Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contact June 18 2010
Contact June 18 2010
Newly ordained elders gather June 1 at Tulsa-Boston Avenue Church with Bishop Robert Hayes Jr., center; Michael Front row, newly ordained deacons
Burkett, upper left, Board of Ordained Ministry chairman; and David Mercer, upper right, welcomed on Recognition Harriette Kemp, left, and Kristopher
of Orders. From left, new elders are: front row, Kyle Clark, Fuxia Wang, Pam Cottrill, Wendi Neal, Claudia Lovelace, Tate stand June 1 with Bishop Rob-
Erma Pregler, and Jennifer Pasco; middle row, Jeremy Smith, Rachel Parrott, Derrek Belase, and Brandon Dollarhite; ert Hayes Jr. and Michael Burkett,
and Taud Boatman, top row, center. Board of Ordained Ministry chair.
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.
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2010 Appointments n Boldface words signify new clergy assignments
and parish changes implemented in June 2010.
Oklahoma Annual Conference
ARDMORE DISTRICT LAWTON DISTRICT
Guy C. Ames III, District Superintendent Charles W. Horton, District Superintendent
Ada, Asbury........................................ Don Griffin Madill............................................. David Rowley Anadarko-First...........................Tracy Schumpert First....................................................Alton Potts
Ada, First........................................David Daniel Mannsville................................... Frank Simpson Anadarko-St. Paul............................Arthur Lyons Lawton Heights/Grace................... Charles King
Allen/Gerty....................................... Lenn Murray Marietta/Thackerville.....................Lester Bussell Apache............................................. Michael Dye Associate................................... Lucia Aleman
Ardmore Churches: Maysville.......................................Edward Dexter Bethel/Hulen..................................Rusty Husted Korean New Light....................... Kiyoung Jeong
Asbury......................................Jennifer Pasco Mill Creek...........................................Betty Stone Cache................................................Bryan Tener St. Pauls.........................................Terry Koehn
First................................... Jessica Moffatt Seay Paoli........................................... Robert Harrison Carnegie/Mountain View.................. Ronald King Wesley Chapel................................. Ken Baden
Associate........................................ Tony Caro Pauls Valley.................................... Mark Watson Cyril/Cement.................................... Laurie Long Manitou............................................David Jones
Warren Memorial/Redemption........................... San Mateo Fellowship/Assistant....................... Duncan Churches:: Marlow.............................................. Travis Muse
............................................. Everisto Chikanga ........................................Perla Martinez Goody First..................................................Phillip Ware Ryan.................................................. Debra Kerr
Caddo........................................................... TBS Pontotoc......................................... Duane Baker St. Pauls....................................Daniel Fletcher Snyder/Indiahoma..................Patrick McPherson
Calera...........................................Roland Barrick Ringling............................................ Alex Costea Stephens........................................Lee Jackson Sterling/Rush Springs.................Sharla Reynolds
Colbert/Southeastern Oklahoma State University Roff.............................................Claud Baltimore Wesley/Velma.................................Linda Lusnia Temple/Comanche.........................Nathan Mills
Wesley Foundation.......... Gloria McGee-Denton Springer......................................... Pearl Broome Elgin.................................................Coy Reemer Verden........................................ Charles Watson
Courtney......................................Carolyn Higdon Stratford...................................Charles Baumann Fletcher...............................................Lory Fahle Walters....................................... Steve Harshaw
Davis...................................... Benjamin Williams Sulphur....................................Richard Trobaugh Fort Cobb/Highland................ Timothy Trujillo Sr. Waurika...........................................Carl Sterling
Durant.................................................. Greg Tolle Tishomingo..................................Will Pasieczny Frederick........................................... Eric Snyder
Elmore City......................................Temple Diehl Wanette...................................... Ralph Wangler
Extension Ministries:
Gracemont.................................. Adonna Bridges
Fitzhugh............................................Steve Taylor Whitebead...................................... Dennis Yates Grandfield/Randlett.......................David Gardner CJAMM Associate Director.......Becky Baxter-Ballou
Gene Autry...................................... Sharen Hale Wilson.........................................Sherry Kendrick Lawton Churches:: CCM/Wesley Foundation Co-Directors..................
