.spst.edu
can support, we’re going to do our best to
make it happen. That’s always been my
commitment from the beginning.”
She said about 200 people typically
attend Course of Study each summer in
Kansas City.
“Part of educating is for each person
to discover who God created them to be,
their gifts and graces to be the Church of
Jesus Christ,” Robinson said.
“To be ordained, you ordinarily go
through seminary, one path of education.
Course of Study is another path. Both
are intended to allow persons to serve
in ministerial functions in the Church. It
depends on how you think your educa-
tion is best served.”
Register via email, cos@spst.edu, or
call 816-245-4815.
Learn more online—required read-
ing, pre-session assignments, enrollment
form.

15 church groups extend hands

Youths from Seminole shovel dirt at Oklahoma City's Central
Park Community Garden, as part of OCU's Youth Service Day.
Easter vigil makes dramatic debut
OCU held its first-ever Easter
Vigil on April 23, in the evening
before Easter Sunday.
The service included lighting
the Paschal Candle, remembrance
of baptism, and Holy Communion.
OCU dance and theater students
made dramatic presentations of
four passages of Scripture: Cre-
ation, Deliverance from Egypt,
Ezekiel’s Vision of the Valley of
the Dry Bones, and The Resurrec-
tion. University Chaplain Rodney
Newman expressed appreciation to
the 25-plus students and to faculty
and staff who shared their time
and talents.
This demonstration of faith was
offered as a gift to God and to all
who came to be a part of the service.
to help on Youth Service Day
Young people can make a difference. That message
resonated in a number of ways during Youth Service
Day, held March 5 on the Oklahoma City University
campus.
More than 175 youths and adults, from 15 churches,
gathered for a day of service, fun, and food.
This year, starting time for the annual event was
moved to Saturday morning, to accommodate church
groups coming from farther distances. They engaged
in service projects
at 14 community
organizations and
churches. This
ranged from garden
work at Epworth Villa to neighborhood cleanup with
Mustard Seed Community Development Group.
The day included campus tours, an information
session with OCU Admissions Counselor Christina
Mallory, and games. Bishop’s Scholars and other OCU
student volunteers provided leadership.
The day closed with worship in the Bishop W.
Angie Smith Chapel. OCU students Nathan Oney and
Kristia Ford led praise songs. Jennifer Long, direc-
tor of Religious Life, presided at the service of Holy
Communion.
OCU welcomed Linda Harker, Muskogee District
superintendent, as guest preacher. Her message, titled
“Shout the Gospel! It Really Matters!,” challenged all
to make deeper commitments to their faith and to live
that out in their actions. The benediction, based on a
prayer of St. Francis, continued that emphasis:
“May God bless you with discomfort at easy an-
swers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that
you may live deep within your heart.
“May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppres-
sion, and exploitation of people, so that you may work
for justice, freedom,
and peace.
“May God bless
you with tears to
shed for those who
suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that
you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to
turn their pain into joy.
“And may God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.”
Bishop’s Scholar Alyssa Wardwell, a Religious
Life intern, coordinated the event for the Wesley
Center at OCU.
“It is a wonderful thing to see youth give of their time
to serve the community,” she said. “It was also great to
have so many student volunteers to lead the groups and
have one-on-one interaction with the youth.”

The Oklahoma United Methodist

1501 N.W. 24th
oklahoma City, oK 73106
Phone: 405-530-2075 robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator
Joseph Harris, director of communications alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design
Fax: 405-530-2093 Holly McCray, editor of publications amelia Ballew, The Media Center
To subscribe, send mailing information
and $15 to our address at left. Sign up for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter, at www.okumc.org. oklahoma United
Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@okumc.org. Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: May 27. Methodist Communications
 Page 3A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

