Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A 039000 Volume 157, Number 07 June 18, 2010

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Annual Conference edition

www.okumc.org

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.

Delegates learn of lives transformed

By Holly McCray
Testimonies of transformed lives moti-
vated delegates at the 2010 Oklahoma An-
Online option expands audience
nual Conference, May 30-June 2, at Boston Using Internet live streaming for leaders hoped the education and
Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa. the first time, more than 4,600 virtual inspiration always central to the an-
Theme was Following the PlanFaith- guests witnessed the Oklahoma Annual nual gathering were expanded across
ful Witness, Transforming Presence. Again Conference. Online viewers watched the Connection, explained Joe Harris,
and again, personal stories of Gods power a total of 1,280 hours, tracked by director of Communications. Feedback
spurred standing ovations in the Boston Av- ourchurchvideos.com. was encouraged, and the 46 responses
enue sanctuary, and surely inspired people Those numbers shape yet another were largely positive. Among the on-
watching the live broadcast online. story of transformationabout the line comments:
potential of the annual meeting as an n I am really enjoying the Confer-

I grew up wildly unchurched, said

Temple Diehl. Then as an expectant
mother, she accepted a friends invitation to
attend a worship service only after eliciting
promises that no one would hug her and that
she could dress casually. When the baby was
born prematurely, Diehl said, the church
overwhelmed us with love. They were the
hands and body of Christ.
Today, Rev. Diehl is the United Methodist
pastor at Elmore City, and her daughter is a
student at Oklahoma City University. Diehl
spoke during the evangelism report by the
Discipleship Ministry Team.
Twila Gibbens-Rickman and Lesly
Broadbent take turns pouring water
as 38 clergy and spouses are memo-
rialized. (Photos by Holly McCray)
T hroughout his first summer at Tulsa-
Southern Hills, Pastor Jeff Jaynes
said, the church office was the only room
used on weekdays. We needed transforma-
tion, he said.
A mile from the church, families lived
effective tool for ministry. Typically,
about 1,200 people attend the confer-
ence in person.
Because the technology enabled
more people to experience the event,
in government-supported housing. Parents
kept their kids inside because there was
no safe place for them to go, said Rev.
Jaynes.
Then Southern Hills became a host site
for Project Transformation, a United Meth-
odist literacy day-camp, held in summertime.
ence. It is my first time experiencing
one, and it is making my decision to join
the UMC much easier. I see and hear
what you are doing for the community
(Continued on page 5A)
The first camp on site served 60 children.
Four years later, rooms and halls teem
with activity at the church. Visiting the
nearby elementary school, I hear shouts of
Pastor Jeff! from kids who cant wait to
come back to camp, Jaynes said.
(Continued on page 5A)

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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

Enid District Helena......................................... Joel Thompson Newkirk........................................James Hollifield