Healdton.......................................... Harold Hunt Wynnewood.................................... John Corbin Aldersgate/Redemption.......Becky Baxter-Ballou ............................................................ Montie Jones
Kingston..................................... Paul McDowell Extension Ministries: Centenary........................ Norma Gravely-Quinn ............................................................Galeda Jones
Konawa.......................................... Pamela Shirk Chaplain, Horizon Communities In Prisons/ Associate.................................... Chris Symes
Lighthouse......................................Terry Thomas Pontotoc........................................Duane Baker
Lindsay...........................................Stephen Hale Chaplain, Ardmore Mercy Memorial Hospital
Lone Grove...........................................Tom Riley .................................................................Lin Stern
McALESTER DISTRICT
Darrell Cates, District Superintendent
BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT
Alderson..................................... Charles Saviers McAlester-First.................................Charles Neff
George Warren, District Superintendent
Antlers/Soper............................ Robert Duran Sr. Associate.................................. Ruth Atterberry
Avant............................................ Earleen Reedy Foyil........................................ Cynthia Robertson Atoka/New Zion.............................Daniel Ramey McCurtain/Keota..............................Mike Morgan
Barnsdall........................................ Paul Overholt Grove.............................................Randall Hamill Boswell......................................................... TBS Poteau...........................................Gregory Tener
Bartlesville Churches: Jay................................................. Barbara Plank Broken Bow/Eagletown........... Marvin Stuckey Quinton/Canadian......................Rudolph Freese
East Cross....................................Emery Mason Ketchum.....................................Dianna Bradford Calvin........................................................... TBS Redland/Pleasant Hill.....................Trent Baggett
Associate................................... Chad Perceful Miami........................................Kathleen Leithner Coalgate/Clarita..............................Norman Bolin Rocky Point...............................Robert Cocke Jr.
First....................................................Kevin Tully Nowata........................................Cheryl Newton Edgewood/Dow................................. Linda Pope Savanna......................................... Madlyn Ruch
Associate................................. Connie Taylor Ochelata.....................................Bonnie Batman Eufaula.............................................. John Breon Seminole........................................ Gary Wilburn
Associate.................................... Bisby Wierick Oologah........................................ David Wheeler Heavener/Hodgen.............................Pam Cottrill Stigler............................................. Jack Kemper
Grace Epworth...............................Blesvilla Yap Otterbein......................................James Bradford Heavener Hispanic Fellowship............Obed Alba Talihina/Tuskahoma...................Shaun Wicker
Oak Park......................................David Stewart Owasso.................................... Christopher Tiger Henryetta..........................................Dale Durnell Valliant/Wright City........................ Linda Baggett
Big Cabin......................................... Donald Scott Associate.....................................Taud Boatman Holdenville.....................................Charles Rettig Weleetka...................................................... TBS
Chelsea, Memorial....................... David Sanders Pawhuska.........................................Ted Hoffman Howe................................................. Wayne Bell Wetumka........................................Dan Eischen
Claremore, First.............................. Ray Crawford Shidler/Foraker/Grainola.................. Gary Moody Hugo, First.................................... Kevin McClain Wewoka, First/Bowlegs.........Amanda Lockwood
Associate...............................Janelle Brammer Skiatook....................................Norman Wasson Hugo, Pauls Chapel/Ft. Towson....Michael Frazier Wilburton/EOSC Campus Ministry......................
Associate......................................... Lisa Hines South Coffeyville/Lenapah............Stephen Posey Hugo, Wesley.............................. Wesley Kimball ....................................................... April Coates
Cleora.........................................Richard Brasher Spavinaw/Salina.............................. Doyle Carroll Idabel........................................ Bruce Brotherton Wister..................................... Robert Van House
Collinsville, Meadowcreek..............Brian Mangan Sycamore Chapel/Wyandotte...... Jonathan Bates Kiowa/Pittsburg............................................ TBS
Commerce/Quapaw..................... Furan Jackson Vinita........................................... George Gilland Krebs/Stuart...................................... Phil Beatty Extension Ministries:
Copan..........................................Tari Carbaugh Welch..................................................Lee Hilliard McAlester-Christ............................Lisa Anderson U.S. Air Force Chaplain................ James Parrish
Delaware/Chelsea, Epworth................Darrel Cox
Dewey..........................................Richard Robart Extension Ministries:
Fairland.......................................... Carole Minter U.S. Air Force Chaplain..............Donald Simpson
MUSKOGEE DISTRICT
Linda M. Harker, District Superintendent
CLINTON DISTRICT Adair.............................................Patricia Harris Spencer/Honor Heights.............. Barbara Brown
Charles L. Nordean, District Superintendent Beggs/Schulter...................... Josheua Blanchard St. Paul......................................... Mark Jardine
Bethel/Westville...........................Darrell Maddox Associate................................ Gregory Boyd