The courage of Christ

“On the evening of that first day of the
week, when the disciples were together,
with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish
leaders, Jesus came, stood among them, and
said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this,
he showed them his hands and side. The
disciples were overjoyed when they saw the
Lord. And with that he breathed on them and
said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
(John 20:19-20; 22)
whom, if they were to believe the women,
had risen from the grave! When we disap-
point those who love us most, the greatest
pain often comes from within us.
Jesus was alive! What would he say
to them when he encountered them? How
would he vent his anger at them for running
out on him when he most needed them? The
betrayal, the denial, the crucifixion, the resur-
rection—he had predicted all of it.
age is needed in life, you will agree that cour-
age is almost life itself. Courage is needed
to hold fast to our heritage of good. When
religion is treated with indifference and dis-
respect, it requires courage to be true to the
deep instincts of the soul. When everyone
else is conforming, it takes courage to aspire.
It was courage that sent our Lord to
Jerusalem and enabled him to keep silent
when accused, that made his suffering vicari-
lessness, sin, and shortcomings.
One of the most beautiful insects is the
dragonfly. With its iridescent wings and
graceful flight, it captivates and charms on a
summer’s day. Yet once it was a grub, lying
in a pond. Change came, and the dragonfly
emerged from its early form of life. It found
itself endowed with powers and beauty
entirely new.
So it is with those born anew through

A
By BiSHop roBErT HayES Jr.
long, bloody week had ended.
The crucifixion of two thieves
and a so-called
prophet was a fading memory.
Life was returning to normal.
The restrictions of Sabbath,
which governed even how
far a person could walk, were
lifted. Most people likely went
outside, where lilies were
abloom and fresh air was free
for all to enjoy.
But one group of people
stayed indoors, shutters drawn,
hidden from the parade of gos-
sipers still talking about the Bishop Hayes
events of the previous Friday.
On such a night, what would cause 10
men—several of them fishermen who loved
the out-of-doors—to bar themselves inside
a room? You might think they simply were
planning their fishing the following morning.
A closer look reveals they were afraid.
Fear gripped their lives, for they knew
their actions of cowardice three days earlier
had made them targets for the Romans, the
religious leaders, and maybe even Jesus—
Tushka:
Continued from page 1A
funeral at Atoka UMC and presided at her
graveside service later that day in McKin-
ney, Texas. He is also pastor at Atoka UMC.
He reported the tornado felled a large tree
that pierced New Zion’s metal roof in at least
three places. Volunteers from McAlester-
First UMC quickly removed the brush.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. recalled two
times he has worshipped with the congrega-
tion in southeastern Oklahoma.
“When you lose life in these storms, it’s
always a sad day,” he said. “I’ve preached
there. I can remember the faces of the people,
and their church. My heart goes out to them.
I pray for those families and for that church,
as they seek to get beyond this tragedy.”
He noted the storm’s occurrence during
the Christian season of Lent, leading into
Easter. “We mourn and we grieve, but we
also realize God makes all things new. God
has even defeated death. We celebrate their
lives and ministry, and we hope and pray
God will restore and renew the work of that
little church there.”
The church burned about six years ago,
according to Ramey. Bishop Hayes met
with the congregation, prayed with them,
and viewed that devastation, then returned
Behind closed doors, they waited in
stark fear.
Suddenly, Jesus was in the room with
them! The mysterious pres-
ence of Christ penetrated even
locked doors! Yet with his first
words, “Peace be with you,” he
shattered their fears. And Jesus
showed them the wounds in his
hands and his side.
Then he “breathed on them.”
What was that all about?
It wasn’t an act of bestow-
ing peace, for Jesus greeted the
men with those words. It wasn’t
an act of power, because Jesus
knew the supreme power would
come some 50 days later.
An older version of the New Testament
may carry us nearer to the original mean-
ing than most modern-day translations. A
translation from the Aramaic, the language
which Jesus spoke, gives us this reading:
“And when he had said these things, he gave
them courage.”
He breathed on them and gave them
courage!
If you name all the ways and times cour-
a few short months later when rebuilding
was complete.
“They are resilient, wonderful people,”
Hayes said. “Even though they are small,
they’re very active. They’ve been worship-
ping there over 100 years. I treasure the
memories of my visit.”
He continued, “They had to replace the
organ because it, too, burned up. They went
online and found an organ exactly like the
one that had been destroyed. But it was in
Tampa, Fla. The price was $39.95! A brother
(of a church member) lived in Tampa and was
coming to the opening of the new church.
He put the organ in his truck and brought it
to the church, and they had that organ in the
church on the Sunday we dedicated the new
building. That’s how God works!”
Since the April tornado, the disaster
response office of Oklahoma Conference
Volunteers In Mission is actively coordinat-
ing help for Tushka. Volunteer groups should
contact Richard Norman in the Conference
VIM Office. He emphasized the goal is to
direct help to where it is most effective in
the area where 149 homes were destroyed.
The Oklahoma Conference Treasurer’s
Office is accepting donations. Checks should
have “Tushka” in the memo line.
ous, and that transformed the instruments of the power of the Resurrection. We rise from
hatred into implements of love, using an old being frightened and discouraged followers
rugged cross—the emblem of torment and to being courageous, Spirit-filled people
shame—to save the world. of hope who now know even death cannot
It was courage that sent a young David to defeat us!
meet Goliath and that kept Daniel’s window In John Masefield’s play “The Trial of Je-
open toward Jerusalem. sus,” Pilate’s wife asks the Roman centurion,
Courage is the essence of our faith that “Do you think He (Jesus) is dead?”
keeps us going forward, not seeing what lies The centurion replies, “No, lady, I don’t.”
ahead, but knowing we will encounter God “Then where is he?” she persists.
and God will make a way for us. The centurion answers, “Let loose in the
The courage Jesus gave to those disciples world, lady, where neither Roman nor Jew
quivering in that room is the same courage can stop His truth.”
he gives us today to meet our own crises. I wonder how many of you this hour are
He gives us courage to meet life head- in your inner rooms, unsure the Lord is truly
on, without fear and doubt. When we alive. You’ve heard others talk about seeing
encounter our own dark Fridays, we know him, being with him, and being transformed
Resurrection Sunday is coming! We take by his presence. Can all of it really be true?
on courage, believing Christ will find us Yes, it is true. However, you will not be-
behind our locked doors of failure, hope- lieve it until you encounter him for yourself!
$50,000
Matching Grant
announced
MATCH
CONDITIONS:
● After your church
fulfills your 2011 Give through your local church
Urban Ministry
to Restore Hope and help
Apportionment
request (Line 462),
additional special
families avoid homelessness.
gifts to Restore
Hope must be Your generosity will enable
reported separately this United Methodist urban ministry in Tulsa
(Line 499) on
the Oklahoma to secure a $50,000 Matching Grant,
Conference from the George Kaiser Family Foundation,
Contribution Form. for emergency rent assistance.
• Kaiser will match,
up to $50,000 total,
financial support
Your gifts in 2010 helped 1,687 families
that exceeds the that experienced a sudden loss of
agency's $89,250 income and faced eviction from their
Apportionment
funding in 2010.
homes. Help us prevent homelessness!
Learn about all our
programs at:
www.restorehope.org
Restore Hope Ministries
2960 Charles Page Blvd.
Tulsa, OK 74127-8318
918-582-5766
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011