Gary Holdeman, District Superintendent
Aline/Cleo Springs............................Scott Heusel
Blackwell........................................Kristen Brown
Braman.............................................C. M. Wilson
Canton..................................... Richard Wehrman
Carmen/Dacoma...............................John Bizzell
Cherokee............................................Paul Calkin
Associate........................Jeni Markham Clewell
Enid Churches:
Bethany..................................... David Jones Jr.
Christ.............................................James Jones
First...........................................Grayson Lucky
Associate..................................Susan Southall
Peace Korean............................Heung Sun Lee
New Hope........................Sheila Combs-Francis
Willow View..............................Lesly Broadbent
Associate................................. James Lambert
Fairview.....................................Richert Redinger
Garber/Hunter................................ Steven Littrell
Hennessey......................................... James Hill
Hitchcock.......................................James Farmer
Jefferson/Renfrow.......Sandra Reeves Shepherd
Jet/Prairie Valley.................................... Mary Irby
Kingfisher...................................Michael Strange
Kremlin..................................... Sharon Cochran
Lamont............................................. Vera Walton
Loyal.................................................. Robert Barr
Lucien/Covington.........................Dane Lemmons
Marland.........................................................TBS
Medford/Billings...................................Ruth Tipps
Nardin............................................................TBS
Okeene............................................. Jan Fletcher
Pond Creek................................. Kay Buchanan
Prairie Chapel............................... Wanda Littrell
Ringwood......................................... Terrill Parvin
Tonkawa....................................Michael Brannon
Wakita/Manchester........................Kyle Anderson
Waukomis/Drummond............... Garry Vincent
Extension Ministries:
U.S. Air Force Chaplain.....................Sam Tucker
Chaplain, The Commons, Enid....... Gail Edmison
 OKC NORTH DISTRICT
Daniel W. Pulver, District Superintendent
Cashion.................................................Felecia Hensley
Choctaw.............................................. Charla Gwartney
Crescent......................................................... Roger Pitt
Crescent, Mount Vernon................................Alan Nagel
Edmond:
Acts 2......................................................... Mark Foster
Associate...................................................... Kris Tate
Associate...........................................Nancy Hamilton
Church Planter......................................Adam Ricks
Chinese International UMC................. Puong Ong Lau
First..........................................................Bertha Potts
Associate............................................. Robert Foos
Associate.................................................. Tara Foos
New Covenant........................................... Adrian Cole
El Reno, Ellison Ave............................... Charles Broam
El Reno, Wesley........................................ Richard Cato
Guthrie, First............................................. Mike DeMoss
Guthrie, West............................................. Susan Grove
Harrah........................................................Randy Little
Jones......................................................... Sherry Heath
Luther/Nicoma Park............................ David Cressman
Mount Zion.................................................. Diana Pruitt
Piedmont............................................... Samuel Powers
Associate.............................................Mary Beth Foye
Spencer......................................................Elijah Nagbe
Yukon, First............................................Robert Younts
Associate................................................ Patti McCall
Yukon, Good Shepherd.......................... Jeffrey Burress
Associate............................................Christy James
Oklahoma City Churches:
Chapel Hill................................................ Robert Rose
Associate.............................................. Valerie Steele
Associate..........................................Sara Bodenstein
Diaconal...............................................Suzann Wade
Church Planter........................................Allen Buck
Church of the Servant............................Robert Gorrell
Associate................................................. Tim Travers.
Associate.......................................... Randy Shrauner
Associate.......................................... Jeremy Sanders
Associate......................................... Matthew Judkins
Associate.................................................. Curtis Nigh
Associate...........................................Robyn Goggs
Douglas Boulevard............................... Jeannie Himes
Grace........................................................Ed Coy Light
Lakeside...............................................Kirtley Moelling
May Avenue............................................. Larry Gaston.
Mayfair Heights............................................ Ted Uhlig
New Hope..................................................... J.D. Ward
Nichols Hills.........................................Randy Scraper
Associate.............................................. Janice Meese
OKC SOUTH District
Frankye A. Johnson, District Superintendent
Alex/Ninnekah..............................................Sue Lykins
Blanchard.............................................. Travis Hopper
Chickasha, Epworth......................... Rockford Johnson
Franklin.................................................... Gerry Rhodes
Friendship................................................ Marie George
Lexington.................................................Adam Shahan
Minco....................................................... David Conrad
Moore, First............................................ Patricia Malloy
Associate.............................................. James Perkin
Associate................................................Chris Dodson
Associate................................................... Eddie West
Moore, New Life..................................................... TBS
Mustang......................................................Larry Holder
Newcastle........................................... Brett Thomasson
Noble............................................................James Kim
Norman Churches::
Bridgeview...............................................Allen Carson
Goodrich................................................ Jim Shepherd
McFarlin................................................Richard House
Associate............................................Calvin Brannon
Associate .............................................Randall Wade
Associate........................................George Shepherd
Associate................................. Harriett Leigh Kemp
St. Stephens........................................... Amy Venable
Pocasset................................................................. TBS
Purcell, Bowman Chapel........................Dwayne Heath
Purcell, Trinity.............................................Doyle Sharp
Shawnee Churches:
Bethel........................................................Chris Talley
St. Marks.................................................... Carla Hale
Trinity........................................................... Kay Smith
St. Pauls................................................ Kim Domnick
Wesley................................................. Marvin Hudson
Tecumseh...................................................... Keith King
Associate............................................. Trinnette Smith
Tuttle/Okla. Dept. of Communications.... Andy James
Union City/Cogar..................................... George Rowe
Washington.............................................. Mike Winchell
Wayne.................................................Brian Anderson
Wheatland...................................................David Rose
Oklahoma City Churches:
Asbury.................................................. Dawn Richards
First........................................................Mark McAdow
Quail Springs......................................... David Clewell
St. Matthew............................................. Ron Perceful.
Associate.........................................Wendee Perceful
Village.......................................................... Rik Marion
Wickline....................................................Mark Barnett
Associate...................................... Tiffany D'Amours
Diaconal.................................................. Phyllis Ford
Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish:
Crown Heights....................................... Dianne Peters
Leland Clegg....................................Andrew Tevington
Putnam City........................................... Robert Kanary
Quayle............................................. Victor McCullough
Associate.............................................. Erica Thomas
Ridgecrest..................................................Dylan Cole
St. Marks.............................................Keith Cressman
Wesley..........................................Diana Cox Crawford
Associate.................................................Phillip Davis
Extension Ministries:
UCO Campus Ministry..................................Leslie Long.
Langston Campus Ministry...................... Cecilia Brooks
Assistant to Bishop/Conference Director of
Communications.................................... Joseph Harris
Conference Director of Connectional Ministries/
Congregational Development................Craig Stinson
Volunteers In Mission, Director............... Jeremy Basset
OCU, Director, Student Religious Life.....Jennifer J. Long
OCU, Vice-President, University-Church Relations........
................................................................Margaret Ball
OCU, Dean, Wimberly School of Religion......................
...........................................................Sharon Betsworth
Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU, Dean................
........................................................... Elaine Robinson
Camp and Retreat Ministries, Director.... Randy McGuire
Assistant to the Director of Camping..............Kathy Coit
Director of Discipleship with Small Membership Churches
....................................................................Diana Northcutt
Alaska Missionary Conference, GBGM................................ First....................................... Larry Varvel
Soldotna............................................ Richard Whetsell
Center for Therapy and Wellness/Church of the Servant