Altus, First........................................ David Player Erick/Carter.......................... Sheri Smith Lashley Bokoshe.........................................Bennie Waller Trinity.............................................. Mary Ewing
Associate........................ Margery Van Oostrum Geary............................................... Karen Slater Braggs/Woodall..........................Carla Robison Wesley........................................Marsha Purtell
Associate................................. Deborah Teagan Hinton.................................................Kyle Kiner Checotah......................................... Wayne Loftin Okay........................................... Raymond Griffin
Altus, Grace/Blair............................Bruce Davis Hobart.................................................. Kyle Clark Associate...................................... Jeremy Smith Okmulgee......................................Craig Denslow
Altus, Highland Heights/Duke.....Charles Stewart Hollis/Gould......................................Sally Barber Chouteau..................................William Buttram Pocola........................................... Darin McCarty
Arapaho.....................................Dean Brookshier Hydro............................................. Steven Brant Cookson............................ Marilynn Schellhamer Pryor...............................................Robert Harris
Calumet/Red Rock.....................Matthew Franks Leedey/Hammon............................Chuck Gilbert Coweta.......................................... Susan Whitley Sallisaw.......................................... Trevor Smith
Canute........................................... Timothy Israel Lone Wolf/Granite............................James Hilton Ft. Gibson......................................Barry Collins Spiro/Cameron . ............................ Gary Withrow
Cheyenne...................................... Gregory Keith Lookeba/Bridgeport...................... John Gable Jr. Gore.............................Christopher "Craig" Clark Stilwell.............................................. Barry Hayes
Clinton....................................Roland Youngberg Mangum.................................... Donald Tabberer Haskell/Porter.................................. Paul Vickery Tahlequah...................................Allen Schneider
Cordell....................................... David Croninger Sayre............................................. Margo Vestal Hulbert................................... Thomas Corrigan Vian.......................................... Leonard McCarty
Custer City/Independence/Chapel Hill............ Sentinel/Rocky......................... Delbert Watkins Inola.....................................Eugene Van Alstyne Wagoner.......................................Shannon Davis
.................................... Debra Marlett Campbell Thomas/Fay.....................................Larry Harlan Locust Grove.................................. Cydni Tillery Associate..........................Yvonne Buchanan
Eakly/Alfalfa.................................................. TBS Watonga....................................... Larry Masoner Morris............................................Nathan Mattox Warner/Oktaha............................ Michael Enright
Eldorado..........................................Bobby Jones Weatherford........................................Lynn Brack Mounds........................................... Gary Haynes
Elk City............................................... Daniel Peil Willow............................................ Scott Northrip Muldrow/Roland Trinity....................Aaron Tiger Extension Ministries:
Associate......................................... Wendi Neal Muskogee Churches: Circle of Care Director of Residential Services....
Associate...................................Carlos Ramirez Extension Ministries: First................................. John Rusty Williams ........................................................Mark Howard
Elmer/Tipton........................................ R.T. Perry SWOSU Campus Minister...........Elizabeth Horton
Cashion.................................................Felecia Hensley Quail Springs......................................... David Clewell Agra/Ripley........................... Hugh Willoby Perry.....................................Edward Cook
Choctaw.............................................. Charla Gwartney St. Matthew............................................. Ron Perceful. Blackburn/Maramec................... Jeff Kuhn Ponca City Churches:
Crescent......................................................... Roger Pitt Associate.........................................Wendee Perceful Bristow..................................... Kip Wright Albright..............................Scott Spencer
Crescent, Mount Vernon................................Alan Nagel Village.......................................................... Rik Marion Asbury/Kaw City................... Carol Reich
Chandler............................Sungsu Hwang
Edmond: Wickline....................................................Mark Barnett First....................................Michael Smith
Acts 2......................................................... Mark Foster Associate...................................... Tiffany D'Amours Cleveland/Hominy..............David Mingus St. Pauls................................Lisa Crone
Associate...................................................... Kris Tate Diaconal.................................................. Phyllis Ford Cushing................................ Sonja Tobey Prague/Arlington...................Scott Keneda
Associate...........................................Nancy Hamilton Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish: Dale.....................................Russell Currie Prague Associate.........Sharon Capron
Church Planter......................................Adam Ricks Crown Heights....................................... Dianne Peters Depew.........Cheryl Peters (Kansas West) Sapulpa................................. Darrel Owen
Chinese International UMC................. Puong Ong Lau Leland Clegg....................................Andrew Tevington Drumright/Oilton........... Virginia Hathaway Stillwater Churches:
First..........................................................Bertha Potts Putnam City........................................... Robert Kanary First........................... Stanley Warfield Jr.
