Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 157, Number 36 • January 7, 2011

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

n Youth Worker’s Academy accredited, 3A

www.okumc.org n Oklahoma Methodist Manor expands, 4A
Following the Plan
“Recruit, assess, equip, and send Spiritual
Leaders”—goal of the Strategic Plan for the Oklahoma
Anuual Conference

Leading
with class
Clever class titles appeal to Oklahoma United Methodists to
attend the annual Local Church Leaders Workshops.
“We Believe WHAT?”
“State of the Child in Oklahoma”
“What the Bible REALLY Says About Women in Ministry”
“Cover Your Assets” (church finances in a difficult economy)
“Mixing Faith and Politics”
“How Appointments Are Made”
“Judaism, Christianity, Islam—and Peace”
Beyond such titles, class participants will gain insights from
well-prepared leaders, receive extensive resource materials, and
find opportunities to share ideas with people from other churches.
Participants affirm the value of the workshops by returning, year
after year.
The districts’ training sessions, in 11 locations across the state,
begin Jan. 15 and extend into March. Bishop Hayes will personally
attend eight of the sessions.
Churches’ officers and all others seeking to enrich their leader-
ship skills and their lives are encouraged to take part.
n Special features
Although some classes are universally offered, some workshop
features are specific to a district.
“Dine with Bishop Hayes,” in four venues, is planned in
Stillwater. That district also will have a children’s celebration and
youth rally, parallel to the adult classes.
A youth rally will be part of the Muskogee District event, too,
HOPE IN HAITI—Children surround their new friend, Jeanne Hathcock of Yukon, an Oklahoma Volun- in Wagoner.
teer In Mission who served in the quake-ravaged country in early November. The gate sign at top identi- Special offerings will be received for Muskogee District’s sum-
fies the guest house, where the VIM team stayed, which is operated by the Methodist Church of Haiti. mer youth camp and, in Clinton District, for the Reydon Mission,
Pages 4-5A assisting Oklahoma State Reformatory inmates with college study.
And lay nominees from the two Oklahoma City districts will
be chosen, after the workshop concludes, as potential delegates
TREASURED GIFTS—Bishop Robert Hayes to the 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Jr. accepts an autographed hymnal from
n ‘New Christians’ emphasis
Elaine Robinson, dean of Saint Paul School
“Prunes or Peaches” is one of several classes offered as part
of Theology at Oklahoma City University. To
of the “New Christians” emphasis by the Discipleship Ministry
raise scholarship funds for the United Method- Continued on 5A
Team’s evangelism task force.
ist seminary’s students, the Oklahoma bishop
submitted to an evening of roasts and toasts Ardmore District—Feb. 5, Ardmore-First UMC
Dec. 2 at OCU. Former Miss America and Bartlesville District—Jan. 29, Claremore-First
OCU alumna Jayne Jayroe Gamble was em- Clinton District—Jan. 15, Weatherford-First
cee; and speakers included the bishop's sister Enid District—Jan. 30, Enid-First
Lauri Hayes Fluker, Oklahoma Conference Lawton District—Jan. 30, Lawton-Centenary
Lay Leader Judy Benson, and David Wilson of McAlester District—Feb. 12, McAlester-First
the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. Muskogee District—Jan. 16, Wagoner-First
Charter Donors gave $65,275 as of Dec. 20. North & South OKC Districts—Jan. 15, OKC-St. Luke’s
The bishop said, “The people helped by this Stillwater District—March 26, Stillwater-First
are going to make a difference for the King- Tulsa District—Jan. 22, Tulsa-Boston Avenue
dom of God.” Woodward District—Jan. 29, Woodward-First
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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Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 7, 2011

Contact The Magazine

The youngest disciples of Christ—children and
Your church supports a
missionary. Now what?
Oklahoma Conference’s Mis-
sion and Service Ministry Team
wants to help churches keep en-
n Create a display, using an
enlarged biographical sketch and
photos. Place the display on an ea-
thusiasm for missionary support sel, near the sanctuary doors. This
teens—are not waiting for future roles in God’s service.
strong all year, by sharing a year’s could be a great project for any craft
They are taking steps now to transform the world.
worth of ideas about how to inform group in your church!
Read their stories in the Winter 2011 edition of Contact,
your congregation about these n Develop bulletin inserts
the Magazine. Watch for it in your mailbox this month.
special Christian servants. about the missionary. Tailor them
Here is a taste of what you’ll find in this publication by the Oklahoma
January is a natural time to kick for age-specific inserts if you
Conference Department of Communications:
off an awareness campaign. Here have worship services for teens or
are ideas from the General Board children.
‘I pray to God. He helps me. He can help you, too.’ of Global Ministries (GBGM): For more information about
n Introduce him or her to your domestic or international GBGM
By SHARON CApRON The following week, we collected the letters.
church. Make sure everyone knows missionaries, Covenant Relation-
pastor, prague UMC Jeanne’s personal message was simple: “I pray to
the missionary you support by show- ships, or Global Ministry Partners,
Jeanne* was angry. Her daddy was in prison. God. He helps me. He can help you, too.”
ing a photo, a biographical sketch, contact Karen Distefano, 918-336-
Mama had moved everybody in with Auntie, in an- At the closing service of the Kairos experience,
and announcing her or his birthday. 0351, kririe@aol.com.
other town, and taken a full-time job. No daddy, no several men gave their testimonies. A big man, a
mama, no friends, no privacy—Jeanne was angry. drug dealer and repeat offender, stood. He said he Save the dates:
In our church’s fifth-grade Wednesday night grew up as a “PK” (preacher’s kid). He was well n “Social Holiness: n “Nothing But Nets”
class, Jeanne cussed; she insulted others; she hit. practiced in arguing against the Bible. On Earth as It Is in Heaven” fund-raiser
My teaching partner often had to lead the class But the note from 12-year-old Jeanne gave A Retreat on Social Justice Basketball games
while Jeanne and I sat out in the hall. him an argument he could not refute. That man March 11-12 at Canyon Camp OCU vs. Oklahoma Baptist
Then one day, the class had a new project: writ- reclaimed the faith of his childhood. Featuring Dr. Tony Campolo University
ing letters to prisoners who were attending a Kai- (*Name has been changed.) Co-sponsors: Jan. 20 at OCU Freede Center
ros weekend. Suddenly, Jeanne came fully alive (The Kairos program in Oklahoma prisons is Peace with Justice Committee Host: OCU Wesley
and focused. She wrote several letters and took coordinated by Criminal Justice & Mercy Minis- and Board of Church & Society Foundation
several blanks home for her siblings to complete. tries—CJAMM—of the Oklahoma Conference.) www.okumc.org/church_society jlong@okcu.edu