................................................................... Curtis Nigh
National Disaster Consultant................. Mary Gaudreau
The Education and Employment Ministries (TEEM)....... Catoosa-Disciple/Claremore-St. Andrews.... Associate...................... Suzanne Davis
.................................................................... Tony Zahn
Mercy Health Center Pastoral Care Dept...... Beverly Powell
VIM Coordinator of Disaster Response
& Domestic Missions......................... Richard Norman
Salvation Army Area Development Coordinator............. Turley......................................... Estell Ray
............................................................... Teresa Green
Deaconess:
Reaching Our City Inc..................... Nancy Van Antwerp
Korean, First............................................ Joon No Um
St. Andrews............................................. D.A. Bennett
Associate............................................David Johnson
Southern Hills.......................................Connie Gibson
Sunny Lane...........................................Larry Bauman
Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish:
Capitol Hill....................................... Harold Branstetter
Christ/Shalom Zone Ministries....... Ernest Jackson Jr.
Clark...................................................... Lamarla Cook
Epworth......................................... Deborah Ingraham
Hillcrest Fuente de Vida....................................... TBS
Lambuth..............................................Larry Jacobson
Linwood..........................................Reed Montgomery
Penn Ave/Redemption............................Stephen Byrd
St. Johns.............................................. Stephen Davis
St. Lukes..................................................Robert Long
Associate.......................................... Wendy Lambert
Associate............................................. Charlotte Teel
Associate........................................... Phil Greenwald
Associate..................................................Linda Truitt
Associate.................................Juventino Espinoza
Associate.............................................David Poteet
Selecman.............................................Richard Ehlers
South Lee........................................... Bennie Warner
Extension Ministries:
OU Campus Ministry........................... Daniel Dennison
Associate............................................... Fuxia Wang
OCU, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences..........Mark Davies
OCU Chaplain....................................Rodney Newman
U.S. Air Force Chaplain........................... Martin Barnes
Skyline Urban Ministry, Director.........Claudia Lovelace
Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM)
Director................................................ Stanley Basler
GBGM Mission Interpreter in Residence, Western
Jurisdiction............................................ Glenn Rowley
Good Shepherd Hospice.............................John Gober
SOKC Volunteer........................... Jack Terrell-Wilkes
Wesley Theological Seminary.......... Carol Cook Moore
GBGM........................................................Marsha Alexander
Conference Treasurer...........................Brian Bakeman
Pastoral Counseling of Norman....... Jo Beth Kee-Rees
Deaconess:
St. John's.............................................. Elaine Parrent
STILLWATER DISTRICT
David Wiggs, District Superintendent
Agra/Ripley........................... Hugh Willoby Perry.....................................Edward Cook
Blackburn/Maramec................... Jeff Kuhn Ponca City Churches:
Bristow..................................... Kip Wright Albright..............................Scott Spencer
Asbury/Kaw City................... Carol Reich
Chandler............................Sungsu Hwang
First....................................Michael Smith
Cleveland/Hominy..............David Mingus St. Pauls................................Lisa Crone
Cushing................................ Sonja Tobey Prague/Arlington...................Scott Keneda
Dale.....................................Russell Currie Prague Associate.........Sharon Capron
Depew.........Cheryl Peters (Kansas West) Sapulpa................................. Darrel Owen
Drumright/Oilton........... Virginia Hathaway Stillwater Churches:
First........................... Stanley Warfield Jr.
Eden Chapel.......................... John Curtis
Associate..........................Steve Roach
Fairfax....................... Robert Montgomery Highland Park................... Derrek Belase
Glencoe.............................. Ron Weathers Stroud............................. Matthew Scraper
Kellyville............................ Charles Hanna Wellston.............................Adam Leathers
Lost Creek.................................Max Rudd Yale..........................................John Marks
Mannford.............................David Jenkins Extension Ministries:
McCloud.........................Michelle McCarty OSU Campus Ministry.......Michael Bartley
Meeker.............................. Michael Melton President, Hinton Rural Life Center,
Morrison.............................. Arron Grantz Hayesville, N.C....................Lyle Shipley
Deacons:
Mulhall/Orlando...................Adrian Pollard OSU Campus Ministry Assistant...............
Okemah, St. Pauls........... Brian Matthews
........................ Rebekah Wallace Belase
Pawnee/Skedee.....................Susan Ross Deaconess:
Perkins..................................Kip Heatley Turtle Rock Farm....................Patricia Hoerth
Tulsa DISTRICT
Michael D. Chaffin, District Superintendent
Bixby...................................Randy Mitchell Associate................. Connie Cole Jeske
Associate............................ Mark Whitley Associate............................ Peter White
Broken Arrow Churches: Grace...........................Richard McIlnay
Abiding Harvest........Christopher Buskirk. Harrison............................ Dolores Willis
Harvard Avenue...................Kurt Glassco
Associate............................ James Hunt Korean................................Tae Won Son
Associate..........................Larry Mitchell Lake...........................................Roy Betz
Heritage...........................Scott Rodgers Memorial Drive......Sharon Fletcher-Taylor
St. Stephens................... Donna Dodson New Haven....................... Cynthia Havlik
.........................................Pamela Stewart Nueva Esperanza....................................
Jenks....................................David Karges ..........................Daniel Llanos-Jimenez
Leonard..............................Kenneth Smith Rose Hill......................... David Reynolds
Sand Springs......................... Dennis Adlof St. James............................ Gary Harber
Associate.......................... Josue Araujo
Verdigris........................James Graham III St. Lukes Fellowship/Redemption II.......
Tulsa Churches: .......................................Brantley Tillery
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
Associate.................... Todd Miller Craig Southern Hills..................... Jeffry Jaynes
Associate....................Charles Ryser Jr. Trinity............................. Michelle Coulter
Associate........................Spencer Smith University.......................... Sanford Wylie
Associate................. James Lenderman Wesley....................... Christopher Beach
Associate.......................... Tiffany Smith West Tulsa......................William Welch II
Assistant..................... Darlene Johnson Will Rogers....................... Robert Johns
Boston Avenue.............Mouzon Biggs Jr. Extension Ministries:
Associate............. William Tankersley III
Associate.......................William Crowell Grace Hospice Chaplain..... Barbara Fyffe
Associate................EvaMarie Campbell OK VIM OK-Bolivia Partnership
Associate.................Mary Ann Emmons ...................................David Stephenson
Associate.............................Paul Staat Restore Hope Ministries, Director.............
Centenary........................ Keith McArtor ..................................Lawrence Johnson
Christ....................................Robert Feist University of Tulsa Campus Ministry.........
Associate.............. Ashley Green-Young .....................................Charles Spears Jr.
Associate....................James Stilwell Jr. Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Director........
Epworth............................... James Peek .......................................... Steven Dickie
Faith......................... Bradley Humphrey Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries Director
Associate.....................Katherine Brown .......................... Mark Gibbens-Rickman
Associate.......................... Erma Pregler Tulsa Sheriffs Dept. Chaplain...................
First................................... Wade Paschal ..................................Michael Hardgrove
Associate..................Thomas Hoffmann Upper Room, GBOD........... Thomas Albin
Associate.......................... Tom McElroy
WOODWARD DISTRICT
David Burris, District Superintendent
Alva, First.........................Terry Martindale OPSU Campus Ministry/Morning Star.......
Arnett...........................Brandon Dollarhite ............................................ Jacki Banks
Beaver................................ Paul Hamilton Panhandle Hispanic..................................
Boise City/Kenton............George Lupton .......................... Sara Hickson de Salazar
Buffalo/Fort Supply..............Joel Betow Quinlan/Freedom......................Scott Ware
Capron.................................. Clark Struebing Seiling................................ Rick Forthman
Fairview/Catesby............... Mike Mahaffey Sharon/Mutual........................Jeff Ralston
Fargo/Gage..................Michael Shepherd Shattuck...............................Lisa Beavers
Felt..................................... Royce Bursch Texhoma..............................Rachel Parrot
Forgan/Gate....................... David Gordon Turpin/Baker...................... Todd Bergman
Goodwell, Centenary................. Alex True Vici/Lenora...........................Don Whitman
Guymon, Victory Memorial..... Michael Burkett Laverne-Vida en Abundancia/Woodward
Associate..........................Barry Bennett Hispanic Outreach.................... Jose Estrada
Hardesty/Union Center...... Herb Bridgewater Waynoka/Cheyenne Valley........... Ron Luka
Hooker/Tyrone......................... Jerry Raab Woodward Churches:
Keyes/Marella...................... Jerry Coldren Faith................................... Aaron Martin
Laverne/Rosston................. Roger Parker First.................................Charles Graves
Mooreland........................... David Mercer New Horizon..................... Becky Pierson
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact June 18, 2010