Associate............................................. Robert Foos Quayle............................................. Victor McCullough Eden Chapel.......................... John Curtis
Associate..........................Steve Roach
Associate.................................................. Tara Foos Associate.............................................. Erica Thomas Fairfax....................... Robert Montgomery Highland Park................... Derrek Belase
New Covenant........................................... Adrian Cole Ridgecrest..................................................Dylan Cole Glencoe.............................. Ron Weathers Stroud............................. Matthew Scraper
El Reno, Ellison Ave............................... Charles Broam St. Marks.............................................Keith Cressman Kellyville............................ Charles Hanna Wellston.............................Adam Leathers
El Reno, Wesley........................................ Richard Cato Wesley..........................................Diana Cox Crawford Lost Creek.................................Max Rudd Yale..........................................John Marks
Guthrie, First............................................. Mike DeMoss Associate.................................................Phillip Davis
Mannford.............................David Jenkins Extension Ministries:
Guthrie, West............................................. Susan Grove Extension Ministries:
Harrah........................................................Randy Little UCO Campus Ministry..................................Leslie Long. McCloud.........................Michelle McCarty OSU Campus Ministry.......Michael Bartley
Jones......................................................... Sherry Heath Langston Campus Ministry...................... Cecilia Brooks Meeker.............................. Michael Melton President, Hinton Rural Life Center,
Luther/Nicoma Park............................ David Cressman Assistant to Bishop/Conference Director of Morrison.............................. Arron Grantz Hayesville, N.C....................Lyle Shipley
Mount Zion.................................................. Diana Pruitt Communications.................................... Joseph Harris Deacons:
Mulhall/Orlando...................Adrian Pollard OSU Campus Ministry Assistant...............
Piedmont............................................... Samuel Powers Conference Director of Connectional Ministries/ Okemah, St. Pauls........... Brian Matthews
Associate.............................................Mary Beth Foye Congregational Development................Craig Stinson ........................ Rebekah Wallace Belase
Spencer......................................................Elijah Nagbe Volunteers In Mission, Director............... Jeremy Basset
Pawnee/Skedee.....................Susan Ross Deaconess:
Yukon, First............................................Robert Younts OCU, Director, Student Religious Life.....Jennifer J. Long Perkins..................................Kip Heatley Turtle Rock Farm....................Patricia Hoerth
Associate................................................ Patti McCall OCU, Vice-President, University-Church Relations........
Yukon, Good Shepherd.......................... Jeffrey Burress ................................................................Margaret Ball
Associate............................................Christy James OCU, Dean, Wimberly School of Religion......................
Oklahoma City Churches: ...........................................................Sharon Betsworth Tulsa DISTRICT
Chapel Hill................................................ Robert Rose Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU, Dean................
Michael D. Chaffin, District Superintendent
Associate.............................................. Valerie Steele ........................................................... Elaine Robinson
Associate..........................................Sara Bodenstein Camp and Retreat Ministries, Director.... Randy McGuire Bixby...................................Randy Mitchell Associate................. Connie Cole Jeske
Diaconal...............................................Suzann Wade Assistant to the Director of Camping..............Kathy Coit Associate............................ Mark Whitley Associate............................ Peter White
Church Planter........................................Allen Buck Director of Discipleship with Small Membership Churches Broken Arrow Churches: Grace...........................Richard McIlnay
Church of the Servant............................Robert Gorrell ....................................................................Diana Northcutt Abiding Harvest........Christopher Buskirk. Harrison............................ Dolores Willis
Associate................................................. Tim Travers. Alaska Missionary Conference, GBGM................................ First....................................... Larry Varvel Harvard Avenue...................Kurt Glassco
Associate.......................................... Randy Shrauner Soldotna............................................ Richard Whetsell Associate............................ James Hunt Korean................................Tae Won Son
Associate.......................................... Jeremy Sanders Center for Therapy and Wellness/Church of the Servant Associate..........................Larry Mitchell Lake...........................................Roy Betz
Associate......................................... Matthew Judkins ................................................................... Curtis Nigh Heritage...........................Scott Rodgers Memorial Drive......Sharon Fletcher-Taylor
Associate.................................................. Curtis Nigh National Disaster Consultant................. Mary Gaudreau St. Stephens................... Donna Dodson New Haven....................... Cynthia Havlik
Associate...........................................Robyn Goggs The Education and Employment Ministries (TEEM)....... Catoosa-Disciple/Claremore-St. Andrews.... Associate...................... Suzanne Davis
Douglas Boulevard............................... Jeannie Himes .................................................................... Tony Zahn .........................................Pamela Stewart Nueva Esperanza....................................