Dennis Bruce John Ed Ginny Dick Ernest Larry Joseph Perla

Adlof Brotherton Corbin Dexter Hathaway House Jackson Jr. Johnson Lynch Goody

Living with history

New work preserves the past
for future needs
By Holly McCray
You feel goosebumps rise. Yes, the room temperature is
in the low 60s. But the cool environment is not causing you
to quiver.
Christina Wolf takes a box from a shelf, lifts the lid, and
reveals an Oklahoma treasure.
You look upon the original Journal— the 1844 record
from the first annual conference of Methodists in Oklahoma.
You find it hard to breathe as Wolf turns the book’s hand-
written pages. (Though faded, the penmanship is splendid.)
You understand those goosebumps. This history lives on
today in you. The 168th annual conference meets this year.
This Journal is among precious artifacts carefully stored
in the Oklahoma United Methodist Archives, housed in the
OCU Library.
Some brand-new upgrades enhance the preservation of
these important keepsakes. A major renovation of the library’s
fifth floor, including the archives, has just been completed.
Archivist Wolf and her staff will host an open house for
delegates and other visitors during the 2011 Annual Confer-
ence. The archives have gone “green.”
Guests will note the fifth floor has been reconfigured.
New group study rooms are wired for electronic presenta-
tions, and a large Honors Seminar Room is where Wolf of-
fers workshops in historical research and preservation. The
Archives Reading Room features low-energy, longer-lasting
LED lighting.
The biggest changes, however, are in the extensive Stor-
age Room. Access is through an unremarkable door, with an
electronic keypad. The archives’ security system is “our first
line of defense,” Wolf said.
Inside the Storage Room, the temperature drops no-
ticeably. A new, separate HVAC system maintains it at 62
degrees. Humidity also is monitored, programmed for a 45-
50 percent range. The fluorescent lights are sheathed with
UV-blocking material, and only used when someone is in
the space. Special blackout material covers the windows.
“Happy records are cold and dark,” Wolf said.
“We’re mostly paper here. Light damage makes paper
brittle, yellow; and light damage is cumulative.”
Carpet is absent. Instead, the Storage Room floor is a
special gray epoxy surface, swept and mopped weekly. Carpet
manufacturing uses chemicals that can cause the product to
release damaging off-gases. Even carpet fibers in the air can
be abrasive to the artifacts, Wolf explained.
Baked enamel coats sturdy shelving units—wooden
shelves also emit off-gases, she noted.
Storage boxes and folders are acid- and lignen-free.
“The goal here is to make it last,” Wolf summarized.
An additional Processing Room is similarly designed to
maximize preservation work.
The Oklahoma Conference Council on Finance & Ad-
ministration approved funds to partner in the remodeling.
The funding support was requested by the Commission on
Archives & History, chaired by Jerry Gill of Stillwater.
The Archives shelter records of local churches as well
as the Oklahoma Conference. The facility also houses early In the controlled environment of the Archives'
railroad maps, Civil War letters, original sheet music, and new Storage Room, Christina Wolf examines a
rare books that include an edition of Shakespeare’s works. box of historical church records.
Among the rows of shelving, too, are records of the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference and OCU’s archival records. n Hours for the open house during Annual Conference
Recently added is the collection of the late Ted Agnew will be 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
of Stillwater, whose passion for history was highly valued n The Annual Conference luncheon for the Oklahoma
in the Oklahoma Conference. Wolf said Agnew’s materials United Methodist Historical Society will be Wednesday, June
fill about 150 boxes. 1. Contact Wolf to reserve tickets.
Know more: n On July 21-24, OCU will host a national Archives &
n The Reading Room is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- History event.
Friday. (cwolf@okcu.edu, 405-208-5919) www.okumc.org/archives_History