Annual Conference news

How are we doing?
The Annual Conference conducted business by
following the Strategic Plan on May 30-June 2 at
Tulsa-Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.
The delegates work tracked the progress of the
Plans three main goals: fruitful congregations, spiri-
tual leadership, and partnership ministry. Laity and
clergy got updates on subjects ranging from Addiction
Ministries to Young Adult mission volunteers.
So, how are we doing? We have 529 churches and
a quarter of a million United Methodists in Oklahoma.
Our goal is to have fruitful congregations who are help-
ing one another grow in Christ and are making a dif-
ference for good, said Craig Stinson, director of Con-
nectional Ministries/Congregational Development.
How is your relationship with God? What does
a disciple do? How does your church meet the risen
Christ? Is your neighborhood, city, or world being
transformed? Answering these questions helps both an
individual and a church measure effectiveness, Rev.
Stinson explained.
With the Strategic Plan, we all know where were
going. Were on the road, following God. But were
not there yet, said Lay Leader Judy Benson.
She described giant wind turbines installed in
the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma.
There is power in the turbines when moved by the
wind. When we welcome and respond to the divine,
driving force of the wind of the Holy Spirit, we are
empowered to be faithful witnesses and to transform
the world.

Strategic Plan goal: spiritual leadership

Bishop presses to erase educational debt
In his episcopal address May 31 to the Annual Confer-
ence, Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. vowed to help eliminate
clergy debt due to educational expenses.
He appealed for gifts to the newly created LIFE Scholar-
ship Fund, established with the Oklahoma United Methodist
Foundation, to help eliminate such debt.
Bishop Hayes spoke of his burden for clergy minister-
ing at entry-level salaries, yet owing $40,000 or more in
student loans after seminary study, according to national
surveys. A seminary degree is required for elder ordination
in the Church.
Gifted and desiring young men and women who want
to go into ordained ministry cannot afford it, the bishop
said. This issue consumes me. It goes to the heart of who
we are.
He pointed out the roots of Methodism began growing
with John and Charles Wesley when they were college stu-
dents at Oxford, England, in the 1730s. By the mid-1800s,
churches were establishing secondary schools and colleges.
Predecessor denominations instituted courses of study for
their preachers to ensure that they had a basic knowledge of
Commissioned on May 31 as provisional deacons are: front
row from left, Rose Marie Le Roy, Barbara Fyffe, Yvonne
Buchanan; and Paul Staat, at center back. They are joined
the Bible, theology, and pastoral ministry (page
by Michael Burkett, upper left, Board of Ordained Ministry
13, United Methodist Book of Discipline).
chairman; and Bishop Robert Hayes Jr., upper right.
LIFE stands for Leadership Investment
Fund through Education. Hayes said the fund
will become a model for the denomination. Seminary. The series is a partnership by Saint Paul School
At the fall Bishops Retreats, clergy will be able to ap- of Theology at Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma
ply for assistance. Conference Treasurers Office, and OCU.
The goal is to begin awarding aid after one year. For more Saint Paul School at OCU will celebrate its first graduat-
information, contact the Foundation, 800-259-6863. ing class next May, announced Elaine Robinson, dean of
Assist us with this vision to eliminate the educational the school.
indebtedness of our clergy, Hayes urged. It is a financial In recognition of the support the university receives,
crisis. OCU is renaming Centennial Hall, its new dormitory, to be
Education about finances surfaced in other reports dur- Oklahoma United Methodist Hall.
ing the conference. Various awards saluted individuals and groups for lead-
New ministerial formation master grants went to ership in Scouting ministries and more. The next issue of
Claremore-First, Owasso, Muskogee-St. Paul, McAlester- Contact will feature some of those.
First, and Tulsa-Wesley, announced by clergy recruiter Jack A leadership shortage spurred an urgent call by Camps
Terrell-Wilkes. Director Randy McGuire for help at youth camps this sum-
In October, a seminar series called LEAD! begins for mer. Bishop Hayes repeated the appeal.
clergy. The first class, designed as a sort of Local Church District and Conference camps are in desperate need of
Finance 101, seeks to teach What I Wish Id Learned in adult volunteers this summer, said Rev. McGuire.