OCU announces Milhouse Award recipient

Oklahoma City University
presented the 2010 Bishop Paul
Milhouse Award to Cary Pirrong
at a campus dinner Dec. 10. Cary
and his family are members of St.
Luke’s United Methodist Church
in Oklahoma City.
OCU established the award in
1982 for the purpose of recognizing
people who demonstrate outstand-
ing leadership in their community,
local United Methodist church,
and the Oklahoma Conference, in
addition to being an advocate for
the partnership between OCU and
the Church.
Cary wears many hats at St.
Luke’s. He is a member of the
Administrative Board, the Board
of Trustees, and the Management
Council; teaches a children’s
Sunday School class; serves as
a Disciple Bible Study teacher;
volunteers with the Studio 222
His service in the community is
equally broad. He is a Den Leader
and Assistant Pack Master for Cub
Scouts Pack 469 and an active
member of the Watch Dog Dads
at Wilson Elementary School in
Oklahoma City.
He received the Governor’s
Commendation in 2005 for his
work as General Counsel for the
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole
Board. Cary’s commitment to
service now finds him offering his
legal expertise at Indigent Defense.
His commitment to OCU is of
equal measure and devotion. He
is a member of the OCU Alumni
Board and was president of the
board during the university’s Cen-
OCU President Robert Henry, Cary Pirrong, and Maggie Ball tennial in 2004. It was during that
celebrate at a recent dinner. period that the Alumni Association
became a dues-paying association.
after-school program; and gets ing to usher in the 8:30 worship He serves as a volunteer and com-
up early enough on Sunday morn- service. mittee member for the Marianne
Vannatta Race for the Stars, which
benefits the OCU Kramer School
of Nursing. And he serves as a
member of the Athletic Advisory
Committee.
In presenting the award, Mar-
garet Ball, vice president for
University-Church Relations,
summed up Pirrong’s continuing
life of service: “He is a STAR in
every sense of the word.”
The University-Church Rela-
tions Office welcomes nomina-
tions for this annual award. You
are invited to submit the names of
outstanding laity you know who
express their faith in concrete ways
in their communities and in support
of OCU.
Rev. Ball may be reached at
mball@okcu.edu or 405-208-5060.
Deadline for receiving all nomina-
tions for the 2011 award is Oct.
1, 2011.