Annual Conference:
Continued from page 1A
Also Monday, voluntary practice voting
using the machines will be offered between
noon and 1:30 p.m. in the Freede Center
arena.
Direct any questions to Joseph Harris,
jharris@okumc.org, 405-530-2077.
Items of note:
n Housing reservations are due by May
13 for OCU’s United Methodist Hall, and
by May 15 for Crown Plaza on Northwest
Expressway.
n Reserve childcare, for infants through
fifth-graders, by May 15, through St. Luke’s
offices. Deadline to sign up is May 6 for
youth programming, open to sixth- through
12th-graders; contact Youth Ministries at the
Oklahoma Conference headquarters.
Schedules for both age groups include
Monday evening, to accommodate the vot-
ing session.
n A number of United Methodist-related
groups host special meals, award presenta-
tions, and programs during the meeting.
Ticket deadlines vary; contact the group for
more information.
Among those special events are Tues-
day’s Celebrate the Laity Luncheon, with
presentation of the “It Worked for Us”
awards, and Wednesday’s United Methodist
Rural Fellowship Luncheon.
n The Retired Clergy’s annual used-
book sale will be held in the OCU softball
building, north of the Freede Center. To
volunteer or donate, contact Phil Davis at
OKC-Wesley Church, 405-525-3524.
Primary worship:
• Sunday—Service of Commissioning, 7
p.m., St. Luke’s
• Monday—Memorial Service, 10:30
a.m., St. Luke’s
• Tuesday—Retirement Service, 11 a.m,
OCU Freede Center
• Tuesday— Service of Ordination, 7
p.m., St. Luke’s
Free health screening:
• Monday—7 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Luke’s
Vaught Chapel
• Tuesday/Wednesday—7 a.m.-1 p.m.,
OCU Kramer School of Nursing (West)
www.okumc.org/pages/detail/924
 Page 5A
Leonard Roger
McCarty Pitt
members. Five of them have each served 40 or more years in ministry. Not shown above is Gary Graham.
St. Luke’s
to unveil
upgrades
Annual Conference delegates
will notice changes at OKC-St.
Luke’s.
The church has just completed
several major renovation projects,
the result of a $2.6 million capital
campaign.
The cornerstone project was
expansion and renovation of the
Christian Life Center. New chairs
and reorientation of the space—the
stage is on the east side—allowed
for expanded seating. The center
now accommodates up to 800
guests! And look for the cross
symbols in the carpeting.
The Narthex is being restored
and updated. First installed in 1957,
the vinyl floor has been replaced with
granite and marble in the exact colors,
patterns, and dimensions. Lighting
changes have brought additional light
Conference-wide policy proposed for Volunteers In Mission
Oklahoma Volunteers In Mis-
sion is proposing a wide-ranging
policy document for its work going
forward.
The proposal will be presented
for consideration at Annual Con-
ference. Detailed on pages 71-73
of the Pre-Conference Workbook,
the plan was first mentioned at last
year’s conference.
The policy defines a short-term
mission team as any mission group
that travels outside Oklahoma for
any length of time or any mission
group serving in Oklahoma for two
nights or more, explained OKVIM
Director Jeremy Basset.
The proposed policy will re-
quire churches to register their
short-term mission groups with
the Conference VIM office, ensure
properly trained and certified lead-
ers are in charge of the teams, and
confirm that appropriate insurance
has been obtained for their teams.
“The heart of this proposal,”
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Gerry Marilyn
Rhodes Schellhamer
In St. Luke’s Narthex, granite and marble flooring replaced the vinyl. The
original bronze crosses were restored and set into the new floor.
and character to the space.
The centerpiece fountain will have replacement of the Television Ministry
a golden bowl, 6 feet tall, from which
water will cascade into a granite tile
basin.
The capital campaign also enabled
said Rev. Basset, “is to ensure
ongoing excellence in our short-
term mission program within our
Conference.
“As we have asked—and
received enthusiastic support
from—our local churches to as-
sume more organizational over-