Strategic Plan goal: partnership ministry

Tops in mission giving
The United Methodist connectional sys-
tem astonishes with transforming work that
one church could not accomplish. Annual
Conference provides vivid evidence.
Engraved on two awards presented to the
Oklahoma Conference, from the Advance,
the denominations program of second-mile
giving for missions worldwide:
n For the highest church participation
in designated giving in 2009 in The United
Methodist Church.
n For the highest amount of missionary
support and highest church participation in
2009 in the South Central Jurisdiction.
The Annual Conference Offering, ap-
proximately $53,600, was shared between
the denominations Imagine No Malaria
project for Africa and, in eastern Oklahoma,
Cookson Hills Center. This mission is an
Advance project that serves the rural poor,
especially Native Americans.
The late Wilma Mankiller, a former chief
of the Cherokee Nation, was featured in a
video recording. She told how Cookson Hills
Center helped her when she was in need as a
young, single mother. Imagine No Malaria
was affirmed by Bishop Thomas Bickerton,
guest preacher and leader of the denomina-
tions Global Health Initiative.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. said the 2009 An-
nual Conference Offering, given to support
work in Liberia, is building 20 wells to supply
clean water in communities and supplement-
ing salaries for 10,000 Methodist pastors,
whose monthly income is about $5 each.
The bishop also announced Oklahoma
Conference United Methodists donated
$613,509.43, as of May 1, for disaster re-
sponse in Haiti, according to Advance records.
More than 2,200 UMCOR kits for Haiti were
Campaigns for Skyline, Restore Hope
Calls to act quickly were generated
for two urban ministries of the Oklahoma
Conference: Skyline, in Oklahoma City,
and Restore Hope, in Tulsa.
n Internet voting through June can
help Skylines Clothes for Kids program
win a $50,000 grant from Pepsi.
Go to: www.refresheverything.com/
clothesforkids. Click Vote for this idea.
Skyline needs you to vote once every
collected during Annual Conference.
In November, Oklahoma Volunteers In
Mission (VIM) teams will begin serving in
Haiti in the earthquake recovery work.
Gifts totaling almost $15,000 purchased
74 wheelchairs for people in Rio Bravo,
Mexico. Rob Harris gave that update, and he
applauded the many children who contrib-
uted their coins for that VIM project.
The Five-Star Church award for missions
was presented to 43 congregations by Karen
day, urged director Claudia Lovelace.
n Money gifts received by years end
can help Restore Hope secure $150,000
for its work.
The George Kaiser Family Founda-
tion gave the agency a $50,000 grant for
emergency rent and food assistance, then
pledged to match all new donations, up to
$50,000. Find guidelines at www.restore-
hope.org or call 918-582-5766.
Distefano, who is Conference secretary
for Global Missions. Beginning this year,
that honor is restructured as The All-Star
Church Recognitions and Awards Program,
announced Tom Hoffmann, chairman of the
Mission and Service Ministry Team.
Circle of Care leaders said they are as-
sisting more at-risk children and youth in
Oklahoma. Mark Howard reported a record
13 students in the program graduated from
high school this year.
 Page 5A 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.

Social justice retreat

Calendar
Youth and Family Day
July 11
White Water Bay, Oklahoma City
Sponsor: Campus Ministries
Ticket information: 405-530-2013
cgrunow@okumc.org
Colors @ CrossPoint Family Gathering Camps
Young Adult Weekend Retreat July 30-Aug. 1 at Egan
July 29-Aug. 2 Aug. 13-15 at CrossPoint
Cross Point Camp Single-Parent Family Camps
For ages 18-25 Aug. 13-15 at Egan
Information: www.okumc.org, Aug. 20-22 at Cross Point
405-530-2035 (Camps registrar) www.okumcministries.org/Camps/
Family_Gathering.htm
Mother/Child Retreat Academy for Spiritual Formation
July 30-Aug. 1 Oct. 17-22
Camp Egan Canyon Camp
Contact: Jacci Freno Speakers: Elaine Heath, Perkins
jaccifreno@cox.net, School of Theology,
405-677-3279 and Native American spiritualist
Ray Buckley
Leader: Tony Campolo
March 11-12, 2011
Board of Church & Society
Youth Workers Gathering
March 25-26, 2011
OKC-Church of the Servant
www.youtheology.com
Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact June 18, 2010