The Oklahoma United Methodist

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
1501 N.W. 24th and $15 to our address at left. Sign up online for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter. Find information at www.okumc.org.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@okumc.org. Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: Jan. 21.
 Page 3A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop
What will the future bring?
“Give your entire attention to what God unpredictable, often frightening future, I
is doing right now, and don’t get worked up want to arm you with wisdom for the journey.
about what may or may not happen tomor- Some of it is gleaned from lessons taught by
row. God will help you deal with whatever the greatest teacher who ever lived—Jesus!
hard things come up when the time comes.” And some comes from the “travel stains”
(Matthew 6:34, The Message Bible) accumulated over my 42 years in ministry.
By BISHOp ROBERT HAyES JR. n The first and most important rule is
R
eady or not, 2011 is here! Like an laid out in Matthew 6. In the Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus reminds you to live one day at
unwelcome visitor, we got kicked
a time. Yes, you’ve heard that advice before,
out of last year, and
but few people practice it. Do
we’ve landed in the new year a
you constantly carry the weight
bit dazed. Why couldn’t we stay
of yesterday? That robs tomor-
a little longer where we were?
row of its possibilities, thus
Be honest. How long before
you stop putting 2010 on checks making each day an exercise in
and other documents that re- meaningless, pointless living.
quire the full date? Will you be
get
Jesus says to you, “Don’t
worked up about what may
adjusted by February? March?
Few people ever are prepared or may not happen tomorrow.”
for this yearly calendar ritual, He reminds you that “God will
although we know that it’s help you deal with whatever
coming. And vast numbers of hard things come up.”
Bishop Hayes
people constantly strive to learn n Secondly, I urge, be pre-
in advance what the future holds.
pared for whatever life throws at you! We
I’m fascinated by our obsession with
live in a world where anything can happen
seeking and searching for answers about
at any moment.
what lies ahead. The American public spends
God has equipped us with marvelous
billions—that’s with a B—on horoscopes,
resources to meet head-on any circumstance
tarot cards, psychics, fortune-tellers, and a
or obstacle. Your attitude, your faith, your
host of other so-called “mediums” to tell us
courage, and your confidence that God will
what no one really can predict.
see you through anything will go a long
This need to know what the future holds is
way in preparing you for the unseen turns
not new. In fact, it’s biblical. The Old Testa-
in the road.
ment is filled with prophecies, and the New
From my life’s experiences, I know this
Testament concludes with Revelations, vi-
firsthand. Strength will be supplied. (Or, as
sions of things to come. Between the Bible’s
one minister told me, “Manna falls.”) In
cover pages, questions abound concerning
other words, bread for the day is given, and
imminent events. Even the disciples revealed
strength is furnished when you keep your life
their angst regarding the future; they asked
opened and focused on God.
Jesus about times to come (Acts 1:6).
n Lastly, I invite you to look for the good,
To help you in this mad dash into the
Youth Worker’s Academy earns accreditation
Youth Worker’s Academy in Oklahoma programs can push individuals farther away
Conference has achieved special status with from the church.
the General Board of Higher Education & “It is so important for our churches to
Ministry (GBHEM). take training seriously for those working
The study course has secured approval with youth.”
as a paraprofessional certification program For workers in youth ministry, whether
for adults called to youth ministry in The volunteers or paid staff, the two clergy-
United Methodist Church. The accreditation women designed classes on understanding
followed a visit to Oklahoma in November the Bible, United Methodist beliefs, develop-
by GBHEM leaders from Nashville, Tenn. mental information, safe sanctuary practices,
The approval means Oklahoma’s special- issues youth face, and cultural trends, among
ized training can be extended to youth min- other topics.
istry workers throughout the denomination. The Track 1 and Track 2 training extend
Leslie Long and Diana Northcutt estab- over two years. Each takes place over four
lished the academy in 2007. weekends at Canyon Camp.
“Think of the developmental and spiri- “We invest much in the training of our
tual growth that takes place over the sixth- pastors. It seems just as essential that we
through 12th-grade years,” said Rev. Dr. take the ministry of our children and youth
Long. “These are important years to nurture as seriously,” Long said.
and educate youth in the church, and we can- “It is a responsibility given to us at or-
not take the task lightly. Quality youth pro- dination and given to the Church to provide
grams have long-term effects on individuals, training for our youth and children, to help
helping them grow in their faith; bad youth them know Jesus Christ.” (Book of Disci-
and hope for the best! If you seek the good
from every situation, then good ultimately
will come. Life is too short to dwell on the
negative and unpleasant.
Go into this year looking for the best and
the brightest, seeking to do and be the person
God wants you to be. Then every day will be
an adventure in learning and growing. Just
around the corner, you may find a chance to
show uncommon kindness to someone. You
may be entrusted with pain that you can turn
into spiritual gain. You may be thrust into a
crisis through which you demonstrate how
a person of spiritual conviction can become
victor over the worst that life can offer.
Yes, there is uncertainty as we enter 2011.
But I know for sure that, ahead of me, God is
already there! A modern translation of Psalm
59:10 declares: “My God, in His loving-
kindness, shall meet me at every corner.”
You can face the successive demands of
every day without fear or flinching. Our Lord
never promises any follower that being a
disciple will be easy. He does promise that in
him and with him we will be more than con-
querors over any foe or adverse condition.
Some 450 years ago, mapmakers wrote
fearful warnings on charts of the eastern
coastline of North America. Across unknown
areas, the superstitious mapmakers wrote
inscriptions such as “Here be demons! Here
be dragons. Here be fiery scorpions.”
Those maps later came into the posses-
sion of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer.
It is reported that when Franklin saw those
notations printed on the maps, he scratched
them out, one by one, and wrote in large
letters over the entire map: “Here be God!”
Along the uncharted roads and byways of
2011, you will find God already is waiting
for you to arrive!
pline, paragraph 226.4)
Rev. Northcutt said Oklahoma’s academy
is only the second such accredited UM pro-
gram in the nation.
“We average 12 in a class, and have had
up to 18 people,” she said. “We’re small
enough to have a lot of interaction, relatively
inexpensive, and we’re centrally located.”
She explained there are two ways to re-
ceive certification in specialized ministry in
the Church. One requires a college degree.