sight of their own teams, it has
become important to make sure
we are all working together in the
best possible way for the benefit
of those we serve and those who
are sent in service.”
The increasing number of
teams being sent in mission has
meant the Conference OKVIM
staff can no longer coordinate the
project details for every team. The
office has, thus, reshaped its work
to focus on training leaders, setting
standards for teams representing
the denomination, and ensuring
safety and proper liability coverage
for teams in the field.
The OKVIM office also re-
Trinnette Margery
Smith Van Oostrum
updates to the Adult Education wing and
Equipment.
The entire renovation was conceived
in order to increase the hospitality and
welcoming ministries of St Luke’s.
mains active in promoting VIM
and being a resource for teams
and team leaders, to find suitable
places to serve and share up-to-
date information about the various
project sites.
“We see the proposed policy
document as a framework to main-
tain the integrity of our work in
Christ’s name, while letting each
local church determine where its
people feel God is calling them to
work,” Basset noted.
“Ultimately, effective par-
ticipation in God’s mission is the
work of the local church, not the
Conference office. So, enabling
churches to take ownership of this
ministry, while using our strong
connectional system to oversee
what churches cannot do alone,
ensures that we in OKVIM do
what we can best to support this
ministry.”
“Travel and service in the
name of The United Methodist
May 6, 2011
Phil Stan Richard
Ware Warfield Whetsell
Lowry preaches
and all that jazz
The Annual Conference’s guest preacher, Eugene
Lowry, is truly a Great Preacher — and a jazz musician.
Rev. Dr. Lowry has been interviewed in Odyssey TV’s
Great Preachers series, and four recordings feature his
music, which relates jazz and Christianity.
From Kansas City, Mo., Lowry was professor of
preaching for more than 30 years at Saint Paul School
of Theology, after pastoring churches. Now a professor
emeritus, his travels as preacher, teacher, and pianist
have broadened in scope. Thus he comes to Oklahoma
in late May.
He will preach at the Service of Commissioning on
Sunday evening, and at the Memorial Service on Monday
morning.
During his career, Lowry has preached at events for
20-plus denominations and lectured in 50 theological
seminaries. His teaching emphasizes the role of narra-
tive in preaching. He is a clergy member of the Missouri
Conference.
His writings include six books on narrative preaching.
Among them: “The Sermon: Dancing the Edge of Mys-
tery,” “Living with the Lectionary,” and “Doing Time in
the Pulpit.” His keyboard lecture/concerts led to CDs that
include “The Sound of Good News,” “Inside Out—Music
for Steeple and Street,” and “Theology of the Blues.”
Let’s fill the truck!
Oklahoma VIM is collecting emergency supply kits during
the Annual Conference, to be distributed where people are in
great need of humanitarian aid due to disasters.
Deliver donations Sunday through Wednesday to the des-
ignated truck parked in the lot north of OCU Freede Center.
Of special need at this time are School Kits, Birthing Kits,
and Cleaning Buckets, requested by UMCOR (United Meth-
odist Committee on Relief). However, all types of UMCOR
supply kits are appreciated.
A total of 10,547 kits were donated during the 2010 Annual
Conference VIM kit drive.
Please assemble kits carefully, as specified on the
UMCOR website: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getcon-
nected/supplies/
www.okvim.org
Church is an increasingly complex the Church and team participants
issue that demands our attention by clearly placing on record what
and the development of best prac- it is that constitutes an OKVIM
tices,” remarked Brian Bakeman, team under the oversight of our
Conference treasurer. Conference.”
“This proposal, while aimed at (Editor’s note: The document also
ensuring we do mission with maxi- can be viewed online. Search for “Pre-
mum effectiveness, also protects Conference Workbook” at www.okumc.org.)
Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011