Grace........................................................Ed Coy Light Mercy Health Center Pastoral Care Dept...... Beverly Powell Jenks....................................David Karges ..........................Daniel Llanos-Jimenez
Lakeside...............................................Kirtley Moelling VIM Coordinator of Disaster Response Leonard..............................Kenneth Smith Rose Hill......................... David Reynolds
May Avenue............................................. Larry Gaston. & Domestic Missions......................... Richard Norman Sand Springs......................... Dennis Adlof St. James............................ Gary Harber
Mayfair Heights............................................ Ted Uhlig Salvation Army Area Development Coordinator............. Turley......................................... Estell Ray Associate.......................... Josue Araujo
New Hope..................................................... J.D. Ward ............................................................... Teresa Green Verdigris........................James Graham III St. Lukes Fellowship/Redemption II.......
Nichols Hills.........................................Randy Scraper Deaconess: Tulsa Churches: .......................................Brantley Tillery
Associate.............................................. Janice Meese Reaching Our City Inc..................... Nancy Van Antwerp Aldersgate................. Marcia Shoemaker St. Marks......................... Cynthia Mayes
Asbury.....................Thomas Harrison Jr. St. Matthews...... Michael Fletcher-Taylor
Associate......................... Richard Read St. Pauls........... Twila Gibbens-Rickman
Associate................ Warren Ambrose III Sheridan Avenue............... Joseph Lynch
OKC SOUTH District Associate.................... Todd Miller Craig Southern Hills..................... Jeffry Jaynes
Associate....................Charles Ryser Jr. Trinity............................. Michelle Coulter
Frankye A. Johnson, District Superintendent
Associate........................Spencer Smith University.......................... Sanford Wylie
Alex/Ninnekah..............................................Sue Lykins Korean, First............................................ Joon No Um Associate................. James Lenderman Wesley....................... Christopher Beach
Blanchard.............................................. Travis Hopper St. Andrews............................................. D.A. Bennett Associate.......................... Tiffany Smith West Tulsa......................William Welch II
Chickasha, Epworth......................... Rockford Johnson Associate............................................David Johnson Assistant..................... Darlene Johnson Will Rogers....................... Robert Johns
Franklin.................................................... Gerry Rhodes Southern Hills.......................................Connie Gibson Boston Avenue.............Mouzon Biggs Jr. Extension Ministries:
Friendship................................................ Marie George Sunny Lane...........................................Larry Bauman Associate............. William Tankersley III
Lexington.................................................Adam Shahan Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish: Associate.......................William Crowell Grace Hospice Chaplain..... Barbara Fyffe
Minco....................................................... David Conrad Capitol Hill....................................... Harold Branstetter Associate................EvaMarie Campbell OK VIM OK-Bolivia Partnership
Moore, First............................................ Patricia Malloy Christ/Shalom Zone Ministries....... Ernest Jackson Jr. Associate.................Mary Ann Emmons ...................................David Stephenson
Associate.............................................. James Perkin Clark...................................................... Lamarla Cook Associate.............................Paul Staat Restore Hope Ministries, Director.............
Associate................................................Chris Dodson Epworth......................................... Deborah Ingraham Centenary........................ Keith McArtor ..................................Lawrence Johnson
Associate................................................... Eddie West Hillcrest Fuente de Vida....................................... TBS Christ....................................Robert Feist University of Tulsa Campus Ministry.........
Moore, New Life..................................................... TBS Lambuth..............................................Larry Jacobson Associate.............. Ashley Green-Young .....................................Charles Spears Jr.
Mustang......................................................Larry Holder Linwood..........................................Reed Montgomery Associate....................James Stilwell Jr. Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Director........
Newcastle........................................... Brett Thomasson Penn Ave/Redemption............................Stephen Byrd Epworth............................... James Peek .......................................... Steven Dickie
Noble............................................................James Kim St. Johns.............................................. Stephen Davis Faith......................... Bradley Humphrey Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries Director
Norman Churches:: St. Lukes..................................................Robert Long Associate.....................Katherine Brown .......................... Mark Gibbens-Rickman
Bridgeview...............................................Allen Carson Associate.......................................... Wendy Lambert Associate.......................... Erma Pregler Tulsa Sheriffs Dept. Chaplain...................