“A paraprofessional doesn’t want the
college degree but wants certification in an
area,” Northcutt said. “Now, after they com-
plete our two-year academy, they can apply.”
The process includes interviews with the
Oklahoma Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry and the GBHEM board.
Academy registrar is Long, who also is
the UM campus minister for the University
of Central Oklahoma, Edmond. Contact her
at: 405-341-5450, lalongokc@sbcglobal.net.
Jan. 7, 2011
What: Orders Meeting
When: Tuesday, Jan. 18
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: OKC-St. Luke’s
Who: All clergy under appoint-
ment are expected to attend,
and retired clergy also are wel-
come. (Order of Elders, Order
of Deacons, and Fellowship of
Local Pastors)
Details: Bishop Hayes will
preach, and worship will include
Holy Communion and the Wes-
ley Covenant Renewal Service.
Lunch will be provided by the
Board of Ordained Ministry.
In memoriam
Rev. Charles Wallace
Rev. Charles Presley “Chuck” Wallace,
77, of Oklahoma City died Dec. 10, 2010.
He ministered in Oklahoma and Kentucky.
Chuck was born Feb. 18, 1933, in Hous-
ton, Texas. He attended Asbury Theological
Seminary and Oklahoma City University. He
was a Navy veteran.
In 1957, he began his ministry service in
Oklahoma at Woodlawn. He also served at
Alex, Chickasha-Epworth, Choctaw, Nicoma
Park, Hugo, Weatherford, Pryor, and Guymon
Victory Memorial; and, in Oklahoma City, at
Southern Hills, Village, Linwood, and Lam-
buth. He retired in 1996.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Jean
Kane Wallace; son, Charles “Chip” Wallace Jr.
of Houston; daughter, Deborah Jean Wallace
of Oklahoma City; and two grandchildren.
Service was Dec. 15 at Southern Hills
UMC.
Frank James
Dr. Frank William James, 57, of Wyn-
newood died Nov. 30, 2010. He was the
husband of Rev. Kay Karen Kennedy, who is
the pastor at Paoli UMC.
Frank was born Feb. 19, 1953, in McAl-
ester. The couple married on April 23, 1983,
at Edmond.
He graduated from Panhandle State Uni-
versity and Oklahoma City University, where
he received his doctorate in law. In 1990, he
moved his private practice from Oklahoma
City to Wynnewood, where he also farmed
and ranched.
He was a founding member of the Harts-
horne United Methodist Church and associ-
ate member of the Wynnewood and Paoli
churches. He was active in several civic
groups, including as chairman for the Washita
District of Boy Scouts. He was a member of
the Choctaw Nation.
Survivors include his wife, Rev. Ken-
nedy; daughter Mary Sparks and son Dale
Wade James, both of Hartshorne; and five
grandchildren.
Service was Dec. 3 at Wynnewood-First.
• Ann L. Rettig of Norman died Dec. 2.
She was the mother of Rev. Chuck Rettig,
pastor of the Holdenville church.
Page 4A
Above, Oklahomans and Haitians work together on a concrete project at the Thomas church on
the island in November. Bibles in hand, below, the men gather for worship and study.
Photos provided by Jim Jones
Manor breaks ground for more housing in Tulsa
On Dec. 2, Oklahoma Methodist Manor (OMM) in Tulsa
officially broke ground for its Crestwood senior-living center.
On the 40-acre OMM campus, the new four-story build-
ing will contain 103 residences, ranging in size from 670 to
1,500 square feet. Crestwood is scheduled to open in 2012.
On display at the groundbreaking ceremony was a
time capsule, filled with items related to the special day
and with memen-
toes from Charter
Club members,
those who have
reserved space in
the new building.
The time cap-
sule will be built
into Crestwood’s
walls and be opened in December 2015.
Main speakers at the ceremony were Tulsa Mayor Dewey
Bartlett and OMM Board Chairman Gail Runnels. The
Manor’s executive director is Steve Dickie.
“After considerable time in the planning and design phase,
we are excited to begin construction on this new neighbor-
hood,” said Cari Owens, sales and marketing director.
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 7, 2011
Seeking hope
One year ago this month, an earthquake struck Haiti, in the
Caribbean, and the horrific results jolted people worldwide to
provide aid. Among those responding to the unprecedented
disaster have been the people called United Methodists.
The needs remain acute for the Haitian people. And
among the ways Oklahoma UMs continue to minister is through
Volunteers In Mission (VIM) teams.
Oklahoma Volunteers In
By JIM JONES
pastor, Enid-Christ UMC
L iving in Oklahoma, we have seen our share of disasters. Yet even
after the May 3, 1999, tornado, you could travel a mile or so away
from the destruction zone and life was back to normal.
With the quake in Haiti, there is no normal.
How can people survive in such adverse conditions? How can they live
when all seems to be lost?
My return trip took us to Thomas. Most of the people had stories about
the quake and what they had lost—family, friends, houses, jobs, etc. But
they were finding ways to survive. They found ways to feed their children
and, in many places, they came together as a community to help each other.
The profound affect on me was to witness people who lost everything
but haven’t given up hope. The churches and people we worked with knew
that God was with them, during the quake and always.
When we arrived in Thomas on Nov. 1, it was a national holiday (All
Saints Day). Schools were closed and businesses shut down. At the church,
there was a praise service taking place. We discovered they had been wor-
shipping since 8 a.m., and the service would last until noon. Four hours of
praise and worship. And on a holiday!
In terms of my personal spiritual journey, I was moved at the depth of
their faith, despite all the hardships of life. I am challenged to be as joyful
as they are in the midst of difficult circumstances, and I am challenged to
be as faithful in my daily walk.
O ur work was to move the rubble from a wall that had fallen during
the quake. We used buckets and wheelbarrows to move this from
the back of the church to the front and side, where it was used as filler for
concrete. We also worked on pouring a slab to be used as a basketball court
and to keep the mud away.
While there, we were able to assist in pouring about 25 percent of the
Besides the added
housing, Owens ex-
plained, Crestwood en-
ables OMM to keep up
with trends in elder care,
according to a Tulsa
World story.
Residents will enjoy
five dining venues, ga-
rage parking beneath the
building, and covered
walkways to other build-
ings on the Manor cam-
pus. The Spann Wellness
Center in Crestwood will In Tulsa, Crestwood Charter Club members take their turn during the ground-
offer an indoor walking breaking at Oklahoma Methodist Manor. At left, an architectural sketch provides
track, heated salt-water an aerial view of Crestwood.
pool, and wellness programming. Continuing education OMM is affiliated with the Oklahoma Conference and
courses and a business center are planned. has served senior citizens since 1956. Its campus, at 4134
The building will offer more than 20,000 square feet of E. 31st St., provides independent living, assisted living, and
common areas, including a Members’ Club with fireplace, nursing care to about 300 residents. A memory care center
demonstration kitchen, two hobby zones, a living room/ is set to open in the spring.
library, mail center, and theater. (www.ommtulsa.org)
 Page 5A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 7, 2011