Annual Conference
special offering
Churches are encouraged to take a special
offering and send it with their delegates.
One-hundred percent of the offering will go
to these three areas—
Bolivia
http://bokp.org
The Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist
Partnership began in 1986. Today
several ministry options enhance the
partnership, coordinated by David
Stephenson through Oklahoma’s
Volunteers In Mission.
‘New Christians’ training set for Broken Arrow Deadline to order Journal
In Broken Arrow on May 14, Bishop Scott Jones of Kansas will headline a Conference- is July 1
wide evangelism training opportunity, at Abiding Harvest UMC. Deadline is July 1 to order the
Bishop Jones is a former professor of evangelism at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. 2011 Journal printed as a book.
Following his presentation, nine workshops will offer help to build your skills as a witness Each Annual Conference delegate
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.
In memoriam
John Morgan Arkansas. He retired in 1978 to Rolla, but Leo Culver. Funeral was April 8 at Paul
Rev. John Baber Morgan, 98, died April continued to serve churches. His ministry Thomas Funeral Home in Miami.
18, 2011, in Rolla, Mo. Service was April 22 stretched across 61 years. Iona Jo was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Penn-
at Rolla-First UMC. He officiated at the marriages of all his sylvania. A homemaker, she and Rev. Culver
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

Oklahoma hosts U.S.-Eurasian gathering

By Holly McCray
United Methodists from America and
Eurasia recently met at St. Luke’s in Okla-
homa City to explore the Eurasia Road Map,
an innovative path for partnering in God’s
mission.
The event was the 15th Russia Initia-
tive Consultation, held April 7-9, related
to the General Board of Global Ministries
(GBGM). “Come Walk With Us on the
Road” was the theme.
The meeting’s purpose was to educate
and encourage U.S. churches to expand their
commitment to mission with the younger,
growing UM presence in five countries: Rus-
sia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldava, and Georgia.
A pastoral salary support project, com-
mended by the Oklahoma Conference Mis-
sion & Service Ministry Team (MSMT), is
one way Oklahomans are connecting.
Near Moscow, Pastor Daniel Starikov has
revitalized the church in Lytkarino, Russia,
after a period of decline, reported MSMT
Chairman Tom Hoffmann of Tulsa. MSMT
is encouraging Oklahoma congregations in
partnerships with the Lytkarino church and
other donors, to meet the basic salary needs
for Rev. Starikov.
“Local church relationships deepen the
faith of both churches,” said Rev. Hoffmann,
associate pastor at Tulsa-First. He is a former
missionary who served in Russia.
Starikov, who speaks some English,
Photos by Holly McCray
Russian pastor Daniel Starikov, left,
is introduced by Tom Hoffmann of
Tulsa, on April 9 at OKC-St. Luke’s,
during the Russia Initiative Consul-
tation.
visited several Oklahoma churches while he
was stateside for the Consultation. In an in-
terview, he described young people growing
in faith and number at the Lytkarino church.
He was his Conference’s delegate to the 2008
General Conference.
Through a Partner Church Covenant, an
Oklahoma congregation commits at least
$1,500 for each of three years, beginning in
2011, Hoffmann explained.
Other mission opportunities exist through
Advance Special Projects and Volunteers In
Mission. The Road Map’s vision is extensive;
the Eurasian churches are resolved to grow
into self-sufficiency. Currently 125 congre-
gations are reported in that episcopal area.
“Be under no illusion,” Bishop Robert
Hayes Jr. told Consultation participants. “As
I look at the plans you have, the road map
will take you to the narrow gate, the hard
way” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Jim Athearn of Virginia said, “It is dif-
ficult to keep the heart steady on the mission
of Christ when there is such fierce competi-
tion for resources.” He is the GBGM Russia
Initiative coordinator.
Partnerships enable challenges to be
overcome, declared Eduard Khegay of
Moscow, a district superintendent and pastor.
Bishop Hayes recalled his first journey to
Russia, 44 years ago. “I went in a time when
the Church was not allowed to be a church.
We spent three and one-half months, spread-
ing seeds, learning about the culture. Now it
thrills my heart to see the work going on in
Russia,” he said.
“At every turn in the road, there will be
our Savior as our guide. God has given us the
greatest compass: Jesus Christ. He walks the
road with us, and he shows the way.”
Know more: Intricate paper artistry by Tatyana
n Karen Distefano, Conference Mission Molodyk is one source of support
Secretary, kririe@aol.com, 918-336-0351 for Saratov UMC in Russia. For
n Tom Hoffmann, MSMT Chairman, a greeting-card product line, the
tomhoffmann@fumctulsa.org, 918-592- pastor cuts up magazine pages to
3862 ext. 115 form scenes, such as this Nativity.
n http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/ Three tiny pieces shape an eye, for
initiatives/russia example.