Goodrich................................................ Jim Shepherd Associate............................................. Charlotte Teel First................................... Wade Paschal ..................................Michael Hardgrove
McFarlin................................................Richard House Associate........................................... Phil Greenwald Associate..................Thomas Hoffmann Upper Room, GBOD........... Thomas Albin
Associate............................................Calvin Brannon Associate..................................................Linda Truitt Associate.......................... Tom McElroy
Associate .............................................Randall Wade Associate.................................Juventino Espinoza
Associate........................................George Shepherd Associate.............................................David Poteet
Associate................................. Harriett Leigh Kemp Selecman.............................................Richard Ehlers
St. Stephens........................................... Amy Venable South Lee........................................... Bennie Warner
Pocasset................................................................. TBS Extension Ministries: WOODWARD DISTRICT
Purcell, Bowman Chapel........................Dwayne Heath OU Campus Ministry........................... Daniel Dennison David Burris, District Superintendent
Purcell, Trinity.............................................Doyle Sharp Associate............................................... Fuxia Wang Alva, First.........................Terry Martindale OPSU Campus Ministry/Morning Star.......
Shawnee Churches: OCU, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences..........Mark Davies Arnett...........................Brandon Dollarhite ............................................ Jacki Banks
Bethel........................................................Chris Talley OCU Chaplain....................................Rodney Newman Beaver................................ Paul Hamilton Panhandle Hispanic..................................
St. Marks.................................................... Carla Hale U.S. Air Force Chaplain........................... Martin Barnes Boise City/Kenton............George Lupton .......................... Sara Hickson de Salazar
Trinity........................................................... Kay Smith Skyline Urban Ministry, Director.........Claudia Lovelace Buffalo/Fort Supply..............Joel Betow Quinlan/Freedom......................Scott Ware
St. Pauls................................................ Kim Domnick Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM) Capron.................................. Clark Struebing Seiling................................ Rick Forthman
Wesley................................................. Marvin Hudson Director................................................ Stanley Basler Fairview/Catesby............... Mike Mahaffey Sharon/Mutual........................Jeff Ralston
Tecumseh...................................................... Keith King GBGM Mission Interpreter in Residence, Western Fargo/Gage..................Michael Shepherd Shattuck...............................Lisa Beavers
Associate............................................. Trinnette Smith Jurisdiction............................................ Glenn Rowley Felt..................................... Royce Bursch Texhoma..............................Rachel Parrot
Tuttle/Okla. Dept. of Communications.... Andy James Good Shepherd Hospice.............................John Gober Forgan/Gate....................... David Gordon Turpin/Baker...................... Todd Bergman
Union City/Cogar..................................... George Rowe SOKC Volunteer........................... Jack Terrell-Wilkes Goodwell, Centenary................. Alex True Vici/Lenora...........................Don Whitman
Washington.............................................. Mike Winchell Wesley Theological Seminary.......... Carol Cook Moore Guymon, Victory Memorial..... Michael Burkett Laverne-Vida en Abundancia/Woodward
Wayne.................................................Brian Anderson GBGM........................................................Marsha Alexander Associate..........................Barry Bennett Hispanic Outreach.................... Jose Estrada
Wheatland...................................................David Rose Conference Treasurer...........................Brian Bakeman Hardesty/Union Center...... Herb Bridgewater Waynoka/Cheyenne Valley........... Ron Luka
Oklahoma City Churches: Pastoral Counseling of Norman....... Jo Beth Kee-Rees Hooker/Tyrone......................... Jerry Raab Woodward Churches:
Asbury.................................................. Dawn Richards Deaconess: Keyes/Marella...................... Jerry Coldren Faith................................... Aaron Martin
St. John's.............................................. Elaine Parrent Laverne/Rosston................. Roger Parker First.................................Charles Graves
First........................................................Mark McAdow
Mooreland........................... David Mercer New Horizon..................... Becky Pierson
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact June 18, 2010
n Transformation
(Continued from page 1A)
We have seen when Gods people are faithful to Gods
call, amazing things can happen. For two years, a church that
once struggled with Apportionments has paid them in full by
May. We have grown numerically in people, too. I have been
transformed by this. Your prayerswe covet them.
Between June 7 and July 29, Project Transformation
will serve about 500 youngsters in Tulsa, Oklahoma City,
and Bartlesville.
n Now a young adult, Alethia Bartley was age 7 when
she went on her first mission trip. With writing help from
adults in her church, she gave her first sermon at age 11. At
16, she became a Lay Speaker. At Oklahoma City University,
her studies related to social justice have been a direct result
of growing up United Methodist, she said.
Bartley challenged perceptions that limit young people
to future church leadership.