in Haiti
In November, Jim Jones of Enid led one such team.
Rev. Jones initially traveled to Haiti in May, with VIM officials from several states.
Due to the conditions there, Rev. Jones explained, no one can lead a VIM team to
Haiti unless that person has been to that nation since the quake.
Jones described both trips as sensory overload for him. In November, he also
witnessed signs of hope. He writes here about the November experience.
—Holly McCray

Mission pledge ongoing service

concrete, and the Haitian workers we employed were finishing there for some years. Because of the
it. By now, the slab around the church should be complete, and scope of the crisis, the denomina-
the kids can now play basketball. tion’s VIM office is coordinating

O ur mission with the people of Haiti is multifaceted.
The most obvious is to help rebuild structures lost in
the earthquake.
Yet with each VIM team limited to 10 persons, due to
transportation issues, the reality is we can’t get much done in
one week. So part of the project money is used to hire local
workers. Our goal is to pay two Haitian workers for each team
member. Thus each team should be able to employ 20 locals,
to work side-by-side.
I can’t say what I saw in Haiti was the poorest I have ever
seen. But the level of poverty across the nation is so disturbing.
In Haiti, I saw firsthand how systems keep an entire nation of
people downtrodden.
all teams that serve there, working
with the Methodist Church of Haiti.
N ext steps for Oklahomans:
n Each of the eight VIM
team members will schedule a mis-
sion for 2011-12. Cost will be between $1,700 and $2,000 per
person. Part of the amount is for the overall $3,500 project fund,
which is matched by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee
on Relief) for a total of $7,000 per team.
n Always keep the people of Haiti in our prayers. We are
fulfilling our pledge to the Methodist Church of Haiti to work
on their priorities. In Thomas this year, teams will finish work
that began over a dozen years ago.
you can smell, taste, feel, and hear it. The noise seems to be
constant, and smells change in an instant—you smell the scent
of flowers and, in a split second, it changes to burning trash.
In both of my experiences, the end of the mission brought
a level of sadness and depression that is not always a part of
mission work. In so many of our short-term missions, we leave
with a sense of accomplishment. We complete a project and
leave with a happy family or church and new friends.

T here are signs of hope for Haiti. From May to No- n My church has been very supportive for both trips. Funds I have faith that each team member who went with me in
vember, the amount of tents I saw had declined in the were raised to assist me and L.D. Rapp, and for supplies to November will return and continue the process of assisting
Port-au-Prince area. There is still high fear of more quakes, and take to the Thomas church. There have been lots of prayers. Haiti in rebuilding.

many people are still afraid to go into buildings.
But some buildings that were still structurally sound are
now being used again. Housing is becoming available.
I experienced the people of Haiti as people of hope.
I sensed deep desire in the people we worked with to
change their country. They feel the way they can change is to
get an education. Hope also is seen in the large number of aid
organizations from around the world. People from across the
globe have gone to Haiti, to help them rebuild.
UM Volunteers in Mission have been active in Haiti for over
30 years, although Oklahoma teams had not been scheduled
n Other members of the November team were: Ray Craw-
ford of Claremore, Stephen Hale of OKC-Chapel Hill, Margie
Van Oostrum of Altus, L.D. Rapp of Enid-Christ, Paula Kelcy
of Chapel Hill, Jeanne Hathcock of Yukon-Good Shepherd,
Kristen Brown of Blackwell, and Vicki Spurgeon of Lawton.
A mong the most challenging aspects of working in
Haiti are the conditions on the ground. In Haiti, there
is nothing others haven’t experienced on mission trips across
the globe, but the earthquake brought together a perfect storm
of conditions.
In person in Haiti, you see the devastation and destruction;
A
10-year-old boy sat outside with us one evening. He
asked if we knew Jesus. So to each in the circle of
people there, we asked the question.
Do you know Jesus? Yes. Do you know Jesus? Yes.
Finally, we asked the boy the same question, and he re-
sponded with a great big smile.
“Yes! I know Jesus. He is my Savior!”
I hope I can have that same joy as this young lad, and that
joy never goes away. It is easy to get so burdened with respon-
sibilities that we lose the joy of knowing Jesus.
(www.umvimhaiti.org)

Leading with class

Continued from 1A
Expert: Smaller churches are just right
Also among these classes are “Welcoming Church- Small churches are the much your church is capable
es,” “Who, Me, Evangelism?” and “Belong: Changing right size. In November, Da- of giving until tested.
Visitors into Friends and Family,” also “Building a vid Ray reaffirmed that in n Raising or making money
Young Adult Ministry from the Ground Up.” Teach- half-a-dozen Oklahoma work- shouldn’t be all a church does.
ers include Jim Hollifield, Bob Johns, Frank Denney, shops based on the statement. And the adviser introduced
and Randy Scraper. A sponsor was the Small- ministry strategies, including
Church Commission. “Thoughtfully Growing by
n Board of Laity classes Benefitting from Rev. Dr. Adoption.”
The Board of Laity will offer two classes in all David Ray, above,
Ray’s insights were 246 Unit- led the groups.
The questions Ray urged
the districts. ed Methodists, representing his audience to explore could
n “Servant Leadership: All Sizes Fit ONE” will 84 churches. The workshops be asked of any church.
As he has traveled, he that niche.
offer specifics for church lay leaders and also benefit were open to all, but the target Why do you want to grow?
identified “Common Denomi- n Worship is a priority.
Nominations committee work. was churches with worship What price will you pay?
nators from 21 Smaller Faith n None are embarrassed
n “Helping It Happen” is designed to motivate attendance of 25-80 people. What does your church have
and Effective Churches from by their size.
the congregation for mission and ministry through a For more than 30 years, to offer? What are its specific
Coast to Coast.” Among those n They really enjoy each
church’s Strategic Plan. Ideas and assessment tools Ray has helped smaller- gifts? What specific areas do
he listed: other and have lots of fun
will be shared. membership churches work you need to address to be
n They are more concerned together.
The Local Church Leaders Workshops are coordi- creatively to overcome chal- more attractive and equipped
with being living churches Ray also tackled the topic
nated by Aly Shahan. lenges and to grow in effec- for new people? What indi-
than surviving institutions. of finances in smaller church-
(www.okumc.org/LCLW) tive ministry and mission. viduals and groups are un-
n These churches are not es. His resource “Affording To
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are The handouts as well as Ray’s trying to be all things to all Be a Smaller Church” noted: churched or have unmet needs
few. Ask the lord of the harvest, therefore, lectures in Oklahoma proved people, but have found their n No church ever thinks it in your community?
to send out workers into his harvest field.” he has studied smaller congre- niche (what they do really has enough money. Ray also pursues these
Matthew 9: 37-38 gations in depth. well) and are superb at filling n No one knows how topics as an author.
Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 7, 2011