Bishop carries banner in battling malaria
By Holly McCray
The bishop held a baby girl in his arms and prayed for her dur-
ing his recent tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two days
later, the baby died.
Imagine a world with no malaria.
Think of the heartache of a mother. Think of the hopes and
dreams and aspirations for that child, said Bishop Thomas Bick-
erton, father of four and guest preacher for the 2010 Oklahoma
Annual Conference, in an interview.
A million people die from malaria every year75 percent of
them children younger than 5, Bickerton said. He is passionately
driving forward the denominations Imagine No Malaria cam-
paign, launched in April. One-half of the annual conference offering
supported the cause.
I live under the conviction that every one of Gods children
deserves to live a healthy, sustained life, he said.
Children affirm that statement when they visit his Pennsylvania
episcopal office during confirmation tours. Theyre in tune that the
world isnt as privileged as our kids are, Bickerton said.
We are the country of abundance; we have great resources. Weve
got the technology to do away with this killer disease. We have the
know-how to prevent it. Why arent we getting rid of it?
He described a mission trip to Africa in the 1980s as a second
conversion in his life as a Christian. I prayed about what could I
do to offer something back to people who have absolutely nothing
materially but everything spiritually. I live where theres everything
materially, and we struggle for joy.
Bickertons prayer was answered when he was asked to lead
Nothing But Nets, a precursor to the new campaign, for the
denomination. Imagine No Malaria is more comprehensive. It
continues the $10-mosquito-net distribution project and adds com-
ponents of education, water removal work, and more.
The goal is lofty: elimination of malaria-related deaths by 2015.
The United Nations Foundation is founding entity. The bishop said
40 faith-based groups have joined with secular partners from around
the world to accomplish it.
Its working, Bickerton said. Tanzania reported a 62 percent
reduction in malaria-related deaths 18 months after a countrywide
distribution of mosquito nets. A New York Times article in May
noted child mortality rates are nose-diving in Africa.
Its working because of a comprehensive, coordinated, inte-
Thomas Bickerton preaches at Annual Conference.
grated programbecause of connected churches working together,
not independent of one another, he said. One church in Oklahoma
may get excited about providing a generator for a hospital. But
that generator may not be compatible with the wiring system, the
hospital may not have the money for the fueland the effort of
that church has gone by the wayside.
He continued, In Africa, in the midst of corrupt government,
economic depravity, and more, there is one trusted vehicle: the
Church. The eyes of Africans are turned toward the Church because
its demonstrated it is concerned about saving their physical lives
and their spiritual ones.
He heard Mrs. Nelson Mandela testify she was born in a Meth-
odist hospital, came to know Christ in a Methodist church, and was
educated at a Methodist school.
Our people want to be wise in their giving, Bickerton said.
When they sense the need, they respond. I dont think people want
us to be talking about mosquito nets in 2020. They want to give
the money, know its been used for the right purpose, and see the
job done. We have a window of opportunity; the global community
has converged.
Briefly
n Retreat for young adults
Terry Koehn of Lawton is dean for Colors@
Cross Point, a retreat for young adults, ages 18-25,
on July 29-Aug. 2.
Those first years after high school, said Rev.
Koehn, can be some of the most awkward when it
comes to fitting in at churchand fitting church
into ones life.
Theme is Know Your Gifts, Find Your
Place. The retreat at Cross Point Camp opens at
1 p.m. Friday and concludes Monday morning.
To contact Koehn: 580-483-6822, terry-koehn@
sbcglobal.net.
n Cokesbury reopens in OKC
Cokesbury in Oklahoma City has reopened, af-
ter a May hailstorm damaged its original space.
The store relocated only a few doors away, in
the same shopping center, at 6811 N. May Ave.
It is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Only salvaged merchandise is available at
this time and is offered at discount, according
to manager Julie Wise. Orders for new items
cannot be processed. Inquiries can be made at:
oklahomacity@cokesbury.com.
n Accelerated study at OCU
On July 13, an information session is set for
the School of Adult & Continuing Education at
Oklahoma City University.
This program offers accelerated study for
bachelors degrees in Behavioral Studies and
Liberal Studies, with concentrations in Business,
Accounting, Mass Communications, and Organi-
zational Communication. Classes meet one night
per week, in eight-week cycles. Online classes
also are available.
The information session will be in Room
151 at the OCU Walker Center for Arts & Sci-
ence. Details, including fall class registration and
transcript assessment: www.okcu.edu/sace or
405-208-5820.

Pastor introduces himself to new congregation Opportunities

Director of Ministries to Youth, Children and
Churches receive new and returning pas- spent most of my life growing up in Europe. God willing, by the time you read this I will Families: Full-time. Tulsa-Memorial Drive UMC,
tors this month. In advance, this clergyman I graduated with a degree in art. Web design have graduated from seminary. pastor.mdumc@tulsacoxmail.com, 918-398-3891.
wrote for the Tishomingo UMC newsletter. and development are what I had been doing I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, Administrative Assistant: Full-time. St.
Stephen's UMC, Donna Dodson, 400 W. New
By Will Pasieczny when I answered my call to ministry. but I joined the UMC in 2001. Ever since Orleans St., Broken Arrow, 74011, ddodson@
I had just joined Acts 2 UMC in Edmond, then, I have been active in serving. Over the ssumcba.org.
Im taking a and I had been downsized at work. Rev. Foster years at Acts 2, I served as chair of the Wit- Pianist/Organist: Part-time. Ponca City-
break from home- asked me if I had thought about going back ness Committee and of the Administrative Albright UMC, 580-765-6432.
workI have just Director of Discipleship: Full-time. McFarlin
to school. I replied, Yes, but I was not sure Council. I also taught Sunday School and UMC, Jennifer Sims, P.O. Box 6390, Norman,
one week of school what classes I would take. Disciple Bible Study. 73070, jsims@mcfarlinumc.org.
left, though itll be Then he asked if I had ever considered go- Heidi has been a registered nurse for 14 Musician: Part-time. Checotah UMC, Wayne
all over by the time ing into fulltime ministry. I was stunned. years and (as I write this letter) she is in Haiti Loftin, 918-473-5714, revloftin1@windstream.net.
you read thisto Needed: Warehouse space and truck in Oklaho-
Ten years earlier, I had been deployed to on a medical mission trip. We have two boys, ma City for Project Noel. November and December.
write my new fam- Saudi Arabia for the Gulf War. With plenty of Alex and Joshua. Joe Tilton, 580-331-7733; or Amanda Lockwood,
ily in Tishomin- spare time to read my Bible, to pray, and to We are happy to have been appointed to 405-257-3105.
go. We are eager consider my mortality (I was in a war zone), I Tishomingo, and we look forward to working Executive Director: The MUTUAL Girls Club
to meet each and (Methodists United To Use Applied Love), Bartles-
began to hear Gods call. I had never mentioned with you all. ville. Executive Committee, MUTUAL Girls Club,
every one of you. Pasieczny it to anyone, so imagine my surprise when a It is my distinct privilege and honor to P.O. Box 2405, Bartlesville, 74005.
With that in mind, decade later someone affirmed my call. have the opportunity to serve at First UMC. I Music Ministries Director: Full-
let me introduce you to the Pasiecznys. From that time, Ive been working toward know God has big things in store for us, and I time. Randy Shrauner, Church of the Servant,
I was raised in the U.S. Air Force and 14343 N. MacArthur, Oklahoma City, 73142,
becoming an elder. It has been eight years. am committed to be about His business. rshrauner@churchoftheservant.com.