My church treated me as the NOW, she emphasized
in the Board of Laity report. Lets raise our leaders as the
NOW, no matter what age!
n Above all I have achieved, I am a Christian, said Tao
Tao, a member of Edmond Chinese International UMC. She
Commissioned on May 31 as provisional elders are: front row from left, Michael Frazier Sr., was baptized there nine years ago. She is a new mother and a
Everisto Chikanga, Tiffany Smith, Adam Ricks, and Josue Araujo; Linda Lusnia, upper left; and certified public accountant. She told her story of transforma-
Sandra Shepherd, upper right. Standing with them are Michael Burkett, Board of Ordained Ministry tion as part of the report by the Department of Congregational
chairman, and Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. Development.
While I continue to grow in Christ, so does my church,
Tao said. I got a baby; my church got a new building!
Strategic Plan goal: fruitful congregations Initially, a multi-ethnic group of 14 college students
gathered in a small room for Bible study. Tao was one of
2 churches will be planted in Edmond two students from her native region of China. Today, more
than 25 adults from Taos homeland are among 150 people
The Oklahoma Conference, proud parent of a 1-year-old, decade: Acts 2, Abiding Harvest in Broken Arrow, and worshipping in a church building purchased merely months
is expecting twins. ago. The mortgage has been paid in full.
Bridgeview in Norman.
Churches, that is. A member of the churchs Finance Committee, Tao quoted
Each of these has already paid back more in Apportion-
CrossTimbers United Methodist Church in Moore cel- Malachi and spoke of first fruits. She described donating
ments than the Conference gave them to start, he said. From
ebrated its first birthday on Easter Sunday. Its records show her first paycheck to the church after she began working. She
2002-09, these three churches paid a total of $626,000 in said practicing tithing is teaching her to revere God first.
47 professions of faith. Apportionments. n Pointing to scars on his head, a former member of the
First United Methodist Church in Moore is the anchor Delegates also approved action by other Conference Aryan Brotherhood told of his prison conversion experience,
church for CrossTimbers, and the pairing has boosted both of entities to reach new people of faith. The Racial Ethnic then introduced his fiance, who is African-American. The
them. Lay Leader Kenny Quenzer reported that First Church
Coordinating Committee (RECC) disbanded, shifting funds couple has found a source of Christian support in Exodus
just broke ground for a multipurpose center.
to a new category: Racial/Ethnic Church Starts. Six racial/ House, a program of Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries
Other congregations are serving as anchors for two
ethnic representatives will be added to the Department of (CJAMM).
new-church plants, launched this month. Allen Buck and
Congregational Development.
Adam Ricks were named Church Planters for the startups,
in southeast and northeast Edmond. The anchor churches are
OKC-Chapel Hill and Edmond-Acts 2, respectively.
The Committee on Equitable Compensation added new
church starts as a fourth category for salary supplement. n Online
A new church is one place where we get a financial return Chairman Bruce Brotherton said the goal is to give new (Continued from page 1A)
on our investment, as well as a spiritual return, said Craig churches every opportunity to succeed. and what you believe in, and I feel that I want to be part
Stinson in the report for the Department of Congregational The Discipleship Ministry Team will roll out an evan- of a church community that rightly divides the Word and
Development. The department directs funding support and gelism initiative later this year, according to Chairman is putting it into practice. Thank you for live streaming the
more to grow churches. Greg Tener. James Graham encouraged churches to use the conference.
Rev. Stinson saluted three churches established in this Natural Church Development (NCD) tool. n Thanks very much for this new method of being there
without the travel. My walking and standing dont hold up well
By the numbers at 77 years. What a blessing to experience this at home.
n The Skyline (fund-raising) project was mentioned
n Delegates approved a budget of item is increasing 8.6 percent for local 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 minutes and, having my laptop, I logged in and voted for the project.
$16,534,735 for 2011. That total reflects churches, and the monthly premiums for ahead of schedule. In previous years, the WOW, it has already moved into 163rd place in just a few
an overall Apportionment increase of the clergy and lay employees are going conference has met through Thursday. hours. I cannot wait to check tomorrow to see how much
$550,000 over the current year. About up 10 percent, reported Chairman Rick A task force recommendation led to the faster it moves up. What a great example of what we can do
two-thirds of that increase is for health- Kelly of the Health Benefits Committee. shortened schedule. when called to action.
care benefits. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2011. By making the change, Conference n Watching on Internet has been like a revival for me.
n To pay the increasing cost of n The annual conference, which leaders expected to save money and time I'm very pleased and thankful for the opportunity to join in
health insurance, that Apportionment began Sunday evening, adjourned at at all levels. at home.