Appointments Tabbernee named to lead Opportunities

Chris Stinnett to supply Apache UMC
(Lawton District), effective Jan. 1.
Norman “Buddy” Bolin to Drum-
right (Stillwater) from Coalgate/Clarita
(McAlester), effective Jan. 1.
Harold Hunt to discontinued from
Healdton (Ardmore), effective Jan. 1.
Lyle Shipley to Coalgate/Clarita from
Hinton Rural Life Center in North Caro-
lina, effective Jan. 1.
Tolbert Dill to Hugo-First (McAl-
ester) from retirement, effective Jan. 1.
Charlotte Teel to Choctaw/Chapel
Hill-Summit associate (North OKC)
from OKC-St. Luke’s associate (South
OKC), effective Jan. 1.
Virginia Hathaway to retirement from
Drumright (Stillwater), effective Dec. 31.
Jeffrey Hiller to supply Healdton
(Ardmore), effective Dec. 31.
Alex Flores, new, to supply Ardmore-
Asbury (Ardmore), effective Dec. 15.
Julie Dowler to supply Jay (Bartles-
ville), effective Dec. 1.
Kevin McKinley to supply Duncan-
Wesley/Velma (Lawton), effective Nov.
15.
Eddie West to withdrawn from
Moore-First (South OKC), effective
Nov. 15.
Jennifer Pasco to Incapacity Leave
from Ardmore-Asbury, effective Nov. 1.
Herlinda Lucia Aleman to discon-
tinued from Lawton-Grace associate
(Lawton), effective Oct. 1.
Conference of Churches
After a nationwide
search, William Tab-
bernee has been ap-
pointed new executive
director of the Okla-
homa Conference of
Tabbernee Churches (OCC).
Dr. Tabbernee, for-
merly president of Phillips Theological Seminary
in Tulsa, has had extensive experience in ecumen-
ism and interfaith dialogue.
He was moderator of the Australian Council of
Churches’ Commission on Faith of Order before
coming to the U.S.A. in 1991. For more than 20
years, he also served on the World Council of
Churches’ Commission on Faith and Order. From
2005 to 2009, he co-chaired the International Bi-
lateral Dialogue between the Disciples of Christ
and Roman Catholic Church.
In 2006, Tabbernee received the Interfaith Un-
derstanding Award presented by the Islamic Soci-
ety of Tulsa, the Jewish Federation, the Oklahoma
Conference for Community and Justice (OCCJ),
and Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (TMM). In Tulsa,
he served on the OCCJ and TMM boards. In the
early 1990s, he served on the OCC board.
A prolific author, over 40 of his publications
relate specifically to ecumenical and interfaith
issues.
In accepting the appointment, Tabbernee said,
“The Oklahoma Conference of Churches has
long been the vehicle by which the voices of the
Director/Manager Camp Egan
Retreat Center: Full-time. Randy Mc-
Guire, 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma
churches of Oklahoma have been able to be heard City, OK 73106; rmcguire@okumc.org,
on crucially important issues—especially in the 405-530-2016.
areas of faith and social justice.” The organiza- Executive Director: Full-time.
tion receives Oklahoma United Methodist support Restore Hope Ministries in Tulsa.
Clarence Zitterkob, 7820 E. 101st St.
through the Apportionments.
Ste. E, Tulsa, OK 74133; clarence@
Tabbernee emphasized the time is now to build clarencezitterkob.us. Deadline Feb. 1.
on OCC’s current programs, such as the annual Administrative Assistant/Com-
Day at the Legislature, and develop a new vision munications Coordinator: Part-time.
of how the organization can best serve the churches Staff Parish Relations Committee,
and communities of Oklahoma. OKC-First UMC, 405-239-6493,
He said, “My aim is to make sure that OCC SPRC@FirstChurchOKC.com.
youth Director: Part-time. Roland
becomes truly an Oklahoma-wide, not merely
Youngberg, Clinton-First, 580-323-
Oklahoma City-based, organization taking on 3179, ryoungberg@cableone.net.
challenges such as poverty, immigration, an ag- youth and Contemporary Wor-
ing population, and issues associated with health ship Director: Full-time. Muskogee-St.
care, the criminal justice system, and rural and Paul, mjardine@stpaulmuskogee.com.
urban life.” Director of Caring Ministry/
Tabbernee also stressed that ecumenical Homebound: Part-time. Minister of
Music: Part-time. Traditional/blended
and interfaith dialogue, while important, is not
worship. Yukon-Good Shepherd, Jeff
enough. Burress, pastorjeff.cgs@sbcglobal.net.
“Sensitivity to each other’s theologies and Director of Music Ministries:
practices,” he stated, “must translate into common Part-time. Alva UMC, 580-327-2571.
action and engagement, even with people with pianist: Clark Memorial UMC,
whom we differ theologically—including people Lamarla Cook, 5808 N.W. 23rd St.,
Oklahoma City, OK 73127, 405-641-
of different faiths.
5524, pastorcook@sbcglobal.net.
“Interfaith dialogue needs to become interfaith Choir Director: Part-time. Tul-
engagement and ecumenical discussion needs to sa-Memorial Drive UMC, Sharon
result in interchurch action,” he concluded. Fletcher-Taylor, 918-398-3891, pastor.
Tabbernee may be contacted at the OCC of- mdumc@tulsacoxmail.com.
fices, 301 N.W. 36th St., Oklahoma City 73118; Director of Children’s Ministries:
phone 405-525-2928 or 918-237-7810; e-mail Part-time. Durant UMC, Greg Tolle,
580-924-4670, revtolle@sbcglobal.net.
wtabbernee@okchurches.org.

Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the

1000
Dear Friends:
I would like to
make you awar
the Circle of Ca e of a new cam
re is undertaking paign that
ministry to the . It is an effort
next level, to pu to take the
ing help, healin rsue a grand vi
g and hope to ev sion of extend-
families. en more childre
n, youth and
It is called Proj
ect 1000. We ar
donors who will e se eking to recrui
each pledge $1 t 1000 new
Project 1000 is 000 per year fo
an ambitious ca r three years.
of Care to look mpaign that will
ahead: How m allow Circle
families can be any more Child
lifted up? How SHARE foster
served at the Bo many more yo
ys Ranch, the Ch uths can be
dent Living Pr ildren’s Home,
ogram? How m the Indepen-
through Pearl’s any more famili
Hope? es can be helped
Anonymous Rev. Linda & Ralph Harker Shannon Nakvinda Self & Mike Self How many mor
e lives can be fo
In just seven sh rever changed?
Donald & Cheryl Baker Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes Martha & Bill Smith years of minist
ort years, Circle
of Care will ce
ering to those in lebrate 100
Don & Lynn Batson Jenny & Jono Helmerich Rev. Craig Stinson & Dr. Krista Jones of directors ha
s taken this bo
need in Oklahom
a. Our board
ld
David & Laura Beal Robert & Ann Ivester Ken & June Tucker future in which
even more lives
step forward to
envision a
Care’s program are impacted by
Clara Brown Keith & Patricia Kennedy J.M. & Patricia Vanderwiele Jr. I hope that you
s. Circle of
will join me an
Mary Wheeler & Spencer Brown Greg & Anita LaPat Lissa & Bill Wright porting Circle
of Care, and ou
d the others lis
ted here in sup-
r ministry to th
Mary Butler Dwight Maulding Barbara & Donald Wright and families of
Oklahoma. e children, yout
h
For the Childre
Dr. Ralph & Midge Coffman Robert & Doris McKown Circle of Care Staff: n,

Lloyd Cole Billy & Lora Meade *OKC/Communications/

Dr. John & Jamie Crooch Christy & Mike Mordy Pearl’s Hope Lissa Wright
G. Michael Crooch David & Laura Morrison *UM Boys Ranch Board Chair
Bobby & Shirley Darnell Lenert & Bobbie Pfeiler *UM Children’s Home
Gregory & Mary Ann Edwards John & Helen Riley *Independent Living
Robert & Prudy Gorrell Gary & Sharon Roth *Child SHARE

To make your pledge today, please call 405-530-2078

or visit our website at:

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html
Page 7A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 7, 2011

The Mobile Meals grants in December ranged from $150

Briefly
3 updates on campus ministry
n Campus ministry groups from eight states will meet
Feb. 18-20 at Cross point Camp, beside Lake Texoma, for
a jurisdictional retreat.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. of Oklahoma and Bishop Scott
Jones of Kansas will be key presenters. The Wesley Founda-
tion at the University of Oklahoma has hosting duties. For
information, contact that campus ministry in Norman.
n On Jan. 29 in Stillwater, United Methodist Game Day
will be hosted by the Wesley Foundations at OU and OSU.
Open to all, the activities begin at 10 a.m. at the OSU
Wesley Foundation, 823 W. University. The events include
attendance at the OSU-OU women’s basketball game.
Sign up by Jan. 14 at: www.wesleyosu.com (“Student
Registration” and “Special Events”). More information:
Rebekah Belase, wesleyosu@gmail.com, 405-372-5830.
n In Ada, the United Campus Ministry (UCM) at East
Central University touched Jesse’s heart last semester. Her
story was shared by Leanne Penny, administrative assistant,
via e-mail Dec. 10 to the ministry’s board of directors.
“We have a student named Jesse who comes around UCM
in the mornings. She never responded to ‘good morning’ but
only informed staff when something was lacking or out of
stock in our coffee area,” Penny wrote.
“We only learned her name this semester. We learned she
is a Wiccan who reads tarot cards and has a lot of grudges
against the church. This semester she came to one Bible study.
“Then this morning she came in for coffee, and gave me
a huge hug and thank-you for just being here this semester.
This semester we got to be the place that showed her Jesus is
loving and his people can be channels of that love.
“Many things on our goal list didn’t happen this semester,
but we focus on what came together. Jesse is one of them.”
Photo by Leslie Berger
FOR CHRISTMAS FEASTING—Vice presidents
Maggie Ball, left, and Liz Hedrick help prepare food
gifts for 50 needy families in the metro, following the
annual “Light the Campus” holiday events Dec. 1 at
Oklahoma City University. More than 1,500 toys were
collected that night, too. Additional food was donated
to Skyline Urban Ministry and the CJAMM Exodus
House. More than 100 families also received Christ-
mas gifts through OCU’s Angel Tree program.
Grants go to 15 churches
In the Oklahoma City area, 15 United Methodist churches
recently received grants to provide meals to home-bound
elderly residents.
These churches in Oklahoma County received grants: Cha-
pel Hill, Choctaw, Christ, Leland Clegg, Crown Heights, Doug-
las Boulevard, Grace, Linwood, May Avenue, Putnam City,
Ridgecrest, Southern Hills, St. Luke’s, Village, and Wesley.
to $1,000, based on the number of meals provided by each
site church. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation
awarded funds to a total of 62 churches.
COSROW stoles available
For the past two years, the Oklahoma Conference Com-
mission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) has
presented stoles to newly ordained women at the Annual
Conferences.
As a project, COSROW is now making the stoles available
to others, after receiving additional requests for the clerical
garment. The white satin stole, for Elder or Deacon, is em-
broidered with the UM Cross and Flame and the COSROW
symbol. It is made at Cookson Hills Mission Center.
To order, contact Denise Rowell at Cookson Hills,
drowell1212@hotmail.com. Cost is $25. Specify whether
the stole is for Deacon or Elder, and any preferred length.
Tax bill affects clergy calculations
Treasurer Brian Bakeman recently notified all Oklahoma
clergy to adjust their financial records after a major tax bill
was approved last month in Washington, D.C.
Among the law’s provisions, a Social Security tax cut
now affects the payment of Self-Employment Contributions
Act (SECA) taxes for clergy in 2011.
“When you complete your new W-4 for 2011, you will
need to correct your estimated taxes to reflect the drop from
12.4 percent to 10.4 percent,” Rev. Bakeman explained in an
e-mail to clergy. It was titled “FW: New Tax Bill Will Impact
Nearly Every Nonprofit in the U.S.”
For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office.
Birth
Joshua Lloyd Daniel and Ann Taylor Daniel were born
Nov. 5, 2010. Their parents are Ginger and Rev. David Daniel,
senior pastor of Ada-First UMC.