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: July 9.
 Page 7A
In memoriam
Charles Puckett
Rev. Charles D.W. Puckett, 86, of Broken
Arrow died May 30, 2010. He began his min-
istry career in 1947 and retired in 1994.
Charles was born Jan. 31, 1924, in Bro-
ken Bow. He was a World War II veteran.
He married Oma Lee McClendon on Feb.
14, 1946.
He attended East Central State College
and Perkins School of Theology.
He served the Pickett Circuit and at Loco,
Minco, Fletcher, Chandler, Henryetta, Bro-
ken Arrow-First, and Tulsa-First.
Survivors include his wife, Oma Puckett;
son David Puckett of Jenks; three daughters,
Susan Blaylock of Broken Arrow, Ruth Rose
and Sarah Childers, both of Tulsa; six grand-
children and two great-grandchildren.
Service was June 4 at Tulsa-First.
Clara Griggs
Clara M. Griggs, 96, of Amarillo, Texas,
died May 21, 2010. She was the wife of Rev.
Douglas A. Griggs, who retired from the
Oklahoma Conference in 1988.
Clara was born Sept. 19, 1913, in Plains,
Kan. She married Doug Griggs on Aug. 20,
1971, in Clovis, N.M. For the past 13 years,
the couple lived at Craig Methodist Retire-
ment Center in Amarillo.
Survivors include Rev. Griggs, two sis-
ters, and two brothers.
Memorial service was June 2 at Craig
Memorial Chapel, Amarillo.
Viola Williams
Viola Geraldine Williams, 89, of Cordell
died May 24, 2010. She was the wife of Rev.
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Homer Ray Williams, who retired in 1989.
Viola was born July 31, 1920, in Newton,
Kan. She married Williams on May 1, 1938.
The couple lived in Kansas, Colorado, and
California before moving to Oklahoma, in
1976, to serve at United Methodist churches.
Survivors include Rev. Williams; daugh-
ter Ellen Scott of Cordell; four sons, Law-
rence, of Cathedral City, Calif., Gerald, of
Weatherford, Dean, of Stockton, Calif., and
Steven, of Henryetta; 18 grandchildren, 31
great-grandchildren, and six great-great
grandchildren.
Funeral was May 27 at Cordell UMC.
Mary Alexander
Mary Elinor Alexander, 82, of Nowata
died May 12, 2010. She was the widow of
Rev. Charles M. Pappy Alexander, who
died in 1992.
Mary Elinor was born March 3, 1928, in
Bartlesville. She married Rev. Alexander on
Aug. 30, 1950. She was a journalist, report-
ing for the Associated Press and owning two
Oklahoma newspapers.
Survivors include three sons, Charles,
John, and Bill; two daughters, Candy Fielder
and Joyce Chitwood; 11 grandchildren and
six great-grandchildren.
Funeral was May 17 at Nowata-First.
Funeral was June 5 for Joe Ramey, fa-
ther of Rev. Daniel Ramey, who is the pastor
at Atoka and New Zion churches.
Funeral was June 3 for Vernon Norris,
father of Rev. Sonya Tobey, who is the pastor
at Pond Creek UMC.
June 18, 2010
Oklahoma Annual Conference
Following the Plan: Faithful Witness, Transforming Presence
May 30-June 2, 2010, Tulsa
Video and Audio Recording Order Form
Session Audio CD DVD
Memorial and Communion (Sunday) ________ ________
Episcopal Address (Monday) _ ________ _________
Service of Commissioning (Monday) _ ________ _________
Retirement Service (Tuesday) _ ________ _________
Service of Ordination (Tuesday) _ ________ _________
Number of Audio CDs _ ________
Cost per CD: $6, Complete Set $25
Number of DVDs _ ________ _________
Cost per DVD: $15, Complete Set $70
Total cost per column _ ________ _________
$ ____________________ Grand Total
Name__________________________________________________________________
Address_ _______________________________________________________________
City ______________________ State ______________________Zip code____________
Phone__________________________________________________________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________________
Mail to: Oklahoma Conference Department of Communications
1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact June 18, 2010