1000
Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the

Dear Friends of Circle of Care:

Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Kay Adair
Donald & Cheryl Baker
Randy & Eddisu Barker
Don and Lynn Batson
Enloe & Wanda Baumert
David & Laura Beal
Clara Brown
Spencer & Mary Brown Jr.
Mary Butler
Ivan Bys
Michael & Leanne Chaffin
Arlene Chriswell
Ralph & Midge Coffman
Randall & Kathryn Coit
Lloyd Cole Jr.
Robert & Debbie Craine
CC & Anna Marie Crooch Fund
To make your pledge today, please call 405-530-2078
John & Jamie Crooch
Michael & Janet Crooch
Philip & Lisa Crow
Bobby & Shirley Darnell
Marsha Davis
Gregory & Mary Ann Edwards
Jo Fowler
David & Cindy Frieze
Mike & Elaine Frizzell
Jerry & Jany Gamble
Robert & Prudy Gorrell
UMW of Grove-First UMC
George & Jo Hall
Rudolph & Madeline Hargrave
Ralph & Linda Harker
Valerie Hatley
Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes
John & Anne Heaton
Billy & Ann Hebblethwaite
Jono & Jenny Helmerich
Highland Park UMC
Leonard & Anna Lee Hinderliter
Jim & Mary Nell Holder
Ross & Jane Hutchinson
or visit our website at:
Robert & Ann Ivester
Mr. & Mrs. Ivan Keatley
Keith & Patricia Kennedy
Jean Key
Steve & Suzan Knight
Greg & Anita LaPat
Brian & Julie LaPat
Robert Lee
Ed & Melba Livermore
Stony & Elaine Lockston
Hal & Jean Long
Bryan & Vicki Mannering
Dwight Maulding
Bob & Doris McKown
Billy & Lora Meade
Mike & Christy Mordy
David & Laura Morrison
Ted & Laura Mosteller
Chuck & DeeAnn Nordean
Pathfinder Class—OKC-Grace UMC *UM Boys Ranch
Bob & Peggy Peters
Lenert & Bobbie Pfeiler
Donald & Valerie Reeves
John & Helen Riley
Joe & Judy Robinson
Joe & Shirley Rolston
Gary & Sharon Roth
Mike Self & Shannon Nakvinda
UMW of Shawnee-Wesley UMC
Arden & Rita Ruth Smith
Bill & Martha Smith
Craig Stinson & Krista Jones
Clark & Joy Struebing Sr.
Carolyn Taylor
Ken & June Tucker
J. M. & Patricia Vanderwiele Jr.
Kathy & Bob West
David & Suzan Wolf
Bill & Lissa Wright
Donald & Barbara Wright
Circle of Care Staff:
*OKC/Communications/
Pearl’s Hope
*UM Children’s Home
*Independent Living
*Child SHARE
Every Sunday morning on my way to the choir room at church, I witness children
climbing all over Jesus. At the entry of our Children’s area, we have a beautiful larger-
than-life statue of our Lord. Isn’t it fabulous that this piece of art is designed to invite
interaction?
It is such a visual reminder to me of the importance of children in the eyes of
Christ. Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, Jesus says. And He
reminds us that whoever welcomes children in His name, welcomes Him.
Friends, since 1917, the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care has provided
help, healing, and hope to at-risk children, youth, and families across our state. Circle
of Care is the United Methodist Boys Ranch and the United Methodist Children’s
Home, providing residential programs for teenagers. It is the David O. Beal Indepen-
dent Living Program, providing shelter and support for high school and college-aged
youth making the transition into adulthood. It is the Holsinger Home for Children, a
licensed foster home for large sibling groups. It is Pearl’s Hope, a transitional program
for homeless women and their children at the Frances E. Willard Home in Tulsa. It is
Child SHARE, recruiting and supporting foster families statewide.
In my role as Miss America so many years ago and my career as a broadcast
journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the plight of too many children
without a future. I know that Circle of Care is making a difference.
Today, we are embarking on a new initiative to ensure that all these programs are
able to continue, and expand to meet the growing needs. It is called Project 1000.
We are seeking to recruit 1000 new donors who will each pledge $1,000 per year for
three years.
Project 1000 is an ambitious campaign that will allow Circle of Care to look ahead:
How many more Child SHARE foster families can be lifted up? How many more
youths can be served at the Boys Ranch, the Children’s Home, the Independent
Living Program? How many more families can be helped through Pearl’s Hope? How
many more lives can be forever changed?
Look at it this way: For only $19.23 per week, you can invest in the future. You
can help a child, a family. You can become one of the 1000. Won’t you join us?
In His name,