Briefly
Bishop carries banner in battling malaria n Retreat for young adults
By Holly McCray Terry Koehn of Lawton is dean for Colors@
The bishop held a baby girl in his arms and prayed for her dur- Cross Point, a retreat for young adults, ages 18-25,
ing his recent tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two days on July 29-Aug. 2.
later, the baby died. Those first years after high school, said Rev.
Imagine a world with no malaria. Koehn, can be some of the most awkward when it
Think of the heartache of a mother. Think of the hopes and comes to fitting in at churchand fitting church
dreams and aspirations for that child, said Bishop Thomas Bick- into ones life.
erton, father of four and guest preacher for the 2010 Oklahoma Theme is Know Your Gifts, Find Your
Annual Conference, in an interview. Place. The retreat at Cross Point Camp opens at
A million people die from malaria every year75 percent of 1 p.m. Friday and concludes Monday morning.
them children younger than 5, Bickerton said. He is passionately To contact Koehn: 580-483-6822, terry-koehn@
driving forward the denominations Imagine No Malaria cam- sbcglobal.net.
paign, launched in April. One-half of the annual conference offering n Cokesbury reopens in OKC
supported the cause. Cokesbury in Oklahoma City has reopened, af-
I live under the conviction that every one of Gods children ter a May hailstorm damaged its original space.
deserves to live a healthy, sustained life, he said. The store relocated only a few doors away, in
Children affirm that statement when they visit his Pennsylvania the same shopping center, at 6811 N. May Ave.
episcopal office during confirmation tours. Theyre in tune that the It is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.
world isnt as privileged as our kids are, Bickerton said. to 4 p.m.
We are the country of abundance; we have great resources. Weve Only salvaged merchandise is available at
Thomas Bickerton preaches at Annual Conference.
got the technology to do away with this killer disease. We have the this time and is offered at discount, according
know-how to prevent it. Why arent we getting rid of it? grated programbecause of connected churches working together, to manager Julie Wise. Orders for new items
He described a mission trip to Africa in the 1980s as a second not independent of one another, he said. One church in Oklahoma cannot be processed. Inquiries can be made at:
conversion in his life as a Christian. I prayed about what could I may get excited about providing a generator for a hospital. But oklahomacity@cokesbury.com.
do to offer something back to people who have absolutely nothing that generator may not be compatible with the wiring system, the
materially but everything spiritually. I live where theres everything hospital may not have the money for the fueland the effort of n Accelerated study at OCU
materially, and we struggle for joy. that church has gone by the wayside. On July 13, an information session is set for
Bickertons prayer was answered when he was asked to lead He continued, In Africa, in the midst of corrupt government, the School of Adult & Continuing Education at
Nothing But Nets, a precursor to the new campaign, for the economic depravity, and more, there is one trusted vehicle: the Oklahoma City University.
denomination. Imagine No Malaria is more comprehensive. It Church. The eyes of Africans are turned toward the Church because This program offers accelerated study for
continues the $10-mosquito-net distribution project and adds com- its demonstrated it is concerned about saving their physical lives bachelors degrees in Behavioral Studies and
ponents of education, water removal work, and more. and their spiritual ones. Liberal Studies, with concentrations in Business,
The goal is lofty: elimination of malaria-related deaths by 2015. He heard Mrs. Nelson Mandela testify she was born in a Meth- Accounting, Mass Communications, and Organi-
The United Nations Foundation is founding entity. The bishop said odist hospital, came to know Christ in a Methodist church, and was zational Communication. Classes meet one night
40 faith-based groups have joined with secular partners from around educated at a Methodist school. per week, in eight-week cycles. Online classes
the world to accomplish it. Our people want to be wise in their giving, Bickerton said. also are available.
Its working, Bickerton said. Tanzania reported a 62 percent When they sense the need, they respond. I dont think people want The information session will be in Room
reduction in malaria-related deaths 18 months after a countrywide us to be talking about mosquito nets in 2020. They want to give 151 at the OCU Walker Center for Arts & Sci-
distribution of mosquito nets. A New York Times article in May the money, know its been used for the right purpose, and see the ence. Details, including fall class registration and
noted child mortality rates are nose-diving in Africa. job done. We have a window of opportunity; the global community transcript assessment: www.okcu.edu/sace or
Its working because of a comprehensive, coordinated, inte- has converged. 405-208-5820.
The Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Inc., 4201 Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City 73118; www.okumf.org; 800-259-6863