2010 clergy tax information

Note for retired ministers and divorced or surviving spouses: The total
amount of your Group Insurance premiums, listed below, is reportable for tax
purposes as medical expenses, with this exception: If you were eligible and
participated in the Flexible Benefit/Cafe Plan, you would not list premium
amounts below as medical expenses. MONTHLy ANNUAL
pREMIUM COST

Note for active RETIRED CLERGy (UNDER 65):

ministers: Single (covered under Active Plan) ............. $ 268 ...........$ 3,216
Since the Two Party (both under 65—on Active Plan).....533 ..............6,396
Group Two Party (spouse over 65 and
Insurance Medicare Primary) .......................................... 402 ..............4,824
premiums RETIRED CLERGy (65 AND OvER):
listed at right Single (Medicare Primary)........................... $ 154 ...........$ 1,848
are either a Two Party (clergy Medicare Primary and
salary spouse on Active Plan) ................................. 334 ..............4,008
reduction or Family (under 65) ........................................... 405 ..............4,860
a benefit and, Two Party (both on Medicare Primary) .......... 304 ..............3,648
therefore, not DIvORCED OR SURvIvING SpOUSES:
reported as Single (under 65—on Active Plan) .............. $ 216 ...........$ 2,592
income on Surviving spouse with child (under 65
the W-2 form, —all on Active Plan).................................... 422 ..............5,064
they should Single (over 65—Medicare Primary)................ 82 .................984
not be reported RETIRED DIACONAL MINISTERS:
as a medical Single (Medicare Primary)........................... $ 221 ...........$ 2,652
deduction on Two Party (both on Medicare Primary) .......... 442 ..............5,304
Schedule A for ACTIvE CLERGy:
tax purposes Individual—Special rate ............................$ 223 ..............$ 2,676
by active Individual—Regular rate ..............................279 .................3,348
ministers. Two Party—Special rate ...............................435 .................5,220
Two Party—Regular rate ..............................544 .................6,528
Family—Special ...........................................486 .................5,832
Family—Regular...........................................640 .................7,680

If you have questions, call the Conference Benefits office at 405-530-2069.

 January is Oklahoma UM Foundation Month
Special Sundays
Recommended for 2011 by the
Council on Finance & Administration:
January—Oklahoma
United Methodist Foundation Month
Jan. 16—
Human Relations Day
Feb. 13—
Circle of Care Sunday
April 3—
One Great Hour of Sharing
May 1—
Rural Life Sunday/Camps Day
May 15—
Native American Ministries Sunday
June 19—
Peace with Justice Sunday
Oct. 2—
World Communion Sunday
Nov. 27—
United Methodist Student Day
(Call to Ministry Sunday—set by your church)
—Oklahoma Conference Journal
Each year, January is recognized
as Oklahoma United Methodist
Foundation Month throughout our
Annual Conference.
The work and resources of the
Foundation are emphasized; church-
es and individuals are encouraged
to learn more about the financial
ministry it performs and how it can
help them be good stewards of what
God provides.
Especially during this designated
time, the Foundation seeks to create
awareness of the need for proper
estate planning.
More than half of all adults in our
country do not have a will.
If you die without one, the state
will decide how your estate is dis-
tributed, and who will care for your
minor children or dependents with
special needs.
The Foundation confirms that
the cost of preparing a will is worth
the peace of mind in knowing your
desires will be accomplished. With
just a few words, you can take care
of your family, your friends, and the
causes important to you.
Consider including a tithe of your
will to benefit your church or favorite
ministry, Foundation officials en-
courage. By doing this, you ensure
your passion for mission and ministry
continue well beyond your lifetime.
A bequest is perhaps the easi-
est and most
tangible way
to have a last-
ing impact on
the people and
organizations
that mean the
most to you.
A bequest also
can be an ef-
fective way to
make a gift and lessen the tax burden
on your family or your estate.
The purpose of the Foundation is
to ensure and enrich the ministries of
future generations through endow-
ment funds for our United Methodist
churches, institutions and agencies.
This month, contact the Founda-
tion, 800-259-6863, www.okumf.
org, for information about legacy
planning and establishing permanent
endowment funds. Your generosity
and planning today will make a sig-
nificant difference to your church’s
future.
Did you know?
The Oklahoma United Methodist Foun-
dation:
n assists churches to establish and
promote permanent endow-
ment fund programs.
n presents seminars to
encourage estate planning
and charitable giving.
n assists individual do-
nors, and their professional
advisers, with gifts to their
churches or other United
Methodist causes.
n has four planned-giving staff specially
trained in estate planning, endowment
formation, and church finance.
n is a resource for donor recognition
programs; gift acceptance policies; financial
literacy programs; and seminars on wills/
trusts and stewardship, offered to church
leaders, Sunday school classes, and other
groups.
n provides customized brochures,
will-and-trust guides, and bulletin inserts
to increase awareness about permanent
endowment programs within a church.
Contact the Foundation at 800-529-
6863, www.okumf.org.