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html Jane Jayroe Gamble

Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact May 6, 2011

Bishop blesses a Thunder storm

Photo provided by OKC Thunder

At center court, Bishop Robert Hayes Jr.
offers the invocation for “Nothing But
Nets Night,” April 8, at the OKC Thunder
basketball game. Players and a military
color guard surround him. Ticket sales
topped 600 through the Oklahoma United
Methodist Foundation, benefitting the
global campaign to eradicate malaria.
United Methodists and the NBA are
founding partners in the effort. Showcas-
ing “Nothing But Nets” and raising more
funds at a booth that night are, from left,
David Wiggs, Stillwater District superin-
tendent; Loyce Gandy of the Foundation;
volunteer Stefanie Van Nort; and Kristin
Van Nort of the Foundation. Funds netted
totaled $10,214, and the Thunder beat the
Photo by Jennie Kiner Denver Nuggets.

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation insights

Events in May target personal finances

Make plans to attend our
free EQUIP training events:
n May 5 in oklahoma City
at Chapel Hill United
Methodist Church
n May 19 in Broken arrow
at abiding Harvest United
Methodist Church.
These two events will pre-
pare your pastor and church
leaders to launch EQUIP in
your church. We especially
encourage attendance by the
senior pastor, the finance or
stewardship chairperson, and
other key leaders within each
church who desire to help the
members become debt-free.
EQUIP uses Dave Ramsey’s
Financial Peace University
(FPU) and teaches the members
of your church how to handle
money the way God intends.
The program leads each church
to prepare and offer FPU to a
majority of the congregation,
either in one large setting or
over the course of several ses-
sions.
EQUIP has the potential to
change the culture, even the
DNA, of our churches regard-
ing stewardship and money.
We believe our churches
are filled with faithful people
who would like to give more
in order for the Church and its
ministries to reach more people
for Christ. However, many
Americans have fallen victim to
our culture’s call to spend all we
make—and even a little more.
Financial Peace University
helps people take control of
their finances, helps them get
out of debt, and shows them
how to wisely spend, save, and
give.
At the one-day EQUIP train-
ing, you will learn about demo-
graphic information specific to
your community, strategies for
enrolling the majority of your
active members in FPU, and
a week-by-week how-to for
implementing EQUIP. We also
will provide promotional tools
you can use in your church and
community.
You will learn how FPU
relates to community involve-
ment, have opportunities to ad-
dress the unique characteristics
of your church family, and work
on ways to tailor EQUIP for
you. And there will be time to
share ideas with other churches
considering EQUIP.
The crown jewel of EQUIP
is to apply the same principles
it teaches to your church bud-
get, altogether avoiding finan-
cial “emergencies” within the
church, resulting in true finan-
cial peace.
Make plans to attend one
of the May training dates. To
register for EQUIP or for more
information, call Kristin Van
Nort at the Foundation, 800-
259-6863, or visit our website,
www.okumf.org.

The oklahoma United Methodist Foundation inc., 4201 Classen Blvd., oklahoma City 73118; www.okumf.org; 800-259-6863