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation insights

Jim Egan Award honors Bartlesville couple

By Kristin E. Van Nort
The Foundation is honored to
present the 2010 Jim Egan Legacy
Award to longtime supporters
Glenn and Veronica Ronnie Cox
of Bartlesville.
On May 31, the Coxes received
the award in Boston Avenue United
Methodist Church, as Oklaho-
ma Annual Conference delegates
rose in a standing ovation for the
couples service and generosity
to The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. and Rev.
Dr. Robert Long, vice chairman of
the Foundations Board of Trustees,
presented the award.
The Jim Egan Legacy Award
recognizes persons who model
Christian stewardship and phi-
lanthropy. An incorporator of the
Foundation, Egan exemplified
stewardship and dedicated his life
to United Methodism.
Glenn and Ronnie are members
of Bartlesville-First UMC and
literally joined that church three
times in the span of their long
membership there. Glenn worked
for Phillips Petroleum, and his
career involved relocating the fam-
ily many times. But they always
returned to Bartlesvilleand First
Church.
Family, friends, church, and
community are among the things
Glenn and Ronnie value most.
These priorities can be seen in
where they serve and share their
resources.
They are an example of Chris-
tian love and generosity to all they
meet.
Glenn and Ronnie have served
on their churchs board of trustees,
staff-parish relations committee,
and in the childrens area building
campaign, plus many other com-
mittees.
Glenn has shared his expertise
on the Oklahoma United Methodist
Foundations investment commit-
tee for more than 20 years, and he
chaired the Foundations board for
five years.
He also has been involved in
numerous civic efforts, including
the OK Mozart Festival, the Bartles-
ville Community Foundation, and
Boy Scouts. Ronnie is active in the
community through Girl Scouts,
the Symphony Society, and many
service leagues.
We feel it a responsibility to
contribute to the community in
different ways, to take into account
needs that are community-wide. We
want the community to benefit and
become an attractive place to live,
said Ronnie.
The Coxes also choose to sup-
port organizations that help people
who face difficulties, such as the
Salvation Army and United Way.
We want to give back since we
didnt start out with much, said
Ronnie. If you are comfortable
and healthy enough to serve in some From left, Bishop Robert Hayes congratulates Ronnie and
way, you should. Glenn Cox after they received the Foundations Jim Egan
Additionally, Glenn and Ronnie Legacy Award at Annual Conference.
support a place that made a signifi-
cant impact on Glenns life: Central Many students who attend family that always valued church
Methodist University, Fayette, Mo. Central Methodist are the first in involvement.
Glenn attended Central Methodist their families to attend college, like Married for 57 years, Glenn
for his first two years of college and I was, said Glenn. and Ronnie have three children:
is a longtime member of its board He attributes his strong values to Martin, Grant, and Cecelia, and five
of trustees. a great upbringing in a supportive grandchildren.

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

OCU School of Religion graduates 12

In May at Oklahoma City University,
the Wimberly School of Religion graduated
a class of 12 religion majors, with nine re-
ceiving bachelors degrees and three earning
masters degrees.
Master of Arts in Religion
Melissa Thompson will continue work-
ing as director of Student Ministries at St.
Matthews UMC in Midwest City. She said
the OCU faculty made a point to teach us
with love, understanding, and pushed us to be
the absolute best we could be. These last two
years have been absolutely amazing!
Carron Jones continues to serve as an
Army chaplain.
Chunhai Anthony Li described the
1 years at OCU as one of the best times of
his life; the university became his spiritual
home. Anthony appreciated learning about
various cultures and praised OCU for its
advanced academic scholarship and, more
importantly, outstanding professors.
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Brandon Kyle is deciding where to
study philosophy in the fall, after receiving
a number of acceptance offers from gradu-
ate schools. His goal is to write and teach
at a university. Kyle explained, Wisdom is
meaningless if not paired with kindness. The
professors at OCU teach this by example.
The faculty affords their students respect and
friendship. In addition to creating a familial
atmosphere, this serves to create the best
possible environment for learning.
She plans to return to Oklahoma to become
ordained as an elder in the Church.
Tino Herrera serves as director of Mid-
dle School Student Ministries at McFarlin
UMC in Norman and is considering future
seminary studies.
Andy Nelms became a passionate student
of the Hebrew Bible and largely attributed
that interest to Dr. Lisa Wolfe, who spe-
cializes in the area. Nelms said, I took so
many of her classes because of her teaching
style.She doesnt stand up at the front of the
class and lecture; she sits in a circle with the
students and discusses the topic. She treats
students as equals with valid ideas. Nelms
plans to attend Saint Paul School of Theology
The Class of 2010 from the Wimberly School of Religion: from left, at OCU in the fall.
Tasha Sargent, Shannon Rodenberg, Michael Madison, Eric Brown, Michael Madison is considering future
Tino Herrera, Adam Shahan, Tina Dean-McDaniel, Andy Nelms, Anthony Li, seminary studies.
and Brandon Kyle. Not pictured: Carron Jones and Melissa Thompson. Adam Shahan will continue as pastor of
Lexington UMC and begin studies at Saint
Paul School of Theology at OCU in the fall.
He and his wife, Aly, are anticipating the
birth of their first child and celebrating the
recent publication of his fiction book The
Fall of the Four.
Shannon Rodenberg said, The profes-
Eric Brown will work at an Oklahoma coordinated the Wednesday at the Wesley sors genuinely cared about me and were
City auto dealership as he considers his op- lunches and Youth Service Day. She was always ready to challenge me and support
tions for future seminary studies. grateful for opportunities to attend confer- me as I learned about my studies and about
Tina Dean-McDaniel works at Wesley ences and events and to participate in service life." Rodenberg plans to attend Saint Paul
UMC in Oklahoma City. projects. In August, she will begin studies at School of Theology at OCU in the fall and
Tasha Sargent served as an intern in Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary then become a pastor in the Oklahoma
OCUs Religious Life office, where she in Evanston, Ill., as a Leadership Scholar. Conference.